Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Cork City Council

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF CORK CITY COUNCIL

HELD ON MONDAY 24thMARCH 2014

PRESENTAn tArd-Mhéara Comhairleoir C. Clancyin the chair.

NORTH EAST ComhairleoiríJ. Kelleher, T. Brosnan,T. Tynan, J. Kavanagh.

NORTH CENTRALComhairleoirí M. Barry, P. Gosch, K. O’Flynn, T. Gould.

NORTH WESTComhairleoiríM. O’Connell, T. Fitzgerald, M. Nugent, J. O’Callaghan.

SOUTH EASTComhairleoirí D. Cahill, L. McGonigle,D. O’Flynn, T. Shannon,C. O’Leary, K. McCarthy, J. Corr.

SOUTH CENTRAL ComhairleoiríL. Kingston, E. O’Halloran, S. Martin, M. Finn, F. Kerins.

SOUTH WEST ComhairleoiríM. Shields, M. Ahern,H. Cremin, G. Gibbons.

APOLOGIES Comhairleoir B. Bermingham.

ALSO PRESENTMr. T. Lucey,City Manager.

Mr. T. Keating, Meetings Administrator, Corporate & External Affairs.

Mr. N. Carroll, Staff Officer,Corporate & External Affairs.

Ms. V. O’Sullivan, Director of Services, Corporate & External Affairs.

M. P. Ledwidge, Director of Services, Strategic Planning & Economic Development.

Mr. T. Healy, Head of Finance, Finance Department.

Mr. T. Duggan, City Architect, Architects Department.

Mr. J. Ward, Senior Executive Planner, Strategic Planning & Economic Development.

Mr. Damien O’Mahony, Senior Executive Officer, Tourism, Events, Arts and Marketing, Corporate & External Affairs.

An tArd-Mhéara recited the opening prayer.

1.1 VOTES OF SYMPATHY

A vote of sympathy was passed unanimously with An Chomhairle standing in silence to:-

-The O’Mahony Family on the death of James ‘Charlie’ O’Mahony.

-The Sheehy Family on the death of Patrick Sheehy.

-The Aherne Family on the death of Paddy Aherne.

-The Downes Family on the death of Michael Downes.

-The O’Donovan Family on the death of Michael O’Donovan.

-The MaCarthy Family on the death of Thomas MaCarthy

1.2 VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

An Chomhairle extended a vote of congratulations to the following:-

-Rochestown College on winning the U16½ Munster Football College Title.

-Cork Senior Hurlers on winning the Division 2 National Hurling League.

-Glanmire Basketball Team on winning the National Basketball Title.

-Blue Demons Basketball Team on winning the National Basketball Title.

-Mayfield United Youth Teams achievement on reaching the Munster Youth Cup Final for the 1st time in the Clubs History.

-T.E.A.M on the organisation of St. Patrick’s Festival.

-The Lord Mayor on St. Patrick’s Festival Charities Ball

-The Lord Mayor on St. Patrick’s Festival Flower Show.

-Cork County Board (GAA) on securing the promotion to the top tier of the League, good wishes for the rest of the season.

-Cork City F.C., on winning the U19 League.

-Mayfield Training Centre on the display of their painting/photo’s in the Foyer of the City Hall, a result of the positive work with you people in Mayfield.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

A vote was called for to Suspend Standing Orders to take Item 16.10 at the end of the Meeting where there appeared as follow:-

FOR: Comhairleoirí T. Brosnan, T. Tynan, M. Barry, K. O’Flynn, T. Gould, T. Fitzgerald, M. Nugent, C. O’Leary, K. McCarthy, M. Finn, F. Kerins, H. Cremin. (12)

AGAINST: Comhairleoirí J. Kelleher, J. Kavanagh, C. Clancy, P. Gosch, M. O’Connell, J. O’Callaghan, D. Cahill, L. McGonigle, D. O’Flynn, T. Shannon, J. Corr, S. Martin, M. Shields, M. Ahern, G. Gibbons. (15)

As the numbers voting for the Suspension of Standing Orders was less than those voting against,An tÁrd-Mhéara declared the vote defeated and the Suspension of Standing Orders lost.

1.3LORD MAYOR’S ITEMS

1.3.1THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF CORK

An tArd-Mhéara nominated President Michael D. Higgins for The Freedom of the City of Cork, An tArd-Mhéara stated that:-

Previous Presidents to receive the Freedom of the City:

• Mary McAleese
• Mary Robinson
• Eamon De Valera
• Douglas Hyde

Michael D. Higgins was elected President of Ireland on 11th May 2011, also served as a Member of Dáil Éireann for 25 years and a Member of the Seanad for 9 years. A passionate political voice, poet, writer, academic, statesman.

In his dedicated life to public service;

• Instrumental in bringing forward private members bill, to abolish the status of illegitimacy for the first time, putting the right of the child above property in the state.
• Raising and dealing with issues that were neither favourable nor fashionable, such as the Bill for Decriminalisation of Homosexuality
• Repeal of Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act
• Ireland first Minister of the Arts & Gaeltacht setting up TG4. His reinvigoration of the Irish Film Industry. Locally his part played in supporting the setting up of the Tryscal Arts and the Quay Co-Op.
• As Minister with his keen interest in environment and heritage he drove the reclaiming and opening up of 1,000 km of Ireland’s canal network.
• As Minister he had direct responsibility for the Irish Language and for the economic and social development of Irish speaking areas in the state.
• His solidarity in supporting immigrants, particularly Irish immigrants in Great Britain.
• Promotion of Education, first Member of his family to access higher education all his life he has been passionate about access to education and worked extensively in the promotion of, and putting in place evening classes for interested citizens.
• Ability to articulate and raise international human rights issues such as Somalia, Chile, Palestine
• His empathy with people, and in recent weeks visiting Cork to meet and listen to business and shop owners, following the recent floods.
• His flow of language, being able to converse in subjects from human rights, arts, and in particular his passion for sports and his own interest being soccer.

In recognition of President Michael D. Higgin’s commitment to public service. The Presidents outstanding achievements in advancing civil rights and social justice nationally and internationally I nominate President Michael D. Higgins for the Freedom of the City.

Following discussion on the proposal of Comhairleoir C. O’Leary, seconded by Comhairleoir K. O’Flynn, a vote was called for, For/Againstthe awarding of The Freedom of the City of Cork where there appeared as follows:-

FOR: Comhairleoirí J. Kelleher, J. Kavanagh, C. Clancy, P. Gosch, M. O’Connell, J. O’Callaghan, D. Cahill, L. McGonigle, D. O’Flynn, T. Shannon, K. McCarthy, J. Corr, E. O’Halloran, S. Martin, M. Shields, M. Ahern, G. Gibbons. (17)

AGAINST: Comhairleoirí T. Brosnan, T. Tynan, M. Barry, K. O’Flynn, T. Gould, M. Nugent, C. O’Leary, F. Kerins, H. Cremin. ((9)

ABSTAIN:Comhairleoirí T. Fitzgerald, M. Finn. (2)

As the numbers voting for awarding The Freedom of the City of Cork were greater than those voting against, An tÁrd-Mhéara declared the vote carried and The Freedom of the City of Cork to be awarded to President Michael D. Higgins.

1.3.2CITY MANAGER

An tArd-Mhéara and Party Whips expressed their thanks and appreciation to the City Manager for all his help and advice to them over the last three years, and wished him every happiness in his future role as Cork County Manager. The City Manager thanked An tArd-Mhéara and Comhairleoirí for their kind words.

1.4CITY MANAGERS ITEMS

1.4.1STRATEGIC MARKETING OF CORK

An Chomhairle noted the City Manager’s Report dated the 24th March 2014 on the Strategic Marketing of Cork.

1.4.2NO. 1 LAPP’S QUAY

An Chomhairle noted the City Manager’s Report dated the 24th March 2014 on No. 1, Lapp’s Quay.

2. MINUTES

An Chomhairle considered and approved the minutes of the following:-

• Ordinary Meeting of An Chomhairle held on 10th March 2014
• Comhairleoir P. Gosh clarified that following Council agreement at its meeting of the 24th February 2014, that traders directly affected by the works on Washington Street be invited to the meeting which is being arranged with the NTA.

3.QUESTIONS

3.1COST OF THE REPORTS UNDERTAKEN BY MVA ( KNOWN NOW AS SYSTRA) FOR CORK CITY COUNCIL

In response to the following question submitted by Comhairleoir L. McGonigle, a written reply was circulated as outlined below:-

Can the manager provide the council with the cost of the reports undertaken by MVA

(known now as Systra) for Cork city council and can he confirm as to whether each of these reports were tendered?

The reports are as follows:

1.TheCorkArea Transit Study (CATS), 2009

2.The CASP Transport Model Development, 2010-present day

3.CorkDocklands Transport Assessment, 2009

4.Dunkettle Interchange Assessment, 2010

5.Cork Area Public Transport Study (for NTA), 2012

6.Douglas Land Use and Transport Strategy (DLUTS), 2013

7.City Centre Movement Strategy, 2013

8.N28 Sustainable Transport Strategy, 2014

Can he also confirm that Systra do not have a Cork office?

REPLY

The Transportation Division advises that the following projects were not carried out by Cork City Council and so we are not in a position to advise on the procurement or the costs associated with them.

• Dunkettle Interchange Assessment, 2010
• Cork Area Public Transport Study (for NTA), 2012
• Douglas Land Use and Transport Strategy (DLUTS), 2013
• N28 Sustainable Transport Strategy, 2014

The Transportation Division advises in relation to the other projects as follows;

• TheCorkArea Transit Study (CATS), 2009 wastendered in 2008 all work involved in modelling and production of reports € 192,345.30+ vat.
• The CASP Transport Model Development, 2010 was tendered and any subsequent modelling work is done as part of a framework .
• CorkDocklands Transport Assessment, 2009 . No report was carried out in relation to Cork Docklands in 2009.
• City Centre Movement Strategy, 2013 was tendered in May 2012 . Arup / MVA were awarded the contract jointly and the total cost was €96818.85 + vat.

Systra does not have a Cork office and are based in Dublin at 12/13 Exchange Place, IFSC, Dublin 1.

3.2WORKS ON ELIZABETH FORT

In response to the following question submitted by Comhairleoir S. Martin, a written reply was circulated as outlined below:-

Can the Manager confirm that there is €4.275m available for works on Elizabeth Fort this year?

REPLY

A Working Group has been established to prepare a brief for exhibition design and interpretive consultants to bring forward a development plan for Elizabeth Fort. Only when this work is completed, and costed, can an application for funding be made to Fáilte Ireland to carry out this work. It is anticipated that this plan will be completed by Autumn 2014.

3.3RESURFACING MAGLIN GOVE, TOHER

In response to the following question submitted by Comhairleoir M. Shields, a written reply was circulated as outlined below:-

Maglin Grove, Togher is in great need of resurfacing and I would be grateful if it was put on a priority list for the future when money becomes available again for such work.

In the meantime would it be possible to have the pot holes filled and maybe some patching done? It is most important in this area where large number of people use this road when attending the Togher Family Centre.

REPLY

Maglin Grove has been assessed and is programmed for pothole repairs to address existing issues. The location will be considered for inclusion in next year’s resurfacing programme.

3.4EXPENSES ACCRUED BY COUNCILLORS

In response to the following question submitted by Comhairleoir C. O’Leary, a written reply was circulated as outlined below:-

Could the Manager outline the details of the expenses accrued by Councillors for conferences and seminars attended as well as all other official trips, both in Ireland and abroad; to include details on conferences and seminars, dates, and location (county and town/city), as well as a breakdown per individual to include name, accommodation costs, subsistence, travel costs and all other expenses claimed - over the local government time period:

a) June 15th 2009 to May 31st 2010

b) June 1st 2010 to May 31st 2011

c) June 1st 2011 to May 31st 2012

d) June 1st 2012 to May 31st 2013

e) June 1st 2013 to March 10th 2014

1

REPLY

PAYMENTS MADE TO CORK CITY COUNCILLORS BETWEEN June 15th 2009 – DECEMBER 31st 2009

FOR ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, TRAINING & OTHER EVENTS

NAME / VENUE/START DATE / EVENT NAME/ EXPLAINATION / AMOUNT €
CLLR B BERMINGHAM / Birr 21/08/09 / Local Government & the Arts / 329.69
Ballyheigue 15/07/09 / Richard Cantillon summer School / 323.78
Bunclody 24/07/09 / planning & Building Energy Regulations / 367.73
Bunclody 27/11/09 / Finance Budgets for 2010 plus / 368.33
Donegal 19/07/09 / 29th annual MacGill Summer School / 846.27
Galway 18/11/09 / Planning & Development (amendment) Bill 2009 / 367.43
Galway 11/12/09 / Alternative Energy improving your carbon footprint / 401.09
Greystones 02/10/09 / La touche legacy seminar / 580.53
Limerick 05/11/09 / LAMA annual winter seminar / 278.72
Rathdrum 09/08/09 / the parnell summer school / 607.92
Tralee 23/10/09 / Voluntary Housing & sheltered housing for the elderly / 254.49
Tralee 18/12/09 / Equality & Diversity in modern day ireland / 301.26
Waterford 04/09/09 / Planning & European Law / 256.31
CLLR CATHERINE CLANCY / Ballyheigue 15/07/09 / Richard Cantillon summer School / 399.11
Bunclody 24/07/09 / planning & Building Energy Regulations / 491.04
Bunclody 11/12/09 / Local Government Budget 2010 / 477.32
Carrick on Suir 30/10/09 / Health & Safety regarding Alcohol Drugs & Alcohol Abuse, Anti-Social Behaviour, Impact on A&E Departments / 270.63
Galway 08/12/09 / Representatives Entitlements – The Legal Basis / 401.09
Killarney 10/09/09 / 96th Annual AMAI conference / 153.91
Limerick 06/11/09 / LAMA annual winter seminar / 368.37
Skibbereen 03/07/09 / From Canvass to the Council Chamber / 355.19
CLLR DAVE MCCARTHY / Galway 11/12/09 / Alternative Energy improving your carbon footprint / 476.42
Tralee 23/10/09 / Voluntary Housing & sheltered housing for the elderly / 377.19
CLLR DENIS O'FLYNN / dungarvan 30/01/09 / Effective Communication for Councillors / 449.58
Letterkenny 13/02/09 / AMAI Spring Seminar / 1,046.48
Bunclody 21/11/08 / Information & Communications Technologies For Councillors / 621.51
CAStlebar 26/11/08 / LAMA Annual Winter Seminar / 725.64
Greystones 03/10/08 / 2008 La Touche legacy seminar / 780.11
Killarney 18/09/08 / Society for Folklife Studies annual conference / 562.58
Leighlinbridge 23/09/08 / Local Government & Sustainable Economic Development / 561.78
Strokestown 09/10/08 / 4th Annual Frank McGann Seminar / 927.00
CLLR DES CAHILL / Dundalk 08/07/09 / Interreg IVB North West Europe Programme – Info Day / 120.00
CLLR EMMET O'HALLORAN / Bunclody 24/07/09 / planning & Building Energy Regulations / 491.04
Bunclody 11/12/09 / Local Government Budget 2010 / 491.03
Castlebellingham 09/10/09 / Councillor Co-operation North & South / 508.36
Furbo 31/07/09 / Effective Communication for Councillors / 510.38
Greystones 02/10/09 / La Touche Legacy Seminar / 566.82
Limerick 06/11/09 / LAMA annual winter seminar / 265.01
Tralee 23/10/09 / Voluntary Housing & sheltered housing for the elderly / 301.25
CLLR JIM CORR / Ballina 20/08/09 / Humbert Summer School / 824.08
Malta 24/09/09 / Board Meeting OfECAD / 611.49
CLLR JOHN BUTTIMER / Limerick 06/11/09 / LAMA annual winter seminar / 279.34
Tralee 23/10/09 / Voluntary Housing & sheltered housing for the elderly / 362.88
CLLR JOHN KELLEHER / Carrick on Suir 30/10/09 / Health & Safety regarding Alcohol Drugs & Alcohol Abuse, Anti-Social Behaviour, Impact on A&E Departments / 365.91
Killarney 10/09/09 / 96th Annual AMAI conference / 324.52
Limerick 06/11/09 / LAMA annual winter seminar / 340.34
Skibbereen 10/07/09 / Effective Local Government Policy Making in the Current Recession / 321.48
Waterford 04/09/09 / Planning & European Law / 365.31
CLLR KENNETH O FLYNN / Birr 21/08/09 / Local Government and the Arts / 472.34
Furbo 14/08/09 / Role of Local Government in Protecting our Water Recourses / 523.48
Furbo 31/07/09 / Effective Communication for Councillors / 509.77
Galway 20/11/09 / local government Planning & the Environment / 496.37
Limerick 25/09/09 / Local Government seminar / 354.66
Castlebellingham 09/10/09 / Councillor Co-operation North & South / 631.06
Naas 01/04/09 / Environment Management Challenges and
Opportunities for Local Government / 503.82
Roscommon 16/10/09 / Douglas Hyde Conference 2009 / 588.69
Sligo 13/11/09 / Local Government Ethics in Public Life, Your Responsibility / 668.98
Tralee 23/10/09 / Voluntary Housing & sheltered housing for the elderly / 377.19
Waterford 04/09/09 / planning & european law / 379.01
Westport 07/08/09 / Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation / 621.50
CLLR LAURA MC GONIGLE / Bunclody 11/12/09 / Local Government Budget 2010 / 491.03
Furbo 31/07/09 / Effective Communication for Councillors / 510.38
Glenties 19/07/09 / 29th Annual MacGill Summer School / 1,097.92
Hull 11/09/09 / Hull / 281.39
Limerick 06/11/09 / LAMA annual winter seminar / 265.62
CLLR LORRAINE KINGSTON / Ballyheigue 15/07/09 / Richard Cantillon Summer School / 385.40
Bunclody 24/07/09 / Planning & Building Regulations / 477.33
Bunclody 11/12/09 / Local Government Budget 2010 / 477.33
Skibbereen 03/07/09 / From Canvass to the Council Chamber / 335.19
CLLR MARY SHIELDS / Ballina 20/08/09 / Humbert Summer School / 735.04
Ballyconneely 03/07/09 / Planning Law & Practice / 601.82
Glenties 19/07/09 / 29th Annual MacGill Summer School / 1,220.81
Greystones 02/10/09 / La Touche Legacy Seminar / 600.48
Omagh 10/09/09 / Benedict Kiely Literary weekend / 893.93
Westport 07/08/09 / Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation / 851.17
CLLR MICHAEL AHERN / Athlone 15/09/09 / Social Housing Conference / 406.32
Carlow 24/09/09 / 7th national tourism conference / 353.43
Greystones 02/10/09 / La Touche Legacy Seminar / 697.68
Kilkenny 02/04/09 / Association of County & City Councils (ACCC) Conference 2009 / 411.89
Killarney 09/10/09 / Getting a Grip 2009 / 229.24
Letterkenny 13/02/09 / AMAI Spring Seminar / 987.99
Letterkenny 27/02/09 / 20th Colmcille Winter school / 1,046.49
Bunclody 21/11/08 / Information & Communications Technologies For Councillors / 621.52
Castlebar 26/11/08 / LAMA Annual Winter Seminar / 602.16
Greystones 03/10/08 / 2008 La Touche legacy seminar / 730.46
CLLR MICHAEL O CONNELL / Ballina 20/08/09 / Humbert Summer School / 735.04
Furbo 31/07/09 / Effective Communication for Councillors / 490.43
Galway 20/11/09 / Local Government Planning and the Environment / 462.71
Galway 08/12/09 / Representatives Entitlements – The Legal Basis / 367.23
Galway 11/12/09 / Alternative Energy improving your carbon footprint / 462.91
Killarney 08/10/09 / Getting a Grip 2009 / 262.90
Limerick 06/11/09 / LAMA Annual Winter Seminar / 279.33
Sligo 13/11/09 / Local Government Ethics in Public Life, Your Responsibility / 621.61
Tralee 18/12/09 / Equality & Diversity Modern day Ireland / 363.48
Westport 07/08/09 / Renewable energy & Energy Conservation / 622.11
CLLR PATRICIA GOSCH / Carrick on Suir 30/10/09 / Health & Safety regarding Alcohol Drugs & Alcohol Abuse, Anti-Social Behaviour, Impact on A&E Departments / 365.30
Ennistymon 26/11/09 / clare tourism conference – Promoting Partnership in Tourism / 432.59
Galway 11/12/09 / Alternative Energy improving your carbon footprint / 491.04
Greystones 02/10/09 / La Touche Legacy Seminar / 600.48
Killarney 08/10/09 / Getting a Grip 2009 / 215.53
Tipperary 25/09/09 / Tipperary Remembrance Weekend and Conference / 347.04
Killarney 09/09/09 / 96th annual AMAI conference 2009 / 433.51
SHANGHAI 23/03/09 / Twinning visit to shanghai / 274.49
new york 07/09/09 / st. patrick’s dinner dance of the county cork bp&p association / 434.05
CLLR SEAN MARTIN / Birr 21/08/09 / Local Government & the Arts / 349.64
Bunclody 24/07/09 / Planning & Building energy Regulations / 491.04
Carlow 24/09/09 / 7th National Tourism conference / 353.43
Ennistymon 26/11/09 / National Tourism Conference / 558.16
Furbo 14/08/09 / Role of Local Government in Protecting our Water Recourses / 476.72
Kilkenny 02/04/09 / Association of County & City Councils (ACCC) Conference 2009 / 335.96
Killarney 09/09/09 / 96th annual AMAI conference 2009 / 447.82
Listowel 26/03/09 / The Economic and Social Benefits of Preserving our Cultural Heritage / 300.47
Portlaoise 16/04/09 / LAMA Annual Spring Seminar / 365.78
Skibbereen 03/07/09 / From Canvass to the Council Chamber / 259.86
Skibbereen 10/07/09 / Effective Local Government Policy Making in the Current Recession / 226.20
Waterford 04/09/09 / Planning & European Law / 379.01
CLLR TERRY SHANNON / Birr 21/08/09 / Local Government & the Arts / 290.01
Birr 21/08/09 / Local Government & the Arts / 59.63
Castlecoote 15/07/09 / Percy French Summer School / 529.68
Ennistymon 26/11/09 / National Tourism Conference / 560.31
Killarney 22/04/09 / IRDA 4th Planning Conference – Rural Dwellers – A Threatened Species / 324.52
Skibbereen 10/07/09 / Effective Local Government Policy Making in the Current Recession / 335.19
CLLR TIM BROSNAN / Ballyconneely 03/07/09 / Planning Law & Practice / 399.25
Bunclody 11/12/09 / Local Government Budget 2010 / 306.71
Ennistymon 26/11/09 / National Tourism Conference / 248.27
Killarney 10/09/09 / 96th annual AMAI conference 2009 / 216.13
Roscommon 16/10/09 / Douglas Hyde Conference 2009 / 403.90
Westport 07/08/09 / Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation / 479.45
CLLR TONY FITZGERALD / Ballyconneely 03/07/09 / Planning law & Practice / 492.71
DARA MURPHY T.D. / Ballybunion 04/03/09 / 17th Annual Kerry Environmental Conference / 862.42
letterkenny 13/02/09 / AMAI Spring seminar / 987.98
Dublin 27/02/09 / Radio Training Seminar / 553.72
Dublin January 2009 / LAMA Awards / 553.72
London 02/10/09 / Cork Association London / 270.73
Naas 04/04/09 / Environmental Management Challenges and Opportunities for Local Government / 414.78
New York 14/10/09 / Cork Association New York / 441.81
Waterford 16/01/09 / Effective Communications for Councillors / 534.72

PAYMENTS MADE TO CORK CITY COUNCILLORS BETWEEN JANUARY 1st 2010 –DECEMBER 31st 2010

FOR ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, TRAINING & OTHER EVENTS

NAME / VENUE/START DATE / EVENT NAME/EXPLAINATION / AMOUNT €