Category Archives: News

Meeting notes, Motions 2016, News

My motion to full Council, 26th September 2016

“That in building new playgrounds or regenerating existing playgrounds, Cork County Council would introduce a policy of application of the Principles of Universal Design by installing a range of equipment which can be used by both able and less able bodied children alike.  In addition, that towards achieving universal design, Cork County Council would begin a programme of retrofitting all existing playgrounds in its jurisdictional area with at least one item of play equipment specifically designed for inclusivity of all.”

Not much is written about the benefits of playgrounds, but the fact is that in a world where play patterns are changing, where there is a decrease in free play and outdoor play and where concerns over children’s safety leads to increasing adult supervision, playgrounds are more important than ever before. Playgrounds help children to develop physical awareness and abilities, social skills, language interaction, motor skills, spatial awareness, balance, co-ordination, fitness and emotional wellbeing.

There are lots of playgrounds in County Cork. They are bright colourful places, a focus in the community, well used and well maintained. But very few of our playgrounds are universally designed. This often means that when a family with two children take an afternoon out in the local playground, the able-bodied child can play freely whilst her wheelchair-bound sibling can do little other than look on.

13% of people living in County Cork have a disability. Of those, over 6,000 are children under the age of 14. The National Intellectual Disability Register tells us that 98.7% of those under 18 with a disability are living at home. So for these children and their parents, the playground as a destination is critically important. Much of the equipment installed in playgrounds is labelled in the catalogues as being universally accessible. But the reality is quite different.

In preparing for this motion, I had the pleasure of visiting St. Paul’s Special Needs School which caters for pupils aged 4 – 18 years with moderate, severe or profound general learning disabilities.   According to the National Intellectual Disability Register, almost half of children registered as disabled fall into this category. I spoke to the principal and to many of the teachers so that I might benefit from their direct experience as to the value of County Cork’s playgrounds for their students.

The immediate reaction from all to whom I spoke was that there are nowhere near enough facilities which their students can use. The new swings in the Ballincollig Regional Park with the back and harness were singled out as being great for many. Basket swings everywhere were spoken of positively. But swings like these can be used by a wheelchair-bound child only if he/she is small enough to be lifted in. There is a wheelchair accessible roundabout in Lisgoold. There is a simple wheelchair swing in Fermoy and a top of the range wheelchair swing in Whitegate. The latter was provided by the Whitegate community, assisted by SECAD. That’s it.

Universal design does not require every piece of equipment to be accessible to every child, nor does it mean providing stand-alone features designed for the exclusive use of children with disabilities. It means choosing a variety of features and products that are usable by children of all abilities. Installing a spring system on gates to reduce the risk of a child bolting. Providing a sufficient range of equipment to cater for gross motor skills without undue physical effort on the part of the carer. Catering for finer motor skills with activity panels at ground level. Allowing access onto equipment via a transfer platform or ramp. If for example, more than one spring rocker is provided, install one with a back rest and sides.

Because children with disabilities can often be marginalised when it comes to play opportunities, the National Play Policy, “Ready, Steady, Play” (2004) recommended that all new and revamped local authority playgrounds would be universally designed.  But Cork County Council’s recreational policy drafted in 2006, doesn’t mention universal design at all.

So I ask that we amend this policy to reflect our collective aim of making playgrounds equally usable by all children.

Retrofitting just one item of universally accessible equipment into existing playgrounds is a small ask. Simple rainbow chimes provide sensory benefits, take very little space and cost in the region of €1,100. A chalkboard that allows children who cannot verbalise to express themselves is €700. A small spinning, swinging bowl for one costs €1,400. The same for two or three children is about €5,300. A gentle rocker with a back to seat several children costs about €4,200. A roundabout accessible to both wheelchairs and able-bodied children can be purchased for about €6,300 and needs a 17cm dig to make it level with the ground. These are just examples to illustrate how retrofitting just one item of universally accessible equipment is financially achieveable, does not need specialist installation but would extend the multi-faceted benefits of our playgrounds to all children, all over the county.

Meeting notes, Minutes meetings, News

Notes from a full meeting of Cork County Council, 26th September 2016

Notes from a meeting of the full Council, 26th September 2016

Confirmation of Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 12th September, 2016.

‘Minsept1.16.pdf’-2

Proposed and seconded.

 

  1. Votes of Sympathy (if any) to the relatives of:
  • members or employees of the Council,
  • dignitaries of Church or State, or
  • members of old I.R.A. and Cumann na mBan.
Votes of Sympathy (if any) to the relatives of:
  • members or employees of the Council,
  • dignitaries of Church or State, or
  • members of old I.R.A. and Cumann na mBan.


 

Bandon Kinsale Municipal District Meeting March, 2016

  • Disposal of Ballinacubby, Kinsale, Co. Cork

Kanturk Mallow Municipal District  Meeting, 2nd September, 2016:

  • Disposal of 6 Edel Grove, Castlemagner, Co. Cork.

West Cork Municipal District Meeting, 5th September,  2016:

  • Disposal of 34, Riverdale Estate, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
  • Disposal grant of wayleave through Car Park at Mardyke Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
  • Disposal of land at Western Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

 

  1. Filling of vacancy on the AILG.

Cllr K Murphy (FG) proposes Cllr Sheppard (FG). Seconded and agreed.

 

 

  1. Filling of vacancy for Cork County Council representative to the Governing Authority of University College Cork

Cllr B Moynihan (FF) was proposed by Cllr O’Flynn (FF). Seconded and agreed.

 

  1. Nomination to the Board of Directors for Mitchelstown Community Forum

Cllr D O’Brien (FF) was proposed by Cllr O’Flynn (FF). Seconded and agreed.

 

  1. Local Property Tax: Consideration of report on the financial impact of the LPT variation under section 20 of the Finance ( Local Property Tax) Act 2012, as amended by Section 5 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2013

LPT Variation Report 2017

Lorraine Dempsey (Head of Finance):

  • A report was circulated last week detailing the items that had to be considered by the Members in taking the decision whether or not to vary the LPT.
  • Members have to consider income and expenditure, the financial position of the local authority (and two other things).
  • The rate variation applies for the year only.
  • Last year the decision was taken to reduce by 5%.
  • The government has indicated that the same funding model will continue for 2017.
  • A variation by 5% will impact discretionary income by €2m.
  • We are depending on the national budget for grants and subsidies, any changes in funding or requirements that we have to meet.
  • We want to reduce reliance on using reserves but we have to balance that against delivery of services.
  • Cork County Council didn’t receive any submissions on the variation in the rate of LPT consultation.

 

Deputy CE:

  • We’re not determining the budget today; it is still work in progress. The decision the Members make today will impact on this in due course.
  • An adjustment to the LPT amounting to €2m might not be significant. But the real comparison should be made against the discretionary spend once all the commitments we have are taken into account.
  • We have experienced years of budgetary restrictions. As recently as 2011, our budget was €350m. This has reduced significantly. These restrictions have brought efficiencies which are welcome but service levels have been impacted and the Council has been forced to adopt a budget deficit. It is possible to ride these storms on a temporary basis but not permanently. Compares it to road resurfacing.
  • The LPT variation is applied on the gross amount. So it is a very significant reduction.
  • The report issued shows that the impact on householders individually is very small.
  • A 5% reduction reduces the annual household bill by €16 for a house of the value of that of 79% of all houses in the county.
  • The benefits of reducing LPT by only 5% last year have been very positive.
  • We ask the Members not to make any change in the LPT rate. Even if a zero change is made, we are still likely to be presenting a deficit budget in a few weeks time.

Cllr K Murphy (FG): Thanks for the reports. FG intends to vote for a zero variation – stick with the base rate. Thinks it’s a no-brainer. The savings from any kind of a LPT reduction to the householder are minimal. Everything that comes into the Council comes back into planned maintenance. The deficit budget we have been experiencing over the past few years will impact on services. We are also being impacted by the global revaluations. We were compensated for these last year but are bearing the full brunt of the €1.3m loss this year. Those who have high valuations on their properties will benefit more from LPT reduction than those who have lower value properties and can less afford it. Thinks we should give back better insulation, etc. to all those houses. Thinks we need to return core services to the people. If we don’t pass back the maximum amount to the Council, we’re doing our constituents a disservice.

Cllr O’Flynn (FF): Thanks Lorraine and Declan for support. With an equalisation fund of 20%, we in Cork County are losing out. There is €8.12m taken off what is gathered in the county through LPT. There is a big drop this year from €2.9 to €8.4 going towards the pension fund. We as councillors are elected to provide services for the people we represent. We can only do this if we have the finances. It is the government responsibility to provide this funding. This government has cut budgets to local authorities over the past number of years. The only sources of income we have are LPT, commercial rates, rents, etc. Recognises the benefits of the decision taken last year. Will ask for a 5% reduction again this year. There are hard-pressed householders who shouldn’t see any increase in their property tax bills.

Cllr Hurley (Ind): We have debated and discussed this over the weekend and have reached a conclusion but we will wait until the debate takes place to state our position.

Cllr O’Grady (SF): We’re calling for a 15% reduction in LPT for 2017. The so-called LPT is an unjust and regressive tax which takes no account of income, is not local because its collected by the revenue commissioners and put into central government funds to keep councils barely afloat. If it were a local tax it would be collected locally so that funds could be used to service the local community. SF’s position on this has remained consistent since its introduction. We would abolish it for a tax on high earners. This position is consistent and follows through on a commitment to our constituents that we will continue to reduce LPT by 15% until it is abolished. Families expected an increase in services from the LPT. They were sold a pup. The truth is that people are not getting extra services from paying this tax. They are struggling to pay and not seeing any real benefit. The fund was taken to pay Irish Water for the first year. We are putting €6m back into the local economy, not taking €6m from the LA budget.

Cllr Rasmussen (Lab): This is a difficult time of year because we’re under a certain amount of pressure from both sides. We spend a great deal of time complaining that we don’t have services. The stark reality is that while it is important to give back something to the people, €16 per year is very small. You can argue that when coupled with other income tax breaks it might be €40-50. We are trying to find a balance between services and household budgets. Will wait and see what other Members are doing but would like to see a cut of some small percentage.

Cllr K McCarthy (Ind): Is independent but does not vote with the independent grouping. Agrees with the SF position. Would go further if possible.

The Mayor asks whether we will go to a vote. Many members say yes; SF disagrees. They want to debate. The Mayor puts it to a vote on whether to proceed to a vote on the variations in LPT rate proposed.

Result: 42 in favour, 8 against

Members proceed to a vote on the LPT rate of variation without a debate.

Vote on 5% proposed by Cllr O’Flynn (FF): 16 in favour, 36 against

Vote on 15% proposed by Cllr O’Grady (SF): 7 in favour, 43 against

Vote on 0% proposed by Cllr Murphy (FG): 40 in favour, 10 against

The decision is that the LPT will be at the base rate.

 

 

REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMITTEES

  1. Cobh Municipal District

REPORT UNDER SECTION 179 OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000.

(a)   R639 Sallybrook Pedestrian Crossing Glanmire.
(b)  L3004 Glounthaune Traffic Calming Scheme

‘R639S Sallybrook Part 8 managers Report..pdf’
‘L3004 Glounthane Traffic Calming Part 8 Managers Report – Septmeber 2016.pdf’

Proposed and seconded.

 

  1. European and International Affairs Committee

Report on visit to Ajara, Georgia

‘Report on Ajara Visit 2016.pdf’

No comments from Members.

 

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF OFFICERS

  1. Quarterly Report of the Chief Executive on Economic Development

‘Economic Development Report.pdf’-2

Cllr D’Alton (Ind) asks for the Deputy CE to explain why there is such an apparent difference in LEO grants approved in South Cork and in North/West Cork. The amount approved in South Cork is much higher than that in North/West Cork but the amount actually paid out is much higher in North/West Cork than in South Cork. There also seems to be much higher activity in North/West Cork with regard to TOV and MFI than in South Cork.

The Deputy CE will get clarification and revert, although he says the South Cork LEO has been so successful that it has had a second tranche of money allocated to it.

 

 

NOTICES OF MOTION 

  1. Councillor Marcia D’Alton

“That in building new playgrounds or regenerating existing playgrounds, Cork County Council would introduce a policy of application of the Principles of Universal Design by installing a range of equipment which can be used by both able and less able bodied children alike.  In addition, that towards achieving universal design, Cork County Council would begin a programme of retrofitting all existing playgrounds in its jurisdictional area with at least one item of play equipment specifically designed for inclusivity of all.”

Text of introduction to the motion is under separate cover.

 

  1. Councillor Eoghan Jeffers

“That this council would adopt a policy of providing facilities for disabled children in all local authority playgrounds and exercise facilities for disabled peoples on all greenways and parks where exercise machines already exist and where there are plans to install more.”

Cllr Jeffers (SF): Welcomes Cllr D’Alton’s motion. Wonders how he can follow it. Feels this proposal would be a massive step forward in quality of life. Public open spaces in which children play are one of the most fundamental building blocks in their lives. Believes the local authority should provide facilities for all children. Cllr D’Alton covered a lot of the issues – commends – hopes Members support.

Both motions are taken together.

Cllr J Murphy (Ind): These are timely motions. Has a similar motion in own Municipal District tomorrow. How can you follow this? Everything that needed to be brought up has been said. Suppose that Cork County Council has a design team, access to universities to get their expertise in designing parks that are useful to people coming from all different backgrounds and challenges. In my Municipal District, we have a lot of people who attend St Joseph’s in Charleville. We have many people who have to travel to Fermoy to use a playground that is suitable for them. So supports both motions.

Cllr Forde (FG): Supports both motions. We can’t argue with the sentiment. The same parent wrote to all of us. He would love if one of his children could have the same pleasure when he goes to the park as do his siblings. We have moved along in the way we cater for those with different abilities, particularly children. The planning process has made a huge difference in this regard but must take account of young people with disabilities. Speaks of autistic child negatively affected by an adjacent planning decision. Thinks we need to take planning into account too when considering the disabled. But good to start small, so supports the motion.

Cllr Cullinane (Ind): Supports both motions. Timely with what is going on in Cobh, where we are increasing the playgrounds for both local community and tourism. Our amenity grants are so tight that it hasn’t always been possible to fund playgrounds appropriately. This morning, with the vote on the LPT, we will have the funding and the discretion to say where the money goes.

Cllr Coughlan (FF): If communities are to receive the benefit of a piece of equipment that is disability friendly, asks that local consultation would take place with local groups of parents who are supporting children with disabilities and with the children themselves. We as councillors too should be consulted with regard to retrofitting. Also important that we look at new playgrounds in places like Innishannon where provision of playground services have not kept up with burgeoning population.

Cllr O’Flynn (FF): Supports both motions. Timely. Thanks Cork County Council that there is scarcely a village in North Cork that doesn’t have a playground. The LEADER board has provided quite a lot of funding. Playgrounds are one of the best facilities in any rural area. Thinks we should do an audit of playgrounds throughout the county. Some may have facilities for those with disabilities. Thinks the motion should go to SPC for this audit and a costing.

Cllr G Moynihan (FF): Commends both motions. Thinks they are very good. Thinks people with disabilities are the forgotten people. We should help them in any way we can.

Cllr K Murphy (FG): Supports both motions. Timely and surprised the issue hasn’t been here before now. People with disabilities so often fight their own corner. Fully supports.

Cllr Murphy (SF): Supports both motions. Both well done.

Mayor: Supports. Also received the email.

Deputy CE: There may be low cost measures we can introduce.  We have a disability access policy in the Council. We commit to access to wide range of services, buildings and outdoor spaces. The history over the years is that playgrounds have been provided and communities have fundraised and the County Council has contributed. When playgrounds were put in place they were mindful of the standards of the time. These standards were made in 2007. We have around 140 playgrounds. They are inspected every two weeks. Those inspections often identify equipment which needs to be retired. When replacements are being made, we will favour disability friendly equipment. The figures Cllr D’Alton has for disability friendly equipment are different from that which was quoted to me – up to €20,000. Also have been told that the surfacing might be affected. If we are to carry out a full retrospective inspection itwould be very costly. There will be more ability at local level what is appropriate for replacement or retrofitting. The constraints are financial only but can commit to favouring disability friendly equipment in replacing worn out equipment.

Cllr D’Alton (Ind): Thanks all the Members for their support. Thanks the Deputy CE also for his support. Great to know that universally designed equipment will be favoured when equipment is being replaced. Comments in particular on Cllr Forde’s mention of the importance of the planning process in designing for disabilities. Couldn’t agree more. Recalls the particular case she mentions and actually proposed a motion to the Chamber in relation to that case. It went to the Department for approval but, as usual, they made no change. Costs quoted are real and directly from equipment providers. Would be pleased to share the details with the Deputy CE.

Cllr Jeffers (SF): Thanks Members for the support. Would also like to remind of disability friendly greenways also.

 

  1. Councillor Melissa Mullane

“That this council provides a written report on what building/planning supports it provides to post primary education across the county. The report should also include in particular Davis College, Mallow.”

‘Response to Motion from Cllr Melissa Mullane.pdf’

Cllr Mullane (SF): September tsunami in Davis College. Application was submitted by the CETB. There was to be a stand alone extension to the rear of the building to cater for 625 students. The Davis college development was granted subject to 31 conditions. There are huge issues currently because of this application. The students are cramped, have inadequate classrooms, lunch facilities are being divided into 4, students are working on their laps and it is a game of chance to get a classroom. This is hugely detrimental to education. Presently the school has >800 students. They have taken >100 European students additionally. There are 6 prefabs erected but as late as last week they are still dividing classrooms. Cork ETC proposes to erect a further 3 prefabs for which they say they do not need planning. Is this correct? There have always been objections to prefabs. They are likely to go up on the site where the extension is to happen. Have contacted the CETB, but information is extremely vague and no proper account is taken of the welfare of the school, residents and staff. Cork ETB seem to have very little concern for the chaos they have caused students and residents. Asks Cork County Council to write to the college asking them to review their parking.   The school has no adequate measures for parking. Asks that Cork County Council would contact the CETB to ask them what their intentions are with regard to the extension.

Cllr O’Shea (Ind): Has no issue with the CETB. They have always provided a detailed response wrt the extension of Davis College. There were objections to the proposed extension during the planning application and it went to the Board. This is causing delay. The rear entrance to the school is to be developed in consultation with the residents. That has come to a fruitful conclusion. Understands where Cllr Mullane is coming from because some children are being taught in difficult circumstances. But the management of the College is doing what they can for the students and particularly for exam students. Hopes new facility will be in place by 2017. But would welcome an official update from the ETB. There are issues in reltion to parking. Parents park on cycle lane on main road. A man living locally with a wheelchair has to use the public road because he cannot access the footpath. So the parking issues are real.

Cllr Hegarty (FG): Thinks the CETB should be allowed an opportunity to refute or respond to the allegations made here this morning. If they are true and factual, the CETB will likely deal with the situation. Cllr O’Grady is a member of the CETB and should be able to get answers for Cllr Mullane.

Cllr O’Grady (SF): Was told that they were awaiting fire certs before the 3 prefabs could be put in. They have planning for 5 but are putting in only 3. Was told there are problems on the site.

Cllr B Moynihan (FF): Agrees with the motion. We were at the opening of a school in Buttevant last week. The CETB has a record of delivering for communities on the ground. Ted Owens and his staff do great work around the county. The issues with regard to parking, etc. need to be looked at but is slow to criticise Ted Owens and his staff.

Deputy CE: There is a written response provided from the executive. Much of what has been raised is not Council business but lies rather with the management of the school and the ETB. Unless there is a particular issue in relation to planning, it doesn’t really relate to the Council.

Mayor: We can obviously contact the ETB.

Cllr Mullane: Just looking for clarity. Is it correct to say no approval is required for 3 prefabs?

Deputy CE: Not in a position to give a definitive view but in general, if you are putting in prefabs, you need planning. But if there is a planning permission for 5, it is ok to put in 3.

Cllr Mullane: Thinks the 5 that have been given permission are already on site.

 

  1. Councillor Noel Collins

“That this Council request the appropriate Minister to make an order redrawing the county boundaries to include the waters of the harbours in which development of either commercial or high profile nature has taken place in order to give the Council authority to develop and control such developments.”

‘Response to Motion from Cllr Noel Collins.pdf’

Cllr Collins (Ind): Since I was first elected in 1967, Cork County Council has been robbed of a range of public services. Harbours could be next for the dead list. Don’t let it happen. Rivers, harbours, lakes have been exploited. Are we doing enough by way of legislation to protect our rights? When the present boundaries were drawn, the only use made of the marine environment was to sail ships over it. Nowadays far more use is made of it. The harbours that are mostly affected are Youghal, Ballycotton, Cork, Kinsale and Castletownbere. Bantry Bay has already had its boundary adjusted. The users should make payments similar to rates, in turn spent on harbour towns which are badly in need of improvements.

Cllr Linehan-Foley (Ind): Seconds the motion. Local knowledge in these cases is paramount. Sometimes those making decisions on our harbours are taking those decisions from offices far removed from the harbour.

Cllr Cullinane (Ind): As far as Cork Harbour is concerned, we are well advanced towards getting a democratic voice around the harbour. 4 Municipal Districts around the harbour have voted for that democratic process and one universal voice.

Cllr McCarthy (FG): Local knowledge is the issue here. We are relying on the OPW. We should have more say in our own waters and harbours within Cork County Council.

Deputy CE: We do have control of harbours under the Planning & Development Act. We recognise the importance of harbours and the coastal zone. Our recently published tourism strategy recognizes Cork as a maritime paradise. Kinsale and Baltimore have transferred to Council/Municipal District control. Municipal Districts have control in relation to harbour policies and these should be exercised locally.

Cllr N Collins (Ind): Welcomes support. Can we pursue this at Municipal District level?

Deputy CE agreed that this was the best course of action but that if Cllr Collins hit a stumbling block, to revert to him.

 

  1. Councillor Des O’Grady

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Finance to fully finance the Local Government Equalisation Fund from general taxation and permit Local Authorities to retain 100% of the Local Property Tax collected in their areas.”

Cllr O’Grady (SF): Supports the equalization fund. LPT was >€100m in 2015. But there was an injustice in that 20% was removed. That is deeply hurting Cork County Council. Asks the Council to support that we call on the Minister to fund the equalization fund from general taxation. All local authorities should retain their entire LPT into the future. Thinks democracy was done a disservice in the Chamber this morning. Silencing was never imposed on people before. Is deeply saddened by this.

Cllr Mullane (SF): Supports. Concurs with Cllr O’Grady that we weren’t allowed to speak this morning.

Mayor: Stick to the motion please.

Cllr Mullane: Not against equalization but doesn’t want what is meant to be a LPT to be propping up what the government should be paying for. If we were to take the NPPR in, it would be another €1.2 out of the fund. €1.9 would be lost by rates reduction to multinationals in this county. €2.1 m collected through the motor tax office in Cork is lost. While elected, I will do everything in my power to oppose the property tax.

Cllr Murphy (FG): The motion and its content speak for themselves. The full LPT collected should be retained within the county in which it is collected.

Cllr O’Flynn (FF): €8.1m collected in the county should be going to services for people in the county.

Cllr Cullinane (Ind): In support. In 2014, a similar motion came before the floor and on that occasion it was SF who went against us writing to the Minister for the €8m. Thinks we should demand the €8.1m back. If we got it back, where would it go?

Cllr Jeffers (SF): Welcomes the motion. Wouldn’t like to begrudge the smaller counties but they should be funded nationally. This is not a LPT but just plugs a gap in national finances caused by reckless governance. We weren’t allowed to debate the need for local services today. €15,750 would be collected in my own estate in LPT alone but we struggle to get trees cut. This is disgraceful.

Cllr Hegarty (FG): Supports sentiments and content of motion. When LPT was introduced, we were told it would be collected locally and retained locally. It would result in a lot of badly needed improvements in our municipal areas. This has not been the case

Cllr Murphy (SF): Supports.

The motion is agreed and correspondence will be forwarded to the Minister. Cllr O’Grady asks that the FG councillors who supported the motion would contact their party heads directly.

Mayor: Democracy was supported today. All proposals that came from the floor were voted on. Everything that was done this morning was done in accordance with a vote.

 

  1. Councillor Michael Murphy

“That this council writes to Port of Cork to ask what  plans they have for Marino Point.”

Cllr Murphy (SF): Is just looking for transparency. When we were on the Town Council in Passage West, the Port of Cork had no interest in Marino Point. First I heard that they were interested was when it came up in the Evening Echo. It is in a desperate state so who is responsible?

Cllr McCarthy (Ind): Anyone who passes Marino Point and looks over the wall, it looks like Hiroshima. When the planning permission was granted to NET, one of the conditions was that when fertiliser production ceased, it would revert back to a greenfield site except in the event of port-related activities. We would like to know what is this port related activity and does it include removal of these eyesores.

Cllr D’Alton (Ind): Support the motion. Marino Point is less than 5 km from Passage West as the crow flies and a very important site to Cobh and the Great Island. Redevelopment of Marino Point is likely to impact significantly on Passage West. Those of us involved for many years with the Port’s redevelopment of Ringaskiddy will know that the Port has always expressed an interest in Marino Point. Planning permission was granted in Ringaskiddy on the basis of the Port’s proposed development of Marino Point, including reopening a rail link to support the TEN-T requirement for multi-modal transport. Bulks were mentioned at the time as being the likely use. Other uses have been mentioned since. Recent newspaper report saying that the Port had purchased Marino Point is not true. It has not yet been purchased. However, it is fair that the Port would indicate what its intentions are now with Marino Point, when we might expect those intentions to be acted on and what they will involve.

Cllr Cullinane (Ind): If you look a the County Development Plan, we have supported the Port of Cork to hold all of the eggs in their basket. But the Port has been very slow to communicate. We the people have been held back by this lack of communication. They haven’t even yet purchased the site. So we need clarity. We are waiting 10 months for clarity on slipways and piers so can’t imagine how long we will be waiting for an answer to this.

 

  1. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

Cllr O’Flynn (FF): Congratulates Cork Ladies Football team on their weekend win and Cork County Council on the opening of Spike Island. Thanks Declan Daly, David Keane and Michael Ryan in particular for their involvement in the development of Spike Island.

Cllr Cullinane: Cobh won gold medal in the Tidy Towns awards this morning.

Cllr Hayes: Clonakilty got gold in the county awards also.

 

  1. Any Other Business

Cllr Murphy (FG): Rural water monitoring – much funding has gone to group schemes. Several have been propped up by grant aid. But no money has gone to group sewage schemes. Very serious problem in one group scheme near own home town that needs grant aid immediately. Substantial number of residents involved. We have no response back. Asking for immediate contact with the Department.

The Deputy CE will investigate and revert back.

Cllr D’Alton (Ind): What is the protocol for notification of water outages? Water outage in own area over the weekend was notified by Cork County Council on Twitter. Other recent outage was not notified. Yet another was notified by Irish Water. So who notifies, through what medium and is a notice put on the affected road? Obviously a breakage cannot be notified.

Mayor: Agrees that it is time a protocol with regard to notification of water outages is established.

The Deputy CE will check and revert. The new text alert might be useful, although it is still in development.

Cllr Forde (FG): Minutepad is slow to access. Perhaps IT could bear this in mind.

 

 

This concluded the meeting.

News

Introduction to my motion to Full Council on Vernon Mount, 12th July 2016

“That Cork County Council would identify 

  • the details of notices served under Section 59 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 on the owners of Vernon Mount since 1997, 
  • the dates on which such notices were served, 
  • any works undertaken by the owners in response to those notices

and that Cork County Council would pursue the owners of Vernon Mount (No. 00480 in the Record of Protected Structures) for prosecution under Section 58 of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Act 2000.”

 

There are so many aspects of the sad story of Vernon Mount which are wrong. By proposing this motion, I am asking for support in righting just one of those wrongs. But this wrong is fundamental to the future of every protected structure in the country. We have legislation drafted under Section 58 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which imposes an obligation on the owners and occupiers of protected structures. Specifically, it states that:

“Each owner and occupier of a “protected structure” or proposed “protected structure” shall ensure that the structure, or any element of it that contributes to its special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, is not endangered. “Endangered” means exposed to harm, decay or damage, whether immediately or over a period of time, through neglect or through direct or indirect means.”

If a protected structure is endangered, Section 59 of the Act allows the planning authority to serve a notice on the owner or occupier, requiring them to carry out any work that it considers necessary to protect the structure. During the eight weeks that follow the issuing of the notice, the owner or occupier can meet for discussions with the planning authority and the agreed work must be done within a further 8 weeks.

If a notice to prevent a structure from becoming endangered has been ignored, the planning authority can take enforcement action.

An Taisce has listed some 100 protected structures on its Buildings at Risk Register. Nine of these are in the Cork County Council jurisdictional area. One was Vernon Mount. The serious fire damage to Vernon Mount, Cork highlights the continuing failure of Irish planning legislation to enforce the maintenance of legally protected historic buildings.

I commend Cork County Council’s actions in repairing the roof of Vernon Mount on two separate occasions. That is not the point of this motion. The point is that the condition of Vernon Mount had been significantly deteriorating not just since 1997 when it was purchased by its current owners but since the 1960s and 70s. But the County Council has at no point enforced the legislation designed for its protection. Buildings such as Vernon Mount on the RPS are rich heritage assets. Consequently, any owner or occupier of those buildings has a societal responsibility. The citizens of this county place their trust in Cork County Council as the planning authority to ensure such owners or occupiers observe that responsibility. By not enforcing their powers under Section 59 of the Act, the reality is that Cork County Council is reneging on that trust.

Following through on Section 59 of the Act is not going to bring Vernon Mount back. It won’t right any of the succession of wrongs that this protected structure endured. But what it would do is to demonstrate Cork County Council’s commitment to and appreciation of the county’s protected structures and, in doing so, convey to owners and occupiers of all other protected structures the need to uphold their societal responsibility.

News

Notes from a full meeting of Cork County Council, 25th July 2016

[a]            CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

1.  Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 11th July, 2016.

Minjul1.16

Proposed and seconded.

 

 Deputy CE (Declan Daly) on Vernon Mount:
Regret there was a fire last night in Vernon Mount. Understand extensive damage was caused.   It is clear from the press reports that this was a major fire. Over many years the Council has been involved with the owners and their local agent to ensure the integrity of the house and its structural stability. We spent €112k on the roof in 2012 in order to protect the contents.

News

Cork County Council statement on Vernon Mount, 25th July 2016

Cork County Council released the following statement on the burning of Vernon Mount at our full Council meeting this morning:

Vernon Mount House Report 25th July 2016

Local area, Meeting notes, Minutes meetings, News

Notes from a meeting of the Ballincollig-Carrigaline Municipal District, 18th July 2016

1.  Election of Cathaoirleach/Election of Leas Cathaoirleach

Cllr Canty proposed for Cathaoirleach by Cllr Forde, seconded by Cllr D’Alton.

Cllr Jeffers proposed for Leas-Cathaoirleach by Cllr Murphy and seconded as vice-Chair by Cllr D’Alton.

 

2.  Deimhniú Miontuairiscí/Confirmation of Minutes
To consider the confirmation and signing of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 20th June 2016.

Minutes of meeting were proposed and seconded.

Cllr McGrath: Ferney Road – didn’t get a report arising from the last meeting? Also Marmullane bend on Church Hill – is there feedback on that?

Area Engineer (AE): Doesn’t have a written report in relation to Ferney Road; will send one out tomorrow. This time of the year is very busy and resources are thin on the ground. The Marmullane bend will be done just not immediately. Ferney Road is being done along with a few other schemes. The design is being revised – decided to take a different route that would have lesser impact on landowners. Landowners have all been consulted and networks are being examined to ensure the revised design is something that can be fitted with existing networks. Will be brought to the members once finalised and agreed in principle with the affected landowners. There is no dedicated stream of funding. Hopes the scheme will be funded in 2017.

Cllr McGrath: There is no need to come back in writing. There will be an additional school opening in September now.

AE: Yes, there is some funding coming from the second school but there will be a lot more funding required.

Cllr Desmond: Had raised the issue of the upkeep of the Chetwynd graveyard before. Any update?

AE: These complaints came in in early June. There are resident caretakers but they were probably catching up with grasscutting then. There has been an incredible amount of growth to the extent that in Chetwynd, we have had to bring in extra bodies to deal with it. Isn’t aware of any complaints since so hopes the issue sorted. Trees in Ravenscourt – can’t see that anything will be done in the short term because they are not a danger to property and not a risk to the adjacent road. Leylandii don’t lend themselves to cutting back; they die if you do.

Cllr D’Alton: For information – had proposed a motion at the last meeting about installing a handrail on the steps from the Sandquay, Monkstown to the water. Realised since that the area office is unlikely to install the handrail because the steps themselves are so dangerous. Have brought it to the Coastal Management meeting since and we will apply through them for a grant from the Department of Agriculture to do both steps and handrail in the next round of funding.

 

3.  Consideration of Reports and Recommendations

Corinthians Park, Castletreasure

Cllr Forde: Has grave concerns in relation to the Castletreasure lands and must leave for a doctor’s appointment so would like to bring these concerns up now. The land was bought many years ago for housing. Topography made it unsuitable and it was given over for recreation and amenity. The access was to have been through Green Valley estate. Subsequently the Council gave permission for two houses over the access road. This was appalling. Then the Council suggested the amenity lands would be accessed around the estate’s green. The residents weren’t happy and all the councillors backed their concerns. We gave some land to College Corinthians who are a fantastic soccer club. Current concern is that the Douglas Rugby Club also needs land or help to source some. They approached College Corinthians to see if they could access the County Council’s ground through the College Corinthians premises but there are insurance issues. The Green Valley access was readdressed. Thought this would reopen a can of worms. There is also land a farmer is leasing for some time. Is not against College Corinthians having a parcel of land but thinks this report is premature until we have maps and all the issues on the table so we can have complete transparency before we take a decision. Douglas has very little available land. Requested a meeting on behalf of the Douglas Rugby Club but was told that there is no point because there is nothing to be offered to them. Regrets that has to leave now because has an appointment but asks that it would be deferred until we have all the information available to us.

South Cork Manager (SCM): There is no decision being taken today. There is no formal proposal. There is no formal disposal notice before the Members. We just wanted to bring before the Members that we have been approached by College Corinthians for enough land to give one extra pitch. It is not all the land. This piece of land is adjoining their existing facility and we are proposing to extend a lease to them to facilitate the pitch. The Douglas Rugby Club issue is a separate one. So today was really only an information day. But if there is agreement that the land is to be leased, that would come by a formal disposal notice.   Is concerned that work on preparation of the disposal notice would not be deferred for two months. College Corinthians is anxious to move.

Cllr O’Donnabháin: Supports the proposal. Is familiar with the land.   They’re a worthy club and a worthy cause.

Cllr McGrath: Confirming that it is not intended to bring it before the July full Council meeting. Do details have to be drawn up?

SCM confirmed.

Cllr McGrath: Thinks Cllr Forde had different issues.

SCM circulated a location map he had of the lands proposed for leasing to College Corinthians.

Cllr D’Alton: Understanding is that Cllr Forde is very supportive of College Corinthians but was worried about the access issue to the lands behind. An email attached to the back of this map states that a planning permission subsequently granted has resolved the issue of accessing the remaining lands. If this is the case then Cllr Forde’s concerns are eliminated.

SCM: The email on the back was not meant for circulation.

Cllr D’Alton: But if it solves the access issue, then isn’t it important?

Municipal District Officer (MDO): The planning permission referenced will not solve the access problem.

Cllr Harris: The insurance issue that prohibits the Rugby Club from accessing the lands through College Corinthians is a joke. Would it not be possible to get a path through the Corinthian’s land?

Cllr McGrath: Understands that the land further back is not suitable for playing pitches. It is too sloping and would cost a fortune to develop. Spoke to Douglas Rugby Club this morning. Is not speaking on their behalf but they said they don’t have an issue with this land being given to College Corinthians. We don’t need to hold this up.

Cllr Jeffers: This mightn’t be the resolution for Douglas Rugby Club but if access to the land behind is only through College Corinthians, they more or less control the land. Has a small issue with that.

SCM: There is an issue with this land that has been unresolved for some time. If we’re to wait till the issue with this land is sorted, that will not be in our best interest nor in that of College Corinthians. The accessibility of this land cannot be solved through this process.

Cllr Canty: Proposes that we go ahead with this. If the pitches had been there and the houses came after, we would have had no problems. This is not a formal disposal.

Cllr O’Donnabháin proposes and Cllr McGrath seconds.

 

 Glenbrook to Raffeen Greenway

Clare Cronin (CCC): A Part 8 application has been published for extension of the existing greenway from the ferry at Glenbrook to Raffeen. We’ll be coming back to discuss it as a report and recommendation. We hope to develop a greenway network all the way from Blackrock Castle to Crosshaven. This section is the first of two phases; the second will be developed in the coming months and will take us into Carrigaline itself. We are inviting submissions until the 2nd September. Part 8 proposals often attract only the negative comments but a project like this is very positive. It will bring real vibrancy and tourism opportunity as it has done in Mayo. Passage and Monkstown could become key stop-off points along the way. We will revert in late September/October with a full report. We will seek funding in autumn or year end when the Department of Transport makes a call for funding for greenways.

Users issues arising from the popularity of the existing greenway between Rochestowwn and Passage West were raised at the last meeting. The comments referred to cyclist behaviour, particularly those cycling at speed. Cyclists not ringing bells is an issue. We did bring in a new signage system last year and it is timely that we look at this again and review how well it is working. We came from a system of partial segregation on that path. It didn’t work. Cyclists travel faster when the path is segregated. Segregation also leads to territorial behaviour. Segregation needs a much wider path than we currently have so both user groups have a clear space. We would need double the width we have at present. Will monitor what is there over the coming weeks and months. There is fault on both sides – pedestrians and cyclists. Spoke of headphones and dog leads used improperly by pedestrians. So it is about learning to share the space.

Cllr D’Alton: Is delighted with this Part 8 application and appreciates that whilst there may be operational issues, it is a hugely positive project. It was I who raised user issues on the existing line at the last meeting and is very glad to hear the system will be monitored over the coming months. There is also an issue with signage in the noticeboard at the entrance points to the line. This was to have been changed to reflect the keep left pass right system that is in use at present but knows the County Council was waiting for a standard sign to be issued nationally. However, the signage has never been changed. Knows it is not part of the Part 8 but would also like the Council to bear in mind that whilst Passage West might benefit from bike stop-overs, the town is narrow and bringing a bike through it is not easy. Nor is it helped by the topography. Know we have spoken about how to do this in the past – opening the tunnel which has health and safety concerns or a boardwalk which is now not possible because the County Council doesn’t own the waterfront. But wants the Council to keep in mind how bringing bikes safely through Passage might be done into the future.

Cllr McGrath: Compliments Clare on the negotiations in particular with landowners at Raffeen. Has also raised issues with regard to shared spaces on existing walkways. Thinks we haven’t addressed these properly as a Council. There is only a tight space for the new greenway and thinks we need to carefully consider introducing bikes into that space, especially when there are ongoing issues with the existing. Thinks the stretch from Murphs pub to Raffeen Bridge will be particularly positive.

CC: Yes, we did intend to bring in new signage last year – revised Code of Conduct. That hasn’t happened because of national strategy delays. But thinks we should address it now ourselves on an interim basis. Thinks we as a Council should look at signage throughout all public spaces on a consistent basis. We need a consistent message around rules of operation, codes of conduct, etc. to reinforce user behaviour.

Passage West is particularly problematic for bringing bikes through. The difficulty is that we’re dealing with an existing environment. The initial feasibility report on this project said Passage West would never accommodate a greenway proper because of the topography and layout. So we are possibly looking at speed reductions, public realm enhancements and other such measures to make the journey through Passage West more comfortable for cyclists.

In an ideal world there is no objection to developing a wider path for the greenway than that which is proposed. But the difficulty is here is that we are retrofitting. We’re trying to achieve the best possible solution balancing all the issues.

Will try to get us copies electronically of the files associated with the Part 8 but the size of the files is an issue.

 

4.  General Municipal Allocation/Town Development Fund

MDO: The balance remaining on allocations is €8,200. We can look in September at what we want to do with this.

Cllr McGrath: Residents in Dan Desmond Villas have said they are not so much looking for funding but for a plaque to mark the 50 year anniversary.

AE: We will have to agree some form of wording that would go on the plaque if we are going ahead with this.

 

5.  Chun na Ruin so leanas ón gComhairleoir a mheas:
To consider the following Notices of Motion in the name of:

 Cllr. McGrath:
1.  “To request a report from the Engineer on the actions of Council in this Municipal District to address the widespread issue of Japanese Knotweed.”

Cllr McGrath: is looking for the Area Engineer to give us an update on this. Its presence is widespread in the Municipal District. Knows certain areas have been sprayed. We need to take this seriously. The plant has potential to do damage to structures and properties.

SCM: This issue has come up at full Council. It was referred to the Environment SPC and they were to come up with a separate working group on the issue. Not sure whether they have met yet or not.

Cllr O’Donnabháin: Echoes the sentiment in the motion. We have a number of signs and plaques up around our own area. Even without the signs, people are aware of it and are concerned. It is beside the riverbank at Carrigrohane. There is a fear that it will be carried by the river. There is also a fear that it will spread from Council property to private property.

AE: It is geat news that the SPC is coming up with a procedure going forward. We are dealing with it on an ad-hoc basis when it is reported to us. We will continue to deal with it as we have dealt with it to date, through our gardening section. We continue to get reports of its presence and it is unlikely that we can get to it all.

Cllr D’Alton: Is particularly heartened that since I brought it up at full Council over a year ago, the plant has become so well know. There is hardly a person who does not recognise it now. That is very positive. Confirms that a working group out of the Environment SPC has been formed to work on the issue. They will be meeting for the first time next Tuesday. Not yet sure what their remit is but believes it is to develop policy for full Council. Where the area office has sprayed, there has been good die-back. Wants to know whether those sprayed areas will be resprayed each September over three years as is recommended?

AE: Yes, believes so.

Cllr McGrath: Hopefully you can get to all the areas that are reported. It is disappointing that the working group has taken so long to get established. It is nearly 18 months since the issue was first brought to full Council by Cllr D’Alton. Is glad the Area Office has picked up the slack.

 

2.  “To ask the Engineer to investigate a request for traffic calming measures in Fort Hill estate.”

AE: Will see what we can do.

 

3.  “To seek an update on the provision of a Controlled Crossing near the entrance to Maryborough Woods on the Carrigaline road.”  

Cllr McGrath: Poles are erected but nothing else. This is badly needed. Has become frustrated at this stage that the issue hasn’t been addressed. Was last told it was with the design office.

AE: It is still with the design office. Is equally hopeful that something will wing its way to me shortly but the design office is under real pressure. However, the bones of this scheme are there so hopes it can be advanced in late this year/early next year when the pressure of the current priority work is off.

 

Cllr. O’Donnabháin:
1.  “That this Municipal District would be furnished with a Report and update on the progress of road improvement works for Lehenaghmore & Lehenaghbeg.  In particular this MD seeks an update on the Report being prepared by the Consultants engaged. If this Report is not completed then that this meeting would be furnished with the date on which it will be available.”

Report provided: Response to O’Donnabhain – Lehenaghbeg

Cllr O’Donnabháin: Thanks for the report. The residents will be very concerned if this scheme is not advanced before the winter months.

AE: This is one of the schemes that is being prioritised by the design office and they are concentrating their resources on this. A consultant has been applied but the resources both are financial and physical. Also wants to flag that as far as she is aware, the resources will bring it as far as Part 8 but resources will additionally have to be found to build it.

Cllr O’Donnabháin: There is additional building continuing in Coolkellure. Could special contributions from that be diverted towards the road upgrade?

AE: Is sure they can but is not sure how much can be provided nor what proportion of the overall cost they will make up. Will not know what the cost of the scheme will be until the consultant has presented a draft report.

 

Cllr. Jeffers:
1.  “To ask the engineer of the possibility of cutting down trees at the entrance to Clifton on the Grange Road as to help with visibility of cars exiting the estate.”

Cllr Jeffers: Visibility is the issue here. The trees are on the left hand side when cars are pulling out. The issue is visibility only.

AE: We can look at the junction on the left. Has never looked at that with that in mind. It has been brought up in a slightly different context before. Would also say that those trees are loved by a lot of people along there.

Cllr McGrath: Wants to support Cllr Jeffers. Has raised issues about the entrance here before and has also spoken of a yellow box. Perhaps prune lower part of the trees?

AE agrees that this is what she would be proposing to do. Will look at it and re-evaluate.

 

2.  “To repaint the yellow box outside Amberly estate on the Grange Road.”

Cllr Jeffers: People are pulling into the yellow box. Maybe repainting would help.

AE: It is on the list.

 

3.  “To paint the speed bumps that have not been done in Dun Eoin in Carrigaline.”

(Apologies – Missed the response to this.)

 

 

Cllr. D’Alton:
1.  “That the Members of the Municipal District would be given an update on progression of the design for the upgrade of Coach Hill.”

Report provided: Response to D’Alton – Coach Hill

Cllr D’Alton: Thanks for the report. Also had the opportunity of raising this at the Southern Committee meeting this morning. Very conscious that Coach Hill appears to be the poor relation relative to Clarke’s Hill. Yet critical connection between Upper Rochestown and Lower Rochestown. Is almost always used by cars travelling from the Passage West/Monkstown direction in favour of Clarke’s Hill. Surface of the road at the pinch point is all broken – indicative of the volume of traffic the road is taking. Appreciates that no funding to put the upgrade in place but asks that even if this remains the case, the area office would be conscious of measures that could be implemented to improve safety. The pinch point can accommodate only one lane of traffic yet pedestrians living downstream of the pinch point have no footpath. If there isn’t money for the upgrade, it would seem to make sense to put a footpath along the pinch point so that at least children could walk to school safely and confirm that only one lane of traffic at a time can use the pinch point. Thanks area office for having agreed to resurface the Coach Hill pinch point when Clarke’s Hill is being resurfaced.

 

2.  “That this Municipal District would fund the production of a map of Passage West Historic Town similar to that which Cork County Council has produced for Kinsale and is currently producing for several other towns in the county.”

Cllr D’Alton: The Historic Monuments committee is conscious that there are many items of archaeological heritage, particularly in our towns, that are uninterpreted and uncelebrated. To increase awareness, it has produced a very attractive map of these features for Kinsale, it is working on Skibbereen and is going to do Blarney and Mitchelstown next. The maps are very good quality. €800 to produce. They are left in shops in the town for visitors to take and use. Proposals to do them are coming through the Municipal District committees. Asks that this Municipal District committee would agree to request that a map for Passage West would be the next to be put on the list.

All agreed.

 

3.  “That this Council would investigate or report on any recent investigations of what appears to be leachate flowing from the former Raffeen Landfill Site (now the Raffeen Civic Amenity Site) into the Cork Harbour SPA at Monkstown Creek.”

Report provided: Response to D’Alton – Raffeen leachate

Cllr D’Alton thanks Enda Kiernan for the excellent report. Notes that he offers a copy of the closure report when it is finalised. Would appreciate that.

 

6.  Votes of Congratulations

Cllr Desmond congratulates Cllr McGrath on being elected as County Mayor. Thanks Cllr O’Donnabháin for his year as Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District.

Cllr Harris echoes these sentiments and congratulates Cllr Canty on his election. This is well deserved after his 25 year service to the Council.

Cllr O’Donnabháin echoes the sentiments expressed to the Ballincollig Tidy Towns after they won the national award – the largest urban area in the 32 counties. This is a significant achievement.

Cllr Canty also congratulates Cllr McGrath. It is nice to have the County Mayor in the Chamber here at Municipal District level. Congratulates Cllr O’Donnabháin on his year as Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District. We have got fantastic awards in Ballincollig over the years. We have to thank the Council an awful lot for the support they have given us. Every town in the county is getting some financial support towards the workings of their Tidy Towns groups. Ballincollig has set a new benchmark but others are catching up. Looks better for us as tourism in the county. Was even in Passage West this morning at 8.15am and cyclists who were clearly not from the town were walking in the town.

 

7.  Aon Ghnó Eile/Any Other Business

AE: Distributed a drawing of a pedestrian enhancement project that is going ahead for Donnybrook Hill from Bracken Court to Grange Cross.  Like all the other schemes, it will be put together and brought before the members but the Traffic and Transportation section has some funding that is being dedicated to this scheme and we will go ahead with a section of it this year at Hillcourt. There are 3 properties uphill of the junction. The owners have been approached. They are very much in favour of conceding land to Cork County Council so a missing section of footpath can be built. Accommodation works and the building of the footpath will be funded this year. A pedestrian crossing and raised ramp at Hillcourt will help to slow traffic down. We hope to go ahead later in the year and are delighted that the landowners are so positive. We’re dealing with solicitors acting on their behalf at present.

Dwg – General arrangement at Hillcourt: Donnybrook Hill pedestrian enhancement scheme

SCM: The Council is acting as the agent of the Department of Agriculture to oversee the East Tip remediation on Haulbowline Island. It is expected that the work is going to tender over the next couple of months. A planning application will be prepared to obtain soil for remediation of the site. Discussions have been had with the IDA and it has been agreed that the soil will be taken from an area in Ringaskiddy. A planning application will be made by the Department of Agriculture and will be lodged in the coming weeks.

Cllr D’Alton: Not happy with this but appreciates that this is not the forum for expressing concerns. Will address them in a submission to the planning application.

Cllr O’Donnabháin: Curraheen Road – any update?

AE: No update. A Section 85 agreement is being finalised between ourselves and the City. Believes the scheme is earmarked for September.

Cllr Jeffers: Trees coming Matthew Hill. Can these be cut back?

AE: Any taking in charge is initiated by the developer. We haven’t heard from the developer in this regard and so cannot cut back the trees.

Cllr Jeffers: Council houses haven’t been painted in a particular estate whereas other houses in the estate have. Is there an update? A management company did painting for properties that aren’t owned by the Council.

MDO: This is a housing issue. But if the Council is paying into the management company, the Council’s houses should be painted like all the others.

Cllr D’Alton: Had asked before about replacing the litterbins in Passage West which have doors swinging open. Also the construction of an uncontrolled crossing/ramped footpaths at Pembroke Wood.

MDO: The Planning Policy Unit wants special meetings with the Municipal District committee in relation to the preparation of the Local Area Plan in September/October.   Wants to have these meetings after the Municipal District meetings. They will be held in committee. Will forward the email from the PPU.

 

This concluded the meeting.

Local area, News

Proposed Greenway from Glenbrook – Raffeen Bridge: Extracts from the planning documents

Cork County Council has prepared a Part 8 planning application for a greenway (combined cycleway/pedestrian way) from the ferry at ‪Glenbrook to ‪Raffeen Bridge. This proposed development includes the path for the greenway, two boardwalks, a new car park at Strawhall and traffic calming at Raffeen.

This project has massive potential but will also have many inherent concerns. Please feel free to contact me or any of your public representatives with your comments on the proposals. However, I would encourage you to make a written submission also to the County Council. You can address it to:
Maurice Manning, Director of Services
Municipal Services South
Cork County Council
County Hall
Cork.

Submissions on the planning application will be welcome until close of business on Friday, 19th August.

The planning application and associated drawings are available to see at the Carrigaline Area Office, at County Hall and in the libraries at Passage West and Carrigaline.  I have scanned the Planning Report (this is the first part of the planning application) and the drawings and they can be accessed at the links below.  

Part 8 planning report

Part 8 drawings

Local area, Meeting notes, News

Briefing note on meeting with TII, June 2016

The following is a short report on the items discussed by representative councillors with TII at a meeting in Dublin last month.  The pre-arranged agenda was worked up by the executive in consultation with the Municipal Districts.  As a member of the Ballincollig-Carrigaline Municipal District, I am frustrated that no representative of our Municipal District was present.  I was not asked to contribute to the agenda in advance of the meeting.  Indeed, I would not have even seen the agenda in advance of the meeting had I not asked one of my independent colleagues attending for a copy.

Report on mtg with TII, June 2016