MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF
ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30PM ON WEDNESDAY 22nd APRIL 2009 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, 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 Helen Dowling, RAPID Co-ordinator, who was present to give an update to the members on RAPID projects in Athy.
Ms. Dowling’s report outlined details of projects already completed, projects presently ongoing in conjunction with the Council and local agencies, and projects proposed for the future. It was noted that funding for some future projects would be limited as a number of funding sources had being restricted.
The Cathaoirlerach, on behalf of members and himself, thanked Ms. Dowling for her thorough report and on the great work RAPID carries out in association with the Council, and other local agencies in the town, and hoped this may continue for the foreseeable future.
Adoption of Minutes
Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on the 18th of March, 2009.
On the proposal of Councillor Cunnane, seconded by Councillor Dalton.
1. Matters Arising.
Councillor Daly referred to the old swimming pool site (page 1), and requested that the Council would consider submissions from the members, and the public, on how best to utilise the old swimming pool for the people of Athy. The Cathaoirleach said it was imperative that the views and opinions of the members are included in any final decision on the old swimming pool.
The Town Manager advised the members that their views and opinions would be included, in any final decision, on how best to utilise the old swimming pool. This was welcomed by the members.
Councillor O’ Sullivan sought an update on the “children at play” signs in the Dun Brinn estate (page 1). The Town Engineer advised he would liaise directly with the developer, as the estate is not yet taken in charge. He was hopeful that the signs would be erected, with the co-operation of the developer.
The Cathaoirleach said such signs should be part of developers’ conditions when they get planning permission to build new estates, and not the responsibility of the Council.
Councillor Wright sought an update on Iarnrod Eireann (re. parking charges at station). The Town Clerk advised the members that the Council had written to Iarnod Eireann on this matter, but are still waiting on a reply, and he would again follow-up this matter.
Council Cunnane requested and update on when the report on the operation of the Tuesday market would be completed and presented to the members. Councillor Cunnane said there is a serious safety issue at the market, and this needs to be urgently addressed. The Cathaoilreach said the Tuesday market does require proper and up-to date regulation. The Town Clerk advised the members that the Council have sought a report from the Council’s solicitor and that the matter had been referred to counsel for opinion.
Councillor Breslin referred to motion 8 and sought an update, on when the survey of housing stock, in Castlepark would be completed. The Town Clerk advised the members that it was hoped to have this completed as soon as possible, and will revert back to them when it is concluded. This was noted by the members.
2. Correspondence.
The Town Clerk read out the following correspondence:
· Letter from Kildare Youth Services Athy requesting the Council’s assistance in locating a more suitable premises for their work with the youth of Athy. The Town Clerk advised the members that he would meet with the representative of KYS in Athy on this matter. This was noted by the members.
· Letter from Liam Dunne, Chairman, Kildare County Show seeking financial assistance towards the running of this event. It was agreed that €500 contribution would allocated towards the event.
On the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor English.
· Letter from Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland outlining the format of the forthcoming Annual Conference in September. This was noted by the members.
· Letter from
· Letter from Killarney Town Council requesting the Council’s support for a motion passed at their March Monthly Meeting. This was noted by the members.
The schedule for forthcoming conferences had been circulated previously to members and was noted.
3. Notices of Motion:
Councillors
(Composite motion – Deferred from March meeting)
4. “That in light of the issues raised in the decision reached on Planning Ref 07/300060 that this Council now remove from the list of protected structures, The Abbey (House ref Ay 078)” – Cllrs. Dalton & English
“That
On the proposal of Councillors Dalton and Daly, seconded by Councillor English
Councillor Dalton said he was disappointed, that the report on the possible de-listing of the Abbey has still not being completed by the Conservation Officer of the Planning Department in Kildare County Council. Councillor Dalton said it is now urgent, and imperative, that this report be completed as soon as possible, and presented to the members for consideration, so some progress could be made on removing this building from the list of protected sites in the Town Development Plan, as it is holding up any further development in the area.
Councillor Daly said this building has no important historical significance and by removing it from the list of protected structures, it would send out a clear message of encouragement for people to invest in Athy.
The Cathaoirleach advised the members that a “special meeting” would be called, if necessary, before the coming elections so that the members could have a proper discussion and give adequate consideration to the report.
The Town Manager advised that he would liaise with the Planning Department and understood that a report from the owner of the site had been requested and was awaited.
Councillor Wright
6. “That in view of the enormous interest shown in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, I propose that we as a Council give a lead in the next St. Patrick’s Day parade, by writing to local organisations in the town and holding a meeting during the year so as to get it off the ground as we as a Council were shown in poor light at the last parade”.
On the proposal of Councillor Wright, seconded by Councillor O’ Sullivan
Councillor Wright said it was disgraceful and a shame, that this Council, along with the Chamber of Commerce and RAPID, had not come together to make a concerted effort to organise this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Athy. Councillor Wright said it was left to two local members of the community to ensure a parade took place, which was a great success, and a credit to everyone concerned. Councillor Wright said it is imperative, that this Council, take the lead and get in contact and liaise with all local groups in Athy during the year, so that a St. Patrick’s Day Parade for next year is properly organised in time.
Cllr. O’Sullivan agreed with the motion and congratulated those who had organised this year’s parade.
Cllr. Cunnane noted that organising the parade should be a cross-community project and that the Council could lead in bringing local groups together to organise a future parade.
This motion had the unanimous support of the other members present.
7. “That we as Council conduct a search of the lands from St. John’s Lane up to Greenhill’s as it is nothing short of the a wilderness and rats have been noticed crossing the pathway to the shock of the people using the path”.
Councillor Wright requested that this motion be deferred until the next monthly meeting.
Councillors Dalton & English
8. “That this Council request Bus Eireann and private bus operators to consider providing bus shelters in the town”.
On proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor English
Councillor Dalton said it is a disgrace that in the 21st century there is no bus shelter in Athy for the public to wait under during inclement weather. Councillor Dalton said the Council should request Bus Eireann or any other private bus operator to erect such a shelter as soon as possible.
Councillor O’Sullivan said that she had similar motion before the Council some time ago, but no further progress was ever made.
The Town Clerk advised the members that the Council would again write out to Bus Eireann on this matter, and will revert back to the members upon receipt of reply. This was noted by the members.
9. “That consideration be given to removing the boundary wall between Dooley Terrace and
On proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor English
Councillor Dalton said people are illegally dumping between the two estates. Councillor Dalton said this was unfair on the decent people, within the respective estates, who are genuinely trying to keep it clean and properly maintained. Councillor Dalton asked that the Council should look at the possibility of removing the boundary wall between the two estates, as one way of stopping this dumping.
The Cathaoirleach advised the members that a considerable amount of money was spent, some time ago, on cleaning up the back of estates. The Cathaoirleach said that if anyone is aware or has knowledge of who is doing the dumping they should report it to the Town Council or local Gardai, who could liaise with the Council.
This motion had the unanimous support of the other members present.
The Cathaoirleach requested that motion 10 and 11 be taken as a composite motion. The members agreed to this.
Councillor Dalton English
10. “That greater enforcement measures be undertaken to prevent dogs being walked in the town’s cemeteries.”
Councillor Daly
11. “That
On proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor English
Councillor English said members of the public who walk their dogs through local cemeteries are totally lacking in consideration and sensitivity, for those people visiting the graves of their loved ones, and requested that the Council put in place some enforcement measure so this would stop.
Councillor Daly said there is a persistent problem of dog fouling around town, which is totally unhygienic, and has health implications for everyone. Councillor Daly said the onus should be on the owners to clean up after their dogs, and in the case of strays, they should be impounded. Councillor Daly said the Council should do whatever is legally required to address this unsightly and persistent problem
The Town Engineer advised the members that the Town Foreman is presently organising signage, prohibiting dog fouling, to be erected at the cemeteries and other possible areas in the town. This was welcomed by the members.
Councillor Daly
12. “That
On proposal of Councillor Daly, seconded by Councillor O’ Sullivan
Councillor Daly said it is completely unfair, and punitive in the way our elderly, and other vulnerable sections of the population have being treated in the recent budget, while those who made the vast fortunes, and caused the present economic downturn have not being brought to account, and take greater responsibility for their actions, which regrettably, will not happen.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said she has first hand experience, through her work, on how this budget is causing a lot of hardship, and distress for our elderly.
Councillor Breslin said it is PAYE worker again who is paying for the present economic mess, and not those who made the large speculative profits.
Councillor Cunnane said the anger and rage of the population, especially among the vulnerable members of our society, at the present appalling economic mess, is quite understandable and warranted.
Councillor Dalton said while he is fully aware of the present economic situation, and appreciates and accepts, what his colleagues have said, we must also recognise, that this economic downturn is not just confined
to these shores and is worldwide, and regrettably, there is no easy way out of worldwide economic crisis.
The Cathaoirleach said certain wealthy individuals can live in this country avoided paying tax due to residency requirements under taxation laws, and this is completely unfair for the majority of the population, who have to pay theirs. The Cathaoirleach said he would support this motion, and requested a vote on it.
Abstained: Councillor Dalton and English
For: Councillor Daly, O’ Sullivan, Breslin, Cunnane, Wright, and Lawler
The motion was duly carried and approved.
Councillor Cunnane
13. “That
Proposed by Councillor Cunnane, seconded by Councillor English.
Councillor Cunnane said a motorist coming out of back lane cannot turn left or right as there is a bottleneck at this junction and requested that a yellow box be put in place to alleviate this problem.
The Town Engineer advised that members he would investigate the possibility of making improvements at this location. This was welcomed by the members.
Councillor O’Sullivan
- “That Athy Town Council join in clean up from
On the proposal of Councillor O’ Sullivan, seconded by Councillor Daly.
Councillor O’Sullivan requested that the Council would clean up the area at
This motion had the unanimous support of the other members present.
Councillor Breslin
15. “Can a definitive date be given for the provision of a wall and railings at the Swimming Pool and when the rubble will, debris and containers be removed from the site”.
On the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor Daly
Councillor Breslin said even though the new swimming pool has being opened for eight weeks, there was still rubble, debris and containers on site. Councillor Breslin said this was unacceptable and unfair to the local residents. Councillor Breslin it is now imperative, that the site is cleaned up and the proper landscaping is put in place immediately for everyone concerned.
Councillor Daly said the site should have being cleaned up some weeks ago and, like his colleague, strongly demanded that the area in question be cleaned up now.
This motion had the unanimous support of the other members present.
The Town Manager advised the members that funding is available to complete the works at the new swimming pool, and he understood that works would be completed shortly. This was welcomed by the members.
16. “That
Councillor Breslin requested that this motion be deferred until the May Monthly meeting. All the members agreed to this.
. 17. Cathaoirleach’s Business
The Cathaoirleach said on behalf of the members and himself, he would like to welcome Noel O’ Driscoll, who will now be reporting on the monthly meetings, on behalf of the Kildare Nationalist, as Chris Fingleton, who previously reported for the paper, has taken up a new position as sub-editor of the Carlow Nationalist. The Cathaoirleach said on behalf of everyone, he would like to wish Chris all the best in his new job. This had the support of all the members present.
The Cathaoirleach also informed the members, this was the last monthly meeting that Marie O’ Riordan (KFM Radio), would be reporting on, as she will be leaving her job to undertake other projects. The Cathaoirleach said he would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the members and himself, to wish Maire all the best for the future. This had the support of all the members present.
The Cathaoirleach requested that members be elected to the 1798 Monument Committee.
The following members were duly elected:
Councillor O’ Sullivan
Proposed: Councillor Cunnane
Seconded: Councillor Breslin
All agreed
Councillor Dalton
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Daly
All agreed.
18. Manager’s Business.
The Town Manager advised the members that formal approval was expected from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government for funding to upgrade the present waste water network in the town under the SLI programme. This was welcomed by the members
The Town Clerk advised the members that, Councillor Tony Egan, in accordance with Section 18(4) (a) of the Local Government Act 2001, is deemed to have resigned from membership of Athy Town Council, as a result of his absence from attendance at any meeting of Athy Town Council, for a continuous period of 6 consecutive months, and that he has being formally notified of this. This was noted by the members.
19. Report from Sub- Committees.
Arts Committee
The Town Manager advised the members that he remained amenable to sign the lease for the
Town Twinning Committee
The Town Clerk advised the members that the Council had applied for an EU grant to assist with events proposed during the visit of the visiting delegation from Grandvilliers over the June bank holiday weekend, but, regrettably, the application had been unsuccessful. This was noted by the members.
The Cathaoirleach reported that this committee are doing great work, however, additional volunteers were required and anyone interested in joining should contact the Council. This had the support of all the members present.
20. Planning Register.
Noted.
21. Other Business.
Councillor Breslin said there are certain areas in the town where people, specially the young, are drinking alcohol openly, and was resulting in anti-social behaviour. Councillor Breslin requested that Council officials review the existing alcohol bye-laws as one way of curtailing this drinking and anti-social behaviour in the town.
Councillor Breslin said the Angling Club have requested that additional “no dumping signs” be erected along the River Barrow, where angling takes place. The Town Engineer advised the members that he would liaise with the club on this issue.
Councillor Breslin requested a letter of congratulations be forwarded to Athy Order of
Councillor Cunnane requested fluorescent markings be put down on certain streets around the town, as they are quite necessary on dark evenings. Councillor Cunnane said such markings would give extra visibility, and make it a lot safer, for pedestrian and motorists alike. The Town Engineer advised the members this would be considered.
Councillor Daly reported that some of the parking meters do not take 10cent coins. The Town Clerk advised the members that he would check to see if the machines could be modified.
Councillor Daly said he was saddened and disappointed that
Councillor O’ Sullivan reported that some cars in
This concluded the business of the meeting.
