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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Municipal District of Bray held in the Council Chamber,
rd
Town Hall, Bray on Monday 23 March 2015 at 7.30 p.m.
Present:
Councillor John Brady,
Councillor Joe Behan
Councillor Steven Matthews
Councillor Oliver O’Brien
Councillor John Ryan
Councillor Brendan Thornhill
Councillor Pat Vance
Also present:
Mr. Des O’Brien, Director of Services
Mr. David Forde, District Administrator
Absent
Apologies:
Councillor Christopher Fox
Ms. Triona Irving, Administrative Officer
Mr. Liam Bourke, District Engineer
The Cathaoirleach, John Brady opened the meeting by extending a Vote of Sympathy to the families of
Philomena Kavanagh, Jackie Lewis, Bridget Power and Patrick Dermott Finnegan, who had recently
passed away. A minute’s silence was observed, as a mark of respect.
1.
To Consider the Housing Report
The members raised the following points:
Oldcourt Energy Efficiency Works
If the Department is continuing with the scheme will it be organized through Wicklow
County Council or Bray?
If we get an allocation from the Department then the scheme needs to be extended to
private houses as well.
People paid substantial money for their houses and we have been previously told that it
is not possible to include them.
Cedar Court
Some work has started can we have an update on the work so far?
Is the funding to carry out the work still ring fenced?
Miscellaneous
There is work being carried out at the moment in Oldcourt and there is an infestation of
rats in a private adjacent house allegedly due to these works. What is the Council stand
in relation to this problem, what is the exact position?
I was of the opinion that anti social behavior for example broken windows, rubbish that
we as landlords had a responsibility to control the situation.
We are responsible for the behaviour of our tenants under the tenancy agreement.
If this particular problem arose out of one of our houses then we are responsible.
This is a health issue surely there can be compromise.
Could there be a 50/50 split as a one off.
It would appear that a collection of waste caused this problem.
Invitation to the Director of housing
Can the Director of Services for housing be invited to a council meeting in Bray so we
can relay the problems that we have with housing?
Staff Levels
I am concerned about the change from Bray Town Council to Wicklow County Council
and the staff levels in housing in Bray as a result. There are difficulties in relation to
getting answers to representations. It can take up to two months to get answers due to
staff shortages. This needs to be rectified and is hampering me as a public
representative.
The District Administrator informed the members that the Administrative Officer for housing could
not attend this evening but an update on Cedar Court could be emailed to the members in the
coming days.
The District Engineer has contacted the owner of the house in Oldcourt and informed them that it
is their own responsibility.
Staffing is dealt with centrally in Wicklow County Council.
The District Manager informed the members that the Oldcourt Energy Efficiency Works will be
organized from Bray through Wicklow County Council. I am not sure if Councillors can use public
money for private houses, we would need to get clarification on this.
There are different problems in each house in Cedar Court and each house needs to be looked at
separately. Water can travel long distances. We had a lot of false starts in figuring this out. The
bond for Cedar Court is still there, we don’t have a choice but to continue with the works.
Regarding the issue of rat infestation in the property in Oldcourt, we only have a duty of care if an
issue is brought to our attention; we received no complaints prior to this occurrence.
Myself and Triona Irving can answer any questions relating to housing, if not they can be raised
at the full Council.
2.
Notices of Motion
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillors John Brady and Oliver O’Brien (02/12/14)
That this Council develops Bray Harbour as a high standard public amenity and start that process
by putting in place a Masterplan for its redevelopment, ensuring that water borne activities area a
central part of the plan.
Response
The Municipal District has no funding provided for the Harbour maintenance or development.
However, funding for a feasibility study and preliminary plan could have been considered from the
discretionary funding for Bray
The members raised the following points:
Are there funds from the development contribution scheme to carry out making a
Masterplan?
Something needs to be done encompassing all water activities, parts of the harbour is in
a state of dereliction.
A kayak business in the area has done Trojan work.
This area needs direction and we also need a timetable for works to be carried out to
reinstate it as a public area.
There is a major problem in this area; leases have been allowed to go out of date and not
regularized. Before we put public money in this area I suggest we find out our legal
position with all harbour users.
Can we liaise with Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council we are both at the
development plan stage. Can we write and ask what their plans are?
Can we get clarification on the dump that is now in Dunlaoghaire’s area, it is their
responsibility? The land owner does not have the funds to carry out any works.
The District Administrator informed the members we did regularize some leases last year, but this
is now a matter for Wicklow County Council. Myself, the District Engineer and the Marine Officer
from Wicklow County Council are meeting the Harbour Users this week.
The District Manager informed the members that the Harbour Enhancement Plan encompasses
inside the area rather than around it.
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillors John Brady and Oliver O’Brien (02/12/14)
That this Council upgrades the junction between the Killarney Road and Church Road.
Response
There is currently a cycle lane study be carried out on the Killarney Road corridor that should
identify the improvement works required at this junction. Previously a QBN study identified the
need for land acquisition at this location to enhance transport facilities. An allocation has been
made in the Bray Town Council Development Contribution Scheme towards upgrade works at
this location. However, upgrade works are unlikely to progress until a design has been approved
and the bulk of the funding agreed by the NTA.
The members raised the following points:
It is one of the busiest, critical junctions in the morning time and a right turning lane is
badly needed there.
Can we move on this as soon as possible, whether we do this in-house or use
consultants?
If design works will be carried out will we be consulted or is this a fait accompli?
Will there be a Part 8 procedure, can we get clarification it is important that we can give
our opinion?
The District Administrator informed the members that the District Engineer would reply to this.
The District Manager informed the members that this would go through Wicklow County Councils,
Roads S.P.C.
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillors John Brady and Oliver O’Brien (02/12/14)
That this Council completes the cycle lane along the Killarney Road between the Church Road
and Ripley Hills.
There is currently a cycle lane study be carried out on the Killarney Road corridor. Land
acquisition will be required to complete the cycle scheme and upgrade it the required standards.
Carrying out this work will be subject to design and funding approval by the NTA. The council will,
as a minimum, be required to fund the land acquisition.
The members raised the following points:
This ties in with the previous notice of motion, tarmac has just been thrown down; people
are walking and cycling on the same area.
There is a piece missing near Ripley Hills.
Is there money available for land acquisition?
The District Manager informed the members that the N.T.A. won’t fund land acquisition and we
could maybe look at doing this through levies.
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillor John Ryan (06/01/15)
That the MD present a specific improvement plan within the next 3 months for the area from Bray
Head to North of the Bray Harbour – this plan should include a range of short, medium and longer
term initiatives to improve the look, feel and usage of all facilities in this area, including the
Raheen Car Park and former Par 3 Golf Course and Chair Lifts, Naylor’s Cove, the foreshore, the
prom, the esplanade including all shelters and flower beds, the harbour and the north beach.
Response
In the short term the Labour Activation Gateway Scheme, which commenced last December, is
carrying out clean up and repair works on the Cliff Walk and Bray Head. Path, fencing and
drainage repairs were also carried out late last year at the Cliff Walk and Raheen Car Park on the
Public Area Enhancement Scheme.
The cycle scheme on the seafront, due to commence later this year, will include granite kerbs and
high quality paving materials. While some landscape work is proposed following the scheme,
extent of enhance works is constrained by the use of the seafront for festivals. Wayfinding
signage is proposed here and elsewhere in the town but requires funding. There was a previous
seafront plan which was partly implemented.
While a consultant may be engaged to carry out to produce a plan for the seafront area to include
Naylor’s Cove and the former Par 3 lands, the consultants work would be more productive if there
were proposals with public support that could be considered and assessed for inclusion in the
plan. Having regard to the need for public consultation, a three month time frame for a plan is
unrealistic. The cost for this plan could have been considered from the discretionary funding.
The members raised the following points:
We need a plan on what we are doing with the area, some seat backs are in place and
some are not painted.
What are our plans for Naylor’s Cove, the Par 3 Golf Course?
The area where the chairlifts were has been cleared; there is now a container in situ in
this area for the Gateway Scheme.
The cycle lane along the north beach was full of parked cars last weekend, there is no
linage there.
Some shelters are covered with graffiti.
The shelter is in bad condition.
Some shelters have doors, it is appalling and we are not treating this area as the jewel in
the crown.
Could we have paid parking on the seafront at the weekend and have this as a specific
fund for maintenance in this area?
We are forced to buy the Par 3 Golf Course years ago because of a housing application
on this site.
I was under the impression that the seat backs were treated with aluminum paint.
Is there any information regarding funding for the continuation of the cycle lane, when will
it be complete?
We should concentrate on the immediate things to be done and then look at the long
term items.
Credit should be given to the gateway team and their supervisor they are doing great
work.
Unfortunately motorists could be penalized again; first in the town now on the seafront.
Given the success of the seafront we need more parking spaces but spaces have been
removed because of the cycle lanes.
Cars were parked as far away as the Queen of Peace Church due to the success of the
St. Patrick’s Day Festival.
Managed parking is not a penalty, it is a misconception, it just ensures turnover of the
cars.
On a point of information it is just a cash cow but we have not seen the benefit of paid
parking in the town.
I would just like to clarify that the crew on the seafront do exceptional work.
The District Administrator informed the members that there would be a small report for next
month’s meeting on any works.
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillor John Ryan (06/01/15)
That the MD provide additional dog fouling bins in the people’s park
Response
There are three bins in the park, which is more than adequate for any conscientious dog walker.
The members raised the following points:
There is a lack of bins on the Boghall Road; people are throwing plastic bags away.
Bags are thrown into the hedges on the Southern Cross Road.
It is a major problem around the town; it is scandalous that people are allowed to do this.
The roads leading to the seafront are a disgrace, there has to be some deterrent.
It is the people that we represent, can we get a message through to them via the media
that they need to control their dogs.
It would be a drastic step to ban dogs from the seafront and it is one that I don’t want to
take.
The District Administrator informed the members that stickers could be placed on bins in the town
stating that they can be utilized for dog fouling waste.
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillors John Brady and Oliver O’Brien (06/01/15)
That the damaged crash barriers on the R117 Enniskerry Road at the 21 bends be immediately
repaired and that further road safety measures such as illuminated signage, public lighting, and
anti-slip road surface, be investigated and installed.
Response
The crash barrier has been repaired. The road surface is good and adequate for all traffic
complying with the 50kph speed limit. However, to mitigate the risk of further crashes, it is
proposed, subject to Department approval, to include antiskid surfacing in this year’s roads grant
allocation.
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillors John Brady and Oliver O’Brien (06/01/15)
That a changing area/shelter be provided for the sea swimmers at the northern end of Bray
beach.
Response
The use of the life guard hut is being considered for this purpose during the winter season. A
suitable secure base would need to be provided.
The members raised the following points:
I have been contacted by a number of individuals who swim 365 days of the year; they
are looking for a shelter to keep their clothes dry and secure, something more long term
should be looked at.
Hopefully the hut can be moved as soon as possible and the base secured.
The District Administrator stated that this would not happen until after the summer season as it
was being used at the moment by the life guards.
Notice of Motion In The Name of Councillors John Brady and Oliver O’Brien (06/01/15)
That this Council installs signage in Kilmacanogue warning motorists of the proximity of a school
and school children in the area.
Response
The existing road signage will be assessed in conjunction with the road safety officer.
The members raised the following points;
There is not one sign to indicate that there is a school in the vicinity.
Could we look at installing a flashing amber sign it is needed.
Other schools have similar signs so for the safety of the children can we look at this?
3.
To Consider a Report on the County Brook Stream
A considerable amount of work has been carried out on the County Brook from its confluence
with the River Dargle for 25 metres. These works included strengthening and raising the
embankment to obviate the need for a flap valve at the confluence.
The problems with the flooding of gardens at Dargle Vale have been noted.
The County Brook was not included in the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme originally, but
following representations on behalf of the residents at Dargle Vale, the O.P.W. have agreed that
the flooding issue at Dargle Vale can be included in the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme, and
progressed by the River Dargle Flood Defense Team.
The first step is to hire a designer to assess the river from the M11 to the River Dargle. When the
assessment is complete, the solution can be progressed by the River Dargle Flood Defense
Team. This designer will be hired as part of the next phase of design works on the River Dargle
Flood Defense Scheme.
The members raised the following points;
I welcome what is contained in the report; Councillor John Byrne pursued this issue for a
number of years.
The O.PW. seem committed to this.
4.
To Receive an Update on the Florentine Centre
The District Manager informed the members that things were moving slowly due to the lack of
confidence in the retail market. We have met with a number of big retailers. We have received
mixed interest; one anchor tenant maybe interested but we have still not got to the level where we
are looking at development partners. We went to Bristol, it was very interesting, and we talked to
officials on how to get investors/partners. Right now we are trying to market the site to retailers.
We are continually working on this.
5.
To Further Discuss the Proposal to Mark the 40 Anniversary of Fran O’Toole
The members raised the following points
Peter Carroll made an excellent presentation at a previous meeting and a number of
proposals were put forward.
Members did express an interest in moving this forward. A plaque on the front of the
former O’Toole family home, to re-name a road and the erection of a monument was
discussed.
The Arts Officer has stated that she does not see a role for her office in this.
I am disappointed that the Arts Officer feels that her office does not have a role, this is
narrow minded, could she come to a meeting?
The timeframe is getting very short at this stage to put something in place. The
anniversary is in August.
Time is moving on and we have not got anywhere, we should get the plaque in place
straight away.
I full support the idea of the plaque; I thought we had already made a decision on this. I
would hate to miss the deadline.
The residents have no objection in re-naming Albert Avenue let’s pursue this and go
ahead.
th
I would not support re-naming Albert Avenue; it is part of the culture and heritage of the
area i.e. Victoria/Albert Avenue. We should find another roadway.
I agree it is part of the history of the town but I would be open to looking at other roads.
I don’t know if legally we can change the name of a road that easily.
What about the bridge in Bray it does not have a name at the moment.
It is a great opportunity to get the town off its knees; Fran was an iconic individual who
made bridges between the north and the south.
His last journey was over the bridge, he was buried in Little Bray.
We could turn this into a major festival for the town.
Peter has been carrying out extensive work.
Can we get clarification on the process of naming/renaming a road for the next meeting?
It should be on the agenda.
It is not on the agenda, this is just to allow further discussion.
Let’s concentrate on the plaque and give careful consideration to what
road/street/avenue or bridge is suitable.
The following proposals were vote upon by the members.
To rename Albert Avenue
For
Councillor John Brady
√
Councillor Joe Behan
√
Councillor Christopher Fox
absent
√
Councillor Steven Mathews
Councillor Oliver O’Brien
Against
√
Councillor John Ryan
√
Councillor Brendan Thornhill
√
Councillor Pat Vance
√
Total
3
4
For
Against
This proposal was rejected by four votes to three.
To rename Bray Bridge
Councillor John Brady
√
Councillor Joe Behan
√
Councillor Christopher Fox
absent
Councillor Steven Mathews
√
Councillor Oliver O’Brien
√
Councillor John Ryan
√
Councillor Brendan Thornhill
√
Councillor Pat Vance
√
Total
7
0
This proposal was unanimously agreed by the members.
6.
To Review the Seafront Usage Policy
Councillor Steven Mathews presented the members with a document outlining changes to the
Seafront Usage Policy stating the following:
The changes reflect fairness to residents, traders, operators, seafront users and local businesses.
They are not huge policy changes. I propose these amendments to the Seafront Usage Policy to
come into effect from the end of August 2015.
The members raised the following points:
How much of a contribution do the operators make to the St. Patrick’s Festival and the
Summerfest?
Will the reduction of the days have an impact on the funding?
For years I objected to this and the vote was 11-1.
The air show is the biggest event in the country and you could not buy the media time
and publicity it gets.
I don’t know what figures are contributed to the air show but I am happy to accept that it
is not possible on a two week budget to run the festival.
Can we talk to whoever is running the air show I would not like to see it put in jeopardy.
At this stage we should go with the 23 days, this policy should have been reviewed last
September.
Can we hear from the other side, we need to know what is needed to run the
entertainments we don’t want to threaten the air show; we need to look at the whole
funding aspect.
I am not prepared to go with this until I have the full information.
Can we get the committee members to make a presentation on what the festival/air show
does for Bray and to discuss the implications of the proposed changes to the policy?
I don’t want to see the seafront taken up all summer with the funfair, we can set
deadlines on when it is allowed there; the setting up and taking down of the equipment.
We don’t want trucks parked on the seafront all day.
The committee does phenomenal work and this has been a great success for Bray.
I have had complaints from parents that it is very expensive.
How much do the operators pay for the use of this public amenity?
The jewel in the crown is being used for profit.
We should look at extending the festival to other parts of the town such as the Main
Street and the People’s Park.
We need to know what is taken in, where the money is going, is any ring fenced for
community projects, how much is going to fund the festival?
If we are carrying out further work on the seafront could I request that a provision for an
older children’s playground be included?
I would like to make it clear that this is not an attack on the Summerfest in any shape or
form but in the interest of fair usage of the seafront.
The operators would not come to Bray if they did not make a profit.
Let’s look at other ways of generating income.
We could use the discretionary fund.
I heard that it costs between €80,000 to €100,000 to run the air show.
It is important that this policy would not come into effect this year.
A five day reduction could have other implications that we are not aware of; the
committee could give us more detail based on facts.
We have never had the full information now is the time to decide; it is a private operator
down there; we need to set a fair policy.
The information will be available but not tonight.
The District Administrator informed the members that it was up to the members to decide but the
proposed reduction to 15 days would be a significant reduction on funding. He stated that he was
the Wicklow County Council representative on the committee since 2006. The funfair is tendered
open and transparent. He was not at liberty to discuss as this it is a public tender. But he can
contact the operator to seek their approval to reveal this information as it could be commercially
sensitive. He could say that the funfair provides in excess of 50% of the funding for the festival.
The Chamber of Commerce has the information on the St. Patrick’s Festival.
Councillor Steven Mathews proposed the amendments to the Seafront Usage Policy and this
proposal was seconded by Councillor Joe Behan.
The members voted as follows:
For
Councillor John Brady
√
Councillor Joe Behan
√
Councillor Christopher Fox
absent
Councillor Steven Mathews
√
Councillor Oliver O’Brien
√
√
Councillor John Ryan
Councillor Brendan Thornhill
√
√
Councillor Pat Vance
Total
Against
5
2
This proposal was passed by five votes to two.
7.
Correspondence
Councillor John Brady informed the members that he has received an invitation to attend the
Mozart Festival in Wűzburg in May but was unable to attend and he proposed that the Leas
Cathaoirleach attend in his place.
The members agreed
8.
Any Other Business
Councillor Steven Mathews made the following proposal and also on behalf of Councillor
Christopher Fox for the following item to be included on the April agenda for the full Council in
Wicklow County Council
In order to allow Municipal District Councillors make an informed decision on Schedule of
Municipal Works Budgets, it is requested that this Council will provide for the members a
breakdown of income to Wicklow County Council from each Municipal District. The income
streams should include;
Commercial Rates
Commercial Water Charges
Local Property Tax
Rental income from LA housing
Development Contributions
Parking Fees
And any other regular income stream
Each income stream should also specify collection rates achieved per Municipal District.
The annual schedule of municipal works budget allocation and the total annual income from each
district for the five municipal districts should be provided to each member in advance of their
municipal district budget meetings.
The members agreed
Putland Road/Sidmonton Road/Camaderry Road Junction
The members raised the following points:
I know it will cost €40,000 for traffic lights in this area can we move this forward when we
have the money?
Can we place bollards there immediately as an interim measure?
Can we discuss this at the next meeting?
*
*
*
*
This concluded the meeting.
Signed:
______________________________________
CATHAOIRLEACH
Signed:
______________________________________
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR
Dated:
______________________________________