COMHAIRLE CATHRACH AGUS CONTAE PHORT LÁIRGE WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL

Transcription

1 PRESENT: COMHAIRLE CATHRACH AGUS CONTAE PHORT LÁIRGE WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL Meeting of the Metropolitan District held in City Hall, Waterford on 19th January, 2015 Officials in attendance Cllr. Lola O Sullivan, Mayor Cllr. Breda Brennan Cllr. John Carey Cllr. Joe Conway Cllr. John Cummins Cllr. Davy Daniels Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald Cllr. Jim Griffin Cllr. Blaise Hannigan Cllr. John Hearne Cllr. Joe Kelly Cllr. Eddie Mulligan Cllr. Jason Murphy Cllr. Cha O Neill Cllr. Eamonn Quinlan Cllr. Sean Reinhardt Cllr. Mary Roche Cllr. Adam Wyse Mr. L. Power, District Manager Mr. B. Duggan, SEO Economic Development Mr. J. Sullivan, SEO, Housing, Community & Culture Mr. R. Mannix, SE Roads, HR & Emergency Services Mr. N. Kane, SEE, Roads, HR & Emergency Services Mr. P. McCarthy, SE, Roads, HR & Emergency Services Mr. J. Gallagher, E.E., Roads, HR & Emergency Services Mr. J. O Mahony, S.P. Planning & Corporate Affairs Mr. R. Maloney SEO, Environment and Water Services Mr. E. Ruane, Meetings Administrator Ms. L. Cahill, Tourism Officer Ms. M. Fitzsimons, Clerical Officer Votes of Sympathy A vote of sympathy was expressed to those bereaved by the deaths of: Ned Stubbs Andy Collins Michael Burns Votes of Congratulations Congratulations were extended to the following: Waterford Senior football team on reaching the McGrath Cup final. 1.Confirmation of Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 15 th December, 2014 were proposed by Cllr. D. Daniels, seconded by Cllr. J. Carey and agreed 2. Matters Arising Cllr. L. O Neill requested an update re section of German Road which has been re-opened. 1

2 N Kane SEE, confirmed that this is private property and that Waterford City & County Council did not carry out any works in this area. P McCarthy SE. will further investigate the matter. Cllr. J. Carey requested an update on his motion from the December meeting regarding ramps; P. McCarthy SE indicated that all other measures should be considered before the fitting of ramps. He is preparing a policy document on ramps. Cllr. E. Mulligan complimented the securing of the decommissioning of the LE Aoife for Waterford. He enquired as to whether there is any news relating to the twinning of the LE James Joyce vessel with Waterford. He also enquired as to whether a Visitor Flix would be created to promote the Purple Flag. L. Power District Manager agreed to examine this matter. Cllr. D. Daniels requested an update regarding the introduction of the pay by weight refuse collection system and an update relating to the Living Cities initiative. R. Moloney SEO, Environment confirmed that the new regulations for the weighing of refuse collection are due in January 2015 and will be circulated when available. Cllr. J. Cummins requested an update relating to the cycle lane at Farronshoneen and also update of the pinch point at the RSC roundabout and requested that this area be included in design. In reply N Kane SEE, advised that the design is currently being completed. 3. Planning Planning lists already circulated. Noted. Cllr. J. Kelly enquired as to who is eligible to have a pre-planning consultation with the planners. J O Mahony S.P. replied that this avenue for advice is open to all. Cllr. J. Hearne enquired as to the system for reporting unauthorised developments J O Mahony S.P. outlined the process. 4. Reports Housing, Community & Culture The Housing, Community & Culture report had been circulated with the agenda Cllr. P. Fitzgerald noted that 65 RAS contracts are due to expire in 2015, and enquired what is the situation where a landlord may not renew the contract, also what housing allocations will be provided in Waterford City East. Cllr. J. Conway requested confirmation of the amount for Housing Adaptations Grant in Cllr. S. Reinhart queried whether the Council has the power to change housing policy, specifically relating to housing applicants, with their own children, who are living in their parents home and are deemed as adequately housed and may therefore not be eligible to apply for social housing. Cllr. J. Hearne asked if Waterford City & County housing rents included water costs and would details be given to Irish Water. J. Sullivan SEO, Housing advised that the vast majority of landlords will renew their RAS contract, for those who don t the Council are obliged to find alternative accommodation. He confirmed that the 2015 allocations will be announced nationally in March. In relation to eligibility to apply for social housing, he outlined the position noting national guidelines and advised that this matter could be raised at the SPC for further discussion. With regard to the query about the supply of details to Irish Water this would be done in accordance with agreed protocol. Cllr. J. Kelly requested the total number of units required to clear the housing list also what remedy is available to tenants where windows are broke due to antisocial behaviour and also raised the issue of succession rights. Cllr. D. Daniels enquired as to whether any remedial works schemes were upcoming for the Catherine s Grange area. Cllr. L. O Neill asked for contract person in relation to Mortgage, and Rent to Buy Schemes. J Sullivan SEO Housing advised that there are 3520 Local Authority houses in the Metropolitan area and that units are needed per year. A window and energy scheme is under consideration and that an order of priority is expected shortly. 2

3 Cllr. J. Hearne requested a workshop be run regarding anti-social behaviour and that all agencies attend. Cllr. E. Mulligan raised a query about the debt management system referred to in the report and J Sullivan SEO; Housing confirmed that the debt management system is an in-house system based on the debt collection policy. Roads/Infrastructure/Fire The Roads/Infrastructure/Fire report had been circulated with the agenda. Cllr. L. O Sullivan Mayor complimented recent works in the Tramore area. Cllr. L O Neill requested that the central island on The Quay be fitted with strip lighting and that a letter be is sent to the Minister in relation to the Bike Rental Scheme. Cllr. Brennan requested that a letter be sent to NTA re the Avondale/John s Park bus route as there is considerable concern among residents in the area about the continuation of the service. Cllr. Fitzgerald commended the road s department on the significant improvement to the Ladies Cove, Dunmore East and the work at Woodstown however the road between Faithlegg Church and the school needs attention and he also enquired about the position relating to the Green Road. P. McCarthy SE, Roads advised that the Faithlegg Road will be considered under the Roadwork s Programme or minor works programme. In relation to the Green Road if a road is to be closed there is a public consultation process. Cllr. A. Wyse requested an update on pedestrian crossing at Knockboy Hill and at the Odeon Cinema. Cllr. S. Reinhardt referred to a system in place in Cork which allows fire crew to provide a first responder type of response to emergency ambulance calls. Cllr. J. Conway raised the issue of the condition of the footpaths in the Ballybricken area and requested an update on the commitment in principle for the provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing at the new School in Tramore. P McCarthy SE, Roads to talk to Chief Fire Officer re first responder, and outlined that prioritisation of need based on the policy to the pedestrian crossing in regards to Tramore. Cllr. D. Daniels commended the coastal repair work, however was concerned that the roads programme is down by approx. 15% in the Metropolitan area. Cllr. J. Griffin raised the condition of the Newrath dual carriageway. P McCarthy SE, Roads advised that the Director of Services will bring a detailed report on the Roadwork s Programme to the February SPC, once approved by Plenary Council. The footpaths in Ballybricken will be considered under maintenance. R. Mannix, SE confirmed footpaths are not under the NTMA and must be provided for out of normal funds. Cllr. E. Mulligan sought an update re the Green Route to WIT. In reply R. Mannix, SE Roads advised that designs are at an advanced stage and there will be a public consultation process. Water & Environment The Water & Environment report had been circulated with the agenda. Cllr J. Cummins queried bin provision in the Nature Park at Kilbarry and sought clarification on the flood alleviation scheme. R. Moloney SEO, Environment advised that discussions are on-going about water under the car parks on The Quay and the OPW are hoping to resolve this issue while the contractor is on-site. Cllr. B. Brennan congratulated all involved in Ballybeg voted best residential area in the recent IBAL results. Cllr. L. O Sullivan Mayor concurred and recognised the dedication of Council staff in achieving the results which saw Waterford as best city. Cllr. O Sullivan also congratulated all involved in the Inclusion Park in Tramore, she expressed concerns re dog fouling and requested extra disposal boxes around the City and supported the request for bins in the Nature Park. Cllr. A. Wyse agreed dog fouling is an issue and requested that the area from Cherrymount to the Outer Ring Road also be examined also. Cllr. E Mulligan also agreed with Cllr. Brennan s comments regarding the IBAL results and requested that an advert be taken to acknowledge the work of the volunteers and all involved in assisting to achieve the results, he 3

4 endorsed the message re dog fouling. R. Moloney SEO, Environment will consult with the Communications Officer re the advert as proposed. Cllr. M. Roche suggested that wardens take a pro-active role and prosecute offenders, Cllr Roche also raised the concerns about dogs being off leads in public areas. Cllr. J. Conway noted that substantial visitor numbers could be attracted to areas such as the Backstrand area in Tramore by introducing a live link to bird watching locations by liaising with Bird Watch Ireland and providing hides for photographers/bird watchers. R. Moloney SEO to consult with Parks and Wildlife department. Cllr. J. Griffin raised the issue of reviewing the Beach Bye-Laws as drones and quads are been used on beaches and also the lack of softening of the landscape on the approach roads into Waterford City. He requested that contact be made with Kilkenny County Council re this. R. Moloney SEO to follow up to the dog fouling issue with SPC. In relation to the approach roads into the city a meeting will take place with Kilkenny County Council. He will review bins and also examine the Cherrymount area and will follow up on the Beach Bye Laws. Planning The Planning report had been circulated with the agenda Cllr B. Brennan requested an update on the AUS survey in Carraig an Aird Cllr. L O Neill requested update on Ryan Pub in Ballybeg. J O Mahony S.P. Planning confirmed that AUS are currently on site surveying and their report is due within a few days and Ryan s Pub has changed hands and that the new owners are applying for a licence and have a contractor engaged to carry out necessary works. Economic Development The Economic Development report had been circulated with the agenda. Cllr. J. Conway noted position of KPS and Waterford Wedgewood and enquired as to whether the Council could recoup anything, also concerned about position of NuVasive. Cllr. J. Kelly complemented the work of the LEO and noted position of KPS. Cllr. P. Fitzgerald noted the tourism figures and benefit of coastline and enquired could Department of the Environment Community and Local Government set up a scheme to open up our coastline for tourism. Cllr. Roche requested that the Waterford Viking Trust update the Metropolitan meeting and that City Centre Management issues be brought to Council. Cllr. Roche also proposed inviting Enterprise Ireland to a Metropolitan meeting to report on proposals for Waterford and could LEO provide details of companies supported to Council. In reply L Power District Manager outlined the position relating to KPS and NuVaisve and confirmed that he would invite Waterford Viking Trust to a Metropolitan meeting at the next available opportunity and will arrange for City Centre Management Group report to meeting. It was noted that Enterprise Ireland might be more appropriate at a Plenary Meeting of Council. Cllr. L. O Neill acknowledged the vision of Nicky Fewer for the city in the establishment of the House of Crystal, Waterford in the city centre. He also noted that the loss of NuVasive was disappointing news. Cllr. E Mulligan complemented all involved in working to enhance tourism. 5 Waterford 1100 Ms. L. Cahill Tourism Officer outlined a proposal for a legacy art piece to commemorate Waterford 1100 following agreement from the OPW to release funding from the per cent for art scheme relating to the flood alleviation scheme. This will be a painting to companion the Van der Hagen and a Public Art Project with an emphasis on community engagement. The total value of these projects is 91,600. Cllr. L. O Neill welcomed the news but was disappointed that there was no New Year s Eve event to conclude Waterford B Duggan SEO Economic Development outlined the budget for Waterford 1100 and noted that plans had been presented to City Council in late

5 Cllr. P. Fitzgerald requested a report on Winterval. In reply L Power District Manager confirmed that a report will be brought to Council once the final report is concluded. 6. Correspondence Letter from UTV noted and welcomed as positive for Waterford 7. Notice of Motions The following motion standing in his name was proposed by Cllr A.Wyse seconded by Cllr. J Murphy and unanimously agreed. That this Council calls on Ms. Jan O Sullivan TD, Minister for Education and Skills, to reinstate the subsidy for B.Ed. students required to undertake the mandatory Gaeltacht placement as part of their college course. Also to explain her comments stating that the subsidy was removed as a necessary cut in the provision for frontline services in education. Reg. No.9 (dated 10th December, 2014) The following motion standing in his name was proposed by Cllr. J Murphy seconded by Cllr. P. Fitzgerald and unanimously agreed. That on the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Cumann na Mban that this council proposes that the Outer Ring Road be renamed the Cumann na mban Ring Road in recognition of the prominent and crucial role Irish women played in the struggle for Irish freedom of our state particularly in the revolutionary period Reg. No. 10 (dated 9th January, 8. Any Other Business Cllr. L. O Neill requested that a letter be sent to the Minister of Health relating to ring fenced funding for St. Patrick s hospital. Cllr. D. Daniels advised that negotiations were still on-going. Cllr. B. Hannigan requested a report on the recent trip to China. L Power District Manager will report at next meeting. Cllr. J. Kelly asked that contractors crane at John s college should be made aware of concerns of residents re overhanging. This concluded the business of the meeting. Signed: Mayor Dated: 5