Councillors Donegan, Gleeson, Mitchell, O Donnell, Sheehy, Teefy.

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1 MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF CAPPAMORE-KILMALLOCK HELD IN ÁRAS MAINCHĺN SEOIGHE, MILLMOUNT, KILMALLOCK, CO. LIMERICK, ON THURSDAY, 27 TH NOVEMBER, 2014, AT 3.30PM. PRESENT IN THE CHAIR: Councillor E. Ryan. MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors Donegan, Gleeson, Mitchell, O Donnell, Sheehy, Teefy. OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: Director of Water Services & Environment (Mr. K. Lehane), Operations Manager, West & South Division (Mr. B. Kennedy), Head of Enterprise (Mr. E. Ryan), Administrative Officer, Corporate Services (Ms. T. Knox), Administrative Officer, Economic Development & Planning (Mr. J. Clune), Senior Executive Engineer (Mr. G. O Connor), Executive Engineer (Mr. S. Nash), Assistant Staff Officer (Ms. M. McCarthy). At the outset, the Administrative Officer, Economic Development & Planning, gave an update to the Members endorsing the Council s continuing efforts to resolve the situation at Grange Cross. 1. Adoption of Minutes: Circulated, copy of draft Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Cappamore- Kilmallock held on 22 nd October, Proposed by Councillor Gleeson; Seconded by Councillor Teefy: And Resolved: That, the draft Minutes, as circulated, be taken as read and adopted and signed. 2. Issues with An Garda Síochana: The Cathaoirleach welcomed Inspector Brian Sugrue, Bruff Garda Station, to the District and acknowledged the proactive approach that the Gardaí had taken in dealing with crime in the district. The Inspector stated that, despite public perception, crime was down generally. He outlined, however, that burglaries had risen as had the theft of oil, copper cylinders and equine supplies. He stated that manpower had decreased in recent years and that the trend was nationwide.

2 2 Members welcomed the Community Alert Programme. They felt that it was a very progressive approach to the reduction of crime in rural communities and was intended to improve the quality of life for all living in rural areas, particularly the elderly. The Inspector outlined that the Programme worked on the principle of shared responsibility for crime prevention and reduction between the Community and An Garda Síochana. Members also welcomed Garda Clinics which were held once weekly for the public in various towns and villages throughout the district. Members outlined their concerns, which included the following: Only one Guard and one Sergeant stationed in Cappamore (the second Guard out on long-term sick leave). Vehicles doing excessive speed through the Village of Ardpatrick discussion took place requesting that speed limits be reduced through towns and villages. The closure of Doon and Galbally Garda Stations. Should Garda reserves be replaced by full-time Gardaí? Drug use in the District and increased incidents of drug-driving. 3. Ecomonic Development and Planning: Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Mr. Éamon Ryan, Chief Executive, circulated a report to the Members outlining the role of the Local Enterprise Office He stated that it was a first-stop shop in the provision of supports and services to help start, grow and develop micro and small businesses. He outlined that Limerick LEO was formed in 2014, after replacing the former Limerick County Enterprise Board. As part of a national network of Local Enterprise Offices, the Chief Executive explained that Limerick LEO provided financial supports, management development, mentoring and business skills training for businesses in Limerick. Members thanked the Chief Executive for his informative presentation and they welcomed the initiatives outlined in the promotion of small businesses locally. 4. Travel and Transportation: Junction at Cloghadoolarty, Fedamore, Co. Limerick. The Senior Executive Engineer referred to Report of Director, Travel & Transportation, dated 13 th November, 2014, in relation to proposals to change Junction Priority at Cloghadoolarty Junction, Fedamore. He circulated to Members copies of Location Map showing the junction with the proposed new layout, road markings and signage. The Senior Executive Engineer stated that the proposed changes had been referred to the Superintendent in Roxboro who had approved the

3 3 changes. The estimated cost of the proposed works was 10,000 and works were proposed to commence in 2015, subject to funding being made available. Following a brief discussion, Members noted the Report and agreed its contents. QUESTIONS 5. Question submitted by Councillor N. Gleeson I will ask at the next Meeting when will repairs of bridges in Doon start as the road closure is causing extreme problems in the area. Limerick City and County Council can confirm that works have commenced in relation to the repairs to the bridge at the Limerick/ Tipperary border at Gortnagera. The current works involve the construction of an access to both sides of the bridge, the removal of light and heavy vegetation, propping of the masonry arch and erection of scaffolding. The Consulting Engineers 'Punch Consulting Ltd' are currently monitoring progress with the view to completing the design for the rebuilding of the bridge. By week ending 28th November the contractor should have completed the demolition of the damaged sections of the Spandrail wall and retaining walls at either side of the bridge. The reconstruction of the bridge should restart during December and should be completed prior to the Christmas break. The reconstruction of the road, placement of road surfacing and parapet walls should occur during early to mid January Question submitted by Councillor G. Mitchell I will ask at the next meeting who is the service provider for the town lights in Hospital as they need to be upgraded. The maintenance of Public Lighting is carried out under contract by Airtricity. If there are specific upgrading works required, the Area Roads Engineer should be contacted. 7. Question submitted by Councillor G. Mitchell I will ask at the next Meeting for an update on the footpaths and road channels which are a health and safety hazard in the town of Hospital.

4 4 Tenders have recently been received from Contractors to carry out remedial works to a channel which has subsided following footpath works a number of years ago. A Macadam Contractor will be appointed shortly to carry out these repairs. 8. Question submitted by Councillor W. O Donnell I will ask at the next meeting when does Limerick City & County Council expect to complete urgent repairs to the footpath in Sycamore Drive, Bruff, as previously requested. The repairs to the footpaths in Sycamore Drive have been scheduled to be completed before year s end. 9. Question submitted by Councillor W. O Donnell I will ask at the next meeting if Limerick City & County Council has agreed a schedule of maintenance works for Roads and Housing Estates in the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District. A Schedule of proposed works of maintenance and repair to be carried out during the financial year shall be prepared for the Municipal District following the adoption of the Local Authority Budget. This procedure is provided for in the Local Government Reform Act 2014.The members will be informed of this schedule of works once the Budget is adopted. 10. Question submitted by Councillor B. Teefy I will ask at the next meeting for an update on the flooding issues in Doon. Limerick City and County Council has completed the reconstruction of the bridge into John Sheehys farm and on 21st November at the Limerick / Tipperary border at Glengar (at John & Tadhg Hayes farm) Limerick City and County Council completed the placement of 2 no 1050mm diameter culverts in place of the 2 no 300mm diameter pipes that were in place at the time of the flood on 24th July last. Limerick City and County Council have a drainage team in place opening inlets and unblocking drainage systems throughout the areas effected by the flood. It is envisaged that this work will continue throughout the winter period.

5 5 11. Question submitted by Councillor M. Donegan I will ask at the next meeting for an update on the design/construction phase of the pedestrian bridge at North Bridge, Kilmallock. The 2014 Development Fund Allocation provided a sum of 25,000 to advance the design of a Pedestrian Bridge at North Bridge, Kilmallock. To date, topographical surveying has been carried out. Site Investigation works are currently being tendered and a Section 50 application is also being prepared to obtain consent from the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW). Part 8 Planning is required for the construction of a Pedestrian Bridge and once the Design is completed, a Part 8 planning proposal will be brought before the Municipal District Members in the near future. In order for this project to proceed to construction, significant funding will be required in 2015 and a source of funding will need to be identified. NOTICES OF MOTION 12. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor W. O Donnell I will move at the next Meeting that Limerick City & County Council install appropriate speed ramps at Hillview Terrace, Caherconlish, in the interest of road safety. In proposing the Motion, Councillor O Donnell stated that it was imperative that appropriate speed ramps be installed at Hillview Terrace, Caherconlish, in the interest of road safety. He stated that he was not happy with the Council s reply and that this matter should be dealt with on an individual basis. Councillor Teefy seconded the Motion. This motion should be considered in the context of Circular RSD 01/2014 issued recently by DTTAS. The circular asks local Authorities to undertake a review process of speed limits in housing estates. In effect the circular is suggesting the use of 30 kph Speed Limits in Housing Estates with signage to be accompanied by the yellow warning sign "Children At Play". If such an approach were adopted in Limerick City and County Council it should be monitored and reviewed, and only those estates where it was shown that the speed limit was not being adhered to would be considered for the introduction of further traffic calming measures, including ramps. It is proposed to undertake such a review in the coming months in conjunction with a general review of speed limits.

6 6 13. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor L.M. Sheehy I will move at the next Meeting that the ramp by the new library in Cappamore be removed completely and a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights be fitted instead and a lowering in the footpaths for safe wheelchair access. In proposing the Motion, Councillor Sheehy stated that the existing ramp at the new Library in Cappamore needed to be removed as it was not wheelchair friendly. Councillor Mitchell seconded the Motion. This ramp has been in place since April last and I believe that it has been welcomed by the vast majority of the people of Cappamore. It performs traffic calming thereby allowing pedestrians to cross safely to the new Library building in the knowledge that traffic speeds are reduced significantly. The placement of a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights would cost approximately 15,000-20,000 and this funding is not currently available. Furthermore there is a requirement for traffic calming at this location in the form of a ramp as Limerick City and County Council placed a footpath linking the library with the Day Care Centre. This ramp serves an important function especially for vulnerable road users. 14. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor M. Donegan I will move at the next Meeting that Limerick City & County Council consider the provision of a Pedestrian Crossing at Bruree National School. The Senior Executive Engineer stated that this issue was discussed in 2013 and it was suggested that speed limits may have to be moved as they were required at the school gate. Members queried if the school could provide some funding towards the works. In proposing the Motion, Councillor Donegan outlined the urgent need for a pedestrian crossing at Bruree National School. In seconding the Motion, Councillor O Donnell queried if the Council could move onto design stage. The Senior Executive Engineer stated that he would liaise with the Senior Executive Engineer, Main Roads, on the matter.

7 7 An extension of the speed limit is required as the existing speed limit zone is adjacent to the existing school. The extension of the present speed limit should be submitted for consideration in the next speed limit review. A signal controlled crossing is required on this busy Regional Road R518. The cost of a signalised crossing is approximately 20,000. This could be considered as part of 2015 Development Fund allocations. It was stated by the Director, Water Services & Environment, that the relevant staff member would attend the next Meeting to provide further information on Notices of Motion Nos. 12 and 13. There was a discussion on the bridge at Garrienderk which had been substantially damaged. Members outlined the urgency in carrying out reconstruction works to the bridge as it posed a safety hazard for motorists. The Operations Manager stated that the bridge was in the ownership of Iarnród Éireann but it was the responsibility of the Council to carry out the necessary repairs. The Executive Engineer stated that he had been involved in the Traffic Management Plan which involved having one-way traffic only and the use of traffic lights at each end. The Operations Manager outlined that the design stage had gone out to tender and that a Consultant would be appointed shortly. Members were informed that costings would be available within a few weeks and it was estimated that it would take approximately 12 months to complete the works. It was agreed that the next Meeting would be held on Thursday, 11 th December, 2014 at a.m. in Community Centre, Cappamore. This concluded the Meeting. Signed: Cathaoirleach Dated: