Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting of Athlone Town Council, which was held in the Civic Centre, Church Street, Athlone at 6.00 p.m. on Monday 4th February 2013.
Attendance:
Mayor: Cllr. J. Henson
Members: Cllrs. S. Buckley Byrne, M. Cooney, P. Hogan, K. Molloy, G. McFadden, K. Moran and A. Shaw.
Officers: Mr. Barry Kehoe, Director of Services
Mr. Hugh O'Reilly, Town Clerk
Mr. Pat Nally, Town Engineer
Ms. Anne McNamara, A.S.O.
Apology: Cllr. A. O'Rourke
Minutes:
It was proposed by Cllr. Moran
Seconded by Cllr. McFadden and resolved,
"That we hereby adopt and confirm the Minutes of the January Monthly Meeting which was held on January 7th 2013"
It was proposed by Cllr. Hogan,
Seconded by Cllr. Moran and resolved,
"That we hereby adopt and confirm the Minutes of the Statutory Budget Meeting which was held on January 8th 2013"
Matters Arising:
Cllr. Hogan welcomed the decision of Athlone Art & Heritage Board not to remove the art piece they had been asked to remove. Cllr. Cooney stated that he had no difficulty with this issue being put on the agenda and discussed at the next meeting of the Council.
The Director advised Cllr. Molloy that the lights still out near the Castle, Church and Art Gallery will be repaired before the new public lighting maintenance contract is in place.
In response to Clrs. Molloy and McFaddens' concerns regarding pot holes and the surface of Church St/ Dublingate Street, the Director advised them that there is no point in doing a permanent job here because the street will have to be dug up again soon as part of the water mains rehabilitation scheme..
The Gathering, Ireland 2013:
The Members welcomed Mr. Maurice Stenson to the Meeting, the Council's Coordinator for The Gathering, Ireland's biggest ever tourism initiative. He gave the Members a comprehensive presentation on the Steering Groups' activities to date, the Launch and the proposed calendar of events for the County, which include local gatherings, festivals, sporting gatherings and three Flagship Events.
Everyone connected to Ireland is invited to participate and he assured them that Westmeath will be playing its part fully. All events will be advertised on the websites and in the local press.
The Members thanked him for his presentation and complimented him on his drive and enthusiasm for the project. They wished him well with it and offered their assistance in any way possible.
Taking in Charge:
All the Members welcomed the fact that Church Hills is now up to the proper standard and Cllr. Moran congratulated the residents, the developer and the Council for achieving this.
It was proposed by Cllr. Moran,
Seconded by Cllr. Hogan and resolved,
"Pursuant to the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, the Local Government Acts 1925-2001 and the Planning & Development Acts 2000-2010, we hereby approve of the commencement of the process to take the roads and services in charge in Church Hills estate"
Civic Receptions:
Two requests were received for Civic Receptions and considered by the Sub-Committee.
It was proposed by Cllr. Moran,
Seconded by Cllr. Hogan and resolved,
"We hereby agree to host an Address of Recognition to the Athlone Branch of the ICA on the 60th Anniversary of its foundation, on Saturday, March 23rd 2013"
It was proposed by Cllr. Molloy,
Seconded by Cllr. Moran and resolved,
"We hereby agree to host an Address of Welcome to the National Convention of the Lions Club in Athlone on Friday, March 1st 2013"
Provision of double yellow lines:
The Members considered a map circulated by the Town Engineer showing the proposed location of double yellow lines in Ardnaglug. Cllr. Shaw said that the residents want more double yellow lines than those shown but welcomed the proposal.
It was proposed by Cllr. Shaw,
Seconded by Cllr. Moran and resolved,
"We hereby approve of the provision of double yellow lines in Ardnaglug as outlined on the drawings circulated, pursuant to the Road Traffic Acts 1961 2006"
When asked of the timeframe, the Town Engineer stated as soon as weather permits the required road marking.
Managers Orders:
The Members noted the summary of Managers Orders as circulated.
Questions:
1. Cllr. K. Moran:
When will this Council carry out the necessary works in Ardbrae Park to rectify the problems with the green area and flooding?
Reply: These works will be carried out when weather conditions permit.
2. Cllr. K. Moran:
When will work commence on the provision of the underground bottle-banks at the Fair Green?
Reply: It is hoped to commence work in the second half of 2013.
3. Cllr. A.O'Rourke: (Deferred to March Meeting)
Has the Council made progress to have the large pvc building signs removed from the old Texas building as they are now very loose and pose a significant health & safety issue if they come away from the building completely?
Reply: This building is the subject of a Derelict Site Notice and the Developer has been contacted in relation to loose signs
4. Cllr. A.O'Rourke: (Deferred to March Meeting)
What is the status of the long awaited Baylough Design Plan?
Reply: This plan is being finalised by the Road Design Section at present and will be brought before the March Meeting of Athlone Area Committee. It will be circulated to Members at the April Meeting of Athlone Town Council.
5. Cllr. G. McFadden:
Will this Council repair the footpath on the corner at the entrance to St. Ruth's Park, coming from Connaught Street?
Reply: The Town Engineer will arrange for these works to be carried out.
6. Cllr. G. McFadden:
Will this Council provide the residents of Crystal Village with a park bench?
Reply: The Town Council does not have funding for park benches; however, if the residents want to provide a bench, the Town Engineer will liaise with them regarding same.
7. Cllr. P. Hogan:
What is the update on the Coosan/Ballykeeran/Glasson Sewerage Scheme?
Reply: The Glasson-Ballykeeran-Coosan Sewerage Scheme was completed in May 2012 and officially opened by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., on 7th June 2012. The overall Contract Cost was approximately €7.9million, of which 59% was funded by the DoEC&LG under the Water Services Investment Programme and the balance of 41% was funded from Westmeath County Council's own resources. The scheme consisted of a total length of 7.7km of gravity sewer and 5km of twin rising main together with three new main sewage pumping stations at Glasson, Ballykeeran and Cornamaddy. The scheme discharges to the existing foul sewerage network in Athlone Town where it receives full tertiary treatment at the existing Athlone Waste Water Treatment Plant before discharge of treated effluent to the River Shannon. The Scheme has been designed to accommodate future development in the Villages and possible expansion of the drainage areas in the future, if required.
The primary purpose of the scheme is the protection of water quality in the Lough Ree area in accordance with the Water Framework Directive. This is a High Amenity Area and is a Natural Heritage Area, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area. The scheme will eliminate over 230 individual septic tank systems serving private dwellings and over 30 individual systems serving businesses. It will also protect the abstraction source for the proposed South Westmeath Water Supply Scheme.
The Scheme is now complete and fully operational and connections from households and business premises have been made and will continue to be made for some time yet.
8. Cllr. P. Hogan:
Are there any plans to resurface the Derries Road?
Reply: The Town Engineer will inspect this road and consider it in the context of the 2013 budgets.
9. Cllr. A. Shaw:
There is a lack of directional signage for Dean Crowe Theatre users, particularly visitors to the town, to indicate the fact that the new car park on O'Connell St is available for car parking. Will this Council install a series of signage on route to the car park and at the car park so that the public will know where the new facility is?
Reply: The Town Engineer will be reviewing signage in the vicinity of the Castle, Luan Gallery and the new car-park in the next few weeks.
10. Cllr. A. Shaw:
The road surface on the Ballymahon Road approaching Athlone and immediately before the traffic lights, has deteriorated and needs repair with pot holes emerging regularly. Will this Council undertake the urgent repair work in the coming weeks?
Reply: The Town Engineer will arrange for the County Council to carry out any necessary repairs.
Correspondence:
The Town Clerk informed the Members that the following correspondence had been received:
- Minister for Health re sale of drug paraphernalia
- Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence re the future of Custume Barracks
- IBAL results
- A/Returning Officer re reduction in Polling Stations in AE
- Athlone art & Heritage re Motion to remove artwork
- Regional And Local Road Grant Allocations 2013
It was agreed to circulate the correspondence together with notifications for conferences and resolutions from other councils.
Motions:
(a) Cllr. K. Moran
"That this Council discusses what action can be taken regarding the two derelict houses in the Battery Heights area"
Response: These are two adjoining semi-detached properties in the single ownership of an individual with an address in County Meath. One of these houses was fire damaged in 2012 and may have been previously damaged in another fire. Derelict Site Notices were returned and subsequently posted on site. The sites are on the Derelict Sites Register and valuations were posted on site in December and a Derelict Sites levy for 2013 will be issued over the coming weeks. Other actions, including a prosecution under the Derelict Sites Act, are being considered.
Cllr. Moran felt immediate action should be taken to board up these houses as they are open and extremely dangerous for the young people going into them. Cllr. Hogan agreed and felt action should be taken under the Dangerous Structures Act. The Director confirmed that the case is being actively pursued but he has to be mindful of the cost that the Council incurs. Cllr. Moran asked that the houses be boarded up in the short term.
(b) Cllr. K. Moran:
"That this Council discusses the possibility of allowing free parking in O'Connell Street Car-park for the duration of the Westside Regeneration Works"
Response: In relation to the Westside Regeneration, a meeting has been held with representatives of the local traders to agree arrangements and it is anticipated that works will commence in the next few weeks. While turnover in the car park at present is low, it is expected that this will increase significantly when works commence. The provision of free car parking would encourage long stay parking, which would not be advantageous for local traders and would not be recommended.
There was a lengthy discussion on this issue with the Executive advising against free parking on the basis that the carpark will be full up by all day parking and therefore not available for shoppers. Members expressed different views for and against free parking. It was decided to erect the necessary carpark signage and monitor its use over the coming months.
(c) Cllr. K. Moran:
"That this Council discusses the policy regarding paid parking in Athlone"
Response: The 2013 budget is based on the current paid parking arrangements. Any change could have an impact on income, which would have budgetary implications. It is proposed to undertake a review of paid parking in the current year with a view to implementation in 2014. In this way, any changes proposed can be taken into consideration in the preparation and adoption of the 2014 Budget.
Cllr. Moran welcomed the review but he said that changes were occurring now, that the usual grace of 10 minutes was gone and people cannot even go to get change for the meter. He felt leeway has to be given. Cllr. Cooney said it is a vexed issue but works reasonably well with the Wardens using their discretion. The Director advised that the review will be undertaken by the Council and should be complete by mid year.
(d) Cllr. A. O'Rourke: (Deferred to March Meeting)
"For this Council to prepare and forward a proposal to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government calling on the Minister and the Government to amend The Valuation Act 2001 so that state bodies located in towns and cities around Ireland are no longer exempted from an annual rates charge to their respective local authorities"
Response: Such a proposal can be submitted to the Minister if the Members so wish.
(e) Cllr. A. O'Rourke: (Deferred to March Meeting)
"For this Council to write to An Post and insist that the practice of leaving free publications like The Eircom Phone Book and The Golden Pages on doorsteps, footpaths and pillars outside premises and houses be stopped with immediate effect as it causes a litter risk"
Response: The Council will issue such a letter in the Members so wish.
(f) Cllr. A.O'Rourke: (Deferred to March Meeting)
"For the Council to undertake an assessment of the brown motorway signs in and around the Athlone area to assess the effectiveness of their night-time reflective qualities as some signs seem to have deteriorated in this regard"
Response: The Town Engineer will refer this matter to the Sign Maintenance section of the NRA, who maintain the signs on the national roads.
(g) Cllr. G. McFadden:
"That this Council be given an update on the progress/plan for Meadowbrook, Willow Park as per previously agreed"
Response: An update on the Willow Park Plan was given to the Members at the October 2012 Meeting of the Council. This report indicated that all of the works included in the Willow Park Improvement Plan, approved by the Members in April 2010 have been completed. Expenditure by Athlone Town Council on the project was in the order of €280,000 with a further €142,000 in grant funding from a number of sources. There is continuing input by the Council in association with other agencies in addressing ongoing significant illegal dumping, vandalism, dereliction and anti-social behaviour.
Cllr. McFadden while acknowledging all the good work that has been done improving the area, asked that more be done to track owners of the derelict houses and get them to repair them. She also enquired if any prosecutions had taken place under the Litter Acts since the cameras were installed. The Director advised her that efforts in Meadowbrook were ongoing and no prosecutions had taken place as the CCTV cameras had been vandalized.
(h) Cllr. G. McFadden:
"That this Council agrees to clean the road and pillars at the back of Marine View and also tidy the front of our own house which is boarded up"
Response: The Town Engineer will arrange for these works to be carried out.
(i) Cllr. G. McFadden:
"That this Council invites the students of the town that are studying CSPE for Junior Cert to come into the Chamber so that they can learn how Local Government works"
Response: There is no difficulty in accommodating any students who wish to visit the Civic Centre and Council Chamber.
Cllr. McFadden suggested that the Council might hold an Open-Day, having the Mayor, Members and Officials there to answer questions. The Members supported the idea.
(j) Cllr. P. Hogan:
"That this Council investigates indiscriminate dumping at Montree"
Response: The Council is aware of this illegal dumping problem and has been working with the Tidy Towns and the local residents to address this issue.
The Town Clerk confirmed that the Litter Warden is pursuing this issue.
(k) Cllr. P. Hogan:
"That this Council extends footpaths between Hillcourt and the Garrycastle Bridge and investigates the need to upgrade public lighting on this popular walkway"
Response: These works would be premature pending the completion of works on the new Garrycastle Bridge contract, which is scheduled to commence shortly.
Cllr. Hogan disregarded this answer, stating that this stretch of road which is a sign-posted "walk"has nothing to do with the new bridge and asked that it be allocated funding in the Block Grant. The Members supported the Motion. However the Director explained that he hoped to seek approval from the Department, to extend the footpath from the new bridge to Retreat and therefore get Department funding under the bridge project, thus saving the Council money. If this does not happen, he said he would re-visit the issue and have it costed.
(l) Cllr. P. Hogan:
"That Athlone Town Council request Westmeath County Council to extend the footpath to Coosan Cemetery"
Response: Westmeath County Council has no funding in the current year to provide this footpath.
Cllr. Hogan said the Block Grant Expenditure proposals have not been presented to WCC yet, so it can still be included for 2013.
(m) Cllr. A. Shaw:
"That this Council undertakes essential maintenance and/or upgrading of the road crossing/speed ramp and road surface outside the entrance to Cornamaddy School. This should also include a review of lighting at the road crossing taking account of the increased use by pedestrians at night time"
Response: The Town Engineer will inspect the crossing to ascertain what essential maintenance may be required. However, there are no plans nor is there a budget for more substantial works.
Cllr. Shaw said there is a safety issue here and Cllr. Moran agreed. The Director stated that he would ask Road Design to examine the area.
(n) Cllr. A. Shaw:
"That this Council include provision in the 2013 Block Grant to undertake further essential repair work on the footpath in Bloomfield Drive between house no's 22 and 23"
Response: The Town Engineer will consider this when preparing the works proposals for 2013.
(o) Cllr. A. Shaw:
"That this Council undertakes a review of the traffic light system and sequencing at the Coosan junction where there are dangers for drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the new traffic management system.
Response: This junction was the subject of a Road Safety Audit which highlighted no dangers for traffic. Any particular concerns should be brought to the attention of the Town Engineer.
Cllr. Shaw asked that the Road Safety Audit be circulated to the Members.
(p) Cllr. S. Buckley Byrne:
"That this Council complete the outstanding road markings, to control car parking at Willow View as agreed as part of the Willow Park Action plan"
Response: Further negotiations are required with the local residents prior to this work being undertaken.
(q) Cllr. S. Buckley Byrne:
"That this Council introduces a Bye Law in the town area making it illegal to beg within the Local Authority area.
Response: It is not unlawful for a person to engage in begging in the state and as such, the Council does not have the authority to make it unlawful within the Town area. The Garda Siochana have powers under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2011, to act against anyone who engages in harassment or intimidation while begging.
Cllr. Buckley Byrne felt the Council should get advice and guidance from the Minister for Justice as to how they can regulate begging in their functional area, as it is now out of hand, intimidating people and actually putting them off coming into the town. All the Members agreed and it was decided to write to the Minister.
Official Opening of the Castle:
The Town Clerk informed the Members that the Castle will be officially opened by Minister Ring on Tuesday 26th February 2013 at 3pm.
This concluded the business of the Meeting.