COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHORCAÍ
______________________________________________________________
Minutes of Proceedings at Meeting of Cork County Council held in the Council
Chamber, County Hall, Cork on 14th January, 2013.
I LATHAIR
Comhairleoir B. Uí Mhuirí, Méara Chontae
Comhairleoiri Ó Colmáin, C. Ó Murchú, Uí Nia, Ó Crualaoch, D. Ó
Síocháin, P.G. Ó Murchú, J. Suilleabháin, Mac Coistealbha, Ó Ceallaigh, 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, N. Ó Conchubar, T. Ó Siocháin, Ó hEigeartaigh, Ó Maoilmhichill N. Ó
Coileán, Ní hAonghusa, S. Ó Conchubar, Ó Donnabháin, Ó Muirthile, Ó Laochra, S. Ó
Suilleabháin, Ó hEalaithe, Ó Ruairc, C. Ó Suilleabháin.
PRESENT
Councillor B. Murray, County Mayor presided.
Councillors Coleman, Murphy, Neville, Crowley, D. Sheehan, P.G. Murphy,
J. Sullivan, Costello, Kelly, 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, N.
O’Connor, T. Sheahan, Ml. Hegarty, Mulvihill, N. Collins, Hennessy, S. O’Connor,
O’Donovan, Hurley, Leahy, J. O’Sullivan, Healy, O’Rourke, C. O’Sullivan.
County Manager, Senior Executive Officer
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
1/1-1
Proposed by Councillor T. Collins
Seconded by Councillor K. Murphy
RESOLVED:
“That the minutes of meeting of the Council held on 10th December, 2012, be
confirmed and signed by the Mayor.”
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CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2/1-1
Proposed by Councillor K. Murphy
Seconded by Councillor G. Murphy
RESOLVED:
“That the minutes of the Budget Meeting of Council held on 17th December,
2012, be confirmed and signed by the Mayor.”
VOTES OF SYMPATHY
3/1-1
TO:
The family of the late Shane McEntee, former TD and Minister of State.
TO:
Alex Grassick, Environment Department, on the death of his mother, Bridget.
TO:
Tom Grassick, former employee, on the death of his wife, Bridget.
TO:
Cllr. Seán Buckley, Midleton Town Council, on the death of his father, John.
TO:
The family of the late Canice O’Connell, former Councillor Kinsale Town Council.
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Statutory Business:
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT KNOCKROE, BALLYDEHOB, CO. CORK.
4(a)/1-1
Proposed by Councillor D. Sheehan
Seconded by Councillor N. McCarthy
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 5th December, 2012.”
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT ARDMANAGH, SCHULL, CO. CORK.
4(b)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT STAGPARK, MITCHELSTOWN, CO. CORK.
4(c)/1-1
DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT SHANAKIEL, RATHCOOLE, CO. CORK.
4(d)/1-1
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Roads Act, 1993:
DECLARATION OF PUBLIC ROAD
5/1-1
Proposed by Councillor P. Burton
Seconded by Councillor J. A. Collins
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 “Carrigwell”, Carrignavar, linear length 765 metres
Road at Dromcill Estate, Glenville, linear length 325 metres
Road at Ard Abhainn, Ballyhooley, linear length 408 metres.”
NOMINATION OF MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF SOUTH AND EAST CORK
AREA DEVELOPMENT (SECAD)
6/1-1
Proposed by Councillor K. Murphy
Seconded by Councillor G. Muprhy
RESOLVED:
“That Councillor Tim Lombard be appointed to the Board of South and East
Cork Area Development (SECAD).”
Reports & Recommendations of Committees:
Corporate Policy Group:
CONFERENCE LIST FOR JANUARY, 2013
7/1-1
Proposed by Councillor K. Murphy
Seconded by Councillor G. Murphy
RESOLVED:
“That the Conference List for January, 2013, be hereby approved.”
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Kanturk Area Committee:
MILLSTREET TOWN TRAFFIC & PARKING CONTROLS 2012
8(a)/1-1
It was agreed that consideration of this item would be deferred.
AMENITY GRANTS FOR KANTURK ELECTORAL AREA
8(b)/1-1
Proposed by Councillor G. Murphy
Seconded by Councillor N. Buckley
RESOLVED:
“That the allocation of the following grants under the Amenity Grants
Scheme 2012 in respect of the Kanturk Electoral Area, be hereby approved:Aubane Social Club Millstreet
Ballyhea GAA Club
Banteer Community Centre
Banteer Community Defibrillator
Group
Banteer Community Sportsfield Ltd
Banteer Tidy Towns Group
Brindle Hill Home Owners &
Residents Assoc Charleville
Castlemagner Community Centre
Cullen Community Centre
Dromina Community Council Ltd.
Freemount GAA Club
Glen Theatre Banteer
Joanna Mews Residents, Harrisons
Place, Charleville
Kanturk & District Community
Council Ltd.
Kanturk Rugby Club
Kanturk Soccer Club
Kilcorney Community Council
Killabraher Graveyard Project
Dromina Charleville
Love Lane Public Areas Committee
Meelin Community Centre
Newmarket Community
Development
Newmarket Tidy Towns
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Paint exterior of Community Centre
Upgrading of Hall/Kitchen/Meeting Rooms
Surface Roadway/Replace Roof
Screws/Purchase Tables
Purchase another Defibrillator for the
Community
Tables & Chairs/Goalposts/Upgrade
Toilets
Landscaping in Village
633.97
3034.51
Grass Cutting
Sanding & Re-Sealing of Floor
Renovate Community Hall Structure &
Facilities
Remove Trees/Replant/Plant Shrubs
Dugout/Scoreboard Stand/Gym & Training
Equipment/Drain Pitch/Stretcher
Purchase Computer/Tables
1354.20
1644.66
Grass Cutting
1066.15
1056.55
1138.16
1666.26
3057.56
790.10
1834.29
430.03
250.00
Install Seats in Park
Upgrade all-weather rubber topped Pitch
Nets/Strimmers/Training
Equipment/Prefab Toilets
Landscaping of Entrance to Kilcorney
730.09
3057.56
Topsoil/Blocks/Concrete/Wheelbarrow
Grass Cutting/General Upkeep
Roof and Drainage/Upgrade Electrical
System/Stage Floor
1515.03
336.42
Purchase extra Christmas Lighting
Installation of Lights along Pathway in
West End Park
610.07
5
970.13
1930.31
3057.56
490.04
Rathgoggin Heights Residents,
Charleville
St. John's Well, Mushera, Millstreet
The Pastures Residents
Association, Charleville
Grass Cutting
Fencing/Plant Trees
Clean-Up/Grass Cutting/Upgrade &
Maintain Flowerbeds
298.01
490.04
1891.30
€33,333.00
Fermoy Area Committee:
AMENITY GRANTS FOR FERMOY ELECTORAL AREA
9/1-1
Proposed by Councillor K. O’Keeffe
Seconded by Councillor N. McCarthy
RESOLVED:
“That the allocation of the following grants under the Amenity Grants
Scheme 2012 in respect of the Fermoy Electoral Area, be hereby approved:Aroma, Mitchelstown
Ashfield Manor Residents
Assoc Mitchelstown
Ballinwillin Close Residents
Association Mitchelstown
Ballynoe Community
Council
Barrymore Players Drama
Group, Castlelyons
Beechwood Grove
Residents Assoc
Captain Keanes Grove
Mitchelstown
Coolagown Development
Group
Corrin View Residents
Assoc Fermoy
Fermoy Action Childrens
Education (FACE)
Fermoy Community
Resource Centre
Fermoy Community Youth
Centre
Fermoy/K2C Boxing Club
Fermoy River Youth &
Amenity Group
Fermoy Rowing Club
Fermoy Soccer Club
Glanworth Community
Council
Glaise Na Mbreac
Residents Assoc Ballyhooly
Glencullen Residents
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Hanging Baskets/Flower Beds/Weeding
534.36
Grass Cutting/Spraying/Trees/Shrubs
Maintenance of Lawn/Hedge/Removal of
Trees
Remedial Works to Existing Roof of
Community Hall
Purchase of Microphones/Stage
Improvements
292.40
691.76
1762.64
371.77
Grass Cutting/Maintenance
431.70
Maintenance of Property
Development & Enhancement of Amenity
Areas
250.00
Development of Amenity Area
Therapeutic Weekly Workshops for
Children
Painting of Resource Centre & New
Flooring
Kitchen Material/Flooring/Wiring/Plumbing
Boxing Equipment
Purchase of Underwater Digital Video
Camera
Block/Brick Work/Glass Frontage
Fitness Centre & Equipment
1945.85
938.94
253.60
1287.80
1915.57
704.25
734.53
2020.95
1612.70
Upgrade Gas Heaters
747.70
Grasscutting/Maintenance of Flowerbeds
Plastering/Pebble Dash Wall/Concrete
316.62
595.23
6
Association
Kildorrery Community
Development Ltd
Kilworth Sports Complex
Mitchelstown Boxing Club
Mitchelstown Lawn Tennis
Club
Mitchelstown Lion's
Club/Cope Sensory Garden
Project
Mitchelstown Rugby
Football Club
Mitchelstown Umbrella
Group
Moher Crescent Residents
Assoc Mitchelstown
Mulberry Crescent
Residents Assoc
Rathcormac Community
Council
Rathcormac Scout Group
Rathcormac Youth Club
St. Johns Amateur Boxing
Club Fermoy
T.O. Park Community &
Leisure Centre
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Pathway/Concrete Bases
Walking/Running Track/Car
Park/Pitch/Outdoor Gym Equip/Trees &
Benches
Powerwashing/Paint & Materials for Walls
of Sports Complex
Timber Floor, Toilets, Changing rooms &
Equipment
Purchase of
Equipment/Scoreboard/Windbreakers
Sensory Garden for Residents of Cope in
Mitchelstown
Pitch & Car Park/Temporary Dressing
Room Facilities
Maintenance of Lawnmower
Grass Cutting & Maintenance of Green
Areas
Grass Cutting, Pruning & General
Maintenance of Estate
Lawnmower/Strimmer/Wheelbarrow/Flow
ers/Timber
Purchase of
Kayaks/Equipment/Tents/Airbags
Purchase of 5 Laptops
Purchase of Boxing Equipment
Purchase of Stove/Gas
Cooker/Chairs/Worktops/Presses/Wiring
7
2020.95
507.41
1839.86
325.86
2020.95
2020.95
340.85
331.76
265.14
861.07
2020.95
401.42
1960.38
1007.08
€33,333.00
Mallow Area Committee:
AMENITY GRANTS FOR FERMOY ELECTORAL AREA
10/1-1
Proposed by Councillor N. O’Connor
Seconded by Councillor D. J. Fitzgerald
RESOLVED:
“That the allocation of the following grants under the Amenity Grants
Scheme 2012 in respect of the Mallow Electoral Area, be hereby approved:Autism Assistance Dogs
Ireland, Shortcastle Mallow
Ballyclough Community
Association
Ballyclough Community Centre
Ballyclough Community Group
Bring a Parent
Buttevant Community Council
Bweeng Celtic F.C.
Castlepark Residents
Association, Mallow
Clyda Rovers GAA Club
College Wood Residents
Association, Mallow
Doneraile Heritage Group
Dromahane Development
Association
Dromahane Tennis Club Ltd
Glantane Community Council
Gouldshill Community Council
Killavullen Amateur Boxing Club
Kilshannig Badminton Club
Le Cheile Mallow Men's Shed
Liscarroll Athletic Club
Lyre Community Culture Sport
& Leisure Assoc Ltd
Mallow Daycare Centre
Mallow Tidy Towns
Mourneabbey Community
Council
Parent & Toddler Group Le
Cheile Mallow
Twopothouse Development
Association
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Purchase of Printer/Safe
Village Enhancement Project
Lining of Court/Lighting of Stage
Sports Equipment and Projector
Stainless Steel Xmas Tree
Frames/Stands/Lighting/Cables/Advert Boards
Goal Posts/Soccer Equipment/Refurbish Dressing
Room
Plant or Install Bollards on Traffic Island
Lay concrete Base to fence off pitch
Subvent cost of mower/Replace Trees/Fence
Painting
Repair National Monument erected to Canon
Sheehan/
Lawn
Mower/Brushcutter/Powerwasher/Shredder/Hedge
Trimmer
Maintenance of Courts/Wire Fencing
Install Footpath in Village
Purchase of Football Table/Tennis
Table/Tables/Chairs/Boiler/Ware/Cutlery
Courses/Rent/Equipment
Rackets/Nets/Shuttles/Training Posts/Lines
Materials to make building safe and useable
Javelin/Pole Vaulting/Improvement to Track
Erect Signage
Board/Projector/Microphone/Screen/Guard Rail
Installation of Hot Water System
2 Lawnmowers/Power Washer/Seats & Bases
Building of Boundary Wall back of Carpark & Pitch
Kids Kitchen x 2/Tables/Chairs
Flowers/Shrubs/Plant Hire/Contractor Hire
8
824.58
1819.75
529.15
928.67
2157.51
2343.61
668.72
947.87
2970.76
1145.60
1750.76
296.54
2970.76
1468.95
250.00
409.11
1552.69
947.87
2970.76
1413.12
1378.22
1413.12
296.52
1878.36
33,333.00
Correspondence from Government Departments:
RURAL RENEWAL SCHEME
11/1-1
Members noted letter dated 5th December, 2012, from the Department of Finance, in response
to Council’s motion of 22nd October, 2012, regarding the introduction of a rural renewal
scheme.
Notices of Motion:
TAKEOVER OF FINISHED ESTATES
12/1-1
Councillor K. Murphy proposed, seconded by Councillor D. Canty, the following notice of
motion:“That the County Manager gives a full comprehensive report in relation to issues
surrounding the imminent takeover of fully finished and partly finished estates,
including sewage treatment systems, in Cork County, the total costs involved in
taking over these estates and outline in detail the Council’s policy on same going
forward.”
Members noted report from the County Engineer, which outlined as follows:The motion relates to the taking in charge of estates, finished or only part finished, where
there are issues with waste water treatment plants/systems.
It is estimated that there are approx. 140 developments in Cork County with such
infrastructure. The take over of such developments is not imminent but will require detailed
assessment and examination. The County Engineer is arranging to put a framework in place
for consultants to look at a number of such developments to determine the issues and the
likely costs involved in bringing such plants to appropriate standards. This will take some
months to complete. Also, the Council will have to consider what funding if any would be
available to deal with issues arising e.g. performance bonds, Department funding.
Separately some of these systems are in place in housing estates which were subject to
conditions at planning stage requiring the putting in place of Management Companies to
manage such systems. These cases would not be a matter for the Council.
During a discussion, Members made the following points:
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A detailed report is required setting out the potential cost;
Management committees set up in Housing Estates are opting out;
Drainage and lighting are inadequate in some estates;
Residents are being left in limbo when the developer has ceased to trade;
A sizeable amount of money needs to be spent on finishing off estates;
Councillors are unable to advise residents how to proceed;
The status of Performance Bonds was queried;
The worst ghost estates in the country are in North Cork;
NAMA is failing to progress the estates they control;
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There are estates in the County that are over 30 years old and are not yet taken in
charge;
Extension of planning permissions should be refused until estate is fully finished;
There needs to be distinction made between compliant and non-compliant builders;
Housing estates that are built in stages should be taken in charge in stages;
Residents requesting the Council to take their estate in charge is not the way forward;
Residents’ expectations will increase with the requirement to pay property tax;
Some developers are making a genuine effort to finish estates;
The Council has responsibility in estates where there is social housing;
The Council introduced the policy of living in towns and villages and now estates are
only half developed;
Some Receivers are failing to engage productively with the Council;
Queried at what stage the local authority can insist on the bond being drawn down;
Queried if the owners of houses in unfinished estates are exempt from property tax;
Some estates that are visibly finished, have uncompleted issues underground.
The Manager said the report shows that there are 140 such estates in the county to be taken
over. Management companies were established to run them into the future but now they are
facing difficulty. He said the main issue is the cost per treatment plant of €100,000 and
operating costs of €10,000 per plant.
The Manager said that the process is slow and methodical, as the Council does not want to
take on huge liabilities. He said that unfinished estates are as a result of the whole housing
market collapse and that the bonding system was never designed to cope with this situation.
Even if the developer wants to do the work, financial institutions are not providing the
funding.
The Manager said that older estates should be treated differently and this could be discussed
at a Development Committee meeting. He said the Council could start with older estates that
have issues that may not be major but the Council does not have the resources to deal with all
of the issues in every estate.
The Manager said that unfinished estates are not exempt from property tax. He said a bond is
a contract between the developer and the financial institution. The have become problematic
but it is important to guard against situations that might result in financial institutions not
providing bonds in the future.
The Manager advised that the issue of unfinished estates is not easily solved and requires
funding. The Council needs to debate on how it manages its resources to the best effect.
The Manager said that Sewerage Treatment Plants require significant investment and Irish
Water will be taking over assets soon. It needs to be determined if the plants in question
would be the Council’s liability or theirs.
It was agreed that the matter would be discussed at the Council’s February meeting of
Development Committee.
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THEFT OF ROAD SIGNAGE
13/1-1
Councillor G. Kelly proposed, seconded by Councillor N. Collins, the following notice of
motion:Members noted report from the Director of Services (Roads), which outlined as follows:The Council is aware of the unauthorised removal of road signs at numerous locations around
the County. When it becomes aware of such an incident the Gardaí are notified and indeed the
removal of chevron signs in the Glanmire Area and consequences for road safety was
highlighted in the Irish Examiner in late 2012. The common belief is that the signs are being
stolen for their scrap metal value. As a consequence of outrageous acts of vandalism across
the country ostensibly for the scrap value of the metal involved, it appears that legislation is
being considered to regulate the acceptance of scrap metal by processors.
The Council will endeavour to replace signs that are removed as quickly as possible once the
relevant Area Engineer becomes aware of a situation and in particular stop/yield, chevron and
speed limit signs. Council members or members of the public who become aware of missing
signs should inform the local Area Office. In order to prevent recurrence the Council is
investigating the use of a more secure bolting system so that the signs cannot be easily
removed.
It must also be pointed out that cost of the replacement of signs must be met from already
depleted road maintenance funding, leaving less resources available for highly desirable
maintenance works such as drainage and patching.
Members made the following points:
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The Council should write to scrap metal dealers asking them not to take road signs
and to notify the Council of any suspicious behaviour;
Signs are being taken by night, Council should consider installation of CCTV
cameras at these locations;
Directional signs are unclear and need to be upgraded for tourists;
This is a very serious situation and all signs and chevrons need to be replaced as
quickly as possible;
Scrap metal dealers should not pay cash for signs;
The theft of these signs poses a risk to motorists;
The Gardai should be informed immediately if this happens in an area;
A chip inserted in signs would show their GIS location, if removed;
Directional signs should include place name along with road number;
The Manager said that this is a trend which unfortunately is happening around the County.
He said the taking of safety signs that are there for a reason, is very dangerous but there is
also a danger in highlighting the issue. He asked that people would leave the safety signs
alone, that it would not be worth having it on their conscience if an accident occurred. He
said legislation is required to regulate the scrap metal business.
Cllr. G. Kelly thanked the Manager and asked that the Council would consider chipping and
the installation of CCTV.
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It was agreed at this point to take Item 15.
CIVIC RECEPTION FOR BISHOP-ELECT OF CLOYNE
15/1-1
Councillor K. O’Keeffe proposed, seconded by Councillor N. Collins, the following notice of
motion:“That a Civic Reception be afforded by Cork County Council for the Bishop-elect of
Cloyne.”
The Mayor said that she identified with the sentiments of Cllr. O’Keeffe but that there is a
tradition in the Council of the Mayor visiting the Bishops in the County and that she would
visit the Bishop of Cloyne, following his appointment.
AMALGAMATION OF CORK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCILS
14/1-1
Councillor D. Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor D. Hurley, the following notice of
motion:“That Cork County Council request that the Minister for the Environment and Local
Government initiate the process of amalgamating Cork City and County Councils.”
During a discussion, Members made the following points:
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With the introduction of the property tax, it must be ensured that people are getting
value for money;
A boundary extension would affect the future of Cork County Council;
A single regional authority would act as a counter-weight to Dublin;
Amalgamation would leave Cork in a stronger position;
Would not be in favour of amalgamation at this time, Members should commence
discussion first before turning to the Minister;
There needs to be balanced regional development and without prior debate, the
Council would end up with agencies at the core of the County which would
marginalise North and West Cork;
This proposal is premature and warrants further discussion;
A number of services are already amalgamated with the City Council;
Money would be saved but there is a potential loss of services in rural areas;
The Council should retain what it has in the interest of fairness;
One authority with 500,000 population would be economically successful;
Writing to the Minister is not showing leadership, this needs to come from within
Cork itself;
Extension of the City boundary will take 5 years but this does not indicate that the
Council wants amalgamation;
There needs to be quantification of the costs and benefits before proposal could be
considered;
Can a dual approach be deliverable to a rural and urban area;
There is far more to a local authority than just financial savings;
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Not convinced that amalgamation would be in any way serving the needs of those in
peripheral areas;
Cork should be looked at as one region especially in the context of tourism;
The coming together of Cork City and County would put Cork on the map;
The nature of Europe is changing with new political structures and regions will have
to be more dynamic in the long term;
Nowhere in the Minister’s plans is there reference to amalgamation;
This proposal is not about delivering services to the people it’s about saving money;
The Joint City and County Committee have worked together for years;
The identity of Cork as a City and County deserves to continue;
There is reform happening in Local Government already and the Council needs to
adapt to new situations;
How would this amalgamation benefit those living on all the islands off the coast of
Cork County, it would lead to total isolation.
As the time was now 1.15 pm an extension of time was agreed on the proposal of
Councillor P. Desmond, seconded by Councillor K. Murphy
The Manager said that this debate showed a wide range of diverse views and that it would be
a bit early to come to a conclusion on an appropriate solution. He said there is a long tradition
of joint strategies in Cork and that Cork has to decide itself on what it wants before
approaching to the Minister.
The Manager said that he would present his submission to the Electoral Area Boundary
Committee, to Members at the next Development Committee and that this is the immediate
priority. He said that Municipal Districts if they are to work, should be strong, powerful
authorities that represent elected Members for that District. He said that once the Municipal
Districts are announced in May, then discussion between City and County could commence
with a view to teasing out the merits of different approaches.
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INSURANCE INDUSTRY
16/1-1
Proposed by Councillor D. Forde
Seconded by Councillor J. O’Sullivan
RESOLVED:
“That this Council will support the call on the Insurance Industry, to be called to
account in relation to:(a)the increased premium costs to businesses and residences in flood hit areas in Cork
County and City whilst simultaneously refusing flood cover,
(b)taking into account the current reduced building rebuild costs in the calculation of
premiums on hard pressed policy holders.”
Members made the following points:
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There are many issues for people with increased premiums and difficulty getting
renewals;
People are in fear of not getting insurance if they state their case;
Queried how the local authority knows if the Insurance Industry is operating to a
premium;
People living in areas that flooded on one occasion are in fear of never being insured;
Immediate action is needed for the pressure the Insurance Industry is inflicting on
people;
Removing flood risk will reduce the risk but in these cases, premiums have still
increased;
Insurance premiums are not reflecting the reduced costs of labour;
The insurance industry is profit driven and not providing a service to the people;
Areas that have never been flooded in the past are also experiencing difficulty;
Request that the Minister should give exemption from property tax to those who are
failing to get flood cover;
The lack of insurance cover is affecting the value of houses;
Call on the Insurance Industry to give full details on their no claims system;
The Insurance Industry should be forced into ensuring that a property is entitled to be
covered.
The Manager said the motion is asking the Insurance Industry to provide information and it
would be worthwhile to do this. He said it is difficult to go back into business without
insurance cover and this impacts on jobs. He said that it is important that businesses are
covered against flooding at a reasonable cost and there must be some kind of model to cover
in certain flood risk areas, through a levy or rebalancing, similar to the community rating that
applies in the Health Insurance sector.
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JOBS INVESTMENT
17/1-1
It was agreed to defer consideration of the following notice of motion to a future Council
Meeting.
“That this Council for the “Future of Ireland” request the Minister for Finance to
invest in jobs, thus easing the heartbreak of forced emigration.”
VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
18/1-1
TO:
Cllr. Seamus McGrath and Gayle Jones on their recent engagement.
TO:
Kinsale Community School on their Award at the BT Young Scientist Competition.
TO:
Cobh Community College on their success in the IBAL litter survey.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
19/1-1
Opening of Tenders
The following tenders were opened at the meeting:
Water Conservation programme advance priority stage 3 mains rehabilitation works
countywide contract - 7 no.

Doneraile Watermain remedial works project – 8 no.

Rathgoggan North Stormwater & wastewater drainage contract – 9 no.

Dunmanway Sewerage Scheme Collection System – site investigation contract - 4 no.
Resignation of Cllr. Paula Desmond as Leader of the Labour Party
Councillor P. Desmond informed the meeting that she would be stepping down as Leader of
the Labour Party and that a new Leader would be appointed at the next meeting. She said it
was an honour to be in a position as Leader of the Labour Party since 1999.
Councillor J. Mulvihill thanked Paula for her leadership and service as leader of the Labour
Party.
The Manager said that Cllr. Desmond has been astute in her role as Leader and wished her the
best for the future.
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Underage Drinking
Councillor D. Forde said that there is a major problem in the Douglas area with underage
drinking. She said there is constant anti-social behaviour at Douglas Community Park and
there now needs to be serious debate with the Gardaí to find a solution. She asked that
consideration would be given to the installation of CCTV in the park.
The Manager said that there is an issue at Douglas Community Park and the Council should
focus its action on solving that problem and work with the Gardaí. He said the matter should
be considered at a future meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.
This concluded the business of the Meeting
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