Minutes of Shannon Municipal District Meeting July 2023

Present

Councillors:  Donna McGettigan (Cathaoirleach), John Crowe (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Michael Begley, PJ Ryan, Pat McMahon, Gerard Flynn and Pat O’Gorman.

 

Officials: Siobhan McNulty A/Director of Service, Anne Griffin A/ Senior Executive Officer (Meetings Administrator), John Strand, Executive Engineer, Liam O’Connor, Administrative Officer and Orla Lynch Assistant Staff Officer.

 

Presiding

Cathaoirleach Donna McGettigan opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

 

Item No. 1:  Minutes of the Shannon MD Meeting held on 16^th May, 2023

Minutes of the Shannon MD Meeting held on 16^th May, 2023 were proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.

 

Matters arising

Cllr. Flynn requested that the headed item “Economic Development” which was previously included as an agenda item for Shannon MD Meetings be included in future meetings, given the concentration of industrial and commercial development within the District.  It was agreed that this would be included as a headed item on future agendas for Shannon MD Statutory meetings.  

Item no. 2: Minutes of the Shannon MD Annual General Meeting held on 29^th June 2023. 

Minutes of the Shannon MD Annual General Meeting held on 29^th June 2023 were proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 3: Clare County Council (Prohibition of Overnight Camping in Illaunamanagh Car Park) Bye-Laws 2023 - consideration of submissions and decision of Shannon MD in relation to the adoption of the bye-laws. 

Liam O’Connor, Administrative Officer Roads Department confirmed that report had been circulated. Byelaws had been on public display and no submissions received. He requested that byelaws be adopted.  Proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

Item no. 4: Proposed disposal (by lease) of piece of ground at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Co. Clare. 

Update of letter submitted by Carmel Greene, Senior Executive Officer was circulated. Proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 5:  Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – proposed traffic calming works at Cluain Airne & Tradaree, Shannon, Co. Clare.

This item was deferred to the September meeting.

 

Item no. 6: Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – proposed traffic calming works at Clonmoney National School, Newmarket On Fergus, Co. Clare.  

Proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan  and seconded by Cllr. Pat McMahon and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 7: Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – proposed footpath extension in Meelick, Co. Clare.

Proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan and seconded by Cllr.Michael Begley and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 8: Director’s update

• Bus Eireann – briefing – additional Expressway routes added between Galway and Shannon Airport – welcome development.
• Shannon Estuary Taskforce Report – launched on 8^thJuly at Ardnacrusha. Hub for Green Energy. Working hard to get the Northern Distributor Road back in the Agenda.
• Local Area Plan Briefing – issues paper – pre-consultation piece.
• Atlantic Aviation Group – Training Academy based in Shannon.
• N18 works ongoing. Contraflow in place.
• Sixmilebridge & Newmarket on Fergus – Anne Griffin

Sixmilebridge Town Centre First finalized. Plan provides a blueprint for Sixmlebridge priority areas. Town Regeneration Office will co-ordinate plan.

• Newmarket on Fergus – Womens Irish Open. Festival on the Green at the Church. Road closures will be in place. Street entertainment. Shuttlebus from Dromoland. Working with community groups.

 

Item no. 9: Roads -  update by John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD

• Surface Dressing programme for 2023 completed.
• Eir Landscapes Ltd have continued with the grass cutting contract.
• Continuation of engagement of a tree maintenance contractor to reshape and remove trees causing hazards to pedestrians, vehicular traffic and structures.
• Crews have substantially completed works in Newmarket-on-Fergus focusing on the Lough Gash green area of Kilnasoolagh park, this has been funded through a 2021 ORIS grant. Contractor engaged to complete selected elements of work under this grant.
• Town and Village Renewal Schemes are advancing in Drumgeely tender documents are being prepared and the tender for Clonlara has been awarded, works to begin in mid August, along with a water main rebhab works by Irish Water. This work will be completed together.
• Works on the Bunratty Town and Village Renewal have commenced.
• Ml Boland Ltd has completed the works on the Ballycasey Active Travel project, this project is now complete.
• The footpath maintenance contract works are now complete in Shannon, Parteen and Shannonbanks.
• Traffic Calming works in Ballycasey by our own crews, is now complete.
• Our Road marking contractor has upgraded road markings in Shannon, Sixmilebridge and Cratloe. Further work is planned and will begin in August.
• The first section of the footpath works has been completed in the vicinity of the Inn of Dromoland on the Quin Rd. This work was completed by the MD crews and will facilitate pedestrians and public transport users.
• A contractor has been appointed to the overlay contract works for 2023, this work will begin in early September.
• TII overlay works to the M18 / N18 continued throughout this month, these works should be substantially completed by mid August.
• The manufacturer of the permanent storm water pumps was on site at Springfield to test and commission the pumps last week. The OPW works are substantially complete.

Item no. 10. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council & Irish Water to provide an update on the current stage of the planned upgrade works to the waste water treatment plant in Newmarket On Fergus. The progression of this scheme is vital in the delivery of housing in the area. 

 

Ann Cronin, Senior Executive Engineer, Water Services Capital replied as follows:

The planning application for the Newmarket on Fergus WWTP upgrade project was submitted to Clare County Council by Uisce Éireann in December 2022. Further Information was requested by Clare County Council in February 2023. The response to the further information request is to be submitted to Clare County Council by Uisce Éireann in mid July 2023. Subject to a grant of planning permission and completion of a tender and contract award process, it is anticipated that construction will commence in 2024 for completion in 2026.

Item no.11: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

That Clare County Council provide an update on the Newmarket On Fergus Town Masterplan which is essential for the planned growth of the town.

 

Linda Earlie, A/Town Regeneration Officer replied as follows:

Clare County Council has recently completed the first Town Centre First Plan in Sixmilebridge. With implementation of this plan a key priority of the Town Centre First policy, the Town Regeneration Officer is now working closely with the town team, in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary internal team across the Council, to activate key projects within the plan. In relation to the selection of future towns to complete a Town Centre First Plan, we are currently awaiting information on the next round of funding, and the scope of this funding, from the Department of Rural & Community Development. We understand this is due to be announced shortly. It is the intention that each Municipal District will have the opportunity to put forward a town to be considered for support in terms of Town Team development, Town Centre Healthchecks and/or the development of a Town Centre First Plan. Towns will be selected dependant on the scope of the funding and the criteria that the Department provides for selection.

 

Newmarket on Fergus is strategically located given its close proximity to Shannon, Ennis, Limerick and Galway via M18 and taking into account its growth potential, the compilation of a Town Centre First Plan/Masterplan would support this growth into the future.  It is intended that Newmarket on Fergus will therefore be prioritised as a key town within the Shannon MD as the next recommended location for master-planning within its functional area.

 

Item no. 12: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr.  Pat O’Gorman  agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting the HSE to provide suitable premises for GP Services in Newmarket On Fergus which is crucial in serving Newmarket On Fergus and the surrounding areas. 

 

Item no. 13: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

That this MD request the TII to provide HGV parking facilities on the M18/N18 adj to Shannon Ind Est, these vehicle are parking in one of our prime tourist areas and near housing estates in the Shannon area at present.

 

Item no. 14:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley  agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would carry out repairs and install drainage pipes to the cul de sac road (Derrymore Road), between Gavins cross and Broggy's farm in Meelick.

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This office will assess the drainage network in the vicinity of Gavins cross and Broggy's farm in Meelick.

 

Item no. 15:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would install traffic calming measures on the R462, Sixmilebridge side of Cratloe cross.

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

A Section 38 is being developed for additional traffic calming measures on all major routes into Sixmilebridge.

 

Item no. 16:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr.  Gerard Flynn  agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would consider installing a secure bike rack adjacent to the new bus shelter in Clonlara village, when it is in place.

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This office will install a secure bike rack at this new bus shelter in Clonara Village.

 

Item no. 17:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would liaise with Limerick City & County Council to carry out a survey of the Deck and Parapets of the footbridge at Doonass/Castleconnell, with a view to a proper upgrade of this very well used facility.

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This office will make contact with Limerick City & County Council to carry out a joint assessment of the footbridge.

 

Item no. 18:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr.  Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

That the road L-7076, linking the R-463 to the R-465 at Blackwater be surface dressed as it is in very poor condition.

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon MD will assess this road for inclusion in the 2024 Roadworks Programme.

 

Item no. 19:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that this MD confirm that the side road serving house numbers 45 to 54 in Shannon Grove, Shannonbanks is included in the upcoming overlay programme.

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

The road fronting these houses is included in the roadworks programme for 2023.

 

Item no. 20:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I request that this MD would put a yellow box in place at the first entrance/exit to the Token housing estate Shannon Banks.

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon MD will install a new yellow box at the first entrance into Shannon Banks.

Item no. 21:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That Clare County Council would look at a feasability study with the view of putting a pedestrian crossing in place at the Minister's Cross, Bunratty/Sixmilebridge on the R471.

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon MD will liaise with the Road Design office in relation to this request.

 

Item no. 22:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council to carry out repairs to two sunken manholes in the Mill Court housing estate, Sixmilebridge which are causing a serious hazard for pedestrians and motorist. 

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon MD will assess the condition of the manholes and identify whose asset they belong to with a view to rectifying the matter.

 

Item no. 23:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting an update on when the footpaths from Cluáin Droichéad to Ard Ratha, estates Sixmilebridge will be completed.

 

 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows

Shannon Municipal District are continuing to engage with a landowner along this route to allow the project proceed. The project has been tendered and a contractor appointed with funding in place to complete the works. Once a timeline for commencing works is known I will inform the members.

Item no. 24:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr.  PJ Ryan  agus glacadh leis:

That Clare County Council will provide salt bins to St. Finnachta’s National School, Sixmilebridge and all National Schools throughout the Shannon Municipal District to help alleviate the hazardous conditions during very icy weather conditions. 

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows

Shannon MD has liaised with the Winter Maintenance Team and a review of the winter maintenance will be carried out by the Winter Maintenance Team.

Item no. 25:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn        

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan  agus glacadh leis:

I am calling on Clare County Council to remove the recently installed seat near Carraig Lia and also to remove the stones adjacent to this seat on the public area outside the perimeter fence encapsulating the prefabricated structure. Residents in the neighbourhood have suffered a substantial amount of anti-social behaviour and feel that the seating area is a big contributor as a lot of unsociable behaviour has escalated in recent times from people congregating around this area.

 

Anne Griffin, A/Senior Executive Officer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon Municipal District office identified the requirement for age-friendly seating to be installed at various locations throughout Shannon particularly in locations near to amenities, walkways, pathways and parks.  There is a number of these benches positioned throughout Shannon town.  The bench design meets accessibility standards in terms of height and arm rests.  The aim of this initiative is to support older people to go out and partake in walking and outdoor activities and to minimise isolation.  As the bench has only recently been installed at Carraig Lia, it would be premature at this stage to consider removing. However, Shannon MD office will continue to closely monitor usage and behaviour at this location.

Shannon MD will arrange for the stones outside the perimeter fence as referenced in the Notice of Motion, to be removed and replaced by a hard surface as soon as possible.

 

Item no. 26:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I am calling on Clare County Council to clean out the water gullies in the Ballycasey Manor estate and also the other estates throughout Ballycasey in Shannon.

John Strand, Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows

Shannon MD will include this work in our maintenance schedule.

Item no. 27:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting an update from Clare County Council’s Housing Department concerning the recent decision to make an application to the department for an affordable housing scheme in Shannon. A considerable number of people in Shannon are in need of housing and the construction of this scheme should have a positive impact on the community.

Padraig MacCormaic, A/Senior Executive Officer, Housing replied as follows:

Under the original eligibility criteria for Affordable Housing Clare did not qualify at a county level to deliver Affordable Housing as the HNDA (Housing Needs and Demand Assessment) conducted by the Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH) did not meet their affordability constraint threshold. However, following a detailed submission to the DHLGH, Clare County Council, have received approval in principle to submit detailed applications to the fund for specific developments. In this regard, we have launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) Campaign until the end of July seeking proposals from developers to deliver affordable homes in Ennis and Shannon. This EOI is advertised on various social media channels, local newspapers and also local radio. 

 

Developer proposals received will be reviewed by Clare County Council prior to submission to DHLGH. Any proposed development will require its own definitive Scheme Proposal and Business Case to be submitted to the DHLGH. While each scheme will have its own unique set of circumstances and will be assessed on its own merits, schemes as they are designed and developed must continue to meet the criteria set out in the Affordable Housing Act 2021. Each definitive Scheme Proposal and associated Business Case must provide a structured framework whereby compliance with the standard statutory/regulatory criteria can be demonstrated to the Department in advance of the Stage 1 approval point when an indicative provisional financial allocation can be issued to the Local Authority concerned.

 

Also, Clare County Council has engaged with our Elected Members for the purposes of developing a Scheme of Priorities (SOP) in accordance with the Affordable Housing Act 2021, which is subject to Ministerial approval. This SOP will be referenced regarding the future allocation of affordable homes

 

Item no. 28:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr.  Gerry Flynn agus glacadh leis:

That the Shannon MD get a dedicated space on Clare County Council website/social media that will show all the positive work being done in the MD.

The monthly management report is a great way of seeing works so maybe publish that on social media websites.

Anne Griffin, A/Senior Executive Officer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Effective communications is a key element in delivering important messages and information to our communities and stakeholders within the Municipal District of Shannon. We will continue to strategically and actively use the various channels of communication available to promote the positive work within the MD and build on the strong and open relationships currently in place with the media.  The channels of communication available include social media, Council’s website, tv, local print media and radio.  The importance of promoting the positives of the towns, villages and settlements in the Municipal District and indeed the projects being carried out between the MD Office, elected representatives and communities is recognised and the MD Office will work with the Communications Office to ensure an integrated approach. The Monthly Management Report is published on a monthly basis on Clare County Council’s website and this will continue to be vigorously promoted with a direct link now being made available from the Shannon MD section of the website.

Item no. 29:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr.  Gerard Flynn  agus glacadh leis:

Could outdoor recreation funding be found for the forest area at Tullyglass Hill, the residents in that area are doing a good job keeping it clean and doing their best to keep it more open, funding for this area will help open up established footpaths that are overgrown , making it a more accessible friendly area.

 

Anne Griffin, A/Senior Executive Officer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon MD is committed to improving the forest area at Tullyglass Hill.  Various funding options to carry out improvement works will be explored including the recently announced Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).  This Scheme supports the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland. The Scheme is funded under “Our Rural Future” which specifically prioritises the growing outdoor activity tourism sector as part of a long-term vision for a vibrant and sustainable rural Ireland.

Item no. 30: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting this MD to purchase bunting in the Clare colours for the Town Hall and Town Park.  We were recently in the Munster finals and the lack of bunting in and around our Town Hall and Park was noticeable.  It would be lovely to show support especially to those players from Shannon.

 

Anne Griffin, A/Senior Executive Officer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon MD commends all the Clare teams on their 2023 championship campaign and to all the players and management who have given their all for their County.  Bunting will be in place as detailed in the Notice of Motion.

 

Item no. 31:  AOB

• Acknowledgements were paid to Donna McGettigan as the first female Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District.  
• Tidy Town Submission on Murals was discussed.
• Date for September meeting – Tuesday 19^th September 2023
• Proposed venue change for September meeting to the Limerick & Clare

Education & Training Board in Shannon

 

This concluded the business of the meeting.

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

Meetings Administrator                                           Cathaoirleach

Date:                                                                          Date:                                                 

 

 

Page last reviewed: 19/09/23

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