Minutes of Navan Electoral Area Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 15th October 2008 at 9.30am in the Council Chamber ,
Town Hall, Watergate St, Navan, Co Meath
Cllr J Holloway presided.
Members Present
Cllr T Reilly, Cllr S Cassells, Cllr J Mangan, Cllr J Reilly, Cllr P Fitzsimons
Apologies from Cllr P O’Neill, Cllr J D’arcy
Officials in Attendance
Mr. Eugene Cummins, Navan Area Manager
Mr Shane Donnelly, Navan Area Administrator
Ms. Fiona Fallon, Navan Area Engineer
Bill Sweeney, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Jimmy Young, Senior Staff Officer
Confirmation of Minutes
On the proposal of Cllr T Reilly seconded by Cllr J Reilly the Minutes of the September Monthly Meeting of Navan Electoral Area Committee held on 10th September, 2008 at 9.30 am were adopted by the Members.
To receive an update on Electoral Boundary Changes.
The Members received and noted a presentation on the Electoral Boundary Changes affecting the Navan Electoral Area which was presented to them by Bill Sweeney, Senior Executive Officer.
The Members raised the following issues
-Concern that the extension of the town boundary will not take place prior to the Local Elections.
-People outside existing town boundary are being disenfranchised.
-Could application be made to Department to extend the boundary for the Local elections only.
The Area Manager replied that the boundary extension has to be approved by the Minister for the Environment Heritage & Local Government and it is vital that any proposed alteration of boundary is cost neutral to both Local Authorities.
The Area Manager further advised that there were a number of complex issues that arose with regard to the financial aspects of the proposal. He was satisfied that they were nearing a resolution and he hoped to bring Meath Co Council’s Statement of Response to the proposal, for consideration at the next Navan Electoral Area Committee Meeting.
The Senior Executive Officer advised the Members that he would write to the Minister seeking a review of the electoral boundary in respect of Navan Town Council in advance of the upcoming local elections.
Correspondence & Matters Raised by the Area Manager.
The Members received and noted correspondence from Cathy Martin, A/Arts Officer, Meath Co Council in relation to Meath Co Councils Public Arts Programme which included the Per Cent for Art Scheme & Private Developer Projects
To consider report in accordance with Part VIII of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001-2007 in respect of the Bus Lay Bys and Pedestrian Crossings and all associated works on the Forfas Rd, Johnstown, Navan, Co. Meath.
The Area Administrator informed the Members that as a result of some of the Members of the Planning Dept being involved in an Arbitration Hearing, the Part VIII report had not been completed.
On the proposal of Cllr T Reilly, seconded by Cllr J Mangan, it was agreed by the Members to hold a Special Meeting of the Navan Electoral Area Committee in advance of the November Meeting of the Full Council.
To receive an update in relation to the provision of public lighting in the Navan Electoral Area ( 2007-2008).
The Area Administrator informed the Members that this item had been placed on the Agenda of the Navan Electoral Area Committee as a result of a discussion at the October Monthly Meeting of Meath Co Council.
The Members received and noted report in relation the provision of public lighting in the Navan Area from 2007-2008.
Each of the Members welcomed the report as presented and raised the following issues:
-Oberstown Cross – Ducting in place, when will lights be erected.
-Affordable Houses on the Ratholdren Rd are awaiting the installation of public lighting.
-Trim Rd around the Meath & District League Grounds requires public lighting.
-2 Lights required at Simonstown – from where the public lighting currently ends to Simonstown Sportsgrounds.
-Replacement of public lighting bulbs to increase efficiency, the Members requested to know if this included the replacement of standards in old housing estates that were not taken in charge.
In relation to the Low Cost Safety Measures carried out at Oberstown Cross. The Area Engineer advised the Members that the provision of public lighting at this location was subject to funding being made available for same and concluding advised that it would be put forward for inclusion in the 2009 Roadworks Programme.
The Area Manager informed the Members that as part of the Capital Investment Programme the Council were introducing a maintenance programme to upgrade old inefficient public lighting that was in the charge of the Council. He further advised that this would be completed on a countywide basis.
Notices of Motion
Notice of Motion – Cllr J Holloway
“That for the purposes of facilitating pedestrian access to Blackcastle Neighbourhood Centre, including Primary School, Church and Recreation Area and in the interests of public safety, Meath County Council provide two number public lights and upgrade the footpath on existing route from Slane Road to Blackcastle Shopping Centre adjacent to Boyne Valley Estate and Belcourt”
This Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr J Holloway and seconded by Cllr P Fitzsimons.
The Members raised the following issues:
Area is dark and requires attention
The footpath needs to be upgraded.
Notice of Motion – Cllr J Holloway
“Having taken in charge Tara Court Estate, Navan, Meath County Council undertake to restore the boundary wall facing on to the open space fronting on to Road Number
9 ( PL 96/3256, Drawing No. 446/1) and abutting end house at Tara Court Road, which wall, serving as boundary with neighbouring estates Beaufort and Ferndale had been disintegrating at the time the estate was in fact taken in charge”
This Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr J Holloway and seconded by Cllr T Reilly.
The Members raised the following issues:
-When the Estate was taken in charge and boundary wall was disintegrating. The wall needs to be rebuilt using appropriate material.
-The kind of treatment for boundaries used in this estate is not sufficient.
During the discussion, the Members also noted that a member of the Planning Enforcement Section previously attended the Meetings every two months.
The Members requested that they be asked to attend the next meeting of Navan Electoral Area Committee with an up to date status report in relation to the Taking in Charge of Estates in the Navan Electoral Area.
Notice of Motion – Navan Town Council
“To call on Meath Co Council to repair and restore bollard arrangement between Clusker Park and Hillview, Navan and continue curbing from this bollard along boundary between green area at Blackcastle and Clusker Park.”
This Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr J Hollway and seconded by Cllr P Fitzsimons.
Any Other Business
- Springfield Glen - Request report on current status on the Taking in Charge of this estate.
- Restoration works not carried out on CR401.
The Area Engineer responded that drainage works on this road are included in this years Roadworks Programme and Resurfacing Works will be included in next years Roadworks programme.
- Large Lorries using CR401, there is a small bridge located on the road, the Members enquired as to what action could be taken by the Local Authority to prevent this.
The Area Manager informed the Members that the Area Engineer would carry out an assessment of the area to determine whether or not there was a need for a weight restriction to be placed on the bridge.
- The Members requested to know if the Sand & Gravel Company could be written to requesting them not use this road.
The Officials present confirmed that they would arrange for a letter to issue.
- The Members stated that the materials being used to repair potholes needed to be examined.
- Rathfeigh Cross – potholes require attention
- Mill Cross – Rathfeigh Cross side of road requires attention.
- Area at Ross Cross where the Bus Stops to let people off requires attention.
The Area Engineer confirmed that this would be addressed.
- The Members outlined their disappointment that a planning application to provide a Discount retail store had been refused.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
01. Minutes Navan Electoral Area Committee held on 15 10 08Page 1 of 5
Navan Town Council and Area Office, Town Hall, Watergate Street, Navan, County Meath