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Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Meath County Council held on
Monday 6th March 2006 in Council Chamber, Navan
An Cathaoirleach Councillor Brian Fitzgerald presided.
Members Present:
Councillors Charles Bobbett, Joseph Bonner, Patrick Boshell, Phillip Cantwell,
Willie Carey, Shane Cassells, Eugene Cassidy, Jimmy Cudden, Jenny D’Arcy,
Anne Dillon Gallagher, John V. Farrelly, Jimmy Fegan, Michael Gallagher,
Dominic Hannigan, Jim Holloway, Tom Kelly, Nick Killian, Noel Leonard,
Michael Lynch, James Mangan, Liz Mc.Cormack, Seamus Murray, Patsy O’
Neill, Bryan Reilly, Joe Reilly, Tommy Reilly.
Officials in Attendance:
County Manager: Tom Dowling
Directors of Services: Brendan McGrath, Jackie Maguire, Kevin Stewart,
Eugene Cummins.
Head of Finance: Fiona Lawless
Senior Planner: Rachel Kenny
Senior Executive Planner: Wendy Moffett,
Senior Executive Officers: Larry Whelan, Michael Arthurs
A / Meetings Administrator: Mary Maguire
Apologies:
Councillors Oliver Brooks, Peter Higgins
1.0
Confirmation of Minutes
1.1
Confirmation of Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 6th February 2006
The minutes of the full council of meeting held on 6th February 2006,
were confirmed on the proposition of Councillor James Mangan, seconded
by Councillor Patsy O’ Neill
2.0
Expressions of Sympathy and Congratulations
The following expressions of sympathy were passed with:
2.1
Paul Monahan, Duleek Area Office on the death of his father Patrick
Monahan, RIP.
2.2
Sandra Dixon, Housing Section on the death of her grandmother Tess
Walsh, RIP
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2.3
Jimmy Young, Building Control on the death of his sister-in-law Dinah
Young, RIP
2.4
Stephanie Martin, Human Resources on the death of her father Seamus
Martin, RIP
The following expressions of congratulations were passed:
3.0
2.5
To all those who worked on the successful Meetings Administration
Project, Merit Winner in the Inside Government - Innovation through
Technology Awards 2006.
2.6
To Deputy Wallace on her recent appointment as Minister of State for
Agriculture, with responsibility for Forestry.
2.7
To Navan Town Council on the recent improvement works at Railway St.
Navan.
Request to Suspend Standing Orders
At this point An Cathaoirleach, with the resolution of the members, agreed to a
request from Councillor Tommy Reilly for a suspension of Standing Orders to
discuss the 2006 Roads Programme, which Councillor Tommy Reilly
suggested, had not been properly discussed with management and which the
Navan Area members would not support. It was agreed to take Item 6.2.1 in
tandem with this suspension
Members from all areas engaged in the debate.
Navan Area members referred in particular to:
the high population within their area and the consequent high level
of vehicles

most HGVs pass through the Navan area network

the condition of many county roads in the area – incapacity of
many roads to take traffic volumes – need to have dedicated
patching team on these roads

the fact that some monies identified in the 2006 programme is
already spent

new contingencies provision

insufficient allocation from central government and internal
allocation of those funds

meetings held in relation to Roads Programme without the benefit
of infrastructural personnel present.

need to request additional funding from central government
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In the debate that ensued the following points were raised:
a meeting held earlier today with Kells members at which
agreement on programme was reached with reservation : Kells
area having the greatest amount of Class 3 roads and that a
commitment given at budget was not honoured, necessitating that
meeting

the high level of quarrying and extraction activity in the Trim area
and the effect on roads in their area.

all areas having specific roads requiring particular attention

if VFM is being sought and achieved

whether central government is satisfied that the council is doing
enough to help itself, albeit that high rate increases has been
criticized by central government in the past.

poor allocation for general bridges – suggested funding from levies

more VRT funds should be used for roads – size of vehicles, cost
of road material

level of DTO funding very poor – need for greater park n ride etc

recent favourable decision of the High Court on the M3

the council’s own capacity to deliver such an amount of works

whether the council was using monies identified for road projects
elsewhere

suggestion that deputation meet with Minister for Environment ,
Heritage and Local Government.

request that letter issue to DTO in relation to Park n Ride
proposals for Laytown before next meeting
Responding to the debate Eugene Cummins, Director of Services indicated that
the 2006 Roads Programme was the most balanced programme in recent years
and reflects priorities and difficulties, which were identified over the past year.
He indicated that the Navan allocation reflected a significant increase in funding
– the largest increase in any one area, which in real terms was from €6.1 m in
2005 to €7.2m in 2006. He said he attended a Navan Town Council & Area
meeting and noted that Navan Area allocation has the biggest allocation from
EU Co Financed Improvement Grant money. He also indicated that significant
monies had also been earmarked for various projects in the Navan area that
reflected the priority given to Navan as the county town.
In relation to Kells issues Mr. Cummins indicated that the council would honour
any commitments given in the past. He indicated that Meath County council
does well from DTO funding: in excess of €1m for QBC in 2005 and €1-2 m
this year for another QBC in Dunshaughlin. The amount identified in the
programme is our element of administrative costs. Mr. Cummins confirmed that
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2006 works are already one month ahead of schedule on previous years. He also
explained that where appropriate, departmental approval is received to carry
over expenditure on 2005 budgets into 2006 budgets and this would explain the
apparent anomaly.
County Manager Tom Dowling referred to the positive and balanced €118 m
programme of works outlined and a 13% increase in the council’s own
resources therein. He confirmed that management approved the proposed
allocation before it is presented to the areas and that there is no question of
monies identified for roads being redirected to other projects. He confirmed
that any commitments given were honored and also informed the members that
money put back from VRT is greater than that raised locally.
Following a proposal from Councillor Nick Killian, seconded by Councillor
Charles Bobbett, the Road Works Programme was put to a Roll Call vote as
follows:
For 17
Against 9
Absent 3
Councillor
Vote
Cllr. Charles Bobbett
For
Cllr. Joseph Bonner
For
Cllr. Patrick Boshell
For
Cllr. Oliver Brooks
Absent
Cllr. Phillip Cantwell
For
Cllr. William Carey
For
Cllr. Shane Cassells
No
Cllr. Eugene Cassidy
For
Cllr. Jimmy Cudden
For
Cllr. Jenny Darcy
No
Cllr. Anne Dillon-Gallagher
For
Cllr. John Farrelly
For
Cllr. Jimmy Fegan
For
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Cllr. Brian Fitzgerald
For
Cllr. Michael Gallagher
No
Cllr. Dominic Hannigan
For
Cllr. Peter Higgins
Absent
Cllr. James Holloway
No
Cllr. Tom Kelly
No
Cllr. Nick Killian
For
Cllr. Noel Leonard
For
Cllr. Michael Lynch
Absent
Cllr. James Mangan
No
Cllr. Liz McCormack
For
Cllr. Seamus Murray
For
Cllr. Patsy O'Neill
No
Cllr. Joe Reilly
No
Cllr. Bryan Reilly
For
Cllr. Tommy Reilly
No
The 2006 Road Works Scheme as presented was approved and it was further
agreed on the proposition of Councillor Carey, seconded by Councillor Farrelly
2006 to request a deputation to the Minister for Environment , Heritage and
Local Government to discuss central funding for roadworks
4.0
Correspondence
The following items as circulated were noted by the members
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4.1
Circular Letter LG 05/2006 – Training Programme for Elected Members
of Strategic Policy Committees.
4.2
Correspondence received from the Department of Community, Rural and
Gaeltacht Affairs in relation to RAPID Local Authority Housing Estate
Enhancement Scheme 2007/2008
The members noted that this referred in particular to the RAPID
Programme in Navan which has competed its third year and which is
being co-ordinated by Town Engineer Pat Kinsella and Community
Development Officer, Kevin O’Loughlin.
4.3
Correspondence received from the Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government in relation to Southern and Eastern
Regional Operational Programme 2000-2006 Urban & Village Renewal.
4.4
Correspondence from Fondúireacht an Phiarsaigh (Pádraig Pearse Award
2006 Nominations)
4.5
Addendum - Correspondence from DoEHLG re Rural water Programme:
Block Grant Allocation 2006
It was suggested that many rural areas in the county have an inadequate
water supply and that an audit of the supplies was proposed some time
ago. It was also suggested that Lough Bracken scheme should benefit
from the €650 m allocation for Design Build Operate Proposals. (Details
of public lighting audit was also requested at this point).
Eugene Cummins Director of Services outlined details of application to
the Department for funding for 2006 for the following Schemes that are in
progress or substantially completed:
Water Schemes






Drumcondrath Water Supply Imp. Scheme €225,000 (Scheme in
progress)
Enfield Water Supply €365,000 (Scheme in progress)
Navan Water Supply €64,000 (Scheme substantially completed)
Slane Water Supply €15,000 (Scheme in progress)
Dunboyne Water Supply Augementation €92,000 (Scheme in
progress)
Ballivor Water Supply €22,000 (Scheme in progress)
Sewerage Schemes


Blackcastle Pumping Stations €113,000
Oldcastle Sewerage €49,000 (works in progress)
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

Kildalkey Sewerage €15,000 (works substantially completed)
Hill of Tara Treatment Plant €11,000 (substantially completed)
In response to the query on public lighting Mr. Cummins indicated that
the audit is in progress, that meetings have taken place with the ESB who
see Meath County Council as “preferred customers”, and who have
committed to installing all outstanding orders by October 2006
4.6
Addendum - NRA Circular: 02/2006 re Service and Rest Areas for
Motorways and Dual Carriageways.
Noting this item, it was suggested that the NRA is refusing to erect notices
indicating an alternative route to the Toll Plaza on the M4 and that service
providers along that route are being adversely affected.
It was initially suggested to write to the NRA in relation to services at
Clonard and Moyvalley but it was agreed that this would be an item for
discussion between the NRA and the new Meath County Council steering
committee.
It was similarly noted that there is no safe rest area along the M1.
5.0
Report from Protocol Committee
5.1
Meath Investment Showcase: Meath A better Business Direction, March
8th 2006.
An Cathaoirleach and the County Manager updated the members of the
format for the day, advised them of the programme and reiterated the
invitation to all to attend at leisure throughout the day. They also
reminded the members of the need to send out positive vibes about the
county to everyone.
5.2
Wireless Connection Update
The members were advised of progress in relation to the wireless network
access for members. Replacement of the (9) MCC members’ obsolete
laptops is planned to be complete this month and remaining laptops to be
configured to access the wireless network. 11 will have new wireless
network cards installed.
Cost for this element from balance of 2005 Members expenses as agreed
by members through Protocol Committee is €14,385.
5.3
Update on arrangements for Civic Honour for Sean Boylan.
It is proposed that the event scheduled for Sunday 23rd April 2006 will be
a three-strand event as follows:
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1. Council Chamber for signing register and receiving ceremonial scroll,
which is being prepared
2. Dunboyne Village for Street reception to facilitate crowd.
Entertainment to be arranged in line with former “home coming” events
3. Reception in Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa Carnival. Guest list being
prepared in conjunction with the Boylan family.
5.4
To consider commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Easter Rising
1916.
The Protocol committee recommended that the occasion be marked in
similar fashion to the 75th anniversary: Tree Planting ceremony by An
Cathaoirelach and Leas Cathaoirleach in the grounds of County Hall,
during the April meeting.
6.0
Disposal of Lands in accordance with Statutory Notices as circulated
pursuant to the provisions of Section 183 of the Local Government Act,
2001.
The sale of lands in accordance with Statutory Notices pursuant to the
provisions of Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 were approved by
the members.
7.0
Other Statutory Business
7.1
Planning & Economic Development
7.1.1
To agree a date in April for a special meeting of the Council to
receive a presentation on a draft County Development Plan in
respect of objectives at large cincluding Conservation, Landscape
Character Assessment and housing strategy.
It was agreed, on the recommendation of the Corporate Policy
Group, to hold a full special meeting of the council to receive a
presentation on the draft County Development Plan shall be held
on Friday 7th April 2006 at 2.00pm.
7.1.2
To resolve to agree in accordance with Section 9 (3) (a) of the
Planning & Development Act 2000 to the proposal by Kells Town
Council to make a single development plan for the Kells Town
Council functional area and the environs of Kells.
The Council resolved to agree in accordance with Section 9 (3) (a)
of the Planning & Development Act 2000 to the proposal by Kells
Town Council to make a single development plan for the Kells
Town Council functional area and the environs of Kells on the
proposition of Councillor John Farrelly and seconded by
Councillor Bryan Reilly.
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7.1.3
To resolve to enter into an agreement with Kells Town Council
under Section 9 (3) (b) of the Planning & Development Act 2000
whereby Meath County Council will carry out all administrative
functions associated with the preparation of the Kells Development
Plan including the preparation of all statements, reports plans
maps, statutory notices and any other documents required for this
purpose.
The Council resolved to enter into an agreement with Kells Town
Council under Section 9 (3) (b) of the Planning & Development
Act 2000 whereby Meath County Council will carry out all
administrative functions associated with the preparation of the
Kells Development Plan including the preparation of the Kells
Development Plan including the preparation of all statements,
reports plans maps, statutory notices and any other documents
required for this purpose on the proposition of Councillor Joe
Reilly and seconded by Councillor Bryan Reilly.
7.1.4
To resolve in accordance with the provisions of Section 11 (4) ( c)
of the Planning & Development Act 2000 that the Kells Area
Council shall be the committee authorised by the Council to
receive the Manager’s report (as required under S.11 (4) (a) of the
act) and to issue directions to the manager regarding the
preparation of the draft Kells Development Plan (as required under
S.11 (4) (d) of the Act).
The Council resolved in accordance with the provisions of Section
11 (4) (c ) of the Planning & Development Act 2000 that the Kells
Area Council shall be the committee authorized by the Council to
receive the Manager’s report (as required under S.11 (4) (a) of the
act) and to issue directions to the manager regarding the
preparation of the draft Kells Development Plan (as required under
S.11 (4) (d) of the Act) on the proposition of Councillor John
Farrelly and seconded by Councillor Bryan Reilly.
7.1.5
To receive a presentation regarding a draft Framework Plan for
Stamullen prepared generally in accordance with local objectives
STA 6, 9 and 10 in the East Meath Local Area Plan – South and a
proposed variation (No. 1) to the said Plan to facilitate the
incorporation and implementation of the Framework Plan
objectives and if thought fit to resolve to place the Variation on
public display.
The Council agreed to place on public display a draft Framework
Plan for Stamullen on the proposition of Councillor Tom Kelly and
seconded by Councillor Jimmy Cudden. In the course of the
discussion the Slane electoral area members thanked all the
stakeholders involved.
7.1.6
To receive a presentation on a proposal to upgrade the Stamullen
Waste Water Treatment System to cater for a population equivalent
of 6,500 pe.
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The Council approved to put on public display proposals for the
upgrade of the Stamullen Waste Water Treatment System on the
proposition of Councillor Tom Kelly and seconded by Councillor
Ann Dillon Gallagher.
7.1.7
To consider Taking in Charge of the following Estate/Road –
Beechdale Est, Dunboyne, as recommended by the Dunshaughlin
Electoral Area Members on the 20th February 2006
Following a proposal from Councillor Noel Leonard, seconded by
Councillor Charles Bobbett, the members agreed to the taking in
charge of the following Estate/Road – Beechdale Est, Dunboyne,
as recommended by the Dunshaughlin Electoral Area Members.
7.1.8
To consider report in accordance with Part VIII of the Planning &
Development Regulations 2001 to construct service roads and
footpaths and extend services at Eamonn Duggan Industrial Estate,
Athboy Road, Trim, Co. Meath.
Following a proposal from Councillor Jimmy Fegan, seconded by
Councillor Willie Carey, the members agreed to proceed with the
recommendation as outlined in the report of the Senior Executive
Planner.
7.2
Infrastructure
7.2.1
To adopt the Road Works Scheme 2006
See above
7.2.2
To consider Draft Special Speed Limits Bye laws for the N2
Finglas to Ashbourne Road Scheme, scheduled to open in May
2006 in accordance with Section 9 Road Traffic Act 2004.
(Circulated)
Noting that this was discussed and agreed at area level and
following a proposal from Councillor Nick Killian, seconded by
Councillor Charles Bobbett, the members agreed to place on public
display the Draft Special Speed limits Bye laws for the N2 Finglas
to Ashbourne Road Scheme.
7.3
Finance
7.3.1
Meath County Council resolves to exercise its power under Section
66 of the Local Government Act 2001 by advancing a loan to Kells
Community Enterprse Co Ltd of €2.5 million for the purpose of
constructing the Kells Enterprise and Technology Centre.
The Council resolved to exercise its power under Section 66 of the
Local Government Act 2001 by advancing an interim loan to Kells
Community Enterprise Co Ltd of €2.5 million for the purpose of
constructing the Kells Enterprise and Technology Centre, on the
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proposition of Councillor John Farrelly and seconded by
Councillor Bryan Reilly.
8.0
Notice of Questions
8.1
Submitted by Councillor Dominic Hannigan
“Can the Manager provide a county-wide list of the estates which have
applied to be taken in charge and provide us with a timescale for the
inspection and taking in charge process for each of these estates”.
The following response was circulated.
9.0
Notices of Motion
9.1
Submission by the Slane Electoral Area (deferred from the February
Meeting)
"The Slane Area Members call on their colleagues in Meath County
Council to support a request to the Minister of the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government to provide a waste water treatment plant at
Gormanston, County Meath.”
The motion was passed on the proposition of Councillor Jimmy Cudden
and seconded by Councillor Ann Dillon Gallagher.
9.2
Submission by the Trim Electoral Area.
“That Meath County Council introduce bye-laws, in the village of Enfield,
preventing the entry of Heavy Goods Vehicles into the village, save those
making deliveries to village properties and that proceedings to introduce
same be commenced forthwith.”
The motion, which ultimately approved the commencement of the process
to make bye-laws, was passed on the proposition of Councillor Willie
Carey and seconded by Councillor Seamus Murray.
Noting that the council could be the first to make byelaws the matter has
been referred to the legal advisers to advise on the appropriate mechanism
to use in this instance, which will include consultation with the Gardai.
Members requested that similar advise be sought in relation to similar
proposals for Dunboyne Village and Mill Rd in East Meath.
9.3
Submission by the Trim Electoral Area
“That Meath County Council seek the introduction of a special speed limit
of 30km per hour along the entire length of Patrick Street in Trim. This
speed limit should be introduced to recognise the high degree of
interaction between pedestrian traffic and vehicular traffic along this
street. I am requesting that my colleaques would have regard for the fact
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that the street serves three schools, one hospital, one health centre and the
Catholic Church. In particular, recognition should be given to the fact that
one of the schools namely, St Mary’s Girls’ Primary School has building
on both sides of the road, necessitating the frequent transfer of young
children across this heavily trafficked road”.
The motion was passed on the proposition of Councillor Jimmy Fegan and
seconded by Councillor Phillip Cantwell.
10.0 Matters Arising from the Minutes.
11.0 Schedule of Manager’s Orders.
11.1 Schedule of Manager’s Orders – Infrastructure
11.2 Schedule of Manager’s Orders – Environment
The executive answered queries raised in relation to MO19/2006.
11.3 Schedule of Manager’s Orders – Housing Construction
11.4 Schedule of Manager’s Orders – Community & Enterprise
11.5 Schedule of Manager’s Orders – Corporate Services
12.0 Any Other Business
Problems with signage along the Clonee Bye-Pass were identified.
SIGNED:
…………………………………………….
Cathaoirleach
DATE:
Meath County Council
………………………………………….
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