Monthly Meeting, Chamber, Civic Offices, Dunshaughlin 11.00Monday20 January 2014
Monthly Meeting, Chamber, Civic Offices, Dunshaughlin 11.00Monday20 January 2014
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Brian Fitzgerald presided.
Other Members Present:
Cllrs. Joe Bonner, Nick Killian, Noel Leonard, Niamh McGowan, Maria Murphy, Gerry O’Connor
Officials Present:
Joe Fahy, Area Manager; Adrian Hobbs, Area Engineer;Caroline Corrigan Senior Executive Engineer, Environment & Water Services, John Sweeney, Building Control Officer, Mary Fagan, Clerical Officer
Joe Fahy advised Councillors/Officials of their obligations under Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 as set out in the Ethical Framework circulated with the Agenda.
1.0Confirmation of Minutes of the following meeting
1.1December2013 monthly meeting held Monday9 December 2013
On the proposal of Cllr. Leonard seconded by Cllr. Killian the members confirmed the minutes of the monthly meeting held Monday 9 December 2013.
2.0Matters arising from the minutes
Nothing raised.
3.0Expressions of Sympathy
The members extended sympathy to
- The family of the late Shane Donnelly, Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
- The family of the late Mary Sylver, former Councillor
Joe Fahy on behalf of the Manager and staff expressed sympathy to the Donnelly and Sylver families. It was agreed that the area office write a letter of condolence to each family.
4.0To Consider matters in respect of Protocol Committee in relation to:
4.1 Planning.
On the proposal of Cllr. Killian and seconded by Cllr. Leonard, the members agreed to go into committee to discuss this item. Cllr. McGowan voiced her objection to this.
Cllr. Leonard
DA/130936 For
DA/130974 For
DA/130975 For
Cllr. Killian
DA/130902 For
DA/130926 For
DA/130943 For
DA/130954 For
Cllr. McGowan
DA/130883 For
DA/130936 Observation re: traffic
DA/130794 Observation re: traffic
Cllr. Murphy
DA/130936 For
Cllr. O’Connor
DA/130894 For
DA/130936 For
Cllr. Fitzgerald
DA/130696 For
DA/130924 For
DA/130767 For
DA/130963 For
DA/130794 For
DA/130981 For
DA/130976 For
5.0To receive a Report from Planning on Taking in Charge Estates
John Sweeneycirculated and presented the report to the meeting. He advised there was a new procedure in selecting estates for taking in charge based on the following criteria,which were adopted by the Full Council in 2013 following a recommendation from the Planning SPC:
compliance inspections; valid developer request; and valid residents’ request,
The members noted the report, and raised a number of queries which were answered by the officials present.
6.0To receive a Report from Environment on Dunboyne Graveyard
Caroline Corrigan circulated and presented the report to the meeting. The members welcomed the report and raised a number of queries as follows:
- Expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction at the recommendations and conclusions
- Cllr. Leonard queried why the importation of topsoil was not feasible as a possible solution to the drainage issue; was unhappy with the imposition on the people of Dunboyne if the project didn’t go ahead; stated that the report commissioned by the local burial committee suggests the land could be drained but clarified that invasive site investigation works were not undertaken; requested a copy of Dr. Meehan’s report; queried if the Cemetery Committee’s consultant could undertake site investigation works on the site
- Cllr. Murphy queried whether the minimum burial depth could be reduced and requested the provision of a footpath and carpark in the event of the site being otherwise developed
- Cllr. Fitzgerald asked whether an alternative site i.e. ClarksField could be considered
- Cllr. McGowan stated that there was no entitlement for anyone to be buried in the area of their birth
- Cllr. O’Connor queried whether a comprehensive analysis of the land had been undertaken prior to its purchase
- Requested that the Council review both Dr. Meehan’s and the Dunboyne Graveyard Committee’s report to ascertain whether any common ground existed
Joe Fahy and Caroline Corrigan responded as follows:
- The costs associated with the importation of soil would be huge and also it is very difficult to source large volumes of clean soil and stone
- The minimum burial depth recommended is 1.2 metres and maintaining this with the high water table would result in wet burials
- Requested a copy of the consultants’ report as outlined by Cllr. Leonard in his contribution to the debate
- Council would examine the process prior to the purchase of the land
- The Council in principle would have no issue with the Cemetery Committee carrying out site investigation works provided it met certain requirements e.g. Health& Safety, procurement etc.
- Highlighted the impact raising the ground levels would have on capacity effectively halving the operational period of the burial ground
- There were c 65 double plots unused and a considerable number of family plots with single burial only
- There was scope in the existing burial ground to source new plots
- In the event of the site being otherwise developed the Council would consider the provision of a footpath and car park
7.0Matters Raised with the permission of the Cathaoirleach
Cllr. Bonner acknowledged the recent work done in Ashbourne. Cllr. McGowan acknowledged the speedy repair to public lighting in Ashbourne.
8.0Correspondence / Items Raised by the Area Manager
8.1February Area meeting
The members agreed to hold the February Area meeting on Monday 3 February 2014.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 13.10.
Minutes Dunshaughlin Area Meeting 20 January 2014 Page 1 of4
Meath County Council, Dunshaughlin Civic Offices, Drumree Road, Dunshaughlin, CountyMeath