MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY
COUNCIL ADJOURNED BUDGET MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 16th JANUARY, 2006,
AT 11.00 a.m.
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The Leas-Chathaoirleach,
Cllr. J. Cribbin, was in the Chair.
The other Councillors present
were:-
Cllrs. M. Mulherin, J.
Munnelly, Johnnie O’Malley, A.M. Reape, E. Staunton, S. Weir, P. O’Brien, D.
Ryan, H. Walsh, G. Coyle, M. Holmes, M. McNamara, T. Quinn, C. Burke, H. Kenny,
A. McDonnell, P. McGuinness, J. Mee, M. Carty, T. Connolly, P. McHugh, E.
Lavin, J. Maloney, J. Mellett, G. Murray, M. Adams, F. Chambers, A.F. O’Malley,
John O’Malley.
The Council Staff in
attendance were:-
Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager,
Mr. J. Beirne, Deputy Co. Manager, Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, Mr. J.
Condon, Meetings Administrator, Mr. P. Hynes, Dir. of Services, Mr. S.
Granahan, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Coll, Dir., Community & Enterprise, Mr.
R. Norton, Dir. of Services, Mr. P. Duggan, Head of Finance, Ms. T. McGee,
Financial Accountant, Mr. S. Murphy, Chief Fire Officer, Mr. I. Douglas, Sen.
Planner, Ms. K. O’Malley-Harlow, Sen. Ex. Planner, Mr. P. Burke, Sen. Engineer,
Mr. M. Keating, Sen. Ex. Officer, Mr. P. Flanagan, Sen. Ex. Officer, Mr. A.
Vaughan, County Librarian, Ms. A. McCarthy, Arts Officer, Ms. D. Cunningham,
Heritage Officer, Mr. J. Moran, Sen. Staff Officer, Ms. C. Kenny, Asst. Staff
Officer.
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Discussion continued on the
Annual Budget for Financial Year ending 31st December, 2006.
ITEM NO.
1.
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-
TO CONSIDER THE BUDGET OF
MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 2006, AND
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TO ADOPT THE SAID BUDGET WITH
OR WITHOUT AMENDMENT;
-
TO DETERMINE BY RESOLUTION IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAID
BUDGET AS ADOPTED THE ANNUAL RATE TO BE LEVIED FOR THE
PURPOSES SET OUT IN TABLE B OF THE SAID BUDGET FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 2006, AND
-
TO DETERMINE BY RESOLUTION
THE CHARGES TO BE MADE FOR
SERVICES PROVIDED IN RESPECT OF DOMESTIC FIRE BRIGADE
SERVICE.
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Proposed by Cllr. P.
McGuinness
Seconded by Cllr. A. McDonnell
Resolved:-
“That discussion on the
Annual Budget 2006 continue until 1.00 p.m., and then adjourn until 3.00 p.m.”.
- 2 -
PROGRAMME GROUP
1 - HOUSING AND BUILDING.
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Mr. P. Hynes, Dir. of
Services, gave a Presentation and outlined details of Programme Group 1 – Housing and Building.
A detailed discussion took
place on the Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-
-
Planned Maintenance
Programme;
-
Traveller Accommodation
Programme;
-
Local Authority Tenants
Handbook;
-
Assessment of Needs 2002 –
2006;
-
Disabled Persons Grants and
Essential Repairs Grants;
-
Rental Accommodation Scheme;
-
The success of the Housing
Strategic Policy Committee;
-
The delay in re-letting
vacant Local Authority Houses;
-
Anti-social behaviour in
Housing Estates;
-
The problem of homelessness
in the County;
-
Affordable and Part V
Housing;
-
The provision of
accommodation for separated Fathers.
Mr. P. Hynes, Dir. of
Services and Mr. M. Keating, Sen. Ex. Officer, replied to queries raised by the
Members under this Programme Group.
It was decided to deal with
Programme Group 3 at this stage.
PROGRAMME GROUP
3 - WATER SUPPLY AND
SEWERAGE.
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Mr. S. Granahan, Dir. of
Services, gave a Presentation and outlined details of Programme Group 3 – Water
Supply and Sewerage.
A detailed discussion took
place on this Programme Group during which reference was made to the
following:-
- 3 -
-
Harvesting of raw water;
- The provision of
Sewerage Schemes for Murrisk and Lecanvey
and the extension of Louisburgh Water Supply Scheme;
- Grants for the
provision of a water supply to individual houses;
-
The provision of 100% funding
to upgrade septic tanks in houses
built in the 1950’s and 1960’s;
-
Foxford and Kiltimagh
Sewerage Schemes;
-
Taking over of Group Water
Schemes;
-
Wastage of water;
-
Extension of Lough Mask Water
Supply Scheme to Kiltimagh;
-
The poor quality of water in
Kiltimagh;
-
Polluter Pays Principle;
-
Newport Sewerage Scheme;
-
Sludge Hub Centre;
-
Kilmovee Sewerage Scheme,
Mulranny Sewerage Scheme –
Extension to Murrivaugh, Dugort Sewerage Scheme and
Achill Sound Sewerage Scheme.
Mr. S. Granahan, Dir. of
Services and Mr. J. Beirne, Dir. of Services / Co. Engineer, replied to queries
raised by the Members under this Programme Group.
The time being 2.15 p.m., the
Meeting adjourned.
The Meeting re-convened at
3.00 p.m.
The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. H.
Kenny, was in the Chair.
PROGRAMME GROUP
2 - ROAD TRANSPORTATION AND
SAFETY.
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Mr. J. Beirne, Dir. of
Services / Co. Engineer, outlined details of Programme
Group 2 – Road Transportation
and Safety.
- 4 -
A detailed discussion ensued
under this Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-
-
The proposed commencement of
the Charlestown By-Pass;
-
The appointment of Mr. Noel
Gibbons as Road Safety Officer;
-
The provision of special
funding for hedge cutting / verge trimming;
-
Delegation to the National
Roads Authority regarding the condition of roads in the County;
-
The poor condition of
sections of the N17 from Sligo to Galway;
-
Public Lighting;
-
The upgrading of the Balla to
Claremorris Road to National Primary
status;
-
The dangerous condition of
Bridges on the Kiltimagh / Claremorris
Road;
- The delay in commencement of Phase 2 of the
N26;
-
Dangerous Bridge at River,
Keel, Achill;
-
The poor condition of the
Bellacorick / Belmullet Road;
-
The provision of a By-Pass
for Ballinrobe Town;
-
The provision of Motor Tax
facilities in Ballinrobe;
-
The issue of the completion
of the N5;
-
Dangerous sections of the
N59;
-
The success of the CLÁR
Programme:
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The success of the Motor Tax
Office in Ballina;
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The provision of Motor Tax
facilties in Swinford.
Proposed by Cllr. M. Mulherin
Seconded by Cllr. P. O’Brien
Resolved:-
- 5 -
“That a Delegation consisting
of the Cathaoirleach, the Members of the Roads and Transportation Strategic
Policy Committee and Cllr. Margaret Adams meet with the National Roads
Authority regarding the condition of the Roads in County Mayo”.
Proposed by Cllr. P.
McGuinness
Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh
Resolved:-
“That the National Roads
Authority be required to fund Public Lighting on National Roads”.
Mr. J. Beirne, Dir. of
Services / Co. Engineer, and the County Manager replied to queries raised under
this Programme Group.
PROGRAMME GROUP
4 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES AND
CONTROLS.
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Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of
Services, and Mr. J. Coll, Dir., Community and Enterprise, outlined details of
Programme Group 4 – Develoment Incentives and Controls. Mr. I. Douglas, Sen. Planner, gave a
Presentation under this Programme Group.
A detailed discussion took
place under this Programme Group during which reference was made to the
following:-
-
The review of the County
Development Plan;
-
The importance of Planning in
the County;
-
The provision of additional
funding for Forward Planning;
-
The County Development Board;
-
The Mayo County Heritage
Plan;
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The re-instatement of the
Social and Economic Fund;
-
Broadband;
-
The Council’s Enforcement
Unit;
-
The success of the Planning
Clinics;
-
Policy on Wind Energy.
Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of
Services, replied to queries raised by the Members under Programme Group 4 –
Development Incentives and Controls.
- 6 -
Proposed by Cllr. H. Kenny
Seconded by Cllr. P.
McGuinness
Resolved:-
“That the Meeting adjourn for
half an hour”.
The Meeting re-convened at 6.35
p.m.
PROGRAMME GROUP
5 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
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Mr. R. Norton, Dir. of
Services, Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services and Mr. S. Murphy, Chief Fire
Officer, outlined details of Programme Group 5 – Environmental Protection.
A lengthy and detailed
discussion ensued under this Programme Group during which reference was made to
the following:-
-
Rathroeen and Derrinumera
Landfill Sites;
-
The current position regarding
the Refuse Collection Service;
-
Problems arising from
recycling;
-
The Environmental Awareness
Campaign;
-
Maintenance of Burial Grounds
particularly older Burial Grounds;
-
The success of the Civic
Amenity Sites;
-
The success of the Litter
Action League;
-
Westport and Achill Fire
Stations;
-
The review of the Connaught
Waste Management Plan;
-
Litter Control;
-
Blue Flag Beaches;
-
The provision of additional
toilet facilties at Beaches throughout
the County;
-
The success of the Cleaner
Community Campaign;
-
Coastal protection.
- 7 -
The time being 8.00 p.m., it
was -
Proposed by Cllr. P.
McGuinness
Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh
Resolved:-
“That “Standing Orders” be
suspended in order to allow the Meeting to continue”.
A detailed discussion took
place on the proposed privatisation of the Refuse Collection Service.
Mr. R. Norton, Dir. of
Services and the County Manager replied to queries raised by the Members under
this Programme Group.
PROGRAMME GROUP
6 - RECREATION AND AMENITY.
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The County Manager outlined
details of Programme Group 6 – Recreation and Amenity.
A discussion took place under
this Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-
-
The excellent work being
carried out by the Arts Service and the
Library Service;
-
The success of the Summer
Music Series;
-
The payment of a contribution
to the Mayo Peace Park Project;
-
The appointment of a Youth
Officer in the County;
-
The insufficient funding
provided in the Budget for Walking Routes;
-
The provision of public art
in Housing Estates.
The Council then considered
Programme Groups 7 and 8.
PROGRAMME GROUP
7 - AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH
AND WELFARE.
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PROGRAMME GROUP
8 - MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.
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The County Manager outlined
details of Programme Groups 7 and 8.
- 8 -
A discussion took place under
these Programme Groups during which reference was made to the following:-
-
The Michael Davitt Centenary
Celebrations in 2006;
-
The need to increase funding
for Agricultural Shows;
-
The need for a second Dog
Warden in the County;
-
The condition of Piers and
Harbours in the County;
-
The need for additional
funding for coastal erosion;
-
Coroner’s Fees;
-
Excellence Through People
Award;
-
Agri Tourism.
The County Manager replied to
queries raised under Programme Groups 7 and 8.
The time being 10.35 p.m., it
was agreed to adjourn for 5 minutes.
The Meeting re-convened at
10.40 p.m.
Proposed by Cllr. P.
McGuinness
Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh
Resolved:-
“That having considered the
County Manager’s Annual Budget for the Financial Year ending 31st
December, 2006, together with his Report, the Council hereby amend the said
Annual Budget as follows:-
Programme Group 2 – Road
Transportation and Safety:-
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That Local Roads – Rates be
increased by €100,000 to allow for verge trimming / hedge cutting
Programme Group 5 –
Environmental Protection:-
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That Landfill charges be
increased by €135,000;
That Landfill levy be
increased by €15,000;
That Loan charges on Landfill
be reduced by €34,000
- 9 -
Programme Group 6 –
Recreation and Amenity:-
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That a provision of €25,000
be made for Mayo Peace Park Project
Programme Group 8 –
Miscellaneous Services:-
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That Overdraft Interest be
reduced by €11,000
Programme Group 9 – Support
Services:-
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That Postage be reduced by
€30,000”.
Proposed by Cllr. G. Murray
“That the Council amend the
Budget to provide for the continuation of a Refuse Collection Service to be
funded by reducing by 50% the allocation for the Social and Employment Fund and
by increasing the charge for a standard bin by €20.00”.
As there was no seconder for
this proposal, it was declared lost.
Proposed by Cllr. P.
McGuinness
Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh
Resolved:-
“That the County Council of
the County of Mayo hereby adopt the said Annual Budget for the Financial Year
ending 31st December, 2006, as set out in Tables A and B, as
amended”.
Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness
Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh
Resolved:-
“That the County Council of
the County of Mayo hereby determine, in accordance with the Annual Budget, as
adopted, for the Financial Year ending 31st December, 2006, the rate
set out in Table B to be €65.97”.
Proposed by Cllr. P.
McGuinness
Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh
Resolved:-
“That in accordance with
Section 2 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1983 (No.
21 of 1983), the Council hereby make a charge of €100.00 payable on receipt of
demand from the County Council for attendance of the Fire Brigade at a domestic
premises for the Financial Year ending 31st December, 2006”.
- 10 -
The Cathaoirleach, Cllrs. P.
McGuinness and P. McHugh thanked all the Members of the Council for their
co-operation in the adoption of the Budget and the County Manager and Staff for
their work in the preparation of the Budget.
The County Manager thanked
the Cathaoirleach and the Members of the Council for their co-operation in the
adoption of the Budget. He also
thanked his Staff for their work in the preparation of the Budget.
The Meeting concluded at
11.00 p.m.