These are my notes from the above meeting. Although they reflect the content of the meeting to the best of my ability, they are subject to whatever inaccuracies may be due to my typing, hearing and interpretation …
CCC staff present
Kevin O’Regan (MD Officer)
Madeline Healy
Bernie McCarthy
Niamh O’Neill
Maurice Manning
Election of a Cathaoirleach
Deirdre Forde elected unanimously.
Election of Leas Cathaoirleach
Frick Murphy elected unanimously.
Standing orders
Cllr Forde explained that interim standing orders are in place to allow MDCs to function at present. These can be looked at over time and amended as time goes on. She hopes that they will be adopted as they are but the MDC can decide to revisit them later on in the year.
The standing orders were considered by the Corporate Policy Group during the week. Cllr McGrath suggested that the standing orders need to be tailored to suit this MDC’s need, so put an examination of them on the agenda for September.
Cllr Forde agreed and said that if any councilor has any viewpoint in the meantime, they can make it known.
Schedule of meetings
It was agreed that MDC meetings would be held at 2 pm on the 3rd Monday of every month.
Municipal district functions
These were discussed at the CPG.
The reserve functions of local authorities are set out in Schedules 1,2,3 of the Local Govenment Reform Act.
The Minister issued regulations in May as to how all reserve functions should be exercised. The CPG thinks the municipal district functions should be reviewed with the regulations in mind.
The schedule from the Local Government Act will be circulated to all Members.
AOB
Cllr O’Laoghaire suggested that because of the recent division of Carrigaline through the redefining of electoral boundaries, it would be good for the town if this MDC should meet with the Bandon-Kinsale MDC 2 – 4 times each year. It was agreed that this would be a positive thing.
Madeline Healy explained that the Area Office is continuing to manage the roads functions of the town of Carrigaline in totality, regardless of electoral boundaries. She will send out a map to members the extent of the engineering boundary.
Cllr O’Donnabhain asked for clarity about the Ballincollig boundary as well. Madeline Healy clarified that the estate will not be severed and will all be managed from the Area Office.
Cllr Forde said that the proposed meeting of the two MDCs for Carrigaline will be put on the agenda for next month’s meeting and in the meantime, she will speak to the Chair of the Bandon-Kinsale MDC.
Allowance for Cathaoirleach
Cllr Forde said that the Department has fixed the expenses allowance for the Chair of an MDC to be paid at a maximum rate of €6,000/annum. This figure was recommended by the CPG.
Cllr O’Laoghaire said that he found the suggested allowance excessive. He suggested an allowance of one third of that proposed by the CPG would be more appropriate. Cllr D’Alton agreed with Cllr O’Laoghaire and said that whilst travelling and other expenses were involved, €6,000/annum equates to €500/month and that this is excessive.
Cllr McGrath and Cllr O’Donnabhain requested that the decision on an allowance for the MDC Chair be deferred until next month’s meeting.
The next meeting of the MDC will be on 21st July.