Shannon Town Council Meeting Minutes July 2003

Minutes of June Monthly meeting.
Proposed by Cllr.McCarthy, seconded by Cllr. Duff and resolved:
"that the minutes of the June monthly meeting of the Shannon Town Council held in the Shannon Town Hall at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday June 3rd 2003, having been circulated, be adopted and signed by the Méara Bhaile".

Presentation on Proposed new Social Housing Scheme for Shannon.
Mr. Gerry O'Donnel, Acting Senior Executive Engineer with Clare County Council gave a comprehensive presentation on a new social housing scheme of eighty nine units for Shannon to be constructed in two phases, phase one to commence this Autumn. Mr. O'Donnell presented each member with detailed drawings of the scheme as it will appear when finished. The members were impressed but made some recommendations for changes such as access for services at the rear of houses, a change to the size of passage ways between houses and they expressed some concern at the number of four bedroom houses being provided.

Correspondence

1. It was noted that a copy of the Retail Strategy for the County had been circulated to each member.
2. It was noted that a copy of Circular Letter LG05 relating to Local Government (No.2) Act 2003 had been circulated to each member.
3. A letter from the Mid-Western Health Board relating to the introduction of Clare Community Drugs Service was read and noted.
4. A letter from the Mid-Western Health Board in relation to a request for an ambulance to be based in Shannon was read and noted. A copy of this letter to be circulated to each member.
5. A request from the Friends of the Children of Chernobyl that a reception be hosted to welcome these children to Shannon was read and noted. It was proposed by Cllr. Lambert and, seconded by Cllr McKee and resolved; "that in consultation with the Meára Bhaile and the host families the Town Clerk would arrange this reception".
6. Notification of the proposed visit by a number of young people from Roissy to Shannon was noted. Circle Français de Shannon were coordinating this visit, they were arranging, in consultation with Cll. McKee, the itinerary and social activities of the young people during their week in Shannon. They will be invited to the reception for the Chernobyl Children and both groups can be welcomed at the same function. Some financial support will need to be given to Circle Français de Shannon for the hire of a coach on one day to take the visitors to Lahinch and the Burren. Also food will need to be provided for a Barbeque on one evening. These costs to be funded from the Town Twinning allocation.

Reports from M.P.C.s
Environment and Community Affairs Committee.
Councillor Lambert mentioned a number of fundraising initiatives for the financing of the Playground Project including an Open Day in the month of August. A template for the Web site has been designed by the Development Officer. Members will need to supply the necessary information to be held on the Web site.
Industrial Tourism and Development Committee.
Cllr. McKee reported on the success of the hosting of the Azerbaijan athletes and coaches. Cllr. McKee is also co-operating with the Circle Français de Shannon for the visit of the Roissy Youth Group.

Suspension of Standing Orders.
Proposed by Cllr. Lambert, seconded by Cllr. O'Brien and resolved;
"that Standing Orders be suspended to allow the meeting continue to 8.50 p.m. so that the Clár Oibre can be completed."

Seating on Footpath from Aidan Park to Rossbracken
Proposed by Cllr. McCarthy, seconded by Cllr. Lambert and resolved;
"that Shannon Town Council request Shannon Development Co. to examine the possibility of providing a stone seat adjacent to the footpath leading from Aidan Park to Rossbracken."

Town Renewal Plan.
Proposed by Cllr. Flynn, seconded by Cllr. McMahon and resolved;
"that Shannon Town Council formulate a Shannon Town Renewal Plan to specifically focus on the declining infrastructure in Shannon and cater for the future needs of the Shannon Community."
It was suggested that this resolution be referred to the County Development Officer as a possible task for the Shannon Project Officer.

Green Field Site for Fun Fairs and Circuses.
Proposed by Cllr. Flynn, seconded by Cllr. McMahon and resolved;
"that Shannon Town Council request Shannon Development Co. or Clare County Council to provide a permanent Green Field Site to facilitate the many community events including visiting Fun Fairs and Circuses."

Repatriation of three Irishmen held in Columbia.
Proposed by Cllr. McKee, seconded by Cllr. McMahon and resolved;
"Evidence shows that basic human rights to a fair trial is an impossibility for Niall Connolly, Martin Mac Auley and Jim Monaghan in the State of Columbia and therefore Shannon Town Council calls on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to intervene immediately and ensure their safe return to Ireland as a matter of urgency."

Closure of Shannon E.S.B. Office.
Proposed by Cllr. McCarthy, seconded by Cllr. O'Brien and resolved:
"that Shannon Town Council expresses concern at the proposed closure of the ESB office and sales outlet and seeks a meeting with the ESB, and that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural resources, Dermot Ahern, T.D. be asked to intervene ."

Carers' Allowances.
Proposed by Cllr. Duff, seconded by Cllr. McCarthy and resolved;
"that Shannon Town Council call on the Government to drop the means testing of the Carers' Allowances and that the Shannon Town Council seek a meeting with Ivor Callely, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for Services to Older People".


Signed: ___________________________ Date: _____________
Méara Bhaile

Signed: ______________________________ July 3rd 2003
Town Clerk