Minutes of Council meetings- list.:

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 13^th MARCH, 2006

Presiding -                  Cllr. Stella Meade, Mayor.

Present -                     Cllrs.   P. Whitty, N.Doyle, J.Mulvihill, D. Crowley,

 S. O’Connor, M. Keating, K. McCarthy and P. Histon.

OFFICIALS PRESENT  

Ms. M. O’Halloran, Town Manager

Mr. P. Lynch, Town Clerk.

Mr. G. O’Hora, Town Engineer

Mr. D Deasy, Town Architect

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

1.         CORK COUNTY NON DOMESTIC WATER METERING SYSTEM

On the proposal of Cllr Meade seconded by Cllr Doyle it was agreed to suspend standing orders to allow discussion of this matter.

Cllr Meade introduced Mr Diarmuid Kiely, Resident Engineer with Cork County Council and Mr David Marcroft of Morrison Utility Services. She stated that they wished to address the Members of the Council in relation to the Cork County non-domestic water metering system. Mr Kiely outlined the County Councils proposals to install and monitor water meters for all non-domestic customers throughout the county. He stated that Morrison Utility Services had been contracted to carry out this work. It was proposed to install automatic water meters for every non-domestic customer in the county. Mr Kiely stated that he anticipated that approximately 35000 meters would be in place at the end of the contract period. In reply to questions from the members, Mr Kiely and Mr Marcroft stated that the issue of including holiday homes as non-domestic customers was a matter for the Cork County Council to decide and that no decision had been made as far as they were aware to date. They also advised that all existing meters would be upgraded to allow automatic electronic meter reading. Mr Marcroft stated that water supplies to any individual property should not be disrupted for more than 30 minutes per installation. The Mayor thanked Mr Kiely and Mr Marcroft and then withdrew.

2.            ATTENDANCE BY MR DENIS DEASY, TOWN ARCHITECT

Cllr Meade advised the Members that Mr Deasy would not be in a position to discuss individual planning applications.

A number of Cllrs asked Mr Deasy for his views in relation to the number of derelict sites in the town particularly in Casement Square and Westbeach. The Town Architect stated that he had held regular meetings with prospective owners of three particular buildings in Casement Square over the last number of years. He stated that he was anxious to ensure that any proposed development would respect the architectural beret of the Square. He stated that himself and the Town Clerk were currently undertaking a review of the derelict sites which should be completed by the end of March. He stated that it was hoped to write to owners of properties on the derelict sites register during the month of April. In relation to properties along Westbeach, he stated that the Council was constrained by the terms of planning permission. He stated that planning permission lasted for five years and that the Councils options in relation to dealing with the vacant site at no 6. Westbeach were constrained by this five-year term.

In relation to questions raised by Councillors concerning specific planning applications, the Town Architect stated that decisions had been issued on a number of these applications and that his reports in this regard were available on the public planning files for inspection. He stated that he was not prepared to discuss those issues beyond what was on the planning file reports.

The Town Architect referred to the issue of pre planning discussions. He stated that he had been meeting with potential developers over 20 years in his role as Town Architect in Cobh. He stated that the Planning and Development Act, 2000 had formalised the process of pre planning discussions and that discussions now were in line with the requirements of the Act.

The Town Architect referred to the issue of a tree which was partially cut through at the swimming pool site and which had been raised at previous meetings of the Council. He stated that Coilte had certified that the tree was not in a dangerous condition and that its future was currently being considered.

In response to a question raised in relation to the skateboard park the Town Architect stated that he was willing to look at the issue. The Town Manager stated that the County Council was currently developing a skateboard park in Ballincollig and that the success of this project may give rise to future developments throughout the County. Cllr Meade thanked Denis Deasy for his attendance at the meeting. The Town Architect then withdrew from the meeting.

3.                  CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The following minutes of Council meetings held having been circulated, were adopted as follows:

Monthly meeting 13^th February, 2006             Proposed – Cllr Mulvihill

                                                                        Seconded – Cllr Doyle

Committee Meeting            27^th February, 2006            Proposed -Cllr Mulvihill

                                                                        Seconded – Cllr Doyle

Matters arising from Minutes.

On the proposal of Cllr Keating seconded by Cllr O Connor it was agreed to write to the Bishop of Cloyne asking him to make a donation from the diocesan funds towards the completion of the community centre. Cllr Doyle asked that the Minutes recorded that she did not wish to be associated with the motion.

Cllr Keating raised the issue of the bus service. The Town Clerk stated that Barrys Coaches Ltd had submitted documentation. He stated that the Town Engineer was currently finalising the issue of bus stops and had been in discussions with the Gardai. He stated that he hoped that a proposal would be ready shortly to submit to the department of transport.

Cllr Doyle raised the issue of the future of the herring fleet. She stated that she was anxious that the issue be not left lie. It was agreed that the Town Clerk would contact the main Fishermans organisation at Killybeg in Castletownbere to determine their requirements in this regard.

Cllr Doyle raised the issue of the footpath along the Newtown road. She stated that it was generally in poor condition. The town Engineer agreed to examine the issue.

Cllr O Connor asked for an update in relation to speed ramps for Norwood Park road. The Town Engineer stated that the services under the road were very complex and that Cork County Council were hoping to carry out an initial investigation between the 20^th to the 24^th March. Cllr O Connor stated that he was unhappy and that the residents were unhappy with the long delays in resolving this issue.

Cllr O Connor asked for an update in relation to the landslide programme. The Manager stated that the Town Clerk had requested an updated priority list from JODA consulting Engineers to forward to the Department of the Environment. She stated that once this was received the list would be forwarded to the Department as quickly as possible.

Cllr O Connor asked for an update in relation to the flooding at Whitepoint. The Engineer stated that the issue was currently under review and that it was hoped that works would be carried out shortly which would alleviate the difficulty.

Cllr O Connor asked that the issue of traffic lights at Benmore Cross to control traffic would be considered. The Town Engineer agreed to examine this matter.

Cllr Mulvihill asked for an update in relation to the housing seminar. The Town Clerk stated he would follow the matter up with the County Council official involved.

Cllr Mulvihill asked that Cllrs would be provided with copies of letters that issued following the adoption of motions at Council meetings. It was agreed that the Town Clerk would arrange for this in the future.

Cllr Crowley asked for an update in relation to the valuation of the Town Hall. The Town Clerk stated that he had received a valuation in the past week from a second Auctioneer but that this valuation was broadly in line with the valuation that had been received by the Council sometime previously.

Cllr Crowley asked for an update in relation to the pool lease. The Town Clerk stated he was currently in discussions with the Council solicitors in relation to this issue.

Cllr Whitty raised the issue of damage which had been caused to a private house which was next to a council house. The Town Clerk stated that he would raise the matter again with the Town Foreman.

Cllr Whitty asked that the water conservation report, which had been prepared by the Manager, would be circulated. The Manager stated that the report had been forwarded to the Town Clerk and it would be circulated to the Members over the next few days.

In relation to the minutes of the committee meeting on the 27^th February Cllr Doyle stated that work was ongoing on the Five Foot Way. She stated that she wished to thank those who turned up over the previous two weekends. She said she wished to thank local businesses who contributed to the cost of the plans. 21 of the 22 beds had been completed and it was hoped to finalise the work by the end of the week. She stated that it was hoped the Scouting Organisations in Cobh involved would further clean up on the 18^th April. She asked of the possibility of installing sand litter trays along the Five Foot Way for use of dogs would be considered. Cllr Meade asked that signs requesting that people keep dogs on leads be erected at each entrance to the Five Foot Way walkway. In response to questions from Members the Manager stated that she was willing to give a contribution towards the costs incurred by Cobh Tidy Towns in carrying out the work in the Five Foot Way.

Other matters arising from the meeting were dealt with as appropriate.

VOTES OF CONDOLENCE

The sympathy of the Council was extended to the relatives of the following:

Hannah Pierce

Tess Daly

Margaret Carter

The Votes were passed in silence, all standing.

4            MANAGERS ORDERS

Cllr’s noted Managers Orders, copies of which have been circulated.

5.            CORRESPONDENCE

A)                Notice of Motion – Portlaoise Town Council – marked as read.

B)                Notice of Motion – Clonas Town Council – marked as read

C)                Notice of Motion – Clonakilty Town Council – marked as read

D)              Notice of Motion – Tralee Town Council – marked as read

E)               Community Centre – Letter from Brida Donovan company secretary of the Cobh Great Island Community Centre Ltd in relation to the Councils nomination on the board of Directors. On the proposal of Cllr Whitty seconded by Cllr Mulvihill it was agreed that Cllr Meade would continue as the Councils representative on the board of directors.

F)               Community Centre – Letter from Brida Donovan company secretary of the Cobh Great Island Community Centre Ltd thanking the Members for their grant of €76, 000.

G)              St Patricks Day Mass – Letter from Fr Donal O Mahony inviting the Members of the Council to attend St Patricks Day’s mass at 10am in St Colemans Cathedral.

H)              Fota Road – Letter from John Fleming Construction Ltd in relation to the wall bounding the Fota road. A copy of the letter was circulated to each Member of the Council.

6.            OFFICER’S  REPORTS

A.                 2006 Road Fund Grant Allocations

The Town Engineer circulated proposals in relation to the 2006 Road Fund Grant. Cllr O Connor stated that some residents in Westview had expressed concerns that the traffic calming measures would reduce the number of spaces available to residents along the street. The Town Engineer stated that the issue of traffic calming measures had been considered on road safety grounds primarily. On the proposal of Cllr Doyle seconded by Cllr McCarthy, the engineers report was accepted.

B.                 Litter action plan 2006

The Manager circulated a copy of the 2006 Litter Action Plan which outlined the proposed actions to be carried out throughout the year in compliance with the Litter Management Plan. She stated that the hope was that the Tidy District funding would be spent within those estates winning prizes. Cllr Whitty asked that Tidy Towns committee would be included as delivery agents for action numbers 13 and 14. The Manager agreed to amend the action planning this regard. Cllr Histon asked that the details of the ten clean up zones be circulated to the Members. In relation to the School’s scheme, Cllr. Doyle stated that Rushbrooke School was due to receive a Green Flag award and that it would be appropriate to use that school as the pilot for the scheme. On the proposal of Cllr Whitty seconded by Cllr Doyle the Litter Action Plan for 2006 was adopted.

C.                 Boundary Extension

The Town Clerk circulated a map which showed the extent of the proposed new boundary.

D.                Cobh Marina Project

The High court hearing in relation to the judicial review of the planning decision was due to be heard in full on 27^th March. He advised that he would advise the Members further of any updates in this regard.

E.                 Signage on the N25

The Town Clerk advised the Members that he had been invited to a meeting before Christmas with representatives of Cobh Tourism, Southwest regional Authority and Cork County Council to meet with an engineer from the National Roads Authority in relation to proposal to erect signage on the N25 on the approaches to the Cobh turnoff. He stated that following the meeting Mr Eoghan Allen of the Southwest Regional Authority had written formally to the NRA asking that the signage proposed would be erected. He stated that he NRAs response was to refuse to allow the signage to be placed on the N25. On the proposal of Cllr Doyle seconded by Cllr Mc Carthy it was agreed that the Town Clerk would write to the NRA expressing the Councils view that the signage as requested by the Southwest Regional Authority was viewed by the Council as of importance to Cobh as a tourist destination. It was also agreed that the letter would point out that prior to the realignment of the N25 to provide for the Carrigtwohill bypass that the Cobh road was actually served by two exits from the N25 and that one of those exits had now been lost.

F.                  Centenary of Titanic

Town Clerk advised the Members that he had met with officials from Southampton City Council in the last week in relation to proposals for the Centenary of the sinking of Titanic in 2012. He stated that both he and the Mayor had met with officials who were proposing that all the towns and cities associated with Titanic namely Southampton, Belfast, Liverpool, Cherbourg, Halifax and New York would work together in the next few years to maximise the benefit accruing from the Centenary of the sinking of the Titanic. It was agreed that the Town Clerk would carry on discussions with the Southampton City Council. The Town Clerk also advised the Members that he had been advised that the Mayor of Southampton would be writing formally to the Mayor of Cobh asking that a formal understanding would be agreed between all the various towns.

7.            COMMITTEE REPORT

There were no committee reports for the meeting.

8.            DISPOSAL OF FREEHOLD

The disposal of the freehold of 1, Philip O Neill Place, Cobh pursuant to Section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966 and Section 26 of the Landlord & Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978 was approved on the proposal of Cllr. Whitty, seconded by Cllr. Doyle

Extension of time

On the proposal of Cllr. Mulvihill, seconded by Cllr. Doyle it was agreed to suspend the Standing orders to allow the business of the meeting to carry on.

9.            NOTICE OF MOTION 

The following notice of motion standing in the name of Cllr Mulvihill seconded by Cllr Whitty was adopted -

“That Cobh Town Council install traffic calming measures on the road leading to Five Foot Way car park, Roaches Row, Rushbrooke Manor and Newtown Road.”

It was agreed that the Town Clerk would write to the Developer of Rushbrooke Manor asking that traffic-calming measures including signage be installed. It was also agreed that Members would prepare a list of areas which they felt required traffic calming measures for consideration at the next meeting of the Council.”

10.            NOTICE OF MOTION 

The following notice of motion standing in the name of Cllr Keating seconded by Cllr McCarthy was adopted –

“That Cobh Town Council calls on the Irish Government to fully support the Kennedy McCaine bill presently going through the senate in America in support of the undocumented Irish people in the US”

It was agreed to circulate a copy of the motion to all local authorities in the state.

11.            NOTICE OF MOTION 

The following notice of motion standing in the name of Cllr Mulvihill seconded by Cllr Doyle was adopted -

“That Cobh Town Council call on the ESB to place all overhead wires in the urban area of Cobh Underground.”

12.            NOTICE OF MOTION 

The following notice of motion standing in the name of Cllr Mulvihill seconded by Cllr Doyle was adopted -

“That the Manager give a detailed breakdown on Cobh Town Councils Housing list and detail our housing programme for the coming year.”

It was agreed that the Manager would prepare a report for the next meeting of the Council

13.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS 

It was agreed that the Council would meet in Committee on the 10^th April, 2006 at 5.30pm before the monthly meeting of the Council to discuss the scoping studies currently being undertaken by Sean Connolly

This concluded the business of the meeting.  

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CATHAOIRLEACH

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TOWN CLERK

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