Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting January 2025
Location: The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co. Clare.
On: Tuesday 21st January 2025
Time: 9.45pm
Present:
Councillors attending in person:
Councillors Pat O’Gorman (Cathaoirleach), John Crowe (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Michael Begley, Rachel Hartigan, David Griffin and James Ryan.
Officials attending in person:
Alan Farrell, Director of Services, Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer (Meetings Administrator), Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Patricia O’Neill, Staff Officer and Annette Ryan, Clerical Officer.
Apologies:
Cllr. Tony Mulcahy
Presiding
Cathaoirleach Pat O’Gorman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.
Welcome was extended to Cllr. James Ryan on his co-option to Clare County Council following the election of Cllr. Donna McGettigan to Dáil Éireann. On behalf of the Members, Cathaoirleach Pat O'Gorman congratulated Deputy McGettigan and wished her well in her role.
The Cathaoirleach clarified that as agreed at the AGM held in June 24, whereby Cllr. Donna McGettigan was nominated as Leas Cathaoirleach, that should this position become vacant within the year, that Cllr. John Crowe would take the role of Leas Cathaoirleach for the remainder of the year.
Item no. 1: Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 19th November 2024
Proposed by Cllr. Michael Begley, seconded by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan and agreed by all.
Item no. 2: Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – proposed Traffic Calming at Church Street, Clonlara, Co. Clare.
Proposed by Cllr. Michael Begley, seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.
Item no. 3: Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994 – proposed Traffic Calming at Gort na Null, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.
Proposed by Cllr. John Crowe, seconded by Cllr. David Griffin and agreed by all.
Item no. 4: General Municipal Allocation (GMA) to voluntary body
That in accordance with Section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014(S.I. No. 231/2014 - Local Government (Performance of Reserved Functions in Respect of Municipal District Members) Regulations 2014. Cllr. James Ryan has nominated Seanchoill Youth Club for an allocation of funding from his 2025 GMA.
This was proposed by Cllr. Michael Begley, seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.
Item no. 5: Directors’ Business.
- N19 Shannon Airport Access Road - The design team continue to work towards the finalisation of the Statutory Documentation required as part of the proposed planning application for submission to An Bord Pleanála in 2025. An additional area of low canopy tree planting is proposed between Fergus Road and Drumgeely Road and this area has now been identified on the updated drawings. Positive discussions continue regarding the necessary Land Transfer Agreements between The Minister for Transport, The Shannon Group and Clare County Council.
- Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme -RPS are currently updating the Options Report and Buildability Report following Clare County Council’s review. Works on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) chapters are ongoing. Topographical surveys and wintering bird surveys will continue into early 2025. The Maritime Area Consent (formerly Foreshore License) application has been issued to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).
- The Shannon MD’s Rural Community Development officer recently hosted walk-in clinics in Shannon and Clonlara in respect of funding opportunities for communities, providing advice and support to community groups in project development. These clinics coincided with the application periods of two funding opportunities for community groups: the Clare Local Area Grants Scheme (CLAGS) and the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP). The clinics had a strong level of attendance from a broad range of community groups and organisations. This level of engagement provides a strong foundation for future collaboration within the Shannon MD and the community groups.
- Inter-Agency Major Emergency Exercise at Shannon Airport - Clare County Council participated in an Inter-Agency Major Emergency Exercise at Shannon Airport. Participating agencies included Shannon Airport, Clare County Council, Health Service Executive, National Ambulance Service, An Garda Síochána, AirNav Ireland and Air Accident Investigation Unit. The exercise focussed on the aftermath of a large passenger airplane crashing off the runway with 203 people on board. This was followed by a review at the end ensuring a co-ordinated approach by all the agencies involved.
- Bunratty Castle features in Failte Ireland Keep Discovering Autumn Winter Campaign - Virgin Media's Alan Hughes returned to his roots at Bunratty Castle as part of Fáilte Ireland's Keep Discovering Autumn Winter Campaign. Broadcast on Virgin Media One's Ireland AM on November 8th, Alan explored the Folk Park and even donned a medieval costume to experience the Butler of Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet. During his visit to County Clare, Alan also enjoyed a walking tour of Ennis and a visit to the Shannon Aviation Museum.
- Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Office is supporting the Clonlara Marsh Fritillary Farm Project located at ‘Sheedy’s Bog’ near Clonlara, County Clare. The Marsh Fritillary is a protected butterfly species in Ireland and occurs on habitats such as cutover bog and wet grassland where the main food plant, Devil’s-bit-scabious is abundant. Our Biodiversity Office has funded the site Habitat Management Plan. The plan involves undertaking field surveys to map baseline habitats and record vegetation carried out by Wetland Surveys Ireland and a report outlining recommendations to enhance the habitats for cutover bog.
- Clare County Council were successful in achieving ISO 45001 Accreditation in the Physical Directorate & Housing Departments. The feedback from the NSAI Auditor was that there is an embedded Safety Culture, clear Senior Management leadership and a detailed awareness of the roles and responsibilities that all staff have within the Occupational Health & Safety Management system supported by documentary evidence. Mr. Farrell commended the staff of the Shannon MD for their work on achieving this standard and acknowledged Mr. Gerard Hartnett, Health & Safety Officer for his contribution and wished him well for the future following his departure from Clare County Council.
- Filming of the movie “4 Kids Walk into a Bank” featuring Irish Actor Liam Neeson took place recently at Halpin’s Filling Station in Newmarket on Fergus. There was a large number of local crew from the region working on the film. Being able to attract international production crews is a testament to the emergence of the Mid-West as a film set location and its economic potential to attract this type of industry into the region.
In response to the above the Members raised the following:
- Concern expressed by the residents of Fergus Road in regard to the planting of additional trees as part of the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road Project. Residents also requested additional parking spaces. Tom Mellett replied that in regard to the parking at this location, this will be dealt with separately by the MD Office but in tandem with the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road project.
- A timeline for the delivery of the Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme was requested because of the implications it has on residents and businesses that are unable to get flood insurance in Shannon Town and environs.
- Congratulations was extended to the Shannon MD staff on achieving the ISO45001 award.
- An update on Shannon/Bunratty/Sixmilebridge Greenway was requested.
- The Christmas Experience at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park was commended, and thanks was expressed to the staff of Clare County Council and all stakeholders involved in increasing the footfall in Bunratty and the economic benefit for the local businesses in Bunratty.
- Residents in Clonard, Westbury are unable to get flood insurance on their homes due to their proximity to a river. An update on the flood defence project for Westbury was requested. Tom Mellett informed the Members that this comes under the Limerick Flood Relief Scheme and is managed by Limerick County Council. An update will be sought from Limerick County Council in this regard.
Mr. Alan Farrell responded as follows:
- In respect of the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road, engagement will continue with local residents and the issue of parking spaces on Fergus Road will be dealt with separately having regard to the suitability for the area and the availability of funds.
- Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme, delivery of the scheme is a slow process given the complexities involved having regard to the environmental and ecological aspect and unforeseen challenges that may lay ahead, making it difficult to provide an exact timeline. Clare County Council have a good working relationship with National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS), OPW and Shannon Airport Group. A briefing on the scheme for the Shannon MD will be arranged.
- Clare County Council continue to liaise with the TII in respect of the Greenway from Shannon/Bunratty/Sixmilebridge and a briefing will be organised for the Members on this project.
Item no. 6: Roads – update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer.
- The installation of Christmas lights in Shannon Town Park and Drumgeely was orgainsed through the Shannon MD office.
- In the aftermath of Storm Darragh, the roads crew carried out works such as clearing fallen trees and debris throughout the district for 2 weeks.
- During the recent cold weather event in January, 23 tons of salt and grit was delivered throughout the district to agreed locations for local groups to collect. Thanks was extended to the Members and staff in assisting to facilitate the delivery of material to communities.
- Our footpath contractor has started footpath repair works in Parteen.
- An online Grass Maintenance Survey took place recently which focused on areas where changes are proposed to grass cutting having regard to bio-diversity measures. The Survey received a large response, and an assessment of the responses will be carried out this week.
- Ongoing tree maintenance in Shannon town, Sixmilebridge, Westbury, Newmarket on Fergus and Clonlara. This was additional to works following Storm Darragh.
- Clearing of overgrowth in the open storm drains in the Shannon Industrial Estate is ongoing by Clare County Council staff and a private contractor.
- Maintenance works to the storm water pump in Pump House 3, Drumgeely, Shannon. As a precautionary measure we set up additional standalone storm water pumps in the Shannon Industrial Estate in late December and early January, works are ongoing.
- Jetting / Cleaning out sections of the drainage network on Rossmanagher Road, Sixmilebridge has now resolved the recent flooding in this area.
- Installation of 30km/hr Children At Play/Slow Zone signs. These are new safety road signs for housing estates installed in December 2024.
- Installation of new 60km/hr signage to local roads off the regional roads is ongoing. This is in preparation of the Speed Limit changes in February.
- Creation of 200m of a new section of footpath on the R462 & L-3166 Cratloe was completed in December 2024.
- Upgrade and widening of a footpath in Cill Chais, Shannon took place in December.
- Works to accommodate the pedestrian crossing at Hurlers Cross, Sli Lara Ballycasey and Cratloe were carried out in January.
- Lagan Contractors to install pedestrian crossing for the 2 the ramps at Bóthar Na Laoiste, 1 ramp at Bóthar Buí and 1 ramp installed in Slí Lara this week.
In response to the above the Members raised the following:
- The Christmas event held in the Town Park in early December was praised and the work carried out by all staff of the MD was acknowledged.
- The speed limit review was welcomed, and it was requested if it could be communicated to the Gardai, to have more of a Garda presence on these roads to enforce these speed limits.
- The gritting of roads during the recent cold snap was discussed and reference was made to particular locations in the Shannon Municipal District. A request was made regarding the possibility of reviewing and expanding the gritting to other areas outside of the priority routes.
Mr. Alan Farrell replied that routes with high usage are prioritised and while he acknowledged that it would not have been feasible to treat all routes at the same time with the resources available, he stated that a review will be carried out of the winter maintenance programme which will look at the various issues that exist. There is an avenue available to feedback these issues which will be relayed back to the National Response team.
In conclusion, Mr. Farrell added that Clare County Council has gritted more than 12,000 kilometres of road utilising over 1,600 tons of salt since the beginning of the cold spell on January 1st.
Item no. 7: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin
Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:
That traffic calming measures be installed for Radharc na Coille, Ballycasey to improve speed management in the estate
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
I have met with residents of Radharc Na Coille to discuss works in the Ballycasey area that are currently underway, also to understand their concerns about vehicle movements in the estate. Following this the Office completed a design and advertised a Section 38, Roads Traffic Act process. It is the intention to bring this before the members for consideration at the March meeting.
Item no. 8: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin
Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:
That an assessment of the parking in Boheraroan estate Newmarket on Fergus be conducted with a view to improving parking arrangements for residents.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
An assessment of parking has identified 53 unallocated parking spaces to service 113 households. In addition, the majority of properties have two onsite parking spaces per property. Due to the sloping nature of the ground here, there is limited availability of green space and utilising this for additional parking would involve the removal of recreational areas for residents to enjoy.
Cllr. Griffin added that he would organise a meeting with the residents on this issue.
Item no. 9: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin
Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:
That the footpath be extended past Halpin’s garage as far as the Lisduff turn on Limerick Road, Newmarket on Fergus to provide safe walking access to those living in the area.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
Clare County Council recently completed a footpath project from Halpin’s to the edge of the new housing development towards Lisduff. The footpath ends at a parking bay for a private house. There is no further property beyond this house.
There is an existing footpath on the western side of this road which is serviced by a pedestrian crossing on the R472.
Item no. 10: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan
Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rachel Hartigan agus glacadh leis:
Proposing the erection of two streetlights on the pathway that leads from Gardice Green and Poplin Green in Westbury.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
Following an initial assessment of this location, a request for a design and cost estimate for these works has been requested. Once received, funds will need to be identified for the works.
Item no. 11: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan
Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rachel Hartigan agus glacadh leis:
Proposing a review of all bus stops near and inside Shannonbanks for the possible alteration to make them all wheelchair accessible.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
Clare County Council has been working with the National Transport Authority to improve bus stops on this route. Designs for the upgrades are being prepared. Once complete a programme for delivery will be prepared.
Item no. 12: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan
Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis:
Proposing the placement of grit boxes in strategic areas for use during bad weather conditions such as snow and ice.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
Grit boxes are provided in some locations for use by residents or community groups during freezing weather conditions. Clare County Council can fill these but does not take responsibility for spreading the material.
When a review of the Winter Maintenance Plan takes place later this year, if Community Groups have the capacity to take on this local responsibility, they could be nominated to fed into the plan process.
Item no. 13: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy
In the absence of Cllr Tony Mulcahy this motion was proposed by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed.
That the Management Team would update us on the status of the public lighting repair maintenance and renewal schedules.
Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
I have been advised by the Roads Team with responsibility for the public lighting contract that Electric Skyline were appointed as the Maintenance Contractor for Clare County Council in October 2024 and are tasked with the maintenance of the Public Lighting Network throughout the county.
On their appointment, outage numbers in Clare were running at 3.2% with 485 of 15139 lighting units faulty. This percentage has now reduced to 2.08% with 315 of the 15139 lighting units currently subject to fault.
ESBN Health and Safety Requirements necessitate that public lighting crews may not work simultaneously in the same location and there must be a minimum 3km exclusion zone enforced. Given this requirement, it is not possible to have our maintenance crews undertake works in the same locations as the PLEEP Retrofitting Crews and hence this is leading to increased repair times in the Shannon MD to ensure exclusion zones are not encroached upon.
Repair times can be impacted upon the necessity to meet ESBN's Requirements for Work on Public Lighting which can result in additional works such as interface works and cable replacements. Furthermore, the impact of weather events, such as storm Darragh and the recent cold snap impact heavily upon the availability of ESB Networks staff.
Mr. Alan Farrell added that Clare County Council continue to work closely with the appointed contractor and the Members are advised to contact Mr. Pat Lynch, Executive Engineer in regard to issues with public lighting and that were delays exist in repairs a reason for same can be provided. Mr. Lynch’s contact details will be circulated to the Members.
Item no. 14: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan
Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:
To ask that the footpaths throughout Elton Court in Meelick, most of which are in very poor condition, are repaired and replaced where necessary.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
Footpath improvements in Elton Court will commence in the next two weeks. We have also secured additional funding which will allow the Office to include more Elton Court footpaths in a forthcoming maintenance programme which will be tendered in the second half of the year.
Item no. 15: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan
Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:
To ask that measures be put in place to prevent routine flooding of the footpath from the entrance of Lackyle Heights up to Barry’s Cross in Ardnacrusha.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
A gully at this location is being overwhelmed by run off from private property, the gully is freed by our crews when it is blocked. We will investigate if it is possible to increase capacity here.
Item no. 16: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan
Ar molagh Cllr. Rachel Hartigan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. James Ryan agus glacadh leis:
To ask that a cycle lane on the Athlunkard Bridge be considered.
Anthony Considine, Executive Engineer, Physical Development (Active Travel) replied as follows:
Clare County Council have recently appointed Clandillon Consulting Engineers for the Option Development and Preliminary Design Phases of the proposed Active Travel Scheme between Ardnacrusha and Athlunkard Bridge.
Any proposals for Athlunkard Bridge will be developed in conjunction with Limerick County Councils Active Travel Office.
Mr. Tom Mellett added that physical constraints exist throughout the route and the design process will work through those elements.
Item no. 17: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley
Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:
That the remaining sections of the L-3058 (Clonlara Village to Connor’s Cross) be included for Tarmac overlay in this year’s (2025) Roads Programme.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
This road will be included for assessment for the current Road Works Programme.
Item no. 18: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley
Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rachel Hartigan agus glacadh leis:
That appropriate signage be suitably positioned north of the “Wooden” (old canal) bridge in Springfield indicating “NO RIGHT TURN” for all vehicles other than cars, vans and non-trailer towing tractors, as the newly constructed parapet is already showing evidence of damage to the stonework.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
Introducing a no right turn at this location is not advisable as it will affect the ability for general service provision to residents i.e. bin collections, fire service etc. Also, enforcement of this type of measure can be problematic. Other interventions might be possible, and I have requested Clare County Council’s Road Design Office for support in regard to this.
Item no. 19: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley
Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:
That this MD take action to provide adequate sightlines at the junction of L-3062 and L-70501 Clonoughter.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
Sightlines here can be improved through the maintenance of the hedge on the through road. This will be attended to. The adequacy of signage on each approach to the junction will be assessed and upgraded where necessary.
Cllr. Begley further added that the landowner should be approached to agree an alignment of this road.
Item no. 20: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis:
I request that this MD would repair or replace the wall of the bridge between Portdrine and Garrynacurra, Cratloe. This wall was knocked recently when the dual carriage way was closed due to an accident.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
This location has been referred to our colleagues in the Roads Section for inclusion in the bridge maintenance programme.
Item no. 21: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:
I request that Clare County Council put in place a Zebra crossing, flashing amber lights along with associated ground works outside Meelick N.S, in the interest of enhanced safety for children and their parents. To increase awareness and improve traffic flow.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
The school should be advised to apply for the Safe Routes to School programme which would be able to fund such a measure. Alternatively, a Low-Cost Safety Scheme could be considered, this would not allow for delivery until 2026 at the earliest. In the meantime, an initial assessment of the location has taken place, for a pedestrian crossing to be viable here, the road width will need to be narrowed. A request for a preliminary design will be requested to minimise delays in delivery, or to take advantage of any other funding stream that may emerge.
Item no. 22: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman
Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis:
I request that this MD would look to assess a section of the Drumline, Newmarket on Fergus Road that is consistently flooded and may cause a serious accident especially in freezing weather conditions.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
An assessment into this problem will be arranged to determine what is causing water to pool here and work out a solution.
Item no. 23: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe
Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:
I am asking that the pedestrian crossing at Main St. Sixmilebridge be raised to help slow down traffic for the safety of pedestrians and in line with good traffic management.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
This would complete a series of Traffic Calming measures introduced recently in Sixmilebridge. A design will be prepared and funding sources explored to allow for it.
Item no. 24: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe
Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe
Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis:
I welcome the new car park in Sixmilebridge and ask that there be a traffic management plan done for the town owing to the amount of heavy traffic going through it. This will hopefully ease the flow and speed of vehicles passing through the town of Sixmilebridge.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
This Office has commenced work to determine an appropriate method of control at the crossroads of the R462 and R471 in the centre of the village, that will be to the benefit of all road users.
Cllr. Crowe further added that there is also a need for a mobility plan for the village and a mechanism to encourage usage of the car park.
Mr. Alan Farrell agreed to follow up with Tom Mellett, SEE and the Road Design office on this matter.
Item no. 25: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe
Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:
The 43070 road in Clonlara is dire need to be resurfaced and adequate draining required. Half of this road is in the Killaloe M.D. and has been completed. I have been asking for a number of years to include our section of the road in the roads programme. I ask that it will be included in the Roads Programme for 2025.
Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:
This road will be assessed for the 2025 programme and this Office will liaise with our colleagues in Killaloe MD to co-ordinate our works.
Item no. 26: AOB
- The regions covered by Eir do not align with the MD boundaries as in the case of Clonlara which falls into the Killaloe division of Eir. This can lead to delays in getting repairs done.
- That Irish Water provide advanced notice of works in the area.
- Consideration of a town plan for Newmarket on Fergus.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
Meetings Administration Cathaoirleach
Dated: March, 2025
Page last reviewed: 21/03/25
Content managed by: Shannon Municipal District
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