MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, CASTLEBAR, ON MONDAY, 14th DECEMBER, 2015, AT 3.00 p.m.
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The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. M. Holmes, was in the Chair.
The other Councillors present were:-
Cllrs. N. Cruise, G. Ginty, M. Loftus, J. Munnelly, J. O’Hara, M. Smyth, S. Weir, C. Burke, L. Chambers, F. Durcan, B.K. Gavin, H. Kenny, M. Kilcoyne, A. McDonnell, T. Ruane, J. Caulfield, T. Connolly, J. Cribbin, R. Finn, G. Murray, P. O’Brien, D. Ryan,
R. Conway-Walsh, G. Coyle, C. Hyland, T. McGuire, P. McNamara, B. Mulroy.
The Council Staff in attendance were:-
Mr. P. Hynes, Chief Executive, Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Condon, Meetings Administrator, Mr. P. Duggan, Head of Finance, Mr. P. Mahon, Dir. of Services, Mr. T. Gilligan, Dir. of Services, Ms. J. Grehan, Dir. of Services, Ms. A. McCarthy, Arts Officer, Mr. N. Sheridan, Dev. Officer, Mr. D. Minton, Economic Dev. Officer, Ms. C. Kenny, Asst. Staff Officer.
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At the outset, it was -
Proposed by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Seconded by Cllr. D. Ryan
Resolved:-
“That “Standing Orders” be suspended in order to deal with Item No. 3, as listed on the Agenda, first”.
ITEM NO. 3.
UPDATE ON RECENT FLOODING IN THE COUNTY.
Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, gave a Presentation to the Members in relation to the serious flooding which took place in the County recently.
Following the Presentation, a lengthy discussion ensued regarding the flooding in the County particularly in Crossmolina and the South Mayo region as a result of Storm Desmond.
A number of Councillors expressed their concerns and called for remedial measures to be put in place to help prevent such flooding occurrences in the future.
The time being 5.07 p.m., it was agreed to adjourn for 10 minutes in order to hold the Launch of the Mayo County Council 1916 Commemorative Calendar.
The Meeting resumed at 5.17 p.m.
Following the discussion, Mr. P. Mahon, Dir. of Services, Mr. T. Gilligan, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, Mr. P. Duggan, Head of Finance and Mr. P. Hynes, Chief Executive, replied to queries raised by the Members under this Item.
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ITEM NO. 2.
PRESENTATION BY MAYO COMHAIRLE NA nÓG.
A Presentation was given to the Members by Ms. Rachel Gaughan and Ms. Chloe McMorrow on behalf of Mayo Comhairle na nÓg.
Following the Presentation and discussion, various queries raised by the Members were replied to by Ms. Gaughan and Ms. McMorrow.
The Cathaoirleach thanked Ms. Gaughan and Ms. McMorrow for their informative Presentation.
The time being 6.30 p.m., it was -
Proposed by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Seconded by Cllr. D. Ryan
Resolved:-
“That “Standing Orders” be suspended in order to allow the Meeting to continue”.
ITEM NO. 4.
TO APPROVE OF THE ALLOCATION OF ARTS GRANTS FOR 2015.
Proposed by Cllr. J. Cribbin
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That we hereby approve of the Allocation of Arts Grants for 2015 as follows:-
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RECOMMENDED
NAME OF APPLICANT GRANT 2015
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Claremorris Arts Committee €5,000
Westport Arts Festival €5,000
Ballina Salmon Festival €3,000
Síamsa Sráide, Swinford €2,000
Kenny / Naughton School, Ballyhaunis €1,200
Féile Chois Cuain, Louisburgh €2,000
Ceol na Locha, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh € 950
Crimlin Community Arts Group €1,500
Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival €1,000
Seosamh Mac Gabhann Summer School € 950
Westport Festival of Chamber Music €1,000
Ballinrobe Musical Society € 500
Mayo Academy of Performing Arts € 500
Ballyhaunis Artists Group € 400”.
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ITEM NO. 5.
TO ADOPT MAYO DIGITAL STRATEGY.
Proposed by Cllr. T. McGuire
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That Mayo Digital Strategy, as circulated, be adopted”.
ITEM NO. 6.
(a) TO ESTABLISH A PROTOCOL COMMITTEE;
(b) TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO THE PROTOCOL COMMITTEE.
(a) Proposed by Cllr. D. Ryan
Seconded by Cllr. R. Finn
Resolved:-
“That we hereby establish a Protocol Committee which shall consist of 6 No.
Members of the Council”.
(b) Proposed by Cllr. D. Ryan
Seconded by Cllr. R. Finn
Resolved:-
“That Cllrs. A. McDonnell and D. Ryan be appointed to the Protocol
Committee”.
Proposed by Cllr. J. Munnelly
Seconded by Cllr. T. McGuire
Resolved:-
“That Cllrs. J. Munnelly and J. Cribbin be appointed to the Protocol
Committee”.
Proposed by Cllr. G. Murray
Seconded by Cllr. T. Ruane
Resolved:-
“That Cllrs. M. Kilcoyne and R. Conway-Walsh be appointed to the Protocol
Committee”.
ITEM NO. 7.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S MANAGEMENT REPORT.
Proposed by Cllr. M. Kilcoyne
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That Chief Executive’s Management Report, as circulated, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 8.
TO APPROVE OF PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTION OF -
(a) €3,000 TO AINMHITHE ANIMAL RESCUE;
(b) €12,000 TO MADRA;
(c) €12,000 TO NORTH WEST SPCA LTD.;
(d) €3,000 TO NORTH MAYO HORSE SANCTUARY;
(e) €10,000 TO HUNGRY HORSE OUTSIDE.
It was agreed to defer this Item to the January Meeting of the Council.
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ITEM NO. 9.
TO AUTHORISE THE ATTENDANCE OF THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO VISIT U.S.A. FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES AND ASSOCIATED EVENTS.
The Council were informed of the estimated cost of sending a Delegate to these Events.
Proposed by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Seconded by Cllr. J. Munnelly
Resolved:-
“That the Cathaoirleach, Cllr. M. Holmes, Cllrs. B. Mulroy and T. McGuire be authorised to visit U.S.A. for St. Patrick’s Day Parades and Associated Events and that the necessary expenditure be hereby approved”.
ITEM NO. 10.
TO NOTE MINUTES OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE SUPPORT STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD ON 15th SEPTEMBER, 2015 AND 14th OCTOBER, 2015.
Proposed by Cllr. M. Kilcoyne
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That Minutes of Economic Development and Enterprise Support Strategic Policy Committee Meetings held on 15th September, 2015 and 14th October, 2015, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 11.
TO NOTE MINUTES OF CULTURAL, EDUCATION, HERITAGE, CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 18th SEPTEMBER, 2015.
Proposed by Cllr. J. Munnelly
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That Minutes of Cultural, Education, Heritage, Corporate Affairs and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee Meeting held on 18th September, 2015, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 12.
TO NOTE MINUTES OF CASTLEBAR MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS HELD ON 7th MAY, 2015, 4th JUNE, 2015, 9th JULY, 2015, 10th SEPTEMBER, 2015 AND 8th OCTOBER, 2015.
Proposed by Cllr. B.K. Gavin
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That Minutes of Castlebar Municipal District Meetings held on 7th May, 2015, 4th June, 2015, 9th July, 2015, 10th September, 2015 and 8th October, 2015, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 13.
TO NOTE MINUTES OF WEST MAYO MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS HELD ON 28th SEPTEMBER, 2015, 2nd NOVEMBER, 2015 AND 9th NOVEMBER, 2015.
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Proposed by Cllr. T. McGuire
Seconded by Cllr. B. Mulroy
Resolved:-
“That Minutes of West Mayo Municipal District Meetings held on 28th September, 2015, 2nd November, 2015 and 9th November, 2015, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 14.
TO NOTE MINUTES OF CLAREMORRIS MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETING HELD ON 7th OCTOBER, 2015.
Proposed by Cllr. R. Finn
Seconded by Cllr. T. Connolly
Resolved:-
“That Minutes of Claremorris Municipal District Meeting held on 7th October, 2015, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 15.
TO NOTE MINUTES OF BALLINA MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETING HELD ON 28th OCTOBER, 2015.
Proposed by Cllr. M. Loftus
Seconded by Cllr. A.M. Reape
Resolved:-
“That Minutes of Ballina Municipal District Meeting held on 28th October, 2015, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 16.
TO NOTE REPORT(S) ON CONFERENCE(S) ATTENDED BY MEMBER(S) OF THE COUNCIL.
Proposed by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Seconded by Cllr. J. Munnelly
Resolved:-
“That Report(s) on Conference(s) attended by Member(s) of the Council, as circulated, be noted”.
ITEM NO. 17.
TO CONSIDER NOMINATING REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND CONFERENCE – “MOBILE MARKETING OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS” – TO BE HELD IN THE CLONAKILTY HOTEL, CLONAKILTY, CO. CORK, FROM 18th TO 20th DECEMBER, 2015.
The Council were informed of the estimated cost of sending a Delegate to this Conference.
ITEM NO. 18.
TO CONSIDER NOMINATING REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND CONFERENCE – “THE FINANCE ACT 2015” – TO BE HELD IN THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, CARLINGFORD, CO. LOUTH, FROM 8th to 10th JANUARY, 2016.
The Council were informed of the estimated cost of sending a Delegate to this Conference.
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Proposed by Cllr. C. Burke
Seconded by Cllr. M. Kilcoyne
Resolved:-
“That Cllrs. T. Connolly, J. Cribbin, N. Cruise, R. Finn, C. Hyland, B. Mulroy and J. O’Hara be nominated to attend Conference – “The Finance Act 2015” – to be held in the Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford, Co. Louth, from 8th to 10th January, 2016”.
Conference – Clonakilty, Co. Cork – 4th to 6th December, 2015.
Proposed by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Seconded by Cllr. L. Chambers
Resolved:-
“That the attendance of Cllr. D. Ryan at Conference – “A Practical Guide to Budget 2016” – held in the Clonakilty Hotel, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, from 4th to 6th December, 2015, be hereby approved”.
NOTICES OF MOTION.
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(a) “That Mayo County Council use its powers under Section 76 of the Local
Government Act 2014 and introduce another amnesty for the late payment of
Non Principal Private Residence charges”.
It was agreed to defer this Notice of Motion to the January Meeting of the
Council.
(b) “That Mayo County Council complete an audit of the availability of broadband
services throughout the County and seek an EU funded programme for the
introduction of NGA (Next Generation Access) to broadband in the rural towns
of Mayo”.
It was agreed to defer this Notice of Motion to the January Meeting of the
Council.
(c) Proposed by Cllr. R. Finn
Seconded by Cllr. D. Ryan
Resolved:-
“That Mayo Co. Council call on the Government to appoint a Minister for Rural
Regeneration”.
(d) Proposed by Cllr. R. Conway-Walsh
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“Following the recent closure of the R312 for a number of days, I am calling
for Mayo County Council to seek emergency funding to upgrade this
strategically important Regional Road”.
Mr. P. Mahon, Dir. of Services, replied to this Notice of Motion and stated that
Mayo County Council had applied for emergency funding for the R312 but had
not been successful. However, he said that a further application will be made
for the necessary funding for the upgrade of this road.
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(e) “Calling on Mayo County Council to request a Joint Presentation from the
OPW and the Fisheries Board to discuss their action plan to carry out works
to alleviate flooding from rivers and lakes throughout Mayo”.
Cllr. R. Conway-Walsh stated that she was satisfied with the reply to this
Notice of Motion.
(f) Proposed by Cllr. P. O’Brien
Seconded by Cllr. D. Ryan
Resolved:-
“Calling on Mayo County Council to enter into negotiations with Galway
County Council to put a road policy plan in place to deal with South Mayo /
North Galway connectivity to the new motorway now being constructed to
Tuam”.
(g) Proposed by Cllr. P. O’Brien
Seconded by Cllr. J. Cribbin
Resolved:-
“Calling on Mayo County Council to allow road side drainage to form part of
the 2016 Local Improvements Scheme”.
ITEM NO. 1.
MIONTUAIRISCI DE CRUINNIU COMHAIRLE CHONTAE MHAIGH EO A BHI AR SIUL AR AN 9ú SAMHAIN, 2015, A DEIMHNIU.
TO CONFIRM MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 9th NOVEMBER, 2015.
Mhol Comhairleoir G. Coyle
Chuid Comhairleoir A. McDonnell leis
Ghlacu leis an tairiscint:-
“Go n-aontaiomar le Miontuairisci de Cruinniu Comhairle Chontae Mhaigh Eo a bhi ar siul ar an 9ú Samhain, 2015”.
Proposed by Cllr. G. Coyle
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That Minutes of Mayo County Council Meeting held on 9th November, 2015, be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record”.
Proposed by Cllr. J. Munnelly
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That the January Meeting of the Council be held on Monday, 18th January, 2016, at 3.00 p.m.”.
RESOLUTIONS OF SYMPATHY.
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Proposed by Cllr. M. Kilcoyne
Seconded by Cllr. B.K. Gavin
Resolved:-
“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Mr. Frank Fitzgerald, Saleen, Castlebar, on the death of his Wife, Nora”.
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Proposed by Cllr. M. Kilcoyne
Seconded by Cllr. B.K. Gavin
Resolved:-
“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Mrs. Emily Cunnane, Cottage Road, Breaffy, Castlebar, on the death of her Husband, Martin”.
The Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive then wished all the Members, Staff and their families and the Members of the Press, a Happy, Safe, Peaceful Christmas and New Year.
The Meeting concluded at 7.00 p.m.