COMHAIRLE CHONTAE UÍBH FHAILÍ

MINUTES OF OCTOBER MONTHLY MEETING OF OFFALY

HELD IN ARAS AN CHONTAE, CHARLEVILLE ROAD, ON MONDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER 2012 AT 2.00 P.M.

PRESENT: Cllr. P. Ormond (Presiding), Cllrs. N. Bourke, M. Buckley, J. Butterfield, J. Carroll, P. Clendennen, D. Dolan, E. Dooley, S. Dooley, E. Fitzpatrick, J. Foley, C. Hanniffy, N. Hogan. T. McKeigue, T. McLoughlin J. Leahy, S. Moylan-Ryan, D. Owens, G. Plunkett, L. Quinn and P. Rowland. IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. P. Gallagher, County Manager, Mr. D. Conlon, H.O.F., Mr. D. Kirrane, D.O.S. Mr. S. Murray, D.O.S. Mr. F. Heslin, D.O.S., Ms. M. Cleary, Meetings Administrator, Mr. T. Shanahan, S.E., Mr. A. Murray, S.P., Mr. D. Minton, A.O., Ms. B. Maher, Executive Planner, Ms. A. Walsh, A/S.E.P., Mr. E. Lynch, E.P., Mr. D. Meehan, E.P., Mr. M. Duffy, E.T., Ms. F. Flaherty C.O.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY: Votes of sympathy were unanimously extended to the following:-

Paul Devaney SEE Tullamore Town Council on the death of his mother, Winnie Devaney.

Mrs Coakely & Family, Bloomhill, Ballinahown, Athlone on the death of her husband, Kieran Coakley.

John & Maureen Gowing, Clonlee, Kinnitty, Birr on the death of their daughter, Catherine.

The Gleeson Family, Clonegannagh, Dunkerrin, Birr on the death of Matthew.

Michael & Eileen Doherty, Dunkerrin, Birr on the death of their son, Niall.

Gerry Maher & Family on the death of his wife, Pauline.

Christopher O’ Donoghue, Crinkle, Birr on the death of his mother, Evelyn O’ Donoghue.

Ina Gleeson, Dunkerrin, Birr on the death of her husband, Matt.

Michael & Brenda Deegan, Military Road, Crinkle, Birr on the death of their son, Damien.

Tom & Francis Bracken and family on the death of Mrs Nonie Daly.

Hugh Bracken, Lowertown, Mountbolus on the death of his mother, Agnes Bracken. Michael & Brenda Deegan, Military Road, Crinkle, Birr on the death of their son, Damien.

Rev Gerald Field, Church Ave, Tullamore on the death of his father, Gerald Field.

Eilish Horan, Tullamore Credit Union, Patrick St, Tullamore on the death of her mother.

Ann Dervin, Whitehall Estate, Tullamore on the death of her husband, Jim.

The County Manager on his own behalf and on behalf of the staff of the Council joined with the members in these votes of sympathy.

VOTES OF Votes of congratulations were extended to: CONGRATULATIONS - Aisling O’ Rourke, Midlands Radio 3; - Kilcormac/Killoughey Senior Hurling Team on winning the Leinster Hurling Semi Final and to their manager Cllr. D. Owens; - Fr. Michael Kelly on receiving a presidential inaugural award for his work with people with disabilities in Zambia

CONFIRMATION OF On the proposal of Cllr. M. Buckley, seconded by Cllr. E. MINUTES: Fitzpatrick the minutes of October Monthly Meeting held in Áras an Chontae, on 15th October, 2012 were agreed and adopted.

MINUTES FOR NOTING: The minutes of the Corporate Policy Group Meeting held th on 19 November 2012 were noted.

S.183, LOCAL GOVERNMENT On the proposal of Cllr. C. Hanniffy, seconded by Cllr. J. ACT 2001 –DISPOSAL OF Leahy, the members resolved to dispose of freehold interest FREEHOLD INTEREST OF in Site No. 4 ‘Cluny’, Gallen, Ferbane, in accordance with SITE No. 4 “CLUNY”, the terms of the notice dated 18th October 2012. GALLEN, FERBANE.

S.183, LOCAL GOVERNMENT On the proposal of Cllr. E. Dooley and seconded by Cllr. E. ACT 2001 –LEASE OF LANDS Fitzpatrick, the members resolved to the lease of lands at AT KILLANE, Killane, Edenderry, in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 7th November 2012.

S.183 LOCAL GOVERNMENT On the proposal of Cllr. M. Buckley and seconded by Cllr. ACT 2001 – DISPOSAL OF E. Fitzpatrick, the members resolved to dispose of freehold FREEHOLD INTEREST IN interest in lands at Clonminch, Tullamore in accordance LANDS AT CLONMINCH, with the terms of the notice dated 8th November 2012. TULLAMORE In responding to a question raised Mr. D. Kirrane, D.O.S., advised that the Council retains 25 acres in Clonminch.

ANNUAL FINANCIAL Mr. D. Conlon, H.O.F., drew the members’ attention to the STATEMENT 2011 Annual Financial Statement 2011 which was circulated with the Agenda. He advised that the Draft Annual Financial Statement 2011 was considered by the members earlier in the year.

On the proposal of Cllr. D. Owens, seconded by Cllr. J. Leahy, the members resolved to adopt the Annual Financial Statement 2011.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Mr. D. Conlon, H.O.F., drew the members’ attention to the AUDIT REPORT 2011 Local Government Audit Report 2011. He outlined to the meeting some of the main issues raised therein and noted the Manager’s Response.

The members welcomed the report and complemented the collection rates achieved in 2011.

In responding to questions raised in relation to the increased costs for the building of 39 houses in Killane, Edenderry Mr. S. Murray, D.O.S. informed the members that the initial Contractor, appointed in accordance with procurement rules applicable in 2004, had proved unable to undertake the works to a satisfactory level. Accordingly, a second Contractor was appointed and significant remedial works were completed. Mr. S. Murray noted that that the development was finished to a high standard, that there were no on-going costs for the Council, legal fees were minimal, and that he was confident of a positive outcome with regard to recouping the costs from the Department.

Mr. D. Conlon, H.O.F., advised that the costs associated with the capping of Derryclure Landfill was not known at the time of the adoption of the Budget.

On the proposal of Cllr. C. Hanniffy, seconded by Cllr. L. Quinn the members resolved to adopt the Local Government Statutory Audit Report 2011.

BUDGET 2013: DATES FOR Mr. D. Conlon, H.O.F., informed the members that the MEETINGS Management Team had met with Mr. Colm Lavery, Principal Officer, Finance Section, DECLG, and two of his colleagues, the previous Friday. He advised that the Council’s current financial position, reasons for the deficit, Offaly’s dependence on the Local Government Fund, the cutbacks implemented to date and their impact on service delivery were outlined to Mr. Lavery. Mr. D. Conlon advised that he had discussed the Council current overdraft facility with Mr. Lavery and advised him that it would not be sufficient to meet the ongoing Council’s needs. Other areas discussed, he advised, included the establishment of Irish Water and the impact of the local Government reform on the Council’s finances.

The following 2013 Budget meeting arrangements were agreed by the members: - Corporate Policy Committee: 2pm Friday, 30th November 2012; - In-Committee Budget Meeting: 11am Monday, 10th December 2012; - Statutory Budget Meeting: 2pm Monday, 17th December 2012.

In responding to questions raised Mr. D. Conlon advised that the current Household Charge collection rate was 59.3%. He encouraged householders to pay or, if applicable, to register for an exemption. He reiterated that further cuts will apply if 65% or 60% compliance rate is not achieved.

In concluding the discussion Cllr. P. Ormond, Cathaoirlaech encouraged the various groupings to meet with Mr. D. Conlon to outline their priorities in advance of the Budget meetings.

OFFALY COUNTY Mr. D. Kirrane, D.O.S. outlined the legislative timeframe DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2015 - with regard to the preparation of the County Development 2021 Plan and the Town Plans for Birr and Tullamore. He advised that the review of the County Development Plan was beginning 6/8 weeks earlier than required and advised that the total process will take 102 weeks. Ms. B. Maher, Executive Planner, gave a comprehensive powerpoint presentation.

The members thanked Ms. B. Maher for her presentation and agreed that where feasible electronic methods should be used to reduce printing and postage costs. The members acknowledged that it is an opportunity to focus on supporting enterprise in the county. In responding to questions raised Mr. D. Kirrane, D.O.S., advised that the preparation timeframe is set out in legislation.

On the proposal of Cllr. T. McKeigue, seconded by Cllr. G. Plunkett, the members agreed to write to the Minister with regard to the costs associated with drafting County Development Plans and, having regard ‘A Guide to: Putting People First Action Plan For Effective Local Government’, to seek clarification with regard to the development of separate Development Plans for Birr and Tullamore.

ENTERPRISE STRATEGY Mr. D. Kirrane, D.O.S drew the members’ attention to the two CCMA reports circulated with the Agenda, i.e., „Analysis of Economic Templates‟ and „Supporting Economic Recovery and Jobs – Locally‟.

Mr. D. Kirrane, D.O.S., informed the meeting that Local Authorities are required to develop Local Authority Strategies to implement and support these reports. He advised that the Council will consult with the main stakeholders during this process and that the Strategy will be considered and adopted by the members in 2013.

The One Stop Shop approach was welcomed by the members and in concluding the discussion the Cathaoirleach, Cllr. P. Ormond noted the positive impact that a proactive approach can foster. CORPORATE POLICY Cllr P. Ormond, Cathaoirleach, reported on the Corporate GROUP REPORT: Policy Group meeting noting that the Council Agenda was considered. He also drew the members’ attention to the press release which issued advising of the establishment of the Boundary Committee.

NOTICES OF MOTION: (i) The following motion was proposed by Cllr. T. McKeigue, seconded by Cllr. L. Quinn and agreed:

“That Offaly Co Council calls on the Minister to introduce some scheme for wage earners who are in excess of the guidelines for eligibility to Council Housing. Yet those people cannot access Housing Loans as their earnings are deemed to be too low and in many cases their employment is part time or on a contract basis. At present those people are paying the full private rent from their own resources and will never be in any position to save for a deposit for a house.”

(ii) Cllr. T. McKeigue proposed the following motion, which was seconded by Cllr. P. Clendennon and agreed:

“That this Council seek a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation to discuss the poor record of job creation in the County and the Midlands in particular and also if there is any plans for gateway towns.”

(iii) Cllr. M. Buckley proposed the following motion, which was seconded by Cllr. L. Quinn:

“That Offaly Co. Council provide an update on anti- social behaviour and the measures taken to address same.”

Mr. S. Murray, D.O.S. agreed that a report would be prepared for the next S.P.C. meeting.

COMHDHÁLACHA: On the proposal of Cllr. T. McKeigue, seconded by Cllr. L. Quinn, conferences were approved as follows:

„Is a Century of Municipal Local Government. Service to be abolished?‟ City North Hotel, Gormanstown, Co. Meath. th st November 30 – December 1 2012. It was agreed no councillors would attend.

„Promoting Justice through better Consultation and Cooperation in Local Government „ Carlton Hotel Tralee, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. November 30th – December 1st 2012. It was agreed no councillors would attend.

„Rights of Way: Recent Changes in the law: How Local Government deal with right of way issues.‟ The Kingsvalley Hotel, Merlin Park, Dublin Road, Galway City. th th December 7 – 8 2012. It was agreed that Cllr. C. Hanniffy & Cllr. P. Ormond would attend.

„Professional Development Conference for Councillors: „Putting People First‟ Reform & Strategic Planning for 2013.‟ Grainne Suite, Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Co. Clare. th th December 7 – 9 2012 It was agreed the Cllr.P. Clendennon would attend.

„Maximising Energy Efficiency in the Local Authority.‟ The Kingsvalley Hotel, Merlin Park, Dublin Road, Galway City. December 14th – 15th 2012. It was agreed that Cllrs. M. Buckley and C. Hanniffy would attend.

Elected Member‟s Training Seminar: Septic Tank Case Studies Solving the Problems Westport Plaza Hotel, Street, Westport, Co Mayo October 19th-20th 2012. Retrospective approval is sought for the attendance of Cllr. S. Dooley at this conference.

Elected Member’s Training Seminar: Debt Settlement. Manor West Hotel, Killarney Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. November 2nd – 3rd 2012. Retrospective approval is sought for the attendance of Cllrs. G. Plunkett, P. Ormond and D. Owens at this conference.

Elected Member’s Training Seminar: Education for Work Initiatives. Westport Plaza Hotel, Castlebar Street,Westport, Co. Mayo. November 9th – 10th 2012. Retrospective approval is sought for the attendance of Cllr. P. Rowland at this conference.

LEADER Funding & the Councillor: Key updates, developments & benefits for Councillors & Communities. Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Co. Clare. 16th – 18th November 2012. Retrospective approval is sought for the attendance of Cllr. P. Ormond at this conference.

Elected Member’s Training Seminar: Environmental Implications of Harvesting Wind Energy. Westport Plaza Hotel, Castlebar Street, Westport, Co Mayo November 23rd – 24th 2012. Retrospective approval is sought for the attendance of Cllr. N. Bourke at this conference.

COMHFHREAGRAS: The correspondences were noted.

Cllr. S. Dooley drew the meetings attention to Dr. J. Reilly, T.D. letter, dated 16th October 2012 and requested that further clarification be sought. Cllr. T. McKeigue informed the meeting that Dr. J. Reilly, T.D. had met with the Mid Leinster Health Forum and advised that funding for Home Support Services were not being reduced. However, he had cautioned that further reductions to the Health Service Budget were required and that further clarification would issue to the Health Forums. On the proposal of Cllr. P. Ormond, Cathaoirleach the members agreed to await the Minister’s response to the Mid Leinster Health Forum.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL On the proposal of Cllr. J. Carroll, seconded by Cllr. J. Leahy, the members agreed to write to the Minister of Social and Family Affairs seeking clarification regarding social welfare payments to Part Time Fire Personnel.

STUDENT UNIVSERSAL SUPPORT IRELAND (SUSI) On the proposal of Cllr. T. McLoughlin, seconded by Cllr. P. Ormond, the members agreed to write to the Minister of Education and Skills outlining their dissatisfaction in the delay being experienced by students in having their Third Level grants applications assessed.

DRIVING LICENCE PROCESSING The Manager informed the members that he had received confirmation, earlier in the day, that from mid January 2013, driving licence applications will be processed centrally by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), rather than locally by council Motor Tax Offices.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

MINUTES CONFIRMED: ______CATHAOIRLEACH RUNAÍ

17th DECEMBER 2012