Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting July 2025

Present:

Councillors attending in person: 

Michael Begley (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Pat O’Gorman, David Griffin, Rachel Hartigan, James Ryan and Tony Mulcahy.

 

Officials attending in person:

Alan Farrell Director of Services, Suzie Clifford Senior Executive Officer (Meetings Administrator), Tom Mellett Senior Executive Engineer and Patricia O’Neill Staff Officer.

 

Officials attending remotely: 

Niamh Madden, Senior Executive Engineer, Housing and Frances Clair, Staff Officer, Housing. 

 

Apologies: 

Cllr. John Crowe.

 

Presiding

In the absence of Cllr. John Crowe, Leas Cathaoirleach Michael Begley, chaired the meeting. 

Cllr. Begley commenced the meeting by extending a vote of sympathy to Cllr. John Crowe and his family following the passing of Ms. Evelyn Quinn, RIP. 

 

Item no. 1:  Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 27^th May, 2025.

Proposed by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr. David Griffin and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 2: Minutes of the AGM of the Shannon Municipal District held on 20^th June, 2025.

Proposed by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 3:  Nominations to the Grant Funding Working Group.

It was proposed by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman that both Councillors Tony Mulcahy and Cllr. John Crowe would remain on this working group.  This was seconded by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan and agreed by all. 

 

Item no. 4:  General Municipal Allocation (GMA) to voluntary body.

In accordance with Section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014(S.I. No. 231/2014 - Local Government (Performance of Reserved Functions in Respect of Municipal District Members) Regulations 2014.   Cllr. David Griffin has nominated Obair Newmarket on Fergus and Newmarket on Fergus Mens Shed for an allocation of funding from his 2025 GMA.    This was proposed by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman, seconded by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy and agreed by all. 

 

Item no. 5:  Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001- Disposal of property at 46, Finian Park, Shannon, Co. Clare. 

Proposed by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 6:  Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 - Disposal of property at 23, Boyne Park, Shannon, Co. Clare. 

Proposed by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 7:  Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 – Disposal of property at Baile Ui Loideain, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.

Proposed by Cllr. David Griffin, seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 8:  Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994   - Proposed raised tabletop at existing pedestrian crossing on the L-3314 in Bóthar na Rinne & L-3312 Bealach Buí, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Proposed by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr. David Griffin and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 9:  Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – Proposed raised tabletop at existing pedestrian crossing on the L-3300 in Bóthar na Luachra, Shannon, Co. Clare. 

Proposed by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 10:  Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994  - Proposed raised tabletop at existing pedestrian crossing on the R471 in Pound Street, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.   

Proposed by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman, seconded by Cllr. David Griffin and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 11:  Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994  - Proposed raised tabletop at existing pedestrian crossing on the R458 in Limerick Road, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare. 

Proposed by Cllr. David Griffin, seconded by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 12:  Directors’ Business – Presented by Mr. Alan Farrell, Director of Services.

N19 Update

Further engagement with the main project stakeholders occurred during the period and the design team continue to work towards the finalisation of the Statutory Documentation required as part of the proposed planning application for submission to An Bord Pleanála in 2025. To that regard the completed EIAR will be issued for legal review and observation in the coming weeks. Positive discussions continue regarding the necessary Land Transfer Agreements between The Minister for Transport, The Shannon Group and Clare County Council.

Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme

The Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) has been issued for review. The Options Report was presented to OPW senior management as part of the Public Spending Code Approval Process. A further associated workshop has been scheduled. A request for additional information has been issued by MARA (Maritime Area Regulatory Authority) in relation to the MAC (Marine Area Consent) application. Preparation works to complete the Arborist survey is nearing completion.

Meeting with St. Francis Credit Union

A meeting was held between Shannon Municipal District staff and the Chief Executive Officer of St. Francis Credit Union. The basis of the meeting is to work in partnership with the Credit Union to support Community Groups funding needs. St. Francis Credit Union have agreed to work closely with Shannon Municipal District to support Community Groups within the Shannon Municipal District.

Networking Event in Dromoland

A Women in Business Networking event took place at the Inn in Dromoland. The keynote speaker was Shirley Walsh, CEO of Shannon Coiled Springs. Shirley shared her journey of advancing through the ranks of three multinational corporations over the course of four decades. She highlighted her commitment to supporting other women in their pursuit of professional success. The event welcomed over fifty local female entrepreneurs and gave participants the opportunity to network and build connections.

Bunratty Features in Travel Writers Article

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park were delighted to collaborate with local travel writer Vic O’Sullivan and Tourism Ireland. Titled Bunratty at 600: Ireland’s Storybook Castle Through the Ages, the article details the remarkable history of the castle including information on its renovation, the castle in present-day, and the famous medieval banquets while also touching on the Folk Park and all it has to offer.

Mattress Amnesty Day

The success of the recent Mattress Amnesty Day was acknowledged, whereby members of public could recycle their waste mattresses, free of charge. Thanks was expressed to the Shannon MD staff who worked closely with the Environment Section on the recent collection day in Shannon. 

 

In response to the above the Members raised the following:

• A report from Uisce Éireann on the progress of works at Drumgeely and a timeline for the completion of this project, due to the length of time that the works have been ongoing in this area and the disruption to local residents and road users.   Mr. Alan Farrell responded that this will be requested from Uisce Éireann and suggested that the Members make contact with Uisce Éireann on the dedicated helpline for Councillors. 
• The possibility of introducing Dog Parks was raised and whether this should be progressed at MD level initially.  Mr. Alan Farrell responded that this could first be discussed at MD level which will also include liaising with the Environment Department.     
• €500k scheme for bus shelter that can be accessed through the NTA.  Have areas been identified or can the MD put a preferred list together.  Mr. Farrell responded that a list be drafted at MD level and ultimately it will be the NTA that makes the final decision.  

 

Item no. 13:  Roads – update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer

• Closing out CRMs and issues raised by Councillors.
• Facilitated Shannon Athletic club in hosting the community games last weekend
• Road maintenance throughout the district - overlay works on the Clonlara Road, Sixmilebridge, Limerick Road, Newmarket on Fergus, and large section of main road through Westbury estate and Ballycannon Heights, Meelick have been completed.  This will be followed by road markings for these locations.
• New sections of footpath in Westbury and Tullyglass Hill, Shannon.
• Emergency works continuing in pumphouse no. 3 in Drumgeely, Shannon. Pump no. 2 is currently undergoing a complete overhaul which will take 4 weeks to complete and in the interim temporary pumps have been brought in as a standby measure. 
• Storm water pumps in Tullyvarraga/Carrig Lia, Shannon, Urlanmore, Newmarket on Fergus and the Long Pavement in Quinspool, Parteen have received their annual inspections and service.
• Local Improvement Schemes in Newtown, Clonlara and Brickhill, Cratloe have been completed.
• Community Improvement Scheme in Ballinphunta, Cratloe has been completed.
• Low-Cost Safety Scheme in Phayers Road, Meelick is continuing.
• Hedge and verge maintenance is ongoing throughout the MD.
• Grass maintenance is continuing.
• On the R455 between the Radisson roundabout and the county boundary hedge and grass cutting has been carried out and this is done in collaboration with Limerick City & County Council.
• Installed traffic calming measures in Kylevoher, Meelick.
• Installed a waste bin in Illaunmanagh, Shannon at access to the embankment walk.
• Works have commenced on the final section of footpath on the Broadford Road, Sixmilebridge. 
• Driver feedback sign in Urlanmore, Newmarket on Fergus has been installed and one to be installed on the Mount Catherine Road, Parteen in the coming weeks. 

The Member raised the following:

• The installation of dog waste bins along the embankment walks in Shannon to be considered.
• Proposed closure of the Knockalisheen Road from Moyross.  Concern expressed by residents and businesses in Meelick and the surrounding area, how this will impact the bus service operating in the area, the local quarry and the shuttle bus service running to and from the Knockalisheen, Accommodation Centre.  What consultation have Limerick City & County Council had with their counterparts in Clare given the traffic congestion and volumes this will cause in the Meelick area. 

Mr. Tom Mellett replied that in regard to road closures, these road closures are led by Limerick City & County Council and notification that was received from them was circulated to the Shannon MD Members.  Concerns from the Members can be relayed back to Limerick City & County Council. 

• Road marking works to be extended to other areas in Westbury.  Areas to be identified by the Members, which will be assessed by the Shannon MD office for inclusion. 
• Waste bins for Westbury and Shannon Banks.  Mr Tom Mellett replied that the difficulty lies in servicing the bins in this area.  It was further requested if an alternative refuse collection service could service the bins in this area to which Mr. Mellett replied that it was unlikely that mixed waste bins would be serviced by commercial waste collectors, but this would be checked out. 
• Similar policies that are in place throughout the county be put in place in the Shannon MD particularly regarding the provision of waste bins and dog waste bins.  Mr. Mellett replied that four to five new bins have been installed in Shannon Town within the last year.  In regard to dog waste bins a regular waste bin can be used for dog waste.  He stated that the Shannon MD are reacting when bins are required and carrying out the same policies that are in place throughout the county.  The use of solar bins has been explored and the feedback from other areas is that they are not functioning adequately and are not successful.  Bins that are currently in place in Shannon Town are not overflowing, which indicates that the number of bins in place and the collection service for those bins is sufficient and that there is not a requirement for additional bins.  The financial cost of the solar bins against the cost of regular waste bin is also a considerable factor.  

Where necessary bins have been relocated and bins have been replaced with newer bins.  The provision of bins next to bus stops within the Westbury area will be considered.  The Shannon MD office will work with the local community in exploring same. 

• Update on the trial of the non-pesticide weed killer and possibility of rolling this out in the MD for next year as a possible pilot project.  Mr. Tom Mellet replied that this trial was carried out within Shannon Town and proved successful.  Proposals are currently being worked on to bring it forward for next year which will involve a multi-pronged approach in the treatment of weeds, including additional strimming while also considering the financial cost. 
• Update on the plan for hedgecutting when the nesting season is finished.  Mr. Tom Mellett replied that from September hedgecutting will be carried out on Regional Roads and routes that are heavily trafficked.  Requests for hedgecutting in particular areas should be submitted by the Members to the Shannon MD Office for consideration.
• A timeline was requested in respect of the provision of refreshed road markings and flexible bollard outside Meelick National School.  It was further emphasised that these works should be carried out before the school term commences in September.  Mr. Mellett stated that it is expected that these works will be carried out prior to the commencement of the school term and work is ongoing on the design of the traffic calming measures for this location which is expected to be brought before the Members either at the end of this year or early next year. 
• A continuous white line from the entrance of Westbury to Clonard.  Tom Mellett replied that this will be looked at to determine the appropriate measures. 

Item no. 14:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

That an additional pedestrian or raised table crossing be considered on the Shannon end of the Limerick road, Newmarket-on-Fergus.

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

Shannon Municipal District will be installing a new raised pedestrian crossing on the Limerick Road Newmarket on Fergus.

A discussion ensued on this motion whereby Cllr. Griffin indicated that the location he was referring to was between Halpin’s Garage and Boheraon.  Tom Mellett apologised for the confusion and an assessment will be carried out for this location. 

 

Item no. 15:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

That the footpaths in the Collins Park area of Shannon be upgraded to help improve disabled accessibility in the area.

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

Shannon Municipal District will include this proposed footpath for consideration in future capital footpath works.

Cllr. Mulcahy added that drainage in this area should also be looked at.

 

Item no. 16:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

That the drainage system be assessed and cleared/upgraded as necessary on the R458 from Newmarket-on-Fergus village to Dromoland as pooling occurs between the village and the cottages in heavy rain.

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

Shannon Municipal District will be cleaning all the road gullies in this area.

 

In addition, Cllr. Michael Begley stated that a programme of works involving the opening of drainage outlets should be considered as soon as possible.

Mr. Tom Mellett added that traditionally these works would have been carried out in the Autumn but have now been brought forward to the start of the summer in anticipation of heavy rainfalls.  There will also be a focus on routes where pooling tends to occur.  

 

Item no. 17:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

That Shannon MD investigates the feasibility of building a jetty at the river in Shannonbanks to allow people in the area better access to water sports such as canoeing and sailing.

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

Shannon Municipal District will contact Limerick City and County Council, they are the lead for the Flood Relief Scheme in this area, for access to the river any works would need to consider that.

Item no. 18:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis

That Shannon MD introduces a range of traffic calming measures on the R464 road between St Patrick's Church in Parteen as far as the Sweeps Road. 

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

Shannon Municipal District will introduce new road marking in this area.

 

Item no. 19:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis

That this Council would formally honour the newly elected Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, Dani Hunter, originally from Shannon, at A Civic Reception hosted by Clare Co Council.

Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

In compliance with Clare County Council’s standing orders, this notice of motion will be forwarded to the Corporate Policy Group for consideration.

 

Item no. 20:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis

I wish to propose the installation of a footpath up Ballycasey Avenue to Ballycasey Craft Centre.

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

Shannon Municipal District will include this proposed footpath for consideration in future capital footpath works.

 

Item no. 21:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis

I would like to propose that a pilot grass cutting programme be put in place in the Shannon area whereby staff from the Municipal District would cut the grass and also advise how we can support the many residents groups who are cutting green areas up and down the town for many years with no support and how they may avail of the relevant maintenance grants. 

Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

A pilot grass cutting programme will be assessed and put in place in early 2026. In addition, our Shannon MD team will engage with local community groups and residents' associations to build capacity in relation to green maintenance over the next twelve months. Our Rural and Community Development Officer will work directly with these groups to assist them with applications for funding streams such as The Small Community Grants Scheme, The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) and The Clare Local Area Grant Scheme (CLAGS).

 

Cllr. Mulcahy expressed concern in relation to the control of weeds in Shannon Town. He further added that 30% of the grass cutting in the town is being cut by voluntary groups particularly within the estates and the council must engage with these groups to provide them with the support they need.  He emphasised that all stakeholders must work as a community to resolve the issues in regard to weeds and grass cutting.  Cllr. Mulcahy also requested clarification as to whether the Meadows Directive is a national directive and the percentage of meadow grass in Shannon Town. 

Cllr. O’Gorman also supported this.  He stated that there is a vast amount of grass to be cut in Shannon Town and emphasised the need to work with and support the local communities to bring them on board.  

Ms. Suzie Clifford stated that clarification will be sought from the Biodiversity Officer on the Meadows Directive regarding the recommended percentage of meadow grass for Shannon Town.   It was further added that over the last number of weeks the Shannon MD have engaged with the Shannon Tidy Town Group and will also be meeting with Shannon Community Partnership later this week.  Ms. Clifford stated that the opportunity to create a structure for voluntary groups is being examined along with Community Employment Schemes to support communities.  Ms. Clifford also added that the size of the Shannon MD grass cutting area is extensive and greater than any other Local Authority across the country and community support is essential.  In regard to the weed killing this will require a multiple solution approach and also needs to be balanced with a budget. 

Mr. Alan Farrell added that additional funding will be required and this will be looked at in greater detail during the budget process for 2026.

Cllr. Mulcahy acknowledged the efforts of the staff of the MD and community groups in addressing this issue in recent weeks.     

 

Item no. 22:  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 Clare County Council would take charge of the road at Punchbowl, Meelick known locally as the Bog Road. 

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

Under the Section 11 of the Road Acts A road authority may, by order, declare any road over which a public right of way exists to be a public road, and every such road shall be deemed to be a public road and responsibility for its maintenance shall lie on the road authority. There is a statutory process that must be followed.

 

Item no. 23:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis

I ask that this MD would liaise with the TII as a matter urgency to look at the Hurlers Cross junction where it meets with the N18. There have been several accidents at this cross recently.

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

Shannon Municipal District will contact Transport Infrastructure Ireland to discuss the operation of this junction and the issues raised.

 

Item no. 24:  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 lay pipes beside a section of the road from Cratloe L3036 to Clogga Cross. A sharp drop into a drain has formed on the right-hand side of the road just before the sharp bend as you approach Clogga Cross. 

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

Shannon Municipal District will include this work in our road drainage works schedule.

 

Item no. 25:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis

To look at additional traffic calming measures from the junction in Clonlara village down to Glór na Srutha.

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

Shannon Municipal District will introduce new road marking in this area.

 

Item no. 26:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. James Ryan agus glacadh leis

To consider speed ramps for Carraig Midhe estate, in particular the stretch of road coming towards and in front of No. 21.

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

Shannon Municipal District will refresh existing road markings and introduce additional road marking in the Carraig Midhe estate.

 

Item no. 27:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis

To consider traffic calming measures for Parteen village, in particular the stretch of road from the Co-Op as far as Browne’s pub, as well as from the Tail Race Bridge up as far as Brownes.

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

Shannon Municipal District will introduce new road markings in this area.

 

Item no. 28:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rachel Hartigan agus glacadh leis

That urgent re-instatement works be carried out on the parapets of Rossmadda East bridge on the L-30581, as they are in eminent danger of collapse.

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

Shannon Municipal District have requested Road Design to include this structure for consideration in their bridge rehabilitation program of works.

 

Item no. 29:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rachel Hartigan agus glacadh leis

That the local road off the L-3050, north of Doonass cross be taken in charge by Clare Co. Council.

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

Under the Section 11 of the Road Acts A road authority may, by order, declare any road over which a public right of way exists to be a public road, and every such road shall be deemed to be a public road and responsibility for its maintenance shall lie on the road authority. There is a statutory process that must be followed.

 

Item no. 30:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis

That the Springfield road L-7048 from the Wooden Bridge to Cottage Cross be included in the 2026 surface dressing programme.

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

Shannon Municipal District will include this proposed resurfacing works for consideration in future restoration maintenance works.

 

Item no. 31- 33  Notice of Motions submitted by Cllr. John Crowe.

In the absence of Cllr. John Crowe it was agreed to defer his Notice of Motions to the September meeting of the Shannon MD.  Proposed by Cllr. Michael Begley and seconded by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy. 

 

This concluded the meeting.

 

 

Signed:                                                          Signed:                                                         

            Meetings Administrator                               Cathaoirleach

 

Dated:                         September, 2025

 

 

Page last reviewed: 16/09/25

Content managed by: Shannon Municipal District

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