Minutes of Council meetings- list.:

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 11^th SEPTEMBER, 2006

Presiding -                  Cllr. Noirin Doyle, Mayor.

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

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

Apologies were received from J. Mulvihill for their inability to attend.

OFFICIALS PRESENT

Ms.  Mary O’Halloran, Town Manager

Mr P Lynch, 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           10^th July, 2006                         Proposed – Cllr Whitty

                                                                                    Seconded – Cllr Meade

Matters arising from Minutes.

Cobh Landslide Programme – The Town Manager stated that a letter had been received from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the landslide programme. The letter stated that the vast bulk of the money sanctioned for the Landslide programme in Cobh had been spent and that only a small amount remained. The Department had indicated that sanction for further funding would not be received until a complete review of the programme had been completed. Cllr O Connor expressed his dissatisfaction at the most recent correspondence from the Department. He stated that the difficulties at Connolly Street had been ongoing since 2000. He stated that at that time the Council had indicated that the cliff at the rear of Connolly Street was a priority. The Manager stated that JODA Consulting Engineers, on behalf of the Town Council had submitted a list to the Department outlining the works that needed to be carried out. She stated that approximately €250,000 was left in the Departments budget for the landslide programme. According to the report prepared by JODA, possibly €2 million was needed to carry out all the works. She agreed to carry to follow up the matter further with the Department.

Litter Audit Committee – the Town Clerk advised that the Cobh and Harbour Chamber had named Michael Whalley as their nominee on the Litter Audit Committee and that no response had been received from Cobh Tidy towns. It was agreed that the Town Clerk write to Cobh Tidy Towns in this regard.

Fence at the Promenade – The Town Clerk stated that the fence was currently being manufactures and that it was hoped that the fence would be erected in early October.

Derelict sites – the Town Clerk advised that the Manager had signed orders in relation to properties at 5 Albert Tce, 5 Cathedral Place and 5 Pearse Square and that notices would be served in this regard. He also stated that a report had been received in relation to the derelict sites at no 1 and 2 Casement Square from the Town Engineer and that further action would be taken on foot of these reports. Cllrs Crowley and O’Connor asked that a small number of sites along Harbour Row were in a derelict condition and that consideration should be given to including these sites on the Register.

Progress on the Litter Action Plan 2006. The Manager advised the Members from the Tidy Districts Competition had taken place in mid August and that agreement was now needed for a date for Prize giving. The Town Clerk advised the Members that the results for the Tidy Towns Competition 2006 had been made available and that the results for Cobh were the highest ever. He stated that Cobh received a total of 244 marks. He advised the Members that this was the tenth consecutive year that the tidy Town Committee had achieved an increase in their marks. The Manager advised that it was hoped to organise a clean up of a number of residential estates within the town during the month of September and that sponsorship towards the cost of this work had been received from a number of businesses.

Kerbside collection of recyclable refuse – the Town Clerk stated that he was due to meet officials from Cork County Council to finalize arrangements for the collection of recycling bags from those customers of the County Council who are operating the tag a bag system.

Camera in the Cathedral Car Park – the Town Clerk advised the members that he was waiting for a quote which was due this week and that the matter would be further considered once this price was available.

Sign at the Archway – the Town Clerk stated that a sign had been ordered to be placed at the top of Westview and that it would be erected as soon as it arrived.

Condition of Public Toilet – the Town Clerk stated that some work had been done to date and it was hoped to have it done by the end of the month.

Rubbish at the rear of Cobh Ramblers ground – the Town Clerk stated that investigations were ongoing at this location. He stated that Council Staff had removed rubbish at a number of locations and would continue to do so if necessary.

Sand at the Promenade – The Town Clerk confirmed that this work had been completed.

Tourism Map – the Town Clerk stated that a map was being prepared on an annual basis Condon Publishing Limited. The Town Clerk circulated a copy of the map to the Members. It was agreed that any Members who felt that the changes were required should discuss with the Town Clerk as soon as possible.

Abandoned car at Bishop Street- the Town Clerk stated that the vehicle had been removed.

Tree at the Swimming Pool – Cllr Whitty referred to a report prepared by Coillte which stated that the tree stump at the rear of the Swimming Pool site was in a safe condition. He stated that he wished to place it on record that he did not agree with Coilltes opinion in this regard.

Cllr Whitty raised the issue of the pool lease and asked for an update. The Manager stated that discussions were ongoing and that it was hoped to finalise these as soon as possible.

Cllr Meade stated that she wished to congratulate all of the Cllrs and the Town Managers since 1986 to ensure that the pool would reopen.

Cllr O Connor stated that parking on the left hand side of the road coming from Whitepoint Strand towards the railway Bridge was causing difficulties with traffic crossing the railway Bridge due to lack of side lines.  It was agreed that the Town Engineer would investigate this matter.

Cllr O’Connor stated that he wished to thank the Sanitary Engineer for the County Council for work done in the recent past in relation to water difficulties in the town.

Roadworks at Norwood Park. The Town Engineer stated that the Sanitary Section of the County Council hope to start work on the replacement of the water main before Christmas. He stated that once this work had been completed it would be possible to install the ramps agreed previously.

In relation to the pedestrian crossing at Midleton St. the Town Engineer stated that prices had been received for this work that funding was available and that it was hoped to commence this work as soon as possible.

Cllr McCarthy raised the issue of the shores at Moores Place and Kirkwood Villas. The Town Engineer stated that these shores were listed for work both at Town Council and County Council level and it was hoped to complete them as soon as possible.

In relation to the Cross at Benmore the Town Engineer stated that he had met with Gardaí. It was proposed to increase signage and that the Gardaí had also agreed to monitor speeds in this area.

Cllr Meade raised the issue of footpaths at Moores Place, she stated that she had been promised before the last local elections that this work would be done. The Town Engineer stated that this was listed for work and that it was due to be completed in the next few weeks.

Cllr Meade raised the issued of the three houses, which had been allocated at Russell Heights. The Town Clerk stated that two of these houses had been received from the contractor and had been handed over to the tenants and that he was following up on relation to the third one.

Cllr O Connor raised the issue of the loading bay at An Poc Fada. The Town Engineer stated that this had been listed for work and it would be done as soon as possible.

Cllr O Connor raised the issue of the footpath at West Beach. The Town Clerk stated that he had received a report in this regard from the Town Engineer and he had been following up on this.

Cllr O Connor asked for an update in relation to ramps in housing Estates. The Town Engineer stated that he had circulated a report previously outlining the criteria required, he stated that ramps needed the consent of at least 75% of the residents. He stated that he was looking of the issue of providing ramps at Eaton Heights.

Cllr Doyle raised the issue of the Cork Rose. She stated that the rose had done Cork proud when she was on the Rose of Tralee. She stated that she felt that the Council should defray some of the expenses incurred in representing the Town and the County as the Rose of Tralee. On the proposal of Cllr Doyle seconded by Cllr Meade it was agreed to pay €500 to Ms Trish Cotter.

Other matters arising were dealt with as appropriate.

2.                   VOTES OF CONDOLENCE

The sympathy of the Council was extended to Pat O Shea on the death of his wife and the families of those killed in the recent suicides and murder in Cobh.

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

Derry O’Shea, Patrick Cashman, Patrick O’Mahony, Rev. Sr. Eucharia, Sheola Keaney, Michael Clarke, Noreen Ring, Ann Foley, Rosanne O’Donnell, Daniel Coughlan, Madeline O’Shea, Oliver Singleton, George Sheehan, Kevin Deenehan, Maurice Brophy, Liam Mulcahy.

The Votes were passed in silence, all standing.

3        MANAGERS ORDERS

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

Cllr Crowley raised the issue of Social and Affordable housing under the Housing Strategy. He stated that he hoped that recent developments in the town would benefit people in the town in terms of providing Social and Affordable housing. The Town Clerk stated that the Council was currently in negotiations with a view to the requirements in the Housing Strategy.

4.         CORRESPONDENCE

1)                  Sister Ann – Thank you letter received from Sister Ann following a Civic Reception accorded to her by Cobh Town Council.

5.         OFFICER’S  REPORTS

There were no matters discussed under this item.

6. COMMITTEE REPORT

a)                  Cobh Tourism

Cllr Whitty outlined work carried out by Cobh Tourism since the last meeting. He stated that signs had been erected at the Anchor a Tullagreine highlighting Cobh Heritage town. He stated that Cobh Tourism was organising a Conference on the 12^th and 13^th of October in relation to Spike Island. He stated that this Conference was partly funded by ECAD and expressed the wish that the Conference would be supported by all of the Members of the Council.

b)                  Failte Ireland

Cllr Meade stated that Failte Ireland was looking for an input in 2007 from Cobh Town Council. She asked that the Members would meet in committee to discuss this issue. She stated that in relation to Cork Tourism that Cobh Town Council no longer had a representative on the board. She stated that there was a new board that consisted of four representatives of ECAD and three product providers. On the proposal of Cllr Meade seconded by Cllr Doyle it was agreed that the Council would meet in committee on Monday 18^th of September at 6pm to discuss tourism issues.

c)                  European Angling Championships

Cllr Doyle stated that the European Angling Championships were due to be held in Cobh in 2008. she stated that this was the largest Angling Competition in Europe and that the Sea Angling Festival Committee should be congratulated on their success. On the proposal of Cllr Keating seconded by Cllr Doyle it was agreed that the Council would contribute €2,000 towards the 2006 Sea Angling Competition

7)         STATUTORY AUDIT REPORT ON THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31^ST December, 2005

The Manager stated that the current balance deficit for the Council had been reduced from €141,000 at the end of 2003 to just of €25,000 at the end of 2005, she stated that she hoped that continuing financial improvements on behalf of the Council would help to clear this deficit as soon as possible. On the proposal of Cllr. Whitty seconded by Cllr.  Keating. It was agreed to adopt the report of the Local Government Auditor. On the proposal of Cllr. Whitty seconded by Cllr Keating it was agreed that the Council would discuss further the Annual Financial Statement at the Committee Meeting to be held on the 18^th September.

8)         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. Crowley seconded by Cllr. Meade.

9)         ANY OTHER BUSINESS

On the proposal of Cllr Crowley seconded by Cllr Doyle a unanimous vote of congratulations was passed to Cllr John Mulvihill and his wife Erica on the birth of their daughter.

On the proposal of Cllr Crowley seconded by Cllr O Connor a unanimous vote of congratulations was passed to Ted Mc Namara on his retirement from the council after 20 years. A number of Members expressed their gratitude of the work done by Ted over his twenty years with the Council. The Councillors referred to the high quality of the work carried out by him for the Council. They were unanimous in wishing Ted a long and Happy Retirement.

Cllr Keating raised the issue of the right of way at Ringacoltig. The Town Clerk stated that he had been contacted by the Developers in this regard. They had indicated that they had difficulties in maintaining the public right of way through the site during the Construction phase. He stated that he intended discussing the matter with the Town engineer with a view to finding an alternative temporary public right of way during the construction phase.

Cllr O Connor stated that there were difficulties with parking at the top of Thomas Street with cars parked at both sides of the road. He asked that the Town Engineer consider extending double lines on the right hand side on the approach to Bishop Street. The Town Engineer agreed to examine the matter. Cllr Whitty stated that the public footpath on Westbeach close to the Centra was in poor condition. The Town engineer agreed to examine.

Cllr Whitty stated that brickwork on the footpath close to the Lusitania Monument was loose. Town Engineer to examine.

Cllr Whitty stated that the wall opposite the Rushbrooke Hotel appeared to be in a dangerous condition. The Town Engineer to examine.

Boat and trailer parked on Bishop Street. Town Clerk to raise with Town Foreman.

Parking of Cars across from the access to the cross-river ferry. Town Engineer to examine.

Problems with sewage at Lynches Quay. Town Engineer to refer to Cork County Council Sanitary Engineer.

Sewer problems along Westbourne place. Town Manager agreed to refer the matter to the Sanitary Engineer.

Cllr Mc Carthy asked that a meeting of the Housing Committee be organised as soon as possible. The Town Clerk agreed to raise the matter with the Housing Department of Cork County Council.

This concluded the business of the meeting.  

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CATHAOIRLEACH

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TOWN CLERK

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