Minutes of 17th January 2023 Meeting of the Shannon Municipal District

Present

Councillors

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

Officials

• Liam Conneally Director of Service
• Anne Griffin A/Senior Executive Officer (Meetings Administrator)
• Tom Mellett Senior Executive Engineer
• Orla Lynch, Assistant Staff Officer

 

Presiding

Cathaoirleach Michael Begley opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

Cllr. Gerard Flynn proposed a 15 minute adjournment of the meeting as a mark of respect on the death of Pat Mellett, father of Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer. Liam Conneally expressed his condolences on behalf of Shannon MD. All Councillors supported this adjournment and wished to be associated with condolences.

Item 1: Minutes of Shannon Municipal District Meeting on 15th November, 2022.

 Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 15th November 2022 were proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. PJ Ryan agreed by all.

 

Item 2: Declaration of Public Roads at Dun Rí, (Phase 1) Bunratty, Co. Clare

Declaration of Public Roads at Dun Rí (Phase 1), Bunratty was proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan and seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

 

Item 3: Declaration of Public Roads at Ard Ratha, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. Stage 2 (Houses 6-10)

Declaration of Public Roads at Ard Ratha, Sixmilebridge, Stage 2 (Houses 6-10) was proposed by Cllr. John Crowe and seconded by Cllr.  PJ Ryan and agreed by all.

 

Item 4: Declaration of Public Roads at Cluainin, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Declaration of Public Roads at Cluainin, Shannon was propose by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all.

 

Item 5: Abandonment of a public road at Bunratty, Co. Clare.

Tom Mellett, SEE referred to the report on this and proposed not to proceed with the abandonment. Liam Conneally stated that this issue should be judged in the context of a wider transport strategy.

Proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan and seconded by Cllr. J Crowe and agreed by all.

 

Item 6: Abandonment of a public road at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. Donna McGettigan and agreed by all.

Item 7: Eonomic Development – update by Liam Conneally, Director of Service

Economic Development – update by Liam Conneally, Director of Service.

• Liam Conneally welcomed the announcement by Luftansa Technik of 25 new high skilled jobs. The expansion of Shannon aviation is a welcome announcement.
• The site in Shannon Town Centre for the One Shannon Hub is ready to progress to design stage. Significant financial outlay is required. Very positive that Shannon Town Hub and Shannon Town Master Plan are going ahead.
• Comprehensive strategic development will form part of URDF application.  The current URDF call is focusing on derelict sites/housing regeneration.

The Members were in agreement in relation to the positive progress of the One Shannon Hub.

Item 8: Roadworks Programme – update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer.

• Shannon MD has completed the Tender process relating to grass cutting and is currently completing the appointment process.
• The services of a contractor have been engaged to cut back and limb trees where there is a safety or nuisance concern.
• Drainage works throughout the district are continuing.  Shannon MD has hired a contractor to work alongside crews to carry out a systemic clearance of gullies in the MD during November.
• Town and Village Renewal Schemes in Drumgeely and Clonlara are proceeding with tender documents being prepared.
• Bunratty Town and Village Renewal scheme is expected to go the tender later this month.
• The Contractor has completed physical works on the pedestrian crossing adjacent to Gleeson’s, Sixmilebridge, the lights will be activated as soon as possible.  Footpath improvements up to the Broadford Road junction have also been completed.
• The Contractor has commenced works on the Ballycasey Active Travel project. This will see a widening to 3m of footpaths linking residential, commercial and social areas in that part of Shannon Town.
• Springfield, Clonlara – continuous monitoring of water levels is taking place.  Materials are in stock in the event of flooding.  Shannon MD is active at the embankment and is currently pumping water out from the land side. We have a 24/7 presence, which will continue as long as needed.
• We had a successful light installation in Shannon Town Park over the Christmas Period.
• The footpath maintenance contract has been awarded and we expect to see the contractor on the ground before the end of the month.

In response to the above the Members highlighted the following:

• Work in Sixmilebridge on footpaths carried out by Contractor was complimented. Some old footpaths are in a bad condition.
• Request for lights at pedestrian crossing in Sixmilebridge to be fixed.
• Grass cutting is positive – areas in Meelick which were left out of this contract requested to be added in for next contract.
• Request for proper fencing to be placed around the Christmas tree in Shannon Town Park in 2023.
• Location of bottle banks will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
• Funding is required for cleaning of gullies and road edges need to be cleaned.
• Erection of commemoration to Brendan O’Regan in Sixmilebridge discussed.

Liam Conneally thanked Tom Mellett, Anne Griffin and Shannon MD staff for their work on Springfield, Clonlara, Cllr. Michael Begley concurred with this thanks to staff.

 

Item 9: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would request Irish Water replace the water mains on the R471 between Mount Ievers House Gate and The Square, Sixmilebridge as this line has fractured on several occasions.  

 

Cyril Feeney, Senior Engineer, Water Services & Environment Section replied as follows: Clare County Council actively engage with Irish Water to prioritise watermains replacement works across the entire county through the submission of Asset Needs Briefs (ANBs). The ANBs provides Irish Water with relevant information such as frequency of bursts, length of watermain required, drawings, estimated cost and the age of existing infrastructure etc.

The section outlined in the Notice of Motion has been identified to Irish Water through this process. The prioritisation of watermains replacement is a matter for Irish Water. However Clare County Council frequently offer potential solutions and additional information to Irish Water which may benefit the timely delivery of the relevant ANB.

 

Cllr. PJ Ryan thanked Cyril Feeney for his reply and stated that urgent action is required and the old water main needs to be replaced. Cllr. John Crowe said that the road surface is damaged from the pipes being fixed. Pat O’Gorman and Gerard Flynn added their support to this motion.

 

Item 10: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis

That this MD would replace all damaged and missing road directional signs and also carry out maintenance on existing signs in the Shannon MD .

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

As the Office becomes aware of damaged or missing signs we will arrange for their replacement. We endeavour to keep signs visible at all times.

 

Cllr. Gerard Flynn requested that item no. 28 be taken with this motion also.

 

Cllr. PJ Ryan – numerous complaints in relation to this issue. Funding should be allocated in relation to cleaning of signs.

Cllr. Donna McGettigan – agree with both motions – no. 10 & 28.

All agreed that the safety of signs is most important.

 

Item 11: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis

That this MD would carry out a feasibility study on the provision of a footpath between the Portdrine/Cratloe Flyover and Cratloe Woods House on the N18.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Works on the N18 fall within the remit of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as the Roads Authority for National Roads. A scheduled meeting is arranged for later this week between Clare County Council’s Transport Dept and the TII, this request will be raised at that meeting.

Item 12: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar moladh Cllr. Pat McMahon
Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis

I am requesting Shannon Airport Group to consider providing additional free short-term parking for pick up or drop off of passengers as the current 15 minute free park is not sufficient. 

 

Motion will be referred to Shannon Airport PLC.

Item 13: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar moladh Cllr. Pat McMahon
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis

I am requesting Clare County Council to upgrade the footpaths on the Limerick Road, Newmarket On Fergus due the extra traffic that has generated over the years. 

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Footpaths along this section of road will be assessed, if upgrades are required Shannon MD will commence a design process.

An upgrade to the Pedestrian Crossing at the national school is currently being planned and will be funded as part of the 2021 ORIS project in Newmarket on Fergus.

Item 14: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar moladh Cllr. Pat McMahon
Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis

I am requesting Clare County Council to again have a serious look at improving the road at the top of Carrigoran (known locally as the back road from Newmarket On Fergus to Shannon) as the residents, pedestrians and cyclists that use this road are literally taking their lives in their hands. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

The Shannon Municipal District Office recognises the need for improved Pedestrian Facilities along this route and has previously nominated it for an Active travel project. The Office is awaiting an announcement of funding for these projects for 2023 from National Transport Agency.

To improve the walking experience along the existing route this Office has secured funding to introduce new public lights from Carrigoran towards the Town, a contractor has been appointed and we anticipate them on site in February.

Item 15: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar moladh Cllr. Michael Begley
Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis

That a system for highlighting the base of road centre bollards at unlit junctions, as these narrow the traffic lane and are difficult to see at night.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

In general, solid or kerbed central islands must be accompanied by appropriate levels of public lighting. In some instances, it is also worthwhile introducing chevron paint markings to the kerbs at the base of island. I will investigate situation at Connors Cross and arrange for appropriate improvements.

Item 16: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar moladh Cllr. Michael Begley
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis

That the north edge of the R463 at Kildoorus, Clonlara, be re-instated, to ensure traffic safety on the bend.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

A survey of this section of road will be arranged and any subsequent repairs will be added to our works program.

 

Item 17: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar moladh Cllr. Michael Begley
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis

That a small abutment be added to the headrace canal bridge – east parapet, at Clonlara, to help two cars to pass or request the ESB to do so, as drivers find it very difficult to judge their closeness to the wall.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This request will be referred to ESB Generation, as the authority responsible for the headrace bridge, for consideration.

 

Item 18: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar moladh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis

I request that this MD would investigate flooding on the roadway at Ballycasey Grove, Shannon. There is a water gully at this location, but the water is not getting to it.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon MD will arrange for this situation to be resolved.

Item 19: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar moladh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis

I am requesting that this MD would recommend that the road linking Clonmoney north starting at the R471 / L3174 continuing to Woodpark, Ardkyle, Drumline and finishing at the junction of the R458 would be included in the next speed limit review. There are approximately 112 houses on this road and in my opinion 80 km is too high. 

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

A National Speed Limit Review is initiated every 5 years by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The last Speed Limit Review in Clare was completed in 2018.

The speed limit on the L-3174 & L-3176 will be reviewed under the next National Speed Limit Review.

 

Liam Conneally advised that this issue would feed into the review of speed limits.

 

Item 20: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar moladh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis

I request that this MD would replace the lights on the pedestrian crossing at Bóthar Na Lóiste just past the entrance to the Shannon Springs Hotel. These lights have been off for some time. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This work has been added to our repair schedule.

 

Item 21: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar moladh Cllr. Donna McGettigan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis

I call on this MD to do a risk assessment on the need and reason for re-establishment of the CCTV cameras in the Town Park as per the new guidelines.

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

Reply by data protection officer

Currently, the legal basis available to local authorities for the use of CCTV on a public park is through Section 38 of the An Garda Siochana Act, 2005 and Statutory Instrument 289 of 2006 - An Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. Taken together, these are the provisions under which ‘community CCTV schemes’ may be submitted for approval by the Garda Commissioner.

Applications for a scheme to be approved under Section 38 must go through a process which includes consulting with the Joint Policing Committee.    The process also involves conducting a data protection impact assessment.     The submission of this assessment is one part of the very detailed submission that is required to be made to apply for approval by the Garda Commissioner under the application process.  

The An Garda Siochana Digital Recording Bill, 2022, was published in August 2022 by the Department of Justice and is expected to progress through committee stage amendments in 2023.   This Bill proposes some changes to various aspects of the use of surveillance in the context of the prevention,  detection and prosecution of crime, including a statutory code of practice for the use of CCTV.  

 

Item 22: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar moladh Cllr. Donna McGettigan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis

I call on this MD to look at the feasibility of having local grit boxes in areas so that locals can access grit for their neighbourhoods during times of severe frost and ice.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This will be considered under the Winter Maintenance Plan Review to be carried out later this year.

Item 23: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar moladh Cllr. Donna McGettigan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis

I call on this MD to place a small ramp or rumble strip at the entrance to the new carpark at the graveyard, this will help slow down cars exiting the carpark following complaints of drivers racing out of it.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This Office will engage with our colleagues in the graveyards team and introduce a deterrent to speeding at this location.

 

Item 24: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar moladh Cllr. John Crowe
Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis

I'm looking for an update on the proposed new car park in Sixmilebridge. I would like to suggest that the housing development and car park be started together as they are in the same field.  

 

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

Clare Co Council is committed to developing a carpark in Sixmilebridge town centre.  The Economic Directorate is reviewing the proposed car parking element of the recent Part VIII in conjunction with the feedback recently obtained through the Sixmilebridge Master Planning exercise under the Town Centre First Policy.  The Housing Department has proceeded to tender for the housing element of the site in consideration of funding timelines.  It is also the Economic Directorate’s intention to progress carparking on this site in 2023.   

Item 25: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar moladh Cllr. John Crowe
Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis

I am requesting that the unfinished footpath between Ard Ratha and Cluain Droichead on the Broadford road in Sixmilebridge be completed this year. At the moment it is a big health and safety concern for the residents of both estates and the wider community. With the current new development on the same road under construction this will affect even more residents in the future if this is not addressed now. 

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon Municipal District Office has completed a design for this location and secured funding to complete the project. The Office is currently in discussions with stakeholders to allow the project to proceed as early as possible in 2023.

Recently completed improvements to footpaths and the introduction of a Pedestrian Crossing adjacent to Gleeson’s bar have enhanced pedestrian safety along this route.

Item 26: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar moladh Cllr. John Crowe
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis

The public street lights in the Westbury housing estate are being blocked by the mature trees that are growing in the estate for more than 30 years. Some of these trees are starting to seriously infringe on peoples properties and access to natural and public lighting is being affected. I am requesting as a matter of urgency  (considering the time frame that is left until the trees start growing again in spring) that these trees be topped and brought back under control in the Westbury estate.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Maintenance of trees in Westbury has been included in our works programme.

Item 27: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar moladh Cllr. Gerard Flynn
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis

I am requesting Shannon Municipal District to purchase or lease a footpath cleaning machine in order to maintain the large number of footpaths in the Shannon Municipal District.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows

Shannon Municipal District Office is currently assessing options for appropriate equipment in this area. An estimate of €100,000 has been received and we are currently looking to appropriate funding streams.

 

Cllr. Michael Begley queried if there was a schedule for street cleaning.

 

Tom Mellett advised that Shannon MD owns one roadsweeper and hires another sweeper.

 

Item 28: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar moladh Cllr. Gerard Flynn
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis

I am calling on Shannon Municipal District to investigate possible improvements to the attachment of safety signage throughout the Shannon District as in some instances anti-social behaviour is causing health and safety concerns for road users due to malicious moving of signs that has the potential to cause serious accidents.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

As the Office becomes aware of damaged or missing signs we will arrange for their replacement. We work with our sign suppliers to ensure that all signs are in accordance with current standards for attachment.

 

Item 29: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar moladh Cllr. Gerard Flynn
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis

I am calling on Shannon Municipal District to carry out comprehensive maintenance on all surface water gullies and also sweeping of road edges throughout the district as this will improve flooding issues on roads.

 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon Municipal District Office carries out ongoing assessment of drainage infrastructure to keep the system operating at an optimal level. In November of each year, we work alongside a contractor to systematically work through gullies across the Municipal District. In addition, throughout the winter months we have crews dedicated to opening channels and clearing gullies.

 

The District Office has one road sweeper available to it year-round and hires in a second sweeper as the need arises and resources allow.

Item 30: Correspondence

Reply from Irish Water regarding Ballycannon/Elton Court sewerage pumping station upgrade received from Aidan O’Rourke.

Cllr. O’Gorman stated that he was happy with the response and also Cllr. Michael Begley. Cllr. PJ Ryan said that the sewage system should be connected to Limerick Main Drainage.

Cllr. John Crowe supported this also.

 

Item 31: AOB

Cllr. Donna McGettigan requested that Shannon MD write to Roderic O’Gorman, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland to clarify the issue of housing of refugees in a building in the Shannon Industrial Estate. The importance of appropriate services being available was highlighted.

Conclusion

The meeting then concluded.

 

 

Signed:          ____________________________
Riarthóir Cruinnithe

 

Signed:          _____________________________
Cathaoirleach

Date:              _____________________________

Page last reviewed: 25/04/23

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