Monday 16th September 2010, Ashbourne Civic Offices
Cllr Joe Bonner presided
Members Present
Cllr Nick Killian
Cllr Noel Leonard
Cllr Regina Doherty
Cllr Maria Murphy
Cllr Niamh McGowan
Apologies: Cllr Brian Fitzgerald
Officials in Attendance
Brendan McGrath Area Manager
Áine Bird Area Administrator
Emmanuel Mwadiwa Acting Senior Executive Engineer
Margaret Carroll Staff Officer
Fergal O’Bric Executive Planner- Planning Department
Martin Rogers Senior Executive Officer- Corporate Services
Fiona McMahon Staff Officer- Corporate Services
Sheila Sheridan Staff Officer – Corporate Services
The members requested that the meeting be adjourned to discuss housing issues in committee. This was agreed.
The members had a brief discussion regarding issues raised concerning council tenants. It was agreed that a meeting be held with the various agencies involved to assist and formulate a strategy to solve the immediate problems and any other issues arising.
The members would be updated on progress.
1.0 Confirmation of Minutes
1.1 On the proposal of Cllr Maria Murphy and seconded by Cllr Noel Leonard the minutes for the meeting held 12th July 2010 were agreed.
1.2 On the proposal of Cllr Maria Murphy and seconded by Cllr Noel Leonard the minutes for the In Committee meeting held 12th July 2010 were agreed.
2.0 Expressions of Sympathy and Congratulations
2.1 None
3.0 Matters Arising from the Minutes
The Members requested that the issue of Graffiti and Kilbride Pumping Station be included on Octobers Agenda.
4.0 To consider matters in respect of the Protocol Committee in relation to:
4.1 Planning
Cllr Regina Doherty
DA100738 – Against
DA100882 - For
Cllr Maria Murphy
DA100882 - For
DA100553 – For
TA100116 - Against
Cllr Niamh McGowan
DA100112 – Against
DA100651 – Against
DA100882 - For
Cllr Nick Killian
DA 901943 - For
DA100837 - For
DA100882 - For
DA100888- For
The members discussed the issue of 10 year planning permissions. Planning advised that these permissions are not normally granted. An application was received for a 10 year permission but was not granted.
Members raised the issue of the unauthorised sites along the N2 and the monitoring for other unauthorised sites that might appear along this road.
The members were advised that officials met with the council’s law agent and was agreed that should there be serious breaches of the law, injunction procedures will commence. The Area Manager also advised that Planning Enforcement has not got sufficient staff to deal with unauthorised developments within the County. He advised that the Council is down 22% of its permanent staff since the moratorium came into effect in August 2008 and down 37% when job sharers etc are included. Meath County Council has the lowest ratio of staff within the country at 4.33% per head of population. The manager advised that policies are currently being reviewed. Sections are trying to provide all the services with less staff and there is an increase in the number of staff on sick leave due to stress and substance issues. Income for 2010 is down due to a decrease in the receipt of planning fees, commercial rates, and water rates.
5.0 “To consider and if thought fit to recommend to the full Council the making of the Polling Scheme in accordance with the Draft and subject to such amendments as is considered proper. The Scheme to come into operation on 15th February 2011”
A report on the polling scheme was circulated to the members by Martin Rogers SEO, Corporate Services. He advised that the draft Polling Scheme was on display in December 2009 for comment and submissions.
Some members requested more time before agreeing to the draft and recommending to the full council meeting in October. It was agreed to discuss the draft and any amendments at the special meeting scheduled for the 29th September 2010.
6.0 Matters raised with the permission of the Cathoirleach
Cllr Nick Killian
· The council needs to take in charge the Old Mill Phase 1 and use the bond to complete the works.
· Wheelchair users are having difficulties accessing the paths from Steeplechase to the Post Office, Ratoath as paths are not dished, funding required to dish these paths.
· Does the OPW look after the drainage of the Hurley river as land is being flooded.
· Still an issue with odours from the Kilbride Pumping Station.
· Complimented staff with the cleaning of Roundabouts in Ratoath and Fairyhouse road.
Officials replied as follows:
· Awaiting allocation of the disability funding and priority will be given to works required as per the access audit.
· The Council is responsible for the drainage of the Hurley River, some drainage committees were disbanded a number of years ago and not replaced. Will need to look for funding for 2011.
· Creditors for the Old Mill Estate have submitted a proposal to complete the outstanding works and the bond released to them. Awaiting confirmation that this is acceptable to the Council.
Cllr Regina Doherty
1. Update on Ashbourne United submission
2. Culreavy Family, Skyrne Road, Ratoath – Major Flooding of front garden due to resurfacing of Skyrne Road, . A dip now exists and all surface water running down from road into garden.
3. Park View - Road into estate has overgrown leylande trees, garbage collectors have complained damage being done to their trucks, will refuse to enter estate if problem is not fixed. Wind damaged mountain ash tree which has split at a fork.
4. N2 at Nine Mile Stone heading towards Donamore. Major Pot Hole outside 3 houses on left.
5. Malone Family, Rackenstown, Ratoath – Major Flooding of front garden due to resurfacing of Road.
6. Road Safety Audit to be carried out at St. Paul’s National School Ratoath as no School Warden, pedestrian crossing or safety railings at school entrance, pedestrian lights not sufficient. Lack of road signs to improve public awareness of school. Difficulty with traffic lights at Jamestown junction as no lights for pedestrians to cross.
7. Request to change “Yield” signs on Jamestown Roundabout to “Stop” signs as being ignored.
8. Request an Update on Kilbride Sewage Facility problem.
9. Park View – Dangerous Trees require cutting back
10. Request a detailed Report on Water Supply and all relevant issues to The Grange, Ratoath.
11. Request that a Disability Audit be carried out for town of Dunshaughlin. No public Disabled Parking Places.
12. Dunshaughlin Skate Board Park – concrete has decayed considerably – please inspect as H&S issue.
13. Current Status Report on The Milltown Road, Ashbourne – previous works promised regarding storm drain, flooding prevention, continuation of path to village. Also ramps promised.
14. Illegal rubbish dumped on Whitemore Road, Ashbourne
15. Unauthorised Development at Glenard, Kilbride – request unannounced inspection.
16. No signposts for Drumree, 2 speeds on Leshemstown Lane 50km and 80km – why?
17. Yellow Lines extended for Clonkeen, Ratoath
18. Yellow Lines extended for Jamestown Ratoath
19. Request a meeting with the Ratoath Riverwalk Committee.
20. Jamestown Bridge collapsed – Health & Safety Audit.
21. Is it possible to buy a road sweeping machine.
The Officials replied:
· A contractor has commenced strimming and repairing signage and barriers along routes.
· Motorways have Public Private Partnerships but the M2 has no PPP. Council staff is not qualified under Health and Safety to maintain or carry out works on this road.
· The issue of roundabouts being maintenance free and sponsored by businesses has been raised with the NRA and a policy is currently being drafted up regarding the maintenance of RoB’s.
· Eurolink maintain verges on roads 30meters off the motorways.
· Road Sweeping Machine is being considered as €1million is being spent annually on street cleaning within the county.
Cllr Maria Murphy
1. Dunshaughlin Playground - request for baby swing to be installed, concern about speed of trafficon road beside playgroundfrom SuperValu direction, can some safety measures be supplied please.
2. Drumree Rd, Dunshaughlin - requested extra signage on this road, increased traffic since opening of the M3.
3. Dunboyne Tennis Club in Clonee - bank of stones/clay left at entrance when road/path done. If the council can remove the rubble the tennis club will landscape the area.
4.Kilbreena Residents - request for the Council to cut the large green areas as they have no moregrass cutting money left this year.
5. Dunboyne Water Tower - request from resident living beside the tower for area to be tidied. Can the council remove the bank ofearth left bycouncil and water is leaking from the tower.
6. GAA/Athletic Club parking area - when will next stage of resurfacing commence.
7. Tolka River & Castle River - meeting to take place between MCC & OPW as advised last year re ongoing maintenance - can we have update please.
Cllr Niamh McGowan;
· Builders yard beside Brindley’s Park needs to be made more secure
· More yellow lines required into Milltown estate
· More signage required on the Drumree road due to speeding
· What is the timeframe to carry works with Coldricks Pass, Dunshaughlin
· What is the status on the bond for Hunters Lane, Ashbourne.
· An issue with a wall beside 24 Killegland Crescent, Ashbourne.
· Require bus stops between Marriott Hotel and Johnswood/Rathlodge estates and Baldara Court,
· Update on brown bins waste collection.
Officials replied:
· More signage will be erected on the Drumree road.
· Outstanding works in Coldricks Pass, Dunshaughlin should be completed within 6 weeks.
· Awaiting the bank to confirm release of bond for Hunters Lane, Ashbourne.
· To notify housing regarding the wall at 24 Killegland Crescent, Ashbourne.
· The Bus stop upgrades along routes 109 & 109A are being prepared by the QBN project, they propose to divide the project into different Packages with each package subdivided into phases.
Package 1 phase1 are the bus stops/lay by south of Navan and package 1 phase2 are the bus stops/lay by North of Navan, both can be constructed immediately.
Package 2Phases 1&2 are works that require planning permission or land acquisition prior to the works commencing.
· Will meet Bus Eireann and discuss any issues concerning bus stop/bays with them.
· To meet contractors with the roll out of bins on a pilot basis,
Cllr Joe Bonner:
· Yellow box required at Johnswood, Ashbourne
· Lines fading in Ashbourne town centre and Milltown Road.
· Path is blocked in the public park and weeds in the playground, Ashbourne
· River along town centre needs cleaning and bridge to be reinstated in Ashbourne
· Graffiti along the walls of the town centre, Ashbourne
· Lighting required along the Stags Head Ashbourne
· More bus stops required in Ashbourne town.
· Complimented staff involved in the pride of places initiatives.
Cllr Noel Leonard:
· Lights on left side in Dunboyne Park not working
· Light required outside Cue Cut Hairdressers, pole in place with no light.
· Hedge overgrown between Garnet Estate and Summerhill RoB on the Dunboyne/Summerhill Road
· Require footpath on the Dunboyne/Summerhill road outside Dunboyne village.
· Lorry parking in front of bus stop Topaz filling station on the old N3 which is causing problems for people getting to the lane.
· Update on resurfacing of the GAA/Athletic Club parking area.
Officials replied:
· Public lighting is dealt by the Public Lighting section in Co Hall, will refer these issues to them.
The members expressed their regret and concern at how the officials were treated at the information session held in the Ardboyne Hotel for the Tara Skyrne plan.
7.0 Items / Correspondence raised by the Area Manager
The Area Manager raised the following issues:
Ashbourne Main Street
Consultants Clifton Scannell Emerson have been appointed to design the Ashbourne Main Street Refurbishment scheme and bring to Part 8 stage which should be advanced by the end of the year with works to commence early next year. The Consultants will attend Octobers meeting to meet with the members and introduce themselves.
Ashbourne River Walk:
The Ashbourne Community Group is to submit plans for the Ashbourne River Walk which can then be discussed.
Ashbourne United:
Members were advised that there are 2 options in dealing with this submission, variation to the LAP or submit a planning application with a proposal to materially contravene the LAP.
The Consultants will discuss these options with Ashbourne United and revert back to the Planning department with their decision.
Taking in Charge:
The manager advised that this area is working with the Planning department regarding unfinished estates, status of bonds and prioritising estates for taking in charge. A report to be compiled of the status of all housing estates with the Dunshaughlin Area.
Parking Management Plans:
Members were advised that draft parking bye laws for Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Ashbourne, Clonee and Dunboyne will be presented at the next meeting for discussion. This draft will include issues such as parking, paid parking and enforcement.
Solheim Cup:
Members were advised that Kevin Stewart DoS will attend the next meeting to discuss preparations for the above event.
Deerpark & Kilbride Pumping Stations:
The manager acknowledged that there are still issues with Kilbride pumping station which need to be sorted. He advised that an official from the water services section will attend the next area meeting.
Ashbourne Civic Offices:
There are proposals in place for an Adult Learning Centre for the Ashbourne area office with the Library managing the entire building and Fas as an anchor tenant. Internal works are required for this centre however the budget assigned is inadequate. A decision will be made to close the Ashbourne Area Office within the next few weeks as both area offices are now experiencing reduced staff numbers which is causing difficulties keeping both offices open.
Staff/Staff matters:
The members were advised that there is an increase in aggression and violence towards staff from the public. This issue to be discussed and a decision required on how best to deal with these cases.
8.0 Notice of Motion
Submitted by Cllr. Regina Doherty