Minutes of May 08 Monthly Meeting

MINUTES OF THE MAY MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY THE 21st MAY 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.



CATHAOIRLEACH; COUNCILLOR CUNNANE.

COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE; COUNCILLORS DALTON, EGAN, ENGLISH, DALY, O’SULLIVAN, BRESLIN, LAWLER, WRIGHT.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE; TOMMY SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER,
BRIAN O’GORMAN, TOWN CLERK, MARIA AHEARNE, A/SSO, PAUL
HICKEY, TOWN ENGINEER.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all to the meeting and requested that Cllr Wright’s motions be deferred until the June meeting at his request, as he was unavailable to stay for the full meeting.


1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.

Minutes of April Monthly Meeting held on 16th April 2008
On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr Wright
And agreed.

Minutes of Block Road Grant Meeting on the 8th May 2008
On the proposal of Cllr Egan
Seconded by Cllr Daly
And agreed


2. MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Wright enquired if the Town Council was still intent on following up on the rent increase.

The Town Manager replied that this was addressed at the last meeting and that considerations were made at budget time. A report is to issue at the June meeting as to the progress of this year’s rent increase.

Cllr Wright asked for update on the derelict site ‘Anglers Rest’. The Town Clerk advised that work had commenced and was to be carried out as requested in the schedule issued.

Cllr Daly requested an update on the Jetty situation and noted that he was anxious that progress be made.

The Town Engineer noted that a reminder request had issued to organise the necessary training for the staff.

Cllr Daly asked if the Health & Safety Report was issued in regard to the Graysland footpath.

The Town Engineer noted that this report was received.

Cllr Egan requested an update on the vacant units.

The Town Clerk outlined the following:

2 houses at Nelson Street – being renovated
1 in Clonmullion – No central heating
2 in Townspark – For Sale
2 in Castlepark – 1 in poor repair and 1 in dispute
3 in Carbury Park – To facilitate the Remedial Scheme

Cllr Dalton noted that some of the vacant units in the area were privately owned and were subject to anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The Town Manager said he would discuss this with the Community Wardens.

Cllr Breslin requested that a report and timescale issue in regard to the central heating in the 9 houses in Nelson Street.

Cllr O’Sullivan requested an update on the lifebuoys. The Town Clerk advised that 3 had been replaced. The Town Engineer added that costings were circulated re. additional buoys.


3. CORRESPONDENCE

Brian O’Gorman, Town Clerk read the following correspondence

§ A request from Cllr Jean-Pierre VASSEUR that 2 persons over 18 were invited to stay in Grandvilliers from 7th to 20th July 2008 through the Young European University. The Town Clerk requested that this correspondence issue to IT Carlow for submissions of persons living in Athy.

§ Invitation to all the members to attend opening of Tri-Athy on Friday 30th May 2008. The Cathaoirleach noted that there were 700 entries last year and to date there was 1500 this year. This is a huge success for the business people in our town and is now a national event.

§ Athy 1798 Monument from Brid Ni Rinn outlining the importance of not downgrading this proposal. A cardboard display of the monument was presented to the members. The Town Engineer noted that this could come in at a significant cost using limestone. Cllr English enquired if there would be agreement to look for sponsorship to progress this project. On the proposal of Cllr English, Seconded by Cllr Daly and all agreed. A report is to issue to the members on receipt of the design drawings from the appointed Civil Engineer.

§ Older Women’s Network (OWN Ireland) requesting to work more closely with local authorities. This correspondence to be circulated to the following: Care of the Elderly, Age Action and RAPID.

§ Notification of the Kildare County Show costing in the region of €100,000. A contribution of €1,000 to issue
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton,
Seconded by Cllr Lawler
All agreed.

Cllr Breslin added that this would be an ideal opportunity to promote Athy Town Council. The Cathaoirleach said this was a very good suggestion and the Town Clerk said he would progress this.

§ Pride of Place to take place on 17th June 2008 at 2.00pm commencing at Travellers Club, Boxing Club and finishing at the CDP for refreshments.

§ People of the Year Awards – Closing Date 1st June 2008. The members requested that this correspondence should issue earlier next year and that a note should be sent to request that more notice be given next year.

§ Request for funding assistance for Athy Unit Kildare Civil Defence to purchase a Manaquan. This correspondence to issue to Kildare County Council and to be deferred to the June meeting.

§ Clonmel Borough Council seeking support for motion, ‘That Clonmel Borough Council ask the Minister for the Environment to overhaul the current driving test, as the current failure rate of 50% is not acceptable and that Cahir Testing Centre or another suitable venue be opened in order to reduce the current waiting time to sit a test which is 6 months or more at present and that this Motion be circulated to all Local Authorities’.
Noted by the members.

§ Mullingar Town Council seeking support for motion, ‘That this Council calls on the HSE and the Department of Health to improve neurological services in this country as a matter of priority’.
The Cathaoirleach noted that Ireland had 16 neurologists and we should in fact have 38.
The members supported this motion.

§ Passage West Town Council seeking support for motion, ‘A large proportion of motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injury and death are directly related to road conditions and in particular to road repairs. In light of this I would call on this Town Council and all other Councils throughout Ireland to insist that road works be finished to a high standard for all road users, and that in particular the practice of “bedding in” new surfaces be stopped, and adequate warning of roadwork’s be monitored on a daily basis’.
The members supported this motion.

§ Killarney Town Council seeking support for motion, ‘We, in Killarney Town Council, believe the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008 represents an ideal opportunity to comprehensively reform outdated and inadequate immigration legislation: however, we believe, the bill as it stands, fails to capitalize on this opportunity.
If enacted without significant amendments, the legislation will seriously erode migrants’ rights while at the same time failing to address some of the serious flaws in the system, namely, unacceptable delays in the decision-making process, inconsistent decision making, an over-reliance on the courts to resolve problems and a lack of clarity about the rights, entitlements and obligations of migrants in Ireland. We call on the government to amend the bill accordingly’.
The members noted this.

§ New Ross Town Council seeking support for motion, ‘That this Council calls on the Minister for the Environment to allow Local Authorities to decide housing policy in their respective areas and that we further call on the minister to ensure that the acquisition of land banks for social housing continues as a central plank of housing policy at a local level’.
The members supported this motion.

§ Methodist Church Correspondence to be deferred for the moment pending meeting with Town Manager and relevant parties.

CONFERENCES:

§ T21 Capital Investment Framework Newgrange Hotel, Navan on 22nd May from 3 – 5pm.
Cllr Cunnane to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr English

§ National Hub Conference on 29th May 2008 in Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, Co Cork.

§ Greenhouse Gas Emissions, The Challenge for National and Local Government, Conference in Institute of Technology, Tallaght 30th May 2008.
Cllr Egan to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan

§ Ards Borough Council Tourism & Technology Conference Portaferry 6th & 7th June 2008.

§ The Local Government Housing Service Friday 6th – Sunday 8th June 2008, Bellingham Castle Hotel, Castlebellingham, Co Louth.


4. NOTICES OF MOTION

Councillor Egan:
5. “Can Athy Town Council clean up the walkway by the river Barrow on the Carlow road as a matter of urgency considering the beauty of the area and how such littering is affecting such amenity.”
That this motion be brought to the Waterways meeting when set up
On the proposal of Cllr Egan Seconded by Cllr Lawler And agreed

Councillors Lawler, Breslin, Egan:
6. “That Athy Town Council initiates a cross community response to the alarming levels of suicide and self-harm in the local area. That local area action plan be drawn up to build resilience or protection at community level; develop crisis intervention services; enhance services and supports for survivors and enhance support for families, individuals and communities affected by suicide and deliberate self-harm.”
On the proposal of Cllr Breslin Seconded by Cllr Lawler And agreed
Cllr Breslin outlined that the motion was self-explanatory and that Athy had seen its fair share. Cllr Lawler asked if the Town Council could be the host organisation to co-ordinate services. Cllr Dalton wondered where as a local authority we would fit in and added if we could be of any assistance to organisations we should be. Cllr Daly compared that there are more suicides than road deaths and suggested we contact Dan Neville to ask for combined help. Cllr Egan concurred and with increased pressures and job losses more information and assistance is needed. The Cathaoirleach outlined that Schools now have a ‘Critical Incidents Policy’. The Town Manager suggested that this motion be circulated to the CDB as all agencies attend. Cllr O’Sullivan noted that there is a Bereavement Council in the town. The Town Clerk noted 2 actions on the Health Theme under the RAPID programme and suggested that this motion be forwarded to the AIT also.





Councillor Lawler, Breslin:
7. “That Athy Town Council requests Kildare County Council to investigate the possibility of providing a pedestrian crossing at the AIB Bank Duke St.”
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Breslin

Cllr Lawler noted that people are crossing at McStays and requested that the NRA and Town Engineer investigate this. Cllr Breslin added that she does not want to hold up the traffic any further but that this was a dangerous problem and asked that Kildare County Council investigate this further. Cllr English noted a crossing could be a danger at this location at the bottom of the bridge. Cllr O’Sullivan debated the precise location of the crossing.
In Favour – Cllr O’Sullivan, Breslin, Lawler, Egan
Against – Cllr English, Dalton
Abstained – Cllr Cunnane, Daly
Motion Carried – Town Engineer to investigate and report back.

8. “That Athy Town Council take immediate steps to regulate the Tuesday Market in the areas known as the Barrow Quay, Emily Row and the Back Square and to introduce by-laws if necessary to facilitate this as the areas mentioned have become in recent times dangerous for pedestrians and motorists due to lack of designated market trading areas.”
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler Seconded by Cllr Breslin And agreed
Cllr Lawler outlined how he had spoken with traders and they have no problem paying a fee and didn’t want to see an end to the market due to the trading on the footpaths. Cllr Breslin said it was getting worse and worse every week. Cllr Egan outlined the difficulties for wheelchair users and the danger of them having to use the road. Cllr Daly outlined he was concerned for the school students as the back square is extremely dangerous. Nobody is regulating the Tuesday market and the Sunday market is working very well. Cllr Dalton said the Town Council is taking a lot of waste away weekly and we needed to make progress on regulating the market. The Cathaoirleach noted his support for the motion. Cllr Lawler added the Charter was for Emily Square only. The Town Engineer suggested that bollards could be placed on some of the paths to assist. The Town Manager advised the members that the Town Clerk would investigate the legalities.



Councillor Dalton and English:
9. “That a review be carried out on all aspects of this council’s housing allocation policies”
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton Seconded by Cllr English And agreed
Cllr Dalton requested that all members be informed when a casual vacancy is filled. Cllr English spoke in support of the motion stating that it needed to be transparent. Cllr Lawler outlined that it was the practice that a letter was issued in the past at the same time as the offer to the recipient. The Town Clerk outlined the difficulties over the last number of months and agreed that this would be brought into practice.

10. “That additional resources be provided for the upgrade and maintenance of the People’s park.”
On the proposal of Cllr English Seconded by Cllr Dalton And agreed.

Cllr English noted that the playground was becoming dilapidated and upgrading was required. It should be kept as well as the Stradbally playground. Cllr English also added that an eye should be kept on the users and abusers of the park. Cllr Dalton noted that it is a wonderful amenity for the town and that money was provided by RAPID recently. He added that the bins needed to be emptied more regularly. Cllr O’Sullivan concurred and asked that the seating be looked at. Cllr Daly informed the meeting that €66,000 was granted through the RAPID programme. Cllr Lawler asked that the Town Clerk write to the Gardai re. the anti-social behaviour. The Town Clerk and Town Engineer informed the meeting how they had met the RAPID Co-ordinator and that progress would be made with updating the equipment with the funds available.

Councillor Wright:
11. “That we as a Council in conjunction with Kildare County look at the possibility of widening the road at the left turn from Leinster St down Kirwan’s Lane as with the school population and the general population of the area is absolutely lethal to all of the people using it.”
Motion deferred to June meeting




12. “In view of this fact that in the last two years or more none of the déjà vu motions have been resolved or addressed I propose that we hold a special meeting to discuss them as going through the ritual of the motions at every meeting is farcical.”
Motion deferred to June meeting

13. “That we as a Council under the Freedom of Information of Act investigate all landlord owned houses in the urban area and supply the names of all as houses are not being kept in proper order and rents should be investigated and also to supply charter on tenants rights.”
Motion deferred to June meeting

Councillor O’ Sullivan:
14. “That Town Council call on the HSE to clarify the position re. services for St Vincent’s Hospital.”
On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan Seconded by Cllr Daly And Agreed

Cllr O’Sullivan requested that we make contact with the HSE re the curtailment rumours and ward closures at St Vincent’s Hospital. Cllr Daly noted how rumours create uncertainty and was worried that the HSE work under a ‘cloak of unaccountability’ for patients and staff of it. Cllr Datlon noted how important that we clarity on this. Cllr Lawler noted how dedicated the staffs of St Vincent’s Hospital are and that the loss of one bed would be unacceptable. Cllr Breslin added if patients were going to be charged for ‘meals on wheels’ it was a disgrace to be targeting the most vulnerable in our society. The Cathaoirleach noted that this was a very serious issue and that clarity was needed.


15. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS

The Cathaoirleach requested an update on the road alignment at Ardreigh and spoke about the success of the lunch for the Boxing Club and their Olympian. He suggested that €500 issue to John Joe Joyce and €500 issue to Athy Boxing Club to note this success.

On the proposal of Cllr Breslin
Seconded by Cllr Dalton
And agreed that both payments issue.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the news that Athy Garda Station was now to become a single unit and get additional resources and its own traffic corps. He requested a note of congratulations issue to Maurice Flinter to recognise his award for ‘Best Retailer in the Flooring Industry’.


16. MANAGER’S BUSINESS

The Manager gave the follow update on the Road network in the Town:

Ardreigh – Contractor will be on site in next few weeks.
NDR – Route selection is at the final stage. A further meeting will take place in the coming weeks with the Town Council and Area Members.
SDR – CPO process will initiate shortly by the issuing of letters to landowners prior to publication in the newspapers. Funding on this project is a very important issue.
Director of Services, Mr Des Page & Mr Joe Boland have suggested that a meeting be set up shortly to update the members on the Roads/Water & Sewerage projects in the Town.

The Manager reminded the members that the 2 year review/report on the development plan was due to commence and requested the Town Clerk to write to Kildare County Council to initiate this.

Noted that the 1798 monument was already dealt with earlier.

Retail Strategy Update – The Cathaoirleach expressed his disappointment that a date was not yet agreed for this meeting. A date for this meeting is to be pursued.

The 25th June 2008 was set as the date for the AGM.

Delisting of No 9 Duke Street – The Town Clerk informed the members that he was awaiting a further report to proceed with it.

The Manager outlined that the Social Housing Allocation of €4m was welcome and that the first commitment is to Ardrew. The Manager added that a full report will issue to the members for the June meeting and answering Cllr Dalton informed the members there would be no resources available for the purchase of new units.

Finance Sub-Committee Meeting – The Manager outlined that there are a lot of new procedures and would like to invite the Head of Finance down to give a general overview on Finance taking in the role of Directors on companies also. The date of this meeting is to be confirmed at the AGM and would take place early in July.

17. REPORT FROM SUB COMMITTEES

Cllr Lawler informed the meeting that a cleanup of the River Barrow is to take place Saturday and that all members were invited to assist. The weeds and litter in general in the town need to be addressed. Cllr Lawler noted that points increased last year and wants to see that continue. He also added that the onus is on all the people in the town to play their role. Athy Tidy Town’s 5 year plan 2008 – 2013 was circulated and welcomed by the members.

RAPID - Cllr Daly noted that this project was progressing well with the new themes.

YOUTH CAFÉ – The members noted that the building work was looking very well and are looking forward to seeing it up and running.

ATHY TOWN TWINNING – The Town Clerk informed the meeting that the trip two weeks ago was a great success and added that Cllr Jean Pierre was travelling to Athy for the Water festival. Cllr Egan presented a medal and plate as received in Grandvilliers on behalf of the Town Council. The Cathaoirleach extended his best wishes to Cllr Jean Pierre and was honoured to hear the medal was 1 of 10 in the world.

REMEDIAL SCHEME – The Town Clerk noted the positive response received at the progress meeting this afternoon.

CEMETERY – The vacancy of Cllr Noel Scully (R.I.P.) was filled.
For Cllr Breslin to take a role in this committee
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan
And Agreed

18. PLANNING REGISTER

Cllr Dalton asked that attention be brought to the An Post application.

19. OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Lawler requested that the Cathaoirleach Chain be left in for repair.


THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING



CATHAOIRLEACH ___________________________________

DATE ___________