COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHORCAÍ
______________________________________________________________
Minutes of Proceedings at Meeting of Cork County Council held in the Council
Chamber, County Hall, Cork on 13th January, 2014.
I LATHAIR
Comhairleoir N. Ó Conchubar, Méara Chontae
Comhairleoiri Ó Colmáin, C. Ó Murchú, Uí hEigeartaigh, Ó Crualaoch, D. Ó
Síocháin, P.G. Ó Murchú, J. Suilleabháin, Mac Coistealbha, Ó Burtúin, Pleaminn, Mac
Craith, Ní Fhúarthain, Lombard, Ni Dheasmhumhnaigh, S. Ó Coileán, Ó Baoighil, C. Ó
Caoimh, Ó Drisceoil, MacCárthaigh, Ó Floinn, T. Ó Coileán, G. Ó Murchú, Ó Buachalla,
Donnagáin, Críod, Ó Cainte, Ó Cochláin, Ó Muimhneacháin, MacGearailt, R. Ó Síocháin, Ó
Sé, T. Ó Siocháin, Ó hEigeartaigh, Rasmussen, N. Ó Coileán, Uí Mhuirí, Ní hAonghusa, S. Ó
Conchubar, Ó Donnabháin, Ó Muirthile, Ó Laochra, S. Ó Suilleabháin, Ó hEalaithe, Ó
Ruairc, C. Ó Suilleabháin.
PRESENT
Councillor N. O’Connor, County Mayor presided.
Councillors Coleman, Murphy, Hegarty, Crowley, D. Sheehan, P.G. Murphy,
J. Sullivan, Costello, Burton, Fleming, McGrath, Forde, Lombard, Desmond, J. Collins,
Boyle, K. O’Keeffe, O’Driscoll, McCarthy, O’Flynn, T. Collins, G. Murphy, Buckley,
Donegan, Creed, Canty, Coughlan, Moynihan, Fitzgerald, R. Sheehan, O’Shea, T. Sheahan,
Ml. Hegarty, Rasmussen, N. Collins, Murray, Hennessy, S. O’Connor, O’Donovan, Hurley,
Leahy, J. O’Sullivan, Healy, O’Rourke, C. O’Sullivan.
County Manager, Senior Executive Officer, County Engineer, S/Director of Service (South),
Director of Environment, Senior Executive Officer (Economic Development).
Suspension of Standing Orders – Storm Damage
Councillor M. Hegarty proposed, seconded by Councillor D. O’Rourke, that Standing Orders
would be suspended to discuss the damage caused to coastal areas in the recent storms.
The Mayor advised that this matter would be taken at 1pm.
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Suspension of Standing Orders – Planning Application Carrigaline Area
Councillor S. McGrath proposed, seconded by Councillor P. Desmond, that Standing Orders
would be suspended to discuss the Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a retail
premises in Carrigaline and the impact the development would have on the town. Cllr.
Desmond stated that the development would have disregard to the County Development Plan
and queried how the decision could be overturned.
The Manager advised that it is not the appropriate time to comment on the decision made and
that the matter could be looked at after the appeals stage to An Bord Pleanála.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
1/1-1
Proposed by Councillor T. Lombard
Seconded by Councillor K. Murphy
RESOLVED:
“That the minutes of meeting of the Council held on 9th December, 2013, be
confirmed and signed by the Mayor.”
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2/1-1
Proposed by Councillor K. Murphy
Seconded by Councillor K. O’Keeffe
RESOLVED:
“That the minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Council held on 13 th
December, 2013, be confirmed and signed by the Mayor.”
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VOTES OF SYMPATHY
3/1-1
TO:
Ber Kearney, Macroom Office, on the death of her mother, Cait.
TO:
Frank Kiernan, Kinsale Harbour Board, on the death of his wife Kathleen.
TO:
Tom Hernon, former Divisional Engineer, on the death of his wife, Etta.
TO:
The family of the late Peter Thompson, former Member of Strategic Policy
Committee.
TO:
Richard Carthy, employee, on the death of his brother, John.
TO:
The family of the late Seamus Hyde, former Member of Ballyhoura Development.
Statutory Business:
DISPOSAL OF 18 MA NA GREINE, CLASHDERMOT EAST, KILLEAGH, CO.
CORK.
4(a)/1-1
Proposed by Councillor G. Murphy
Seconded by Councillor K. Murphy
RESOLVED:
“That, 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 10th December, 2013.”
DISPOSAL OF LEEVIEW PLACE, MONKSTOWN, CO. CORK.
4(b)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF EASTGATE COMMERCIAL PARK, LITTLE ISLAND, CO. CORK.
4(c)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT STAG PARK, MITCHELSTOWN, CO. CORK.
4(d)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT BALLYDUANE, NEWMARKET, CO. CORK.
4(e)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT KNOCKNAMUCK, FREEMOUNT, CHARLEVILLE, CO.
CORK.
4(f)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT GEORGES STREET, CHURCHTOWN, CO. CORK.
4(g)/1-1
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DISPOSAL OF LAND AT SHANAKIEL, RATHCOOLE, CO. CORK.
4(h)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT COOLNANAVE, MITCHELSTOWN, CO. CORK.
4(i)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT STAG PARK, MITCHELSTOWN, CO. CORK.
4(j)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT DROMLEIGH, BANTRY, CO. CORK.
4(k)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT SUMMERHILL, BANTRY, CO. CORK.
4(l)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT TANYARD LANE, ROSSCARBERY, CO. CORK.
4(m)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF 4 GARTAN PARK, DOUGLAS, CO. CORK.
4(n)/1-1
AMENDMENT TO DISPOSAL OF LAND AT O’MAHONY PLACE, CLONDROHID,
MACROOM, CO. CORK.
4(o)/1-1
Roads Act, 1993:
DECLARATION OF PUBLIC ROADS
5/1-1
Proposed by Councillor M. Hegarty
Seconded by Councillor N. McCarthy
RESOLVED:
“That, being satisfied that a public right of way exists over them, and the
roads are of general public utility, Cork County Council hereby declares
pursuant to the provisions of Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993, the
following roads to be public roads:Road at “Carraig Aoil”, Coolmucky, Cloughduv, linear length 490
metres
Road at Richmond, Glanmire, house nos. 32-40 linear length 380 metres
Road at “Forest Glen”, Fermoy, linear length 928 metres.”
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Reports & Recommendations of Committees:
Development Committee:
NEW DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE OF CORK COUNTY
6/1-1
Members noted the report from the S/Director of Service, which stated as follows:The Local Government Reform Programme proposes the reorganisation of local government
at sub-county level and establishes a new county/sub-county relationship.
The 12 Town Councils in Cork will be dissolved with effect from 1st June, 2014 and the
county will be configured into 8 Municipal Districts.
At the local election in May Members will, in the first instance, be elected for their Electoral
Area/Municipal District and this membership will constitute membership of the Full Council.
Each new Municipal District will be the decision making forum for the purpose of performing
certain reserved functions set out in the new legislation. These reserved functions include;
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Consideration and adoption of an annual schedule of proposed works to be carried out
in the district.
Establishing a community fund.
Declaring a road to be a public road.
Extinguishing a right of way.
Making bye-laws for the control and regulation of parking.
Making bye-laws in relation to the regulation of casual trading.
Making of a Litter Management Plan.
Certain other reserved functions, in respect of Municipal Districts, may be performed by the
Municipal District Members or Full Council, these include;
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The conferring of Civic Honours.
Entering into twinning arrangements.
Making, amending or revoking a local area plan.
Deciding to vary or modify a proposed Local Authority own development or
deciding not to proceed with the development.
Other reserved functions will continue to be performed by Full Council only;
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Adopting the annual budget.
Determining the annual rate on valuation.
Deciding to borrow money.
Delegating of functions to Municipal District Members.
Approving Corporate Plan.
Disposing of land.
Adopting of a Traveller Accommodation Programme.
Making or amending a scheme for the allocation of Local Authority dwellings.
Making of special speed limit bye-laws.
Making or varying a Development Plan.
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The functions listed are indicative only. The legislation proposes 44 reserved functions at
Municipal District level, 24 that will be performed either by the Municipal Districts or Full
Council and 105 that will be performed by Full Council. It is clear that there is no statutory
role for the Divisional Committees, as they currently exist, in the new structure. Sufficient
resources do not exist however to facilitate the quarterly reporting on Housing, Water
Services, Roads and Environment at 8 Municipal meetings so it will be necessary to retain a
Divisional structure to accommodate it.
As a result of the loss of 4 Members in West Cork it is proposed to reconfigure the Divisional
boundaries to create a greater numerical balance on the new Divisional Committees.
During a discussion, Members made the following points:
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The proposed structure represents major changes for the Carrigaline Area and the
Western Division;
Makes no sense that the settlement of Carrigaline would be divided into two Electoral
Areas and what is now proposed would divide the Town in to two Divisions;
Queried how management would deal with the logistics of two electoral areas in one
town and where would people go for services;
Queried if a Mayor could be selected in each District;
An area stretching from Dursey in West Cork to Crosshaven is ineffective and
impossible to administer;
Queried the location of headquarters of Municipal Districts;
There is a huge catchment area in Kanturk/Mallow;
Queried the date for the Local Elections 2014;
The Council must take staff into consideration when making decisions;
Queried if Municipal Districts will have responsibility for the making of Local Area
Plans;
Cork is the only County with three divisions and it is important that this structure is
maintained, in particular to support the LCDCs;
In response to Members, the S/Director of Service advised as follows:
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Council is looking at the staffing and operational structure for Carrigaline and there
will only be one local engineer for Carrigaline;
The provision for Mayor for each town will not apply as the guidelines require towns
to have a population of 20,000+ to elect a Mayor;
No decision has been made on the headquarters for Municipal Districts but a Council
presence will be maintained in all the towns that currently have a Town Council;
The proposed date for Local Elections is 23rd May, 2014, but this has not been
confirmed;
The Council can delegate Local Area Plans to Municipal Districts and this would be
decided when considering Local Area Plans;
Members commented further as follows:
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Unthinkable that the town of Carrigaline is divided into two areas and there needs to
be clarity on how it will operate on a practical level;
Queried if there would be a realignment of Engineers Areas;
The population of the Western Division is larger than some counties and there is a
risk of creating an east/west divide;
Council should consider the idea of one-stop shops;
Queried the operation of byelaws in areas outside the Municipal District;
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Queried if Area Offices will be maintained as per the current structure;
The S/Director of Services advised as follows:
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There will be 8 Municipal Districts in the County and 8 Area Engineers Offices;
The purpose for the proposed divisions is administrative, there needs to be a reporting
structure at Divisional level;
Discussions are still ongoing regarding staffing and the provision of services and he
would come back to Members with the agreed staffing structure for Municipal
Districts;
Any changes to pay parking byelaws in towns where it exists, can be considered by
Municipal Districts;
All housing will be under the control of Cork County Council from June onwards;
The Council has no plans to close Area Offices.
The Deputy County Manager advised if the electoral areas stayed in their current Division,
there would be an imbalance of 35 Members in South Cork. He advised that in order to have
an equitable distribution of Members, it is considered necessary to move the Bandon Kinsale
Electoral Area into the Western Division.
The Deputy County Manager said that other alternatives were examined and what is proposed
was considered the most appropriate in order to minimise the level of change required.
On the proposal of Councillor P. Desmond, seconded by Councillor J. O’Sullivan, it was
hereby agreed:“That with effect from 1st June, 2014, the Divisional Structure of Cork County will be
as follows:Southern Division
East Cork, Cobh, Blarney/Macroom and Ballincollig/Carrigaline Local Electoral
Areas
Northern Division
Kanturk/Mallow and Fermoy Local Electoral Areas
Western Division
West Cork and Bandon/Kinsale Local Electoral Areas
The Divisional Structure will be reviewed after a period of two years following the
2014 Local Election.”
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Corporate Policy Group:
CONFERENCE LIST FOR JANUARY, 2014
7/1-1
Proposed by Councillor D. Canty
Seconded by Councillor N. Buckley
RESOLVED:
“That the Conference List for January, 2014, be hereby approved.”
Kanturk Area Committee:
TAKING IN CHARGE OF ROAD
8/1-1
Proposed by Councillor T. Collins
Seconded by Councillor G. Murphy
RESOLVED:
“That being satisfied that a public right of way exists over it, and the road is of
general public utility, and up to the required standard, the Council hereby decides to
initiate the procedure to take over and maintain the following road:
Road at “Glen Field”, Banteer, linear length 133 metres.”
Mallow Area Committee:
MANAGER’S REPORT UNDER SECTION 179, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
ACT, 2000:
9/1-1
Proposed by Councillor J. P. O’Shea
Seconded by Councillor N. O’Connor
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 4 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 an extension to St. John’s Cemetery, Glantane, Mallow,
Co. Cork.”
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Midleton and Carrigaline Area Committees:
ALLOCATION OF AMENITY GRANTS FOR MIDLETON & CARRIGALINE
ELECTORAL AREAS
10/1-1
Proposed by Councillor T. Lombard
Seconded by Councillor J. A. Collins
RESOLVED:
“That the allocation of the following grants under the Amenity Grants
Scheme 2013 in respect of the Midleton & Carrigaline Electoral Areas, be
hereby approved:-
CARRIGALINE ELECTORAL AREA
Total Allocation - €39,000
Applicants
1
2
3
4
Project
Cost
of Allocation
Project
Amt.
Ardmore Residents
Association
Ballygarvan Area
Community Council
Purchase of lawnmower and
paint.
Repair
floors,
painting,
furniture, filing cabinets,
replace boiler, 4 fire doors and
repairs to ceiling/roof.
Ballygarvan Camogie Club
Hurleys,
sliothars,
water
carriers, jerseys and various
items.
Ballygarvan
Tiny
Tots Small playground area with
Community Playschool.
fencing.
€2,700
€500
€20,000
€4,641
€8,894
€1,000
€6,000
€1,000
5
Carrigaline Badminton Club
Painting of hall and viewing €8,851
area, sand, varnish and reline
courts.
Community Upgrading sports hall.
€11,400
€1,000
6
Carrigaline
Association Ltd
€4,642
7
Carrigaline Family Support New computer, printer, fax €3,400
Ltd
and internal office telephone
system.
€1,000
8
Carrigaline
Hurling
Football Club
€9,500
€1,000
Castletreasure
Court New trees.
Residents Association
10 College Corinthians AFC
Security System.
€500
€375
€7,500
€1,000
11 Crosshaven AFC
€4,368
€1,000
& Purchase of mower.
9
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Re-vamp clubhouse.
9
12 Crosshaven
Development
Committee
13 Crosshaven Rugby Football
Club
14 Douglas
Community
Association Ltd
15 Douglas Gymnastics Club
16 Hibernian AFC
17 Minane Bridge Tidy Towns.
18 Monkstown
Amenity
Association
19 Palmbury Orchard Residents
Association
20 Passage United Sports &
Social Club Limited
21 Passage West Rowing Club
Outdoor gym equipment.
€18,296
€4,641
Upgrading of toilet block.
€4,850
€1,000
Steel fencing , Ballybrack €20,000
wood trail (Tidy Towns) and
ICA (new boundary wall).
Gymnastics equipment.
€16,105
€4,642
Replace
security fencing €6,500
around car park.
Planting of trees and shrubs.
€1,000
€1,000
Install drains, new soil, €3,800
reseed/turf and line paint.
Lawnmower and strimmer.
€2,328
€1,000
€1,000
€500
€500
Purchase and installation of
generator.
2 Bon German Rowing
Machine, ramp rowing, three
pontoons, rowing freeboard.
22 Togher
Community Bicycle, leg press, double
Association Ltd
cross trainer, concrete base for
outdoor equipment.
23 Tracton
Community Wheelchair
access
to
Playgroup
playgroup.
24 Tracton GAA Club
Nets and posts.
€18,278
€1,000
€4,000
€1,000
€5,885
€2,559
€3,000
€1,000
€4,000
€1,000
25 Wheatfields
Residents
Association
26 Amberley
Residents
Association/Grange
Frankfield Partnership.
Totals
€1,000
€500
and €4,268
on
€500
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Plants and shrubs.
Chainsaw,
strimmer
various
equipment
application.
€196,423
10
€39,000
MIDLETON ELECTORAL AREA
Total Allocation - €37,500
Applicants
Project
1
25th Cork (Cobh) Scout Group.
Marquee, pots, cauldrons, €2,400
groundsheets, tents.
€1,000
2
Aghada Community Playgroup Landscaping, new sand pit, €6,000
Ltd
pathways, tarmac area.
€4,011
3
Ballintotis Area Community Area looped walk and cycle
Council Limited.
trails, signage and purchase
of maintenance equipment.
Carrigtwohill
Community Security Fencing around
Council, Community Centre, millennium amenity park.
Main Street, Carrigtwohill, Co
Cork.
Cloyne District Community Purchase and installation of
Council
Ltd,
Ballyduff, new
community notice
Cloyne, Co Cork.
board.
Cobh
(Great
Island) New markings on basketball
Community Centre.
court.
€15,000
€6,348
€13,000
€5,500
€3,740
€2,805
€1,191
€893
7
Fon Ltd Ballymacoda.
Walking and running trail.
€10,000
€1,500
8
Knockraha Tidy Towns Group
Shrubs, paint and brushes.
€1,651
€750
9
Saleen & District Residents Planters and raised flower €1,700
Association
beds.
€750
4
5
6
Cost of Allocation
Project
Amt.
10 Youghal
Community New bus.
Transport, C/o Cumann Na
Daoine
11 Youghal Family Resource
Centre, Youghal Community
Health Project.
12 Foroige Youth Centre, C/o
Youghal Garda Project
TOTALS
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€11,000
Re-vamp
of
premises €5,910
including new front door,
painting and dishwasher.
New fire alarm.
€9,000
€80,592
11
€5,500
€4,432
€4,011
€37,500
Reports & Recommendations of Officers:
DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS NATIONAL INSPECTION
PLAN 2013 GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
11/1-1
Members noted the Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems Guidance Document, as
circulated.
The Deputy County Manager advised that the document was circulated for Members’
information and shows how the programme of inspections would be implemented.
Members made the following points:
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Those who recognise they do have problems with their tanks and want to upgrade
should be allowed avail of grants;
The Council’s own systems can contribute to unclean water;
The anomaly needs to be addressed where inspections are carried out that are not part
of targeted inspections and works that need to be carried out cannot avail of the grant;
All inspections need to be treated equally and this anomaly needs to be brought to the
attention of the Minister;
Queried how the Council would deal with those who have not registered to date;
A voluntary grant scheme for upgrading of tanks needs to be put in place;
Queried if the upgrading of older tanks is considered exempted development;
Asked if there are maps available outlining relevant zones.
The Deputy County Manager advised Members that there are specific zones and risk
assessments outlining most vulnerable water systems. There is an obligation on the Council to
carry out a number of inspections. He said that the Council has engaged in an extensive
Capital Programme over the years and borrowed and invested heavily to improve its water
services.
The Deputy County Manager said that the issue of inspections came from Ireland’s non
compliance with EU regulations. He said that the Council will carry out 99 inspections up to
June and the Council has no discretion to undertake voluntary inspections.
The Director of Environment advised that the anomaly regarding lack of grant aid for nontargeted inspections was highlighted by the Environment SPC and a letter issued to the
Minister regarding same. She said that the planning permission issue is also an anomaly and
that 99 inspections have been set out based on risk assessment and this will increase year on
year. She advised that maps can be made available to Members.
The Director advised that septic tanks, regardless of when they were built, need to be in good
working order and pose no risk to health. She said that the Council’s Inspectors must be
qualified and registered with the EPA.
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COUNCIL’S TRIP TO JIANGSU PROVINCE, CHINA
12/1-1
Members noted report and presentation from the Senior Executive Officer, Economic
Development, which outlined as follows:Cork County Council officials paid a short visit to Jiangsu Province, China in November
2013. This was the first step in a process to examine the potential for a relationship between
Cork County and Jiangsu. A return visit by Province of Jiangsu officials took place in
December 2013.
Jiangsu is located on the east coast of China, within the lower reaches of the Yangtze River
and adjoins Shanghai, the largest economic centre in China. The province covers an area of
102,600 square Kilometres and has a population of almost 80 million. It is one of the most
economically developed provinces in China, with only 1.1% of the total land area, yet has
5.8% of the population and 10.4% of Chinas GDP. Jiangsu’s economy grew by 10.1 % in
2012 which was 2.3% ahead of China’s average growth rate. Exports from Jiangsu totalled
$328.54 Billion in 2012 which accounts for 16% of total Chinese exports.
The province also has 128 Colleges and Universities with 1.67 million registered students,
meaning there is a great opportunity for Cork Schools and colleges to benefit from
educational links.
Tourism plays a key role in the economy, due to the high levels of disposable income in the
region, and the number of key tourism sites and infrastructure in place. Nanjing, the capital of
the province with 8.16m people is the former Capital of China and is known as the southern
capital and has a long and interesting place in Chinese history.
Transport infrastructure is good with Motorways, 9 airports, 5 trunk railway lines including
high speed lines and water based transport on the Yangtze river system.
While in Jiangsu, meeting were held with officials of the Jiangsu Foreign Affairs Department,
who handle all foreign affairs matters, Jiangsu provincial Economic & Information
Technology Commission, The Department of Commerce, Jiangsu Provincial Tourism
Administration and the school principal of Nanjing No 1 Middle school, with whom we hope
to develop educational ties. The Vice Governor of Jiangsu Mr Fu Ziying, made time in his
busy schedule to meet Cork County officials and hosted a Dinner. All these meetings offered
the opportunity to promote Cork County, and the potential for business, educational and
cultural benefits.
County Council Officials also met the Irish Ambassador to China Paul Kavanagh at the Irish
Embassy, the Irish Consul General in Shanghai Austin Gormley, and officials from Enterprise
Ireland based in Shanghai.
Officials from the Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangsu Province made a return visit to Cork in
December 2013, in order to further develop the relationship. The officials met the Mayor and
Party Leaders, Colman Casey of the Cork Science and Technology Park, and visited UCC,
(Confucius Institute), Jameson Distillery, Janssen Biologics Ireland and Fota Resort.
The Objectives of the initiative are to develop the relationship so as to position Cork to
benefit from Chinese investment into Ireland, increase export opportunities for Cork
Companies, promote Cork as a tourist destination, given the growing disposable incomes in
Jiangsu, and to foster educational and cultural ties. It also ties in with a South West Ireland
regional approach where Cork City Council have a long standing relationship with Shanghai
Municipality and Kerry County Council have begun a relationship with Zhejiang Province, to
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the South of Jiangsu and Shanghai. These are the most economically developed parts of
China.
Following the success of the initial meetings and in view of the potential mutual benefits
which are realisable, the Deputy County Manager recommends to Council that Cork County
Council enters into a formal “Memorandum of Understanding” Agreement with Jiangsu
Province.
The Deputy County Manager advised that having been to a reception in the Embassy for UCC
Chinese graduates it was heartening to see their support for Cork. There is potential for
private businesses and interchange of cultural and artistic ideas
Members congratulated Mr. Paul Sutton on his presentation and made the following points:
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This was a very positive and historic trip and exciting for future business
opportunities;
Congratulated all those involved and stated that China is the place to do business into
the future;
There are strong ties between Cork and China and there are potentially huge benefits
from tourism;
Inviting the Chinese delegation back for the Irish Open is a great idea and will
hopefully come to fruition;
The trips highlights the role of local authorities in generating economic development.
Members agreed that a formal “Memorandum of Understanding” Agreement with the Jiangsu
Province of China should be entered into.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS – STORM DAMAGE
Cllr. M. Hegarty proposed, seconded by Cllr. N. O’Donovan, that Standing Orders would be
suspended to discuss the damage to coastal areas caused by storms over the Christmas period.
Members noted report from Mr. Tom Stritch, Director of Service, which outlined as follows:Cork County suffered from a series of severe weather events over the Christmas and New
Year period which involved Met Eireann issuing Orange or Red Severe Weather Warnings on
nine occasions for conditions including severe winds, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, coastal
flooding and a combination of the above.
Cork County Council responded to these in accordance with the provisions of its Severe
Weather Plans and indeed the Council’s out of hours call answering service dealt with 436
calls related to Roads issues over the period from 5pm on 23rd December to 9 am on 6th
January. In addition over the same period Cork County Council’s Winter Service Plan for salt
spreading was activated on eight nights, with two runs taking place on two nights and this
illustrates the very variable weather conditions encountered over the two weeks.
The response to the events up to 2nd January included dealing with individual flooding issues,
fallen trees and debris, erection of demountable flood barriers, distribution of sandbags,
emergency pothole repairs, short term closure of roads while situations were being addressed
and erection of appropriate warning signs but generally no infrastructural damage took place.
It is estimated that the cost of these responses associated with the recent severe weather will
be of the order of €400,000.
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However the weather conditions on 2nd/3rd and 5th/6th January caused significant
infrastructural damage to particularly to roads and coastal infrastructure. Despite extensive
inspections and enquiries over the past week, the full extent of this damage may not yet be
apparent, but the best current estimate of the road related damage is €1,220,565 for and
€1,737,000 for coastal infrastructure damage, summarised as follows:
Electoral Area
Roads Infrastructure
€446,000
Bantry
€240,500
Bandon
€367,065
Skibbereen
€17,000
Carrigaline
€70,000
Macroom
Midleton (incl. Youghal Town
€25,000
Council)
€20,000
Mallow
€35,000
Fermoy
Ringbuoys Countywide
Total
€1,220,565
Coastal Infrastructure
€1,225,000
€70,000
€17,000
€5,000
€370,000
€50,000
€1,737,000
The locations of damage identified to date are listed on the attached sheets and it should be
noted that some in some instances where it is not readily possible to separate the roads from
the coastal element, it may be included under road damage on the table above.
In addition coastal infrastructure damage to DAFM property to an estimated value of €10,000
and to private property to a value of €22,000 has been identified on Cape Clear.
Furthermore damage was reported to 27 Council houses at an estimated repair cost of
€57,500. The total cost of the severe weather is therefore currently estimated at €3,415,065.
The Council’s staff have prioritised making all the effected roads passable and at this stage
all are open to traffic, even if on temporary surfaces, except the R575 between Allihies and
Ardgroom, the L4704 at Reenacappul, Ahakista and Kealties, Durrus and the L4703 at
Gearhies Pier. It is hoped to have these roads reopened by Saturday 18th January.
An initial submission has been made to Government for funding to repair the damage and a
further submission will be made to the relevant Departments in the coming days.
Locations of Roads Infrastructural Damage identified to date
Skibbereen Electoral Area
Bandon Electoral Area
Bantry Electoral Area
Tra an Phiarla, Allihies
Pier Road, Rosscarbery
N71 East of Bandon
Travara
Tragumna
R589 West of Halfway
Travaud
Tralispean
Killaneetig, Knoppoge
Back
of
Garrylucas
and
Kilkinnikin West
Sherkin Island
Garretstown Beaches
Dromard, Ardgroom
Smorane
Skeogh Cross to Found Out
Cuas, Ardgroom
Lickowen
Carpark at Sandycove Beach
Sandymount,
Ardagannive
Owenahincha
Trafrask
Inchydoney Island
Macroom Electoral Area
Ballycrovane
Red Strand
Ballinvoher
Strand, Eyeries
Lissycrimeen
Dan O'Mahonys Lane
Faha West
Barnadivan
Station House Road
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Cloughland, Bere Island
Zetland, Derreenacarrin
Tra an Phiarla, Allihies
Ballycrovane
Ballydonegan
Dursey Island
Castlefean/Kilcomane
Audley Cove
Cunnamore
Hare Island
Ahakista
Gerahies.
Gurteennasowna
Reanacheragh
Garranecarrney
Lackaduv
Carrigboy
Gortnacarriga
Balteenbrack
Ardcahan
Inchigeelagh
Midleton Electoral Area
Crompaun Bridge
Carrigaline Electoral Area
Mallow Electoral Area
Crosshaven Road
Nad
Carrigaline
Village
and
Mountain Road
Cork Road Mallow
Airport Road
Passage West
Fermoy Electoral Area
Glengaul, Kildinan
Fountainstown
 Locations of Public Coastal Infrastructural Damage identified to date
Bantry Electoral Area
Tinawell Pier
Pallas Pier
Kilcatherine Pier
Strand Eyeries
Pallas Strand, Coulagh
Travaud Pier
Allihies Pier
Ballydonegan Beach
Gairnish Pier
Dursey Mainland Pier
Dursey Island Pier and Slip
Dursey Cable Car station
Gorteen Pier
Zetland Pier
Dereeney Pier
Ahabeg Pier and slip
Lehanebeg Pier
Cleanderry Slip
Gairnish Strand
Tranimood Pier
Faha
Bantry to Gerahies Road
Durrus to Ahakista Road
Barleycove
Rock Island, Crookhaven
Schull Pier
Cunnamore
Cape Clear
Hare Island
Skibbereen Electoral Area
Tragumna
Mill Cove Pier
Bandon Electoral Area
Garrylucas/Garrettstown
Garrettstown
Blallinclashet Oysterhaven
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Rocky Bay
Carrigaline Electoral Area
Fountainstown
Midleton Electoral Area incl. Youghal Town Council
Garryvoe:
Saleen to East Ferry
Claycastle
During a detailed discussion, Members made the following points:
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
Commended the Council staff for their tremendous work during the severe weather;
Complimented the emergency services for their assistance during the stormy weather;
There has not been enough media coverage of the damage done to coastal areas in
West Cork;
The damage done to piers, harbours and roads was devastating;
Members will seek a meeting with TDs to impress on them the importance of
securing emergency funding for the damage done;
The situation would have been a lot worse if protection works were not done at the
Warren beach to protect the dunes;
If the Council has to come up with its own resources to pay for works, then it will be
at the risk of other projects;
Commended staff for their quick response and compiling a comprehensive risk
assessment;
As the time was now 1.15 pm an extension of time was agreed on the proposal of
Councillor K. Murphy, seconded by Councillor N. Costello


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This highlights the need for coastal protection and there is now an opportunity to use
a joint approach;
Staff in Carrigaline responded immediately to damage done to the road at
Fountainstown;
Contingency plan is required for infrastructure not apparent at this stage;
Fallen trees in Macroom, staff must be allowed clear roads faster and use chainsaws;
There were many other smaller incidents that need to assessed;
Off shore Islands suffered major damage;
A hardship fund should be put in place for those living in remote coastal/peninsula
locations of West Cork;
Damage to the new boardwalk in Youghal was devastating;
Closure of the R575 resulted in locals being cut off from village/shops.
In response, the Deputy County Manager reassured Members that a detailed report would be
sent to the Department as soon as possible. It is acknowledged that non coastal areas also
suffered damage. Most of the roads have now reopened and there were no specific cases
identified of trees left blocking roads.
It was agreed to defer consideration of the remaining items on the Agenda to the
Council Meeting to be held on 27th January, 2014.
This concluded the business of the Meeting
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