CHOMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA GAILLIMHE MINUTES OF .... Minutes of Monthly...MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING OF...

Minutes of December Monthly Meeting held on 19th December 2016

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CHOMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA GAILLIMHE

MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING OF GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL HELD AT ÁRAS AN

CHONTAE, ON MONDAY 19TH DECEMBER, 2016 AT 12.00 P.M.

CATHAOIRLEACH: Cllr. M. Connolly, Cathaoirleach of the County

of Galway

I LATHAIR FREISIN: Cllrs. T. Broderick, D. Burke, J. Byrne, N. Byrne, I.

Canning, J. Charity, B. Connelly, D. Connolly, G.

Cronnelly, Comh. S. Ó Cualáín, Cllrs. J. Cuddy, S.

Cunniffe, Comh. T. Ó Curraoin, Cllrs. S.

Donnellan, A. Donohue, M. Fahy, P. Feeney, M.

Finnerty, T. Healy, M. Hoade, P. Hynes, D. Joyce,

F. Kearney, P. Keaveney, D. Killilea, M. Kinane, E.

Mannion, J. Mc Clearn, T. McHugh, M. Noone,

Comh S. Ó Tuairisg, Cllrs. S. Walsh, T. Welby

Oifigigh: Mr. K. Kelly, Chief Executive (Interim); Mr.

J.Cullen, Director of Service; Ms. C. McConnell

and Messrs. M. Owens and M. Timmins, Acting

Directors of Service; Mr. G. Mullarkey, Head of

Finance; Mr. Fintan O’Meara, Senior Executive

Engineer; Mr. J. Molloy, Head of Galway City

Council Transportation Unit; Mr. U. Finn, Senior

Engineer, Galway City Council; Ms. E. McCarthy,

Associate Director, ARUP Consulting Engineers;

Ms. E. Dolan, Acting County Secretary &

Meetings Administrator; Ms. R. O’Boyle, Ms. G.

Healy, Staff Officers.

Thosnaigh an Cruinniú leis an Paidir.

RESOLULTIONS OF SYMPATHY 2893

A resolution of sympathy was also extended to the following: Dara Ó Maolchiaráin, Muighiris, Cárna, Co. na Gaillimhe. Richard Fahy, Lisanoran, Corrandulla, Co. Galway. Christy & John Burke, Gortroe, Corrandulla, Co. Galway. Betty Joyce, Carheenlea, Turloughmore, Athenry, Co. Galway. Brid Thompson, Knockdoe, Claregalway, Co. Galway. Tom Fallon, Monard, Turloughmore, Co. Galway. Thomas Caulfield, Kiltrogue, Claregalway, Co. Galway.


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Tom Hession, Gortadooey, Claregalway, Co. Galway. Bridgie Conway, Baunmore, Claregalway, Co. Galway. Sean O’Connor, Bunnahour, Tubber, Gort, Co. Galway. Lisa Clarke, Turlough, Rosmuc, Co. Galway. Bríd Ní Chéidigh, Na-h-Aille, Indreabhán, Co. na Gaillimhe. Mr. Connie Goode, Crowsnest, Laurencetown, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Bernie Gohery, Ballyshrule, Portumna, Co. Galway. Michael Mannion, Cloughbrack, Clonbur, Co. Galway. Mary Kyne, Claremount, Oughterard, Co. Galway. Michael Greaney, Ballintleva, Belclare, Co. Galway. Michael Lardner, Caltra, Belclare, Co. Galway.

Comh. Ó Tuairisg referred to the closing event of the 1916 Centenary Commemorations which was held on 14th December, 2016 in the Foyer of Áras an Chontae. He said the event was an excellent and fitting conclusion to the Centenary Year and he thanked Mr. Owens and the Staff involved in organising all of the commemoration events which took place during 2016. Cllr. Roche also thanked the Executive and Staff who co-ordinated all of the commemoration events across the County during 2016. He expressed the view that no other County had organised such an extensive range of events, which he said have left an indelible mark on County Galway going forward and he said he was proud to have been Cathaoirleach of the County during 2016. Cathaoirleach Connolly said that one of the most significant events which he had been associated with during 2016 was the visit to the location of Frongoch Internment Camp in Wales, where Irish prisoners were held in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising. He also referred to his attendance at the wreath laying ceremony at the grave of Liam Mellows in Castletown, Co. Wexford, as being a memorable occasion. Cllr. D. Connolly also wished to be associated with the kind remarks of the previous Members and he made reference to Martin (Mattie) Reany who died during the 1916 Rising in Galway in defence of the Irish Republic. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON 28th NOVEMBER 2016.

2894

The Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Council held on 28th November, 2016 were

APPROVED by the Council and signed by the Cathaoirleach, on the PROPOSAL of Comh. Ó

Tuairisg, SECONDED by Cllr. Killilea.

ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:

Cllr. Killilea referred to the Minutes stating that he welcomed the fact that the Council places

a big emphasis on estate management. He then referred to an issue which has arisen


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regarding an Approved Housing Body in Tuam and one of its Housing Schemes. He made

reference to letters which had been issued by the Approved Housing Body to a number of its

tenants which relate to a subsidy provided by the Council. He said that the letters have

caused a lot of distress for the families involved, especially coming up to Christmas. He said

he wished that the Council would reconsider its decision to cease paying the subsidy to these

tenants while issues are outstanding with the Housing Body.

Mr. Owens replied that the Council could not comment on matters between the Approved

Housing Body and its tenants and he assured the Members that the Council did not wish to

add to any distress experienced by the tenants involved. In relation to ceasing to pay the

subsidy to a number of the tenants, Mr. Owens said that payment of the subsidy is only

suspended by the Council in exceptional cases and as a last resort. He said that the Council

has a duty and obligation to safeguard public funds and must ensure that conditions

associated with the payment of public funds are met.

He stated that the Council had not received any communication from the Housing Body in

question indicating that they had written to their tenants as outlined by Cllr. Killilea. He said

that the Housing Unit had invited the Housing Body to meet on a number of occasions and he

said he is confident that if active engagement takes place, the situation can be resolved.

Cllr. Cunniffe expressed the view that the issue in question could be solved once the Approved

Housing Body engages with the Council.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE BUDGET MEETING HELD ON 23RD NOVEMBER AND 1st

DECEMBER, 2016. 2895

The Minutes of the Budget Meetings of the Council held on 23rd November and 1st December,

2016 were APPROVED by the Council and signed by the Cathaoirleach, on the PROPOSAL of

Cllr. T. McHugh, SECONDED by Cllr. Feeney.


Cllr. D. Connolly referred to the agreed amendment to the Draft Budget 2017 that the increase

in the Ballinasloe Rate from €58 to €61, in line with the County Rate, not go ahead, and the

required reduction in spending as a result, including a reduction in the spending on local roads

of €25,000. He asked if this €25,000 would be taken out of the Ballinasloe Municipal District

allocation.

Mr. Mullarkey replied that the reduction of €25,000 available for spending on local roads

would affect spending in the Ballinasloe Municipal District.

Cllrs. D. Connolly and T. Broderick expressed their dissatisfaction in this regard, stating that

they did not agree this at the Budget Meeting of Ballinasloe Municipal District Council.


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The Chief Executive said that the full Council decides on the Budget for the County and is not

restricted by a decision made at Municipal District level. He confirmed that there is a reduced

amount of €25,000 to feed into the roads programme, when being adopted at Municipal

District level, because of the decision not to raise the Ballinasloe Rate.

Cathaoirleach M. Connolly and Cllr. Donohue said that they were not in favour of increasing

the Ballinasloe Municipal District Rate to €61 in the interests of businesses in Ballinasloe and

they had agreed this at the Ballinasloe Municipal District Budget Meeting.

Cllr. Welby said that a Finance Committee of the Council should be set up to examine the

funding situation of Galway County Council. He said that even though Galway County Council

has the biggest population along the western seaboard, it gets less funding from central

government and has less staff than smaller counties such as Mayo and Clare. He said the

County area has a population of 170,000 compared with 130,000 in Mayo, there are 740 staff

employed by Galway County Council while Mayo County Council employs 200 more and has

a budget of €21m in excess of this Council. He also said that budgetary matters should be

considered all through the year by the Members, and not just at the time of setting the budget

at the end of each year.

Cllr. Hoade strongly supported the setting up of a Finance Committee early in 2017 and she

also expressed concern regarding the disparity in funding and staffing between Galway

County Council and other smaller neighbouring Counties.

Cllrs. B. Connelly and Cunniffe also supported the proposal, stating that it is important that

ongoing analysis of expenditure takes place and that the Members are made aware of the

mechanics of the budgetary process.

Cllr. Killilea expressed the view that the Council’s Audit Committee was set up to oversee

expenditure of the Council.

Cllr. J. Byrne agreed that the Members need to understand the funding and budgetary process

of the Council and he made reference to two training seminars which had been arranged for

the Members in September and November 2016 dealing with funding the Revenue and

Capital Account, the Budgets, Financial Reporting and Audit. He said these were excellent

and very informative training events and may have been more beneficial to Members than

the setting up of a Finance Committee.

Comh. Ó Tuairisg proposed that the Members meet with Oireachtas Members for their areas

in the New Year to seek increased and adequate funding for the Council.

Comh. Ó Curraoin and the Cathaoirleach also expressed the view that Galway County Council

is starved of funding and that pressure should be maintained at government level in order to

ensure that adequate funding is restored.


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Cllr. Welby PROPOSED “that Galway County Council will establish a Finance Committee made

up of Executive and Elected Members from cross party. This Committee will meet monthly”.

This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. B. Connelly and AGREED.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 5TH DECEMBER, 2016.

2896

The Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on 5th December, 2016 were

APPROVED by the Council and signed by the Cathaoirleach, on the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kearney,

SECONDED by Comh. Ó Cualáin.


Cllr. Cuddy referred to the Report of the Statutory Committee regarding the Review of Local

Government in Galway and expressed the view that an amalgamation would result in a

further reduction of the powers of the Members. He also referred to the newly formed

Expert Advisory Group on the possible amalgamation of Galway City and Councils and asked

for a timeline for the determinations of the Group.

Cllr. Charity expressed concern that the Chief Executives of both Local Authorities are

members of the Expert Advisory Group despite the fact that both Local Authorities have

voiced their opposition to a merger. He said this would have been appropriate if the matter

for discussion was the implementation of a merger.

The Cathaoirleach said he had no issue with the Chief Executive of Galway County Council and

Galway City Council being members of the Advisory Group as they are both well equipped

with the knowledge and experience of the workings of both Local Authorities to give their

input into any decisions made.

The Chief Executive confirmed that he was asked to be a Member of the Advisory Group. He

said that there is no timeline set for the completion of deliberations but it was likely to be in

the first half of 2017 and the preliminary work is the collating of information regarding both

Local Authorities, including structures, financing and so forth.

TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 ON THE DISPOSAL OF 0.155 HECTARES AND DWELLINGHOUSE AT FURZYPARK, ATHENRY, CO. GALWAY 2897 [Statutory Notice and Report dated 1st December, 2016 were already circulated to each Member within the statutory timeframe.]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kearney, SECONDED by Cllr. Feeney, the disposal of 0.155 hectares

and dwellinghouse at Furzypark, Athenry, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Notice, was AGREED.


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TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 ON THE DISPOSAL OF 0.353 HECTARES AND DWELLINGHOUSE AT RATHGORGIN, KILTULLAGH, CO. GALWAY 2898 [Statutory Notice and Report dated 1st December, 2016 were already circulated to each Member within the statutory timeframe.]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Feeney, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney, the disposal of 0.353 hectares

and dwellinghouse at Rathgorgin, Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Notice, was

AGREED.

TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 ON THE DISPOSAL OF 0.437 HECTARES OF LAND AT COOLTYMURAGHTY, AUGHRIM, CO. GALWAY 2899 [Statutory Notice and Report dated 1st December, 2016 were already circulated to each Member within the statutory timeframe.]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Donnellan, SECONDED by Cllr. Noone, the disposal of 0.437

hectares of land at Cooltymurraghty, Aughrim, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Notice, was

AGREED.

TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 ON THE DISPOSAL OF 0.195 HECTARES AND DWELLINGHOUSE AT RATHGORGIN, KILTULLAGH, CO. GALWAY 2900 [Statutory Notice and Report dated 1st December, 2016 were already circulated to each Member within the statutory timeframe.]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Feeney, SECONDED by Cllr. Fahy, the disposal of 0.195 hectares and

dwellinghouse at Rathgorgin, Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Notice, was AGREED.

TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 ON THE DISPOSAL OF 0.642 HECTARES OF LAND AT MOHER, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY 2901 [Statutory Notice and Report dated 1st December, 2016 were already circulated to each Member within the statutory timeframe.]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Donohue, SECONDED by Cllr. N. Byrne, the disposal of 0.642

hectares of land at Moher, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Notice, was AGREED.


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TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 ON THE LEASE OF LANDS COMPRISING OF “WORK AREA”, FLYING CLUB BUILDING, PART OF CARPARK AND ACCESS TO THE SITE FORMERLY KNOWN AS “GALWAY AIRPORT”, AT CARNMORE, CO. GALWAY. 2902 [Statutory Notice and Report dated 2nd December, 2016 were already circulated to each Member within the statutory timeframe.]

On the PROPOSAL of Comh. Ó Curraoin, SECONDED by Cllr. Cuddy, the lease of lands

comprising of “work area”, flying club building, part of carpark and access to the site formerly

known as “Galway Airport”, at Carnmore, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Notice, was AGREED.

TO CONSIDER REPORT UNDER PART 8 OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED) – EXTENSION TO BEAL AN DAINGIN BURIAL GROUND,

BEAL AN DAINGIN, CO. GALWAY 2903

[Report dated 15th December, 2016 available on the Extranet]

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Walsh, SECONDED by Comh. Ó Tuairisg, the proposed extension to

Beal an Daingin Burial Ground, Beal an Daingin, Co. Galway, as outlined in the Report, was

AGREED.

Comh. Ó Tuairisg welcomed the extension to Beal an Daingin Burial Ground and thanked Mr.

Paraic Carroll, Administrative Officer, Environment Section of the Council, and also the

landowners for making this extension possible.

FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ON THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE HOUSING, CULTURE &

RECREATION STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE 2904


It was PROPOSED by Cllr. T. McHugh, SECONDED by Cllr. Hoade, and AGREED, that Cllr. S. Walsh

be appointed as Chairperson of the Housing, Culture & Recreation Strategic Policy Committee,

to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of Cllr. T. McHugh from this role on the

Committee.

FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ON THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROADS & TRANSPORTATION

STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE 2905



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It was PROPOSED by Cllr. McClearn, SECONDED by Cllr. T. McHugh, and AGREED, that Cllr. M.

Finnerty be appointed to the Roads & Transportation Strategic Policy Committee, to fill the

vacancy arising from the resignation of Cllr. J. Byrne from the Committee.

FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ON THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT &

ENTERPRISE STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE 2906


It was PROPOSED by Cllr. McClearn, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney, and AGREED, that Cllr. J. Byrne

be appointed to the Economic Development & Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee, to fill

the vacancy arising from the resignation of Cllr. M. Finnerty from the Committee

FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ON THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE REGIONAL HEALTH FORUM,

REPRESENTATION, WEST 2907


It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Welby, SECONDED by Cllr. Healy, and AGREED, that Cllr. D. Connolly

be appointed to the Regional Health Forum Representation West, to fill the vacancy arising

from the resignation of Cllr. T. Broderick from the Committee

TO CONSIDER AND IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE TO AUTHORISE THE ATTENDANCE AT TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 142(5a) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 AS AMENDED 2908 [Report dated 13th December, 2016 was available on the Extranet]

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. M Fahy, SECONDED by Cllr. D. Killilea, and AGREED, that

retrospective authorisation in accordance with Local Government Circular LG 21/2014 dated 20th August 2014 is authorised for Cllr. Karey McHugh, for attendance at BA in Business and Community Development – Level 7 – HETAC Accredited, 2015/2016, Athlone Institute of Technology as included in the Management Report and the attendance of the Members named hereunder at the following courses is authorised:

IPA – Local Government Structures, Services and Local Government Reform – Galway County

Council, 12th January 2017.

Cllr. Joe Byrne Cllr. Mary Hoade Cllr. Michael Fahy Cllr. Michael Maher Cllr. Tom Healy Comh. Seán Ó Tuairisg Comh. Tomás Ó Curraoin


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IPA – Local Government Funding and Financial Management – Galway County Council, 19th

January 2017.

Cllr. Joe Byrne

Cllr. Mary Hoade

Cllr. Michael Fahy

Cllr. Michael Maher

Cllr. Tom Healy

Cllr. Tom Welby

IPA – Local Government Housing Services – Galway County Council, 26th January 2017.

Cllr. Joe Byrne

Cllr. Mary Hoade

Cllr. Michael Fahy

Cllr. Michael Maher

Cllr. Tom Healy

Comh. Seán Ó Tuairisg

IPA – Local Government Planning Services – Galway County Council, 2nd February 2017.

Cllr. Joe Byrne

Cllr. Mary Hoade

Cllr. Michael Fahy

Cllr. Michael Maher

Cllr. Tom Healy

IPA – Local Government Environmental Services – Galway County Council, 9th February 2017.

Cllr. Joe Byrne

Cllr. Mary Hoade

Cllr. Michael Fahy

Cllr. Michael Maher

Cllr. Tom Healy

Comh. Tomás Ó Curraoin

IPA – Local Government Roads and Transportation Services – Galway County Council, 16th

February 2017.

Cllr. Joe Byrne

Cllr. Mary Hoade

Cllr. Michael Fahy

Cllr. Michael Maher

Cllr. Tom Healy


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IPA – Local Government Water Services – Galway County Council, 23rd February 2017.

Cllr. Joe Byrne

Cllr. Mary Hoade

Cllr. Michael Fahy

Cllr. Michael Maher

Cllr. Tom Healy

TO NOTE THE SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES ATTENDED IN ACCORDANCE

WITH SECTION 142 (5f) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 (AS AMENDED) 2909

[Report dated November 22th 2016 was available on the Extranet]

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Hoade, SECONDED by Cllr. Kearney and AGREED, to note the

Summary of Proceedings at the following Conference:

A Practical Guide to Budget 2017 held on 28th – 30th October, 2016, as submitted by Cllr.

Roche.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 2910

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kearney, SECONDED by Cllr. Noone, it was AGREED that the

Standing Orders be suspended in order that Items 18 & 19 on the Agenda regarding Galway

Transport Strategy and Galway City Ring Road, be taken.

The Chief Executive said that, arising from requests by the Members for updates on the

Galway Transport Strategy and plans for the Galway City Ring Road, these Items were placed

on the Agenda for today’s Meeting.

TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE GALWAY TRANSPORT STRATEGY – INTEGRATED

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR GALWAY CITY AND ENVIRONS

2911

[Report dated 16th December 2016, together with Appropriate Assessment Screening Decision on the

Galway Transport Strategy by Galway County Council available on the Extranet]

[Report dated 19th December 2016, together with Galway Transport Strategy Appropriate Assessment

Concluding Statement & Determination, available on the Extranet]

[Presentation Dated December 12th 2016, Summary of the Galway Transport Strategy, Progress, Next

Steps, Implementation Plan 2017 – 2020, available on the Extranet]


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Mr. Timmins referred the Members to the Reports that relate specifically to the Galway

Transport Strategy (GTS), that is, the Appropriate Assessment Screening Decision and the

Appropriate Assessment Concluding Statement & Determination which had been made

available to the Elected Members previously, for their consideration.

Mr. Timmins added that Galway County Council having examined, analysed and evaluated

the content of the GTS and associated environmental documentation (i.e. Strategic

Environmental Assessment report in Appendix I of the GTS, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

report in Appendix K of the GTS and Appropriate Assessment in Appendix J of the GTS) that

in light of best scientific knowledge, determined that the nature of the predicted impacts that

may arise from the GTS, with the implementation of the mitigation measures proposed, that

the GTS does not pose a risk of adversely affecting the integrity of any European Sites, either

alone or in combination with other plans or projects.

He introduced Mr. Jim Molloy, Project Manager, Galway Transportation Unit, Galway City

Council, to the Members. Mr. Molloy then presented a summary of the Galway

Transportation Strategy (GTS).

He said the GTS is an evidence-based transport strategy for the Galway City and environs,

which sets out clearly the vision for Galway, which is to create “a connected city region driven

by smarter mobility”. The GTS provides a framework for implementing transport proposals

in Galway over the next 20 plus years and it is consistent with policy and builds upon previous

studies carried out in Galway.

The GTS has established short, medium and long-term proposals for all modes of transport, including:

A proposed cross-city high-frequency bus network, with significant bus priority measures to and through Galway City Centre

A comprehensive cycle network, with primary, secondary and feeder links

An east-west route through the City - the Cross-City-Link – which will see non-essential car traffic excluded, but public transport, walking and cycling prioritised.

A proposed road network, including extensive junctions upgrades across the City and the N6 Galway City Ring Road that can meet the current and future needs of the City region, while also supporting sustainable modes of travel

Supporting measures including park & ride, urban realm improvements, demand management, ITS and smart mobility measures and land-use principles.

Mr. Molloy said that consultation on the Galway Transport Strategy took place with the Environmental Protection Agency, Government Departments and surrounding planning authorities of Mayo, Roscommon, Offaly, Tipperary, Clare and Galway County Councils. He said that the Final Draft version of the GTS and supporting appendices went through the Public Consultation process in June and July 2016, the necessary Natura Impact Statement, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment of the GTS were prepared, the strategy was incorporated into the Draft Galway City Development Plan 2017 –


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2023, as appropriate, through Material Alteration and Variation of the Plan and the Final GTS was published in September 2016. Mr. Molloy informed the Members that since completion of the GTS in September 2016, Galway City Council has progressed a number of major studies/projects, including:

Appointment of consultants to develop options for improving and optimizing the capacity of the transport network at Parkmore, including examination of bus priority from Doughiska, through Briarhill and into Parkmore

Investigation of prospective sites to the east of the city for a Park & Ride site

Bearna Greenway – Phase 1 (2017)

Parkmore Road/Tuam Road upgrade (2017)

Tuam Road Bus Corridor Scheme (2018)

Expansion of public bicycle hire scheme which is under construction

Trial of vehicular restrictions on Eglinton Street through Eyre Square and on to Forster Street was undertaken in September 2016

The N6 Galway City Ring Road Scheme to be submitted for planning approval in early 2017

Dublin Road/Doughiska Road Public Transport Corridor, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is due to commence in early 2017

In 2017, the City Council expect to commission a scheme to develop a new pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Salmon Weir Bridge

Consultants are being appointed shortly to develop the Galway City Centre Transport Management Plan which contains eight significant elements as identified in the GTS. This is expected to be in place by end of 2019.

Mr. Molloy said that the aim of the GTS is to maximise the economic and social potential of

Galway City and the wider Galway region.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Molloy for the presentation. He referred to the National

Transport Authority (NTA) website which states it has responsibility for transport in Dublin

only, however the NTA is often mentioned when speaking about transport in the country he

said.

Mr. Molloy replied that the NTA is primarily responsible for Dublin, but also has responsibility

for administration of grants to regional cities and is responsible for licencing of all public

transport routes.

The Cathaoirleach said that, in his view, bus transport is not the most important mode of

transport and he said the city centre has become condensed as regards parking.

The Cathaoirleach felt that the GTS does not go far enough in terms of its vision for rail

transport into Galway, for example from Oranmore and Athenry, and also he felt that there

is a need for commuter rail from north Galway into the City. He said that the Galway City

Ring Road will be constrained because of designations and also that environmental

constraints are delaying the development of roads to the west. He said that it is important


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that there is a city in the West of Ireland to rival the East but, the proper infrastructure is

required in order to achieve this in respect of Galway.

Mr. Molloy acknowledged the Cathaoirleach’s comments that a proper roads infrastructure

needs to be put in place for Galway. However, he said that the question of extending the rail

service to additional areas of the County may be cost prohibitive in the immediate future.

Also in reply to the Cathaoirleach, he said that the Strategy looks at increasing bus parking

facilities in the City. He said that bus parks are available at the Dyke Road, Merchants Road

and at the Harbour. He said the Strategy looks at enhancing dedicated bus areas in the city

centre also.

In relation to comments regarding light rail, he said that the big issue in this regard is density

of population to support light rail. He said that the Strategy looked at this and there is a lot

of detail in the report explaining why the findings of the GTS do not allow for the provision of

light rail at present.

Cllr. Feeney also thanked Mr. Molloy for the presentation, stating that he would endorse the GTS as he felt that there is an essential need for a transport strategy for Galway. He said that the plan is very ambitious and is very contingent on the Galway City Ring Road going ahead and he hoped that there will be a positive outcome in this regard.

In reply to the Members who expressed disappointment that the GTS did not deal with

transport issues out into the County, Mr. Molloy said that the terms of reference for the GTS

included the areas inside the corridor bounded by Bearna, Maigh Cuilinn, Oranmore and An

Báile Chlair/Claregalway. However, he said that this does not mean that transport issues

affecting all of County Galway are being ignored and he said these will be addressed going

forward.

In reply to Cllrs. Killilea, J. Byrne, Charity, Healy, Cunniffe, Cuddy and Ó Cualáin who each

expressed concern that bus services into Galway are not frequent enough and that additional

bus lanes are needed, Mr. Molloy said that the Strategy aims to maximise options available

regarding viable bus routes and stressed that public engagement with the review of public

transport should be encouraged.

He said that the National Transport Authority is the licencing authority in relation to bus

routes and the Council will work with the NTA going forward in relation to enhanced bus

routes. He said that the NTA has looked at the current number of buses in place and is

amalgamating services so that current fleet size and driver numbers can provide an enhanced

service with increased frequency. Mr. Molloy said that it is intended to free up traffic in the

City by ensuring that those who are not reliant on their cars to get to work will be strongly

encouraged to use public transport in order to free up the space for those who have no option

but to use their cars to get to work and to do business in the City.

Cllr. Healy expressed the view that school traffic causes a lot of congestion and Mr. Molloy

said that the GTS recommends increased school transport facilities and the introduction of a

leap-card system. He said this is envisaged for Galway City and environs, for example Tuam


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and Oranmore, and he said the National Transport Authority will be brought on board to

ensure this is achieved.

In reply to Cllr. Noone, Mr. Molloy said that it is intended that the Tuam Road bus lane will

segregate cyclists from the bus lane and he said the existing hard shoulders and central

median will assist in achieving this aim. He said that the plan is that cyclists will have a

dedicated path, buses/taxis and other traffic will each have a designated path and this will

eliminate risks to cyclists.

Cllrs. Charity, Fahy and Comh. Ó Curraoin said that bus shelters should be provided at bus stops in country areas in order to promote bus travel and Mr. Molloy agreed stating that their provision depends on demand. He said that the provision of bus shelters will be looked at in the review of bus routes.

In reply to Cllr. Charity and Hoade, Mr. Molloy agreed that there are problems regarding

volumes of traffic on the Headford Road which are being addressed in the context of the

overall Strategy.

In reply to Cllr. Mannion, Mr. Molloy said that an important aim of the Strategy is to ensure

that people can access the West of the County and it is recognised that congestion in the City

is a major hindrance in this regard. He said it is the intention also that once people get across

the City, that proper infrastructure is in place to allow for easy access to the West so that the

region is not isolated from the rest of County Galway.

Cllrs. Kearney, Cronnelly, Fahy, Cuddy and Kinane expressed the view that the train service into Galway City should be enhanced and promoted in particular, the service between Limerick, through Ennis, Athenry and Oranmore.

In reply, Mr. Molloy said that the Strategy looked at the question of rail transport, which he

said is operated by the C.I.E. Group, and it was determined that there should be a more

strategic service, particularly to and from Athenry.

In reply to Comh. Ó Curraoin, Mr. Molloy said that the road between Maigh Cuillin and An Spidéal is too mountainous for the bus service to use.

In reply to Cllrs. Welby, Healy and Ó Curraoin in relation to the Galway to Bearna Greenway,

he said the Strategy recommends that the route will be off-road and on the coastline where

possible and he said there will be extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders

along the proposed route from the city to Bearna to ensure that their views are taken on

board and that mutual agreement can be achieved. He said that the same applies to all other

routes drafted into the Strategy in that consultation is key so that problems are ironed out.


15

Comh. Ó Cualáin, Cllrs. Noone, Hynes and Roche said that it is essential that the Galway City Ring Road gets the go ahead in order to free up traffic entering the city and to mitigate against bottle-necks in areas further out. Cllrs Hoade and Cuddy felt that park and ride should be available more widely and Cllr. Cuddy said that the site of the former Galway Airport at Carnmore should be used as a bus park in this regard. Mr. Molloy replied that park and ride is put in place in conjunction with the city bus service and the GTS looks at putting park and ride in place where there is demand, and the primary beneficiaries of park and ride will be those coming in from the country. He said that the Headford Road, Tuam Road, Bearna and Clifden roads will be looked at in terms of park and ride. In terms of the use of the site of the former Galway Airport at Carnmore, Mr. Molloy said that this site was tested previously in a joint initiative between the City and County Councils and the National Transport Authority. However, he said the initiative was not successful as very few people used it because the location is not widely accessible. He said that for park and ride to succeed, the parking facility must have easy access and easy exit.

Cllr. Noone expressed the view that one deterrent to people using park and ride is the

inconvenience of carrying shopping around and Cllr. Kinane agreed with Cllr. Noone in this

regard. Mr. Molloy said the City Council is working with the private coach station in the City

with the aim that lockers will be provided to facilitate the storage of shopping. However, he

said that, there is a definite role for businesses to facilitate shoppers in this regard.

In reply to the Cathaoirleach, Mr. Molloy said that strategic planning for infrastructure in

Galway is primarily the responsibility of both local authorities. However the NTA has a role in

the delivery of transport planning in all regional cities and he said that the GTS was completed

by the Council in conjunction with the NTA.

In reply to Cllrs. Kearney and Welby, Mr. Molloy said that the GTS shows a proposed solution

to the problem of getting traffic across the Salmon Weir Bridge, however this is not the

definite solution and the question of whether a pedestrian bridge or a new traffic bridge

should be provided will need to be determined, having regard to the availability of funding

going forward.

The Cathaoirleach again thanked Mr. Molloy for the presentation. The Cathaoirleach said that more emphasis should be put on rail transport in the Strategy however, he would support the GTS with reservations. Cllr. Hoade made the following PROPOSAL “This Council endorses the Galway Transport Strategy as the key integrated transport management plan to facilitate the economic growth and physical development of Galway City and its environs and while acknowledging that the majority of the proposals are within the City area, it is considered that a properly functioning transport infrastructure and system within the City and environs is essential to the development of the County and the wider Region”. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. Feeney, and AGREED.


16

TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE GALWAY CITY RING ROAD (GCRR) 2912 [Report entitled N6 Galway City Ring Road, dated 12th December 2016, available on the Extranet]

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Ms. Eileen McCarthy of ARUP Consulting Engineers who was invited to the Meeting to give a presentation on the N6 Galway City Ring Road (GCRR) to the Members. Ms. McCarthy addressed the Members and gave an overview of the progress which had been made regarding the GCRR since the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor was selected, including a design update and details of the next steps to be taken including:

Peer Review

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit

Finalise Design

Variation to City Development Plan

Land Acquisition Mapping

Environmental Impact Assessment

Application to An Bord Pleanála The Members were unanimous in extending their thanks and compliments to Ms. McCarthy

for her work in relation to the N6 GCRR Project. A discussion took place and Ms. McCarthy

replied to the issues raised by the Members, as follows:

Cllrs. Killilea, Fahy, Hoade, Mannion, Welby, Ó Curraoin and Healy acknowledged the work of

Mr. Timmins and the late Mr. Liam Gavin, R.I.P., in progressing the Galway City Ring Road

project and complimented Ms. McCarthy and ARUP. They welcomed the extensive

consultations with landowners and asked for a timeframe for the application to An Bord

Pleanála and the commencement of the works. They also asked if the Council is equipped to

deal with any stumbling blocks in relation to the planning process to be undertaken.

Ms. McCarthy replied that it is hoped that the GCRR proposal will be submitted to An Bord

Pleanála in April 2017 and the timeframe for an Oral Hearing could be September/October

2017. She said the earliest timeframe for a decision from An Bord Pleanála would probably

be mid-2018 and if approval is granted, third parties could call for a Judicial Review of the

planning decision. If no objection is received and planning permission is received, the project

could be ready for commencement by 2020/2021 with a subsequent completion date in 2024.

In reply to Cllr. Charity, Ms. McCarthy said extensive consultations have taken place with the

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in order to minimise the impact of environmental

issues which might arise. She said that TII has provided the funding to allow for the necessary

level of investigation to be carried out. She said that the Councils carried out scoping and

screening assessments. She said that three pre-consultation meetings have taken place with


17

An Bord Pleanála to date, with the possibility of a further meeting taking place in advance of

making the planning application.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 2913

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. M. Finnerty, SECONDED by Comh. Ó Cualáin, it was AGREED that

the Standing Orders be suspended in order to allow the Meeting to continue after 5 p.m.

In response to Cllr. Kearney, Ms. McCarthy indicated on a map which formed part of her

presentation, the location of the N17 to Parkmore link road to the bypass and the location

where traffic can exit on a loop coming out of Parkmore onto the N17 and also where to exit

the N17 in order to continue west to Bearna and Clifden, without going through the City. She

also detailed the exits going east from the N17.

In reply to Comh. Ó Tuairisg and Ó Curraoin, Ms. McCarthy explained that there will be a

roundabout on the R336 and also on the N59 Maigh Cuilinn Road and also crossings and

signalised junctions between certain villages.

Comh. Ó Curraoin, Ó Cualáin and Mannion expressed the view that the GCRR will transform

the traffic system for Galway and is very badly needed in order to improve access to the west

and the promotion of tourism and business for the region. They also felt that this will open

the way for the improvement works on the N59 and the R336 roads. Comh. Ó Curraoin said

that the junction between the R336 and the N59 would be of concern to people of Conamara.

Ms. McCarthy replied that a junction will be in place on the N59 which will disperse traffic in

three directions with the inclusion of appropriate signalling, so as not to create traffic holdups

on surrounding roads.

Cllr. N. Byrne asked if the project could be carried out in stages so that priority areas could be

completed first and Cllr. Feeney felt that Parkmore should be dealt as soon as possible as it

would be a good advertisement for the project in its entirety to see a benefit at an early stage.

Ms. McCarthy confirmed that once planning permission is received, the project can be split

so long as this is documented in the EIS. She said that it is best not to stymie the project to

try and rush any part of it through planning, rather it is best to apply for planning permission

for the project as a whole however, the Parkmore element can be commenced as a priority

once planning permission is received for the GCRR.

Cllr. Cuddy thanked Ms. McCarthy for the presentation however, he said as indicated

previously he has reservations regarding the proximity of the route to the City, stating that if

it was further out, it would not have caused so much upheaval to people, and Comh. Ó

Curraoin expressed a similar view.


18

In reply, Ms. McCarthy said that the key to the success of the project is that it inter-links with

the City as Galway City is the conduit for getting across to the West. She said that if the ring-

road was located further out from the City, it would not solve problems of congestion in the

City. The previous proposal did not have an N17 junction however, the proposal now is to

provide a junction off the N17 and Parkmore and also a link between the N59 and the

Letteragh Road to disperse traffic.

In reply to Cllrs. Hoade and Healy, Ms. McCarthy said that non-statutory consultations have

taken place with over 1000 landowners, however she stressed that if landowners or

stakeholders or other interested parties wish to object to the proposals, they will be required

to make a formal submission to An Bord Pleanála during the statutory period when the

proposal is lodged. She said that the drawings are on view in Galway City and County Council

offices for the information of the public.

Cllr. Welby said he strongly supports the GTS as he expressed the view that Galway City has

been expanding with no clear vision for traffic flow for some time and he felt that if the GCRR

does not get the go ahead at this point, it will be impossible to progress the project in the

future due to increasing levels of environmental designations.

Ms. McCarthy said that extensive work has taken place in relation to the project in order that

a complete and comprehensive application is made to An Bord Pleanála, and ensuring that all

Development Plans support the scheme.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Ms. McCarthy for the comprehensive answers to the issues raised

by the Members and for her obvious dedication to the project.

TO CONSIDER THE MANAGEMENT REPORT – DECEMBER 2016 IN ACCORDANCE WITH

SECTION 136(2) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 (AS AMENDED) 2914


The Chief Executive said that, as requested by the Members, he met with the Department of

Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and the Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHRRGA) and Island Ferries Teo

(IFT) in respect of the ferry service to Inis Mór, on the understanding that the Members

wished to protect the integrity of the Cill Ronáin Harbour Bye-Laws, Inis Mór. He said that

the discussions were based on maintaining the integrity of the bye-laws and that the offer

which had been made by IFT of 40c per passenger was not adequate.

He said he met with the operator and representatives of DAHRRG on two occasions, on the

2nd December 2016 and on the 9th December 2016. The original proposal dated 30th

November 2016 which was circulated to the Members on the 1st December 2016 was replaced


19

with further proposals on December 9th and December 13th and the 16th December 2016

which was circulated to the Members.

The main issues were the arrears of fees, the legal costs outstanding, the levy into the future

and the methodology of determining total passenger numbers and islander trips.

The Chief Executive outlined the proposal made by Irish Ferries Teoranta as follows:

IFT propose 40c per passenger as opposed to 80c for the period 2012 to 2016 and

payment of €4,225 for each year based on 845 residents being liable for the €5 annual

levy for multi-trip passengers.

An estimation of Islander trips in the period 2012-2016 representing (27,000 – 29,000)

18% - 20% of all trips. Actual counts are currently made on all morning and evening

sailings with an estimation for the remaining trips

All arrears at the 40c rate would be discharged before the end of January 2017.

Figures for passenger numbers will be determined and forwarded to the Council on a

per-trip basis in future and this will be provided via email as currently notified to the

Harbour Master and the Coastguard before each vessel departs. IFT has committed

to recording all Islander passenger numbers travelling on all sailings in 2017 and

thereafter. These figures are proposed to be given to the Council on a monthly basis.

Legal fees would be discharged in full, when the Department of the Marine settles the

issues with IFT, with regard to its legal fees or if this does not occur by 1st September

2017, IFT will on 1st September 2017 pay a sum of €350,000, with the balance being

paid, when IFT legal fee due from the Department of the Marine are concluded.

A passenger levy in the sum of 55c payable on actual passenger numbers rather than

80c is proposed for a future period. IFT propose to absorb all costs rather than passing

same on to passengers or Islanders

The Chief Executive said that if the Members accept the proposal in principle, it is intended

that this matter may be the subject of a more formal resolution at the January 2017 Meeting

of the Council, in order to give effect to the change without re-visiting the bye-laws. In the

intervening period, the detail of some aspects including any written/legal agreements would

be finalised.

He said that discussions have taken place between the Department of Housing, Planning,

Community & Local Government (DHPCLG) and the DAHRRGA and the understanding is that,

no payment will be required in respect of the Foreshore Licence.

The Chief Executive said it is understood that the DAHRRGA intend to move to put a contract

in place for the ferry service to Inis Mór.

A timeframe for the revised levy might be up to June 2019 to coincide with the lifetime of the

current Council, he concluded.


20

Comh. Ó Tuairisg said that the proposal would result in a secure contract for a ferry service

to Inis Mór being in place until 2019. He said it is very important that the islanders are

involved in negotiations regarding a Public Service Obligation Contract (PSO) as it directly

affects them and he said that Deputy Seán Kyne, Minister for the Gaeltacht & Natural

Resources, has indicated that he will meet with the islanders in January 2017. He said that it

is very important that a secure ferry service is put in place for Inis Mór, not only for the

islanders, but also for the benefit of the whole county and Galway City in terms of the

importance of Inis Mór as a tourist attraction.

Cllr. Mannion thanked Minister Kyne, the Chief Executive, Roinn na Gaeltachta and all those

involved in drawing up this proposal.

Cllr. Roche welcomed the proposal stating that good progress has been made regarding the

ferry service to Inis Mór. He asked what method would be in place as regards accounting of

passenger trips.

Cllr. N. Byrne also thanked the Chief Executive, the Members, Roinn na Gaeltachta and

Minister Kyne for their work in trying to solve the issues involved regarding the ferry service.

She said she would accept the proposal in the interests of providing a secure ferry service to

the Island. However, she expressed dissatisfaction, as she felt that the Council was left with

no choice by the operator but, to accept their terms due to the vulnerability of the Islanders

as regards their need for a secure ferry service. She also queried the methodology of

recording passenger numbers and asked for information on the legal requirements in this

regard.

Cllr. Healy and Comh. Ó Curraoin welcomed the guarantee that a secure ferry service would

be in place until 2019 under the proposal and thanked all involved.

Cllr. Welby expressed the view that the operator had treated his customers very badly by

threatening to withdraw the ferry service during the winter months and he said many

businesses experience periods during the year when profits fluctuate. He also expressed the

view that there should be competition for the ferry service so that no company could

monopolise the service.

Comh. Ó Cualáin welcomed the proposals and he said that Island Ferries Teo. had been in

business for over 40 years and he expressed the view that the company had served the

islanders well over the years.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Cllr. J. Byrne, Leas Chathaoirleach, for representing him at the

`Joint Oireachtas Committee Meeting which took place at Dáil Éireann on 14th December 2016

between the Chief Executive and Oireachtas Members to discuss the issue of the ferry service

to Inis Mór.

Cllr. J. Byrne wished to record his compliments to the Chief Executive on the exemplary way

in which he dealt with the challenging questions put to him by the Oireachtas Members at

the Meeting in the Dáil, stating that he represented the Council very well.


21

The Chief Executive replied that there is some detail to ironed out in relation to the proposal

but he said he was confident that agreement had been reached on the methodology of

recording the passenger numbers on the basis of statutory requirements. He said it is

incumbent on IFT to provide information on the number of passengers on board before the

vessel pulls out by means of a simultaneous email being sent to Galway County Council, the

Harbour Master and the Coast Guard. He said that separately, there is a commitment that

IFT will note the number of islanders on each trip and provide this information to the Council

monthly.

The Chief Executive agreed that there are negatives aspects associated with the proposal,

however he said that the certainty it brings is positive. He said that the DAHRRG has indicated

that it will pursue a contract for a ferry service to Inis Mór.

Comh. Ó Tuairisg PROPOSED “that Galway County Council accepts the proposals of 16/12/16 from Island Ferries Teo. as regards its terms of ferry services to Inis Mór for the duration of this Council, this is to June 2019”. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. Mannion, and AGREED. Cllr. Killilea referred to the proposed Redevelopment of Gilmartin Road, Tuam, as outlined in the Management Report and he said he wished to record his thanks to Mr. Owens and his Staff for organising consultation meetings in Tuam, with the residents of Gilmartin Road, prior to the commencement of the Part 8 Planning Process in respect of the Scheme. He said that feedback from the residents in relation to the consultation meetings was positive in the main and they welcomed the opportunity to discuss issues regarding the plans for Gilmartin Road with officials of the Council. On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Walsh, SECONDED by Cllr. Roche, the Members AGREED to note

the Management Report for December, 2016.

TO CONSIDER THE AUDIT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2015 2915

[Audit Committee Report 2015 available on the Extranet]

Cllr. T Broderick enquired with regard to strategy for outstanding balances of expenditure on

Landfill Site and underlined his concerns, in relation to an outstanding balance of expenditure

(665,000) on a small site in Loughrea Town Centre, that such lands could be purchased ‘with

taxpayers money’ before a definite line of funding was secured.

Mr. J. Cullen, DOS in reply, confirmed that the outstanding balance does not relate to the

Kilconnell site but, to previous Landfill Site investigations in East Galway in the 2004/2005

period, where the Council was proactively planning for landfill needs. Mr. Cullen noted the

Greenstar project subsequently came on board as a part commercial venture and developed

its own site, negating the Council’s need to advance the other. Mr. Cullen noted the balance


22

will be reduced by internal transfer of funding from annual revenue account to capital account

over a period.

In response to queries from Cllr. T. Welby on outstanding monies related to Calaidh Mór, the

Chief Executive advised that the remaining balance after the payment by the Department is

approximately €800k which will have to be funded.

The Chief Executive in response to Cllr Broderick concerns, noted that the site in Loughrea

Town, was purchased over eight years ago to allow for significant junction Improvements,

however, the full scale intended project did not proceed, as it did not attract necessary co-

funding. Mr. Kelly confirmed that, the outstanding capital balance will require funding from

the Revenue Account or other sources. He stated that, the current Lands Acquisition Policy as

signaled in the Report, makes it clear that, if there is no identified funding in place, lands will

not be purchased.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. S. O’Tuairisg SECONDED by Cllr. Roche, the Members AGREED to

note the Audit Report 2015.

TO REVIEW THE GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION PROGRAMME

2014 – 2018 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 17 OF THE HOUSING (TRAVELLER

ACCOMMODATION) ACT, 1998. 2916

[Report entitled Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 - 2018, available on the Extranet]

[Report on the Review of the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 dated 16th December

2016, available on the Extranet].

[Summary Statement – Programme to Review and Enhance Fire Safety in Local Authority Provided

Traveller Accommodation, available on the Extranet]

[Report on Programme to Review & Enhance Fire Safety in Local Authority Provided Traveller

Accommodation, dated September 2016, from the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency

Management, available on the Extranet]

Mr. Owens referred to the Report on the Review of the Traveller Accommodation Programme

2014 – 2018, dated 16th December 2016, stating that Local Authorities are required to prepare

and adopt a 5-year Accommodation Programme to meet the existing and projected

accommodation needs of Travellers in their area, allowing for public input to the preparation

and amendment of the Programme.

He said that Local Authorities are also required to carry out a Review of this Programme in

order to determine if there is any change in the identified need for Traveller specific

accommodation since the previous Programme was completed. The Review of Galway

County Council’s existing Traveller Accommodation Programme is required to be completed

by the end of December 2016.


23

In undertaking the review submissions were invited on the 15th August 2016 from all stakeholders who made a submission during the consultation process leading to the development of the current Traveller Accommodation Programme, as follows:

Galway Traveller Movement, Loughrea & Headford Road, Galway.

West Traveller & Intercultural Centre Tuam.

Irish Traveller Movement Dublin.

HSE Traveller Health Unit. In addition, all adjoining local authorities were invited to make a submission:

Mayo County Council.

Roscommon County Council.

Offaly County Council.

Tipperary County Council.

Clare County Council.

Galway City Council. The closing date for submissions was 1st October 2016. A total of three submissions were received as follows:

HSE Traveller Health Unit

West Traveller & Intercultural Centre Tuam

Galway Traveller Movement Mr. Owens said that, a summary of the issues raised in the submissions is outlined in the

Report and each submission and the Council’s response thereto were discussed in detail by

the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) at its Meeting held on

the 14th December, 2016.

He said that the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 identified a need of 48

units in 2014 with a total projected need in year 5 of the plan of 173 accommodation units,

broken down as follows:

Loughrea/Craughwell: 19

Killimor/Kiltormer/Clontuskert: 12

Athenry: 16

Tuam/Abbeyknockmoy: 43

Headford: 4

Ballinasloe: 29

Ahascragh/Creggaun 27

Ballygar/Mountbellew 23


24

He listed the various types of accommodation which the Council provides as follows:

Group Housing

Local Authority Standard Housing

Permanent Halting Sites

Transient Sites

Rental Accommodation Scheme/Long term Leasing

House Purchases by Galway Co. Council

Voluntary Housing

Purchase by Travellers

Housing Assistance Payment/Private rented accommodation with or without

Rent Supplement

Mr. Owens said that the outcome of the current Review does not indicate any change to

identified need. He said that when the current Traveller Accommodation Programme was

being drawn up in 2013, there was no capital funding available for Traveller specific

accommodation and there was a curtailment of funds in respect of Voluntary Housing.

However, he said that this situation has changed and there is now capital funding and funding

for Voluntary Housing available and he indicated that the Council has received an allocation

of over €1.5m for the development of Group Housing at the site of Craughwell Halting Site.

Mr. Owens referenced the Report on the Programme to Review & Enhance Fire Safety in Local

Authority Provided Traveller Accommodation, dated September 2016, from the National

Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management as previously circulated. He advised that the

Report was compiled following the Carrickmines fire tragedy and based on a review of

Traveller accommodation. Mr. Owens confirmed that arising from same a number of actions

were identified to enhance fire safety on such sites. He stated that the delivery of the actions

identified in the Audits was a priority for the Local Authority and that a member of staff was

recently assigned to develop and deliver a work programme to include a fire safety awareness

programme and physical works. Mr. Owens stated that, all actions necessary to address the

issues identified would be delivered and highlighted the importance of tenants actively

participating in the awareness programme and supporting the work programme together

with, the requirement for their ongoing co-operation in the management and maintenance

of the sites.

He said that arising from the review of the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 - 2018,

it is recommended that Galway County Council commences the process to amend the

Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 to support the capital project for

Craughwell and proposals for other capital investment on the basis that central funding for

capital projects was now available and also to reflect the priority the Council is affording the

implementation of the findings of the audits of the traveller accommodation.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Owens for the comprehensive report provided for the

Members.


25

Cllr. Charity expressed his disbelief that a number of Traveller families had turned down

certain accommodation offered, at a time when so many people find themselves homeless.

He also asked how the allocation of €1.5m for expenditure at the site of Craughwell Halting

Site would be utilised.

Mr. Owens clarified that the issue raised by Cllr. Charity related to the period of the previous

Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009 – 2013. In relation to the allocation of €1.5m for

Craughwell, he said that in terms of ongoing consultation with the residents, the current

proposal is to construct 6 no. units and 2 no. bays and this will be subject to further

consideration and consultation with relevant parties in finalising the design proposal. He said

that Architects will be appointed for the design of the development and that the Council will

be engaging with local Members in this regard leading up to the commencement of the Part

8 Planning Process, which will be put before the full Council in due course.

Cllr. Roche welcomed the Report and expressed his support for Traveller families. He said it

is incumbent on the Council that, resources are provided to ensure that there is adequate

monitoring to ensure that the terms of the all Council Tenancy Agreements are complied with

and that the Council’s investment of public funds is protected, as there is no tolerance for

minority of tenants who vandalise property provided by the Council. He also said that the

keeping of horses and dogs by tenants must be within the terms of their Tenancy Agreement.

Cllr. Roche also supported Cllr. Charity’s view that it is not acceptable that Traveller families

have declined to accept the offer by the Council of certain types of accommodation in the

past.

Mr. Owens acknowledged Cllr. Roche’s view that the majority of Tenants including Travellers

who are tenants of the Council, recognise their responsibility and obligations under their

Tenancy Agreement. However, he said that instances of vandalism are addressed by the

Council’s Estate Management Team and he said that the Policies on Estate Management and

Anti-Social Behaviour, which were adopted by the Elected Members, are in place to deal with

such issues. He also said that it is intended to extend the scope of the policies into the area

of nuisance behavior and this will be brought to the Housing SPC in 2017 for consideration.

Cllr. Roche also raised the issue of transient sites and Mr. Owens replied that this issue is more

appropriately considered on a regional basis rather than by the Local Authority on its own.

He said that the Review of the Traveller Accommodation Programme has not identified any

need in County Galway for Transient Sites on a year-round basis.

Cllr. Killilea said that he fully supports the work being done by the Councils Local Traveller

Accommodation Consultative Committee and he thanked the Chairman of the Committee,

Cllr. Feeney, for his work in this regard. He concurred with Cllr. Roche’s view that the majority

of families are exemplary tenants of the Council, however, he said that it is a matter of

concern that some tenants declined to accept smoke detectors and carbon monoxide

detectors for their homes. He welcomed the recent assignment of a member of staff to

support the delivery a programme of works in relation to fire safety standards for Traveller

Accommodation. He also made reference to vandalism of CCTV which occurred at Tuam

Halting Site recently and he said that it is essential that the perpetrators are brought to justice.


26

Mr. Owens, in reply to Cllr. Killilea, said that following the fire tragedy in Carrickmines, Dublin

in 2015, a Report entitled Programme to Review & Enhance Fire Safety in Local Authority

Provided Traveller Accommodation, dated September 2016, was completed by the

Government. He said that the Council and its tenants have a shared responsibility in relation

to fire safety and health and safety and he said that the Council will ensure that any action

necessary to ensure that health and fire safety measures are complied with in its properties

will be implemented as a priority in 2017. He said there is a Garda investigation into the CCTV

vandalism at Tuam Halting Site and therefore, he could not comment on same, other than to

say that this is costly to the Council.

Cllr. Kinane asked if there was any information available regarding reported plans of the City

Council in relation to lands in its ownership at Oranmore. Mr. Owens stated that all local

authorities were undertaking a review of Traveller Accommodation Programmes based on a

Ministerial Direction. He advised that it was his understanding that arising that the Galway

City Council Traveller Accommodation Programme identified a requirement for additional

Traveller specific accommodation to meet the identified need and to address overcrowding

on existing halting sites and safety issues associated with such overcrowding. He outlined

that on this basis it was his understanding that the provision of a temporary halting site on

lands in the ownership of Galway City Council in Oranmore was proposed. He confirmed that

any such project would be subject to the relevant statutory processes.

Cllr. J. Byrne welcomed the discussion regarding Traveller Accommodation and he thanked

Mr. Owens for the comprehensive information provided for the Members. He referred to

the Housing Assistance Payments Scheme (HAP) and said he was pleased at the positive

results being experienced by the Council in this regard as he was of the impression that it was

difficult to get landlords to take up the scheme initially.

Cllr. Feeney said that the work of the LTACC can be challenging as certain issues can be

controversial and emotive for the people involved. He commended the work of all the

Members of the Committee, including the Elected Members. He referred to the success of

the HAP Scheme in helping to meet housing need and welcomed that the target set for 2016

of 41 units had been exceeded, with 61 units provided.

Mr. Owens, in reply to Cllrs. Byrne and Feeney, said that the HAP Scheme has made a

substantial contribution to meeting housing need and it is expected that this positive

contribution will continue into the future in respect of HAP. He said that while there are

variances across the different accommodation types, the combined targets for 2014 and 2015

have been exceeded with the accommodation needs of 74 households met during this period.

In addition, the target for 2016 has also been exceeded.

In reply to Cllr. J. Byrne who raised the issue of illegal encampments on roadsides, Mr. Owens

said that this is a complex issue depending on the circumstances. The measures to be taken

in order to deal with each case depend on whether the encampment is located on a private

or public road, on a national road or regional road, on public or private property and also its

proximity to a Traveller accommodation site. The range of provisions available to the Council

include the use of transient sites and also the assistance of An Garda Síochána.


27

In reply to Cllr. Charity who raised the issue of homelessness, Mr. Owens said that currently

the Council is facilitating 16 no. families which is a very high number. He advised that it has

been a priority over recent weeks to support the families to transfer from the homeless

service to other accommodation where possible prior to Christmas. This includes through the

allocation of a social housing, nomination to vacant properties managed by Approved

Voluntary Housing Bodies and through the Private Rented Sector, mainly availing of the

Housing Assistance Payment. In addition, the council is designating a number of properties

as transition houses in order to support families in the transition from homelessness to

securing accommodation. In the case of families whose accommodation needs cannot be

met, Mr. Owens confirmed that arrangements are being finalised in order that the families

are afforded certainty in relation to the arrangements in place for Christmas and into early

2017. Mr. Owens advised that proposals in relation to transitional housing will be brought

to the Housing SPC in early 2017.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Killilea, SECONDED by Cllr. M. Finnerty, the Members AGREED to

commence the statutory process to amend the Galway County Council Traveller

Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018, in accordance with provision of the Housing

(Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S BUSINESS & CORRESPONDENCE 2917

The following items of correspondence which were circulated at the meeting were noted:

Correspondence dated 26th October 2016 from South Dublin County Council “calling on the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Minister for Finance to amend the relevant legislation so as to provide for a system of funding for Local Government that is based on the provision of local services; on site value not property value; that is linked on ability to pay; that is linked to general taxation; and, that enables Local Authorities to engage with their citizens in setting service levels, in determining budgets and in levying charges”.

Correspondence dated 16th November 2016 from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport acknowledging receipt of Galway County Councils letter regarding funding for roads.

Correspondence dated 13th December 2016 from Clare County Council passing the following resolution “In light of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 which envisaged increased participation by Elected Councillors in the formulation and delivery of public services, that the AILG and LAMA seek both ministerial and legal clarification on the operation of the Data Protection Acts whereby Councillors are inhibited from the proper discharge of their responsibility in accordance with their mandate”

Correspondence dated 7th December 2016 from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport acknowledging receipt of Galway County Councils correspondence regarding the ferry service to Inís Mór.


28

Cllr. D. Connolly said that he had been contacted by cereal farmers in County Galway who had

suffered losses due to the wet autumn of 2016. He made the following PROPOSAL “Given

the huge losses for the West of Ireland Grain Farmers in the 2016 season, resulting in some

crops not being harvested, high moisture content affecting quality. When moisture is over

20% the grower is penalised. Over 50% of straw was left in fields unbaled. Galway County

Council calls on Government i dTeach Laighean to bring forward a package as a matter of

urgency to ensure that farmers growing cereals in the West of Ireland can remain viable”.

This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. M. Connolly, and AGREED.

CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS 2918

The Cathaoirleach read each of the following Motions into the record, whereby Members

proposed ‘to transfer their unallocated Training and Conference Allocations in the amounts

as follows which would reduce the provision for local representation/civic leadership in

Service HO904 Expenses LA Members and increase the provision for Community Sport and

Recreational Development in Service F0401 Community Grants in order to facilitate the

Council providing a grant to support the following community initiative(s);

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Canning, SECONDED by Cllr. M. Hoade the Members AGREED to

transfer Cllr. Canning’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community Grants

in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support Gortanumera National School,

Portumna in the amount of €3,500.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. D. Burke, SECONDED by Cllr. M. Kinane the Members AGREED to

transfer Cllr. Burke’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community Grants

in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support improvement works to parking

area at Lawrencetown Graveyard by Lawrencetown Enterprise Company, in the amount of

€3,500.

On the PROPOSAL of P. Keaveney, SECONDED by Cllr. M. Finnerty the Members AGREED to

transfer Cllr. Keaveney’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community

Grants in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support Glenamaddy Boyoyagh

Heritage Group in the amount of €1000; Ballymoe Development, €1000; Kilkerran Community

Council, €1500.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. S. Donnellan, SECONDED by Cllr. I.Canning the Members AGREED

to transfer Cllr. Donnellan’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community

Grants in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support Loughrea Community

Enterprise Development in the amount of €2982.13

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. D. Killilea, SECONDED by Cllr. M. Hoade the Members AGREED to

transfer Cllr. Killilea’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community Grants

in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support Corofin Community

Development Association for the development of a playground and park under development

currently in the amount of €1,500.


29

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. J. Byrne, SECONDED by Cllr. F. Kearney the Members AGREED to

transfer Cllr. Byrne’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community Grants

in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support the Burren Enterprise Centre,

Kinvara in the amount of €1,000.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. S. Walsh, SECONDED by Cllr. S. Donnellan the Members AGREED to

transfer Cllr. Walsh’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community Grants

in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support the Oughterard Show Society

Limited in the amount of €1,000.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. P. Roche, SECONDED by Cllr. P. Feeney the Members AGREED to

transfer Cllr. Roche’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community Grants

in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support development of a Children’s

Playground in Abbeyknockmoy in the amount of €967.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. A Donohue, SECONDED by Cllr. F. Kearney the Members AGREED

to transfer Cllr. Donohue’s unallocated Training and Conference Allocations to Community

Grants in order to facilitate the Council providing a grant, to support Galway Camoige Club

Training Group Project in Kilrickle, Loughrea in the amount of €869.

Ms. E. Dolan, through the Cathaoirleach clarified for Members that, the Agreements would

require the community groups benefitting to complete a Community Grant Application Form

and meet the criteria of the Community Grants Scheme.

NOTICES OF MOTION

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 23 – CLLR. J. CUDDY 2919

Cllr. Cuddy sought to move the Motion as set out on the Agenda and made the following PROPOSAL “that the Minister with responsibility for planning legislation, Minister Coveney, be asked to amend the planning laws so that in future only people who are resident in the local authority area to which a planning application applies or whose property is likely to be affected by such a planning decision would be allowed to make submissions or take Judicial Reviews”. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. Welby.

Cllr. Cuddy said there have been a number of instances in Galway where developments have

been significantly delayed as a result of planning objections or judicial reviews which were

lodged by a person with no real connection to the county or the area. He said the details of

the motion will allow anybody from the County to lodge a submission or seek a judicial review,

but prevent people with no connection to the County from lodging submissions.

Cllr. Welby supported Cllr. Cuddy stating that the purpose of the proposal is to allow people

within a reasonable distance from a development to object and enquired as to Strategic

Development Zones and such models if they could apply to focus submission from areas most

affected.


30

Some Members said that they were unsure as to the implications of the proposal and the

Cathaoirleach asked for the Chief Executive’s views.

The Chief Executive expressed the view that the proposal would not be met with much favour

and he also said that Planning Legislation, Environmental and E.U. Legislation is there to allow

the public to engage with the Planning Processes.

The Cathaoirleach then asked if the Members agreed with the proposal and they indicated

that they AGREED.

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 24 – CLLR. J. CUDDY 2920

Cllr. Cuddy sought to move the Motion as set out in the Agenda. Cllr Cuddy made the following PROPOSAL to the meeting “that this Council totally rejects the concept of staffless libraries which is being introduced under the Local Government management Agency and that Minister Coveney be asked to reverse this policy with immediate effect”. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. Welby.

Cllr. Cuddy spoke in favour of the Motion and the potential erosion of staffed libraries.

Mr. Owens, DOS referred to the Minutes of the last Meeting of November 28th 2016 where

he outlined the ‘Open Access Initiative’ as a central element of the National Public Library

Strategy 2013-2017 and detailed the roll-out of Open Libraries in Sligo and Offaly in 2014.

Mr. Owens advised Members that the concept is Open Libraries, which is not to promote

staffless libraries but is to promote and extend access on a pilot basis, for the public to their

library. He noted that, the funding secured for the piloting of the Open Library in Ballinasloe

and Oranmore Libraries, will result in an increase of access hours to these libraries and

provided the following information;

Ballinasloe currently has 28 staffed hours per week, the pilot will facilitate a total of 98 access

hours, resulting in an increase of 70 access hours;

Oranmore currently has 31 staffed hours per week, the pilot will facilitate a total of 98 access

hours, resulting in an increase of 67 access hours.

The Cathaoirleach then accepted Members comments on the Motion.

Cllr. Healy strongly expressed a series of concerns about the proposal in particular, the

potential for unsupervised access to Libraries and also the impact on costs should funding for

the pilot be reduced, and the Council would have to fund extra heating and lighting costs.

Cllr. Healy supported Cllr. Cuddy’s proposal stating that he was not satisfied with the statistics

being put forward by the LGMA on the pilot. He said that 100 members had their cards

revoked according to FOI enquiries.

Concerns were shared by Comh Ó’Curraoin with regard to unsupervised access and

furthermore by Cllrs. Cuddy and Welby and the timeline for the pilot was also queried.


31

Cllr. M. Finnerty expressed the view that the proposal was on a pilot basis and that the

initiative should be given a chance and he said that his colleagues in other local authority

areas where the initiative has been introduced have indicated that it is working well.

Cllr. Kinane felt that the initiative should be tested and reviewed because it is intended to

increase the library service available to the public. She felt it may be beneficial to students

for study purposes and to people who are not in a position to visit the library during normal

opening hours.

Cllr. N. Byrne felt that it was incumbent on the Members to support this initiative as it would

provide an increased library service for the public.

Cllr Donnellan noted that, he understood the concerns raised however, the pilot needs to be

considered and evaluated on how could provide additional services to local communities.

Mr. Owens advised there is no specific end date proposed for the pilot but, no more libraries

would be added to the pilot. In response to concerns Mr. Owens noted that the additional

access hours proposed in the pilot will be open to Members of the community who are

existing Library Members.

In response to Members debate on the matter the Cathaoirleach asked Members for a

decision on the Motion by means of a vote and read the Motion to the Meeting.

Ms. E. Dolan clarified that Members in favour of the Motion ‘to reject the concept as set out

in the motion’, should use the YES voting button and that Members who wish to vote against

the Motion should use the NO button. Ms. Dolan asked Members to re-sign in for the vote

and confirmed that there was a Quorum of 13 Members present and voting.

The following voted YES in favour of the Motion as set out;

Cllr. Cuddy

Cllr T. Healy

Cllr. T. Welby

Cllr. O’Currain

The following Members voted NO against the Motion as set out;

Cathaoirleach Cllr. M. Connolly Cllr. P. Feeney Cllr. N Byrne Cllr. M. Finnerty Cllr. J. Charity Cllr. S Donnellan Cllr. S. Walsh Cllr. T Broderick.

Ms. E Dolan advised confirmed that 13 votes were noted and the Motion was NOT AGREED

with 4 in Favour, 9 Against.


32

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 25 – CLLR. T. HEALY 2921

Cllr. Healy sought to move the motion and the Motion was AGREED.

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 26 – CLLR. T. HEALY 2922

The following reply was given:-

“Galway County Council, as a general principle, does not supply grit to local community groups for use on public roads on health and safety grounds.”

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