MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING OF
CATHAOIRLEACH:
COUNCILLOR JOHN LAWLER
COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE:
SEAN CUNNANE, RICHARD DALY, MARY O’SULLIVAN, AOIFE BRESLIN, PADDY WRIGHT, MARK DALTON & FRANK ENGLISH
ABSENT:
COUNCILLOR TONY EGAN
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
JOE BOLAND, TOWN MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF SERVICES
BRIAN O’GORMAN, TOWN CLERK
DIARMUID DONOHUE, TOWN ENGINEER
THOMAS KELLY, STAFF OFFICER
The Cathaoirleach welcomed Arthur Lynch and his colleagues who were in attendance to give a short presentation on the forthcoming annual ‘Tri-Athy’ triathlon in Athy.
A presentation was given to the members regarding the previous two triathlons and the proposed changes this year.
The members were unanimous in their praise and support for the work of the organisers in developing such an event in the town.
The Cathaoirleach thanked the group for their presentation, and on behalf of the members and himself, wished them even greater success this year and in the coming years.
1. Adoption of Minutes
Minutes of January Monthly Meeting held on the 21st of Jan 2008.
On the proposal of Councillor Dalton, Seconded by Councillor Cunnane
2. Matters Arising
Councillor Breslin referred to previous media reports regarding palisade fencing at the new swimming pool and enquired why Kildare County Council’s Press Officer has still not apologised to the members. The Town Manager said he was disappointed this issue was raised again, as an apology was not necessary or required from the press officer.
Councillor Daly said he was happy that some progress has eventually being made on the issue of the palisade fencing.
Councillor Wright said a bridge was necessary across the river Barrow and wanted to know when the proposal would be advanced. The Town Manager replied that due to the present economic situation funding for the bridge would be difficult to source, and would more than likely have to be put on hold for the foreseeable future, until the overall economic situation improves.
Councillor Cunnane referred to page 6 (re. motion 13) and enquired whether any further progress has being made, with setting up a meeting with between Athy Town Council, Athy Chamber of Commerce, and other local groups, with the aim of jointly promoting the forthcoming National Ploughing Championships in Athy. The Cathaoirleach advised the members that Athy Chamber of Commerce would be meeting with the members “in committee” at the next monthly meeting.
3. Correspondence
The Town Clerk read out the following correspondence:
· Letter from St Michael Boxing Club seeking financial contribution for the forthcoming boxing tournament (and hosting the USA Elite Boxing Team) to be held on 1st March next in Athy.
It was agreed that €500 contribution would allocated towards the event and that the Council would host a welcome reception for the visitors and local club.
On the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor Daly.
· Letter from IPBMI informing the Council seeking Council nominee attend and vote at its general meetings.
It was agreed by the members that the Cathaoirleach would be Council’s nominee.
· Letter from Gwynne Thomas requesting that Abbey House, Back Square, Athy, Co. Kildare be removed from Athy Town Council’s record of protected structures. This was noted by the members.
· Letter from Mullingar Town Council requesting the Council’s support for a motion passed at their January Monthly meeting. This was noted by the members.
· Letter from Special Olympics Ireland requesting the Council’s support for their forthcoming “Granny of the year” competition. This was noted by the members.
The schedule for forthcoming conferences was noted and had been circulated previously to members.
4. Notices of Motion:
Councillors Dalton & English
5. “That an update be given on the proposed usage of the site of the former swimming pool.”
On the proposal of Councillor English, seconded by Councillor Dalton.
Councillor English said the former swimming pool gave great service to the people of Athy over the many years it was in use, and it was now imperative, that something positive be done with the old swimming pool building and site, so that it could be still of some benefit or use to the local community, otherwise the building would fall into disrepair, which would be a great shame. Councillor English also asked that the plaque, erected in the old pool, with the names of people, who were on the original committee set up to have the pool built, be transferred to the Heritage Centre for posterity.
Councillor Dalton asked that the members and the local community be kept up-to-date and briefed regularly by council’s officials on what they propose to do with the building and site in the future.
This had the support of the other members present.
The Town Manager advised the members he would examine the site with the Town Engineer and would revert back to the members with possible proposals on how best to utilise the site in due course.
6. “That an additional public light be provided at the entrance to Shanrath housing estate.”
On the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor Breslin
Councillor Dalton said this motion was self-explanatory, but asked that public lighting be put in place as soon as possible.
This motion had the support of the other members.
Councillor Wright
7. “The national concern regarding lead pipes system servicing houses throughout the country has been noted. As a precautionary measure, I propose that we, as a Council, investigate and have water tests carried out at locations in Upper & Lower St. Joseph’s Terrace and at Offaly Street and other places in the town.’’
On the proposal of Councillor Wright, seconded by Councillor Daly
Councillor Wright said it would not take much to carry our scientific water test in the town and requested that this be carried out by the Council as soon as possible.
The Town Manager replied that the Environmental Health Officer (Health Service Executive) carries out periodic testing for incidence of lead and other possible pollutants in the drinking water in the town. All tests carried out to date have shown the quality of drinking water in Athy to be within the acceptable thresholds. This was welcomed by the members
8. “That we, as a Council, investigate if Iarnrod Eireann seek planning permission to have a pay parking business established on their property with a private company, as people who are clamped have to pay €125 to get their cars freed.”
On proposal of Councillor Wright, seconded by Councillor Dalton
Councillor said it is pointless in trying to encourage the local community to use public transport if they are going to be charged for parking and fined in some instances. Councillor Wright said this was unfair, as it increases the financial burden local commuters are incurring due to the present economic situation.
The Town Manager explained that planning permission was not required for the recent change at the car park.
Councillor Dalton requested the Council write to Iarnrod Eireann expressing the members’ disappointment that commuters are charged for parking at the station. This had the support of the other members.
9. “That we, as a Council, thank
On proposal Councillor Wright, seconded by Councillor O’ Sullivan
Councillor Wright said he would like to compliment and thank the staff of the Council for the work carried in the recent installation of windows, doors, central heating and insulation into Council houses. He wished to have it noted that the works were welcomed and appreciated by the tenants.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said the work carried out by staff was excellent.
Councillor Dalton said whilst the work completed was greatly welcomed, there is still some outstanding works to be finished, and requested that this be done as soon as possible.
The Town Clerk thanked the Councillor for his kind comments which would be conveyed to the staff members.
The Town Manager advised the members that a Capital Housing Work Programme for 2009 was presently being prepared and would be presented to the members when finalised.
Councillor Daly
10. “That
On the proposal of Councillor Daly, seconded by Councillor Cunnane
Councillor Daly said with the economic downturn, now would be an appropriate time, to carry out a review of the Town Development Plan and asked this be carried out as soon as possible.
Councillor Cunnane said the review should highlight those sections of the Development Plan which have being realised, and those sections which have become unrealistic and not possible due to the overall economic downturn. This had the support of the other members
The Town Clerk advised the members a progress report on the Town Development Plan is presently being finalised and would be presented to the members when completed. Further reviews of the plan would be progressed as specified in the Planning & Development Acts.
11. “That
On the proposal of Councillor Daly, seconded by Councillor O’ Sullivan
Councillor Daly said even though the proposed Southern Distributor Route is becoming more urgent and necessary every day, the project has come to an impasse due to lack of finance. Councillor Daly said like everyone else, he is aware that the present economic situation makes it more difficult to source funding for this project, but would request that Kildare Council make a concerted effort to allocate some funding for this project in its Capital Roads Projections.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said the members were informed some time ago that funding was available for this project but it now appears this is not the case. Councillor O’ Sullivan requested that some funding be sourced to advance this necessary and vital road project.
Councillor Cunnane said it is imperative this project is given full consideration by Kildare County Council so that some progress can be made.
This motion had the support of the other members.
The Town Manager replied that Kildare County Council have carried out a lot of preliminary work, which is now completed. In addition, he noted that the agreement with Iarnrod Eireann on the layout of the route had also been achieved. However the Town Manager advised the members that further progress on the project will depend ultimately on funding and that the present economic downturn will make it more difficult to source.
12. “That
On the proposal of Councillor Daly, seconded by Councillor O’ Sullivan.
Councillor Daly said people are congregating in the
Councillor O’ Sullivan said she had similar motions before the Council on this issue.
Councillor Wright said he also had previous motions to have this area cleaned up.
The Town Clerk said this issue could be raised under the Joint Policing Committee.
The Town Engineer also advised the members he would examine the possibility, of using some monies, allocated under the Road Block Grant Scheme for 2009, to carry out some improvement works in this area.
13. Cathaoirleach’s Business
14 Manager’s Business
The Town Clerk advised the members that an overdraft of €1million for a further six months was required and approval was now sought from the members. The Town Clerk also advised that this approval would be subject to formal sanction by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
On the proposal of Councillor Cunnane, seconded by Councillor Dalton, it was agreed to approve the overdraft for a further six months (subject to sanction by the DoEHLG).
15. Report from Sub- Committees
Arts Sub Committee
Councillor Breslin informed the members that the AGM of the Art’s Committee was scheduled to take place on the 25th of February at 7.30pm. This was noted by the members.
The Cathaoirleach ask that the Committee liaise with Town Engineer and Town Clerk to organise a programme of works for the forthcoming season.
16. Planning Register
Noted.
17. Other Business
Councillor O’ Sullivan requested that ‘children at play’ signs be erected in the Dun Brinn estate as a safety measure. The Town Engineer replied he would get in contact with the relevant developer to erect the signage as soon as possible. The Cathaoirleach said the onus should be on the developers, as part of their planning permission, to erect the necessary signs in any estate they have built and should not be responsibility of this Council.
Councillor Wright enquired if the trees in the
Councillor Wright said there was some graffiti on the wall beside Bachelors factory and in other areas around the town and requested the Gardai investigate this. The Cathaoirleach noted that this could be raised at the next Joint Policing Committee.
Councillor Dalton reported illegal dumping in Dun Brinn estate and wish to have the matter investigated.
Councillor Daly informed the members that on Saturday, 14th of February last, Mr. Rami Doraiswamy made a presentation of two rare books on Ernest Shackelton to the people of Athy. Councillor Daly said this was a great gesture and a unique occasion for everyone, which should be acknowledged by the Council. This had the unanimous support of the other members present.
Councillor Dalton said public lighting was reported out of order in many areas and estates in the town some time ago and appeared to have not yet been repaired. Councillor Dalton said this was completely unacceptable and asked the lights be repaired immediately. The Town Engineer said he would get in contact with the ESB to establish when the lights would be repaired.
Councillor Cunnane requested a report be given to the members regarding proposals on what the Council plan to put in place to solve the ongoing problem of illegal parking associated with the Tuesday market at the
.
This concluded the meeting.
