Minutes of Kilkee Town Council held on Monday 9th February 2009 at Sweeney Memorial Library, Kilkee at 8:30 p.m.

Cathaoirleach sa Cathair

Cllr. P.J. Linnane

I Láthair

Cllr. P.J Lardner
Cllr. Lily Marrinan Sullivan
Cllr. Michael McGrath
Cllr. Claire Haugh

Apologies:

Cllr. Tom Nolan
Cllr. Deloughery

I Láthair

Nora Kaye, A/Director of Service and Town Manager
Derek Troy, Executive Engineer and Town Engineer
John Corry, A/Town Clerk

Adoption of Minutes of the January Monthly Meeting of Kilkee Town Council held on Monday 5th January 2009 at 8.00pm at the Sweeney Memorial Library, Kilkee

The Minutes of the January monthly meeting were proposed for adoption by Cllr. Haugh and seconded by Cllr. Lardner.

Update from John Quinlivan, Shannon Development on Factory units on Carrigaholt Rd

Cllr. Linnane welcomed John Quinlivan and proposed a vote of sympathy on the death of his mother. This was seconded by the members present.
John Quinlivan then updated the members on the factory units on the Carrigaholt Road. He indicated that there were two units, one 5,000 sq ft and the other 7,000 sq ft. Both these units were vacant since September or October. He added that Shannon Development had sold a site between the two units. The two units were still available for letting and the remainder of the site available for sale. He indicated that Shannon Development were open to any industrial project interested in purchasing the site, but that they would be looking for full market value for it. He said the market value was set by the site they had sold in between the two units.
Cllr. Linnane confirmed that Kilkee Chamber of Commerce were trying to get a scheme going on the site.
John Quinlivan confirmed that a number of suggestions had been made to the Chamber of Commerce

To repay the purchase cost by mortgage over a period of time.
Offered them one of the units to modify it for a project that they had in mind.

He confirmed that they had indicated that they weren't willing to proceed on that basis. Personally he thought that the idea of renovating the units as opposed to new build was the best solution and the cheaper solution. He added that Enterprise Ireland had agreed that a grant would be available for that kind of activity but that site costs would not be covered by the grant.
Cllr. Linnane said that they had felt that the site costs were restrictive.
John Quinlivan confirmed that that's why Shannon Development had offered them the mortgage solution to repay the costs over a period of time.
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan sought clarification that if the sites were sold that they could only be used for industrial purposes. John Quinlivan confirmed this to be the case.
Cllr. Linnane confirmed that it was unfortunate that both companies that had occupied the units were now gone and he added that it would be very difficult to get another industrial company in there. John Quinlivan confirmed that he would never give up hope and you always had to be ready when the opportunity arose.
Cllr. Haugh confirmed that she was disappointed that the Kilkee Chamber of Commerce, as a Voluntary Group, got no leeway from Shannon Development to reduce the price for the units. She added that the value of the site had reduced since the other site had been sold. John Quinlivan confirmed that they were required to get market value.
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan questioned was there not an opportunity for Shannon Development to help the Chamber with their expertise to help get the sites occupied.
John Quinlivan confirmed that they could but that they still would be required to get the full market value for the site. He added that the grant which would have been available to them was now gone and that it would be a problem carrying such a debt during the current economic recession.
Cllr. Linnane asked if any approach had been made to Shannon Development by the OPW on behalf of the coastguard. John Quinlivan replied that he was not aware of such an approach, but he added that they would be willing to talk to them if they were interested. The members thanked John Quinlivan for his update.

Update on Joint Policing Committee

John Corry updated the members regarding where they were presently at with regard to the establishment of a Joint Policing Committee. Cllr. Linnane recommended that the Chairperson of the Joint Policing Committee be selected. Cllr. Haugh was proposed for the Chair of the Joint Policing Committee by Cllr. Lardner and she was seconded by Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan.
The Members agreed to have the community representative on the Joint Policing Committee selected from organisations representing the youth, sport and business. It was agreed that the Town Clerk would write to the community representatives to determine their interest on joining the Joint Policing Committee on receiving contacts from the members.

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Haugh

"That a Stop Sign be erected at the end of O'Curry St "Response submitted by Derek Troy, Executive Engineer. A Yield sign, as is appropriate for entry roads onto roundabouts, will be erected at this location.
Response Ends
Cllr. Haugh confirmed that there had been a few narrow escapes here and that's why she had submitted the motion. She confirmed that she was delighted with Derek Troy's response.

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Haugh

"Requesting information on future plans for the car park on the strand line "Response submitted by Derek Troy, Executive Engineer.
The trial diversion of the stand line road coming from the westerly direction, onto the Carrigaholt Road roundabout, has been in place since mid 2008. I attach herewith a copy of the layout proposed under the Kilkee Traffic Management Plan (February 2006) I also attach a copy of draft layout plans for the car park, which are currently being considered. A new layout similar to this would vastly improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at this location. Increased numbers of car parking spaces would also be provided.
Due to the scale of the modification and the diversion/closure of existing roads, any permanent works that may be undertaken may have to go through a Part 8 planning application to include public consultation.
Enclosure
Part of Kilkee Traffic Management drawing No. R/2005/Kilkee001
Draft Layout options
Response Ends
Cllr. Haugh said she was interested to see what the future plans for the car park were. Derek Troy referred to his response and to two drawings attached, referring to two alternative options.
Cllr. Linnane confirmed that the existing bollards had caused difficulty for the train last year.
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan said that the measures taken had slowed down traffic and made it safer for children accessing the beach.
Derek Troy said that the financing of this would have to come from planning contributions and that same were limited.
Cllr. Haugh said that a permanent fixed solution needed to be decided upon.
Derek Troy said that you could request funding for permanent kerbing and could put a more suitable curvature at the roundabout to sort out the train.
Cllr. Linnane suggested putting in a ramp.
Derek Troy confirmed that from a cost point of view that putting in a permanent kerb the full length of the car park and improving the curvature of the roundabout would be a very similar cost to putting in a ramp and some permanent kerbing. He added that he would request funding and that he would come up with a list of proposed works to be carried out and that a decision could then be made by the members.
Cllr. McGrath asked to have two more ramps put in on the Strand Line as there was still speeding going on there.
Derek Troy confirmed that cost was again a factor here. He added that he would submit proposals to the members and they could prioritise based on the funding available.
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan said that when coming from the West End to the roundabout that a traffic sign blocks your vision.
Derek Troy confirmed that he would check same.

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Haugh

"Change times on Parking Signs in O'Curry St from 1 hour to 2 hours"Response submitted by Derek Troy, Executive Engineer
The current situation for parking in Kilkee is that there is 24hour free parking permitted (limited to a 1 hour stay from 10am to 6pm) on the western end of O'Curry St and on the western end of Circular Road, and unlimited free parking throughout the rest of Kilkee, apart from the East End car park.
The issue of 1 or 2 hour parking in this central commercial area of Kilkee has been discussed previously following its introduction in 2008.
It was agreed that in the interest of commercial activity and to improve the parking usage in this area, that the 1 hour limit was to remain in place.
Response Ends
Cllr. Haugh said that 1 hour was not enough and should be increased to facilitate customers, especially those going to eat.
Derek Troy confirmed that he had given a response and that 1 hour parking was put in place to facilitate commercial units. He said if it was increased to 2 hours that cars would park there for too long.
Cllr. Lardner said it came down to policing and that there was a lot of flexibility at the moment.
Derek Troy said he would put the proposal to the Chamber of Commerce to see what they felt.
This was agreed by the members.

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Linnane

"To open discussions with the Clare County Council on the future of the former Court house Town hall in Kilkee"Response submitted by Nora Kaye, Acting Director of Service
The maintenance of Kilkee Courthouse is the responsibility of Clare County Council under the Maintenance of Courthouses Act 1935. The Courts Service have already ceased Court Sittings in this building.
Unfortunately, there is no financial provision for the refurbishment of the Courthouse. The position regarding the future of this building has been discussed with Michael McNamara, Senior Executive Officer Corporate Services. On the basis that the Council has no resources to upgrade the building, an option would be to invite expressions of interest from Community Groups and it is proposed to proceed in this way.
Response Ends
Cllr. Linnane acknowledged the response from Nora Kaye. He confirmed that Kilkee Civic Trust had approached him to see if there was anyway that they could work with Kilkee Town Council and Clare County Council to restore the Courthouse for use by the Town Council.
Nora Kaye confirmed that at present there were unfortunately no funds available to the Council to carry out these works. She added that by seeking expressions of interest from Community Groups that the project might be moved forward.
Cllr. Linnane indicated that the Courthouse should not be sold.
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan supported the motion and indicated that they had been seeking this for the past six years. She felt that under no circumstances should the Courthouse be sold.
Cllr. Haugh also agreed with the motion and Cllr. McGrath confirmed that they required somewhere to meet and also to house their documents.
Nora Kaye confirmed that she would speak with Michael McNamara but confirmed that funding would be a difficulty.
Cllr. Linnane asked if the building could be vested to Kilkee Town Council.
John Corry confirmed that he would investigate same.

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan

"The planning office of Clare County Council lay down now the guide lines, criteria, that will be required to obtain a temporary permit for a camping site should the Coís Farraigh festival be held in 2009 in Kilkee"Response submitted by Emma Pillion, Assistant Planner
There is no provision for a temporary permit for a camping site in the remit of the Planning and Development Act 2000,as amended.
There are two options available to people wishing to provide temporary overnight camping facilities at an event:
Apply for planning permission through the normal planning application process and secure a grant of permission.
Or
The Planning Authority, under the scope of Section 231 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, may require the provision of overnight camping facilities by way of condition to an event licence. An event licence application must be made at least 16 weeks prior to the date for the holding of the event in accordance with the requirements of Article 186 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2006.
A similar application was made in 2008 by MCD for the Cois Fharraige event in Kilkee and a temporary overnight campsite was required by way of condition to the event licence.
Response Ends
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan said she put in this motion because of the confusion and upset last year regarding the difficulties to granting of temporary permits for camping sites. She said she was trying to make sure that anyone who applied and satisfied the relevant criteria would be granted a permit for a temporary camping site facility. She felt that if the festival was going ahead this year that MCD should apply for an event licence at the earliest possible opportunity.
Cllr. Linnane suggested that those seeking to have camping facilities should seek permission.
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan suggested that in the event of someone now seeking permission could information be made available in the Library of criteria required to make the application.
John Corry confirmed that he would get back to Members at the next meeting regarding same.
Derek Troy confirmed that if such applications were made and if they were approved that the requirement that MCD provide facilities, as part of their event licence may not be required.

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan

"That Kilkee Town Council be kept informed/updated as to the progress being made in the West Clare area development plan with particular attention to any additional information or proposal in relation to areas designated green open spaces or of scenic significance"Response submitted by Eilis O'Nuallain, Executive Planner
The Managers report as it currently stands is available to the members of Kilkee Town Council; any proposed amendments to that report would not be circulated until they have been considered by the full Council. To date, a representative of Kilkee Town Council, has been present at meetings where the Draft West Clare Local Area Plan has been discussed
Response Ends
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan confirmed that she was satisfied following the meeting she attended where it was confirmed that areas zoned green areas would be kept so.
Cllr. Linnane confirmed that there was an application in for rezoning of residential land at the back of the church. He felt strongly that this land should not be rezoned and that the application for rezoning had already been rejected by An Bord Pleanala.
Cllr. Haugh asked if houses could be taken over by Clare County Council to sell under the Affordable Housing scheme. This question was put to Nora Kaye.
Nora Kaye indicated that there were a number of people who had applied for Affordable Housing in Kilkee. She added that in the current market that there was not a big take up on Affordable Housing, as better value could be obtained with the purchase of private houses and also because of the 20 year clawback which applied to Affordable Housing. She added that the other factor was that finance was not as readily available as before. She said that they were watching the market closely as there were a lot of variable factors at the moment affecting the viability of Affordable Housing.
All the Cllrs. confirmed that they were opposed to the rezoning

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan

"That Kilkee Town Council are informed by the March meeting, Clare County Councils plans for the maintenance/upkeep of Hodges Green and Allender's Field for the upcoming season and its future"
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan confirmed that when she brought this matter up before that she was not happy with the response she received from Clare County Council. She confirmed that a lot of money had been invested in this project and that it was essential now that it was maintained.
John Corry confirmed that he would meet with the Area Engineer to discuss the budget available for maintenance works in Hodges Green Allenders Field.
Nora Kaye said that if you look at the area budget, the Environment section and the gardening section of Clare County Council that she hoped that a maintenance plan could be plan in place.
Cllr. Marrinan Sullivan confirmed that you wouldn't find Kilkee Tidy Towns and locals wanting to assist with works here if there was a plan in place.

Correspondence

The Correspondence as circulated was confirmed as being read.

A. O. B

Cllr. McGrath proposed a vote of sympathy for the family of the late Georgie Fitzpatrick R.I.P. This was seconded by the other members and by Nora Kaye on behalf of the management of Kilkee Town Council.
Nora Kaye proposed that the County Manager would attend the March meeting of Kilkee Town Council.
Nora Kaye suggested that if it would be of benefit to the members that she could arrange information sessions with them to keep them updated on changing housing policies.
Cllr. Linnane queried if the members could get access to the Teamwork Report. John Corry confirmed that he would try and get a copy of same.
As there was no further business the meeting concluded.