Minutes of Meeting of the Blarney/Macroom Municipal District held in the Town
Hall, Macroom on Friday 23rd January, 2015.
1.
Present:
Cllrs. Aindrias Moynihan (Cathaoirleach), Michael Creed, Ted Lucey,
Des O’Grady, Bob Ryan and Kevin Conway
Attendance:
Mr. Maurice Manning, S/Director of Services
Mr. James Dwyer, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr. Aidan Creagh, Executive Engineer
Mr. Conor Shannon, Assistant Engineer
Ms. Susan Murphy, Municipal District Officer
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Councillor Conway and seconded by Councillor Ryan, the minutes of
the proceedings of the Blarney/Macroom Municipal District meeting held on the 5th
December, 2014, having been circulated, were confirmed and signed by the
Cathaoirleach.
2.
MATTERS ARISING
1. Land in Masseytown for Tidy Towns
Cllr Lucey enquired about an update on the land in Masseytown for the Tidy Towns. C.
Shannon, AE met with the Property Section, Cork County Council re same. C. Shannon,
AE is to prepare location map for Property Section and they will progress same.
2. Raised Footpath
Cllr Lucey looked for an update re raised footpath by the bridge. C. Shannon, AE advised
that he would speak with the SEE in relation to same.
3. Feature Lights on Bridge
Cllr Lucey enquired about the feature lights on the bridge. C. Shannon, AE advised that
he spoke with D. Quill, NRA re same and that he is following up on this matter.
4. CCTV
Cllr Lucey asked for a status report re CCTV. C. Shannon, AE advised that a meeting was
arranged between the Council and J&N Security Consultants Limited for the following
Tuesday.
5. Bottlebank at Inchigeela
Cllr Creed enquired about the bottlebank in Inchigeela. C. Shannon advised that this was
not within the Blarney/Macroom Municipal District it was in the Dunmanway area and he
would speak with Cait Lehane.
6. Speed Limits
Cllr Creed enquired if the speed limits had been decided upon. A. Creagh, EE advised
that the estates namely Glenaree, Ardaragh, Laurelsdown Crescent, Riverview Estate, St.
Colman’s Park, Oakwood, Glen Park and Ard na Greine were discussed at the last
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meeting. A. Creagh, EE must bring this list to the Gardai to get agreement on same and
that it may take until the end of the year for the speed limits to be changed. Cllr O’Grady
asked if Dripsey could be included. A. Creagh, EE advised that for now, J. Donegan, SE
has advised that the Council should focus on estates for the moment. A. Creagh, EE
advised that he would look at the Dripsey area as perhaps they could put better lining
etc in the area.
7. Resurfacing of Main Street in Macroom Town
Cllr Creed looked for an update on the resurfacing of the main street in Macroom. C.
Shannon, AE advised that the tenders are back in relation to same and that he believed
the contract had been awarded and they were hoping to start in March. There had been
no consultation meetings as of yet but they will happen closer to the time. Cllr Lucey
advised that it was hugely important that the work must be carried out at night-time as
a gas break last year brought the Town to a standstill. Cllr Moynihan acknowledged that
the work had to be done but that steps would have to be put in place to minimise the
disruption on the Town especially with St. Patrick’s Day parade coming up.
8. Hanover Bridge
Cllr Creed looked for an update on Hanover Bridge. C. Shannon, AE advised that he
looked at the bridge with J. Dwyer, SEE and that they hoped to carry out work there in
the next few months.
9. Meenahony Bridge
Cllr Ryan advised that there were a lot of issues to resolve in relation to same and that
he would like to compliment the commitment from A. Creagh, EE re same.
10. Subsidence in Elm Court and Shournagh Drive
Cllr Ryan asked for an update on the subsidence as residents were getting anxious re
same. A. Creagh, EE advised that he would look at the area again and speak with J.
Dwyer, SEE in relation to same and advised that the best time to do this type of work is
the summer time. Cllr Ryan reiterated that the residents in the area are quite concerned.
11. Power Supply to Christmas Lights in Tower
Cllr Ryan asked if the power supply to the Christmas lights in Tower could be look at for
next year. A. Creagh, EE advised that he had sought electrical prices in relation to same
and he is awaiting responses.
12. Overhanging Branches
Cllr Conway enquired about the overhanging braches at Station Road, Blarney. A.
Creagh, EE to check same and perhaps call to homeowner. Cllr Conway asked if the
branches by Nemo bridge could be taken care of. A. Creagh, EE advised that they may
have to cut same at the junction but they would have to try to establish the owner. Cllr
Conway enquired about Nemo junction and A. Creagh, EE advised that he had applied
for funding re same.
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13. Wasteground near Monacnappa
Cllr Conway enquired about the wasteground area near Monacnappa. A. Creagh, EE
advised that there was a land registry request on same. Cllr Conway advised that the
area was right just before the apartments.
14. Grange Manor
Cllr O’Grady enquired about the written report he requested re Grange Manor. A.
Creagh, EE advised that Finance had come back to him re same and that money
received in Development Contributions for infrastructural deficiencies in the area was
spent in various codes in the area and money was used in the Ballincollig Green Route,
Drainage Works in Killumney and resurfacing within the Ballincollig Area. Cllr O’Grady
advised that there is ½ mile of roadway between Grange Manor and Killumney village
that is very dark. A. Creagh, EE advised that it would cost a lot of money to rectify this
area as they would have to provide new walking paths etc and possibly land purchases.
A discussion took place on same.
15. Corner of R619
Cllr O’Grady enquired if the corner of R619 could be looked at? A. Creagh, EE advised
that the Council doesn’t own the land there, it owns the land on the next bend and that
it was a matter of funding. A Road Design was done in 2009. Cllr Ryan advised that the
residents in the area have an active campaign going and would it be possible to get
costings on the job? Cllr Moynihan advised that John Lapthorne’s office had carried out a
lot of research in the area.
16. Contract for Macroom Resurfacing – Western Side – Monns & Ballyvourney
A discussion took place on the resurfacing of same.
17. Welcome
Cllr Moynihan welcomed James Dwyer to the area as SEE and on behalf of all the
Members wished him the best in his new role. James Dwyer, SEE thanked the
chairperson and advised that he was looking forward to working with everyone in
Blarney/Macroom Municipal District.
3. Disposal of Property
The meeting considered the disposal of freehold interest at number 13 Masseytown,
Macroom, Co. Cork to Phyllis Murphy, Co. Cork for the consideration of 350 euro
inclusive of administration charges. The disposal of freehold interest was proposed by
Cllr Lucey and seconded by Cllr Ryan.
4. Litter Management Plan
S. Murphy, MDO advised that the adoption, replacement and amendment of a Litter
Management Plan is a reserved function. Following the restructuring of Local
Government each Municipal District must now adopt a Litter Management Plan in
accordance with the Litter Pollution Act 1997. The Environment Department drafted a
county wide strategy which was presented to the Environment SPC and S. Murphy, MDO
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will circulate same to all Members. It is proposed that each MD will agree to commence
the statutory process and that the Master Plan would then be advertised.
M. Manning, S/DOS advised that the Environment Department will continue to
implement the county wide actions and enforcements that it has to date been involved
in. Each MD will determine local actions to be implemented to support the strategic
objectives of the master strategy.
5. GENERAL MUNICIPAL ALLOCATION
M. Manning, S/DOS advised that documents will shortly be made available to Members
to advise them of Cork County Council’s Community Grant Schemes for 2015. There are
3 distinct funding schemes namely Municipal District Capital Grant Scheme, Municipal
District Community Contracts and Municipal District Amenity Grant Scheme. It is hoped
to advertise within the next week for these Grant Schemes. Application forms and
guidelines will be available at each Municipal District and on Cork County Council’s
website. The deadline for all submissions will be the end of February.
Cllr Lucey enquired if receipts would have to be made available. He also advised that St.
Patrick’s Day is only 7 weeks away and that Macroom normally got a grant of 10,000
euro to have their parade in Macroom etc and in principle can it be taken that this will
continue. Both Cllr Ryan and Cllr Conway also advised that they hold a St. Patrick’s Day
parade in Blarney and that this year was a special year as they were celebrating their
250th year anniversary. M. Manning, S/DOS advised both parties to get their applications
in as soon as they could and that a decision could be made on same then. He would be
reluctant to comment without the forms been received. Cllr Conway advised that
Avondhu Black Water were not funding them this year. Cllr O’Grady enquired if Macroom
Town Council put aside a fund for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Macroom for 2015. He
was advised that this was not the case. A discussion took place on the funding of St.
Patrick’s Day. M. Manning, S/DOS advised that maybe it was more appropriate for the
St. Patrick’s Day funding to come from the Town Development Fund. Cllr Ryan proposed
this and enquired if an application would have to be made re same. M. Manning, S/DOS
advised to complete an application for same and that the allocation would be made from
the Town Development Fund. Cllr Creed enquired if the application would go to the
County Hall. M. Manning, S/DOS advised that it would be dealt with at Municipal District
level.
6. AOB
Park Gates
Cllr Lucey enquired about the update on the Park Gates. Conor Shannon, AE advised that it
was hoped that work here would commence in the spring time.
Cemetery in Macroom
Cllr Lucey enquired about the update on the cemetery in Macroom. C. Shannon, AE advised
that discussions are ongoing in relation to extending the graveyard.
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Anglish Cemetery
A discussion took place on cemeteries. Cllr Creed advised that some of the graveyards are in
a bad state of repair. A. Creagh, EE advised that traditionally there was only a small amount
of money available for the maintenance of cemeteries. However, the Gateway Scheme
should be of help now as he would propose to put a few people in one cemetery for a week
or two and work our way through the list. Cllr Creed welcomed this news.
Church of Ireland
Cllr Lucey enquired if we could apply for funding for the Church of Ireland. M. Manning,
S/DOS advised that we could look at heritage grants etc. S. Murphy, MDO advised that the
property department had viewed the COI and that they would estimate that around 25,000
euro would have to be spent on the building to make it safe etc.
Mill Dam
Cllr Lucey enquired about the Mill Dam. Cllr Lucey was advised that there is money
ringfenced for same and that it was proposed that some of this money would be utilised for
procuring consultants. Cllr Moynihan advised that Mr. Con Lynch (former Town Council
Member) had wanted this funding to be utilised so that what is now an eyesore could inturn
be changed into a place of interest etc. Cllr Lucey enquired if the participants in the gateway
scheme could be utilised.
Overhanging Branches
Cllr Conway enquired about the overhanging branches in Shournagh Road Blarney. A.
Creagh, EE would look into same.
Pot Holes in Killowen Road
Cllr Conway enquired about the pot holes in Killowen Road from Newcastle turn off to
Courtbrack Cross. A. Creagh, EE advised that these were filled yesterday.
Weight Restriction Signs on Killowen Road
Cllr Conway advised that the weight restriction signs on Killowen Road were too far away
from Junctions. A. Creagh, EE to examine same.
Estates to be taken in Charge
Cllr Conway enquired if the following estates in Blarney could be taken in charge – Castle
Gardens, Sunberry, Woodfield, Monacnappa. This would be examined.
Carpark adjacent to Playground
Cllr. Conway advised that there was a proposal to extend same. A. Creagh, EE to check if
the land is owned by Cork County Council.
Bridge – Model Village
Cllr O’Grady advised that the speed signs are missing by this bridge. The Council estate has
a cobbled driveway and when the lighting is out it can be quite dangerous and some stones
are missing. At the bottom of the estate, water seems to gather and can this be examined.
The surface of parts of the Model Village are not great. Can this be also examined?
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Leemount Bridge
Cllr O’Grady advised that the pathway where people fish etc is very narrow. Can this be
extended to allow for people with buggies etc.
Road Surfacing from Cloughduv Village
Cllr. O’Grady advised that the road surfacing from the village is not great.
L343210
Cllr O’Grady enquired about L343210. C. Shannon, AE advised that this maybe included in
this year’s surface dressing programme.
Chapel Hill
Cllr O’Grady enquired if the yellow box at the end of Chapel Hill can be added. C. Shannon,
AE will look into same.
L961823
Cllr O’Grady advised that half of this road is done and can the other half be done. A. Creagh,
EE to examine same. Cllr Creed advised that part of this was done in a local improvement
scheme and once the money was spent the work stopped.
Bridge L67770
Cllr O’Grady advised that the wall on this bridge was disappearing. A. Creagh, EE to check
on same.
Inniscarra Bridge
Cllr O’Grady advised that there was still problems on the Inniscarra Bridge and that vehicles
were still meeting on the narrow bridge. Cllr O’Grady also advised that it was very bad at
rush hour. Cllr Ryan enquired if there was a preservation order on the bridge as the only
solution was to widen the bridge.
Council Estate in Grenagh
Cllr Ryan enquired about the Council estate in Grenagh. A. Creagh, EE to examine same.
Cloughduv Church
Cllr Ryan advised that the footpaths around the church are poor. A. Creagh advised that he
saw them this week and when the plant machinery leaves the site that perhaps they could
repair some of the area.
Rylane
Cllr Creed enquired about the terrace to village footpath. A. Creagh, EE advised that
funding was a problem. Cllr Moynihan asked if the grass and hard surface could be dealt
with and perhaps the residents could assist in other areas. A. Creagh, EE advised that the
green area could not be taken away as this provides drainage also.
Knockrover Road, Aghabollogue
Cllr Creed enquired about the back road into Aghabollogue up by the cemeteries that the
road is bad. A. Creagh, EE to check into same.
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Carrigimia
Cllr Creed enquired about the junction to the right, past the priests house. Road is 400/500
metres long and has a dangerous turn off. C. Shannon, AE to investigate same. Pot holes
also in the area.
L6064 – Crossbarry
A.Creagh to check this as it maybe in the Bandon area.
Weight Restriction on Kilowen Road
Cllr Conway enquired if there was a weight restriction on Kilowen Road and what was the
long term strategy for this bridge. A. Creagh, EE was getting a price re same as it must be
repaired. The weight restriction is still there and it is hoped the work would be done during
the summer.
Carpark
Cllr Lucey enquired about the carpark by Fairgreen in Macroom. C. Shannon, AE advised
that he had shown J. Dwyer, SEE the problem and that they have contacted the Roads
Design office re same. Cllr Lucey enquired if work would start in 4-6 weeks. C. Shannon, AE
advised that a decision would have to be made on the area and then a tender competition
would follow. Cllr Lucey enquired if the small roundabout in the area could be painted if it is
going to take time to do the big job.
Flashing Amber lights in Rylane & Coachford Schools
Cllr Moynihan asked that the flashing amber lights be look at in Rylane & Coachford schools.
This is to be investigated.
Pothole repair by Coolyhane.
Cllr Moynihan asked for potholes to be repaired by Coolyhane. C. Shannon, AE to investigate
same.
Road Signs
Cllr Moynihan advised that several cast-iron signs had disappeared around the tourist areas
in Macroom – Gougane, Mount of Glen etc. Can these be looked at before the Tourist
season picks up again??? Would it be possible to replace the signs with lower cost signs as
perhaps the cast-iron signs are attracting people.
A lot of the signs on cycle routes are also missing – signs from Cork to Inniscarra and onto
the Lee Valley etc and from Inniscarra to the city are also missing.
OPW Contractor
Clllr Moynihan advised that the OPW have hired a consultant to investigate the flood
defensives in the Ballingeary and Inchigeela area and whilist it is an early step in the
scheme it is a positive development for the area.
Macroom Hospital
Cllr Moynihan stated that it was important that local issues would be raised at the local
Municipal District Council. He wanted to raise the issue of the Macroom Hospital and that a
report from HIQA may be due out shortly. There was a previous report in 2008 and in order
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to meet the requirements then the hospital would have to be extended. As the extension did
not take place, people are very anxious in case the hospital may get downgraded etc and as
Members Cllr Moynihan stated that we need to voice local people’s concerns and get a
commitment for them. An indepth discussion took place in relation to the Macroom Hospital.
It was decided that contact would be made to the authorities in question to see if
clarification could be sought on the matter.
Cllr Moynihan urged Members to raise local issues at the Municipal District meetings.
THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
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CATHAOIRLEACH
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DATE
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MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OFFICER
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DATE
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