Minutes of March Monthly Meeting of Kilkee Town Council Held on The

Minutes of January Meeting of West Clare Municipal District held on 21st January, 2016 at 4.00p.m. at Kilfenora Heritage Centre

Cathaoirleach sa Cathair: Cllr. C. Curtin, I Láthair: Cllr. R. Nagle, Cllr. I. Lynch, Cllr. B. Chambers, Cllr. G. Keating, Cllr. B. Slattery, Cllr. P.J.Kelly, Cllr. M. Hillery.

Officials present: Ms. A. Haugh, Area Co-Ordinator & Director of Service, Mr. C. Feeney, A/Senior Executive Engineer ,West Clare Municipal District Mr. J. Corry, Administrative Officer & Meetings Administrator.

1. Minutes of Meeting of West Clare Municipal District held on 17th November 2015

The Minutes were proposed by Cllr.Chambers & seconded by Cllr. Nagle. Cllr. Lynch looked for an update on the provision of an indoor facility in Kilrush. J. Corry indicated that he was awaiting a further update from M. Meehan. 2. Minutes of Special Meeting of the West Clare Municipal District to consider the Budgetary Plan held on 6th November 2015 The Minutes were proposed by Cllr. Slattery & seconded by Cllr. Hillery. 3. Taking in Charge – Declaration of Roads in following estates to be Public Roads in accordance with S11 of the Roads Act 1993

Ard Donagh, Ennistymon proposed by Cllr. Slattery & seconded by Cllr. Nagle Beechlawn/The Sidings, Ennistymon rd, Lahinch proposed by Cllr. Slattery & seconded by Cllr. Nagle Westpark, Spanish Point proposed by Cllr. Hillery & seconded by Cllr. Lynch to defer making a decision pending the outcome of a judicial review

4. Update on Parking for Kilrush

J. Corry updated the members with details of income for parking charges since the introduction of parking incentives in June 2015 to the end of Dec 2015. He advised that when compared with the same period in 2014 that there was a reduction of over 80%. A discussion then took place & it was pointed out by the members that sufficient enforcement wasn’t taking place. A. Haugh advised that this was a result of the Community Warden having to cover Environment duties in Clare Co Council. She advised that she would be seeking an update from HR as to when this situation could be regularized so that there could be greater enforcement in Kilrush. It was proposed by Cllr. Kelly & seconded by Cllr. Keating & agreed that they would defer reviewing parking fees for two hours in Kilrush until a report was recd advising on the impact of a greater level of enforcement of the two hour free parking & in the meantime that the status quo of two hour free parking would prevail in Kilrush.

5. Draft Parking Bye Laws for Doolin Pier It was proposed by Cllr.Slattery & seconded by Cllr. Lynch that they needed further time to consider the draft Bye Laws and that a Special meeting would be called to discuss. This meeting was set for 26th January in Aras Contae an Chlair, Ennis at 11am. 6. Draft Harbour Bye Laws for Doolin Pier It was proposed by Cllr.Slattery & seconded by Cllr. Lynch that they needed further time to consider the draft Bye Laws and that a Special meeting would be called to discuss. This meeting was set for 26th January in Aras Contae an Chlair, Ennis at 11am. 7. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Hillery “That Clare Co Council would give an update of the drainage system for Miltown Malbay & when will remedial works commence.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Curtin.

The drainage system which crosses Church Road has been surveyed as far as possible and a section at the intake has been identified which will require remedial works. The system on the Ennis road has not yet been surveyed. The programme for remedial works will be dependant on the level of funding provided in the Schedule of Municipal District works for the coming year coupled with the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport annual road grant allocation.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Hillery complimented the Council for the work that they had done. He indicated that the maintenance of rivers was very important.

8. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Hillery “That Clare Co Council would install speed ramps, children at play & other signs at Luis na Si estate, Miltown Malbay in the interest of safety.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Curtin.

Further investigation would be required to establish the nature and extent of speeding problems, in the first place. Consideration will be given to installing road signs, such as caution children at play signs, within the estate, depending on priorities and resources available in the roads budget for the West Clare MD. The Lus na Si estate in Miltown Malbay comprises 34 social housing units, all owned by Clare County Council and maintained by Housing Services. However, the roads within the estate are public roads and are maintained by the West Clare MD.

The issue of enforcement of speeding is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Those who have concerns about speeding within the estate are advised to contact the Gardaí.

Response Ends Robert Burns, A/SEE, Housing Services.

9. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Hillery “That Clare Co Council would put safety measures in place along the N67 to protect the dwelling house of Mr. & Mrs. P.J. & Bridget Linnane, Annagh, Quilty.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Curtin.

We have forwarded this issue to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who are the funding authority for works to the national secondary road network and are awaiting their reply. We will look at the possibility to erecting additional warning signs eg chevron signs while we await a reply from TII.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Hillery indicated that this wall had been knocked three times in the last five years and that it would be very important that anything which could be done would be done.

10. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Lynch “That this Municipal District ask the Minister for Finance to introduce an urban renewal scheme where reduced vat rates are applied to businesses within struggling town centres and villages. The scheme would apply to retail and services alike, ensuring job retention and encouraging businesses to occupy vacant commercial properties with possible additional owner occupier incentives to rehabilitate and revive our devastated towns and villages”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Chambers & supported by the other members.

Cllr. Lynch suggested that the Government needed to create jobs & needed to provide incentives to have people remaining in struggling towns and villages.He suggested that the reduction in VAT rates for smaller businesses in struggling towns and villages might help. 11. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Lynch “ That road safety measures by means of pedestrian crossings be installed at Fahys Road and at the sports complex on the Cooraclare road “

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Curtin.

We are currently preparing a preliminary design for the proposed pedestrian crossing at Fahys road which will require consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland in due course. Any proposal for a pedestrian crossing at the sports complex on the Cooraclare road will require a survey to be carried out and currently resources are limited to complete such a survey.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Lynch indicated that a risk had already been identified by putting up barriers outside the footpath at the entrance to the Astroturf pitch.

12. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Lynch “That this Municipal District invite the LEO to the Vandeleur Walled Gardens to further explore the possibilities of establishing a food hub within the facility, expanding the potential for indigenous business within the area “

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Keating.

Head of Enterprise is supportive and willing to meet with representatives of Vandeleur Walled Gardens to explore options as outlined

Response Ends Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Clare Co. Council

It was suggested that J. Corry would liaise with P. McElwee regarding arranging a meeting.

It was agreed to take items 13 & 18 together.

13. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Chambers “That the Council request Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to provide the necessary funding to enable works to be carried out to improve the sight distance at the junction of the N68 with the L2138-0 (Cranny Cross) as there is currently a safety issue for road users”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Kelly

We have forwarded this issue previously to Transport Infrastructure Ireland who are the funding authority for works to the national secondary road network and are awaiting their reply. Due to the probable extent of the works involved the scheme would not come under the road safety remedial measure RSRM programme and will require significant funding.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

18. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Kelly “That road no L 20845 be widened at its junction with N68 in order to provide safe access/exit space for long vehicles.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Chambers

We have forwarded this issue to Transport Infrastructure Ireland who are the funding authority for works to the national secondary road network and are awaiting their reply.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Kelly indicated that the TII have an obligation to ensure safety at this junction. Cllr. Curtin indicated that they had repeatedly tried unsuccessfully to arrange a meeting of the TII with reps of the West Clare MD.

14. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Chambers “That Clare County Council provide funding in the Roadworks Programme to strengthen & seal the L6132 at Brisla, Cooraclare”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Keating

The road is not in the current schedule of Municipal District Works but we will continue to maintain the road with the resources available.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

It was agreed to take items 15 & 25 together.

15. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Curtin “That the Senior Executive Engineer, arising from the aftermath of the floods & storms on Sept 11th & December 4th report on the timeframe & works specifications for road restoration on the N67 at Dromin, Rineen & bridge repairs at Creevagh, Mullagh & Kilclogher, Kilmaley.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Nagle

A consultant was appointed for the embankment at Rineen and a design proposal has been submitted to Transport Infrastructure Ireland. We are currently in discussion with TII regarding approval and funding for this scheme. At Creevagh and Kilclclother due to water levels we cannot inspect the bridges thoroughly to determine what remedial measures are required and therefore the likely timeframe for repairs is uncertain at this time. The bridge at Creevagh will also be subject to a section 50 approval from the OPW.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Curtin advised that it was important that these works would be carried out as soon as possible.

25. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Nagle “I am calling on the Senior Engineer to outline what damage has been caused to Kilclogher Bridge on the Lower Road, Kilmaley & the timeframe for repair of the damage & the reopening of the road.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Curtin

Our initial inspection of the bridge has identified movement and settlement of the eastern abutment which has caused a number of the voussoirs to displace. The supporting spandrel wall also appears to have settled and rotated probably due to scouring action by the river. However until water levels drop we cannot inspect the bridge thoroughly to determine what remedial measures are required and therefore the likely timeframe for repairs remains uncertain.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Nagle pointed out that this was a very busy route & that it was important to have these works completed as soon as possible.

It was agreed to take Item 26 next.

26. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Nagle “That Clare Co Council would survey the bridges & culverts to determine the number which require remedial work.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Hillery

Reply Extensive surveys and remedial works have been undertaken to culverts and bridges in the last 5 years. Transport Infrastructure Ireland have carried out a number of rolling programmes of surveys and remedial measures to structures (bridges and culverts) on the national secondary road network. The most recent programme was completed in 2015 and involved extensive rebuilding of a number of bridges on the N67 in particular. There are also works programmed for 2016 most notably the widening of Lissyneilan bridge. In addition Clare County Council have also carried out a programme of bridge surveys and repairs on the Regional and important local road network to identify defects and remedial measures to bridges over the last 3 years. These surveys are now complete and a programme of works identified and instigated to deal with the most serious defects. This programme has been compromised in recent months with the adverse weather experienced and the damage caused to previously sound structures. Therefore resources have had to be diverted to deal with these structures eg Ballylaan and Clonbony bridge and weight restrictions put in place on the Creamery Bridge Mountrivers , Goleen bridge R473 aswell as the road closures caused by damage to Creevagh bridge and Kilclother bridge.

Unfortunately we do not currently have the resources to survey every bridge and culvert on the local road network but the General Services Supervisor’s in the course of their work do identify and deal with issues as they arise or are notified of by the general public.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Nagle suggested that overseers would carry out an inspection of bridges & culverts over the summer months.

16. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Curtin “That the defective section of road surface on the R 484 at Ennis rd, Kilmihil be reinstated to an acceptable standard as it is a strategic location on this widely trafficked route.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Keating

Reply The road is not in the current schedule of Municipal District Works but we will continue to maintain the road with the resources available.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

17. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Curtin “In order to protect the road structure in the Municipal District Area that an accelerated programme of road drainage maintenance is initiated & the enlisting of the support of other statutory agencies is sought with the Hydrological Assessment of river catchments in the area where significant flooding events have occurred.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Nagle

In general the road network drainage has coped well with the recent adverse weather conditions. However drainage problems have arisen where either adjoining land flooded onto the road network eg Lough Atedaun onto the R476 at Corofin or due to combinations of high tide and river levels road drainage outlets were prevented from discharging eg N67 at Mountrivers. These are factors outside of the control of the road network drainage systems. It must be stressed that the recent weather has been unprecedented in the level of rainfall experienced in such a short timeframe. We will contact the OPW to enlist their assistance in reviewing river catchments which are outside the remit of their current CFRAM (Catchment Flood Risk Assessment Management) project.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Curtin stressed the importance of taking water off the roads.

19. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Keating “That Clare Co Council reinstate funding under the Local Improvement Scheme in the interests of maintaining & improving our rural roads.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Lynch

The approach that Clare County Council would propose to take in relation to LIS funding will be dependent on the nature and structure of road grants for 2016 which I expect will be announced by the Department of Transport within the next few weeks. Present indications are that there will be little or no increase overall when compared with the 2015 allocations – in which case funding levels for 2016 will remain in the region of 45% less than what they were in the boom period in 2008. Therefore, unless there is a specific ring-fenced LIS grant incorporated in the forthcoming 2016 allocations, I will be recommending to the Council that there should be no LIS allocation for this year given that funding levels are presently far from adequate to facilitate the needs of the roads for which the Council does have a responsibility i.e. the public road network.

Response Ends Tom Tiernan, Senior Engineer, Transportation

Cllr. Keating stressed the importance of funding being made available for the LIS scheme. He suggested to A. Haugh that if funds & discretion were made available as part of the DTTAS road grants that funding would be ring fenced within same for the LIS scheme.

20. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Keating “That Clare Co Council provide me with an update on the works to be carried out by the OPW on the Shannon Estuary Embankments & the Atlantic Coastline .”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Curtin

Clare County Council made two separate applications for funding to the Office of Public Works in 2014 under the Minor Flood Mitigation and Coastal Protection Works Scheme. The applications were to seek funding to repair the damage caused by the storms of January and February 2014 along the Atlantic Coastline and the Shannon Estuary Embankments. Two separate reports were completed by Consultants employed by a number of the Landowners in the areas affected. The reports identified the areas in need of repair, proposed repairs and estimated the costs. Two Estimates of Benefits were prepared by the Irish Farmers Association and submitted to support the application. The total funding request was €1m approximately. The Office of Public Works decided the best course of action was to increase the size of the funding allocation to Clare County Council for repair of public infrastructure and facilities damaged by the severe weather events in the period 13th December 2013 to the 6th January 2014. They decided to cease consideration of the applications for minor works schemes as a result.

Clare County Council sought two fee proposals from the two Consultants involved in the original reports to prepare detailed designs, produce the tender documents and manage the works. One Consultant submitted a fee proposal and it was accepted by Clare County Council. As a result work on the design and contract documents has begun on the Atlantic Coastline Repairs Project. This Scheme focuses on Lough Donnell, Rhynagannaught and Farrihy all along the Atlantic Coastline between Kilkee and Quilty. Clare County Council have gone to tender using the Multi Operator Framework Agreement for the Coastal Storm Flooding Damage Programme and Inland Flood Relief Works to commission a Consultant to design , prepare the tender documents and manage the Shannon Estuary Embankment Repair Project. It is to appoint a Consultant in mid February.

Various environmental designations (SAC, SPA and NHA) pertain at and in the vicinity of the locations to be repaired. The Consultants will have to undertake an environmental assessment at the locations and of adjacent coastal areas likely to be impacted upon by the proposed measures. This will identify if there is a need for any further environmental assessments or impact statements.

It is intended to commence works in late Summer or early Autumn subject to Environmental and Planning issues being addressed in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Response Ends Steve Lahiffe, A/SEE, Transportation

Cllr. Curtin proposed that a Briefing of the West Clare MD members take place on the feasibility study for Cloughaninchy. J. Corry indicated that he would follow up with S. Lahiffe.

21. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Keating “That Clare Co Council provide an update report in tabular form on the number of vacant houses in Kilrush town which are in need of refurbishment for allocation for housing waiting list.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Lynch

Attached is a summary in tabular format of vacant social housing in Kilrush, as of 15th January 2016. Information is provided on properties that fall vacant, from time-to-time, described as ‘casual vacant’ properties. Information is also provided on ‘long-term voids’, which is the description for houses that have been vacant for more than six months and where significant works are required to bring back into use. There is also information provided on houses that have been recently acquired by the Council, but which will require refurbishment before being allocated.

Vacant Properties in Kilrush As of 15th January 2016

Address Status Date Expected Referred to Completion Housing Date Maintenance

Casual Vacant 1 33 Pound Street Contractor Appointed 01/04/2015 30/03/2016 2 17 Crofton Street Contractor Appointed 21/05/2015 30/03/2016 3 3 High Street Construction Stage 28/05/2015 21/01/2016 4 33 Island View Construction Stage 20/08/2015 21/01/2016 5 12 Willow Green* Assessment of Works/Tender 16/10/2005 30/04/2016 6 10 Glen Court* Assessment of Works/Tender 27/11/2015 30/04/2016 7 4 Sycamore Drive* Assessment of Works/Tender 07/01/2016 31/05/2016

Long-Term Voids 7 St. Senan's 1 Terrace** Assessment of Works/Tender 01/11/2008 30/06/2016 8 St. Senan's 2 Terrace** Assessment of Works/Tender 31/03/2011 30/06/2016 17 St. Senan's 3 Terrace** Assessment of Works/Tender 31/03/2011 30/06/2016

Acquisitions O'Gorman St/Pound St. 1 (corner house) Assessment of Works/Tender 16/09/2015 30/04/2016 2 36 Pella Road Assessment of Works/Tender 08/01/2016 31/05/2016

* Subject to receiving funding from the DoECLG under the programme for refurbishment of casual vacant properties in 2016. ** Funded by internal capital receipts and the Council is awaiting sanction from DoECLG that funds can be used as planned for this purpose. The delay may be attributed to the absence of the significant funding necessary to carry out the extensive refurbishment works.

Response Ends Robert Burns, A/SEE, Housing Services

22. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Slattery “While Clare County Council have agreed in principle to take over and upgrade the lane known as Rue d'Arazon (opposite Centra Supermarket in Lahinch), I am asking them to provide as a matter of urgency public lighting at the southern end of the lane in the interest of pedestrian and motorist safety”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Nagle

I have forwarded this issue to Airtricity who manage the street lighting network on behalf of Clare County Council to carry our an assessment of the lighting requirements in this area and will revert to the members when a response and cost estimate to carry out such works is received.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Slattery pointed out that it was very important to have public lighting provided as he advised that elderly people were using this route for going to mass.

23. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Slattery “I am asking Clare County Council to strengthen and re-surface road number L2088-22 from the village of Quilty to the junction at the Pier in Seafield, Quilty.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Hillery

The road is not in the current schedule of Municipal District Works but we will continue to maintain the road with the resources available.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Slattery indicated that he was anxious to see this road included in the schedule of Municipal District works at the earliest opportunity. C. Feeney indicated that they needed to prioritise works with the funding that was available.

24. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Slattery “I am requesting Clare County Council to provide flashing speed warning signs on the Liscannor/Lahinch road from the Golfclub to O'Brien's Bridge as the signage there at present is visually totally inadequate.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Nagle

The designated 50km/h speed limit is clearly sign posted at O’Briens bridge on the approach to Lahinch. In addition there are also smaller repeater signs between O’Briens bridge and Lahinch reinforcing the 50km/h speed limit. I will review the number of signs currently displayed and if required replace or supplement these signs . Unfortunately there is no funding for the provision of flashing speed signs at this time.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

Cllr. Slattery indicated that a lot of people were being caught for speeding at this location as the signage was totally inadequate. A discussion took place regarding same & it was suggested that this speed limit would be reviewed as part of the speed limit review.C. Feeney advised that a flashing light sign would cost €5.5k plus VAT.

27. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Nagle “That the Elected Members would be consulted on the roads to be included in the new 3 Year Roadworks Programme.”

This Motion was seconded by Cllr. Slattery

The Elected Members were written to in December 2015 inviting them to make submissions on the new 3 year roads programme. The roads programme is incorporated into the Schedule of Municipal District Works which will be put before the members in March 2016 for adoption. I have reviewed the various notice of motions submitted by the members at the Municipal District meetings and where possible and appropriate have tried to include these roads in the new 3 year roads programme.

Response Ends Cyril Feeney, A/SEE, West Clare Municipal District

A discussion ensued where C. Feeney further explained how roads were prioritized for inclusion in the SMDW because of funding restrictions and also because of the PCI ratings of the roads. It was agreed by the members that sufficient funding was not being made available.

26.A.O.B.

It was proposed that the next MD meeting would take place in the Vandeleur Walled Gardens Kilrush on 2nd March at 4pm.

This then concluded the business of the meeting.

Signed : Cllr. C. Curtin Cathaoirleach Signed : J. Corry Meetings Administrator Dated this the 2nd day of March 2016.