COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHORCAÍ
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Minutes of Proceedings at Meeting of Cork County Council held in the Council Chamber,
County Hall, Cork on 13th July, 2015.
I LATHAIR
Comhairleoir J. P. Ó Sé, Méara Chontae
Comhairleoiri Mac Craith, Ó Laoghaire, Daltúin, Ní Fhúarthain, D. Ó Donnabháin,
Ni Dheasmhumhnaigh, Ó Cainte, M. Ó Murchú, Ó hEarchaí, R. Mhic Cárthaigh, Ó Colmáin,
Lombard, C. Ó Murchú, Ní Mhurchú-Uí Mhathúna, S. Ó Donnabháin, A. Ó Muimhneacháin, Críod,
Ó Gráda, Ó Luasaigh, Ó Riain Ó Conbhuí, P. Ó Suilleabháin, C. MacCárthaigh, De Barra, Uí
Chuileannáin, Rasmussen, N. Ó Coileán, A. Ó Suilleabháin, Ó Buachalla, Ó hEigeartaigh, S. Mhic
Cárthaigh, Léanacháin-Foghlú, N. MacCárthaigh, Ó Floinn, Ó Dúghaill, Mhic Dháibhí, J. Uí
Mhurchú, MacGearailt, G. Ó Murchú, B. Ó Muimhneacháin, Uí Mhaoláin, T. Ó Coileán, M. Ó
Coileán, Ó Cearúill, Ó Donnabháin, C. Ó Suilleabháin, P.G. Ó Murchú, Uí hEigeartaigh, Ó hAodha,
Ó hUrthuile.
PRESENT
Councillor J. P. O’Shea, County Mayor presided.
Councillors McGrath, Ó Laoghaire, D’Alton, Forde, Ó Donnabháin, Desmond,
Canty, M. Murphy, Harris, R. McCarthy, Coleman, Lombard, K. Murphy, Murphy-O’Mahony, J.
O’Donovan, A. Moynihan, Creed, O’Grady, Lucey, Ryan, Conway, P. O’Sullivan, K. McCarthy,
Barry, Cullinane, Rasmussen, N. Collins, A. O’Sullivan, Buckley, Ml. Hegarty, S. McCarthy,
Linehan-Foley, N. McCarthy, O’Flynn, Doyle, Dawson, J. Murphy, Fitzgerald, G. Murphy, B.
Moynihan, Mullane, T. Collins, M. Collins, Carroll, N. O’Donovan, C. O’Sullivan, P.G. Murphy,
Hegarty, Hayes, Hurley.
Chief Executive, Senior Executive Officer.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
1(a)/7-1
Proposed by Councillor D. Hurley
Seconded by Councillor C. Rasmussen
RESOLVED:
“That the minutes of meeting of the Council held on 22nd June, 2015, be confirmed
and signed by the Mayor.”
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CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
1(b)/7-1
Proposed by Councillor D. Hurley
Seconded by Councillor C. Rasmussen
RESOLVED:
“That the minutes of Annual Meeting of the Council held on 26th June, 2015, be
confirmed and signed by the Mayor.”
VOTES OF SYMPATHY
2/7-1
TO:
Susan Hegarty, Finance Department on the death of her father, Declan.
TO:
Councillor J. A. Collins, on the death of his father-in-law, Michael Perkins.
TO:
Tom Stritch, Director of Services, on the death of his cousin.
TO:
The family of the late Jim L. O’Sullivan, Clonakilty, former Member of Council.
TO:
The O’Connor and Ryan families on the recent tragedies in Baltimore.
STATUTORY BUSINESS
The following disposal notice was noted by Members.
DISPOSAL OF 29 MOUNT RIVERS ESTATE, KILNAGLEARY, CARRIGLAINE, CO.
CORK.
3(a)/7-1
Cllr. T. Lombard said that this Disposal Notice should have been sent to the Bandon/Kinsale
Municipal District for consideration.
The Senior Executive Officer said that it was sent in error to the Ballincollig/Carrigaline Municipal
District but that the statutory process only commences at full Council level. He said that he would
bring the matter to the attention of both Municipal District Officers and that going forward disposal
notices for the Carrigaline area should be sent to both Municipal Districts.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of
property as shown hereunder shall be carried out in accordance with the terms specified in the notice
issued to members dated 24th June, 2015.
DISPOSAL OF 16 MAULBAUN, PASSAGE WEST, CO. CORK.
3(b)/7-1
DISPOSAL OF 33 ROS ARD, UPPER GLANMIRE, CO. CORK.
3(c)/7-1
DISPOSAL OF 12.44 hectares AT BROOKLODGE, GLANMIRE, CO. CORK.
3(d)/7-1
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DISPOSAL OF 41.75 hectares AT SPIKE ISLAND, CO. CORK.
3(e)/7-1
DISPOSAL OF LANEWAY AT UPPER STRAND ROAD, YOUGHAL, CO. CORK.
3(f)/7-1
DISPOSAL OF 27A ELM GROVE, GORT AN OIR, CASTLEMARTYR, CO. CORK.
3(g)/7-1
DISPOSAL OF SITE AT MASSEYTOWN, MACROOM, CO. CORK.
3(h)/7-1
DISPOSAL OF 12 MASSEYTOWN, MACROOM, CO. CORK.
3(i)/7-1
DISPOSAL OF 4 ARDAN, CLOUGHMACSIMON, BANDON, CO. CORK.
3(j)/7-1
REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMITTEES
Corporate Policy Group:
CONFERENCE LIST
4(a)/7-1
Proposed by Councillor Ml. Hegarty
Seconded by Councillor D. Hurley
RESOLVED:
“That the Conference List for July, 2015, be hereby approved.”
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION GAEL TACA
4(b)/7-1
Proposed by Councillor D. J. Fitzgerald
Seconded by Councillor J. P. O’Shea
RESOLVED:
“That a Voluntary Contribution of €7,000 be made to Gael Taca.”
NOMINATION TO CORK SUICIDE PREVENTION FORUM
4(c)/7-1
On the proposal of Councillor D. O’Grady, seconded by Councillor T. Collins, Councillor J. Murphy
was nominated to the Cork Suicide Prevention Forum.
The Mayor said that he was aware that other Members expressed an interest in being appointed to the
Forum and that he would bring this to the attention of the HSE.
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Cobh Municipal District:
MANAGER’S REPORT UNDER SECTION 179, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT,
2000:
5/7-1
Proposed by Councillor F. O’Flynn
Seconded by Councillor D.J. Fitzgerald
RESOLVED:
“Noting that in accordance with Article 179 of the Local Government (Planning and
Development) Act, 2000, notice of the proposed development was published, that 2
no. submissions were received in respect of the proposal, approval pursuant to Article
179 of the said Act is given for the following:Development of Mitchel Fort, Spike Island, Co. Cork.
Councillor M. D’Alton asked that any future developments for Spike Island and Haulbowline should
also be brought to the attention of the Ballincollig/Carrigaline Municipal District.
Councillor C. Cullinane asked that the Council would give consideration to a Local Area Plan for the
Harbour Area.
The Chief Executive agreed that developments in the Harbour area affect both Municipal Districts and
should work in unison together. He said that the Council would be considering its Local Area Plans
in 2016 and the Harbour Area should be dealt with in a cohesive manner as part of that process.
Fermoy Municipal District:
PROVISION OF WATER IN CEMETERIES
6/7-1
Councillor F. O’Flynn proposed, seconded by Councillor I. Doyle, the following motion:“That Cork County Council outline its policy on the provision of water at cemeteries where
no water supply is currently available.”
Members said that cemeteries in Doneraile and Watergrasshill particularly need access to a water
supply and the issue should be taken up with Irish Water.
The Chief Executive said that this decision is best taken at Area Level with the relevant Municipal
District Officer and Area Engineer and that the proposal does warrant consideration but costs and
other issues must be taken into account.
Northern Committee:
SAFE HOUSING REFUGE
7/7-1
Councillor J. Murphy proposed, seconded by Councillor T. Collins, the following motion:-
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“That safe housing “refuge” be made available as a matter of priority as soon as possible for
women and children who need a safe and caring place to stay when fleeing from a domestic
violence situation.”
The Chief Executive said that the Council must work with the established supporting groups that are
available to help those fleeing from domestic violence. The Council is obliged to deal with anyone
who is homeless and this works effectively. He said that responsibility for dealing with Child and
Family Services is with Tusla, which is a legal entity comprising of certain organisations with staffing
and relevant budgets and that whatever role the Council would have, would be through that context.
It was agreed that the matter would be referred to the Housing SPC for further consideration and to
have a representative from Tusla attend that meeting.
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CORRESPONDENCE FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
SENIORS ALERT SCHEME
8/7-1
Members noted with disappointment letter dated 2nd June, 2015, from the Department of the
Environment, Community & Local Government in response to Council’s motion of 27th April, 2015,
regarding the Seniors Alert Scheme.
It was agreed to refer the matter back to the Department of the Environment, Community & Local
Government, asking why the decision was made to transfer the service to Pobal without proper
consultation with the relevant groups.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, MIDLETON
9/7-1
Members noted letter dated 17th June, 2015, from the Department of Health, in response to Council’s
motion of 23rd March, 2015, regarding funding for Our Lady of Lourdes Community Hospital,
Midleton.
ONE PARENT FAMILY PAYMENT
10/7-1
Members noted letter dated 23rd June, 2015, from the Department of Social Protection, in response to
Council’s motion of 13th April, 2015, regarding One-Parent Family Payment. Cllr. D. Ó Laoghaire
said that this was a lengthy and complicated response that would only confuse applicants for the OneParent Family Payment.
It was agreed to take Item 19 at this point:Proposed by Councillor M. Murphy-O’Mahony
Seconded by Councillor D. Ó Laoghaire
RESOLVED:
“Seeing as no credible and bankable commitment on the delivery of a system of safe,
affordable and accessible childcare has been forthcoming that this Council calls on the
Government to reverse the recent decision that sees lone parents with children aged seven and
older no longer being entitled to the one-parent family payment.”
NOTICES OF MOTION
PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC ON VARIOUS ALLOWANCES
11/7-1
Councillor M. Mullane proposed, seconded by Councillor P. Buckley, the following notice of
motion:“That this Council takes a proactive and leadership role on informing housing tenants and
customers of various state entitlements. i.e. Back to school allowance, winter fuel allowance
etc.”
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The Chief Executive said that it is important to note that all these Schemes are administered by the
Department of Social Protection and can change frequently and details are updated on their websites
and at Social Welfare offices. He said that the Council’s housing staff are fully taken up with their
own work load and it would not be realistic for these staff to become familiar and stay up to date with
all the details of the various Department of Social Protection schemes and that the only possible
action may be to direct queries to where the information is available.
WHITEGATE OIL REFINERY
12/7-1
Proposed by Councillor N. Collins
Seconded by Councillor Ml. Hegarty
RESOLVED:
“That this Council call on the Government to set up a task force to examine the upgrading of
Whitegate Oil Refinery, Co. Cork. To ensure its retention and livelihood of 400 plus
employees and contractors and in the interests of the motoring public.”
Members made the following points:






Queried the status of the Whitegate Task Force;
Operations guaranteed at Whitegate until 2016;
Continue to fight for the retention of Whitegate Oil Refinery;
Whitegate supplies 40% of Ireland’s fuel needs;
Important for communities in East Cork that the Refinery is retained;
The feasibility of taking Whitegate Oil Refinery into public ownership must be explored;
Difficult to compete with EU refineries;
An addendum to the motion was also agreed that Whitegate Oil Refinery should be placed in public
ownership.
JOB ACTIVATION MEASURES FOR UNEMPLOYED NOT ON LIVE REGISTER
13/7-1
Proposed by Councillor M. D’Alton
Seconded by Councillor C. Cullinane
RESOLVED:
“That State job activation measures should be available to all who are unemployed, not only
to those on the Live Register. That if passed, this motion would be circulated to all local
authorities in the country for support.”
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CIVIC RECEPTION FOR CREW OF L.E. EITHNE
14/7-1
Councillor I. Doyle proposed, seconded by Councillor M. Murphy-O’Mahony, the following notice of
motion:“That Cork County Council would afford the Captain and Crew of the LÉ Eithne a Civic
reception in recognition of the tremendous humanitarian work that they are doing on behalf of
the Irish people since leaving our naval base in Hawlbowline for the Mediterranean Sea
area.”
Members commended Commander Pearse O’Donnell and the crew of the LE Eithne and requested
that a Civic Reception be given to them in conjunction with the Naval Base.
The Mayor said that the vessel was due to return on Friday and he would look into an appropriate
reception.
LONG TERM VOID HOUSING UNITS
15/7-1
Councillor D. O’Grady proposed, seconded by Councillor S. McGrath, the following notice of
motion:“To seek a written report on the number of Long Term Void housing units in the county at
present.
The report to contain in tabulated form under yearly heading the years units became vacant
and the number of units that became vacant in each separate year.
The report to also contain in a separate table the estimated cost of refurbishing these units
based on four separate bands of under €5,000, from €5,000 to €15,000, from €15,000 to
€30,000 and over €30,000 and the number of Long Term Void units in each band.”
Members noted report from the Director of Housing, which outlined as follows:The total number of units deemed as Long Term Voids per the Reports to Divisional Committees is
180 and this is broken down as follows;
North-96
West- 48
South-36
The Council is expecting to spend €1.9M on the voids programme in 2015 which is made up of the
Departments allocation of €1.5m and the Councils allocation of €500,000.




51 units have been completed and are either ready to let or are under offer,
86 units are being progressed or are expected to be progressed before year-end (see table
below)
19 units are being considered for disposal.
The remaining 24 units are being progressed either through the architects department or are
the subject of funding requests to the Department.
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Under
€5,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total
under
€15,000
0
0
0
1
4
26
31
under
€30,000
0
0
0
1
0
37
38
over
€30,000
3
1
1
1
2
9
17
Total
3
1
1
3
6
72
86
Members made the following points:


Reservations to selling off 19 units;
Easiest way to provide housing is to renovate and reassign;
There is a severe shortage of houses and high rents prevent people from saving for deposits;
The Chief Executive said that there has been significant progress in addressing the void units and only
57 remain to be completed out of stock of over 8,000 units. He said that this has been exemplary
progress considering the numbers that are there.
Members commented further as follows:


There are gaps between vacant dwelling and re-allocation, process must be speeded up;
Boarded up houses are unsatisfactory;
Apply for relevant funding from Department.
The Chief Executive said that funding from the Department is restricted to specific works.
CHOICE BASED LETTING SCHEME
16/7-1
Councillor D. Ó Laoghaire proposed, seconded by Councillor M. D’Alton, the following notice of
moiton:“Chun fiafraí an bhfuil Chomhairle Chontae Chorcaí tar éis aon taighde a dhéanamh ar scéim
rogha tithíochta, agus cén toradh ar tháinig as sin, ag fiafraí an bhfuil sé d'intinn ag an
Chomhhairle dul i taca le sin, agus muna bhfuil taighde deánta, molann an gChomhairle
Contae go dtosnódh an Chomhairle ar a leithead.
To enquire whether Cork County Council has examined the possibility of a Choice Based
Letting scheme, if so, what outcome has there been from that, to enquire whether the Council
intends to pursue such a scheme, and if the issue has not been examined, that Cork County
Council recommends progressing such an initiative.”
The Chief Executive advised that the County is actively working with the City Council in finalising a
document regarding Choice Based Lettings. He said that the Council recently sought expressions of
interest for properties in the Northern Division and out of 1700 applicants only 4 expressed an interest
and that this would be of concern.
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RURAL AND URBAN WORK SCHEME
17/7-1
Proposed by Councillor M. Collins
Seconded by Councillor K. Conway
RESOLVED:
“I call on the Department of Social Protection to immediately start a rural and urban work
scheme going forward”.
PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
18/7-1
Proposed by Councillor P. O’Sullivan
Seconded by Councillor A. Moynihan
RESOLVED:
“What means if any are being undertaken by the Dept of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to
protect elements of our cultural heritage such as battlefield sites, penal chapels, features and
sites associated with Ireland's struggle for Independence, WW1 & WW2, as well as the more
intangible aspects of our heritage.”
Members made the following points:




Many heritage and cultural points are not being adequately protected;
There are opportunities to promote aspects of our cultural heritage such as the battlefield at
the N22;
Many historical sites are not recorded;
Acknowledge work of Council’s Heritages Section;
Council should be making use of informing people more about monuments.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM OTHER BODIES
N28 CORK TO RINGASKIDDY ROAD
20/7-1
Members noted letter dated 24th June, 2015, from the National Roads Authority, in response to
Council’s motion of 8th June, 2015, regarding the upgrade of the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road.
Members said that the NRA should explore the possibility of EU funding for this road and that the
timeline for the project is slipping all the time.
The Chief Executive said that the expectation is that the CPO will issue before the end of the year. He
said that government is due to publish its Capital Programme and it is critical that the N28 would be
included on this list.
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VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
21/7-1
TO:
Maura Twomey, Boston, who swam from Dover to France in aid of Cystic Fibrosis.
TO:
The Mayor on the successful chairing of his first Council Meeting.
TO:
Bantry Blues Hurling Team on their win against Dromtariffe recently.
TO:
John Keohane on winning the Single Skulls Rowing Competition.
TO:
Cllr. Seamus McGrath on being appointed Fianna Fáil Party Leader.
TO:
Lyre Road Bowling Club on their successful hosting of the All Ireland Road Bowling
Championships recently.
TO:
Passage West Under 14 Football and Under 15 Hurling Teams on their recent win.
This concluded the business of the Meeting
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