Kells Civic Offices, Headfort Place, Kells s1

Comhairle Baile na Ceannanas Mór Kells Town Council Miontuairiscí / Meeting Minutes

November Monthly Meeting held on Monday, 20th November 2006, Kells Civic Offices, Headfort Place, Kells

Presiding: Cllr. O. Sweeney.

Present: Cllrs. P. Caffrey, B. Collins, B. Curran, S. Drew, C. Ferguson, T. Grimes, B. Reilly.

Also Present: Mr. B. McGrath, Town Manager, Mr. B. Sweeney, Town Clerk, Mr. T. Traynor, Town Engineer, Ms. C. O’Reilly, A/Asst Staff Officer.

There were apologies from Cllr. A.O. Farrelly for his inability to attend.

It was unanimously agreed that the meeting format would be as follows: Items 1, 5, 6 and 8 statutory business would be dealt with first.

It was agreed that the following addendum would be added to the agenda: “To receive report in accordance with Planning & Development Acts 2000 – 2002 and Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 in respect of works at Kells Swimming Pool.”

The Council then received a delegation from Kells & District Motor Cycling Racing Club, comprising Ms. Aileen Ferguson, Mr. Lester Ferguson and Mr. Brendan Maguire, regarding application for funding for 2007.

Ms. Ferguson informed the meeting that the Club has incurred expenditure in excess of €85k since July. The Club commence promotion of the races from March.

A general discussion ensued and members agreed that the annual races bring a lot of business to the area.

Ms. Ferguson informed the meeting that the Irish Sport Council gives a grant to the Governing Body in respect of safety measures.

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Kells Town Council, Kells Civic Offices, Headfort Place,, Kells, County Meath Telephone: 046 9240076, Fax: 046 9249316, web: www.meath.ie, Email: [email protected] Comhairle Baile na Ceannanas Mór Kells Town Council Miontuairiscí / Meeting Minutes

It was agreed that the Council would give favourable consideration to the Club’s application for funding.

Minutes The minutes of the October monthly meeting held on 16th October 2006 and special meeting held on 7th November 2006 were confirmed on the proposal of Cllr. T. Grimes, seconded by Cllr. B. Reilly.

To consider adoption of the Kells Backlands Local Area Plan as recommended in the Manager’s Report or other than as recommended in the Manager’s Report in accordance with Section 20 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 – 2002 The Plan was adopted on the proposal of Cllr. B. Curran, seconded by Cllr. B. Reilly.

Cllr. Caffrey sated that he was abstaining.

Members were informed that the Plan was in respect of lands inside the functional area of Kells Town Council.

To consider disposal of land in accordance with S183 of The Local Government Act 2001 “Land and dwellinghouse at 18 Magdalene Court, Kells, to Ms. Mary Grey and Mr. Peter Kennedy, 18 Magdalene Court, Kells.”

Proposed by Cllr. T. Grimes. Seconded by Cllr. B. Curran.

To consider and if thought fit to approve agreements in accordance with Section 85 of The Local Government Act 2001

“To resolve that the powers, functions and duties of Meath County Council in relation to the operation and maintenance of the water services (water & sewerage) infrastructure within the administrative area of Kells shall be continued to be exercised and performed by Kells Town Council for a period of 12 months to 31/12/2007 and that Kells Town Council enter into an agreement with Meath County Council pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 to give effect to these arrangements.”

Proposed by Cllr. B. Reilly. Seconded by Cllr. T. Grimes.

To receive report in accordance with Planning & Development Acts 2000 – 2002 and Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 in respect of works at Kells Swimming Pool. The Town Clerk informed the meeting that the works would be funded from an allocation from the Department and the balance would be funded by Meath County Council.

Proposed by Cllr. T. Grimes. Seconded by Cllr. B. Reilly.

Monthly Reports The Town Clerk informed the meeting that the matter of illegal dumping at the bottle banks was with the Council’s Law Agent.

The Town Manager informed the meeting that there were minor delays with the opening of the Civic Amenity Centre, but it would be opening in December for the post Christmas recycling.

The Town Engineer undertook to check out walls at Blackthorn Close.

Manager’s Orders There were no Manager’s Orders.

To consider declaration of Public Road in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 at Stonebridge, Maudlin Street, Kells The Town Clerk stated that a full report was brought to the September meeting recommending taking in charge of roads and services. He stated that he met with the Residents on 25 October 2006 with the Town Engineer. A letter had been received from the Residents on 6 November 2006 requesting that the estate not be taken in charge. He recommended to the members that they adopt the Engineer’s report.

A general discussion then took place. The Town Manager informed members that if the estate was not taken in charge the Council could not undertake any works in the estate and the spend of public funds would cease forthwith.

It was agreed that a leaflet drop would be made to each householder on the estate setting out the Council’s position.

The Manager informed members that a decision would have to made on the matter at the December meeting.

To receive report on visit to Iona by delegation from Town Council The Town Clerk brought the following report to the meeting:

“A delegation of Councillors and officials travelled to Oban and Iona in the administrative County of Argyll and Bute in western Scotland from September 25th to 28th 2006.

The delegation consisted of : Cllr O Sweeney, Cathaoirleach, Cllrs. B Curran, T Grimes Cllr B Reilly, Mr B Sweeney Town Clerk, Mr T Traynor Town Engineer.

Mrs A Grimes and Mrs G Reilly travelled at their own expense.

Background There is an historic association between Kells and Iona dating back to the establishment of a Christian community there by St Colmcille having travelled there from Kells. Research clearly shows that there is little knowledge and appreciation of this link in Iona and surrounding areas. This is despite the fact that the word Kells is used locally in business and place names.

Purpose The purpose of the visit was to seek to establish links with Iona and the Argyll and Bute Council which is the administrative authority for the area. The purpose of these links is to explore how the two areas can foster co-operation in the areas of tourism and culture. The Town Council will further explore how a tripartite arrangement could be put in place linking Derry/Donegal Kells and Iona the sites traditionally associated with St Colmcille. In 2005 a number of contacts were made with Derry City Council and the St Colmcille Centre in Gartan to progress this issue culminating in a meeting with the Mayor of Derry.

Itinerary The itinerary consisted of : Sept 25th Travel Kells to Oban (depart Kells 5.30 am) Sept 26th Trip to Iona and meeting with Argyll and Bute Council Sept 27th Free time and return to Glasgow Sept 28th Return to Kells home. (arrive Kells 2pm)

The Visit The two most significant aspects of the visit were: Visit to Iona This visit allowed the delegation to experience first hand the monastic community established there. The abbey is now in use as a multi- denominational religious conference centre which hosts a large number of visitors each year. On the day of our visit some 350 visitors were making the trip to the island a significant number given that it was so late in the tourist season.

Meeting with Argyll and Bute Council. The meeting established contacts with the Argyll and Bute Council and their delegation included the Council Leader Cllr Allan Macaskill, Cllr Robin Banks, Deputy Leader and Cllrs Donald MacIntosh, Sidney McDougall, Duncan MacIntyre. The delegation extended a very warm welcome to the Kells group and were very positive in exploring ways to promote further contacts.

Actions arising from Visit Kells Town Council will provide a replica Book of Kells on loan to Argyll and Bute Council for display during Highland 2007, a major international festival of highland culture.”

Following a discussion on the report it was agreed to invite a delegation over for St. Patrick’s Day. It was also agreed to renew links with Derry. It was agreed to consider a further trip in July next for the Highland Festival.

The Manager congratulated the delegation on their trip.

Question to Town Manager Submitted by Cllr. B. Reilly

Can the Manager give me an update on our application for the location of the new hospital in Kells.

Can the Manager advise me if any contact has been made with the Health Service Executive and can this Council invite the Health Service Executive to an urgent meeting in order that we may put forward our proposals for the purpose of strengthening our case.

Prior to this meeting can the Manager have prepared, if not already done so, a detailed submission to the Health Service Executive which will help to sell Kells as the location for the new Hospital.

The Town Clerk informed members that contacts of an informal nature had been made with the HSE in relation to new Hospital. Consultants had been appointed and the HSE were not dealing directly with the matter. No formal decision would be made until report had been received from the Consultants.

Notice of Motion Submitted by Cllr. B. Collins “Kells Town Council calls for the Government to restore Part V of the Planning Act 2000 to its original standing and remove the change made to Part V of the Act in 2002.

The Council believes that the provision by housing developers of 20% of units as Social and Affordable Housing is a meritous one and it should be restored.

The 2002 change to Part V of the Act allows for the developer to provide cash contribution instead of the unit. Kells Town Council will not accept cash contributions instead of housing units from developers and we call upon Meath County Council to do the same.

This Council believes that the Government should not have introduced this change as it serves the developer more than the public.”

Proposed by Cllr. B. Collins. Seconded by Cllr. T. Grimes.

Correspondence and matters raised by Town Manager Letter received from Denis McCarthy regarding the erection of Market Cross display case.

Letter from Tara Mines Disabled Workers.

Letter from Michael McCabe regarding the purchase of piece of land adjacent to his house.

Any Other Business Cllr. B. Reilly raised the issue of long stay car parks opening early in the mornings. The Town Clerk that there were difficulties with cost and restrictions on the working day. The Manager stated that there was adequate parking at the north end of the town and at the swimming pool.

Cllr. B. Collins raised the following issues:  Lighting and stop sign at Cavan Road back road.  Trees in housing estates. Officials undertook to check out these issues.  Turn over paid parking. The Town Clerk stated that staff were directed to enforce parking bye- laws to the maximum.

Cllr. S. Drew raised the following issues:  The position regarding number of vacant houses. The Town Clerk stated that these houses would be disposed of at public auction.

 Water meter programme. The Town Engineer stated that the programme was ongoing and was being dealt by Infrastructure.

 Road works at Fr. McCullen Park. The Town Engineer stated he had received representations from residents in relation to parking areas. The matter would be clarified.

Cllr. P. Caffrey raised the following:

 The provision of CCTV. It was agreed to meet with the Garda Superintendent at a later date and this item could be raised then.

 Safety barrier at Ard na Greine. The Town Engineer undertook to check out this matter.

 Sale of site to Carroll Joinery. The Town Clerk stated that the site would be sold in two phases at the original price.

 Lights to Headfort Bridge. It was agreed to refer this matter to Meath County Council be motion.

Cllr. B. Curran raised the following:

 Enforcement parking restrictions.  Provision of ramps at Cross Carrick. It was agreed to look at the provision of ramps from next years’ block grant allocation.

 Canopy over the Market Cross It was stated that the glass was laminated.

Cllr. Ferguson raised the following:

 Potholes on John Street / Castle Street. The Town Engineer stated that the streets in question would be resurfaced the following week.

 Provision of ramps at front of O’Growney Terrace. It was agreed to look at the provision of ramps from next years’ block grant allocation.

 Register of Electors.

Members were informed that new additions had yet to be added to the register.

Members were informed that Development Plan meeting had been re- scheduled to 29th November.

Votes of sympathy were passed with the following: Cllr. Liz McCormack. Cllr. John Farrelly. Gargan Family. Fitzgerald Family. Friery Family.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

Kells Town Council, Kells Civic Offices, Headfort Place,, Kells, County Meath Telephone: 046 9240076, Fax: 046 9249316, web: www.meath.ie, Email: [email protected]