MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30PM ON WEDNESDAY 17th DECEMBER 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES RATHSTEWART, ATHY, CO. KILDARE.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
COUNCILLOR JOHN LAWLER.
COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE:
SEAN CUNNANE, RICHARD DALY, MARY O’SULLIVAN, AOIFE BRESLIN & PADDY WRIGHT.
APOLOGIES
COUNCILLOR MARK DALTON
COUNCILLOR FRANK ENGLISH
COUNCILLOR TONY EGAN
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
TOMMY SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF SERVICES
BRIAN O’GORMAN, TOWN CLERK
DIARMUID DONOHUE, TOWN ENGINEER
THOMAS KELLY, STAFF OFFICER
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Minutes of November Monthly Meeting held on the 19th November 2008
On the proposal of Councillor Cunnane, seconded by Councillor Breslin.
Minutes of Material Contravention Meeting held on 3rd of December 2008
On the proposal of Councillor Daly and seconded by Councillor Cunnane.
2. MATTERS ARISING
Swimming Pool Liaison Committee
Councillor Daly said it is disgrace and a total insult to the members and the residents that a follow up meeting of the above committee had not been scheduled to date.
Councillor Breslin said that even though the members voted for the palisade fencing to be removed Kildare County Council still refuse to accept the democratic wishes of the members and residents and replace it with a more acceptable alternative. Councillor Breslin said that Kildare County Council should realise that the members are steadfast on this issue and are not going to back down.
Councillor Cunnane said that he supported his two colleagues on the issue of the palisade fencing.
Councillor Mary O’ Sullivan said that she hoped that the issue of the palisade fencing would be resolved to everyones satisfaction.
The Cathaoirleach said that he was also disappointed that the meeting did not take place.
The Town Manager said that all messages, communications and requests from the Swimming Pool Liaison Committee, regarding the issue, had been relayed by him, to the relevant departments and staff in Kildare County Council at all times.
Councillor Breslin formally proposed that a meeting of this committee take place before the Council closes for Christmas. This was seconded by Councillor Daly and had the support of all the other members.
Jetty- Barrow Quay
Councillor Daly sought an update on the jetty. The Cathaoirleach said that this would be formally considered at the Statutory Budget Meeting.
St Vincent’s Hospital
Councillor Wright requested another update on St Vincent’s Hospital. The Town Clerk noted that a reply had been received which stated that any future works on the structure would depend on available resources. Councillor Wright requests a copy of the correspondence. The Town Clerk advised that the correspondence would be referred to the Planning Department and that the building was listed as a protected structure in the Town Development Plan.
Trees at Heritage Centre
Councillor Wright said that he will refer back to this issue at January meeting.
3. CORRESPONDENCE
It was agreed by the members that all correspondence would be circulated at the January Meeting
4. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS
The Cathaoirleach asked that the following be put on the Agenda for the January Monthly Meeting:
· Kildare County Council’s future plans for the old swimming pool.
· Review of the Differential Rent Scheme
5. MANAGER’S BUSINESS
6. PLANNING REGISTER
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Breslin said some horses were roaming freely and loose in Branswood Estate and enquired what steps the Council could take to have them removed.
The Cathaoirleach said that there is a pound based in Urlingford, which takes horses and is used by Kildare County Council and could be used by this council.
Councillor Wright asked that the seats in the Main Square be replaced with new one in the New Year.
Councillor Wright said that he was annoyed that the 1798 Monument was never erected and hoped that it would eventually be erected in 2009. The Town Clerk advised the member that he had been in discussion with the County Arts Officer and that finding monies an issue.
Councillor Cunnane asked that a progress report be given on the Ardreigh Road realignment project (Kildare Co. Council) at the next Council meeting. Councillor O’ Sullivan said that the new path did not appear to be able to accommodate all users.
The Cathaoirleach said that it is almost nearly a year since Councillor Noel Scully passed away. The Cathaoirleach said that he was still greatly missed by his colleagues and the people of Athy.
The Cathaoirleach informed the members that this was Tommy Skehan’s last meeting as Town Manager. The Cathaoirleach said that Tommy always gave one hundred percent to the town and to the council and was sure he would continue to support this council through his Directorate responsibility in Kildare County Council.
Councillor Cunnane said that Tommy did everything in his power for Athy and made a significant contribution to the overall development of this town.
Councillor Breslin said she knew Tommy before he came to Athy, and he was always someone you could approach and was always available to listen to your concerns and issues. Councillor Breslin said he was a fantastic people’s person and that his commitment, as Town Manager, was 24/7.
Councillor Daly said that he would like to compliment Tommy in the manner he carried out his duties as Town Manager. Councillor Daly said Tommy was always professional and courteous in his dealings and interaction with the members and that he always guided them in the right direction.
The Town Clerk said that he would like to thank Tommy for his advice and leadership and noted that Tommy was always generous with his time with staff members during his time as Town Manager. The Town Clerk said that on behalf of the staff and himself he would like to take this opportunity to wish Tommy all the best in his continued career with Kildare County Council.
Tommy Skehan said that his tenure as Town Manager was very challenging but also very rewarding and noted that during his time in the town, a number of significant developments projects had been progressed and in the future further projects would be realised. Tommy said he would always have always fond and positive memories of his time as Town Manager specially the kindness shown to him by this authority when he was ill. Tommy thanked everyone for their kind words and was sure the new Town Manager would give one hundred percent commitment to the members, staff and the people of Athy.
THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING
CATHAOIRLEACH__________________________________
DATE ___________________________________
