CHOMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA GAILLIMHE

MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL HELD AT ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, ON MONDAY 19th September, 2016 AT 11.00 A.M.

CATHAOIRLEACH: Cllr. M. Connolly, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway I LATHAIR FREISIN:

Baill: Cllrs. T. Broderick, D. Burke, J. Byrne, N. Byrne, I. Canning, J. Charity, B. Connelly, D. Connolly, G. Cronnelly, Comh. S. Ó Cualáín, Cllrs. J. Cuddy, S. Cunniffe, S. Donnellan, A. Donohue, M. Fahy, P. Feeney, M. Finnerty, T. Healy, M. Hoade, P. Hynes, D. Joyce, F. Kearney, P. Keaveney, D. Killilea, M. Kinane, M. Maher, E. Mannion, J. McClearn, K. McHugh, T. McHugh, M. Noone, P. Roche, N. Thomas, Comh S. Ó Tuairisg, Cllrs. S. Walsh, T. Welby

Oifigigh: Mr. K. Kelly, Chief Executive (Interim); Messrs. J. Cullen, L. Gavin, P. Gavican, Directors of Service; Ms. C. McConnell, Acting Director of Service; Mr. G. Mullarkey, Head of Finance; Mr. M. Owens, County Secretary & Meetings Administrator; Ms. M. Ní Chionna, Senior Engineer; Mr. A. Headd, Senior Executive Engineer; Mr. S. Langan, Executive Engineer; An tÚas P. Ó Neachtain, Oifigeach Gaeilge; Ms. R. O’Boyle, Ms. G. Healy, Staff Officers.

Thosnaigh an cruinniú leis an paidir.

RESOLUTIONS OF SYMPATHY 2829

Cllr. McClearn proposed a vote of sympathy to Cllr. T. McHugh on the death of his nephew, Jack McHugh, who passed away following a swimming accident while on holiday in Germany recently. He also extended his sympathies to his parents, family and friends. Cllrs. Hoade, D. Connolly, Welby and Walsh also wished to be associated with the vote of sympathy to Cllr. T. McHugh on the sad loss of his nephew.

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Cllr. D. Connolly proposed a vote of sympathy to Mrs. Terry Casey and her family on the death of Ray Casey, former employee of Galway County Council and brother of Noel Casey, Overseer Municipal District.

Cllr. Kearney wished to remember Richard Kearney of Parish who lost his life in the Battle of the Somme 100 years previously on 19th September, 1916.

A Resolution of Sympathy was also extended to the following:

Michael Walsh & Family, Ashford, Cong, Co. Mayo Mrs. Mary Conneely (Josie), Knockdoe, , Co. Galway Mairtin Ó Meachair, Cladhnach, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe Mrs. Annie Greene, Damhros, Letterard, Cashel, Co. Galway Terry Casey, Knocknagreena, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Patsy Corcoran, Rinn, , Co. Galway Mary Hanley, , Oranmore, Co. Galway Brod Cresham, Grange, , , Co. Galway Mary Lee, Rakerin, , Co. Galway Shane & Pat Quinn, Labane, , Co. Galway Sheila Duffy, Galway Road, Gort, Co. Galway Johnny & Maureen Murphy, Cahernahoon, Cummer, , Co. Galway Christina Tarpey, Kilskeagh, Athenry, Co. Galway Gerry O’Hanlon, Lackagh, Turloughmore, Co. Galway Pat & Mary Kelly and Family, , Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Peadar Ó Griallais & Clann, Aille, Indreabhán, Co. na Gaillimhe Mary Walsh, Dooras, , Co. Galway Mr. & Mrs. Declan McHugh, Bullaun, Corofin, Tuam, Co. Galway

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON 18th JULY, 2016. 2830

The Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Council held on 18th July, 2016 were APPROVED by the Council and signed by the Cathaoirleach, on the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McClearn, SECONDED by Cllr. D. Connolly.

ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Cllr. D. Connolly referred to Minister Canney’s address to the Members in relation to the issue of flooding in and he said that while the Shannon and Western CFRAMS are positive for the County in relation to flood mitigation works, the problem of flooding caused by turloughs needs to be dealt with and he noted that turloughs are not dealt with under CFRAMS.

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In reply to Cllr. Fahy, the Chief Executive said that the statutory documentation is being completed at present regarding the proposed Galway City Ring Road and the Council intends to launch the variation of the Development Plan as soon as possible. He said that discussions will take place regarding the variation of the Development Plan before the project is submitted to An Bord Pleanála in 2017 and there will also be an opportunity for the Members to make submissions to An Bord Pleanála. In reply to Cllr. Killilea, the Chief Executive said that interviews had taken place for the post of Resettlement Support Worker and it is intended that an appointment will be made shortly so that the resettlement of Syrian refugees can be facilitated. Cllr. McClearn referred to the item on the proposed Tourism Strategy for County Galway and he said that Fáilte does not appear to have any tourism strategy for many parts of the County and has neglected three quarters of County Galway in its promotional work.

Cllr. N. Byrne said that she concurred with Cllr. McClearn’s view that Fáilte Ireland does not appear to have an over-all vision for the whole of County Galway

In reply to Cllr. J. Byrne, Mr. Gavin said that the position regarding the South Galway Flood Relief Scheme is that the Council has been in discussions with the OPW and while it is the responsibility of the OPW to deliver the scheme for that area, Galway County Council has agreed to work in partnership with the OPW. He said that the Council has made its proposals to the OPW in relation to the Gort lowland area of South Galway and is awaiting a response on the setting up of a specific project to deal with South Galway. South Galway is special because of the ground water factor. It is hoped that the OPW will fund the scheme but it is with the OPW at present and the Council is awaiting their response. Mr. Gavin said it is important that environmental and planning requirements are considered as part of any assessment of the South Galway flood relief Scheme. Cllr. J. Byrne said it would be helpful if a schedule could be prepared outlining the works to be carried out

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS 2831 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS:

The Report of the Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 14th July 2016, was APPROVED by the Council on the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Maher, SECONDED by Cllr. Cuddy.

The Report of the Economic Development & Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee Meeting held on 13th April 2016, was APPROVED by the Council on the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Hoade, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney.

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The Report of the Economic Development & Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee Meeting held on 20th July 2016, was APPROVED by the Council on the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kearney, SECONDED by Cllr. Donnellan.

TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER PART 8 OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED) – ORANMORE LIBRARY 2832 [Report dated 16th September 2016, was available to the Members on the Extranet]

On the proposal of Cllr. Kinane, seconded by Cllr. Noone, the proposed Energy Efficient Upgrade Work at Oranmore Library, as outlined in the Report, was agreed.

TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER PART 8 OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED) – EXTENSION TO KILLURSA BURIAL GROUND, OWER, , CO. GALWAY. 2833 [Report dated 15th September 2016, was available to the Members on the Extranet]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Hoade, SECONDED by Cllr. Connelly, the proposed extension to Killursa Burial Ground, Ower, Headford, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Report, was AGREED.

TO CONSIDER AN AGREEMENT WITH GALWAY CITY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO SECTION 85 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 (AS AMENDED) – FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE FSAI CONTRACT BY GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL. 2834 [Report dated 8th September 2016, was available to the Members on the Extranet]

Mr. Cullen informed the Members that the Agreement would formalise the current arrangement in place whereby Galway County Council’s Veterinary Service discharges the function of the delivery of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) Contract for both Galway County and City under one single contract. He said that this Agreement had already been approved by Galway City Council.

In reply to Cllr. Noone, Mr. Cullen said that the costs associated with this function are recouped to Galway County Council by the FSAI.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. N. Byrne, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney, the Agreement with Galway City Council pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) for the delivery of the FSAI Contract by Galway County Council, was APPROVED by the Members.

TO APPOINT THE REPLACEMENT NOMINEE OF ÚDARÁS NA GAELTACHTA TO THE GALWAY COUNTY LCDC 2835 [Report dated 19th September 2016, available to the Members on the Extranet]

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Ms. McConnell informed the Members that she had received correspondence from the CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta advising that, due to staff changes, Mr. Mícheál O’hEanaigh had been nominated to replace Ms. Sonya NicLochlainn on the Local Community Development Committee.

It was PROPOSED by Comh. Ó Tuairisg, SECONDED by Comh. Ó Cualáin, and AGREED, that Mr. Mícheál O’hEanaigh be appointed to the Local Community Development Committee.

TO CONSIDER AND IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE TO AUTHORISE THE ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 142(5) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 (AS AMENDED) 2836

[Report dated 13th September, 2016 was available on the Extranet]

It was PROPOSED by Comh. Ó Tuairisg, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney, and AGREED, that the attendance of the Members named hereunder at the Celtic Conferences - A Practical Guide to Budget 2017 at The Clonakilty Hotel, Clonakilty, Co. Cork on 28th – 30th October 2016, be authorized:

Cllrs. T. McHugh, Roche and Thomas

TO CONSIDER AND IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE TO AUTHORISE THE ATTENDANCE AT TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 142(5A) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 (AS AMENDED) 2837

[Report dated 13th September, 2016 was available on the Extranet]

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Killilea, SECONDED by Cllr. Comh. Ó Tuairisg, and AGREED, that the attendance of the Members named hereunder at the Galway County Council In-House Training on Local Government Finance & Budgeting – to be held at Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway on 22nd September or 29th September, 2016, be authorised:

Comh. Ó Tuairisg, Ó Cualáin, Cllrs. Hoade, Maher, Mannion, J. Byrne, Cunniffe, Healy and Kearney.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Maher, SECONDED by Cllr. Cllr. Healy, and AGREED, that the attendance of the Members named hereunder at the Cúrsa Gaeilge do Chomhairleoirí / Irish Course for Councillors – to be held at Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway, 1 hour per week for 10 weeks from 27th September 2016, be authorised:

Cllr. D. Connolly, Hoade, Maher, Mannion, J. Byrne, Cunniffe, Healy and Kearney

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It was PROPOSED by Cllr. T. McHugh, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney, and AGREED, that the attendance of the Members named hereunder at the LAMA Autumn Training Seminar – Brexit and Ireland - at the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry, Co. Cork, on the 30th September – 1st October 2016, be authorized:

Cllrs. T. McHugh, Welby, Roche, Thomas, N. Byrne, Hoade, Mannion, Cunniffe, Kearney and Comh. Ó Cualáin.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Maher, SECONDED by Comh. Ó Tuairisg, and AGREED, that the attendance of the Members named hereunder at the AILG Training – Module 5 - at the Radisson Hotel, Sligo, on the 22nd October 2016, be authorized:

Cllrs. McClearn, Welby, Kinane, N. Byrne, Mannion, Fahy, Cunniffe, Kearney, Comh. Ó Tuairisg, Ó Cualain and Ó Curraoin.

TO NOTE THE SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES ATTENDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 142 (5f) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 (AS AMENDED) 2838 [Report dated 13th September, 2016 was available on the Extranet]

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Mannion, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney, and AGREED, to note the Summary of Proceedings at the following Conference:

Douglas Hyde Conference 2016, 21st July 2016 – as submitted by Cllrs. Welby and Comh. Ó Tuairisg. It was PROPOSED by Comh. Ó Cualáin, SECONDED by Cllr. Feeney, and AGREED, to note the Summary of Proceedings at the following Conference:

Domestic Water Saving and Conservation Techniques – 22nd – 24th July, as submitted by Cllrs. Kinane and D. Connolly. It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Mannion, SECONDED by Comh. Ó Tuairisg, and AGREED, to note the Summary of Proceedings at the following Conference:

Local Economic & Community Plans, 26th – 28th August 2016, as submitted by Cllr. Welby.

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TO CONSIDER VARYING THE BASIC RATE OF THE LOCAL PROPERTY TAX IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL PROPERTY TAX (LOCAL ADJUSTMENT FACTOR) REGULATIONS 2014 2839

[Chief Executive’s Report dated 19th September, 2016 was available on the Extranet]

It was agreed that this item be deferred for discussion at a Special Meeting of the Council at a date to be agreed, in order to provide an opportunity for further clarification and in order that a delegation of Members meet with Ministers Simon Coveney, Sean Canney and Sean Kyne in relation to the financial position of the Council.

TO CONSIDER AND IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE APPROVE A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE OPERATION OF IRISH WATER SAFETY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 67 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 2840

[Report dated 13th September, 2016 was available on the Extranet]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Mannion, SECONDED by Cllr. N. Byrne, the Members AGREED to approve a contribution towards the operation of Irish Water Safety, in accordance with Section 67 of the Local Government Act 2001, as outlined in the Report.

TO CONSIDER THE MANAGEMENT REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2016 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 136 (2) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 (AS AMENDED) 2841 [Report dated 13th September 2016, was available on the Extranet]

A discussion took place regarding the Road Re-Classifications, as set out in the Report.

Cllrs. Killilea, Cunniffe, Cuddy and Charity expressed their concern regarding the re- classification of roads from National to Regional Roads, stating that Central Government must provide additional funding to the Council for the maintenance of the additional road infrastructure which the Council will be responsible for as a result. Cllrs. Maher and Donohue felt that a letter should be written to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) indicating that the Council will not accept the re-classification of roads unless funding is provided for the upgrade of the roads. Cllrs. McClearn and Kinane expressed the view that there is a lack of communication between TII and the Elected Members. Cllrs. J. Byrne said that if a road is re-classified, it should be at a standard whereby it would not require any works for at least 20 years. Cllrs. Cuddy, Hoade, Noone, Fahy and Kearney felt that it is essential that funding is provided to the Council in order to support the ongoing maintenance of re-classified roads. 7

Mr. Gavin said that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Department of Transport) looked at the reclassification of roads along the new M17/M18 Gort to Tuam Motorway which is being constructed at present. He said that a proposal made by TII to the Department of Transport was that all roads into the city be re-classified back to Regional Roads. However, the Council submitted a report to the Department of Transport making a case that the N17 and N18 should not be downgraded to Regional Roads and was partially successful in this regard. He said the Council’s submission also requested that if any road were to be re-classified, adequate funding be provided for substantial overlay works before re-classification goes ahead. He also said that the Council will receive a small increase in roads grants into the future to support the extra regional roads as a result of the re-classification. Mr. Gavin said he wished to point out that TII is investing more than €300m in the Gort to Tuam Motorway which will be of huge benefit to County Galway and that TII is very positive towards works on the N63 at Abbeyknockmoy, the N17 at Milltown and the N84 at Luimnagh. He said that TII has standards which must be applied in the interests of safety on roads and Galway County Council works with TII in this regard. In reply to Cllrs. Hoade and Noone, Mr. Gavin said that the Members have a very important role in relation to making submissions to the Department of Transport for funding for roads. The Cathaoirleach said that it is unsatisfactory if roads are re-classified without adequate funding being provided to the Council for the upkeep of the additional regional roads. In reply to Cllrs. Thomas and Healy regarding the R336, Mr. Gavin said that it is important that infrastructure to the west be kept open. He said that this will be revisited in the near future. He said that he would revert to the Conamara Municipal District Council in this regard. In reply to Comh. Ó Tuairisg and Ó Cualáin, Mr. Gavin said that the eight routes will remain on the Council’s maps. In reply to Cllrs. Mannion and Healy, Mr. Gavin said that the Council met with representatives of the NPWS the previous week and discussed the method statements for work on the N59 between and as part of the Bord Pleanála Planning Permission. He said the NPWS agreed to come back to the Council within 2 – 3 weeks with clarification on the method statements. In relation to the Maam Cross to part of the N59, Mr. Gavin said that the Council is assessing the refusal reasons received from An Bord Pleanála at present to determine what options are open to the Council. Cllr. Mannion said she hoped that agreement would be reached as soon as possible in this regard as the N59 is in a very poor state of repair.

Mr. Gavin said the Council is hugely committed to getting the N59 Road upgraded as it is an important road for the people of Conamara and for the economic development of the area.

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Cllr. Cunniffe referred to the Gilmartin Road Scheme and asked if it would be appropriate to have a proviso built into the scheme that staffing and standards would be in place for the upkeep of the housing scheme. Mr. Gavican replied that the Tenancy and Estate Management Unit in the Housing Section has introduced revised procedures in relation to Housing Estates and Tenancy and he said he is confident that the Gilmartin Road Housing Scheme will be managed well under these new procedures, with the backing of the Members. In reply to Cllrs. Killilea and Charity, Mr. Cullen said that the allocation for 2016 under the Rural Water Programme for Group Water Supply Schemes of €2,617,040 is slightly higher than in 2015. He said that Irish Water is responsible for the taking in charge of group water schemes but that as schemes are taken in charge, the Council needs additional staff to deal with the schemes. In reply to Comh. Ó Cualáin, Ms. McConnell said that each County received an allocation of €380,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2016. Cllr. McClearn said that this allocation should be welcomed and he expressed the view that there will be a fair distribution of monies among Counties going forward. On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Killilea, SECONDED by Cllr. Noone, the Members AGREED to note the Management Report - September 2016.

PRESENTATION ON THE DRAFT FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN (FRMP) FOR THE SHANNON CFRAM STUDY AREA. PRESENTATION ON THE DRAFT FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN (FRMP) FOR THE WESTERN CFRAM STUDY AREA. 2842 The Cathaoirleach welcomed Ms. Claire Butler of the OPW, Project Manager of the Western CFRAMS; Mr. Sam Willis of JBA Consulting; and Mr. Richard Dooley of the OPW Headford Office, to the Meeting. Ms. Butler addressed the Members, stating that her presentation was part of the Consultation Process on the Western CFRAMS and she invited the Members to examine the plans and make submissions or provide any feedback in order to ensure that the flood maps are correct. She said that she would be available to the Members in the Foyer of Áras an Chontae until 8pm that evening to answer any questions they might have on the CFRAMS. She said that she was also representing Mr. Joseph McNamara, Project Manager on the Shannon CFRAMS. Ms. Butler said that the Flood Risk Management Plans seek to define the levels of existing and potential future flood risk in the Study Areas and set out how this flood risk will be managed in the short, medium and long term. The aim of the CFRAM Study is to:

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 Assess flood risk, through the identification of flood risk areas and the associated impacts of flooding  Identify viable structural and non-structural measures and options for managing the flood risk within each Area for Further Assessment(AFA) and  Prepare a strategic Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) that complement each other and ensure that the measures and policies to be pursued achieve the most cost effective and sustainable management of flood risk.

She said that draft Plans are being published to finalise the public consultation process on the CFRAM Programme. The public consultation is being carried out to ensure the OPW captures all available evidence, knowledge and opinions to inform its recommendations to Government on viable and sustainable measures that can address flood risk. When finalised, these Plans will complete the CFRAM Programme.

She said that a dedicated website www.opw.ie/FloodPlans has been created where the public can download the draft flood plans and the evidence base that supports the plans, such as the flood maps. She said that hard copies are available from the Roads Section of the Council and at Area Offices.

She informed the Members that comments or observations should be submitted either by email to: [email protected] or by post to Draft Flood Plans Consultation, Engineering Services, OPW HQ, Jonathan Swift Street, Trim, Co. Meath.

She said that the closing dates for submission of Comments or Observations are as follows:

Shannon CFRAMS: 17th October, 2016 Western CFRAMS: 13th December, 2016.

Cllr. McClearn welcomed the presentation made by Ms. Butler, particularly in relation to . He said that his experience of the CFRAMS has been a positive one and he thanked the OPW, JBA Consulting and Adrian Headd, Area Engineer, for their work in this regard. He said that a flood gate at Connaught Harbour, Portumna would alleviate 95% of the flooding concerns for Portumna.

A discussion took place and Ms. Butler replied to issues raised by the Members, as follows:

In reply to Cllrs. Mannion and Welby, Ms. Butler said that the OPW has advertised the consultation days to be held at various locations in September and October regarding the Western CFRAMS and that the OPW wishes to get as much information and feedback as possible from the public on the flood maps. She asked that the Members would assist by notifying their constituents of the consultation days. 10

In reply to the Members, she said that the OPW will fund the proposed works to be carried out as detailed in her presentation. Cllr. Donohue welcomed the proposed works to be carried out in Ballinasloe. In reply to Cllr. Donohue, Ms. Butler said that the works at Ballinasloe are not dependent on any other works being carried out first. She said that the proposed flood alleviation works outlined in the report will be carried out on a priority basis and Ballinasloe is considered to be a priority. Cllr. Roche thanked Ms. Butler for the Presentation, stating that the information provided is hugely beneficial and informative. He referred to the Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) criteria for minor works scheme, stating that it is very frustrating for people who cannot get flood relief works carried out due to failure to meet the CBA criteria. Cllrs. Broderick and Kearney also expressed concern regarding the CBA criteria, stating that it should be revisited. Ms. Butler replied stating that the OPW will work with the Council on cases which do not meet the CBA criteria. In reply to Cllrs. Fahy and J. Byrne, Ms. Butler said that options to solve the flooding problems in South Galway are being investigated separately from the CFRAMS and that the downstream impact would be taken into consideration in any proposals. In reply to Cllr. Cunniffe, Ms. Butler said that the OPW continues to share information with the Department of Finance and Insurance Ireland, in order that accurate information is available regarding flood risk areas. She said there is a Memorandum of Understanding in place that Insurance Ireland will take into account areas where flood mitigation works have taken place. Cllr. Kearney asked about the accuracy of flood forecasting as mentioned in the Presentation and Ms. Butler replied that the OPW uses a storm surge forecasting model which takes account of tides, pressure and other meteorological issues, not just weather. In reply to Cllr. Healy, Ms. Butler confirmed that the issue of turloughs is outside the scope of the CFRAMS because the flood mechanism of turloughs differs greatly from rivers and would warrant different technical survey work. Mr. Gavin, in reply to Comh. Ó Cualáin said that the problem of flooding of roads is an issue for TII and the Council. He said that the Council works with TII in this regard under the flood funding provided by TII and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Mr. Gavin also replied to the Members stating that the Council would be seeking maximum funding from the OPW for the works outlined in the CFRAMS. The Cathaoirleach thanked Ms. Butler for the Presentation and he also thanked Mr. Dooley for his assistance to the Council in relation to flooding issues. He thanked Mr. Headd and Mr. Langan, Area Engineers with the Council, and their staff, for their work in preparing minor works schemes for application to the OPW for funding.

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S BUSINESS & CORRESPONDENCE 2843 The following items of correspondence which were circulated at the meeting were noted:

 Correspondence dated 18th July 2016 from Limerick City & County Council calling on all Councils to lobby the Government to recognise and address the financial plight of Local Authorities.  Correspondence dated 20th July 2016 from the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government acknowledging receipt of Galway County Councils recent letter in connection with the Tenant Purchase Scheme.  Correspondence dated 22nd July 2016 from Limerick City & County Council adopting the resolution to call on the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, T.D., to limit the amount of free legal aid available to offenders who repeatedly offend.  Correspondence dated 27th July 2016 from Cork County Council regarding global valuations of utility companies by the Valuations Office and the impact these revaluations will have on Council’s Finances in 2017 and subsequent years, and requested that the Department Funding should be phased out over a number of years.  Correspondence dated 29th July 2016 from Leitrim County Council passing the following resolution to call on the Minister for the Environment to bring all future afforestation under the planning regulations, regardless of the size of the proposed plantation or its locations.  Correspondence dated 3rd August 2016 from the Office of the Taoiseach acknowledging Galway County Councils correspondence dated 26th July 2016.  Correspondence dated 18th August 2016 from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform acknowledging Galway County Councils correspondence dated 26th July 2016.  Correspondence dated 1st September 2016 from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government acknowledging receipt of Galway County Councils correspondence dated 30th June 2016 in relation to Local Property Tax.  Correspondence dated 5th September 2016 from the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade responding to Galway County Councils letter to An Taoiseach regarding the release of Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa.

CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS 2844 The Cathaoirleach informed the Members that Mr. Gavican, Director of Housing, Corporate & Emergency Services, had been seconded to the Housing Delivery Office of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government and would be vacating his post as Director of Services with the Council for the duration of his secondment. He extended his sincere thanks to Mr. Gavican for his trojan work in the area of housing and for his assistance to the Members in this regard since he commenced employment with the Council two years previously. He congratulated him on his new post and wished him well. The Members joined with the Cathaoirleach in extending their thanks and best wishes to Mr. Gavican, stating that they were confident that his work with the Department would have a

12 positive outcome as regards the housing crisis. They also stated that they would welcome his return to Galway County Council following his secondment. The Chief Executive also wished Mr. Gavican well in his new role. He said that Mr. Gavican had settled in to his role with Galway County Council very quickly and he expressed the view that it would be to the benefit of the Council that he will be working on the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Strategy. Responding to the tributes, Mr. Gavican said that he was overwhelmed by the kind words and said he had been fortunate to have the support of the Members and the Executive during his time as Director of Services with the Council. He said he would work hard in his new role in order to improve the current housing situation. Cllr. Roche said that he would like an update on the issue of illegal dumping at the next Monthly Meeting of the Council in relation to the plans in place to solve this problem, such as funding for the installation of CCTV. Cllr. Healy referred to accidents being caused by tourists driving on the wrong side of the road in scenic areas and he asked if signage could be erected in this regard. The County Secretary informed the Members that the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney would attend the Rebuilding Ireland Roadshow event at the Meyrick Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway on Friday, 23rd September 2016 at 11am. Cllr. Feeney said that he had been in contact with Minister Sean Canney who indicated that he was available to meet a delegation from the Council that evening in Tuam at 9.30pm. Cllr. Feeney also said that he had contacted Minister of State for Affairs and Natural Resources, Deputy Sean Kyne, and he would be available to meet a delegation of the Members on Thursday 22nd September 2016. The County Secretary informed the Members that it was open to them to agree a date and time for a Special Meeting of the Council to consider the item which they had deferred in relation to the Local Property Tax. It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Feeney, SECONDED by Cllr. Maher and AGREED to hold a Special Meeting of the Council on Monday 26th September at 11am to consider the Local Property Tax and also to consider the attendance of Members at the LAMA Autumn Training Seminar and the AILG Module 5 Training to be held in October 2016.

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 17 – CLLR. M. KINANE 2845 Cllr. Kinane referred to Notice of Motion No. 17 on the Agenda. Cllr. Kinane said that she had put forward the Motion as a member of the Roads, Transportation and the Marine SPC and there is a crisis in regards to roads funding at present. 13

The Members agreed the Motion.

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 18 – CLLR. M. FAHY 2846 Cllr. Fahy referred to Notice of Motion No. 18 on the Agenda stating that he had a similar Motion before the County Council at the June Meeting. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. Kinane. The County Secretary said that the reply received from Deputy Simon Coveney, Minister for Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government, which had been published on the Extranet and was available to the Member prior to the Meeting, indicated that the Minister was not in a position to meet a delegation from the Council.

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 19 – CLLR. S. CUNNIFFE 2847 Cllr. Cunniffe said that the decision to sell the rights of certain GAA championship matches to Sky was having a devastating affect across rural Ireland where many pensioners on a fixed income were unable to afford the high fees and were missing out on crucial matches. He said that the GAA was an organisation run by volunteers who gave of their time freely for the good of sport and their community. The sale of television rights to Sky excluded a large population who were unable to travel to watch the matches. He gave an example that when TV3 had the rights, 448,000 people watched a quarter final but since Sky took over, just 48,000 watched the same match. Cllr. J. Byrne said that while he welcomed the Motion, this was a decision for the GAA and any Members should make their feelings known through their own branches. He said that the last time a motion on this issue came up for a vote at the National Congress, just 15% voted in favour of returning the rights to free to air channels. Cllr. J. Byrne also said that since the rights were sold, the diaspora were able to watch matches easily in their homes. Cllr. Charity supported Cllr. Cunniffe’s Motion and expressed the view that the RTE digital player service was a better way for the diaspora to watch GAA matches. He SECONDED Cllr. Cunniffe’s proposal. Cllr. Donohue supported the Motion stating that he did not wish to have to bring his children to a pub to watch a match. Comh. Ó Cualáin, Cllrs. M. Finnerty and Healy also expressed their support of Cllr. Cunniffe’s Motion. Cllr. Broderick said that Sky Sports costs public houses €5000 per annum and felt that it is disgraceful that Sky has rights over Ireland’s national games and he supported the proposal. The Cathaoirleach expressed the view that it was important that the Members voice their views in relation to the national games. 14

The Members AGREED that the Motion be sent to the Central Council of the GAA.

CHRIOCHNAIGH AN CRUINNIÚ ANSIN

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