Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting July 2024

Present:

Councillors attending in person: 

Councillors Pat O’Gorman (Cathaoirleach), Donna McGettigan (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Michael Begley, John Crowe, Tony Mulcahy, Rachel Hartigan, and David Griffin.

 

Officials attending in person:

Morgan Lahiffe (Senior Engineer / Climate Action Coordinator) attending on behalf of Alan Farrell (Director of Services), Anne Griffin A/Senior Executive Officer (Meetings Administrator), Tom Mellett Senior Executive Engineer and Pauline McCoy Assistant Staff Officer.

 

Cathaoirleach Pat O’Gorman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

 1. Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 24th May 2024

Proposed by Cllr. Michael Begley, seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.

2. Minutes of the AGM of the Shannon Municipal District held on 25^th June 2024.

Proposed by Cllr. Donna McGettigan seconded by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan and agreed by all.

3. Nominations to the Working Group for Our Rural Future (formerly Working Group for the Action Plan for Rural Ireland)

Cllr John Crowe’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Tony Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan and Cllr Donna McGettigan’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Michael Begley and seconded by Cllr Tony Mulcahy, and agreed by all.

4. Directors’ Business: Mr. Morgan Lahiffe, on behalf of Alan Farrell, addressed the members.

• Congratulations were extended to Shannon Airport on retaining its position as the country’s best airport brand, according to the RED C Brand Reaction Index Ireland 2024.  The index shows Shannon Airport placed in the top 100 emotionally connected brands with customers. The airport hosted a very important bilateral meeting between Taoiseach Simon Harris and Ukrainian President Zelensky, the first such meeting on Irish soil.
• The Clare Business Excellence Awards were launched and businesses within the Shannon MD Area were encouraged to consider applying as it was a great opportunity to gain business recognition. Further details available from Ennis Chamber with a closing date of September 12.
• The establishment of Local Community Safety Partnership was noted which will be the primary structure through which the Government’s new approach to Community Safety will be delivered at a county level.  The closing date for Expressions of Interest for the role of Chairperson closed the previous day.  The LCSP will have a wider membership than the Joint Policing Committee’s and will include residents, local Councillors, community reps, business and education reps along with HSE, TUSLA, An Garda Siochana and the Council.  The Councillors will be kept informed of progress.
• Community Climate Action Programme - Excellent opportunity for local communities to access grant funding under Strand 1 ‘Building Low Carbon Communities’.  A number of organisations within the MD received funding. The approved projects will now enter the contracting phase of the programme.
• International Bike Day event was a great success in Shannon town in early June.  This unique lunchtime event was a joint initiative between Shannon MD, Shannon Chamber and Fine Grain Property with the support ofShannon Town Centre, HSE, CoMotion, Clare Sports Partnership and The Bike Doc, Ballycasey.  It involved a short, fun cycle across the pedestrian overpass in the Free Zone and into the town centre. The aim was to encourage the use of bicycles as well as building connections between the Free Zone and the Town Centre.  
• It was noted that Newmarket-on-Fergus and Bunratty entered the Pride of Place competition from the Shannon MD Area.  Judging took place on 25^th June and the results will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in Monaghan on 2^nd November. 

In response to the above the Members raised the following:

• The Members extended their best wishes to Newmarket-on-Fergus and Bunratty in the Pride of Place competition
• In relation to Biodiversity, the members queried whether there is a proposal to keep the community informed as to why some areas are overgrown and if signs could be erected in areas that are not being managed due to Biodiversity.
• It was noted that Clonlara did not receive funding under the current strand of Climate Action Program. In response it was noted that the second strand of funding may be available in the coming months.
• A lot of rural/minor roads edges are overgrown and need to be cut back, especially around bends.
• The Members commended Shannon MD Management and staff on the erection of signs and bunting in advance of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.

Mr. Tom Mellett responded:

• The current grass cutting contract is coming to an end this year and areas will be reviewed before contract goes out to tender at the back end of autumn.
• The hedgecutter is on the ground and currently focusing on dangerous junctions and asked the Members to contact the office with any roads/junctions that need to be looked at.

Mr. Morgan Lahiffe, A/DoS replied that the Community Climate Action Programme was over-subscribed initially, funding was distributed based on population and that geographically Shannon MD received considerable funding. Also, a second strand of funding will be coming through in the coming months.

5.  Roads – update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer.

• Grass maintenance has continued, additional resources were allocated by the contractor in order to bring the schedule back on track, following the interruptions caused by adverse weather earlier in the year.  2^nd strimming cycle started in early July, this will be completed in 3 weeks.
• Removal of tress, scrubs and general cleanup took place in the old wastewater pump house in Clonlara.
• Road sweeping, litter collection ongoing throughout the district, with a strong focus in the Newmarket on Fergus and Bunratty area with the Pride of Place assessment towards the of June.
• Shannon MD crews are working on our drainage program, works areas in Shannon town, Cratloe, Clonlara, Westbury, Portdrine, Nemwarket-on-Fergus.
• New height restrictions warning signage installed in the vicinity of the Poulawilly Bridge on the R462 Sixmilebridge to Cratloe
• Contractor has commenced works on the Parteen School road footpath project.
• The footpath capital contract has continued with works in Carrig Lia, Inis Ri, Tradaree and Drumgeely.
• Landscaping at Lara’s Wood, Shannon was completed. This will allow grass cutting and general maintenance to resume at this location.
• General maintenance is ongoing throughout the district i.e., footpath repair, drainage, road surface repair, installation of new road signage and benches.
• A new driver feedback sign was erected on the Tulla Rd in Sixmilebridge.
• Work completed on a footpath on R462 in Cratloe, in the vicinity of the GAA grounds.
• Restoration Improvement contract works have commenced and will begin Clonlara in the coming days.
• The Clare Mela event in Shannon Town Park took place June 8^th with very positive feedback from all involved.

In response to the above the Members raised the following:

• The Members acknowledged the great work the mini road sweeper is doing throughout the MD
• The Member requested that the two newly erected speed cushions at Tradaree Court be moved closer together
• Drumgeely TVR – issue with crows interfering with the bins, the number of bins in this area has been reduced and more needs to be done to get the Leave No Trace initiative across. Bins that have been removed should be replaced and compact solar bins should be looked at for the area.
• Members are looking for an update on the Tír na nÓg playground repairs.
• Edging of footpath/overgrown grass verge - Members are looking for a program of inspection to be put in place for the whole MD. The following areas need to be looked at ShannonBanks, Portrine flyover, Wells Church to Newmarket-on-Fergus overgrown footpath, St.Aidan’s NS footpath,  lane ways in back of estates.
• Increasing issue of overhanging tree throughout the MD.
• Height restriction sign is needed for Guerin’s Bridge in Sixmilebridge.
• Members highlighted the way the ESB had recently left tree branches on the ground after working on a light in Tradaree, Shannon.
• Major issue all around Street lighting repairs with considerable delays experience throughout the MD.

 

Mr. Tom Mellett responded:

• Cushions at Traderee – no changes intended at the moment; we are obliged to have the cushions where they are in respect of the Section 38. Solid white line will be painted. We are currently carrying out our own checks, and we will keep on monitoring the situation and we will address it again.
• The issue with the bins in Drumgeely has been noted and there is an ongoing review of the situation
• Playgrounds – 1 repair was done on a swing and piece ordered for the slide expected to be delivered in 2-3weeks. Daily visual checks are carried out by the Shannon Leisure center and there are annual inspections and maintenance in place.
• Sweeper will be sent to locations mentioned above.
• Overhanging trees can be cut if they present a Health and Safety risk.
• Height restriction sign has been ordered for Guerin’s Bridge.
• ESB has extensive power when it comes to cutting trees for repair works, the issue has been flagged with them.
• Street lighting repairs – we are not directly involved but will seek an update. A/DoS stated that the contract is out to tender currently.

 

6.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

To request that Shannon MD put in place a raised crossing from Dún Áras to the Ballycasey Avenue side of the road.  This will provide safe crossing for pedestrians and greatly reduce speeding.

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

An assessment of this location has occurred with Shannon Municipal District Office and the Road Design Office in the context of improved bus stop facilities being provided. There is an existing controlled pedestrian crossing on this road and it is envisaged that an additional raised table crossing on the Ballycasey Avenue Road will facilitate safe crossings for pedestrians.

7.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

That this Municipal District request TFI to place two covered bus shelters at the existing Dún Áras/Ballycasey Avenue access crossing.  These must have disability ramps. 

 

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

As part of the upgrades to Bus Stops in the District both the Shannon Municipal District Office and Road Design Office have commenced preliminary assessments as to what improvements will be required on this road. This information will be passed on to TFI for consideration. All designs will comply with accessibility standards.

8.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

To ask the MD to provide a permanent road surface in Coill Mhara and Gleann na Smol.

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

Both of these roads will be assessed for inclusion in the 2025 Roads Programme.

9.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

To ask that Clare County Council look at sourcing an alternative location for the bottle bank between the library and Obair in Newmarket on Fergus.

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

The Environment Section’s Waste Management team will investigate suitable alternative locations, if required as a result of proposed development by Obair, for the bring banks currently located between the Library and Obair in Newmarket on Fergus.

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

 

10. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

To ask that Clare County Council look at a better parking solution and traffic management plan to facilitate pick up and drop off times at St Senans Primary School, Shannon.

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

The Shannon Municipal District will refresh all the existing road markings in the vicinity of the school, a further assessment will follow as part of a wider traffic calming project for this area. Responsibility for school drop of and pick-up times are the remit of the school.

11. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

To ask for an update on the resurfacing of the road surface at Glenaifrin Newmarket on Fergus

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

The Shannon Municipal District will include for consideration the resurfacing of the L-7226-0 in the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2025.

12. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

I ask that this MD would replace or repair the speed warning sign that is out of order at the Minister Cross as a matter of urgency for road safety. 

 

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

The Shannon Municipal District will include this work in our current roadworks maintenance schedule.

13.  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 look at putting traffic calming measures in place on road number L3068 along from Elton Court to the entrance of the Ballycannon Cemetery and also the road leading through Kyleavoher housing estate leading to the GAA pitch in Meelick. 

 

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

In relation to traffic calming measures, the Shannon Municipal District have completed all stages of the statutory process related to the L-3068-01. A Section 38 was advertised in May 2023, and we are currently awaiting allocation / approval of funding from the National Transportation Authority to complete these works.

14.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Corwe  agus glacadh leis:

I request that this MD would provide at least one extra disabled parking space at the square in Sixmilebridge.

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

Additional accessible carparking spaces and age-friendly spaces will be provided as part of the new carpark that is currently being constructed in Sixmilebridge.  These accessible spaces will be in close proximity to the Square in Sixmilebridge.

15.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

Calling on the MD to assess all traffic islands in the MD area and repair/clean repaint any that need work.

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

The Shannon Municipal District will include this work in our current roadworks maintenance schedule.

16.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis:

Call on the MD to ask our local Garda representative to attend a Shannon MD meeting to give us an update on issues and to discuss how we can have more visibility in our streets, particularly in light of recent spate of car thefts and damage in Shannon.

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

Shannon Municipal District and the local Gardai in Shannon have developed a close and proactive working relationship over the years and an invitation will be extended to the local Garda representative to attend a future MD meeting. 

From a strategic perspective, the establishment at County level of Local Community Safety Partnerships will bring all the relevant state services, including social services and An Garda Síochána, and the community together at Local Authority level.  This will build on the work undertaken through Joint Policing Committees and supplement it by ensuring that all other relevant stakeholders necessary to constitute a more holistic forum for discussion and decisions on community priorities are present. Each partnership will have the ability to consider the local landscape as it relates to the services already being provided, working to improve multi-agency collaboration in the County and address local issues through the community and voluntary sector, service providers and other stakeholders represented on the Local Community Safety Partnership. It is intended that membership of the Local Community Safety Partnership, with a maximum of 30 members, will include residents, community representatives, including representatives from youth, new communities and the voluntary sector, local councillors, business and education representatives, service providers (including HSE, Tusla, AGS and Clare County Council). A Local Community Safety Plan will be developed by each LCSP which will reflect priorities identified by the Community.

17.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

Calling on the MD to look at Shannon MD area having it's own social media space, this will keep people up to date with issues and actions that are happening within the MD with a monthly news sheet.

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

Shannon MD will continue to strategically and actively use various communication channels to highlight the positive work and important issues within the MD and strengthen our strong and open relationships with the media. These communication channels include social media, the Council’s website, TV, local print media, and radio. Recognizing the importance of promoting the positives of the towns, villages, and settlements in the Municipal District, as well as the projects carried out between the MD Office, elected representatives, and communities, the MD Office will further collaborate with the Communications Office to ensure an integrated approach. The Monthly Management Report, published on Clare County Council’s website, will continue to be vigorously promoted.  The MD will ensure that the Council’s website highlights the positive work carried out in the MD in a more prominent location and an MD Newsletter will also be produced in the Autumn.  

18. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

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

I am proposing the installation of safety pencil bollards as a matter of safety for the large numbers of children going to and from Sixmilebridge National School each day. This will also help facilitate the implementation of the guidelines for parking around the National School. 

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

The Shannon Municipal District will include this work in this year roadworks maintenance schedule.

19.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

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

 I am looking for a start date on the proposed and agreed ramps and traffic calming measures in Gort na Núll, Lios Anama and Ashview drive.

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

The traffic assessments are ongoing, when these surveys are completed, Shannon Municipal District will apply for a Section 38.

20.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. Jogn Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis:

I am looking for a start date on the agreed extention to the footpath on the Broadford road between Cluáin Droichead and Ard Ratha. 

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

The Shannon Municipal District have included this work in this year roadworks maintenance schedule, our civil contractor is in place, we are currently waiting on a utility service provider to move their service to allow our works to proceed.

21.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

 To develop a long-term strategy to combat the growth and spread of Hogweed across the MD, with particular focus on the Shannonbanks area.

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

Shannon Municipal District Office has appointed a contractor to treat Giant Hogweed on the Erinagh and Blackwater catchments. This is the third year of treatment, and it is envisaged another three years of treatment will be required. This treatment was extended in 2023 to cover areas either side of Athunkard bridge when stands were identified here, including Shannonbanks.

The treatment follows from a survey and mapping project carried out by Clare County Council’s Planning Department and Dr.  Frances Giaquinto BSc PhD MCIEEM., Ecological Research and Practice.

In order to carry out comprehensive treatment the Shannon Municipal District Office identified private landowners in the catchments to have them included in the eradication project.

Separately to this we engage a contractor to treat roadside stands on an as needed basis.

 

22.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

To install road markings along the main Westbury Distributor Road inside Westbury estate with a view to reduce instances of speeding and unsafe driving behaviour. 

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

The Shannon Municipal District will include this work in our current roadworks maintenance schedule.

23.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

To install road markings and examine the possibility of widening the L3056 Meelick Road in Ardnacrusha to allow motorists to use the road safely alongside the huge volume of large trucks that use this road every day. 

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

The Shannon Municipal District have carried out road resurfacing works and drainage works on the L-3056-0 during 2022. Shannon Municipal District will assess if further road widening can be achieved.

 24.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would surface dress lay-by on each side of entrance of Runard Housing Estate, Clonlara, on the R463. This development is in the charge of Clare Co. Council

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

The Shannon Municipal District will include this work in our current roadworks maintenance schedule.

25.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would carry out works to improve roadside drainage on the

L- 3050 near Doonass junction as the existing drain is not deep enough.

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

The Shannon Municipal District will assess the condition of the existing drainage network along the L3050-0 and will carry out cleaning works where required.

26.  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rachel Hartigan agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would endeavour to speed up the road safety design for Mountcatherine junction as the landowner is waiting to see a drawing with a view to co-operating with this office to improve sight lines at this dangerous junction.

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

This issue will be discussed with our colleagues in the Road Design Office with the aim of advancing a design.

27.  Any Other Business

• Shannon Town United proposed lease at former playing pitch at Corrib Drive (adjacent to Mary Immaculate Church). Proposed by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy and seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan
• In accordance with Section 66 the Local Government Act 2001 and 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 Michael Begley requested that specified amounts from his General Municipal Allocation be allocated to the following groups by way of Resolution i.e. Clonlara Development Group, Clonlara Leisure and Sports Society (Doonass Graveyard Development Works and Clonlara Community Centre). Proposed by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman and seconded by Cllr.Tony Mulcahy
• Part 8 application will be submitted by Tom Mellett for the upgrade of Finian Park.  Proposed by Cllr. Donna McGettigan and seconded by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy.
• Cllr John Crowe highlighted the ongoing issue of repairing street lighting.  A/DOS confirmed that contractual arrangements were being worked through and that the long-term scenario will be better.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

 

 

 

Signed:                                                                                            

Cathaoirleach                                   Meetings Administrator

 

Dated:                  September, 2024.

 

 

Page last reviewed: 17/09/24

Content managed by: Shannon Municipal District

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