Minutes Meeting March 2010

 

IN ATTENDENCE:            Councillors :   Cllr. Eamon Barrett (Cathaoirleach)

Cllr. Philip Mc Glynn, Cllr. Elizabeth Mc Intyre, Cllr. Florence Doherty, Cllr. Arthur Rafferty, Cllr. Michael Mc Mahon, Cllr. Dermot Doherty, Cllr. Sean Mc Eniff

                                                                                                                       

                        Officials :         Mr. Sean Sheridan, Town Manager

Mr. Liam Murray, Town Engineer

Mr. Joe Mc Nulty, Town Clerk

                                                            Ms. Edel Carlin-Rosanio

 

15/10   Vote of Sympathy

 

The Cathaoirleach Cllr Eamon Barrett proposed a vote of sympathy to Mrs. Eileen Donaghey, sister of Cllr. Arthur Rafferty and to his sister in law who died yesterday.  A minutes silence was observed.  Cllr. Rafferty thanked the members and staff for their kindness and thanked those who attended the wake and funeral, it was much appreciated.

 

16/10            Adoption of Minutes

           

Adoption of Minutes of  Monthly Meeting 26^th January, 2010

            Proposed by Cllr. Mc Eniff, seconded by Cllr. Mc Intyre.

 

Referring to Minute 5/10 in connection with Schedule of Uncollected Rates Cllr. F Doherty informed the meeting that she had not seen the schedule at the meeting only was made aware of it after the meeting.

 

17/10            Managers Orders

 

            Managers Orders as circulated were noted by the members

 

18/10            Planning Applications

 

Planning Applications  as circulated were noted by the members

 

19/10            Presentation from Irish Surfing Association

 

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Mr. Brian Mc Carthaigh and Mr. Emmet O’ Doherty to the meeting which they made a presentation to the members  regarding their proposal to construct A High Performance Centre for Surfing that would become The Irish National Centre of Excellence for Surfing.  They informed the members that under the European Structural Fund for NUTS II Regions Funding is available if the following conditions are met:

 

 

 

·        The proposed building must be in an economically Disadvantaged Region

·        Proposed building must Promote Regional Identity and Sustainable Development

·        The Building should be proposed and Championed by Local Government eg. Bundoran Town Council

·        Supported by A National Governing Body for Sport eg. Irish Surfing Association

·        The National Governing Body must take control of the building upon completion as a High Performance Centre for Sporting Activity.

 

They proceeded to explain why Bundoran would be a suitable choice because of the quality of waves, good infrastructure and accommodation and if their application was successful it would consolidate Bundorans position as the Capital of Surfing in Ireland and the social and economic benefits to the town.

 

The Finance for this project would be supported 70% from European Structural Fund (NUTS II Regions), 25% from Local Government (Bundoran Town Council) in the form of land for the site and the feasibility study and 5% from the Sports Council/Dept of Arts.  They were asking today for a commitment from Bundoran Town Council and that the Council would have to complete a Feasibility Study.  The estimated cost of the project was €900,000 to €1,000,000.  They also identified the site of the old Tennis Courts as the most preferred location.

 

The Members complimented the delegation for an excellent and informative presentation.  All the members gave their 100% backing and Cllr. Mc Eniff proposed that a sub-committee be elected to assist with the project.  He also asked that Donegal County Council be asked to help source cross border funding for the project.

 

Cllr. Barrett was proposed by Cllr. Mc Eniff, seconded by Cllr. F. Doherty

Cllr. Mc Eniff was proposed by Cllr. Barrett, seconded by Cllr. Mc Intyre

Cllr. D. Doherty was proposed by Cllr. Mc Intyre, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon. 

 

Council Staff/Officials were also to be on Committee and Mr. Paul Mc Loone, Failte Ireland.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty asked if €1m was enough and that Bundoran had a Flagship Project and asked if this was still alive for the Sea Life Centre as this project could he considered.  She felt it was vital that the ISA kept in charge of this project.

 

Cllr. Mc Eniff confirmed to the members that the Sea Life Centre was very much alive and active and that he would submit plans for the next meeting.

 

Cllr. D. Doherty asked that it be considered as the Irish Seal Sanctuary were looking for a new home that may the Sea Life Centre could incorporate this.

 

 

20/10            Appointment of Representative to Donegal Local Authorities Disability Strategy Group

 

            Cllr. F. Doherty was proposed by Cllr. Mc Intyre, seconded by Cllr. Barrett.

 

 

21/10.            Appointment of Representative to Donegal Local Authorities Placenames Committee

 

            Cllr. F. Doherty was proposed by Cllr. Barrett, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon.

 

22/10            Appointment of Representatives to Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd A.G.M. 27^th May, 2010.

 

            Cllr. Mc Glynn was proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Mc Intyre

 

23/10            Funding for Local Community Groups 2010

 

Mr. Mc Nulty confirmed that 9 applications were received for funding and 2 late applications, as per the list circulated to the members.  It was agreed that the matter be deferred to the April meeting except funding for the St. Patricks Day Parade which Cllr. Barrett proposed €3,000 be allocated, this was seconded by Cllr. Mc Intyre.  Cllr. Mc Mahon asked if the  cheque could be issued to the St Patricks Day Committee immediately.

 

24/10            Delegation from Bundoran Traders re. Commercial Rates and Parking Charges

 

Ms. Jacinta Lynch-Hegarty and Mr. Orr representing the group of traders were welcomed by the members.  Ms. Lynch conveyed apologies on behalf of Susan Carroll-Mc Garrigle and made a presentation in relation to Commercial Rates, she stated that Commercial Rates were to cover services like refuse, water etc and now that were billed separately and with the huge increase in Bundoran Town Councils rates base asked if the Council would be in a position to decrease the rates.  She also enquired the financial benefits to the Council on the Non Principal Residence fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Orr in relation to parking felt that the rate of €2 to €3 per day was too expensive if people only wished to park for an hour or two and in comparison to other towns it was very expensive.  He felt it would be beneficial to scrap parking fees completely in Car Parks.  In terms of traders they felt it was extremely unfair and unnecessary to charge rate payers for parking.  He could not understand why certain areas of the town there was no charge eg. three car parking spaces outside BayView Bookies, parking spaces at the bridge and the West End Car Park.  The traders especially felt that the Star of the Sea Car Park should not have parking charges at all.  He asked if charges are to remain the whole town should be charged the same and no favouritism and an hourly rate applied.

 

Cllr. Rafferty reminded the members that a Work Shop was to be held to discuss parking charges and could this be arranged soon before the season commenced.

 

Cllr. F Doherty stated that there were businesses in the town not paying any rates and others with large extensions that were not paying for.  On a Point of Information Cllr. Mc Intyre asked Cllr. F. Doherty to name the premises she was referring to, to which Cllr. F. Doherty suggested to get the Rate Book and see who is paying rates.

 

Referring to parking charges, she neither could not understand why some areas of the town were exempt of parking fees and reminded the members that parking charges were brought in to regulate traffic and not an income, so therefore parking charges in the car parks should be reconsidered.

 

In response Mr. Sean Sheridan informed the delegation that Bundoran Town Council have held the rates at the same level for the last 3 years with no increase, and this is reviewed yearly and the Council is under severe pressure to have rates at a minimum.  In relation to Water Charges Bundoran Town Council have no function in this.  Bundoran Town Council will benefit from Second Home Levy, but not sure as yet if these benefits will be offset from DOEHL Funding.

 

In relation to Parking Charges this item is very much on the Agenda and will be reviewing this again prior to the season commencing.  But the members and delegation must take into consideration that charges only apply in Bundoran for 5-6 months a year as opposed to all year around in other towns.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty asked the Town Clerk if any rate payer can inspect the rate book, to which Mr. Mc Nulty replied that individual rate payers could inspect their own rate account.

 

 

 

 

25/10   Local Government Act 2001 (Section 142) Regulations 2010

 

The provision of Local Government Act 2001 (Section 142) Regulations 2010 were brought to the notice of members by Mr. Mc Nulty who had circulated  information on Local Government Act 2001 (Section 142) Regulations 2010

 

26/10   Access to Tullan Strand

 

Mr. Sheridan confirmed that there was no further update on this matter and would come back to the members next month

 

27/10            Motions

 

(a)            Submitted by Cllr. Barrett

 

“That this Council write to the government to put pressure on the insurance companies to pay out claims that are taking for ever to settle due to the lack of human resources to deal with same”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Barrett, seconded by Cllr. Mc Eniff

 

It was agreed to write to Minister Mary Coughlan asking that she put pressure on insurance companies to pay out to families.

 

(b)  Submitted by Cllr. Mc Glynn

 

“That this Council ask the government to defer the introduction of VAT on public services until January, 2011 as the Budget for 2010 are in place eg. Car park charges, entry fee to Water World”

 

            Proposed by Cllr. Mc Glynn, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon

 

Cllr. Mc Eniff said he had spoken with Minister Dempsey and this matter is being deferred to 1^st January, 2011 but it is an EU Directive.

 

(c)    Submitted by Cllr’s Mc Glynn, D. Doherty, Mc Mahon, Mc Eniff, Barrett and Connolly

 

“That this Council call on the Town Manager to take legal action re. the lettering on Patricia Mc Cafferty’s jeep”

 

Cllr. F. Doherty asked that her motion be taken with this to which she was told no.

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Mc Eniff felt that a High Court injunction should be taken against her and could not understand what the Councils Solicitors were doing.  Cllr. Rafferty who unfortunately was not around when the motion was being submitted fully backed the motion and felt that both members and officials were being labelled with what is wrote on the vehicle.  Cllr. Mc Glynn stated that he was elected 6 years ago and has seen nothing that would agree with the allegations and asked that the Manager get it sorted immediately as the general public are asking questions.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty had no objection to the lettering as Ms. Mc Cafferty was entitled to Freedom of Speech.

 

Mr. Sheridan, Town Manager, stated that he was very limited in what he could say publicly at this time, but that the Council were actively pursuing the matter along with other issues also and can fully understand the frustration of the members but it was being dealt with as quickly as possible.

 

(d)    Submitted by Cllr. Mc Mahon

 

(i)                “That this Council calls on the government for a complete ban and revoke of all “head shops”

 

Proposed by Cllr Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Mc Glynn

 

Cllr. Mc Mahon proposed that a delegation meet with the Junior Minister to discuss this issue.

 

Cllr. Rafferty asked that the Drugs Awareness Programme get back up and running and have better backing and support from the Councillors this time.

 

(ii)              “That this Council asks bus eireann to retain the 12 o’ clock bus service to Sligo”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. D. Doherty

 

It was agreed to write to Rory Leahy in relation to same.

 

(iii)           “That this Council make representation to the Minister for Sport regarding water charges on Sports Halls, Community Halls, Schools and G.A.A. grounds”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Mc Glynn

 

Cllr. F. Doherty felt that an exemption to these groups under a certain amount and if it goes over the group pay Polluter Pays Principle so they aren’t wasting water. 

 

(e)    Submitted by Cllr. F. Doherty

 

(i)                “That this Council call on the Minister of the Environment to investigate the way in which Bundoran Town Council carry out the business of Bundoran”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, there was no seconder for this motion.

 

(ii)              “That this Council invite the Youth Council to next months meeting with a view to providing facilities for our young people”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Barrett

 

(iii)           “That this Council make its view known to the relevant authorities or Government bodies that the response of the Heirarchy of the Catholic Church to the victim of Clerical Abuse is totally inadequate and indeed insulting to the people of Ireland as a whole”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. D. Doherty

 

(f)     Submitted by Killarney Town Council

 

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Enterprise and Employment to ensure the retention of the minimum wage”

 

As Read.

 

28/10            Questions

 

            Submitted by Cllr. F. Doherty

 

Why is the new bus shelter not being relocated to the site at the old BMG site as agreed by this Council?

 

Mr. Liam Murray, Town Engineer, informed the meeting that an advertisement will be placed in the local papers this month for advertisement/sponsorship of bus shelter the Council will look to moving the bus stop to the old BMG site in consultation with Bus Eireann.

 

What short term and long term plans has the Outreach Officer of this Council developed with the view to job creation in this area, so that our young people do not have to emigrate?

 

Mr. Sheridan confirmed that Bundoran Town Council are not the primary agent but the Enterprise Board.

 

 

29/10            Correspondence

 

Confirmation was received that the Road Grant Allocation for 2010 was €139,000 and the Council would bring proposals to the members to the next meeting.

 

Minister of Finance in relation to Social Welfare Rates was read.

 

Cllr. Mc Mahon proposed that the Standing Orders be suspended, this was seconded by Cllr. D. Doherty.  Cllr. Mc Mahon wished to thank Mr. Liam Murray for all his help with regards to public lighting at Drumacrin but it was a disgrace that the two lights on Main Street were still out from last July.  He was annoyed that Airtricity did not get back to reschedule a meeting with the Council after postponing meeting with a deputation.  Cllr. Mc Glynn asked that Sean Sheridan deal with this as a matter of urgency.

 

Mr. Sean Sheridan, Town Manager formally advised the Members that the April Meeting would be his last meeting as Town Manager and his replacement was Mr. Gary Martin whom he would formally introduce at the April meeting.

 

It was unanimously agreed in the absence of Mr. Sheridan that a Presentation and Dinner be made to Mr. Sheridan on his retirement and that a function be held after the April Meeting. It was agreed that a gift be purchased by Bundoran Town Council and each person pay for their own meal, venue and menu to be arranged by the officials.

 

 

This concluded the business of the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________

                                                                                       Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________

                                                                                        Cathaoirleach