COMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA GAILLIMHE

Minutes of Tuam Area Committee Meeting held at Áras an Chontae

on the 2nd

October, 2013

I LÁTHAIR:-

Baill: Cllr Michael Connolly (Chairperson)

Cllr Mary Hoade

Cllr Peter Roche

Cllr Tiernan Walsh

Cllr Tom McHugh

Cllr Seán Canney

Cllr Shaun Cunniffe

Oifigigh: Mr Frank Gilmore, D.O.S. Roads & Transportation Unit

Mr Liam Gavin, S.E., Roads & Transportation Unit

Mr Evan Molloy, S.E., Roads & Transportation Unit

Mr Enda Gallagher,E.E. Tuam

Mr John Leahy, S.E.E., Tuam

Mr John Flesk, E.E. Tuam East

Mr Sean Langan, E.E., Tuam/Oranmore

Mr Michael Timmins, S.E., NRDO

Mr Tony Collins, S.E.E., NRDO

Mr Kevin Kelly, D.O.S., Planning & Sustainable Development

Ms Mairin Doddy, Architectural Conservation Officer

Ms Eimear O’Doherty, Executive Planner, Forward Planning

Mr John O’Donnell, Assistant Planner, Forward Planning

Ms Geraldine Kavanagh, Assistant Planner, Forward Planning

Mr Brendan Dunne, Assistant Planner, Forward Planning

Ms Saoirse Kennedy, A/Senior Planner, Planning Dept.

Ms Marian Donohue, S.S.O., Planning Dept.

Ms Fiona Miskell, A. S. O. Roads & Transportation

Apologies: Cllr. Imelda Kelly, Mayor of Tuam Town Council

Cllr. Walsh expressed a vote of sympathy on the death of Maureen Hussey, wife of

Hubert Hussey, Waterworks Caretaker, Mountbellew. This was seconded by Cllr.

Connolly.

1. Deputation – Residents of Garraun Park Housing Estate, Tuam

Cllr. Connolly welcomed the Deputation from Garraun Park Housing Estate, Tuam

Mr. Pat Gilmore and Mr. John Higgins to the meeting.

Mr. Gilmore gave a brief explanation of the history of Garraun Park and expressed his

disappointment that they were still no further on to solving the problems encountered

by the residents. He confirmed that the Council sold a site to the developer Pat

Dempsey for £13,000 and wondered what this money would have been used for. He

stated that the traffic situation was made worse in 1996 when the Brothers of Charity

set up a special needs school in the estate and also when the Rugby Club developed

their grounds, the entrance to which is gained through the estate. He confirmed that

the junction leading off to the entrance to the rugby club is very dangerous and

nobody knows who has the right of way. He also confirmed that the road was

resurfaced when President Mary McAleese officially opened the Brothers of Charity

Special Needs School, but hasn’t been done since. Mr. Gilmore wished to thank the

Council officials and the Cllrs. for all their help on this matter down through the

years.

Mr. Higgins, President of the Rugby Club confirmed that the club would use about

60% of the road in question and the junction Mr. Gilmore referred to is very serious.

He stated that they are trying to develop and increase the numbers attending the rugby

club but would hope this safety issue could be dealt with.

All the Cllrs. agreed they would be willing to help in whatever way they could and

that the best option would be to go back to the developer and speak to him and then

try and get it taken in charge by the Council.

F. Gilmore agreed to get the issue re-examined. He stated that the Tuam Area Office

estimated it would cost €30,000 to cover the cost of works necessary. K. Kelly agreed

to try and find out where the £13,000 from the sale of the site went to.

Mr. Gilmore thanked the Cllrs and officials for their time and said that he was

encouraged by the Cllrs comments. He agreed that they would go back to the

developer and start from there. He stated that he was also slightly encouraged by the

Officials in their promise to look at the issue again.

2. Consideration of the Manager’s Report on the Pre-Draft submissions

received on the Galway County Development Plan 2015-2021.

Mr. Kelly advised that this Meeting was to give the Committee an opportunity to make any comments on the Manager’s Report on the pre-Draft County Development Plan. He said that the Council published an Issues Paper, received submissions, and met with various groups such as the Planning SPC, the DECLG, City Council and others. He advised that the next step was for the Members to consider the Manager’s Report on the pre-draft Submissions and the Draft Plan would be circulated to the Members in January 2014.

He said that Consultants were appointed to undertake the SEA and AA and also the SFRA for the County and the Housing Strategy. He advised that submissions were received from the Statutory Authorities, including the WRA/NRA/EPA/DECLG/Eirgrid/ESB, who set out their requirements including compliance with legislation and he advised the meeting that the Planning Authority will ensure that the Draft Plan will be compliant with all relevant legislation. He advised that a number of general submissions were received with regard to Urban Renewal, Retail, Road Infrastructure including the R336, local needs, amenity areas, and others relating to the overall vision for the County. He said that a number of submissions were received with regard to supporting Greenways at different locations such as the Athenry – Claremorris Greenway and Galway – Spiddal Greenway. He said also a number of Submissions were received relating to Wind Energy and the Wind Energy Strategy. He advised that the Manager’s Report had set out in general terms the Planning Authorities response to these Submissions whilst trying to create a framework for development in the County for the forthcoming period. He said that the Plan would be supportive of special projects such as the Galway City Outer By-Pass, Water and Wastewater Treatment Works and Flood alleviation works. He advised that the Plan would aim to support Town Centres so as to ensure that ongoing viability of Town Centres, which is an area of particular concern. He said that the Rural Housing Policy would be examined and the trends in population over the last Plan period analysed to determine what areas are in development pressure and in what areas has the population decreased. He advised that the Plan would also examine Tourism, Employment and Economic Development and would seek to achieve the right balance with regard to sustainable planning and economic development. He said the Plan would also examine Renewable Energy and whilst Galway County Council does not have a Renewable Energy Strategy, there would be Policies and Objectives in the Plan relating to Renewable Energy. Mr. Kelly advised that Record of Protected Structures would be updated in line with the review of the County Development Plan and currently there are 800 structures on the RPS with a further 600 additions to be made. He advised that the increase of the 600 or so new additions is made up of (a) complete new additions and (b) a previously recorded one entry being now broken down into individual elements. He said that it is not the intention of the Planning Authority overall to develop a Plan that is widely different from the current County Development Plan, however, the new Plan will be updated to adhere to statutory requirements and legislation whilst also incorporating experience gained from the current Plan’s implementation but said that consideration would be given to any issues raised by the Members in relation to the Managers Report or any general matters prior to the formulation of the Draft Plan.

Cllr. Cunniffe referred to the Greenway Submissions and the Manager’s Response to the Submission to convert the disused Tuam – Claremorris Railway line to a Greenway. He said that the Manager’s response referred to the 2030 Rail Network Strategy Review of October 2011 which states in an appraisal that the Athenry-Tuam phase of the Western Rail Corridor has the potential for reinstatement. Cllr. Cunniffe advised the Meeting that whilst the Athenry road is currently in poor condition but that when the new Motorway is built, this would lessen the priority for the Tuam – Claremorris Railway and hence the railway line should be considered favourably as a Greenway. He said the economic benefit from a Greenway is enormous and in other Counties such as Mayo that towns have been regenerated and there has been a growth in business and jobs in these towns from ancillary services. He said that capital investment is needed in the West but not to the same level as Dublin. In reply, Mr. Kelly said that the Manager’s Report response is the recommendation based on the information held at this time. Cllr. Connolly advised the Meeting that where Greenway’s exist throughout the country, these railway lines are formally closed and abandoned and this is not the case with the West Rail Corridor. He expressed the view that he would welcome more investment into the infrastructure in the West to make it more attractive to compete with the Capital. With regard to the RPS, Cllr. Connolly questioned if a Policy could be considered to repair old structures/castles such as the Castle in Moylough, or if some investment could be created so that their character and integrity could be maintained until there are funds to restore them fully, as if they are not repaired now they will be lost forever. Cllr. Peter Roche queried the increase in the number of Protected Structures from the previous Plan and asked if these new additions were being forced upon the Council. In reply, Ms. Doddy explained that the Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht launched a National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) for Galway in October 2011 and a book was produced and details can be seen on the Buildings of Ireland website. She advised that if a structure is classed as having Regional/National/International value, it is recommended by the Minister that these are included in the RPS and it is proposed to deal with the Minister’s recommendations as part of the County Development Plan. She advised that the RPS is an Appendix to the County Development Plan and there are currently approximately 800 structures on the RPS but some of these have now changed or have disappeared and there is a further approximate 900 additions to be made. Ms. Doddy explained that the NIAH is a representative sample and does not include everything.

Ms. Doddy advised that the process involves the identification of each owner by the Planning Authority, and the Planning Authority then notifies each owner in accordance with the requirements as set out in the Planning & Development Act, and the owners have an opportunity to revert to the Council with their comments. She said that the proposed additions to the RPS will then go to the Members, as a Reserved function, to decide what goes into the final RPS. Mr. Kelly said that each of Ministers recommendations was carefully considered as to whether it should be included or not in the proposed new additions and the process does include consultation at Draft Plan stage with the owner and the Elected Members. In reply to Cllr. Connolly, Ms. Doddy said that Castles pre 1700 come under the National Monuments Act. She explained that the Protected Structures are post 1700 and are more modern and include everyday buildings in Towns and Villages including thatch houses, post boxes etc up to the circa 1950’s. In reply to Cllr. Connolly, Ms. Doddy said that there was a duty of care for structures included in the Record of Protected Structures but not for structures protected under the National Monuments Acts, other than not to interfere with them. Mr. Kelly said that in relation to Wind Energy, the Council was awaiting National Guidelines from the Department with regard to Wind Energy and that it was the intention of the Council to comply with these revised Guidelines when received. He said if the Guidelines were not received prior to the preparation of the Draft Plan, then the Plan would include a commitment to comply with current and any amended legislation/guidelines. Cllr. Connolly expressed his concern re new Planning Guidelines coming into effect in early 2014 that will require a building certification process at different stages of construction and also with the environmental elements of Planning, both of which are and would make planning permission applications more cumbersome. In reply, Mr. Kelly said that there are additional costs with the possible requirement now for the undertaking of Flood Risk Assessments/Appropriate Assessments for some applications but these are a requirement of EU and National law which cannot be changed. In reply to Cllr. Canney, Mr. Kelly said that while they would not be formal submissions, the Forward Planning Section would be in a position to consider the Members suggestions for the Draft Plan at any stage during the preparation of the Draft Plan as this would allow for more productive engagement than at the Council Meeting alone.

3. Galway County Council appointed stands (Street Service Vehicles)

Tuam – Bye-Laws 2013

L. Gavin briefly discussed the Bye Laws for the appointed stands in Tuam and

informed the meeting that public submissions had been invited. He stated that the

Bye Laws would be brought before the full council for adoption at the October

meeting. It was agreed that no changes were needed.

4. Proposed Pedestrian Footbridge at Annagh Hill

T. Collins handed out drawings of the Proposed Footbridge at Annagh Hill and briefly

explained what was planned.

He stated that planning permission had not been sought for this but if there was

enough interest they would proceed with Part 8.

In reply to Cllr. Hoade, T. Collins confirmed that they will be speaking to the

residents, but they just wanted to see what the members thought about the idea.

The proposed footbridge was proposed by Cllr. Roche and seconded by Cllr.

Cunniffe.

5. Minutes of Previous Meetings

The minutes of the previous meetings (8th

February, 3013 and 8th

April, 2013) were

proposed by Cllr. McHugh and seconded by Cllr. Walsh.

Cllr. Connolly conveyed his thanks to the Roads Department for the great work they

had done at the Grotto, Moylough. He also stated that more warning signs were

needed at Cloonminda Cross.

Cllr. Cunniffe advised that in Item No. 1 of the minutes dated 8th

April, 2013 the

deputation consisted of Jimmy McElroy, Pat Fahy and Alan McGrath and not Pat

McGrath as stated. This was noted.

In reply to Cllr. Canney, F. Gilmore confirmed that works on the Shambles Car Park

would be starting soon and it would be done in two halves if possible. He agreed to

look into using the Grove Car Park as a temporary solution.

6. A.O.B.

L. Gavin handed out correspondence received by the Manager confirming that

funding had been made available for the BMW ERDF Gateways and Hubs Scheme.

L. Gavin confirmed that the timeframe is very tight to enable us to access the funds,

but that he was going to try and get the first four jobs listed on the correspondence

completed, that he hoped to get tenders out within the next few weeks.

All the Councillors welcomed this funding and agreed that the works would give a

great boost to Tuam.

A discussion ensued regarding the safety issues at the junction of Tullinadaly Hill. L.

Gavin agreed to examine this area and maybe do a re-design at this junction.

In reply to Cllr. Hoade, F. Gilmore confirmed that he will follow up on the complaints

received regarding the turn off at Carraghey, turning on to the Tuam – Galway Road.

Cllr. Cunniffe discussed the issue of the new contract for the management of Tuam

Leisure Centre and explained that after the tender had been awarded 4 years ago there

was great dissatisfaction when it transpired that the management contract had been

awarded under such terms that the Leisure Complex could be ran as a private club

with access almost exclusively subject to membership. He confirmed that he knew of

other management companies who successfully manage Leisure Centres on behalf of

Local Authorities whereby the public have 100% access to both swimming pool and

gym except for times allocated to swimming lessons, gala’s or such like.

He stated that in relation to the new tender contract that public access should be

paramount:

The motion Cllr. Cunniffe proposed is as follows:

That public access to Tuam Leisure Centre (gym and pool) should be available at all

times, save for the normal exclusions of swimming lessons, club training in certain

lanes or gala’s etc.

There should not be any instance where private members have access but the public

pay as you go members do not.

This motion was proposed by Cllr. Cunniffe and seconded by Cllr. Connolly.

Cllr. Cunniffe asked that this motion be sent to the Director of Services, Mr. Eugene

Cummins.

F. Gilmore congratulated E. Gallagher, Tuam Area Engineer on his recent promotion

and he wished him all the best in his new job in the Water Services Dept. He thanked

him for the excellent work he had done in the Tuam Area office.

All the Councillors paid tribute to E. Gallagher and wished him the very best in his

new position. They agreed that he was a gentleman to deal with and that he would be

missed.

The Councillors welcomed S. Langan to the Tuam Area Office and stated that they

were looking forward to working with him.

F. Gilmore and the Councillors thanked F. Miskell and wished her the very best on

her transfer to the Motor Tax Dept.

Chríochnaigh an cruinniú ansin