NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL
COMHAIRLE AN IÚIR AGUS MHÚRN
Minutes of Monthly Meeting of the Council held on Monday 8 May 2006 at 7.00 pm in the
Boardroom, District Council Offices, Monaghan Row, Newry.
In the Chair:
Councillor P McGinn
In Attendance:
Councillor C Burns
Councillor W Burns
Councillor M Carr
Councillor C Casey
Councillor M Cole
Councillor M Connolly
Councillor B Curran
Councillor G Donnelly
Councillor J Feehan
Councillor F Feely
Councillor A Flynn
Councillor D Kennedy
Councillor I Hanna
Councillor T Hearty
Councillor A Lewis
Councillor M Mathers
Councillor J McArdle
Councillor J McCreesh
Councillor PJ McDonald
Councillor P McGinn
Councillor K McKevitt
Councillor M Murphy
Councillor C Mussen
Councillor J O’Hare
Councillor G Oliver
Councillor H Reilly
Councillor M Ruane
Councillor G Stokes
Councillor A Williamson
Also in
Attendance:
Mr T McCall, Clerk & Chief Executive
Mr E Curtis, Director of Administration
Mr R Dowey, Director of Finance
Mr M Mooney, Acting Director of Environmental Health
Mrs R Mackin, Assistant Director of Administration
(Equality Unit)
Mrs C McAteer, Committee Administrator
Mrs C White, Committee Administrator
Apologies:
Councillor J Patterson
M/140/2006:-
CONDEMNATION
(REF: M/66;SC/41 )
Councillor Reilly condemned all graffiti and parliamentary symbolism in Community Play areas
in the district and asked that the parliamentary symbolism in the Council owned play area at
Patrick Street, Newry be removed.
Mr T McCall, Clerk of Council advised the matter was in the process of being dealt with.
Councillor Carr said he would appeal to all groups to remove any symbolism erected for a special
occasion as soon as possible after the event.
M/141/2006:-
SYMPATHY
(REF: M/21)
At the request of Councillor Feely it was agreed to send a letter of sympathy to the family of the
late Mary McKeown.
Councillor Feely said Ms McKeown had been an excellent teacher at Newry Institute and was
one of only four females to qualify as an engineer from Queens University. He said she was a
vivacious person who was well loved by her students and would be very much missed. He said
she was an ardent supporter of the Armagh GAA teams and worked with the Shamrocks
Camogie Team. He also referred to her role as Vice Chair of the SDLP and said she had played a
major role in the elections.
Councillor Kennedy said he wished to offer his sincere condolence to the family and friends and
all those who worked with Ms McKeown. He said her death was very untimely and he was very
sorry that she had passed away at such a young age.
Councillor McGinn and Councillor Hearty also expressed their sincere condolences to the family
of the late Mary McKeown.
M/142/2006:-
AMBULANCE SERVICE IN SOUTH ARMAGH
(REF: G/13/3)
Councillor Hearty referred to Minute No. M/139/2006 and asked if the Fire Brigade had
responded to the Council’s request for a joint response from the Ambulance Service and the Fire
Brigade to all road traffic accidents in the South Armagh area.
Mr McCall, Clerk and Chief Executive advised that the Fire Service had confirmed an agreement
would be put in place shortly but as yet he had received no written confirmation of this.
Mr Curtis advised that he hoped to have a date for a meeting between the Slieve Gullion
Councillors, Ambulance Service and the Fire Service by the end of the week.
At the request of Councillor Hearty it was agreed to contact Mr B Greer, Ambulance Service to
see if any progress had been made regarding this issue.
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M/143/2006:-
BALLYEDMOND FORESHORE
(REF: L/7)
Mr McCall advised that the above item would not be tabled as Mr McShane, Solicitor, had
advised that he required to carry out further research in order to have a number of
recommendations for Members’ consideration. He said a Sub Committee Meeting would be
convened on Tuesday 23 May 2006 to which all Councillors were invited to discuss the matter.
Councillor Kennedy said although Lord Ballyedmond was a political associate of his, he had no
pecuniary interest in the matter and he sought to discuss the issue as Council business.
M/144/2006:-
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY 20 APRIL 2006
(REF: F/1)
Read:
Report of Finance Committee Meeting held on Thursday 20 April 2006. (Copy
circulated).
On the proposal of Councillor McDonald seconded by Councillor Flynn it was agreed to approve
the above report and the recommendations contained therein subject to the following:F/106/2006 – Playing field at Meigh - Request for exchange
of land (EDB Construction Ltd)
The Council agreed to approve the following additional recommendations arising from a Slieve
Gullion Councillors Meeting with Mr Robert Dowey, Director of Finance on Monday 8 May
2006 at 6.30 pm.
1. Slieve Gullion Councillors instruct Council Officials to consult with Shooter Property
Services to ascertain whether a sale can be made to a single developer only and to report back
to the next appropriate Finance Meeting.
2. In the event of a sale to a single developer being a possibility, an instruction be issued to the
Council’s agents to open negotiations ‘without prejudice’. Such negotiations to include the
professional reinstatement of the football pitch, taking into account the land offered by a
single developer to the Council and suitable site works to secure the site ie. palisade fencing
along Mallon’s Lane and the erection of appropriate ballstop fencing by the developer and
subject to DOE approval in the event of the sale.
F/80/2006 – Land at The Gardens, Bessbrook – Mr P Patton
At the request of Councillor Kennedy it was agreed a Fews Area Councillors Meeting be
convened to discuss the above matter and that this meeting be held in two parts, that is:First part - Fews Councillors, relevant Council Officials and Shooter Property Services
Second part - Fews Councillors, relevant Council Officials and Mr P Patton
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F/89/2006 – Shandon Park
At the request of Councillor Kennedy it was agreed the Council formally respond to Ms Mary
McArdle regarding her correspondence in relation to the proposed recreational provision for
Shandon Park/Damolly area and advise her that it was the view of the Council that her comments
were unacceptable and that it was unacceptable to blame the Council regarding this matter.
F/101/2006 – Former Killeavy Church of Ireland “Meigh”
At the request of Councillor Kennedy it was agreed that an instruction be issued to the Director
of District Development asking that this issue be kept “live” and that the issue of the potential
funding from Heritage Lottery Fund to preserve the building be pursued.
It was agreed a report regarding progress on this issue be brought back to the appropriate Council
Meeting.
M/145/2006 -
RECEPTIONS
(M/28)
On the proposal of Councillor Feehan seconded by Councillor Carr it was agreed to grant
approval for the Mayor to host a small reception in the Council Boardroom for Carnagat
Community Association.
On the proposal of Councillor Casey seconded by Councillor Carr it was agreed, in principle, to
award £200 towards the cost of hosting a reception for the launch of the H3 film to be held on
Sunday 14 May 2006 in the Omniplex, Newry subject to the completed Civic Reception
Application Form being tabled at the next appropriate meeting of the Council.
At the request of Councillor Cole it was agreed that the Mayor host a small reception with soft
drinks, crisps etc in the Boardroom for the Rowan Academy Ballet School who recently
represented Newry & Mourne at a Ballet event in England.
M/146/2006:-
NOTICE OF MOTION
(REF: M/2)
The following Notice of Motion came forward for consideration in the names of Councillors
McGinn, Carr, McArdle and Mussen.
“The Newry and Mourne District Council is deeply concerned that a UK Government
commitment to new nuclear generation will perpetuate the risks carried by communities in
Ireland as a result of radioactive discharges to the Irish Sea, nuclear transportation
through the Irish Sea, and of nuclear accidents or possible terrorist incidents.
It could also create the conditions for nuclear development on the island of Ireland with
associated direct operational hazards and radioactive waste arising.
4
Sellafield in Cumbria and Wylfa in Ynys Mon / Anglesey have both been suggested as
possible locations for new nuclear power stations on the west coast of the UK, presenting
particular risks to the Irish communities as a result of their proximity.
Newry and Mourne District Council therefore opposes the construction of nuclear power
stations throughout Britain and Ireland; urges the development of safe sustainable
renewable energy generation and greater investment in decentralised energy generation
and efficiency programmes that can create employment, improve living standards, and
more effectively tackle climate change that it is accelerating global warming; and formally
resolves to support the NFLA campaign.”.
In proposing the Notice of Motion Councillor Carr said the Council would be giving support to
the Nuclear Free Campaign against nuclear stations in Britain and, in particular, stations located
on the western coastline. He said many parties in South Down had lobbied for the closure of
Sellafield and he welcomed the fact that this motion had come as a cross party proposal with
input from the Green Party.
Councillor Carr said the Energy Review Consultation in England had closed on 14 April 2006
and both the National NFLA and the Irish NFLA had made very strong representation. He said it
was essential that the Council added their support to both these bodies. He said the argument put
forward that nuclear power was a clean energy source did not make sense and there were real
concerns regarding the handling and disposal of the end product.
In formally seconding the Motion Councillor McArdle said he believed there was a link between
the nuclear stations in Cumbria and the rise of cancer in the Newry and Mourne area. He referred
to the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl and said the fallout had had serious repercussions for the
people living in the former Russian states.
Councillor Mussen said he fully supported the Motion and believed that any investment in the
new generation of nuclear power stations was detracting from efforts to find cheap renewable
energy sources. He said Ireland had great potential for the generation of energy from wind and
said a recent ESB study had concluded that Ireland had the potential to generate 19 times more
electric power by wind alone. He said he was aware that Derry City Council had had a proposal
put to them to build a nuclear power station in the area and he found this a very worrying trend
and asked that the Council would lobby the Councillors there to stop it happening.
Councillor Mussen said he believed nuclear power was not the solution and the Council needed
to back a real energy agenda. He said to cite nuclear energy as a cheap and safe option was
unsafe and he believed this Notice of Motion was very timely.
Councillor Casey said he fully endorsed the Notice of Motion and believed that we were all
reaping the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster despite scientific reports to the contrary.
Councillor Stokes said he had been involved in a convoy of aid to southern Belarus, one of the
regions most affected by the Chernobyl disaster, and said there had been an increase in thyroid
cancers and birth defects in that area. He said he believed that the use of nuclear energy was not
worth the associated risks.
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Councillor McGinn said he fully supported this Notice of Motion and was concerned that nuclear
energy was being portrayed as the way forward. He said the British Government had constantly
ignored the concerns of representatives from Ireland with regard to the effects of nuclear power
on the population. He said he had met with the Chernobyl Action Group in Newry today and
hoped that the Council would fully support the NFLA Campaign.
Councillor Carr thanked all the Councillors for their contribution and said it was vitally important
that the Council remain part of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities Group and he asked the
Council to support the submission made by the Group to the Energy Review Consultation.
It was unanimously agreed to adopt the Motion.
M/147/2006:-
NOTICE OF MOTION
(REF: M/2)
The following Notice of Motion came forward for consideration in the names of Councillors
McGinn and Stokes:“That Newry and Mourne Council as of today is committed to meeting the six goals of
Fairtrade. The Council will also allocate responsibility for progression of the Fair Trade
City initiative to a member of staff or group of staff which will involve working and liaising
with the Newry City Fair Trade Steering Group. The Council also commits to setting up a
Fair Trade Directory advising people where they can buy or find Fair Trade mark products
– both on paper and online. The Council will commit to using Fair Trade products in its
Offices and Facilities. The Council also commits itself to lobby and assist local businesses,
community groups, charities and churches that are interested in endorsing and promoting
Fairtrade in their area.”
In formally proposing the motion Councillor McGinn asked the Council to embrace this proposal
and to take leadership in this role. He commended Belfast City Council on becoming the first
“Fair Trade” city in Ireland and said they had been working with hotels and restaurants and their
suppliers to offer Fairtrade products to their customers. He said Fairtrade was a system whereby
producers were paid a guaranteed minimum price with an additional premium paid to help the
communities in which the producers and their families lived and worked. He said Fairtrade was
not a charity handout but a fair and sustainable way of doing business and the Fairtrade mark was
awarded by Fair Trade Foundation and Fair Trade Mark Ireland.
In formally seconding the Motion Councillor Stokes said that he believed it was only fair that the
Council support this Campaign to ensure that workers on plantations received a fair wage.
Councillor Mussen said he would like to support the Notice of Motion and said Fair Trade was
part of an effort to abolish modern-day slavery. He said coffee was a commodity traded on the
world market yet coffee-plantation workers in South America were some of the most exploited
workers in the world. He said we were fortunate to live in one of the wealthiest societies in the
Western world and we must look at the plight of others in a fair manner.
Councillor Carr said he would like to add his support to the Notice of Motion but he requested
that an investigation be carried out into the cost implications of the project.
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It was agreed that members of the Council’s Environmental Health Department and Equality
Department liaise with the Officials in Belfast City Council in order to prepare a Report
regarding the cost implications and giving an outline of a programme to allow Newry & Mourne
District Council to be awarded Fair Trade status by both Fair Trade Mark Ireland and Fair Trade
Foundation, to be tabled for consideration at a Meeting of the Fair Trade Steering Group to be
held on Thursday 25 May 2006.
Councillor Curran suggested that a Fair Trade award could be made in order to encourage local
businesses and organisations to choose fair trade products and ask that this matter be considered
in the report.
M/148/2006:-
THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE
(REF: M/53)
It was agreed that each political grouping within the Council nominate 1 No. representative to
attend the Challenge of Change “Newry & Mourne District Council” Conference to be held on
Monday 5 June 2006/Wednesday 7 June 2006 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
It was further agreed that Council Officials investigate if money could be assigned from budgets
to ensure these representatives attend free of charge. It was noted that Newry & Mourne District
Council Forum Members would attend free of charge, as would the Mayor of the Council.
M/149/2006:-
NEWRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TRADE
- HISTORIC BUSINESS LUNCH
(REF: M/53)
It was agreed to appoint the following to attend the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade
Historic Business lunch to be held in the Narrow Water Castle on Wednesday 24 May 2006 at a
cost of £40 per ticket.
Councillor Curran
Councillor Feely
Councillor Casey
Councillor Williamson
Mr Gerard McGivern, Director of District Development
Mr E Curtis, Director of Administration
Councillor Curran said that the issue of ex prisoners travelling to the United States should be
raised at every opportunity.
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ROADS/WATER/NIE/MATTERS MOURNES DEA
M/150/2006:-
ROADS ISSUES IN THE KILKEEL AREA
(REF: G/4/1)
Read:
Report of Mournes Area Councillors Site Meeting with representatives from
Roads Service to discuss various road issues in the Kilkeel area held on
Thursday 30 March 2006. (Copy circulated)
The Report recommended the following:1.
Mr L Quinn, DRD Roads Service to investigate the source of the water contributing to
flooding on the Tullyframe road, Kilkeel and report back to Council thereon.
2.
DRD Roads Service to arrange to have a covered/blocked gully located midway along the
Tullyframe Road, Kilkeel cleared.
3.
DRD Roads Service to contact Rivers Agency requesting that they investigate the stream
on the side of the mountain behind Glassdrumman Chapel in order to ascertain the source
of flooding at Glassdrumman and ask that they take any necessary action required to
alleviate the problem of flooding in the vicinity. Roads Service to furnish Rivers Agency
with a map of the area indicating the stream.
4.
DRD Roads Service to arrange to have the gully located outside Ms Teece’s property
cleaned.
5.
A progress Report to be discussed at the Mournes DEA Pilot Scheme Meeting with Roads
Service and other Agencies to be held on Friday 26 May 2006 in Kilkeel Bowling Pavilion,
Kilkeel.
On the proposal of Councillor W Burns seconded by Councillor Connolly it was agreed to
approve the above Report and the recommendations contained therein.
M/151/2006:-
FLOODING AT BARTLEY PARK, KILKEEL
(REF: G/4/2)
Read:
Report of Mournes Area Councillors Site Meeting with a representative from
Water Service held on site at Nos 8 & 9 Bartley Park, Scrogg Road, Kilkeel on
Wednesday 19 April 2006. (Copy circulated)
The Report recommended the following:(1)
Water Service investigate the recurring flooding at Nos. 8, 9 and 10 Bartley Park, Scrogg
Road, Kilkeel to ensure that there is no silt or debris in the sewerage pipes and report back
to Council thereon.
(2)
Water Service to consider the Scrogg Road area for upgrading of sewerage pipes after the
Drainage Area Study has been completed.
8
On the proposal of Councillor W Burns seconded by Councillor Connolly it was agreed to
approve the above Report and the recommendations contained therein.
M/152/2006:-
MOURNES AREA COUNCILLORS PILOT SCHEME MEETING
(REF: M/157)
Read:
Report of Mournes DEA Pilot Scheme Meeting with relevant Agencies to
discuss various issues in the Mournes area held on Friday 21 April 2006. (Copy
circulated).
The Report recommended the following:Northern Ireland Housing Executive
1. NIHE to investigate the possibility of installing double glazing windows in Housing
Executive owned houses at St Pious Hill Upper, Annalong and report back to the Council
thereon.
2. Mr J Bagnall, NIHE to circulate the Mournes Councillors with the list of the houses on the
current Housing Executive Works Programme for the Kilkeel area.
3. NIHE to liaise with Traffic Management, Roads Service to investigate the possibility of
installing parking spaces in place of green areas as part of a joint scheme in Cathal Place,
Massforth and Rooney Park, Kilkeel.
4. Housing Executive to liaise with Water Service to investigate the cause of the flooding at
McGoldrick Villas, Kilkeel.
5. Housing Executive to arrange to have gullies cleared outside Nos 14 & 15 McGoldrick
Villas, Kilkeel.
Roads Service
6. Mr L Quinn to contact Traffic Management, Roads Service to investigate the concealed
entrance at Turlough’s Hill, Grove Road, Annalong and report back to Council thereon.
7. Mr S Duffy, Roads Service to re-investigate flooding issues at Nos 90 and 92 Newry Road,
Kilkeel and report back to Council thereon. Mr Duffy to also bring to this meeting
photographs of flooding at this location for Mournes Councillors information.
8. Mr L Quinn, Roads Service to contact Traffic Management, Roads Service to ask them to
liaise with the PSNI re accident report history at the junction of the Fair Road and Pier Road,
Greencastle, Kilkeel and report back to Council thereon.
9. Mr S Duffy to contact Mr L Craig, Traffic Management, Roads Service in relation to the
following traffic calming measures at Kitty’s Road, Kilkeel and report back to Council
thereon:-
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(a) Positioning of a classifier outside No 27 Kitty’s Road, Kilkeel to analyse the speed
and volume of traffic using the road.
(b) An assessment of Kitty’s Road, Kilkeel regarding the installation of traffic calming
measures.
(c) Mr Craig to furnish the Mournes Councillors with the accident history report of the
Manse Road, Harbour Road and Scrogg Road, Kilkeel.
10. Mr L Quinn, Roads Service to update Mournes Councillors on issues relating to the land
situated at the junction of Kitty’s Road and Greencastle Road, Kilkeel.
11. Roads Service to investigate the installation of a gully on the Mountain Road, Kilkeel above
the location of the new Church in order to alleviate the flooding issues at the entrance to the
Church.
12. Roads Service to investigate the possibility of the implementation of a micro-scheme to
improve access to the Silent Valley from the Head Road, Kilkeel.
13. Mr L Quinn, Roads Service to investigate the overgrown hedges on the Ballagh Road near
Dunmore Cottages, Glassdrummon and report back to Council thereon.
14. Mr S Duffy, Roads Service to investigate the changes to the work to be carried out on the
footpath on Newry Street, Kilkeel and report back to the Council thereon.
15. Mr L Quinn, Roads Service to investigate the edging on the Drumcro Road, Kilkeel with
regard to any remedial work that needs to be carried out.
16. Mr L Quinn, Roads Service to investigate potholes on the Carginagh Road, Kilkeel and to
investigate the sight lines at the junction of the new Ballinran Road and Carginagh Road,
Kilkeel.
17. Roads Service to investigate the development of a footpath along the Mill Road, Kilkeel.
18. Mr S Duffy, Roads Service to contact the Forward Planning Office, Roads Service to
investigate the possibility of a road widening scheme on the A1 at two locations between
Kilkeel and Rostrevor, the first location 400 yards on the Newry side from Tullyframe,
Kilkeel and the other location at Ballyedmond, Killowen and report back to Council thereon.
On the proposal of Councillor W Burns seconded by Councillor Connolly it was agreed to
approve the above Report and the recommendations contained therein.
Councillor Cole proposed and Councillor Feely seconded that an urgent Mournes Councillors
Meeting be convened with representatives from Northern Ireland Housing Executive to discuss
anti-social behaviour at the Fearon Close, Scrogg Road, Kilkeel.
Councillor Cole said he was concerned that the Pilot Scheme meetings would not be a success
and was concerned at the length of time between each meeting as issues often arose that had to be
dealt with urgently.
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Following discussion this proposal was ruled out of order as the Council would have have to
suspend Standing Orders to overturn the decision previously taken to implement the Pilot
Scheme in the Mournes and Newry Town Areas for a trial period of 3 months.
It was agreed that Councillor Cole’s request re: an urgent Mournes Meeting with the Northern
Ireland Housing Executive be added to the agenda for the next Mournes Area Pilot Scheme
Meeting to be held on Friday 26 May 2006.
FEWS DEA
M/153/2006:-
Read:
FLOODING OUTSIDE NO 37 LISSUMMON ROAD, NEWRY
(REF: G/4/1)
Report of Fews Councillors Site Meeting held on Thursday 13 April
2006 re: flooding at No 37 Lissummon Road, Newry. (Copy circulated)
The Report recommended the following:a)
Roads Service carry out all necessary investigative work relating to the drainage system
along Lissummon Road, in the vicinity of No. 37, (property of Mr M Rafferty) and proceed
with relevant remedial works.
b)
Roads Service to report back to the Council on the above in due course.
On the proposal of Councillor Feehan seconded by Councillor Oliver it was agreed to approve
the above Report and the recommendations contained therein.
M/154/2006:-
ODOUR PROBLEMS AT DERRYBEG COTTAGES, NEWRY
(REF: G/4/2)
Read:
Report of Fews Area Councillors Site Meeting with representatives from Water
Service held on Tuesday 25 April 2006 re: odour problem at Derrybeg
Cottages, Newry. (Copy circulated)
The Report recommended the following:a)
Water Service be requested to provide a separate sewer to serve the business premises, ie, a
foul line to bypass Derrybeg Cottages, which should remedy the problem.
b)
Water Service to provide details regarding the Consultant appointed to undertake
investigations into the odour situation at Derrybeg Cottages.
c)
On receipt of details in (b) above, the Council to contact the consultants to obtain details of
a timescale for the commencement of investigations.
d)
The Council to make representation to the relevant Minister requesting they intervene
concerning the odour situation at Derrybeg Cottages.
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On the proposal of Councillor Feehan seconded by Councillor McDonald it was agreed to
approve the above Report and the recommendation contained therein.
CROTLIEVE DEA
M/155/2006:-
Read:
ROADS AND STREET LIGHTING ISSUES IN HILLTOWN
(REF: G/4/1)
Report of Crotlieve Councillors Meeting held on Monday 24 April 2006 on site at
the entrance to Carquillan, Hilltown to discuss roads and street lighting issues.
(Copy circulated)
The Report recommended the following:1.
Roads Service investigate the ownership of land where link pavements were required to
ascertain if a scheme can be carried out to provide these footpaths. The Council to be
advised of the outcome of these investigations.
2.
Mr Kevin Murphy, Street Lighting, advise the Council if, after having visited the area, he
would agree that there was a need for additional street lights at the locations requested
On the proposal of Councillor Murphy seconded by Councillor Mussen it was agreed to approve
the above Report and the recommendations contained therein.
CORPORATE/DEMOCRATIC/ADMINISTRATION SECTION
M/156/2006:-
EQUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING
(REF: M//51/26/3)
Read:
Report of Equality Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 25 April 2006. (Copy
circulated)
On the proposal of Councillor Feely seconded by Councillor C Burns it was agreed to approve
the above report and the recommendations contained therein subject to the following changes:That the heading on page 5 “Concise Dictionary” be changed to read “Concise Directory”.
On the proposal of Councillor W Burns seconded by Councillor Carr it was agreed that the
relevant Council Officials write to the Department of the Environment to confirm if their policy
regarding the payment of mileage to Councillors had been equality proofed. He said currently if
Councillors, who have greater travelling distances from the main meeting Chamber of the
Council, attend meetings every day they exceed the mileage payment allowance. He said he
believed that this policy adversely impacted on those who lived in the more rural areas of the
District.
At the request of Councillor C Burs it was further agreed to include the issue of roaming charges
that some Councillors have to pay themselves and to state that it is their belief that there is an
12
equality issue involved. Councillor C Burns said he believed an inequality issue arose in that
MPs and MLAs get their mobile bills paid for and this can affect Councillors, who for example
may be unemployed, and cannot afford to contact various Statutory Agencies etc. on behalf of
their constituents.
Finally Councillor Curran asked that the letter refer to Councillors who are unemployed and who
find it difficult to stay within the earnings threshold for entitlement to unemployment benefit if
they attend many meetings and have to claim associated travel costs etc
M/157/2006:-
STAFF & POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
(REF: M/4/3)
Read:
Report of Staff & Policy Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 11 April 2006.
(Copy circulated)
On the proposal of Councillor Donnelly seconded by Councillor Williamson it was agreed to
approve the above Report and the recommendations contained therein.
M/158/2006:-
DAISY HILL HOSPITAL WORKING GROUP MEETING
(REF: G/13/19)
Read:
Report of Sub Committee Meeting of Daisy Hill Hospital Working Group held
on Tuesday 2 May 2006. (Copy circulated)
The Report recommended the following:a)
The following points would be raised at the forthcoming meeting with NMHSST, SHSSB,
Dpt of Health, SS&Public Safety, MLAs and MPs, in relation to the paper issued by the
Minister on Trauma Proposals:
•
To request details on initial studies and reports which would have been carried out
showing the history of trauma at Daisy Hill Hospital, prior to the preparation of the
Minister’s Paper on Trauma proposals.
•
To request figures reflecting serious accident history for the Newry and Mourne area
and wider hinterland.
•
Location of Newry - given the fact the Newry and Mourne district is close to the
Border, has the Minister taken into account that Daisy Hill Hospital already provide
services for residents South of the Border and could they not provide Trauma Services
also.
•
It is acknowledged that the NI Ambulance Service cannot provide a transfer service to
meet Government targets, especially in South Armagh and South Down. If Trauma
Services are removed from Daisy Hill the travel time will increase greatly and put
patients at greater risk. Has this been taken into account?
13
•
Road infrastructure to Belfast – this will be hampered for the next 2/3 years due to an
ongoing scheme of works. – Has this been taken into account?
•
If Trauma Services are removed the Daisy Hill Hospital will also lose the valuable
skills staff have developed over the years. How will this be addressed to ensure a
quality of service can be maintained?
•
Highlight expansion of renal services
The following was also agreed:
b)
To obtain a copy of the NMHSST response to the Departments Consultation Paper on
Trauma Proposals.
c)
Mr E Curtis Director of Administration to proceed to compile a response on behalf of
Newry & Mourne District Council to the Consultation Paper from the Department on
Trauma Proposals.
d)
A copy of Dr Ian Carson’s proposals on the future of Trauma Services, be forwarded to the
following, requesting they reply directly to the Minister:
- Peter Murray Newry & Mourne Leader Company
- Peter Kearns ICTU
M/159/2006:-
SEALING OF DOCUMENTS
(REF: M/65)
Councillor Feehan proposed and Councillor W Burns seconded that the Mayor and Chief
Executive of the Council sign and seal the following documents on behalf of the Council:Altnaveigh House Trust (2005) Limited – Contribution agreement £100,000
Newry & District Wildfowlers – Licence
Saval GFC – Supplementary Contribution Agreement £10,000
St Patrick’s GFC, Cullyhanna – Supplementary Contribution Agreement £10,000
Peadar O’Doirnin GFC – Second Contribution £10,000
M/160/2006:-
Read:
REQUEST FROM BELFAST TELEGRAPH RE: LEGISLATION TO
SCRAP REMISSION FOR DANGEROUS SEX OFFENDERS
(REF: M/2/1)
Letter dated 27 April 2006 from the Belfast Telegraph urging all Councillors to
pass a motion supporting the campaign for the abolition of 50% remission for
serious sex offenders and calling on Criminal Justice Minister David Hansen to
immediately bring forth legislation to scrap such remission for dangerous sex
offenders. The letter also requested permission for a petition to be placed
prominently at the City Hall or Council Offices for people to sign. (Copy
circulated)
14
On the proposal of Councillor Kennedy seconded by Councillor Donnelly it was agreed to
support the campaign and to grant permission for the petition to be placed prominently in Council
Offices and Council owned premises for people to sign.
Councillor Curran said this was only one step on a long ladder and said that more realistic
sentences should be imposed upon sex offenders.
M/161/2006:-
CONSULTATION EVENT ON THE DRAFT NATIONAL STRATEGIC
REFERENCE FRAMEWORK
(REF: G/4/55)
Councillor O Hare said she had been appointed to attend the above event to be held in the
Guildhall, Derry on Tuesday 9 May 2006 but was now unable to attend.
It was agreed Councillor Carr attend this event in place of Councillor O Hare if he was able to do
so.
M/162/2006:-
RUBBISH AT MARTIN’S LANE
(REF: SC/1/2)
Councillor D Kennedy referred to illegal dumping at Martin’s Lane and the steps over the bypass,
near St Malachy’s Primary School, Carnaget and requested that this rubbish be removed and the
area cleaned up.
It was agreed that Mr L Dinsmore, Management Services Officer ensure that the rubbish was
removed as a matter of urgency.
M/163/2006:-
BOWLING GREENS
(REF: BG/4; BG/7)
Councillor Kennedy referred to the condition of the bowling greens at both Kilkeel Bowling
Pavilion and Bessbrook Bowling Pavilion.
At the request of Councillor Kennedy it was agreed to convene a Fews Area Councillors Meeting
with Mr J McCorry, Director of Technical/Leisure Services, appropriate Council Officials and
representatives from Bessbrook Bowling Club to discuss the condition of Bessbrook Bowling
Green.
M/164/2006:-
EMPTYING OF BLACK BINS AT CIVIC AMENITY SITES
(REF: SC/1)
Councillor W Burns referred to a sign that had recently been erected at the Kikeel Civic Amenity
Site which prohibited the emptying of black bins. He said he was concerned that many people
who may have missed the kerbside collection would be unable to empty their bins at the site and
would have to wait until the next collection date.
Councillor Kennedy said he was aware that this was often the situation at Camlough Civic
Amenity Site.
15
It was agreed that Mr J McCorry, Director of Technical/Leisure Services investigate this matter
and contact Councillor W Burns and Councillor Kennedy to clarify the situation.
M/165/2006:-
ENERGY AGENCY, FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL, DUBLIN
(REF: G/4/26)
Councillor Mussen referred to a recent joint application made on behalf of Newry & Mourne
District Council and Fingal County Council for the creation of an Energy Agency. He said
unfortunately the application had been unsuccessful but it had been agreed to forge links between
Newry & Mourne District Council and Fingal County Council with regard to the matter of the
establishment of an Energy Agency.
It was agreed that Mr M Mooney, Acting Director of Environmental Health arrange a study visit
to Fingal County Council and invite the following to attend:Members of the Environmental Control Committee
Mr F Somerville, Director of Building Control
Mr G McGivern, Director of District Development
Mr J McCorry, Director of Technical/Leisure Services
Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Amongst items for discussion will be the following areas of mutual benefit:1.
2.
3.
4.
To consider if the new joint application between Newry and Mourne Council and Fingal
County Council can be submitted under a new round of funding for the
creation of an
Energy Agency.
To investigate the generation of electricity by land turbines on landfill sites.
The lobbying of government departments re: the investigation of renewable sources
of energy.
To discuss Fingal County Council’s policy of installing at least one item of renewable
energy source in all new builds.
M/165/2006:-
REMOVAL OF BUS SHELTER FROM THE ALT, HILLTOWN
(M/20)
Councillor Mussen referred to the recent removal of a bus shelter from The Alt, Hilltown and
said that he was aware that the Council had been asked to remove the shelter, which was on
private property. He said however local parents were very irate that they had been given no
warning before its removal.
It was agreed that Mr E McManus, Assistant Director of Techncial/Leisure Services contact the
local landowner with a view to finding a temporary solution to the problem.
At the request of Councillor O’Hare it was agreed the original bus shelter that was removed be
kept in storage until an alternative site becomes available.
16
M/166/2006:-
RE-TARRING OF CARN ROAD/CREAMERY ROAD,
CROSSMAGLEN
(REF: G/4/1)
At the request of Councillor Hearty it was agreed to convene a Slieve Gullion Councillors Site
Meeting with Water Service, Roads Service and local residents re: Re-tarring of Carn Road and
Creamery Road, Crossmaglen.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 9.30 pm.
FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL TO BE
HELD ON MONDAY 5 JUNE 2006.
SIGNED:
_______________
Mayor of Council
_____________________
Clerk & Chief Executive
17
NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL
PURPOSE OF MEETING:
Monthly Meeting of the Council
VENUE :
Boardroom, District Council Offices, Monaghan Row
DATE:
Monday 8 May 2006
Name of Councillor
Time of
Arrival
Time of
Leaving
Burns C
Burns W J
Carr M
Casey C
Cole M J
Connolly M
Curran B
Donnelly G
Feehan J W
Feely F
Flynn A
Hanna I B
Hearty T
Kennedy D
Lewis A B
Mathers M
McArdle J
McCreesh J P
McDonald PJ
McGinn P
McKevitt K
Murphy M
Mussen C
O’Hare J
Oliver G
Patterson J
Reilly H
Ruane M
Stokes G
Williamson A V
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.15
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
9.30
9.30
9.30
9.30
58
2
52
54
48
6
49
8
10
59
12
42
55
44
35
56
47
37
38
26
53
39
Meeting
Duration
Officials in attendance:
Time of Arrival:
T McCall
E Curtis
R Dowey
Signed: Catherine White
Travel
Time
To/From
Home
Mileage
Same
Day
Meeting
Total
Time
Time of Leaving:
M Mooney
Date:
R Mackin C McAteer
8 May 2006
18
C White
Amount
Payable