MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 11th SEPTEMBER, 2006, AT 4.00 p.m.

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The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. G. Coyle, was in the Chair.

 

The other Councillors present were:-

 

Cllrs. M. Mulherin, J. Munnelly, Johnnie O’Malley, S. Weir, P. O’Brien, D. Ryan, H. Walsh, M. Holmes, M. McNamara, T. Quinn, S. Bourke, C. Burke, A. McDonnell, P. McGuinness, M. Carty, T. Connolly, J. Cribbin, P. McHugh, E. Lavin, J. Maloney, J. Mellett, G. Murray, M. Adams, John O’Malley.

 

Apologies received from Cllrs. F. Chambers, H. Kenny, J. Mee, A.F. O’Malley, A.M. Reape and E. Staunton for inability to attend the Meeting.

 

The Council Staff in attendance were:-

 

Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager, Mr. J. Beirne, Dir. of Services / Co. Engineer, Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Condon, Meetings Administrator, Mr. S. Granahan, Dir. of Services, Mr. R. Norton, Dir. of Services, Mr. P. Duggan, Head of Finance, Mr. M. Keating, A/Dir. of Services, Mr. I. Douglas, Sen. Planner, Mr. S. Murphy, Chief Fire Officer, Ms. E. McCormack, Financial Accountant, Mr. J. Walsh, Adm. Officer, Mr. D. Turnbull, Dev. Officer, Comm. & Enterprise, Mr. J. Moran, Sen. Staff Officer, Ms. C. Kenny, Asst. Staff Officer.

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Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. T. Connolly

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to the Costello family on the death of Mr. Willie Costello, who was a former Member of Mayo County Council and that the Meeting adjourn at 6.00 p.m., as a mark of respect”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. T. Connolly

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Mrs. Chris Carney & family, Lower Mace, Claremorris, on the tragic death of her Husband, Austin, who was an employee of Mayo County Council”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. T. Connolly

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Councillor Frank Chambers on the death of his Brother-in-Law, Liam Fadden, Hollyhill, Ballyheane, Castlebar”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

-      2      -

 

 

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. T. Connolly

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Councillor Margaret Adams on the death of her Brother-in-Law, Billy Horan, Partry, Claremorris”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Mrs. Joan Langan & family, Curragh, Castlebar, on the death of her Husband, Joe, who was Chief Executive Officer of Co. Mayo Vocational Education Committee”.

 

The Cathaoirleach and County Manager associated themselves with the Votes of Sympathy passed.

 

Proposed by Cllr. G. Coyle

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That Best Wishes and Good Luck be extended to the Mayo Team in the All-Ireland Senior Football Final on Sunday, 17th September, 2006”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. G. Coyle

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That a Vote of Congratulations be extended to Westport on winning the National Tidy Towns Title 2006”.

 

ITEM  NO.  1.

MIONTUAIRISCI DE CRUINNIU COMHAIRLE CHONTAE MHAIGH EO A BHI AR SIUL AR AN 10u IUIL, 2006, A DEIMHNIU.

TO CONFIRM MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 10th JULY, 2006.

 

Mhol Comhairleoir P. McGuinness

Chuid Comhairleoir P. McHugh leis

Ghlacu leis an tairiscint:-

“Go n-aontaiomar le Miontuairisci Cruinniu Comhairle Chontae Mhaigh Eo a bhi ar siul ar an 10u Iuil, 2006”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That Minutes of Mayo County Council Meeting held on 10th July, 2006, be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record”.

 

 

 

 

-      3      -

 

 

 

Cllr. M. Mulherin requested an update in relation to the Task Force which it had been previously agreed to set up following a number of job losses in Ballina.

 

The County Manager stated that he had discussed the issue with the previous Cathaoirleach and they had concluded that they would keep the matter of a Task Force under review.

 

ITEM  NO.  2.

TO CONSIDER REPORT DATED 5th JULY, 2006, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001, AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001, IN RESPECT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF 1 NO. NEW 3-BEDROOMED DETACHED HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND ANCILLARY WORKS AT KINNADOOHY, KILLADOON, WESTPORT, CO. MAYO, AND 1 NO. NEW 4-BEDROOMED DETACHED HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND ANCILLARY WORKS AT BALLINTLEVA, CLOGHER, WESTPORT, CO. MAYO.

 

Proposed by Cllr. M. Adams

Seconded by Cllr. J. O’Malley

Resolved:-

“That we hereby adopt Report dated 5th July, 2006, in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, and the Local Government Act, 2001, in respect of the construction of 1 No. new 3-bedroomed detached house, septic tank and ancillary works at Kinnadoohy, Killadoon, Westport, Co. Mayo, and 1 No. new 4-bedroomed detached house, septic tank and ancillary works at Ballintleva, Clogher, Westport, Co. Mayo”.

 

ITEM  NO.  3.

TO CONSIDER REPORT DATED 17th AUGUST, 2006, N ACCORDANCE WITH PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001, AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001, IN RESPECT OF PROPOSAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 6 NO. HOUSING UNITS, DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DIS-USED HOUSING UNITS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS AT LOUGH MASK ROAD, BALLINROBE.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. O’Brien

Seconded by Cllr. D. Ryan

Resolved:-

“That we hereby adopt Report dated 17th August, 2006, in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, and the Local Government Act, 2001, in respect of proposal for construction of 6 No. Housing Units, demolition of existing dis-used housing units and associated works at Lough Mask Road, Ballinrobe”.

 

Cllr. H. Walsh dissented from this Resolution.

 

 

 

-      4      -

 

 

 

ITEM  NO.  4.

TO CONSIDER REPORT DATED 21st AUGUST, 2006, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001, AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001, IN RESPECT OF PROPOSED SIX HOUSE DEVELOPMENT AT TONRAGEE, ACHILL.

 

Proposed by Cllr. M. McNamara

Seconded by Cllr. M. Holmes

Resolved:-

“That we hereby adopt Report dated 21st August, 2005, in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, and the Local Government Act, 2001, in respect of proposed Six House Development at Tonragee, Achill”.

 

ITEM  NO.  5.

TO CONSIDER REPORT DATED 21st AUGUST, 2006, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001, AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001, IN RESPECT OF PROPOSED SEVEN HOUSE DEVELOPMENT AT BALLYBEG, BANGOR-ERRIS.

 

Proposed by Cllr. M. Mulherin

Seconded by Cllr. T. Quinn

Resolved:-

“That we hereby adopt Report dated 21st August, 2006, in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, and the Local Government Act, 2001, in respect of proposed Seven House Development at Ballybeg, Bangor-Erris”.

 

ITEM  NO.  6.

TO CONSIDER REPORT DATED 1st SEPTEMBER, 2006, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001, AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001, IN RESPECT OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF 1 NO. RURAL HOUSE AT TULLAGHANBAUN, GEESALA, BALLINA, CO. MAYO.

 

Proposed by Cllr. T. Quinn

Seconded by Cllr. M. Mulherin

Resolved:-

“That we hereby adopt Report dated 1st September, 2006, in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, and the Local Government Act, 2001, in respect of proposed construction of 1 No. Rural House at Tullaghanbaun, Geesala, Ballina, Co. Mayo”.

 

 

 

 

 

-      5      -

 

 

 

ITEM  NO.  7.

TO ADOPT THE HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS SCHEME FOR 2006.

 

Proposed by Cllr. J. Munnelly

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That we hereby adopt the Higher Education Grants Scheme for 2006, as circulated”.

 

ITEM  NO.  8.

TO CONSIDER MATERIAL CONTRAVENTION OF THE BALLINROBE TOWN PLAN, 1997, IN ORDER TO GRANT PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT COMMERCIAL / RETAIL DEVELOPMENT, THE DEVELOPMENT EXTENDS

TO A GROSS FLOOR AREA 5602.22 SQUARE METRES AND CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:  1 NO. SUPERMARKET (NET RETAIL AREA 1540.41 SQUARE METRES) WITH STAFF, ADMINISTRATION AND ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION;  1 NO. OFF-LICENCE UNIT;  1 NO. FINANCIAL SERVICES UNIT;  1 NO. COFFEE SHOP;  13 NO. RETAIL UNIT SHOPS;  4 NO. OFFICE SUITES WITH MALL AREA, TOILETS, SERVICE AND PLANT AREAS.   THE DEVELOPMENT SHALL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 2 NO. ENTRANCES FROM THE PUBLIC ROAD ( NEALE ROAD) COMPRISING OF (A) SERVICES ACCESS AND (B) CUSTOMER ACCESS WITH 231 NO. CAR PARKING SPACES, SIGNAGE, HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING, BOUNDARY TREATMENT, EXTERNAL SERVICE, PLANT AND DELIVERY AREAS AT KNOCKFEREEN (NEALE ROAD), BALLINROBE, CO. MAYO.   PLANNING APPLICATION REF. NO. P05/3304.   APPLICANT:  NEALE ROAD DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. O’Brien

Seconded by Cllr. H. Walsh

Resolved:-

“That the Council hereby decide to grant Permission to construct commercial / retail development, the development extends to a gross floor area 5602.22 square metres and contains the following:  1 No. Supermarket (net retail area 1540.41 square metres) with staff, administration and ancillary accommodation;  1 No. Off-Licence Unit;  1 No. Financial Services Unit;  1 No. Coffee Shop;  13 No. Retail Unit Shops;  4 No. Office Suites with Mall area, toilets, service and plant areas.   The development shall include the construction of 2 No. entrances from the public road (Neale Road) comprising of (A) Services access and (B) Customer access with 231 No. car parking spaces, signage, hard and soft landscaping, boundary treatment, external service, plant and delivery areas at Knockfereen (Neale Road), Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.   Planning Application Ref. No. P05/3304.   Applicant:  Neale Road Developments Limited – which materially contravenes the Ballinrobe Town Plan, 1997”.

 

 

 

 

 

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ITEM  NO.  9.

(a)       TO NOTE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDING

            31st DECEMBER, 2005;

(b)       TO APPROVE EXPENDITURE IN EXCESS OF BUDGET FOR 2006.

 

(a)       Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

            Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

            Resolved:-

            “That Annual Financial Statement for Year ending 31st December,         2005, be noted”.

 

(b)       Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

            Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

            Resolved:-

            “That the Council hereby approve of variations of expenditure in

            2005 in relation to the expenditure provided for in the adopted

            Budget for 2005, as detailed in Schedule incorporated in the Annual

            Financial Statement for 2005”.

 

ITEM  NO.  10.

TO ACCEPT INVITATION RECEIVED BY THE CATHAOIRLEACH TO ATTEND ANNUAL BALLYCROY / LONDON REUNION TO BE HELD IN LONDON ON 20th OCTOBER, 2006.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That we hereby accept Invitation to the Cathaoirleach to attend Annual Ballycroy / London Reunion to be held in London on 20th October, 2006, and that the necessary expenditure be hereby approved”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Seconded by Cllr. J. Cribbin

Resolved:-

“That the Cathaoirleach, Cllr. G. Coyle, be nominated to attend “Country Comes to Town” Festival to be held in Portadown, Co. Armagh, on 16th September, 2006”.

 

ITEM  NO.  11.

(a)       TO ESTABLISH A STEERLING COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE

            MANAGEMENT OF THE JACKIE CLARKE LIBRARY, BALLINA;

(b)       TO APPOINT THREE MEMBERS OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL TO

            THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE JACKIE CLARKE LIBRARY,

            BALLINA.

 

It was agreed to defer this Item to the October Meeting of the Council.

 

 

 

 

-      7      -

 

 

 

ITEM  NO.  12.

TO NOTE 2006 RE-ALLOCATIONS FOR NON-NATIONAL ROADS.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That 2006 Re-Allocations for Non-National Roads, be noted”.

 

ITEM  NO.  13.

TO ACCEPT TERMS OF GRANT OFFER DATED 4th JULY, 2006, RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, RURAL AND GAELTACHT AFFAIRS AND TO APPROVE OF MATCHING FUNDING OF €234,000 IN RESPECT OF PROPOSED WORKS ON CLARE ISLAND, INISHTURK AND INISHBIGGLE.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Seconded by Cllr. M. Holmes

Resolved:-

“That we hereby accept terms of Grant offer dated 4th July, 2006, received from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and approve expenditure of matching funding of €234,000 in respect of proposed works on Clare Island, Inishturk and Inishbiggle”.

 

ITEM  NO.  14.

REPORT ON STUDY VISIT TO SCOTLAND – 31st AUGUST TO 3rd SEPTEMBER, 2006.

 

Mr. D. Turnbull, Development Officer, Community and Enterprise, gave a Presentation on Study Visit to Scotland which took place from 31st August to 3rd September, 2006.

 

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Turnbull for his Presentation.

 

ITEM  NO.  15.

TO ACCEPT TERMS OF LETTER DATED 11th AUGUST, 2006, RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES IN RESPECT OF SITE INVESTIGATION AND FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR PORTURLIN PIER.

 

Proposed by Cllr. T. Quinn

Seconded by Cllr. M. Holmes

Resolved:-

“That we hereby accept terms of Letter dated 11th August, 2006, received from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in respect of site investigation and feasibility study for Porturlin Pier and that a contribution from Mayo County Council of €37,500 for this Project be hereby agreed”.

 

 

 

-      8      -

 

 

 

ITEM  NO.  16.

TO NOTE LETTER DATED 16th AUGUST, 2006, RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT IN RESPECT OF SAFETY AND REMEDIAL WORKS AT WESTPORT HAR BOUR.

 

Proposed by Cllr. M. Adams

Seconded by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Resolved:-

“That Letter dated 16th August, 2006, received from the Department of Transport in respect of Safety and Remedial Works at Westport Harbour, be noted”.

 

ITEM  NO.  17.

TO NOTE LETTER DATED 16th AUGUST, 2006, RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT IN RESPECT OF SAFETY AND REMEDIAL WORKS AT RIVER MOY HARBOUR.

 

Proposed by Cllr. M. Mulherin

Seconded by Cllr. J. Munnelly

Resovled:-

“That Letter dated 16th August, 2006, received from the Department of Transport in respect of Safety and Remedial Works at River Moy Harbour, be noted”.

 

ITEM  NO.  18.

TO CONSIDER NOMINATING REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND LA TOUCHE LEGACY SEMINAR – “LOCAL AUTHORITIES & MINORITIES” – TO BE HELD IN THE CHARLESLAND GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, GREYSTONES, CO. WICKLOW, FROM 29th SEPTEMBER TO 1st OCTOBER, 2006.

 

The Council were informed of the estimated cost of sending a Delegate to this Seminar.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. McGuinness

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That the Cathaoirleach, Cllrs. M. Carty, H. Kenny, A. McDonnell, P. McHugh, M. McNamara, G. Murray and S. Weir be nominated to attend La Touche Legacy Seminar – “Local Authorities & Minorities” – to be held in the Charlesland Golf & Country Club, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, from 29th September to 1st October, 2006”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-      9      -

 

 

 

ITEM  NO.  19.

TO CONSIDER NOMINATING REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND CONFEDERATION OF EUROPEAN COUNCILLORS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2006 – “1916 – A TIME OF RISING AND A TIME OF WAR : THE IMPACTS AND LEGACY FOR MODERN IRELAND, NORTH AND SOUTH” – TO BE HELD IN THE CITY HOTEL, DERRY, ON 12th AND 13th OCTOBER, 2006.

 

The Council were informed of the estimated cost of sending a Delegate to this Conference.

 

Proposed by Cllr. M. McNamara

Seconded by Cllr. D. Ryan

Resolved:-

“That Cllrs. S Bourke & A. McDonnell be nominated to attend Confederation of European Councillors Annual Conference 2006 – “1916 – A Time of Rising and A Time of War : The Impacts and Legacy for Modern Ireland, North and South” – to be held in the City Hotel, Derry, on 12th and 13th October, 2006”.

 

ITEM  NO.  20.

TO CONSIDER NOMINATING REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND NEIL T BLANEY AUTUMN SCHOOL 2006 – “WHAT IS REPUBLICANISM?” – TO BE HELD IN LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CO. DONEGAL, ON 13th AND 14th OCTOBER, 2006.

 

The Council were informed of the estimated cost of sending a Delegate to this Autumn School.

 

Proposed by Cllr. J. Maloney

Seconded by Cllr. D. Ryan

Resolved:-

“That Cllrs. M. Carty, H. Kenny, M. McNamara and G. Murray be nominated to attend Neil T. Blaney Autumn School 2006 – “What is Republicanism?” – to be held in Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Co. Donegal, on 13th and 14th October, 2006”.

 

ITEM  NO.  21.

TO CONSIDER NOMINATING REPRESENTATIVES TO ATEND SEMINAR – “BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (BIDS) – AN OPPORTUNITY TO REJUVENATE YOUR TOWN OR CITY” – TO BE HELD IN THE MOUNT WOLSELEY HILTON HOTEL, TULLOW, CO. CARLOW, ON 20th OCTOBER, 2006.

 

The Council were informed of the estimated cost of sending a Delegate to this Seminar.

 

 

 

 

 

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Proposed by Cllr. M. McNamara

Seconded by Cllr. J. Cribbin

Resolved:-

“That Cllrs. S. Bourke, H. Kenny, A. McDonnell, J. Mellett, G. Murray and Johnnie O’Malley be nominated to attend Seminar – “Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) – An opportunity to rejuvenate your Town or City” – to be held in the Mount Wolseley Hilton Hotel, Tullow, Co. Carlow, on 20th October, 2006”.

 

Conference – Limerick – 20th September, 2006.

 

Proposed by Cllr. E. Lavin

Seconded by Cllr. H. Walsh

Resolved:-

“That Cllr. J. Munnelly be nominated to attend Conference – “Taking Control : How to Drive Local Economic Development” – to be held in the Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick, on 20th September, 2006”.

 

Conference – Killarney, Co. Kerry – 5th & 6th October, 2006.

 

Proposed by Cllr. G. Murray

Seconded by Cllr. H. Walsh

Resolved:-

“That Cllr. M. Holmes be nominated to attend Conference – “Getting a Grip 2006 – Questions and Answers” – to be held in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry, on 5th and 6th October, 2006”.

 

NOTICES OF MOTION.

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It was agreed to defer Notices of Motion (a) to (g) inclusive, as listed on the Agenda, to the October Meeting of the Council.

 

RESOLUTIONS OF SYMPATHY.

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Proposed by Cllr. P. O’Brien

Seconded by Cllr. J. Cribbin

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Ms. Sally Walsh, Cornfield, Hollymount, on the death of Francis Walsh”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. P. O’Brien

Seconded by Cllr. J. Cribbin

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to the Mortimer family, Shrule, Co. Mayo, on the death of George Mortimer”.

 

 

 

-      11      -

 

 

 

Proposed by Cllr. J. Maloney

Seconded by Cllr. M. Carty

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Mr. Liam Ryan, Levace, The Neale, Co. Mayo, on the death of his Sister, Ms. Mary Robinson”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. M. Carty

Seconded by Cllr. J. Maloney

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to the Mortimer family, Shrule, Co. Mayo, on the death of George Mortimer”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. J. Mellett

Seconded by Cllr. T. Connolly

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Mr. Jack Pidgeon & family, Park Road, Swinford, on the death of Phyllis Pidgeon”.

 

Proposed by Cllr. T. Connolly

Seconded by Cllr. P. O’Brien

Resolved:-

“That the sympathy of the Council be extended to Mrs. Chris Carney & family, Lower Mace, Claremorris, on the death of her Husband, Austin”.

 

 

 

 

 

The Meeting adjourned at 6.00 p.m.