Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting November 2023

Present:

Councillors attending in person: 

Donna McGettigan (Cathaoirleach), Michael Begley, PJ Ryan, Pat McMahon, Gerard Flynn and Pat O’Gorman.

Officials attending in person:

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.

Apologies:

John Crowe (Leas-Cathaoirleach) 

Presiding

Cathaoirleach Donna McGettigan opened the meeting, welcomed all present.  Apologies from Cllr. John Crowe’s in respect of his absence from the meeting was acknowledged. 

Item no. 1: Minutes of the Shannon MD Meeting held on 19^th September, 2023

Minutes of the Shannon MD Meeting held on 19^th September, 2023 were proposed by Cllr. Gerard Flynn and seconded by Cllr. PJ Ryan and agreed by all.

Matters arising:

Cllr. Gerard Flynn referenced item no. 3 - Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – proposed traffic calming works at Cluain Airne & Tradaree, Shannon, Co. Clare and stated following discussion with the Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer it was anticipated that this item would go before the Members at the January meeting of the Shannon MD. 

Item no. 2: Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District draft budgetary plan held on 15^th November 2023. 

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

Item no. 3: Disposal of lands at Laghile, Cratloe, Co. Clare.

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

Item no. 4: Disposal of piece of ground adjacent to 5 Ballycasey Avenue, Shannon, Co. Clare.

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

Item no. 5: Section 38, Roads Traffic Act 1994 – Proposed traffic calming measures on the L-3060, Parteen School Road, Parteen, Co. Clare.

Proposed by Cllr. Michael Begley and seconded by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and agreed by all. 

Item no. 6: Economic Development update by Siobhan McNulty, A/Director of Service.

• Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme – A Public Consultation Day was held on 25th October in Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, Shannon.  A Draft Options Development Report has been issued by the consultants for review by Clare County Council.
• Draft Climate Action Plan – An information clinic was held on the 6^thNovember in the Shannon MD office.  The closing date for receipt of submission/observations is 23^rd November.  It is anticipated that this plan will be adopted in February 2024.
• Defective Concrete Block grant scheme – An information session on this scheme will be held on 21^stNovember in Shannon Library.
• University of Limerick (UL) to Montpelier Greenway  - submissions/observations can be made up to 15^thDecember.   Limerick City and County Council are the lead authority on this scheme. 
• One-Shannon Hub – Public consultation will take place on the 7^thDecember from 4pm to 7pm in Shannon Town Centre on the draft design for the One-Shannon Hub.
• Shannon Airport Group – An economic impact report was published on 10^thNovember which outlined the economic benefit and value of Shannon Airport to the region including recommendations on continued future growth.  Clare County Council continues to work closely with Shannon Airport Group.
• Re-start of the Delta Air Line - Shannon to New York in 2023 was welcomed.
• Met Éireann weather station in Shannon has installed a new weather radar system providing more accurate information which is vital for the region, particularly in light of recent weather events. 
• Springfield Conlara Flood Relief Scheme -  Contractor has completed all works and the site has now been officially handed back to Clare County Council.  The Council continues to work closely with Ardnacrusha Power Station in monitoring water levels. 
• N19 Shannon Airport Access Road – The Project Management Office continue to provide regular updates on this scheme.  The scheme is currently at Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation. 

In response the Members raised the following:

• An update be provided on the Strategic Development Zone at the next MD Meeting. 
• The Greenway from UL to Mountpelier is of interest to the Shannon MD and its progression should be monitored. 
• The increase in traffic through Shannon Airport and the benefit to the region was welcomed.  The marketing of the Airport was highlighted as important.
• The recent trip to Milwaukee by a Clare delegation made up of Members of Clare County Council to promote Shannon Airport and County Clare will prove beneficial to the region. A vast amount of work was carried out by the team in preparation for this trip and during the visit.  Overall, the trip was regarded as positive.
• The progression of the Shannon Flood Relief Scheme was welcomed and the security it will provide to Shannon Town, Airport, and industrial estate when complete.   
• Works carried out by the OPW on the Clonlara Flood Relief Scheme was complimented. 

Item no. 7: Roads - update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer.

• Clonlara TVR is continuing. It anticipated that this will be completed by Quarter 1 of 2024.
• Drumgeely TVR – tender awarded to Cotter Plant Hire – completion date in early ‘24.
• Bunratty TVR – all works will be completed within 2 weeks. 
• Outdoor Recreation Improvement Scheme Newmarket On Fergus – all works are now complete.  Final 2 pedestrian crossings complete.
• Grass cutting in Shannon and the wider MD are completed for 2023.
• Shannon Banks footpath connecting Riverbrook Lawn to Hampstead Park completed.
• Works have been carried out on cleaning road gullies in Shannon industrial estate.
• Pump station 3 and 6 in Shannon – project to upgrade them has started. Works are crucial to Shannon.
• Springfield Clonlara Flood Relief Scheme - handed back by OPW to Clare County Council. 
• Sixmilebridge Railway Station – works now complete.  Works aimed to make access safer.
• Mini roadsweeper is currently working in the Shannon MD and will also cover the wider MD in the coming months.
• Community Improvement Scheme in Mountcatherine is completed.
• Low cost safety schemes in Sixmilebridge and Ardnacrusha complete.
• Roads crew are currently carrying out winter maintenance.
• Shannon town roundabout footpath almost complete.  This will enable the Slí na Slainte route to be opened.
• Upgrade of footpaths in Corrib Drive have been completed. 
• Improvement works to the footpath adjacent to Dirty Nellies are now complete.  Now accessible to people with mobility impairments.
• Footpath connection to new bus shelter and crossing in Westbury now complete. 
• Traffic calming works in Westbury have commenced.
• Completion of the Schedule of Shannon MD works for 2023. 
• Smithstown road junction closed due to Uisce Éireann project to connect new housing scheme.  The Shannon MD Office has been informed that the junction will be re-opened shortly. 

The Members raised the following:

• The Members have received representations from the residents in Kilnasoolagh Park, Newmarket On Fergus re the deterioration of the road that services the back entrance to houses 1 to 18. 

Tom Mellett responded that the road in question is not part of the public road network.  It was agreed that an assessment of the road will be carried out and a source of funding would also have to be sought.  The possibility of contributing from the GMA was also raised. 

• The possibility of supplementing the outdoor roads crew to carry out routine maintenance works such as clearing gullies, cleaning signs etc. was raised. 
• An update was requested in relation to the footpath from Cratloe flyover to Cratloe GAA cross.
• Concern was raised in relation to the roads in Meelick area from Brennan’s Cross to Moyross and the road leading to Kelly’s Hill – due to the high level of heavy good vehicles in the area.
• The Pass Road, Meelick has deteriorated significantly. 
• Brickhill Road, Cratloe (cul de sac road) needs to be completed.
• Signage to be erected in Bunratty to direct buses onto the motorway. 
• Following the completion of works on Bunratty TVR, it was requested that a tidy up of the cross area and around the bandstand area be carried out. 
• The completion of the Slí an Sláinte route was welcomed as positive news.
• Clenagh Road to Powers, Newmarket On Fergus requires upgrading. 

Item no. 8: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that the Ballinacragga Road, Newmarket On Fergus be included in a Local Improvement Scheme as this road has deteriorated significantly for local community using this road. 

Liam O’Connor, Administrative Officer, Transportation replied as follows:

There is currently no funding application on file under the Local Improvement Scheme for the Ballinacragga Road. The scheme is significantly oversubscribed and new applications are not being accepted at present. When the scheme re-opens the residents/landowners living on the road can submit an application provided that they meet the following eligibility criteria. The road must provide access;

• to parcels of land, of which, two or more are owned or occupied by different persons engaged in separate agricultural activities; or
• for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons; or
• to at least one parcel of land owned or occupied by a person engaged in agricultural activities AND which separately provides access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for at least one other person. 

Tom Mellett clarified that this road is the responsibility of the landowner. 

Item no. 9: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That Clare County Council will install a “fit for purpose” speed limit in Carnakilla, Newmarket On Fergus (known locally as the “Short Sweep”) for the safety of all road users. 

Anne O’Sullivan, Senior Executive Engineer, Roads & Transportation replied as follows:

A review of the speed limit process has been carried out by the Department of Transport and the resulting “Speed Limit Review Report“ published in September 2023 has made recommendations that will impact the setting and application of speed limits. Consequently, the initiation of any such speed limit review is considered premature until such a time as the Department of Transport issues new guidance documents on the application and setting of speed limits & updated legislation.  Your request for an amendment to the speed limit on the L7160 ‘The Short Sweep’ will be considered as part of the next speed limit review.

If it is considered that the speed limits at this location are not set in accordance with the relevant guidance in place at the time a member of the public can submit a Speed Limit Appeal.

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

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat McMahon

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council to investigate the delay in replacing bulbs in the public lighting system and to ask the contractor when will these works be carried out. 

Michael G McNamara, A/Senior Executive Engineer, Transportation replied as follows:

Clare County Council are engaged with both Enerveo and ESB Networks on an ongoing basis with a view to ensuring the repair of faulty public lighting in a timely manner. However, as much of the public lighting infrastructure in our housing estates and on public roads is dated (old) it does not comply with current ESB standards. ESB Networks now require the completion of additional works in advance of any repairs to public lights to ensure compliance with ESB’s public lighting network requirements and on completion this will provide uninterrupted access to the council public lighting infrastructure to minimize repair delays and outage extents in the future.

Clare County Council continues to engage and liaise with Enerveo and ESB networks to promote increased allocated resources with a view to ensuring outage periods are reduced going forward.

Please note, any faulty lamps or bulbs present on National Primary Roads in the Shannon Area fall under the Motorway Maintenance contract formed between TII and their maintenance contractor.

This motion received the full support of all the Members.  The Members expressed their frustration in relation to the length of time it is taking for these upgrade works to be carried out. 

Item no. 11: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that railings be put in place at the green area in Inbhear na Sionna , this will help to stop children running out on to the road, a road that often has heavy and fast traffic. 

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

The green area for this estate is in a central location bounded by access roads serving the estate properties. The roads are designed in a way that should deter speeding and give clear views across the green space.

Rather than introduce a physical barrier I am proposing a traffic and speed survey for this location to determine the extent of the problem. 

Item no. 12: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

That the road and pathway at Carrig Lia be repaired.  The path is uneven and the road needs resurfacing. 

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

Footpaths in Carrig Lia have been surveyed and sections will be included in the footpath contract we are currently preparing.

In relation to the road surface it will be included for assessment for the 2024 Schedule of Municipal District Works.

Item no. 13: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

Although the last few years we have had a successful night in the park with Santa, music and sweets, I am requesting that we have an official turning on of the lights ceremony that will be an annual ceremony. 

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

Shannon Municipal District will host a turning on of the lights ceremony in the Town Park in Shannon on 4th December 2023.  The popularity of the Santa event in the Town Park has grown over the years and it is anticipated that the enhanced 2023 switching on of the lights will create a unique and magical experience for families in the Shannon area.  It is the intention that this will be an annual event hereafter.  All are welcome to attend. 

This Motion was supported by all the Members.

Item no. 14:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I am calling on Clare County Council to clean, straighten, repair or replace defective road signage throughout Shannon Town.

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

Shannon MD is committed to maintaining road signs to a high standard.  In order to achieve maximum effect when cleaning signs, we are required to schedule this type of work at certain times of the year. This office will include sign maintenance in our winter maintenance schedule. 

Item no. 15: 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 install trees of a suitable variety on the green area off Bóthar na Loiste in the Ballycasey area.   I would hope that the Council’s Gardening Section would carry out this work as soon as possible. 

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

The Gardening Team will investigate the planting of trees on the green area off Bóthar na Loiste and will suggest appropriate trees for planting if the area is deemed suitable.

I note that the area has number of services in the green area such as Watermains, Wastewater, Storm water, Gas and Eircom services.

We will liaise with each service provider to get exact locations of each service so that any proposed trees will not affect those services at planting stage or when the trees mature, and the root system grows.

The Gardening team will work closely with the Municipal District on the proposal. 

Item no. 16:  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 re-design the traffic turning area in the old shopping centre in Drumgeely and also renew road marking on all roads adjacent to the Town and Village Renewal Scheme that is currently under construction as it is important that the adjacent roads are enhanced in order not to detract from the current scheme in Drumgeely. 

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

The current Drumgeely Town and Village Renewal Scheme will enhance the area to the front of the commercial premises and will assist the overall parking situation.  Shannon Municipal District Office is working with our colleagues in the Road Design Office to improve the area in question which is to the rear of the commercial premises and also services Shannon Town Utd and St. John’s N.S. and a takeaway establishment.  We aim to the have a proposal to present to the members in 2024. 

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

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would carry out repairs to the footpath at Fairyfield, Parteen and also install a raised pedestrian crossing at the same location. 

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

Footpath repairs along the main road in Parteen leading to Fairyfield were completed this year. Further improvements in the estate will be included for our next footpath contract.

We also intend to commence surveys in 2024 which will ultimately allow the office to assess the traffic calming requirement in Parteen. In this context I would hold a decision on a pedestrian crossing and allow it to be considered in the wider context of the village.

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

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

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

That this MD would install twin LED street lights on the footpath side of the road between the Sixmilebridge Railway Station and the Rossmanagher Road Cross ( R471). 

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

The Shannon Municipal District Office has proposed a new footpath and cycle way connecting the Rossmanagher Rd to the Railway Station, as an Active Travel Project.  Subject to approval, public lighting improvements would be included in the project. 

Item no. 19:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would carry out repairs and resurfacing works to the road leading to St. John's Church, Cratloe from the Wood Road. 

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

This road is not a public road and so responsibility for maintenance lies with the registered owner.  Ownership lies with the Dioceses; this office is happy to advise on repairs if required. 

Cllr. PJ Ryan added that Clare County Council have always maintained this road and requested that this be further examined. 

Tom Mellett agreed to investigate this further.

Item no. 20:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

That the Council Take-in-Charge the Monaskeha estate in Clonlara. 

Kieran O’Donnell, Administrative Officer, Planning Department replied as follows:

Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act provides the legal basis for the taking in charge of developments and specifies that the process can only be commenced following a request from either the developer or from the majority of the owners of the houses. No request has been received to-date to take this development in charge.

This development could be considered for taking in charge if the Planning Department receives a valid application. However, an application now may be premature as there is a live planning permission in the northern end of the development for the construction of three additional houses and this planning permission includes the provision of a roundabout which will serve as a turning area for the entire development.

If a taking in charge application is received, the Planning Department will carry out a more detailed assessment of the development and can update the Members further at that stage.

Item no. 21:  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 lower the trees surrounding the old WWT Plant in Clonlara Village as they are blocking light and mobile/internet signal to the Glór na Shruha social housing estate. 

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

These trees would have been planted to shield the former wastewater treatment plant. This is no longer required and so an assessment will be arranged with maintenance works based on the outcome. 

This Motion was supported by all the Members. 

Item no. 22:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That drainage on the R463 at Kildoorus, Clonlara, be carried out urgently. 

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

A gully and road crossing was introduced earlier this year along this section of road to alleviate a flooding issue.  A crew will be deployed to clear the culvert. 

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

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I call on this Municipal District to look at the viability of taking ownership of the green area on Drumgeely Hill in order to maintain this green area going forward. This area was used to house Drumgeely hall and tennis courts. This green area is situated to the rear of Maple house apartments in Shannon. 

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

Shannon Municipal District will arrange for a property assessment to be carried out which will include ascertaining title ownership. 

Consideration on the viability of the requested Motion will be done in accordance with the preparation of the Shannon Town and Evirons Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030. 

Item no. 24:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I call on this Municipal District to finish off the town and village renewal works in Bunratty village that started last June.  To take away all the hoarding that is all over Bunratty and allow the village to be viewed in all its glory over the Christmas period. 

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

Works at this location will recommence this week, it is the intention of this Office to have all possible works carried out before the end of the year, this will facilitate the removal of any site fencing. 

Cllr. Pat O’Gorman added by commending the local community group for the work they undertake in Bunratty and requested that the hoarding be removed before the Christmas period. 

Item no. 25:  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 Municipal District to look at traffic calming measures for the village of Parteen.  Suggestions put forward by the newly formed Parteen town team were placement of digital display signs, traffic speed bumps and a review of speed limit from 50 to 30 throughout the village of Parteen. 

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

The issues raised in the motion will be explored by this office, not all issues fall within our remit and where this is the case we will liaise with our colleagues to ensure a considered and consistent approach. 

It is the intention of the Office to meet with the newly formed Parteen Town Team at the earliest opportunity, to gauge local opinion on priority works.

This Motion received the full support of the Members.

Siobhán McNulty, A/Director of Service added that a briefing on the Speed Limit appeals process will take place on Wednesday 22^nd November and the Members will be further advised when an update is available. 

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

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that the Shannon Road housing estate in Sixmilebridge would be included in the 2024 Road works program for resurfacing. 

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

This road will be considered for inclusion in the 2024 Schedule of Municipal District Works. 

Item no. 27:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that the road from the top of Sweepers Road for 290m to the Junction of the Long Pavement Road in Meelick be widened in conjunction with the landowner as a matter of safety because this is a very narrow and busy stretch of road. 

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

An assessment of this road will be required before any commitment to works could be given. The Shannon Municipal District Office will work with our colleagues in the Road Design Office to advance this. 

Item no. 28:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that the level of the footpath in Cill Chais housing estate in Shannon be raised because of the constant flooding especially near houses 36 and 37. This is an ongoing problem and the residents can't use this footpath due to the flooding. 

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

The Shannon Municipal District Office has assessed this location and will include in the footpath maintenance contract currently being prepared. 

Item no. 29:  Correspondence

• Letter from Shannon Tidy Towns dated 8^thNov 23 re Mural adjacent to the roundabout at Tola Park/Drumgeely Road Junction

It was agreed that this proposal would be referred to the Road Design team for further consideration.    

Item no. 30:  AOB

• January Meeting of the Shannon MD to be held on Tuesday 16^thJanuary, 2024 in the Park Inn By Radisson, Shannon Airport.  This was agreed by all the Members. 

 

This concluded the business of the meeting.

 

 

Signed:                                                 Signed:                                                 

Cathaoirleach                                                   Meeting Administrator

Dated:                                                            

 

Page last reviewed: 23/01/24

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