Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting September 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), Tom Mellett Senior Executive Engineer, Carmel Greene Senior Executive Officer and Patricia O’Neill Staff Officer.

 

Presiding

Cathaoirleach Donna McGettigan opened the meeting and thanked the Limerick Clare Education & Training Board (LCETB) for hosting the September meeting of the Shannon MD.

Item no. 1:  Minutes of the Shannon MD Meeting held on 18^th July, 2023

Minutes of the Shannon MD Meeting held on 18^th July, 2023 were proposed by Cllr.      Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. PJ Ryan and agreed by all.

Item no. 2: Presentation by Limerick Clare Education & Training Board by James Power, Manager of the Shannon LCETB Campus.

Mr. James Power welcomed all to the LCETB Shannon Campus and outlined the following:

The main focus of daytime provision is delivery of the Phase 2 of Craft Apprenticeship, which consists of 7 phases in total, in the trades of:

• Aircraft Mechanic
• Plumbing
• Metal Fabrication
• Toolmaking
• Electrical
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Typically, a craft apprenticeship should take just over 4 years to complete but currently there is a national back log of over 5,000 apprentices waiting to undertake phase 2.  Factors which have contributed to this backlog include increase in demand for these apprenticeships, lack of capacity in the training centre/workshop and also in sourcing instructors. 

SOLAS, who fund the Education & Training Boards for apprenticeship delivery, have requested the LCETB to prioritise phase 2 provision.  While some workshop space has been added throughout Limerick and Clare, the Shannon Campus is challenged with an aging building that requires refurbishment and expansion or to build a new facility on a green field site.

Mr. Power also spoke about the range of courses including and in addition to delivering the phase 2 in aircraft, a traineeships which is run in conjunction with AAG and Ryanair / PAM on Aircraft Maintenance Technician traineeship which is a 119-week programme and successful learners are awarded with CAT A licence from the Irish Aviation Authority.

The Members thanked Mr. Power for his detailed presentation and fully supported the need for the expansion of the existing building or a new build, emphasising the need to retain the training centre in Shannon to enable them to continue to establish close links with the Aviation industry and companies in Shannon and the surrounding areas.  Mr. Power agreed, on request from the Members, to send on a list of the apprenticeships available in the Shannon Campus.  It was also agreed to provide a tour of the campus following the meeting. 

Item no. 3:  Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – proposed traffic calming works at Cluain Airne & Tradaree, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Cllr. Gerard Flynn requested that additional changes be made to what was proposed including additional speed cushion, section of concrete taken away, a continuous white line to stop illegal parking on the side of the road and additional parking in Tradaree. 

Mr. Tom Mellett stated that the proposed changes as outlined by Cllr. Flynn could not be incorporated to the Section 38 put before the Members today and such changes would require a separate Section 38. 

On request by Cllr. Flynn for a commitment to incorporate the proposed changes and a timeline, Mr. Mellett stated that a new design would be finalised next week and a revised Section 38, incorporating the above changes, would aim to go before the Members at the November meeting. 

This was proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. Donna McGettigan.

 

Item no. 4: Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – Proposed Low Cost Safety Scheme on the R463, 60 metres south of the junction R463/L3056, at the existing pedestrian crossing, Rosmadda West, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. 

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

 

Item no. 5: Proposed disposal of lands (by lease) at Ballycasey, Shannon, Co. Clare to Clare Cricket Board pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 and Section 211, of the Planning & Development Act 2000, as amended. 

Proposed by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and seconded by Cllr. PJ Ryan and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 6: Proposed disposal of lands (by lease) at Tullyglass, Shannon to Shannon Handball Club pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 and Section 211, of the Planning & Development Act 2000, as amended. 

Proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.

Item no. 7: Economic Development update by Siobhan McNulty, A/Director of Service.

• Shannon Town & Environs Local Area Plan 2024-2030.  The closing date for receipt of submissions was 4^thSeptember.  The submissions and consultation feedback will help to inform the preparation of the Draft LAP which is intended to go for public consultation in October/November. 
• All-Island Strategic Rail Review Public Consultation for Strategic Environmental Assessment – Clare County Council are in the process of making a submission on this review highlighting the need for an upgraded railway to better serve the County.
• Shannon Estuary Economic Task Force launched its report in July.  A meeting of this Task Force was held last week.    
• One Shannon Hub - Clare County Council formally signed contracts with the appointed Integrated Design Team and the appointed Integrated QS & Project Manager.  A Steering group has been established and will meet once a month. It is intended that a draft design will be completed by November with final design in Q1 of 2024 to be put forward for funding.
• Sixmilebridge Town Centre First Plan was officially launched in August.  The Part 8 for the carpark was adopted by the full Council and will proceed to construction in the coming months.  Ms. McNulty paid tribute to Ms Linda Earlie, Town Regeneration Officer who recently resigned from Clare Council Council and was involved in co-ordinating the plan. 
• Newmarket On Fergus 19th Hole Community and Family Festivalheld on 2^nd  and 3^rd September which coincided with the Womens Irish Open in Dromoland proved a great success with thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Shannon MD Team headed up by Anne Griffin A/SEO and Tom Mellett SEE.
• Shannon Town Park has retained the Green Flag award for 2023/2024.
• Shannon Embankment Walk was nominated for the Excellence in Local Government Award.
• Limerick Northern Distributor Road – Limerick City & County Council are the lead authority and Clare County Council continue to liaise with them to progress this project. 
• Bus Connects – public consultation process has now closed.  The National Transport Authority will now review submissions received. 
• A review of the Ballymorris bus stops is currently being carried out. 

In response to the above the Members raised the following:

• The Members commended the work of the Shannon MD team on the organising a very enjoyable Community & Family Festival in Newmarket On Fergus.
• The inclusion of a rail link to Shannon as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was highlighted.
• Best wishes were extended to Linda Earlie on her resignation.  The Members acknowledged and thanked Ms Earlie for her work on the Sixmilebridge Town Centre First Plan and the Shannon Town Masterplan and requested that the position of Town Regeneration Officer be filled as soon as possible to ensure the continuation of these projects.  Ms McNulty stated that Helen Quinn, Senior Planner is currently co-ordinating the One Shannon Hub project. 
• Request for a presentation on the Limerick Northern Distributor Road by Limerick City & County Council. 
• Congratulations was also extended to Mick Guiney of EI Electronics Shannon following their recent Anniversary Open Day.  The Companies contribution to the community was acknowleged and it was proposed by Cllr. John Crowe and seconded by Cllr. Michael Begley that a letter of congratulations would issue from the Shannon MD.  This was supported by all the Members. 
• Disappointment was expressed in regard to a reduction in service in the Ardnacrusha and Blackwater area under the Bus Connects plan.

Item no. 8:  Roads -  update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer.

• Clonlara TVR works commenced 18^thSeptember by Nevilles contractors.  This is a 20 week programme.
• Drumgeely TVR – Tender Assessment report due this week.
• Bunratty TVR – Works continuing.
• ORIS Newmarket on Fergus - Footpaths and a new controlled pedestrian crossing at Newmarket school.
• Grass cutting ongoing, 13th cut has been completed.
• Works to accommodate Women’s Irish Open,

o   A new footpath between Inn at Dromoland to Dromoland Castle brings pedestrian connectivity form the Town to the Inn.

• Works to accommodate the 19^thHole Festival Newmarket on Fergus
• Active Travel project at Ballycasey park completed.
• Some maintenance work at St Aidan’s school entrance.
• Hedge cutting is being carried out in Newmarket on Fergus, Shannon, Westbury, Parteen, Ardnacrusha and Clonlara.
• Cleaning out road gullies & drainage network in Shannon Industrial estate
• Cleaning out the inlet tank and general cleanup around the Storm Water Pump house 6 in Shannon.
• Cleaning out the open drain at the back of Rineanna House, this drain feeds Storm Water Pump house 3 in Shannon.
• Springfield pumps commissioned, works ongoing by OPW, handover expected in the coming weeks.
• Drainage works in Radharc Na Coille, Ballycasey Shannon.
• Installation of new overhead restraint barrier to the Sixmilebridge railway station entrance, work not fully complete, it will take 3 weeks.
• Overlay works completed at Mount Catherine L-3058
• Extension of existing footpath at Lios Rua Ballycasey Shannon.
• General cleanup of overgrowth at the Westbury storm water pump.
• Road sweeping - we expect to receive the mini-sweeper in the next three weeks, this was successfully trialled in Newmarket-on-Fergus during the 19^thHole event.
• Velocity patcher will be in the MD every 5 weeks.
• Restoration Maintenance to completed in early June.

Works to start

• CIS at Mountcatherine Monday 25^thSeptember
• New footpath connecting Riverbrook Lawn to Hampstand Park Shannon Banks to commence in the coming weeks.
• Low-Cost Safety Ardnacrusha new raised pedestrian crossing & associated works to commence in October.
• Low-Cost Safety Sixmilebridge new raised pedestrian crossing & associated works Monday to commence by mid-October.
• Overlay works to the remainder of Restoration Improvement programme to commence in the coming weeks, Sixmilebridge, Shannon, Shannon Banks.

In response the Member raised the following: 

• That the barrier at Sixmilebridge Railway Station be removed and the car park be opened up.  Tom Mellett informed the meeting that ancillary works will be completed within the next 3 weeks and should then be in a position to remove the barrier. 
• The inclusion of the footpath from the flyover to the GAA grounds in Cratloe was welcomed.
• Surface water flooding in Ballycasey Park.  Tom Mellett replied that the lodging of ground water has been a feature of the Park for many years.  As part of the Active Travel project the path through this section of the park was raised to remove it from area prone to flooding and ensure usable all year round.
• Public lighting out in a number of estates in Shannon as a result of upgrades. 

Item no. 9: 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 locate a Bottle/Clothes bank at the Burlington site in Gilloge, Clonlara.

Brendan Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer, Department of Physical Development (Environment) replied as follows:

The Environment Section’s Waste Management team are currently investigating suitable locations for Bottle/Clothes banks in South East Clare.

We are investigating areas beyond the Burlington site in Gilloge, to include Ardnacrusha, Parteen, Clonlara Village, Westbury and Shannon Banks.

Suitable locations require appropriate access for the public and for collection by truck, lighting, it is also preferable to have full access outside of normal business hours.

Cllr. Begley added that the Burlington site meets all the points raised by Mr. Brendan Flynn.  There is a tenant on that site that is prepared to man and control all activities related to the placement of the bottle bank at this site.   

 

Item no. 10: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That suitable Traffic Calming measures be installed between Clonlara Village and the 50km speed sign in Newtown, west of the Community Centre and Church on the L-3058.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office has previously installed driver feedback signs along this route in an attempt to encourage drivers to reduce their speeds. An assessment of the location will be carried out with a view to introducing physical measures to reinforce these signs.

A Section 38 Roads Act 1994 process will be have to be undertaken before any physical measures can be introduced.

Traffic Calming measures have been included in the recently commenced Town and Village Renewal Scheme focusing on the centre of the village.

Cllr. Begley requested that the footpath would end where the Town & Village Renewal Scheme starts and to have traffic calming leading into and out of the bridge.

Item no. 11:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

That this MD clean-up the overgrowth and overhang of branches, briars and scrub on the footpaths in Parteen.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office has arranged for a crew to attend Parteen this month to clear back overgrowth on footpaths.

 

Item no. 12: 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 carry out repairs, drainage and surfacing to the road, known locally, as the Well Road, Cratloe.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office will add any necessary works to our maintenance schedule.

Tom added that the Winter mtce to commence in next 2 to 3 weeks.

Item no. 13:  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 carry out drainage, repairs and surfacing to the Cul de Sac road at Brickhill, Cratloe

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office will add any necessary works to our maintenance schedule, larger scale works will be assessed for future programmes.

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

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would carry out repairs to the footpath between the garage and Killeen Cemetery in Sixmilebridge.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office will add any necessary works to our maintenance schedule, any significant damage will be assessed for inclusion in a Footpath Maintenance Contract Tender.

Item no. 15: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council to erect a “Stop” sign at the exit of Boheraroan Estate, Newmarket On Fergus as the “Yield” sign is not being observed by some motorists and this situation has led to near misses.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office will arrange for this to be carried out.

Item no. 16:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

On behalf of the people of Newmarket On Fergus (Village & Parish), I am asking An Post to erect a Postal Collection Box in the Village at a central point as the present arrangements are causing difficulties for some members of the community. 

Item no. 17:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council repair and upgrade the footpaths in the Village of Newmarket On Fergus. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

Significant improvements to the footpath network have been made during 2023, this Office is continually assessing the need for maintenance and responding as necessary.

Item no. 18:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council to prioritise all General Municipal Allocation requested work for Shannon Town to be urgently completed as the repetitiveness of requests for this necessary work in the community to be completed is having a negative impact on the deteriorating infrastructure.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

The General Municipal Allocation is a discretionary fund allocated from Local Property Taxes which the Municipal District can allocate to preferred projects that otherwise would have difficulty in securing funding.

Within the Shannon M.D. the executive team discuss with the Councillor’s priorities for each year.

These works cover footpath maintenance, provision of parking spaces, tree pruning, improving junction sightlines and drainage works among others. There is active engagement throughout the year with the Elected Members in relation to their respective projects and a partnership approach has resulted in the delivery of various projects over the years.

Where funding is not expended in a calendar year this funding is carried over to the following year and remains committed to those projects. At all times it is the responsibility of the executive team to ensure value for money when it comes to delivering projects.

The Senior Executive Officer continues to meet and work in partnership on various matters (including GMA) with the MD Members.  The ultimate aim of this collaborative approach is improving the quality of life for the citizens of the Municipal District of Shannon.

Item no. 19:  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 follow up on the agreement with Bus Eireann some months ago to have 2 bus stop poles with timetables installed on the Drumgeely bus route.

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

Bus Eireann has confirmed that a mini-tender was recently conducted to have bus poles upgraded. Bus Éireann are currently marking the submissions. It is the intention that the installation of the poles will begin in approximately 2 months subject to standard tendering and contractor requirements. 

Item no. 20:  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 put in place adequate finance for the ongoing maintenance of Shannon River Walk, Shannon Town Park and all the other recreational areas in Shannon that come under the local authority and are being used by the public.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

The Municipal District receives funding for each financial year once Clare County Councils budget has been adopted by the elected members.

It is the responsibility of the Municipal District to manage it’s allocated budget for identified projects and general maintenance as appropriate, operating within the Public Spending Code.

It was agreed that Ms. Siobhan McNulty A/DOS would raise this with Management Team for inclusion in budgetary discussions.   

Item no. 21:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I call on this MD to place a bin at the bus stop that is across from the Town Centre on Bóthar an Aerfoirt, (R471) .

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

The ‘Leave no Trace’ policy of Clare County Council encourages people to bring waste home with them and therefore encourages the use of items with less packaging. However, there is a tradition within this Municipal District of providing public bins at Bus Stops and so I will arrange for one to be placed at this location.

Cllr. McGettigan added that the “Leave no Trace” policy needs to be revisited. 

Item no. 22:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I call on the Engineer to examine the small traffic light island, exiting Bóthar na Luachra, Aidan Park, as traffic turning right are pulling across to the left lane causing scrapes and near misses.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

I have requested my colleagues in the Road Design Office to assess this island in relation to space available for turning movements.

Item no. 23:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I call on this MD to look at the feasibility of placing progressive pride colours in with new installations, such as footpaths or benches to mark an inclusive society in Shannon.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

Clare County Council is a proud supporter of the County Pride celebrations running from 18^th to 24^th September.

The use of rainbow or ‘pride’ coloured infrastructure is not specified by any design standards.

However, designers do have discretion in other areas such as provision of benches, bollards and certain types of street furniture. Where there is scope to incorporate such measures, they will be considered. For example, the bridge in the Town Park is due to be painted and our intention is to use multi-colours on the railings.

This would be in keeping with the objective of the progressive flag which is a reminder of the struggles people from the LGBTQIA+ community deal with, it is intended to indicate an inclusive, welcome and safe community and so is very much aligned with the design philosophy of the Town Park.

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

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that the footpath be extended from the Cratloemoyle roundabout to the gate of the Radisson hotel as a matter of safety for pedestrians.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

An assessment of this location has taken place and found that there is insufficient space for a footpath between the road edge and the boundary wall of the hotel. Provision of a footpath there would require alterations to the hotel entrance. This Office would be happy to discuss options within the hotel grounds with the hotel owners.

Item no. 25:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that traffic calming measures be introduced in the following housing estates, Gort na Null, Lios Anama and Inis Orga, for the safety of residents, children and motorist.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

An assessment of Gort Na Null and Lios Anama will be carried out to determine if measures are required to slow down traffic.

In the case of Inis Orga the Municpal District Office has commenced a section 38, roads Act 1994 process with the aim of introducing a speed ramp within the estate.

Cllr. John Crowe added that traffic calming measures should be included as part of the planning conditions attached to permissions granted for such developments.

Item no. 26:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that Deerpark housing estate in Doonass, Clonlara be taken in charge.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office will liaise with our colleagues in the Planning Dept around this issue.

Cllr.Michael Begley added  that this estate is a ribbon of individual houses that is maintained by the residents.  The road was previously done under a Local Improvement Scheme but now requires attention.

Item no. 27:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would review all footpaths in Elton Court Meelick with a view of repairing those that are damaged.  Some of these footpaths are in a very bad state of repair and are a safety hazard.  

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

Elton Court footpaths will be assessed and repaired as necessary, where significant works are required they will be included in the next Footpath Remediation Contract.

Item no. 28: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I would ask this MD to provide litter and dog waste bins in the Westbury area. The bus stop outside the wall of the Westbury Estate, Corbally Road R463. As this is a very busy bus stop and one that seems to be a black spot for littering a bin would need to be provided at this location. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

The ‘Leave no Trace’ policy of Clare County Council encourages people to bring waste with them and therefore encourages the use of items with less packaging. However, there is a tradition within this Municipal District of providing public bins at Bus Stops and so I will arrange for one to be placed at this location.

Item no. 29: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I call on this MD to provide signage to indicate the bus stops in the Shannon Banks housing estate. I propose signage be printed on the roads or footpaths as this would not interfere with the pathways as they need to be kept clear for the bus to stop on the road. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This motion is in keeping with the concept of modal shift within the transport sector, encouraging more public transport use and reducing reliance on the private car. However, there is currently no budgetary provision for this measure and is something that will be considered for 2024.

Cllr. Michael Begley stated that bus stop signage and markings should be part of the Bus Connects programme to enhance the bus service when they introduce new services. 

It was proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan and seconded by Cllr. Gerard Flynn to suspend the Standing Orders to continue with the business of the meeting. 

Item no. 30:  AOB

• Cllr. Michael Begley requested a timeline for the repair of the wooden bridge over the Erinagh Canal.  Tom Mellett advised that the Shannon MD office are liaising with Waterways Ireland and will be meeting with them on site, in the coming weeks.
• The sourcing of local suppliers and the public procurement process in relation to Shannon Heritage was discussed.  Ms. Siobhan McNulty advised that Clare County Council and any wholly owned subsidiary of Clare County Council (DACs) must adhere to public sector procurement and spending rules.  Support will be provided to local suppliers when tendering to ensure all will have equal access and a level playing field.  It was agreed that this would be raised with the Director of Tourism. 
• The next Statutory Meeting will take place on Tuesday 21^stNovember, 2023 in Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, Shannon.

 This concluded the meeting. 

 

Signed:                                                           Signed:                                                          

Cathaoirleach                                  Meeting Administrator

Dated:                                                                       

 

Page last reviewed: 19/09/23

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