Area Council Meetings : Replies to Notices of Motion February 21st 2006

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 5, submitted by Cllr. J. Crowe, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

As the traffic on this road has increased dramatically in recent years I request an upgrade of the road from Grays cross to Sixmilebridge.

I wish to reply as follows:-

The Council will apply to the Department for a Specific Improvement Grant for widening and re-alignment of this road, to current design standards. I will request the Council’s Road Design Section to undertake a preliminary design for this road, which will determine the land-take requirements.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 6, submitted by Cllr. P. McCarthy, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

That appropriate information signage be provided indicating that
unauthorised parking is prohibited by order in certain areas.

I wish to reply as follows:-

The Council will arrange with the Area Engineer to have signs erected within the one mile radius as follows:-

The signs will read,

PARKING OF TEMPORARY DWELLINGS PROHIBITED BY ORDER

Madeleine McCarthy
A/Senior Executive Officer
Housing & Social Services

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 7, submitted by Cllr. P. McMahon, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

To request that Clare County Council install double yellow lines, at the far side of the road leading to the Family Resource Centre at the Ennis Road, Newmarket on Fergus.

I wish to reply as follows:-

Parking on this road is normally confined to the western side of the road, which allows orderly movement of traffic on the road. Occasionally some cars park on the eastern side, which leads to access problems. The provision of double yellow lines would be of benefit in these circumstances.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 8, submitted by Cllr. G. Flynn, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

That Clare County Council inform the Area County Councillors what the terms of reference are in relation to the landscaping maintenance contract for Shannon, covering:-

(a) What period does the contract cover, i.e. Grass 1st cut From - to - last cut
(b) Amount of grass cuts
(c) Grass removal from sensitive areas, i.e. footpaths and road edges
(d) Does contract apply to shrubs and trees
(e) A map showing areas contract covers

I wish to reply as follows:-

(a) The first cut is specified to commence on 18th March, and the last cut is specified to commence on 3rd October.
(b) The grass must be cut at 10 day intervals which requires 21 cuts during the year.
(c) During grass cutting operations, especially during the earlier cuts, some grass tends to be deposited on adjoining paved areas, such as footpaths. The Contractor is obliged to clean the grass off these areas.
(d) The Contractor is required to maintain shrubs and trees in good condition by appropriate trimming and pruning.
(e) A map showing areas covered by the contract is attached.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 9, submitted by Cllr. J. Crowe, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

At the back of the houses from No.1 - 17 Cappa Lodge, Sixmilebridge, the road is in a deplorable state. This road needs an immediate upgrade

I wish to reply as follows:-

There was no properly surfaced rear access road provided at this location when these houses were constructed. I understand that this was the norm for local authority housing estates at that time. The Housing Section of the Council will endeavour to obtain funding through the scheme for Refurbishment of Local Authority Estates, for provision of a proper rear access road.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure
With reference to Notice of Motion no. 10, submitted by Cllr. P. McCarthy, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

That Clare County Council consider making land available for the provision of allotments.

I wish to reply as follows:-

This is a novel idea and worthy of consideration. In considering this proposal, it would be desirable at the outset to ascertain the level of interest there would be in utilising such allotments. This could be achieved by inviting expressions of interest from householders in the Town area. If the level of interest warranted it, then the Council could draw up a scheme under which interested householders could apply for such allotments. The location and area of land required for the purpose can probably be best considered in the light of expressions of interest received.

Issues such as period of rental, insurance cover, rental payable and ongoing maintenance would have to be considered in a scheme for allotments.

Michael McNamara,
Senior Executive Officer,
Corporate Services.

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 11, submitted by Cllr. P. McMahon, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

To ask Clare County Council to upgrade the sewerage pipes in the area of Lough Ash Cross, near Tommy Mulqueens residence.

I wish to reply as follows:-

There are two issues to be considered in this motion.
Firstly, the issue of surcharging in the public sewers which manifests itself in a manhole in the public road at Lough Gash Cross. Clare County Council carried out a survey of the sewer flows in selected sites at Newmarket on Fergus over a period of a few weeks September/October 2005. The survey proved that there is extensive increase in flows at most locations during rainfall. During 2006 we intend to lay a section of stormwater pipe in the Ballycar Road prior to roadworks. We will also ensure that separate foul and stormwater systems are put in place on the Limerick Road. These measures will reduce the volume of stormwater entering the foul sewerage network.

The 2nd issue relates to the private sewer from Cyril Maxwell’s house which was laid through Tom Mulqueen’s property to connect to the public sewer. This private sewer also collected the discharge from Tom Mulqueens house. An extension to Tom Mulqueen’s house was constructed on top of this sewer (Tom Mulqueen thought it was a storm water pipe) quite a few years ago, and there is now an obstruction in the pipe under the extension causing continuous blockages.

Clare County Council has attended to this blockage on a few occasions, but we don’t consider it our responsibility as it is a private sewer serving Mulqueens and Maxwells. The resolution of this problem rests between the Mulqueens and Maxwells. Clare County Council will facilitate any re-routing of service pipes in public property.

Liam Murphy
Executive Engineer
Water Services

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 12, submitted by Cllr. G. Flynn, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

That Clare County Council give a report to the Area Councillors in relation to taking in charge of new estates in the Ballycasey area . What is needed is a comprehensive report of the progress or lack of progress covering the areas from Cluain Lia - Dun Aras - Radharc na Coille, Gleann Rua and all other estates in the Ballycasey Area.

I wish to reply as follows:-

Applications have been received for the takeover of a number of housing estates in Ballycasey. The Council requested the Developers of these estates to carry out specified works in order to comply with the Council’s requirements. There are two important items of work which are expected to be carried out shortly by the Developers which will enable the Council to recommend the takeover of the following estates:- Cluain Lia, Rí na Rí, Carraig Donn, Ballycasey Close and Gleann Rua.

The Council has not received any application for the takeover of Cluain Donn, Dun Áras, Cluain Alainn or Radharc na Coille. Cluain Alainn and Radharc na Coille are only being completed at present.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 13, submitted by Cllr. J. Crowe, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

This section of road from Kilmurry Cross to Aonach is in need of immediate attention as it is a very busy road with major housing. I request an immediate upgrade and footpath.

I wish to reply as follows:-

This section of road is scheduled for reconstruction this year as part of the Multi Annual Plan for Regional and County Roads. The provision of a footpath will be considered subject to funding.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 14, submitted by Cllr. P. McCarthy, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

That Public lighting be provided at the junction of the road leading to
Hurlers Cross between Dun Aras and Cluain Alainn in the interest of safety.

I wish to reply as follows:-

Some extra public lighting is required at this location. I will pursue this matter in order to establish the feasibility of extending the existing public lighting network in this area.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 15, submitted by Cllr. P. McMahon, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

Due to the huge amount of building that is taking place I am asking the Council to put a programme in place to tar and upgrade the roads structures in Newmarket on Fergus.

I wish to reply as follows:-

The Council will upgrade the roads in Newmarket on Fergus on a phased basis, commencing this year when Ballycar Road will be resurfaced. The Ennis Road and Limerick Road will be resurfaced after the proposed Water Scheme is completed.

Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Transportation & Infrastructure

With reference to Notice of Motion no. 16, submitted by Cllr. G. Flynn, for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 21st February, 2006,

That Clare County Council Housing Section give a comprehensive report on the proposed housing scheme of 19 houses at Shannon Road area in Sixmilebridge, (previous report June 2005),

(a) What stage is it at
(b) If constructed what type of house mix will be facilitated
(c) What would the breakdown of the estate consist of, i.e. two storey/bungalow/disabled accommodation
(d) Will the Sixmilebridge scheme be entirely social houses or some affordable units?

I wish to reply as follows:-

(a) Planning Permission has been granted for 19 houses and tenders are about to be invited.

(b) The development consists of: 9 - 2 Bedroom 2 storey
6 - 3 Bedroom 2 storey
2 - 2 Bedroom bungalows
2 - 4 Bedroom dormer bungalows

(c) The 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses would be for different size families.
The 2 bedroom bungalows would accommodate elderly or disabled persons.

(d) The Scheme is for social housing only.

Madeleine McCarthy
A/Senior Executive Officer
Housing & Social Services