Minutes of Council meetings- list.:

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 10^th JULY, 2006

Presiding -                  Cllr. Noirin Doyle, Mayor.

Present -                     Cllrs.  P. Whitty, S. Meade, D. Crowley,

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

Apologies were received from Councillors M. Keating and J. Mulvihill and P. Lynch T. C. for their inability to attend.

OFFICIALS PRESENT

Ms.  Mary O’Halloran, Town Manager

Ms. R. Ronayne, A/Town Clerk.

Mr. G. O’Hora, Town Engineer

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

1.                  CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

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

Monthly meeting           12^th June, 2006                        Proposed – Cllr D. Crowley

                                    20^th June, 2006                        Seconded – Cllr  S. Meade

Matters arising from Minutes.

The Town Manager stated that there was no further progress with regard to the Landslide Programme.  She had been in contact with the Department of the Environment on a number of occasions but had been told that the Department was waiting for a report from the N.R.A. on the matter.

On the proposal of Councillor P. Whitty, seconded by Councillor S. Meade, it was agreed that a letter be sent to the Department urging that immediate action be taken.

Litter Audit Committee:  The Town Manager reported that the Tidy Towns and the Cobh and Harbour Chamber of Commerce had been written to requesting the names of nominees.  When these became available a meeting would be arranged.

Skatepark : The Town Manager said she had contacted the Department with regard to this matter but had been informed that no decision had yet been made as to whether further grants would be made available.  Councillor D. Crowley stated that the feedback from other centres was very positive and it would be a great asset if funding were to be made available.

Gates at the Archway:  The Town Manager reported that a Contractor who was proposing to purchase the Stanley Racing building had undertaken to erect the gates.  Councillor D. Crowley said it was important that there would be access through the gates during the day.

Promenade:  The Town Manager stated that a Contractor had been appointed to replace the fence at the Promenade and the work would be carried out as soon as possible.

Water Service for Cobh:  The Town Manager stated she had contacted Cork County Council with regard to this matter and that the Telephone No. to contact to report problems was 021-4821433.  This was a 24 hour number and if it is not answered a message can be left and the Curator, who has to move around the waterworks, will check it as often as possible and will pass the report on to the personnel involved.

The Town Manager also stated that there was a Roads Emergency Number in the telephone book and this number could also be dialled and the report will be passed on to the relevant staff. The Town Manager also reported that Cork County Council were examining the possibility of having one emergency number and it was hoped that this would be in place by year end..

Derelict Sites:     The Town Manager stated that Notices had now issued with regard to Nos. 1 and 2 Casement Square.  With regard to Stanley Racing – this building was in the process of being sold and the Contractor who was purchasing had given a undertaking to carry out immediate remedial works to this building.  A report on Cathedral Place had been received from the Town Engineer and a Notice would issue shortly.

Councillor S. O’Connor asked about 30 Harbour Row.  The Town Engineer stated he was working on a list and was picking the more obvious buildings closer to the town centre for a start.

Councillor D. Crowley said he wished to compliment the Cobh Youth Services on the artwork at Casement Square. 

Mayor Noirin Doyle said she wished to compliment the Town Manager for all the hard work she had done on behalf of Cobh Youth Services.  Cobh Youth Services are to receive a grant of €300,000 from the Department and this came about as a result of a proposal from Cork County Council.

Carrignafoy Leisure Limited:   The Town Manager stated that this project was now at the snagging stage and it was hoped that there would be a hand-over by the end of July.

Councillor D. Crowley said there had been a meeting of the Board of Directors at which there had been a very interesting slide presentation.  The company would also endeavour to provide employment for locals as it was their policy to have 80% of the workforce from the local area..

Councillor P. Whitty requested that the Councillors be afforded an opportunity to visit the pool and see the slide show.  He also requested a report on the proposal that a sculpture would be created from a tree stump.

The Town Manager stated that while the place was being cleared, there would be a safety issue with regard to people visiting.

Progress on Litter Action Plan 2006: 

Councillor S. O’Connor asked when the judging of the Tidy Districts would take place as it would be difficult the keep the flowers at their best the longer time went on.  Councillor P. Histon stated that it would be best to leave things as they were for 2006 and perhaps judging could be arranged for an earlier date in 2007.

Litter Leaflet

The Town Manager stated that the Litter Leaflet had not yet been finalised.  She also reported that €2,400 had been committed for sponsorship of  skip provision.

Housing Allocations

A copy of a report on Housing Allocations as requested at the last meeting by Councillor Mulvihill was distributed to the Members.

Glass Recycling:  The Town Manager stated that the Glass Banks will be retained.

Kerbside Collections:  The Town Manager reported that certain areas in the town which were currently operating the tag system from Cork County Council would be provided with recycling bags in the near future.

Norwood Park:

The Town Engineer stated that the problems with regard to Norwood Park were under the jurisdiction of Cork County Council.  He stated that he would follow the matter up with the Senior Executive Engineer.

Pedestrian Crossing at Midleton Street:  The Town Engineer stated that he hoped this work would go ahead this year if funding were available.

Road at Ticknock:

The Town Engineer reported that the Contractors would be in Cobh in the next four weeks.

Footpath at Newtown:   The Town Engineer stated that this work had been completed.

Shores at Moore’s Place/Kirkwood Villas:   Councillor K. McCarthy raised the issue of shores being blocked.  The Town Engineer stated the matter would be investigated.

Cross at Benmore:  The Town Engineer stated he was to have a meeting with the Gardai and it was hoped to get additional signage for this area.  He stated traffic lights were not the answer.

Sale of Sites:  Connolly Street:  The Town Manager stated she was waiting for a report from the Town Architect on this matter.

Camera in Cathedral Car Park:  To be checked by Town Foreman.

Archway:   Councillor S. O’Connor requested that a sign be erected advising people of the height of the Archway as there was a problem with trucks going down and having to reverse back up again. 

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2.                   VOTES OF CONDOLENCE

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

The O’Mahony Family

The Votes were passed in silence, all standing.

3        MANAGERS ORDERS

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

Councillor Whitty raised the question with regard to a Manager’s Order to evict a tenant in order to regularise a tenancy where a name is to be added to a tenancy.  He stated that this gave a false picture of what was actually being done and there must be an easier way of dealing with the matter.  It was agreed that the matter would be checked with Cobh Town Council Solicitors.

Councillor D. Crowley stated tat the planning application submitted in respect of 14, Harbour Row [derelict site] should be monitored.  He was of the opinion that planning permission was already granted for this site and was never carried out and the new application could go the same way.

Councillor Stella Meade asked when the 3 houses in Russell Heights would be given out.  The Manager  stated that the houses had not been handed over by the Contractor.

4.         CORRESPONDENCE

 No correspondence received.

5.         OFFICER’S  REPORTS

There were no matters discussed under this item.

6. COMMITTEE REPORT

Function of Tourism:  Councillor S. Meade stated that the  board of Cork/Kerry Tourism  had been disbanded.  The East Cork Tourism A.G.M. was due to take place on the  27^th July, 2006, and it was possible that there would be no director from the Council attending.

Councillor P. Whitty proposed and Councillor D. Crowley seconded that Councillor S. Meade would attend the next meeting in September.

Tourism

Mayor N. Doyle stated that the Council did not always make enough of the positive things happening in the town.  There were two occasions - recently: [a]  the visit of the Irish Youth Choir with a huge body of people – an invitation should have issued from the Town Hall [b]  Junior Tennis Championships – again a huge number of people involved.

Councillor K. McCarthy stated that organisations should be written to and asked to forward details of activities, that would attract visitors to the town.

Councillor D. Crowley stated that the Vintners Organisation had had a group from Australia in Cobh last year.  The Council were aware of the visit and were able to organise events and the visit was a huge success.

Tourism Map:

Councillor S. Meade requested that a new tourist map be made available.

It was agreed that the Town Foreman would be consulted.

Spike Island:

Councillor P. Whitty stated that car stickers were available for €2.00 from The Save Spike Island Committee.  There would be more information available at the next meeting.

 Disposal of Freehold

The disposal of the Freehold of 24, Glenanaar Place and 1, Inishmore Park, Cobh, pursuant to section ninety of the Housing Act ,1966 and section twenty-six of the Landlord and Tenant Ground Rents  No. 2 Act 1978 was approved on the proposal of Cllr. S. Meade seconded by Cllr. P. Whitty.

12. Notice of Motion

The following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Councillor Sean O’Connor:

“That Cobh Town Council Officials take immediate action against Council Tenants who, because of unsocial behaviour, are having a major impact on the quality of life for their near neighbours.”

Councillor O’Connor stated that he had been highlighting this problem for over twelve months.  There was intimidation by day and by night and property was being damaged.  There were some serious cases where people was living next door to “neighbours from hell”.   Cobh Town Council had written to the Gardai but the problems were continuing.  He stated that this cannot be allowed to go on.

The Manager stated that sometimes victims, who are being intimidated are moved ,and the problem can start again and therefore transferring tenants is not always the answer.  It is important that a written report on complaints be given to the Council.  There are normally two sides to every story and if the Council is given a list of the problems, the matter will be followed up.

Councillor McCarthy said that if people were transferred the second family might have the courage to stand against the intimidators.

Councillor D. Crowley stated that anti-social behaviour was on the increase.  Drugs were being used and were for sale.  It was very difficult to get people out.  Evictions were being challenged in Court.

Councillor S. Meade stated that there should be good co-operation between the Gardai and Local Authority.                                                                    

The Town manager stated that there was not a widespread problem in Cobh and that all complaints are followed up and this will continue in the future.

14. Any other Business

National Flag at Carrig House:

Councillor K. McCarthy stated that the National Flag at Carrig House was discoloured.  It was agreed that the matter be investigated . 

Abandoned Car:

Councillor McCarthy stated there was an abandoned car in Bishop Street.  Matter to be investigated.

Loading Bay at Poc Fada:

Councillor O’Connor raised the issue of a loading bay being provided at An Poc Fada.  Town Engineer to investigate and report to next meeting.

“Children at Play” Sign, The Crescent

Councillor O’Connor requested that this matter be investigated and a report be made available for the next meeting.

Pedestrian Crossing At Wharton’s Corner:

Councillor O’Connor requested that this matter be investigated and a report be made available for the next meeting.

Footpath at 5/6, West Beach, Cobh

Councillor S. O’Connor asked that a report on the footpath be made available to the next meeting.

Ramps – Estates:

Councillor O’Connor asked for an update on this matter.  Report to be made available for next meeting.

Ladders : Water’s Edge:

Councillor O’Connor requested that the Harbour Boards be requested to install ladders at the Water’s Edge.

Broadband:

Councillor O’Connor stated that there are a number of blackspots in the town in relation to broadband.  He requested that Eircom be requested to rectify this matter.

Cork Rose:

Councillor Crowley asked that a letter of congratulations be sent to Ms. Trish Cotter on being crowned  Cork Rose.

Mayor’s First Meeting:

Councillor Crowley congratulated Mayor Noirin Doyle on her first meeting as Mayor.

Public Toilet:

Councillor Meade stated that the public toilets badly need to be painted.  Report to next meeting.

Rubbish at back gate of Cobh Rambler’s:

Councillor Meade requested that the dumping of rubbish at the back gate of Rambler’s be investigated for next meeting.

Overgrowth on High Road:

Councillor Meade stated that the overgrowth on the High Road was out of control and people have to bend down when walking.  Report to next meeting.

Five Foot Way:

Mayor Doyle stated that mulch was to be put on beds at the weekend.  Check with Town Foreman.  She also thanked the Councillors who had taken over a flowerbed.

Quayside:

Councillor Meade stated that the quayside was in a filthy condition from people fishing there.  Councillor Doyle stated that the bins had to be taken away.  It was agreed that the Port of Cork be written to with regard to this matter.

Footpaths:

Councillor P. Whitty thanked the Town Engineer and Council Staff for all the work done on footpaths.

Poland:

Councillor P. Whitty proposed and Councillor McCarthy seconded that Councillors D. Crowley and P. Histon travel as officials to Poland.

Overgrowth opposite Mills’ Garage and otherside of Dockyard:

Councillor P. Histon raised the matter of overgrowth.  C.I.E. and Dockyard to be written to.

Promenade:

Councillor Histon stated that there were bags of sand in the Promenade.  Town Foreman to be requested to have same removed.

Mayor Noirin Doyle, in concluding the meeting, thanked all for agreeing to the change of time of the meeting and wished everyone a good holiday..

This concluded the business of the meeting.  

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CATHAOIRLEACH

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TOWN CLERK

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