NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL COMHAIRLE AN IÚIR AGUS MHÚRN

Transcription

1 NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL COMHAIRLE AN IÚIR AGUS MHÚRN Minutes of the District Development Committee Meeting of the Council held on Monday 13 December 2010 at in the Boardroom, Monaghan Row, Newry. In the Chair: In Attendance: Officials in Attendance: Apologies Councillor P McDonald Councillor C Burns Councillor M Carr Councillor C Casey Councillor B Curran Councillor G Donnelly Councillor J Feehan Councillor F Feely Councillor A Flynn Councillor C Mussen Councillor T Hearty Councillor M Mathers Councillor J McArdle Councillor D McCauley Councillor J McCreesh Councillor S O Hare Councillor K McKevitt Councillor M Murphy Councillor G Oliver Councillor J Patterson Councillor H Reilly Councillor S Rogers Councillor M Ruane Councillor G Stokes Councillor A Williamson Mr T McCall, Clerk & Chief Executive Mr G McGivern, Director of District Development Mr E Curtis, Director of Administration Mr J McCorry, Director of Technical/Leisure Services Mr J Finnegan, Internal Auditor Mrs M Morrow, Committee Administrator Cllr W Burns 1

2 DD/224/2010:- MINUTES On the proposal of Councillor Williamson seconded by Councillor Donnelly the Minutes of the District Development Committee Meeting which was held on Monday 22 November were adopted as a true and accurate record. DD/225/2010:- MATTERS ARISING There were no matters arising. FINANCE ITEMS DD/226/2010:- TREASURER S ADVICE SHEET NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: F/1) Treasurers advice sheet in respect of payment for the month of November 2010 (Copy circulated) On the proposal of Councillor Reilly seconded by Councillor Feely it was agreed to approve payments in the month of November 2010 in the sum of 482, and 1,660, DD/227/2010:- EXAMINATION OF ACCOUNTS - NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: F/1) Examination of Accounts in respect of manual payments for month of November (Copy circulated) On the proposal of Councillor Reilly seconded by Councillor Feely it was agreed to approve payments in the month of November 2010 in the sum of 462, DD/228/2010:- IMPREST GENERAL REVENUE NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: F/1) General Revenue payment made through the Imprest General Account for the month of November (Copy circulated) On the proposal of Councillor Reilly seconded by Councillor Feely it was agreed to approve payments made to the Imprest General Revenue Account for the month of November 2010 in the sum of 11, NOTICES OF MOTION DD/229/2010:- NOTICE OF MOTION The following Notice of Motion came forward in the names of Councillors S O Hare, K McKevitt and G Donnelly:- 2

3 That Council calls upon the Department of Regional Development to introduce a statutory process that would assure The gritting of all main streets and heavily used side streets within cities, towns, villages and built up areas. The salting of footpaths in the vicinity of sheltered accommodation. The gritting of all school routes used by public and private school buses. The clearing and gritting of unclassified rural roads that have been snow/ice bound for 36 hours or more. Councillor O Hare proposed and Councillor McKevitt seconded the Notice of Motion. In proposing the Notice of Motion Councillor O Hare said roads had been impassable with schools closed and no school buses available. He said there had been no postal deliveries or milk deliveries and it was an emergency situation whereby people had been hemmed into their houses for more than 36 hours and he felt that the roads should have been cleared. Councillor Feely said he supported the motion. He said schools and buildings had been closed down and people could not get to their places of work. He said operations had been cancelled due to hospitals having to deal with those injured after falling in the snow and ice. He said there was a need to know who was responsible for clearing the snow and ice from areas in Newry and asked was it DRD or the Council. Councillor Feely added that the Health Centre area in Newry was not cleared and neither was the car park at the Gateway Club. Councillor Reilly said he also supported the motion however he said DRD could not do all this work alone and there would have to be more emphasis on selfhelp. Councillor Reilly added that the salt bins in Kilkeel Centre had disappeared after the first Environmental Improvement Scheme which was 11 years ago and these should be returned. Councillor Patterson said he also supported the motion. He said everyone was affected by the recent snowfall including those in estates in local towns and villages. He said the Department for Regional Development needed to put out more salt as members of the public were wiling to spread it. Councillor Curran agreed saying he also supported the motion. He said he would like to see all roads cleared in the area but asked where the funding for this work would come from. Councillor Curran added that dozens of members of the public had fallen in one particular area at Cornmarket in Newry. He said he and other Councillors had offered to spread grit in the area. Councillor Curran concluded by saying that it was unreasonable to expect residents to take their bins to the end of roads for collection as they were in danger of falling and injuring themselves on the snow or ice. 3

4 Councillor Donnelly said she also supported the motion. She said the country had come to a standstill and she asked for clarification on indemnification of people in rural areas who were clearing snow. Councillor Donnelly added that she had received complaints from residents on Concession Road, Crossmaglen, who said gritters were out on the road but no grit was being distributed from the vehicle. Councillor Donnelly concluded by saying she wished to praise Cindy Noble, Section Engineer in Newry s Roads Service Office, who was available at all times to answer queries. Councillor Hearty said he also supported the motion but did not know where the money would come from to achieve all this. He said two firemen in Crossmaglen could not get out to go to work. Councillor Hearty said there were 136 gritters and 11 snow blowers in the entire area and the gritters were out all day therefore the only solution would be to buy more gritters. He said committees in Stormont needed to be lobbied on this issue. Councillor Hearty said he and others had transported grit to certain points for Roads Service around Crossmaglen and there had been a great community spirit. Councillor McCreesh said he supported the motion and agreed with Councillor Reilly that there needed to be more self-help. He said areas had been identified where grit could be stored and farmers could then use this to grit the roads. Councillor McCreesh added that when he tried to contact the Newry office of Roads Service on Saturday 4 December, their phone was redirected to their Armagh Office. Councillor McCauley said residents in Kilkeel had contacted him to say that salt bins were lifted to be filled and were not returned. He said the residents reported that it was a Council-owned lorry which took away the salt bins. Councillor McCauley said Council should use radio stations to pass on information in a situation such as this. Councillor McArdle said there was no statutory obligation for DRD to clear snow off pathways however he believed it was DRD s responsibility to do this work. Councillor McArdle added that there were a record number of injuries in the area. Councillor Rogers said, with greater consultation between Council and DRD, it could be possible to store grit at certain points eg amenity sites. He said those people contracted by Council to cut hedges in the summer could be used in the winter to help clear the roads. Councillor Stokes also paid tribute to Cindy Noble from Roads Service. He said there had been problems regarding a funeral taking place from Windmill Road in Newry and, after contacting Ms Noble, these issues had been sorted out very quickly. Councillor O Hare concluded by saying that the Council does not want to be in this position in 10 years time. 4

5 It was unanimously agreed to adopt the Resolution with the addition that sites be identified in rural areas where grit could be left in large enough amounts so that local people could spread it on the roads. DD/230/2010:- NOTICE OF MOTION The following notice of motion came forward in the names of Councillors C Casey and J McCreesh:- In light of the outcome of a recent meeting with Minister Connor Murphy MP MLA Minister for Regional Development and NILGA in relation to the gritting of footpaths and the recent statement issued by the Minister as a result of the meeting we call on this Council to support the proposals put forward by Minister Murphy and we enter into the voluntary arrangement, whereby local Councils that undertake such work are fully indemnified. All of this will be subject to specifications laid down by DRD and Council. Councillor Casey said when this Notice of Motion was submitted negotiations were on-going with the Department for Regional Development and he now wished to withdraw the motion. It was agreed that the above Notice of Motion be withdrawn. DD/231/2010:- LETTER DATED 29 NOVEMBER 2010 FROM ROADS SERVICE (REF: G/4/1) Letter dated 29 November 2010 from Roads Service re Proposals for partnering arrangements for the removal of snow and ice from town centre footways and pedestrian areas (Copy Circulated) Discussion took place regarding the proposals for removal of snow and ice from town centre footways and pedestrian areas and the arrangements which had been implemented during early December. Mr McCorry advised that he had met with local Roads Service representatives and discussed liability and costs. He said the issue of insurance cover had been resolved with Council s insurers. On the proposal of Councillor Patterson seconded by Councillor McCreesh the following was agreed: 1. During periods of extreme winter weather, ie, snow, frost, ice, Council Cleansing and Grounds Service will continue to clear snow and ice and treat all Council facilities in the first instance 2. When Council areas have been treated, then other footpaths at vulnerable locations should be targeted, ie, elderly homes, churches, doctors surgeries, hospital, etc. 5

6 3. Following completion of (1) and (2) above, consideration is then given to treating of retail areas as defined by Roads Service who will supply salt/grit from them. COMMUNITY SPORT AND PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS DD/232/2010:- REPORT OF COMMUNITY SPORT AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 24 NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: R/S 269) Report of Community Sport and Public Works Committee Meeting held on 24 November (Copy Circulated) On the proposal Councillor Reilly seconded by Councillor McCauley it was agreed to approve the above report and the recommendations contained therein. DD/233/2010:- REPORT OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING - 24 NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: M/8) REPORT OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING - 24 NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: M/8) Report of Sports Development Committee Meeting held on 24 November 2010 (Copy Circulated) Report of Sports Development Executive Committee Meeting held on 24 November 2010 (Copy Circulated) On the proposal of Councillor Feehan seconded by Councillor Williamson it was agreed to approve the above Reports and the recommendations contained therein. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS DD/234/2010:- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 1 DECEMBER 2010 (REF: M/4/2) Report of Economic Development Committee Meeting held on 1 December 2010 (Copy Circulated) Mr McGivern advised that at the Economic Development Committee Meeting it had been agreed Council would provide public liability insurance for the 6

7 Christmas lights on the DRD owned tree at Mayobridge Village Centre for 2010 however this had been omitted from the report. Councillor Rogers asked that his name be added to the attendance list for the Economic Development Committee Meeting held on 1 December On the proposal of Councillor Patterson seconded by Councillor McKevitt it was agreed to approve the above report and the recommendations contained therein. It was further agreed that Council would provide public liability insurance for the Christmas lights on the DRD owned tree at Mayobridge Village Centre for DD/235/2010:- INTEGRATED RURAL/AGRICULTURAL/FISHERIES COMMITTEE MEETING 25 NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: M/4/1) Report of Integrated Rural/Agricultural/Fisheries Committee Meeting held on Thursday 25 November 2010 (Copy Circulated) On the proposal of Councillor Rogers seconded by Councillor McCauley it was agreed to approve the above report and the recommendations contained therein. DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT ITEMS DD/236/2010:- IRISH LANGUAGE COMMITTEE MEETING 2 DECEMBER 2010 (REF: M/48) Report of Irish Language Committee Meeting held on Thursday 2 December 2010 (Copy Circulated) Discussion took place regarding the Irish translation of Council s website and it was agreed to investigate whether the assistance of students could speed up the translation. On the proposal of Councillor Casey seconded by Councillor Feehan it was agreed to approve the above report and the recommendations contained therein. DD/237/2010: MUSEUM SUB COMMITTEE MEETING 30 NOVEMBER 2010 (REF: SB/13/26) Report of Museum Sub Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 30 November 2010 (Copy Circulated) On the proposal of Councillor Casey seconded by Councillor Flynn it was agreed to approve the above report and the recommendations contained therein. 7

8 DD/238/2010:- CONSULTATION EVENT 16 DECEMBER 2010 (REF: G/4/55) Consultation event to examine A Fitter Future For All Obesity prevention framework for Northern Ireland to be held on Thursday 16 December 2010 in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown (Copy Circulated) It was agreed to mark the above correspondence noted. DD/239/2010:- ECONOMIC CONFERENCE FOR COUNCILLORS 28 & 29 JANUARY 2011 (REF: M/53) Economic Conference for Councillors The Role of State Institutions and Law Reform in Promoting Ireland s Economic Future Friday and Saturday 28 & 29 January 2011 at Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick - Cost 120 It was agreed to mark the above correspondence noted. DD/240/2010:- EMERGENCY NOTICE OF MOTION The following Notice of Motion came forward in the names of Councillors H Reilly and S Rogers and assenters Councillors K McKevitt, A Williamson and C Mussen:- That this Council, which contains within its boundaries a significant portion of the Irish Sea Coastline, demands that a Command Centre for the HM Coastguard and Rescue Service is maintained in Northern Ireland. In proposing the motion Councillor Reilly said the Department for Transport was trying to reduce the number of Coastguard control centres from its present 19 to as few as 9 centres. He said he believed that the Northern Ireland Control Centre should be retained as it covers not just a large portion of the Irish Sea which is one of the busiest marine traffic areas in Europe but also co-ordinates inland search & rescue to include areas such as Lough Erne, Lough Neagh, the Mourne Mountains and virtually all intensive search & rescues. Councillor Reilly said the Bangor Control Centre also liaises very closely with the only Coastguard Centre in the Republic s east coast which is based in Dublin. Councillor Reilly requested that a delegation from Council go to London to meet the Minister of State for Transport to emphasise the pivotal importance of the Bangor Control Centre to the people of Newry and Mourne and indeed throughout Northern Ireland. Councillor Curran said he supported the motion as these services need to be retained. 8

9 Councillor M Murphy said he also supported the motion as he said the work of the Coastguard in the area was very important and they worked closely with the Coastguard in the Republic of Ireland. Councillor McCauley agreed with the motion saying that the area needed to keep this service. He said the people who work for the Coastguard Service were dedicated and were local people who knew exactly where to go to in an emergency situation. Councillor Carr said the Coastguard had been called out 700 times to date this year. He said local knowledge was important in rescue situations. It was unanimously agreed to adopt the Resolution and it was agreed to write to NILGA to express Councillors concerns and to request that NILGA would take this matter forward. It was further agreed to write to the Minister of State for Transport to request that a delegation from Council meet with her to discuss the potential closure of the Command Centre in Northern Ireland, based in Bangor. CHAIRMAN S BUSINESS DD/241/2010:- UPDATE ON NEWRY SWIMMING POOL CLOSURE Mr McCorry said Newry Swimming Pool had had to close due to failure of the heating system. He said engineers had repaired the units on Thursday last week and the remainder of the work and essential repairs would be completed while the pool was closed. Councillor Stokes asked that the closure of Newry Swimming Pool be reported in the press to prevent members of the public arriving at the pool and having a wasted journey. Councillor Stokes said a decision on the new pool had yet to be made and he was concerned the area could end up with no pool. He added that Mr McCorry had repeatedly reported these problems. DD/242/2010:- BIN COLLECTIONS Councillor Reilly said it had been agreed that, due to the bad weather affecting bin collections, it had been agreed black bin bags would be collected however he had received complaints from members of the public who said these were not being lifted. Councillor Reilly agreed to pass the details to Mr McCorry. DD/243/2010:- FROZEN LAKES Councillor Hearty said that, following the recent tragedy in Lurgan Park when a man lost his life after falling through ice into the pond, he wished to emphasise to members of the public that they should not walk on frozen lakes and ponds. 9

10 DD/244/2010:- COUNCIL DIARIES FOR 2011 It was agreed Council Officials would investigate any errors contained within the 2011 Council Diaries. DD/245/2010:- LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS (REF: M/23) At the request of Councillor Feehan it was agreed to send a letter of congratulations to Dr M McKnight who has a practice in Bessbrook as he had recently won the Royal College of General Practitioners GP of the Year competition. There being no further business the Meeting concluded at 8.40pm. FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON MONDAY 17 JANUARY Signed: Chairman Signed: Clerk & Chief Executive 10

11 COMHAIRLE AN IÚIR AGUS MHÚRN NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL PURPOSE OF MEETING: VENUE: District Development Committee Meeting Boardroom, Monaghan Row, Newry DATE: Monday 13 December 2010 Name of Councillor Time of Arrival Burns C 58 Burns W J 2 Apology Carr M 52 Casey C 54 Connolly M Curran B 6 Donnelly G Feehan J W 49 Feely F 8 Flynn A Hearty T 59 A Moffett 12 Murphy T Mathers M McArdle J 55 McCauley D McCreesh J P 44 McDonald PJ 35 McGinn P 56 McKevitt K Murphy M 47 Mussen C O Hare S 37 Oliver G Patterson J 38 Reilly H 26 Rogers S Ruane M 53 Stokes G Williamson A V 39 Time of Leaving Meeting Duration Travel Time To/From Home Mileage Same Day Meeting Total Time Amount Payable Officials in attendance: T McCall G McGivern J Finnegan J McCorry E Curtis M Morrow Time of Arrival: Time of Leaving: 8.40pm Signed: Margaret Morrow Date: 13 December