COMHAIRLE BHAILE BÉAL ATHA NA SLUAIGH
BALLINASLOE TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on Tuesday, 11th July, 2007, in the Civic Offices, Ballinasloe, at 7.00 p.m.

In attendance (Members):
Cllr. Mike Kelly, Mayor.
Cllr. John Molloy.
Cllr. Carmel Grealy.
Cllr. Sean Tully.
Cllr. Johnny Walsh.
Cllr. Lucy Lloyd-Keighery.

Apologies:
Cllr. Hugh Dolan,
Cllr. Jason Devlin,
Cllr. Pat O’Sullivan.
Mr. Kevin Kelly, Director of Services.

In attendance (Officials):
Mr. Alan Farrell, Town Clerk
Mr. Brian Murphy, Senior Staff Officer.
Mr. Adrian Headd, Executive Engineer.
Mr. Gerard Mullarkey, Head of Finance,
Galway County Council

1. MINUTES – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THE 12TH JUNE, 2007, IN THE CIVIC OFFICES, BALLINASLOE, AT 7.00 P.M.

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on the 12th June, 2007, which had been circulated were adopted on the proposal of Cllr. P. O’Sullivan, seconded by Cllr. Sean Tully.

2 MINUTES – MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON THE 12TH JUNE, 2007, IN THE CIVIC OFFICES, BALLINASLOE, AT 7.15 P.M.

The minutes of the June Monthly Meeting held on the 12th June, 2007, which had been circulated were adopted on the proposal of Cllr. L. Lloyd Keighery, seconded by Cllr. J. Molloy.

Matters arising:-

Mobile Cameras
In response to queries, Mr. A. Farrell confirmed that the Council had utilised mobile undercover cameras for a period, with the result that twenty one litter fines issued subsequently. He informed the members that there were quite a significant number of additional cases being reviewed with fines to be issued if appropriate.

Alzheimers Unit.
Mr. A. Farrell confirmed that a letter was issued to the Minister for Health,
Mary Harney, requesting a meeting to discuss the future of health services in Ballinasloe, and that to date no response had been received.

The members expressed concern that no response to the letter was received and stated that it was very important that a deputation is arranged with the Minister. The members requested that a reminder letter would be issued to the Minister. It was agreed that, when a date is arranged for the meeting with the Minister, the Mayor would call a special meeting of the members to set out proposals for the deputation. It was also decided that a deputation should include other sectors of the community as well as the Town Council.

Beechlawn.
Mr. A. Headd outlined to the meeting that works on the full stretch of Beechlawn road were about to commence. Mr. A. Headd also, added that if any funding was still available after the completion of Beechlawn road, then work would be carried out on the old Pollboy road.

Mr. A. Farrell added that from an examination of the tenders it was better value for money to complete the Beechlawn road this year, and that the old Pollboy road would be a priority after that.

Cllr. L. Lloyd Keighery expressed her disappointment that the Old Pollboy Road was not being done. A number of the members stated that while it was disappointing that they supported the works being carried out on the Beechlawn Road.

Parkmore.
Cllr. S. Tully enquired as to the whereabouts of signs for Parkmore that were previously acquired by the Council. Mr. A. Headd confirmed that he would investigate this matter.

3 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 2005.

Mr. G. Mullarkey, Head of Finance with Galway County Council, gave an overview of the Annual Financial Statement 2005 and Auditor’s Report.

The Annual Financial Statement for 2005, had been previously considered and approved by the members. Mr. G. Mullarkey informed the members that the Annual Financial Statement had now been audited by the Local Government Auditor. The Auditor declared that the Annual Financial Statement presents fairly, in accordance with the Code of Practice, and Accounting Regulations the financial position of Ballinasloe Town Council at 31st December, 2005 and its income and expenditure for the year then ended.

4 MANAGER’S BUSINESS.

Mr. A. Farrell informed the members of the dates of the festivals at Killorglin and Ballycastle.

It was proposed by Cllr. J. Walsh, and seconded by Cllr. S. Tully that Cllr. C. Grealy, Cllr. M. Kelly, Mayor and Cllr. L. Lloyd Keighery should attend the Killorglin Fair.

It was proposed by Cllr. J. Walsh, seconded by Cllr. L. Lloyd Keighery that Cllr. Sean Tully and Cllr. M. Kelly should attend the Ballycastle Fair.

It was noted that the Mayor, Cllr. M. Kelly, would attend the Irish Festival in Milwaulkee.

Mr. A. Farrell advised the members that the October Fair Dinner would take place on the 1st Saturday of the Fair if the members were in agreement, and the venue would most likely be the Shearwater Plaza Hotel. It was proposed by Cllr. C. Grealy, and seconded by Cllr. S. Tully that failing the availability of the Shearwater Plaza Hotel, that it should be considered that the event take place in the Council offices. The members confirmed their satisfaction with the event taking place on the first weekend.

Mr. A. Farrell informed the members that a further €60,000.00 had been allocated to the Council, under the Sports Capital Grants, RAPID Top-up.

5. MAYOR’S BUSINESS

The Mayor, Cllr. M. Kelly, told the meeting that he recently attended a Graduation Service for Ballinasloe Jobs Club. He commended them on their work.

The Mayor also, offered congratulations to the athletics club, who recently brought home twelve medals at the All-Ireland Track and Field competition. He also, offered congratulations to Ballinasloe Chess Club as six of their members had represented Ireland.

The Mayor then made a presentation to Mr. A. Farrell and wished him luck on his upcoming marriage to Karen.

6. CORRESPONDENCE

No correspondence was received.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

In response to a query, Mr. A. Farrell informed the meeting that the Road Design team from Galway County Council have been notified to carry out a design for the proposed new road at rear of Society Street.

Cllr. S. Tully proposed that a letter of congratulations should issue to Mary Madden who won the All-Ireland Senior’s Golf Ladies Championship.

In response to queries Mr. A Headd, Acting Executive Engineer informed the meeting:-

1. There is funding available to upgrade the culvert at the Railway Station and it is the Council’s intention to carry out the work this year, which should alleviate flooding problems ongoing at Ashfield Drive.
2. Temporary signs for 1∙5 hours parking would be replaced with permanent signs.
3. Railings to be provided at the Pedestrian Crossing at Society Street.
4. Potholes near the Pedestrian Crossing at Dunlo Hill will be repaired.
5. Work on the Creagh Pedestrian Crossing will be completed shortly, and a ghost island will be provided, which should help the situation.

This concluded the business of the meeting.