COMHAIRLE BHAILE BÉAL ATHA NA SLUAIGH
BALLINASLOE TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on Tuesday, 12th September, 2006,
in the Civic Offices, Ballinasloe, at 7.00 p.m.

In attendance (Members)
Cllr. Lucy Lloyd-Keighery, Mayor.
Cllr. Mike Kelly.
Cllr. Hugh Dolan.
Cllr. Carmel Grealy.
Cllr. Sean Tully.
Cllr. Johnny Walsh.
Cllr. John Molloy.
Cllr. Pat O’Sullivan.
Cllr. Jason Devlin.

In attendance (Officials)
Mr. Kevin Kelly, Director of Services.
Mr. Alan Farrell, Town Clerk
Mr. Adrian Headd, Assistant Town Engineer.
Ms. Mary Carty, Assistant Staff Officer.

1. MINUTES – MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON THE 11TH JULY, 2006, IN
THE CIVIC OFFICES, BALLINASLOE, AT 7.00 P.M.

The minutes of the July Monthly Meeting held on the 11th July, 2006, which had been circulated were adopted on the proposal of Cllr. S. Tully, seconded by
Cllr. H. Dolan.

Matters arising:-

Pedestrian Crossing
Cllr. M. Kelly said that he would raise the issue of pedestrian crossings on National routes in Ballinasloe at the next meeting of the Roads and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee (SPC). He said that he had already spoken to
Mr. John Morgan, Director of Services for Roads and Transportation, and that it is his understanding that funding is not available for a pedestrian crossing at Dunlo Hill in 2006. He said that he had been given an assurance that this project will receive priority in 2007. Cllr. M. Kelly said that he would update the members after the next SPC meeting.

Mr. K. Kelly informed the members that the issue of pedestrian crossings on National routes is not within the control of the Town Council. He stated that he, also, had raised the issue of the pedestrian crossing at Dunlo Hill with Mr. Morgan, Director of Services and that he will endeavour to ensure that the County Council will progress the matter in association with the National Roads Authority in 2007.

Affordable Housing
The Town Clerk informed the members that he hoped to bring a report under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, for the 22 affordable houses at Garbally Drive before the members at the October meeting.

Taking in Charge of Estates
In response to members queries Mr. A. Farrell agreed to give a report on the Taking in Charge of Housing Estates at the October meeting of the Council.

2. REPORT UNDER PART 8 OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001. DEVELOPMENT OF 400 METRE RUNNING TRACK, COMMUNITY PITCH FACILITIES, HARD SURFACE PITCH/PLAYING AREA, LANDSCAPING, AMENITY AND WALKS AREA, SERVICE ROAD, PARKING AND ANCILLARY SERVICES AT DUNLO, BALLINASLOE REF. NO. LA/03/06.

Mr. A. Farrell outlined the Manager’s Report, circulated to members, on the proposed development of a 400 metre running track, community pitch facilities, hard surface pitch/playing area landscaping, amenity and walks area, service road, parking and ancillary services at Dunlo, Ballinasloe. He said that a submission was received from the National Roads Authority requiring all works to be carried out to NRA standards and this is acceptable. He said that the proposal was in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and the Ballinasloe Town Development Plan. He stated that the Manager in his report dated 6th September, 2006, recommended that the proposal be accepted by the members.

On the proposal of Cllr. L. Lloyd Keighery, seconded by Cllr. H. Dolan, it was agreed to proceed with the development of a 400 metre running track, community pitch facilities, hard surface pitch/playing area landscaping, amenity and walks area, service road, parking and ancillary services at Dunlo, Ballinasloe.

Some members raised concerns regarding the location of the existing bus stop and a surface water drainage issue and its impact on a house adjacent to the entrance. It was agreed that the Town Engineer should be contacted with a view to arranging a meeting to examine these issues.

3. TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER PART 8 OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001. DEVELOPMENT OF PLAYING PITCH, AMENITY AREA, LANDSCAPING, PLAYGROUND AREA, SERVICE ROAD, PARKING AND ANCILLARY SERVICES AT KILGARVE TOWNLAND, BALLINASLOE REF. NO. LA/04/06.

Mr. A. Farrell outlined the Manager’s Report, circulated to members, on the proposed development of playing pitch, amenity area, landscaping, playground area, service road, parking and ancillary services at Kilgarve Townland, Ballinasloe. He said that the proposal was in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and the Ballinasloe Town Development Plan.

Mr. A. Farrell informed the members that a submission had been received from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government requiring that works be carried out on the site prior to commencement of development. The Council is agreeable to this. He stated that the Manager, in his report dated the
6th September, 2006, recommended that the proposal be accepted by the members.

It was proposed by Cllr. H. Dolan, seconded by Cllr. J. Walsh, and agreed to proceed with the development of a playing pitch, amenity area, landscaping, playground area, service road, parking and ancillary services at Kilgarve Townland, Ballinasloe.

4 JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE.

The Town Clerk advised the members that following consultation in accordance with Guidelines on the Joint Policing Committees, the following individuals, as notified to the Council, are recommended to the members for approval as members of the Joint Policing Committee for Ballinasloe.

Oireachtas Members: Deputy Joe Callanan, TD.
Deputy Paul Connaughton, T.D.
Senator Michael P. Kitt.

Garda Síochána: Superintendent P. Hargadon, Ballinasloe.
Sergeant F. Nicholson, Ballinasloe

Community & Voluntary Sector: Mr. Tom Madden, Ballinasloe Tidy Towns.
Ms. Edel Kelly, Junction Project, Ballinasloe.
Mr. Stephen Connell, Ballinasloe Community Resources

It was proposed by Cllr. P. O’Sullivan, seconded by Cllr. S. Tully and agreed that the members, as notified to the Council, should be approved as members of the Joint Policing Committee for Ballinasloe.

Mr. A. Farrell also advised the members that a Chairperson from among the members of the Council was also required. He said that the guidelines recommend that the Chairperson holds the position for a minimum of two years. He said that he will liaise with the Chairperson to agree a date for the first meeting which will be held in October.

It was proposed by Cllr. P. O’Sullivan, seconded by Cllr. S. Tully and agreed that
Cllr. H. Dolan be nominated as Chairperson.

5 TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION 2006.

The Town Clerk referred to the results of the Tidy Towns Competition which had been circulated to the members. He praised the work of the Tidy Towns Committee in partnership with the Town Council, FÁS, the Chamber of Commerce and the Residents’ Associations.

The Mayor, Cllr. L. Lloyd Keighery extended her congratulations to all concerned and stated that 8% was a significant increase in the competition.

Cllr. C. Grealy, as Chairperson of the Tidy Towns Committee, gave an overview of the report and said it was very encouraging. She said that the adjudicators highlighted many aspects of the town in a very positive light. She said that the Railway Station and the Horse and Handler sculpture in the Square have been nominated for a heritage award. She said that the Marina area has also been nominated for a special award. She thanked the Manager, Town Clerk, Town Engineer, Tidy Towns Committee, FÁS, Residents’ Association, Chamber of Commerce and Ballinasloe Town Council, indoor and outdoor staff. She said that the improved result showed what could be achieved by setting achievable targets and working together. She said that she hoped that this success could be built upon as there is much to be done.

6. MANAGER’S BUSINESS.

There was no Manager’s Business.

7. MAYOR’S BUSINESS.

The Mayor said that a request had been received from Ballinasloe Swimming Club to use the Leisure Centre car park during the October Fair. It was agreed by the members that Ballinasloe Swimming Club should be given the opportunity to operate a paid car park at the Leisure Centre.

It was agreed that Ballinasloe Musical Society would be considered when money from the October Fair is being allocated.

The Mayor, said that heavy lorries are using Jubilee Street and that previously there had been a sign prohibiting heavy vehicles using this route. She asked that this sign would be re-erected. She also, referred to the fact that there was need for additional footpaths along Jubilee Street.

8. NOTICE OF MOTION – CLLR. J. WALSH.

“That this Council write to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government requesting that he introduce legislation or issue a ministerial directive compelling developers of housing developments on commencement of works to fully and satisfactorily complete all aspects of the development as per the planning permission issued within a specified time period to be determined by the Local Authority involved and that developers on completion of such works be compelled to immediately apply to the Local Authority for the taking in charge of such developments. This motion also to be forwarded to all Local Authorities in the Country for their consideration and to the six Oireachtas members representing the constituency of East Galway”.

The motion was proposed by Cllr. J. Walsh and seconded by Cllr. C. Grealy.

Cllr. J. Walsh said that some estates remain unfinished for a long period of time and there is no obligation on the developer to apply to have the estate Taken in Charge.

The following addendum was proposed by Cllr. H. Dolan, seconded by
Cllr. L. Lloyd Keighery and agreed that Ballinasloe Town Council write to the
Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government to amend the legislation to give Local Authorities sufficient power to refuse planning permission for a development if a previous development has not been completed satisfactorily.

Cllr. H. Dolan also, said that developers should be made aware of the possibility of High Court action if estates are not satisfactorily completed. Mr. K. Kelly agreed that if members bring such situations to his attention, outlining exactly what was alleged, it would be dealt with

Mr. K. Kelly said that he would up-date members at the October monthly meeting on the progress to date regarding the Taking in Charge of Estates.

9. CORRESPONDENCE.

The motion from Edenderry Town Council was noted.

` The motion from Edenderry Town Council was noted.

The motion from Edenderry Town Council was noted.

The motion from Fermoy Town Council was noted.

Mr. A. Farrell agreed to circulate details of the LAMA Winter Seminar and the Douglas Hyde Conference to members before the October meeting.
Mr. A Farrell gave details to members of the Third National Conference for Local Authorities and the Public Service on Substance and Alcohol Misuse.

It was proposed by Cllr. J. Walsh, seconded by Cllr. M. Kelly and agreed that
Cllr. J. Devlin would represent the Council at this conference.

10. OTHER BUSINESS.

In response to queries, from members, regarding the recent District Court Case taken by the EPA in relation to odours emanating from the Landfill site,
Mr. A. Farrell informed the members that the Council had pleaded guilty and that a fine of €1,750.00 plus costs had been imposed. He said that it had been acknowledged that the Town Council are progressing the works to line and cap the landfill and the EPA are satisfied with the works. He said that the judge made reference to the amount of work and the substantial expenditure incurred by the Town Council on the landfill site and the fact that the capping and lining was progressing well.

Mr. K. Kelly said that at all times Ballinasloe Town Council have taken all steps identified by the EPA and the Council’s Consultants in relation to the landfill. He said that it was hoped that the landfill would have a permanent cap by the end of October, two months ahead of the timescale set down in the EPA licence.

Members expressed concern at the lack of communication with the public when roadworks are being carried out in connection with the Broadband Metropolitan Area Network. Mr. A. Farrell said that he would highlight the Councillors concern and he would be in touch with County Council Officials and Consultants regarding traffic management and related matters when works are being carried out.

Votes of Sympathy.
The Sympathy of the Council was extended to the following:-

► Ms. Ruth McNally, The Walk, Roscommon Town, Roscommon on the death of her mother.
► Mary Molloy, Senior Staff Officer, Ballinasloe Town Council on the death of her niece.
► Jacqueline & Sam Lynch, 17 Curragh Park, Ballinasloe on the death of
Jacqueline’s mother, Patricia.

This concluded the business of the meeting.