Area Council Meetings: Replies to Notices
of Motion April 24th 2007
With reference to Notice of Motion no 7, submitted by Cllr. P.McMahon,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That Clare County Council investigate the possibility of extending the
sewerage system from Newmarket to Lemanagh, Urlanmore, Ballinskahy, Newmarket
on Fergus on as this area is now a built up area. The residents of these
areas are willing to pay a reasonable amount to provide said same service.
I wish to reply as follows:-
The areas suggested are 2km approximately distant from Newmarket on Fergus
comprising ribbon type development. The number of houses at this distance
from the village makes the task of sewering this area uneconomic on initial
examination. Consideration can be given to including this area in the
next Assessment of Needs for the County.
Walter Walsh,
Senior Engineer
Transportation and Infrastructure.
With reference to Notice of Motion no 8, submitted by Cllr. T.Mulcahy,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That this Council would review its policy of putting gas in to its new
houses in light of the savage increases in charges experienced by residents
over the month or so. A cheaper alternative must be found.
I wish to reply as follows:-
The design strategy for local authority houses in Clare, is one of constant
review of the energy and environmental impact associated with the construction
and operation of the homes. It is also national policy to establish best
practice in the use of heating systems. This strategy has resulted in
the phasing out of inefficient solid fuel stoves & backboilers in
favour of the cleaner and more energy efficient gas boiler that was specified
in the most recent houses. The decision to use gas was based on the following
-
- combustion efficiency of the fuel (typically over 80%),
- low carbon emission (by comparison to other fuels)
- availability in the locality
- cost to the consumer (natural gas was the cheapest fuel at time of
design, and is still 30% cheaper than oil)
The use of renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wood chip,
are being increasingly used in all local authority residential and office
buildings, in keeping with the national objectives for sustainable development.
For example, the new County Hall will be heated by a wood chip boiler,
using timber from the county. Future house designs will continue to include
heating & hot water systems that utilise the renewable energy resources
available from within the county.
Notwithstanding the above, the present policy of Clare County Council
is to use a dual system of gas with a back up of solid fuel.
Nora Kaye
Senior Executive Officer
Housing and Social Services
With reference to Notice of Motion no 9, submitted by Cllr. P.McCarthy,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That Clare County Council outline what plans if any they have for the
direct provision of affordable housing in Sixmilebridge.
I wish to reply as follows:-
The Council does not have land in Sixmilebridge for Affordable Housing
at present but is seeking the acquisition of land, suitable for Affordable
Housing in Sixmilebridge. In addition, the Council sought expressions
of interest from estate agents and / or developers for the supply of turnkey
units throughout the county, for use as affordable housing. Unfortunately,
no submission was received for Sixmilebridge. A further advertisement
will be inserted in the local papers next week also, seeking proposals
from developers to supply mixed tenure housing units to cater for affordable,
voluntary, social and private housing or any mix thereof.
Nora Kaye
Senior Executive Officer
Housing and Social Policy
With reference to Notice of Motion no 10, submitted by Cllr. G.Flynn,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That the hedging to the South of the N19 adjacent to Drumgeely Hill be
removed, the decision to remove this hedge was made at the January 2007
Town Council meeting
I wish to reply as follows:-
I have made arrangements to have this hedge removed shortly.
Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Shannon Civic Offices
With reference to Notice of Motion no 11, submitted by Cllr. J.Crowe,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
I request a full update on all development as regards to construction
of platform and parking at the Stationhouse, Sixmilebridge and the proposed
re-opening date.
I wish to reply as follows:-
Iarnrod Eireann in a letter dated the 5 March 2007 has advised that the
Minister of Transport has sanctioned funding for the reopening of the
Sixmilebridge station in co-operation with Clare County Council. The rail
company has agreed to provide the requisite track and signalling, platforms,
ticketing and lighting requirements whilst the County will be responsible
for the securing the land requirements, road access and accompanying parking
facilities.
Whilst the Council adopted the requisite variations to the South Clare
Local Area Plan to accommodate the proposed development it was unsuccessful
in acquiring Council funding for either the acquisition of the lands required,
and for the employment of consultants to finalise the detailed planning
of the site and its facilities during the current year. The rail company
have indicated that the Council will be required to take responsibility
for the land acquisition, parking provision and planning of the project
save for the rail works which will be to their account. A valuation of
the land requirements will be necessary and preliminary design work needs
to be undertaken in conjunction with the rail agency. A sum of €
10,000 was requested for the detailed planning and design of the service
infrastructure, but was not included in the current estimates.
A meeting of representatives of the Department together with the Senior
Executive Architect of the Council, and officials of Iarnrod Eireann is
to be held shortly, to discuss the preparation of the master plan and
parking requirements for the station, and determine the specific requirements
of the railway agency in respect of this project. The issue of the budgetary
requirements for land acquisition and servicing costs will have to be
referred to Council for further consideration, once all details relating
to the feasibility and design report are complete. The rail authority
has given no specific target date for the opening of this facility.
John Bradley
Senior Executive Planner (Policy)
With reference to Notice of Motion no 12, submitted by Cllr. T.McMahon,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
Considering the unsightly and dangerous condition of site of old Drumgeely
hall site that Clare County Council consider placing a compulsory purchase
order on this site and tennis court and have it developed for community
facilities
I wish to reply as follows:-
The owner of the property has received the statutory notices under the
Derelict Sites Act 1990. Prior to the fire in October 2006, the owner
was in the process of carrying out the required works in order the remove
the dereliction. The Council has been monitoring the situation on a regular
basis and has requested the owner to secure the site and make safe on
a number of occasions. The owner has recently indicated that the site
would be made safe and secured in the next few weeks. The Council will
continue to monitor progress on same.
In March 2007, the Department informed the Council that the Minister
has made regulations under sections 4 and 21 of the Derelict Sites Act,
1990 prescribing Shannon as an urban area for the purposes of applying
a derelict sites levy to derelict properties in Shannon. It is the Council's
intention to have the property formally valued and make arrangements to
impose the levy (3% of the market value) on an annual basis until such
time as the property is made non-derelict.
Compulsory acquisition of any property is only considered where other
means of securing non-dereliction fail. The Council has no plans to acquire
this property at the present time.
Monica Meehan,
Senior Executive Officer,
Transportation & Infrastructure.
With reference to Notice of Motion no 13, submitted by Cllr. P.McMahon,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That Clare County Council would make extra car space available in Lower
Kilnasoolagh Park fronting Lough Gash Lake due to the congestion that
exists at the moment.
I wish to reply as follows:-
A demand for extra car parking in housing estates is prevalent throughout
the County. This usually arises when there are more than two cars per
house. This may be associated with the younger adults in the family becoming
car owners or may be associated with rented accommodation where several
residents have cars. I do not have any specific source of funding available
for provision of car parking in housing estates. The road width at Lower
Kilnasoolagh is approximately 8 metres including dedicated car parking
along the front of the houses. When cars are parked on the opposite side
along by the green area there is still approximately 4 metres road width
available for through traffic which is reasonable in the circumstances.
A few householders in Lower Kilnasoolagh have provided parking within
their own property. The situation could be improved if other house owners
did the same.
Donal Hogan,
Senior Executive Engineer,
Shannon Civic Offices
With reference to Notice of Motion no 14, submitted by Cllr. T.Mulcahy,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That a public consultation process be put in place to facilitate the
residents of Cluain Airne who have expressed serious concerns at the proposed
new affordable housing development there. This must be done at the earliest
possible opportunity.
I wish to reply as follows:-
The Housing Department of Clare County Council will arrange a consultation
process in relation to the development of the Affordable Housing Scheme
at Cluain Airne. It is expected that the Design Team will be appointed
this week, following which a draft layout will be done and discussed with
the Councillors. Following this, it is the intention to engage with the
local community to brief them in relation to this development and while
the exact nature of this consultation is not yet decided, it can be done
through a public meeting or by inviting representatives of the local community
to a meeting to discuss the relevant aspects of the proposal.
Nora Kaye
Senior Executive Officer
Housing & Social Policy
With reference to Notice of Motion no 15, submitted by Cllr. P.McCarthy,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That details be provided of proposals in respect of traffic calming in
the vicinity of the roundabout under construction as part of the Shannon
Southern Primary road.
I wish to reply as follows:-
I consider that the retro-fitting of traffic calming measures such as
ramps or speed tables along the Sli na Mara Road would be of benefit to
the residents living in the area and would discourage motorists using
this as a through road once Phase 1 of the Shannon Southern Primary Road
is opened. A detailed assessment of vehicles using this road will be undertaken
this week in line with the current traffic calming policy for residential
areas. Following this assessment a traffic calming design will be prepared
which will be tabled for discussion at next month’s Electoral Area
meeting.
Michael Healy
Executive Engineer
Shannon Civic Offices
With reference to Notice of Motion no 16, submitted by Cllr. G.Flynn,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That Clare County Council cut back the overgrown green areas that are
reducing the width of the footpaths and causing some flooding throughout
Shannon
I wish to reply as follows:-
Extensive strimming of the grassed edge of the footpaths in Shannon has
been carried out by the contractor who has recently commenced work on
grass cutting in Shannon. The grassed edges of the footpaths will shortly
be sprayed as part of the grass-cutting contract. The strimming and spraying
will help to maintain the full width of the footpaths and also assist
the run off of surface water from the paths and alleviate ponding.
Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Shannon Civic Offices
With reference to Notice of Motion no 17, submitted by Cllr. J.Crowe,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
I request an update on provision of pedestrian crossing near the Catholic
Church, Sixmilebridge.
I wish to reply as follows:-
Due to a number of staff changes in the Road Design section it has not
been possible to carry out design work on this pedestrain crossing. However
this work will be carried out as soon as resources permit.
Eugene O'Shea S.E.E.
Road Design Office
With reference to Notice of Motion no 18, submitted by Cllr. T.McMahon,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That Clare County Council outline how they intend to deal with increasing
litter problem in several areas of Shannon
I wish to reply as follows:-
Clare County Council dealt with the litter problem in Shannon and elsewhere
throughout the County in a number of ways e.g. prevention of littering,
collection of litter, removal of illegally dumped waste, etc.
Prevention of littering is promoted through various initiatives aimed
at educating the public regarding disposal, recycling of waste etc. The
Council through the Environmental Patrol Officers seeks to identify persons
involved in littering and illegal dumping with a view to prosecution.
Litter bins in Shannon are emptied twice weekly generally and three times
weekly in the busier areas. The Town Council has contracted with the Social
Economy Scheme to provide manpower regarding litter picking for 30 hours
per week. This initiative has enabled the council to keep the litter problem
under control along the main distributor roads in Shannon.
There appears to be a significant number of people who do not have their
domestic waste collected legally. They dispose of their waste illegally
e.g. depositing into or beside the Council litter bins or dumping in secluded
locations where it won't be readily visible. The erection of “No
Dumping” signs at these locations does nothing to deter the practise
and in fact only identifies to potential offenders such secluded locations
where dumping is occurring.
The recycling Centre in Shannon will be of major benefit to residents
of Shannon and surrounding areas by providing a local outlet for recyclables
etc and hopefully will help to reduce the level of illegal dumping of
this type of waste.
Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
Shannon Civic Offices
With reference to Notice of Motion no 19, submitted by Cllr. P.McMahon,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
Further to the designation by Clare Co. Council of Public Safety Zones
(PSZ’s) by way of Policy T3 in the South Clare Economic Corridor
Local Area Plan of 2003, I seek replies to each of the following questions;
(a) The number of landowners affected by Clare Co Councils designation
of these massive but invasive PSZ’s;
(b) Whether each such affected landowner was given prior information of
the proposed designation of these PSZ’s inclusive of a map showing
the extent of the proposed designation?;
(c) Details and dates of the newspaper in which notice of the proposed
adoption of the South Clare Economic Corridor Local Area Plan, 2003 was
circulated
(d) Whether such newspaper advertisements gave clear notice of the then
proposed designation in question together with details of the consequent
restrictions on the development of lands within such PSZ’s?;
(e) Whether such newspaper advertisements contained a map or maps of the
proposed PSZ’s.
(f) How these adopted PSZ’s differ from the Public Safety Zones
that are listed as Policy Objective No. 8 within the Industrial Development
Category at Page 48 of the Clare Co. Development Plan of 1999 and to clearly
but unequivocally indicate such differences by way of a coloured scheme
on a suitable map of Shannon Airport and its environs.
(g) To confirm whether the Public Safety Zones contained in the 1999 Plan
were ever formally revoked by way of a reserved decision of the Council
and if so to outline details of the public notices giving prior notification
of such proposed revocation.
I wish to reply as follows
It is noted that there has been a considerable amount of previous correspondence
and replies to notices of motion in respect of this issue, and I wish
to advise as follows:
(a) Neither Clare Council nor the Ennis Town Council has any information
in respect of the number of landowners affected by the public safety Zone
designation as no property or rate roles are maintained by the respective
Councils in respect of residential properties.
(b) All landowners are advised through statutory public advertisements
of any variations to the County or Local Area plans. All available information
was made available by Clare County Council and Shannon Town Council at
their offices, and local libraries.
(c) The draft plan was advertised in terms of Section 20 of the Planning
and Development Act 2000 in the Clare Champion on the 21 June 2002. Resulting
from amendments effected by members to the original draft plan, the Planning
Authority re-advertised a number of amendments to the Draft Plan in the
Clare Champion on the 7 November 2002. Members were personally circulated
with full details of the proposed amendments.
(d) Full details of the proposed changes were contained in the public
advertisement, which appeared in the Clare Champion on the 7 November
2002. Item 8(e) of the advertisement specifically drew the public’s
attention to the Public Safety Zone policy for Shannon Airport.
The South Clare Economic Corridor Local Area plan was adopted by Council
on the 10 February 2003, and notice there of was advertised in the Clare
Champion on the 28 February 2003.
(e) The newspaper notices did not contain any maps but made reference
to the proposed variations to the draft plan as indicated in 8(e) above.
(f ) The “Red Zone safety areas, as provided in the 2003 Local
Area Plan and the 2006 variation thereto, have not changed from the original
requirements of the Airport Authority as outlined in February1999.
(g) The Councils have not revoked to the best of my knowledge any previous
Council decisions, and have consistently adopted the plans and policies
as advertised in terms of the Act.
J Bradley
Senior Executive Planner
With reference to Notice of Motion no 20, submitted by Cllr. T.Mulcahy,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That this council would look at the provision of traffic slowing devices,
pedestrian crossing, and or any other safety measure that may be required
in light of the imminent opening of the new roundabout and southern primary
route.
I wish to reply as follows:-
Clare County Council will carry out a detailed assessment of vehicles
using the Sli na Mara road this week to determine the number and type
of vehicles using the road and the speed at which they travel. The results
of this assessment will assist in the selection of suitable traffic calming
measures along this road. I envisage that either ramps or speed tables
will be the most effective form of traffic calming along this road and
will deter motorists from using the road as a through road following the
opening of Phase 1 of the Shannon Southern Primary Road and the subsequent
development of lands serviced by the road. A traffic calming design will
be prepared and tabled for discussion at next month’s Electoral
Area meeting.
Michael Healy
Executive Engineer
Shannon Civic Offices
With reference to Notice of Motion no 22, submitted by Cllr. G.Flynn,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That all the footpaths in the Tullyvarraga Court estate in Shannon be
checked by Clare County Council engineer. Residents in the area have great
difficulty using these paths and feel they are a health and safety hazard
I wish to reply as follows:-
These Footpaths are in poor condition. Remedial work is required and
I will arrange for this to be carried out.
Donal Hogan
Senior Executive Engineer
With reference to Notice of Motion no 23, submitted by Cllr. J,Crowe,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
I request the County Engineer to look at traffic calming measures for
The Mount Ievers Estate, Sixmilebridge.
I wish to reply as follows:-
I have inspected the roads within the Mount Ievers estate in Sixmilebridge
and do not consider that traffic calming measures would be beneficial
at this location given that the existing geometric layout of the estate
roads prevents motorists building up speed. Nonetheless, I will carry
out a more detailed assessment in line with the current traffic calming
policy for residential areas to establish if there is a problem with cars
speeding within the housing estate.
Yours sincerely
Michael Healy
Executive Engineer
Shannon Civic Offices
With reference to Notice of Motion no 24, submitted by Cllr. T.McMahon,
for the Shannon Electoral Area Committee Meeting, on 24th April, 2007,
That Clare County Council provide a designated area where dog owners
can allow their dogs to run free without leads, also to initiate a campaign
of information on laws/rules of dog ownership
I wish to reply as follow:-
The Control of Dogs Act, 1986 was introduced to give powers to Local
Authorities to regulate and control in this area. The emphasis, in the
legislation, is to give powers to the Council to introduce measures to
regulate against dogs out of control rather than to introduce measures
which would allow dogs to run free, in certain areas.
Section 17 of the act refers to the power to make bye-laws. Section 17(2)(b)
specifically allows a local authority to “specify areas in such
part of the functional area of the local authority as may be specified
in the bye-laws in which the person in charge of a dog shall be required
to keep the dog on a leash.”
The emphasis would therefore appear to be to protect the public against
dogs out of control. If Clare County Council were to allow dogs to run
free in a particular area and the public also have access to this area
the Control of Dogs Act 1986 places a responsibility on the Council to
protect the public, in the first instance. (I do also imagine that Clare
County Council would have difficulty in getting insurance to cover a situation
whereby a dog, such as an Alsatian, could be allowed to run free in an
area where another breed of dog might be vulnerable to an attack from
such a dog.)
In relation to the area of an information campaign on the law/rules of
dog ownership I would point out that Frankie Coote, Dog Warden, goes on
Clare FM each week detailing dogs which have been taken into the Dog Pound
and which are suitable for re-homing. It can be arranged to incorporate
information on the responsibilities associated with dog ownership into
these radio announcements.
James Barry,
Senior Staff Officer,Ennistymon Area Office.
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