CHOMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA GAILLIMHE

Transcription

1 CHOMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA GAILLIMHE MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 TH 2016 AT 2.00PM. CATHAOIRLEACH: Cllr. P. Roche, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway CLLR.S: Cllrs. D. Burke, J. Byrne, S. Canney, J. Charity, D. Connolly, M. Connolly, Comh. S. Ó Cualáín, Cllrs. J. Cuddy, S. Cunniffe, Cllrs. S. Donnellan, A. Donohue, M. Fahy, P. Feeney, G. Finnerty, M. Finnerty, M. Hoade, P. Hynes, D. Joyce, F. Kearney, P. Keaveney, D. Killilea, M. Kinane, M. Maher, J. McClearn, K. McHugh, T. McHugh, M. Noone, A. Rabbitte, N. Thomas, Comh S. Ó Tuairisg, Cllrs. S. Walsh, T. Welby Oifigigh: Mr. K. Kelly, Chief Executive (Interim), Messrs. P. Gavican, L. Gavin, Directors of Services, Ms. C. McConnell, Acting Director of Services Planning, Mr. M. Owens, County Secretary & Meetings Administrator, Ms. N. Heffernan, Administrative Officer, Ms. D. Caulfield, Staff Officer, Ms. N. Mullarney, Assistant Staff Officer Thosaigh an cruinniú leis an paidir. RESOLULTIONS OF SYMPATHY 2123 A resolution of sympathy was also extended to the following: Donnie Keaveney, Church Street, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway Bridgie Comer, Stonetown, Williamstown, Co. Galway Gerry Hardiman, Mace, Corrandulla, Co. Galway Nora Shaughnessy, Beaghmore, Belclare, Tuam, Co. Galway Donnie Keavney, Church Street, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway James Regan, Earlspark, Loughrea, Co. Galway Ollie Barrett, Caherona, Loughrea, Co. Galway Sheila Monahan, Kilchreest, Loughrea, Co. Galway Fintan Keane, Kilconieron, Athenry, Co. Galway Jodie Scully, Kilnadeemna, Loughrea, Co. Galway Carmel McGrath & Family, Knock, Barnaderg, Tuam, Co. Galway Mary Farrell, Kilconnell Village, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 1

2 Mrs. Brennan & Family, Castletaylor, Ardrahan, Co. Galway Donal & Patricia Fordham, Keamsella, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway Mrs. Peg Keane & Family, Cahermore, Gort, Co. Galway Mary & Andrew Coen & Family, 1 Crowe Street, Gort, Co. Galway Pat O Brien, Cahereerard, Caherlistrane, Co. Galway Evelyn Cunningham, Newbridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Ann O Connor, Derrycastle House, Ballina, Co. Tipperary John Flanagan, Cahermore, Gort, Co. Galway Sheila Monaghan, Castleboy, Kilchreest, Loughrea, Co. Galway Mike Curran, Litir Caladh, Litir Móir, Co. na Gaillimhe Maureen Connolly, Cregmore, Claregalway, Co. Galway Patrick Walsh, Liscaninane, Claregalway, Co. Galway The Cathaoirleach welcomed all those in attendance to the special meeting of the Council and advised that there was one item on the agenda to consider the impact of flooding on the County. Cllr. Killilea raised the issue of comments made recently on local media by Cllr. Charity regarding the qualifications of Elected Members, stating that he was disappointed with the tone used in the particular interview. He asked Cllr. Charity to withdraw the remarks made. Cllr. Kearney stated that the views expressed by Cllr. Charity in the local media would result in only the elite and wealthy being in a position to place their name before the electorate and was a suggestion appropriate to the form of representation available in the 19 th century. He was critical of Cllr. Charity s comments in relation to political parties, while referencing Cllr. Charity s own brief membership of a political party. He referenced his own path to playing an active role in political life and the mandate and confidence placed in him by the electorate. Cllr. Fahy stated that following Cllr. Charity s comments in the local media he was more sad than mad. He also remarked that all Members were directly elected by the people, enjoyed an equal democratic mandate and enjoyed the trust and confidence of the people of the county. Cllr. Charity stated that he was surprised that comments made by him outside the Chamber were allowed to become the subject of discussion and comment in the Chamber. He indicated that he was entitled to express his views on the matter and as a candidate to outline his policy position, without requiring the approval of the Elected Members. He indicated that it was a democracy and the people would ultimately decide on the views expressed and declined to withdraw the comments. Cllr. Canney noted that the purpose of this meeting is to find solutions to the flooding problem and this is what should be under discussion. Cllr. Cuddy stated that it was also his understanding that the meeting was called today to discuss the impact of flooding in the County, but that Cllr. Killilea was correct in bringing up comments recently made by Cllr. Charity in the local media. The Cathaoirleach stated that he has not privileged to advance notice of the topic that was raised by Cllr. Killilea and others. 2

3 TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF FLOODING ON COUNTY GALWAY 2124 The Cathaoirleach invited Mr. Gavin to give a presentation on the Impact of Flooding on the County. Mr. Gavin began by acknowledging the great community spirit and the enormous physical work undertaken by the various communities across the County in dealing with the flooding crisis. Mr. Gavin outlined that during the 2009 Flooding 400mm of rain fell, whereas in mm had fallen and that the extremely heavy rain which fell over an extremely long period of time had led to the flooding crisis in the County. Mr. Gavin began his presentation, (copies of which are to be circulated to all members). The report covered the following topics: Severe Weather Event Management of Event Key Priorities Affected Areas Flood Info & Data Collection Humanitarian Aid Management of the Event Funding Conclusions and Recommendation He advised that, 50,000 small sandbags were used in Galway during the flooding crisis, mainly in South Galway, and up to 5,000 1 tone sandbags were used. Mr. Gavin confirmed that the channel dug, in an emergency situation, in South Galway saved about 10 houses from flooding, but he also commented that solving the South Galway issue is a very complex one. He said that discussions were ongoing with the Office of Public Works and other government agencies to get establish the best way to alleviate future potential flooding. Mr. Gavin outlined systems which proved very successful during the flooding crisis; The Text Alert System in certain communities; Media were helpful in finding out about certain householders stranded by the floods; The Interactive Map outlining flooded roads/closed roads etc set up by the County Council and available through the Council s web site; In conclusion Mr. Gavin stressed that the burden of responsibility was on us all and advised that a responsible and proactive approach was needed to provide solutions. The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Gavin for his presentation and stressed the need to focus on solutions. Cllr. Killilea referred to the enormous volume of work done by communities during the crisis and specifically thanked the staff in the Municipal District of Tuam for the level of assistance afforded to communities in the Municipal District. 3

4 Cllr. Killilea PROPOSED that Galway County Council in the next four weeks hold a series of information meetings in our major towns and listen to the local knowledge that resident have in relation to relieving flooding issues in their areas. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. Rabbitte. Cllr. Killilea referred to the Motorway construction and suggested that this would be an ideal opportunity to take water from the flood plains into the Motorway drainage system. Cllr. Maher also expressed his thanks to local communities for their great work undertaken during the flooding crisis. He referred to the Dunkellin Scheme and insisted that it proceed with delay in order to address the severe flooding in South Galway. He also stated that streams across the county must be dredged by the OPW. Cllr. Byrne agreed that the Dunkellin Scheme needed to proceed. Cllr. Byrne advised the meeting that a number of householder s septic tanks were not working due to the flooding issues and that this would lead to environmental problems if not dealt with. Cllr. Kearney expressed his gratitude to Council staff for their work on the ground during the flooding crisis. He agreed that the piping laid in Coolarne had worked well but that it needed to be extended further. He questioned the approach to the Salmon Weir/Corrib River gates and requested the Council s representatives on the Lough Corrib Navigation Trustees to pursue the matter. He referenced the raising of the N84 and the impact of flooding in Montiagh, Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and the need to address same with a permanent solution. Cllr. Burke referred to his attendance at the CFRAMS Consultation Group in Ballinasloe and expressed his surprise that rural hinterlands were not dealt with in this study only the main towns. Cllr. G. Finnerty said that a relocation scheme needed to be put in place for some families affected by the flooding. He referred to the flooding specifically in the Gort area and said that he believed that the building of a channel to the sea was the only long-term solution to prevent flooding. He advised that the roads affected by flooding now needed repairing. He also refered to the water pumping costs which are not covered for flooded householders nor was there any compensation for householders who were unable to work during the flooding. The farming community had the added costs of transport for moving animals, transporting hay bales and the land loss costs. Cllr. Welby thanked all the Council staff on flood relief duty. He raised the issue of the three Galway City canals and queried the opening of the canal gates to relieve water pressure. He also requested the government to look again at the issue of household insurance for flood affected properties. In conclusion he praised the people of South Galway for their work on the ground during the flooding. Cllr. Thomas complemented Galway County Council staff on their swift action during the flooding crisis. Cllr. Hoade expressed her sympathy with the South Galway community affected by flooding. She said that North Galway had also suffered during the flooding and in particular 4

5 highlighted the flooding on the Inishmacateer Road as it cannot be accessed for the past month. Cllr. Fahy thanked all involved in the assistance given during the flooding crisis. He highlighted the visit of the President to the flooded areas of Labane which he stated showed his concern and love for the people of South Galway. He also noted that An Taoiseach also visited the area. Cllr. Fahy stated that a channel from Kiltartan to the sea needed to be constructed. He highlighted the 11 mile detour parents of the Ballyglass National School students currently need to take in order to get their children to school. Cllr. Hynes stated that the flooding problems have been identified by the Council staff but that now solutions need to be found. Cllr. D. Connolly expressed his thanks to all the frontline staff of Galway County Council who helped out during the crisis. He said that the staff moratorium was an issue in dealing with the flooding crisis. In view of the recent flooding in Galway, he suggested that the Government should take a long hard look at the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In relation to the CFRAMS study, he stated that the rural hinterlands needed to be included in the study. Cllr. D. Connolly PROPOSED that Galway County Council calls on the Government to proceed to have a single authority that will have responsibility for the River Shannon Catchment Area. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr Cunniffe. Cllr. McClearn expressed his difficulty with the motion submitted by Cllr. D. Connolly to form a single agency in charge of the Shannon and was reluctant to support the motion. He said that as the Shannon has many tributaries, he queried where the remit for this agency would begin and end and said that more detail would need to be provided in order to progress. Following discussion and consideration of the motion and in the absence of agreement the Cathaoirleach called for a vote on the motion: The result of the vote was as follows: For: Against: Cllrs. T. Broderick, D. Burke, S. Canney, J. Charity, D. Connolly, J. Cuddy, S. Cunniffe S. Donnellan, M. Fahy, M. Hoade, D. Joyce, M. Kinane, K. Mc Hugh, Comh. S. Ó Cualáin, A. Rabbitte, N. Thomas, T. Welby [17] Cllrs. J. Byrne, A. Donohue, P. Feeney, M. Finnerty, F. Kearney, M. Maher, J. Mc Clearn, T. Mc Hugh, P. Roche. [9] Abstain: Cllr. P. Keaveney [1] The Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried. Mr. Gavin, responding to members queries, suggested inviting members of the public to make submissions regarding their local knowledge rather than have the Council meet the Communities across the county which would take a considerable amount of time and manpower to organise. In inviting submissions, the Council can then assess the submissions and where needed, meet the appropriate communities at that stage. 5

6 Cllr. Killilea, with the agreement of the Members, WITHDREW his proposal for public consultations in the knowledge that Mr. Gavin would invite and accept submissions from local communities. Cllr. Charity expressed his thanks to the Council outdoor staff that made themselves available during the flooding and in particular during the weekend of Dec 11 th when the levels on the River Clare were rising. He explained that a channel was successfully dug at the side of a Claregalway Housing Estate to relieve flooding. Cllr. Charity enquired if there would be a progression of works in Claregalway. Cllr. Canney expressed his concern with the length of time that it is taking for the Dunkellin River Drainage Scheme to get through planning. He stated that once the flooding receded works would need to be carried out on the roads. Cllr. M. Finnerty thanked the Cathaoirleach and Galway County Council staff for their work in managing the flooding crisis, referencing the success of the flood defences provided in Ballinasloe since 2009 and requesting that similar works be undertaken to address other areas that remain at risk of flooding. Cllr. Cunniffe asked if a presentation could be given to the members on the drainage associated with the new Motorway construction. Cllr. Cuddy referred to letters he had written to Government Departments and expressed his disappointment with the lack of replies. He also expressed his frustration at the OPW in not allowing machinery on one side of the Claregalway Bridge some time ago, but that during the present floods, the County Council had to bring in machinery on same side in order to protect adjoining property from flooding. Cllr. Rabbitte expressed her appreciation to all staff in Council in assisting during the recent floods. She suggested a special SPC sub-committee be set up to deal just with flooding and issues related to climate change. She expressed her disappointment at the fact that the CFRAMS study being undertaken did not include rural hinterlands of the relevant towns including Ballinasloe & Portumna. Cllr. McClearn raised concerns about the Dunkellin River Drainage Scheme and expressed his disappointment that An Bord Pleanala were not dealing with this issue in a more expedient manner. Comh. O Cualáin stated that the flood damage which occurred in South Galway fortunately did not occur in Conamara, and he felt for those affected in South Galway. He expressed his concern with the lack of outdoor staff in the Conamara area and stated that some crews were managing work approx 50 miles away from their base. He advised that the next Government should have a Senior Minister responsible for Flooding. Cllr. M. Connolly raised the issue of the OPW objecting to necessary drainage works and stated that the Local Authority were trying to do some drainage work but they were cut to the bone in relation to financing same. 6

7 Cllr. Kinane stated that sufficient funding should be provided for the repair of roads damaged by flooding and that Notice of Motion money should not have to go towards these works. Cllr. Canney suggested that flood relief measures on the N17/N18 should be put in now rather than later. Cllr. Canney PROPOSED that the cost benefit analyses criteria/rules be reviewed in light of the flooding experienced in The rules should favour people, in lieu of Wildlife. This proposal was SECONDED by Cllr. Kinane and AGREED. In response to members queries raised during the meeting, Mr. Gavin confirmed that the Council had carried out emergency works during the flooding crisis taking cognisance of environmental legislation. He agreed that dredging needed to be carried out. In relation to drainage on the new Motorway construction, Mr. Gavin confirmed that he had written to the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly the NRA) and he had asked them for a review of the bridge drainage. Regarding the Dunkellin River Drainage project, Mr. Gavin confirmed that the an oral hearing had been heard in November and that a decision from An Bord Pleanála was expected early this year. He confirmed that funding for this work was in place and the Council were working with the OPW on it and if successful with planning, work would progress quickly. Regarding the Clare River Scheme, Mr. Gavin stated that work was due to commence shortly and that the OPW were anxious to progress the project as soon as possible. Mr. Gavin advised that any issues members had with the CFRAMS study should be made known to the body. In relation to staffing, Mr. Gavin agreed that staff numbers were down since the 2009 flood, but that the Defence Forces, OPW staff, Civil Defence and Gardai had helped out enormously during the crisis. Mr. Gavin confirmed that 400 million was being put in to necessary drainage works over the next 5 years and advised members that if they had schemes in mind to inform him. In relation to the Salmon Weir/Corrib River gates, Mr. Gavin confirmed that all gates were open during the flooding. He indicated that he would review the position in relation to the body responsible for the canals in the city and revert. Mr. Gavin confirmed that certain schemes did not meet the current Cost Benefit Analysis but in light of the recent flooding where more households and land were flooded than in 2009, the cost/benefit criteria would be revisited with the OPW. Cllr. McClearn queried why the draft CFRAMS maps were not being made available to the members to which Mr. Gavin confirmed that these maps would be available once the CFRAMS study and maps were finalised. Cllr. McClearn proposed that a request be made for these maps to be made available to members in their present state. Mr. Gavin advised that the mapping was available on the project website. 7

8 8 CRÍOCHNAIGH AN CRUINNIÚ ANSIN