28/01/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: To ask Kerry County Council to carry out urgent resurfacing on the slip road off Park Road between (details with Directorate)
Reply: Kerry County Council will repair this section of roadways as funds allow. There is no funding available to resurface this section of road at present. This section of roadway could be considered for a Community Involvement Scheme if the adjacent land-owners are in agreement.
28/01/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: To ask Kerry County Council to cut back the trees on the right-hand side of the By-Pass as they are blocking the public lighting.
Reply: These works will be included in tree maintenance works to be carried out by mid-March.
28/01/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: Why was the sign “Blackspot” taken away at Knockaderry where we had a major accident recently? I understand that the reasons are not common sense. When the sign was removed by the NRA, why was the bend not straightened and crash barriers erected?
I wish to acknowledge and praise all the emergency services involved in the accident at Knockaderry for their professionalism carried out on that day.
Reply: All the signs on the N22 have been upgraded over a number of years by the national Roads Authority. The upgraded signs are in accordance with the current standard in the Road Traffic Signs Manual. The ‘Accident Blackspot’ is no longer included in the Traffic Signs manual, has no legal standing and has no recognition internationally. In regard to any works at the locus of the bend in question, the NRA is currently carrying out a Road Safety Inspection (HD17 Road Safety Inspection) on the entire N22. The NRA HD17 Road Safety Inspection (RSI) is anew safety procedure that was introduced by the NRA. RSI is a proactive approach to improving the safety of the existing national road network. RSI teams examine the collision trends for each route before the inspection takes place to establish if there are any particular collision patterns associated with a route. The RSI team drives the whole length of the route in both directions, in daylight and darkness, and also in particular weather conditions if required. The RSI teams inspect all other road elements and junctions, and 200m of all side roads leading up to the main route. Video data of the route is collected during the RSI. The RSI team identifies any safety related items that require further review. The RSI findings are then complied into the RSI report. The final report is submitted to the NRA. The Road Safety Inspection Team has completed all inspections on the N22 and is currently preparing a report for the NRA. Once the NRA receives this report they will priorities any safety works that are required and fund them as hey see fit. If there is a safety issue at this bend at Knockaderry it will be identified in the safety inspection.
28/01/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That we would ask the Killarney Municipal District Manager to immediately mark out the trading spaces at the Market Cross in Killarney Town Centre. The traders are trading there every day and they have it in a deplorable condition.
Reply: The trading bays at Market Cross are clearly identified on the ground. The Traffic Wardens will monitor this area on a regular basis.
28/01/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That we would write to the relevant Minister requesting more Gardaí for Killarney, as we have a severe shortage due to a lot of retirements in the past and they have not been replaced. The people have the impression that they have protection 24/7, which is not the case. I have experienced a wait of one and a half hours over Christmas for the Gardaí to respond to a serious disturbance. I have also received phone calls from other people experiencing the same problem. This is not the fault of our Super and Chief Super but the blame lies with the last and the present Government by not training and replacing Gardaí. This is putting lives at risk.
Reply: This is a matter for consideration by the Members.
28/01/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That we should set up a meeting with the super and Sergeant of Killarney and a representative from Kanturk for the Rathmore area as soon as possible. This is outside of the Joint Policing.
Reply: This is a matter for consideration by the Members.
28/01/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: That we the Members or Killarney Municipal District call on the HSE to reinstate the statue over the entrance door to Killarney Community Hospital.
Reply: This is a matter for consideration by the Members.
16/02/2015- Full Council
Motion: That Kerry County Council ensure that our main roads are more cyclist friendly in view of the number of people who have taken up cycling and the upcoming Ring of Kerry Cycle and that appropriate signage be erected.
Reply: In recent years, the Council has developed a number of off-road cycle tracks, such as the Killarney to Fossa amenity route, the Rock Street to Mounthawk section of the disused railway line in Tralee, and Castleisland By-Passess, a dedicated cycle track was provided for the safety of cyclists and other vunerable road users. Further major capital works are in the planning process for the development of other off-road cycle tracks such as the Glenbeigh to Caherciveen route from the ITT in Tralee to Blennerville, including an extension to the Tralee- Fenit trail. There are also plans to construct dedicated cycle track’s as part of the improvement works to the N86 Camp to Dingle road. This is in accordance with national policy on the provision of cycle tracks as part of any major road improvement scheme. Whilst the Council is strongly supportive of the objectives set out in various Government policies, on enhancing
25/03/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: As there is a lot of illegal dumping around Killarney, can we find out from households where they are disposing of their refuse.
Reply: Currently under the Waste Management legislation there is limited scope to require householders to provide information on how they dispose of their waste. However, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government will shortly be introducing a range of reforms to the household waste collector sector and it is expected, as part of this, that local authorities will be given powers to seek such information in the future.
23/05/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: That we go into dialogue with the owners of the bins that are situated in various places around town, to have them removed off the streets and footpaths at an early hour.
Reply: At present we have no stipulation in the Waste Presentation Bye-Laws, for collection times; however, Kerry County Council will enter discussions with the Chamber of Commerce to have the bins removed from the streets and footpaths at a reasonable time. The Environment Section will be requested to review the Waste Presentation Bye-Laws in this regard.
25/03/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: That we finish resurfacing St. Mary’s Terrace and Ballycasheen Road.
Reply: Resurfacing o Ballycasheen Road is included on the Programme of Works in the 2015 Municipal District Works Programme, St. Mary’s Terrace can be considered for inclusion in the next Multi-Annual Programme, It is likely that this Multi-Annual Programme will be reviewed in late 2015.
25/03/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That we would examine the possibility of closing the gate on Clover’s Lane between 11.00pm and 7.00am (on a trial basis as this is a public right of way) due to unsocial behaviour.
Reply: Kerry County Council have no objection to closing this gate on a trial basis. A local resident has agreed to open and close this gate. A letter is currently being drafted to Killarney Gardaí to ascertain if they have any objections in this regard. However, as this is a public consultation process will be required in this instance.
25/03/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That we request litter bins for Muckross Road and Ross Road for the tourist season.
Reply: Bins are generally provided in town centre locations. Kerry County Council do not have the recourses to supply and empty bins along the Ross Road and Muckross Road. Kerry County Council does not intend to re-install the buns at this location, however these roads will be monitored and cleaned on a regular basis.
25/03/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That Killarney would remain a member of European Cities Against Drugs (ECAD) and include the Municipal District.
Reply: This matter will be considered in the context of available financial and staffing resources required and we will advise council accordingly.
18/05/2015-Full Council
Motion: That Kerry County Council look at providing funding for the Kerry-Cork Health Link Bus as this provides an important service to the people of Kerry.
Reply: This proposal can be considered when preparing the Annual Budget of Kerry County Council for 2016.
27/05/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: That the Council would revisit the provision of a Biomass in Killarney.
Reply: Kerry County Council is working loosely with SEAI as an Exemplar Authority and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, implementing energy conversations measures and developing and supporting energy projects throughout the Country. Part of the Kerry Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Project involves developing the utilisation of Biomass District Heating for the towns of Tralee and Killarney. Having completed a Pre-Feasibility Study for both towns, Kerry County Council Capital Infrastructure Unit is refining the information in order to develop a financial model, which is a requirement for securing resources. To assist at this stage of the project, we are working under the guidance of the National Treasure Management Agency and Sustainable Development Capital Ltd, who are the company managing the Energy Efficiency Fund. Capital costs for the Development of biomass district heat systems are large. Payback is based on the sale of heat which dictates the plant and network size. One of the essential factors is quantifying the actual heat demand throughout the year for each of the customers. In advance of the development of any district heating system, energy end use has to be quantified. As part of this, the potential for improvement in end user efficiency has to be assessed as improvements carried out after a district heating system has been designed and installed would undermine the viability of the district heating system. Kerry County Council has previously hosted Energy Interns through the Job Bridge Scheme and the work undertaken by the interns focused on a number of areas including demand side management and energy resource availability. Energy demands side management (improving building insulation, heating system controls, air tightness, etc) are necessary measures in advance of the development of any district heating system, Kerry County Council are re-advertising these energy auditor positions to work with SME’s within the SEC to assist them in improving their energy management systems and also to obtain actual energy use profile date from the SMEs for consideration as part of a district heating scheme. The main obstacle to the delivery of district heating schemes in Ireland is in obtaining the necessary finance. For this reason the main emphasis at present is on the Tralee scheme as advice from the NTMA and Sustainable Development Capital Ltd is that financial institutions consider that Government Aencies are more secure customers of the project in the long term. The customers in Tralee satisy this criteria to a greater extent than Killarney considering the number of institutional customers relative to Killarney. These include the schools, hospital and other Government buildings.
27/05/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: Did we as a Council break the Bye-laws by using pathways for burials in Aghadoe Graveyard over the past four months.
Reply: Kerry County Council has not broken any of the By-Laws for Cemeteries on Aghadoe by utilising additional space within the Cemetery for burial plots. Section 4 of the By Laws states: “4. GRAVE SPACES The area to be used for graves shall be divided into grave spaces, to be designated by convenient marks, so that the position of each grave space may be readily ascertained. In all new Cemeteries a corresponding map or maps of the Cemetery shall be constantly kept by the Register and by the Council and shall be made available for inspection by all persons. On such map or maps every grave space shall be shown with its distinctive mark inscribed thereon, i.e section and number. “The Council and the Aghadoe Burial Ground Registrar have a map showing every grave space and this is available for public inspection. This map includes all additional grave spaces available.
27/05/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: That the Council would cut back the growth/shrubs in front of the Gaelscoil and across the road on the right hand side as a lot of unruly behaviour is taking place. The area in front of the Gaelscoil also needs to be re-surfaced.
Reply: Kerry County Council has cut back the growth in the Green area opposite the Gaelscoil. In regard to the road surface there is currently no funding for re-surfacing works at this location, however the area is being maintained by Kerry County Council’s Road crews.
27/05/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That the Council would provide a bench in memory of Paddy Turner at the top of High Street.
Reply: A bench can be provided in memory of Paddy Turner, the provision of this bench would be suitable for funding from the Councillor Specific Municipal District Fund.
27/05/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That the Council would carry out repairs on lags on the Main Road from Farranfore to Killarney.
Reply: There are a number of lags on the road on the approach to Farranfore from Knockaderry Hill. The NRA has indicated that they will consider this section of road for a pavement overlay in 2016. They have also indicated that they will not fund any major repair works in the current year. The Killarney Municipal District Operations sections will carry out repairs to a number of the lags from its general maintenance allocation. These repair works will be carried out on the N22 roadway at Knockaderry in July.
27/05/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That the Council would address parking at the top of Sand Pit in the Marian Terrace area as people living there cannot get parking in their area.
Reply: Kerry County Council has inspected this area on a number of occasions and has not witnessed any parking problems. However a sign will be erected here requesting motorists to “Please respect residents’ parking”.
20/07/2015-Full Council
Motion: That Kerry County Council should apply the same rules to Local Authority tenants as we do with the RAS Scheme. We should not have a two tier system in operation within Kerry County Council.
Reply: Our social housing stock consists of 4,036 dwellings. This is a very sizable stock which requires significant resources to maintain. In the 2015 budget members agreed a provision of 3,418,00 for maintenance of local authority dwellings. In general, the Council is responsible for repairs to the exterior of the house, while the tenant is responsible for the maintenance of the interior. The responsibility of tenants is clearly explained to them prior to the signing of the tenancy agreement and the Tenants Handbook, which is given to each tenant, also clearly sets out their responsibilities in detail. Given the level of expenditure in this area, we need to ensure continued and consistent value money value for money is achieved in repairs to both our occupied and vacant stock. Procurement of the various services is carried out by advertising mini-tenders on the LA Quotes system issued to contractors who are on the framework for the engagement of plumbers & electricians & general contractors. Obtaining the most competitive prices from competent contractors using these frameworks ensures that the productivity achieved from out housing maintenance expenditure budget will be maximised. Under the terms of the national Rental Accommodation Scheme the majority of maintenance matters relating to the property are the responsibility of the landlord and this is factored into the contracted rental agreement as between the landlord and the local authority. The same property maintenance responsibilities arise in leasing and long-term availability agreements where the maintenance of the property rests with the landlord and is factored into the rent paid. In the case of other local authority properties, the maintenance responsibilities as between the landlord and the tenant are reflected in the tenancy agreement and more particularly in the Tenants handbook which is disturbed which is distributed in advance of taking up tenancy.
20/07/2015-Full Council
Motion: That this Council would look at rent arrears in respect of local authority tenants in Killarney, who were formerly Killarney Town Council tenants and now Kerry County Council tenants, as an additional week’s rent is being sought from them which they have already paid when taking up tenancy of the house.
Reply: In accordance with the Tenancy Agreement that was signed by each tenant at the commencement of their tenancy and which is in place throughout the entire County, rent must be paid, weekly, in advance. Tenants who have paid, weekly, in advance. Tenants who paid this week in advance at the commencement of their tenancy are not being asked to pay an additional week. Only those tenants who have fallen into arrears are being followed up for payment. The Housing Department is always available to meet with tenants who are experiencing difficulties with paying their current rent or have fallen into arrears.
29/07/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That this Council would address the strong smell of urine which is present at the Jarvey Stand, which is affecting businesses in the area, i.e. Cinema, Killarney Towers, Plaza Hotel, Ross Hotel and International Hotel. Also it is not very pleasant for visitors and locals alike. The Jarvey Stand should be flushed out with water by a member of staff of Kerry County Council every evening at 7pm.
Reply: Up to 30 horses can be located at the Jarvey stand at any one time. This will inevitably lead to smells of an equine nature in this location. Kerry County Council provides water and disinfectant for the jarveys to keep this area clean. The jarveys clean the area regularly. Kerry County Council sweep the area in the mornings. Kerry County Council do have sufficient recourses to facilitate cleaning of this area in the evenings.
29/07/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That this Council would request that the traffic lights at Woodlawn Cross and at the top of Ross Road would not be switched to flashing unless there is a Garda presence under Health and Safety.
Reply: For some festivals and events, the Gardaí request that the lights at Woodlawn Road and Ross Road are switched to flashing amber in order to ease the traffic flow on the main route. For future requests from the Gardaí, the Council will request that the there is a Garda presence at these locations when the lights are on flashing amber.
29/07/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That this Council would continue with a Drugs Liaison Committee for the Killarney Municipal District Area.
Reply: This issue is more appropriate for the Kerry JPC and the Quality of Life SPC who will take their direction from the JPC.
29/07/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That this Council would write to the appropriate authority to ascertain why the National Park was offered to accommodate the Killarney Music and Food Festival whilst the people of Killarney are unable to access the National Park via the Golden Gates.
Reply: This is matter for resolution by the members.
27/05/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That this Council would write to the relevant Government Minister and to the Trustees of Muckross House requesting that they would hire night staff to patrol Muckross and the National Park every night because of the danger of fire. This is one of our crown jewels.
Reply: This is a matter for resolution by the members.
21/09/2015-Full Council
Motion: That Kerry County Council would give a comprehensive update on its Homeless Services at the next Council Meeting focussing in particular on the appropriateness of accommodation for persons at the hostels in Killarney and Tralee (Arlington Lodge). With regard to facilities in Tralee we need an immediate separation of dry and wet hostel facilities. Also, I request an update on the status of the development of Armagh House in Killarney as homeless accommodation.
Reply: A full report on the Homeless services as requested will be provided to the October Council Meeting along with an update on the development of Armagh House Killarney as accommodation for Homeless persons.
07/10/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That this Council receive an update on all rent increases over the last two months for tenants in Local Authority houses in this area.
Reply: Rent is assessed based on household’s income and is calculated in accordance with the Council’s Differential Rent Scheme across the four Municipal Districts of the County. There has been no change to the Council’s Differential Rent Scheme in the past year. The current Scheme has been in operation since 2007. Following on from the most recent rent assessment the average weekly rent increase from 44 per week to 45.80. In recent annual rent review, it was noted that there was a marked increase in those with additional income generally. It was also noted that with the changes implemented at national level regarding with the payment of lone parent allowance, that these changes may have impacted on the rental calculation as payment changed to job seekers allowances which resulted in an increased rental calculation. The Council operates a hardship policy, and should any tenant be experiencing difficulties in paying their weekly rent or have any queries in this regard, they should make contact with the Housing Department directly and their circumstances will be reviewed. Former Killarney Town Area: Total Rents Assessed in Killarney Town area only: 307 Of the total assessed in this area: 52% either saw no increase of between 1.00-9.00. Of the remaining 25%, these saw increases on excess of 10.00. These rent increases, in may cases, were due to change in household circumstances or/due to additional household income. Of the 3,859 overall rent accounts assessed in the County as part of the 2015 Rent Assessment, 70% of tenants saw no change or a decrease in rent calculation for 2015. Of remaining 30% that saw an increase, this was mostly due to changes in household circumstances or due to additional household income.
07/10/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: That the Executive would explain why stoves are not supplied to our Local Authority tenants when they have supplied medical evidence that a stove is required.
Reply: Each tenant application requesting the installation of a stove will be examined in detail and taken on its own merits based on their circumstances including any medical condition that may have. Stoves can be expensive to purchase and install so in that respect, the costs associated with same will need to be available along with sufficient recourses being available by the Council to undertake this work.
07/10/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That resurfacing works be carried out in Lacabane Housing Estate, as it is in a very bad condition.
Reply: There is no funding currently available to carry out resurfacing works at Lacabane Housing Estate: However this work would be suitable for funding through a Community Involvement Scheme. The residents can consider making an application for the 2016 Community Involvement Scheme Programme as the 2015 Scheme has now been allocated.
07/10/2015-Killareny MD
Motion: That we call on this Council to refrain from carrying out roadworks in Killarney Town Area from May until the end of September as hotels and B & Bs are trying to earn a living.
Reply: Kerry County Council will make every effort to limit the amount of road works that are carried out in Killarney town within the tourist season. In the current year, no one-way traffic management systems were in operation in the months of July and August. However, in the general Kerry County Council receives its capital grant allocations in February/March. Works then have to be planned, designed, with materials and Contractors to be tendered for and procured. All grant monies have to be claimed by mid to end of November. Grant claims can only be drawn down on invoices for completed works. Hence the window od opportunity is small for carrying out the roadworks. Due to drier weather, high temperatures and longer days the summer moths are ideal for roadworks. Therefore, no absolute guarantee can be given in this regard.
07/10/2015-Killareny MD
Motion: That we would clean and skirt all roads at the entrance and exit to Barradubh Village as they are very unsightly.
Reply: The R-570 as it enters Baraduff Village from Shronedarragh was recently skirted and hedge cut in preparation for the restoration improvement works. It is also proposed to carry out hedge/ verger maintenance works along the N72 from Knockeenagowan to Duncannon Bridge during the month of October.
07/10/2015-Killareny MD
Motion: That we do an inventory on all public lighting in the Killarney Municipal District to ensure that they are in working order, as some of them are not.
Reply: Kerry County Council’s public lighting maintenance contractors carry out night time patrols on an ongoing basis to determine which lighting requires repair of replacement. If there are any specific locations where lights are not operating, we will bring these to the attention of our maintenance contractors.
07/10/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That all State lands that are surplus to needs be given over to the Local Authorities of Ireland for the purpose of building social housing to ease the housing emergency that exists throughout the country.
Reply: This is a matter for consideration by the Members.
09/12/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That we would return the junction outside the Cathedral to its original layout where we had 2 lanes; one for turning up towards New Street and the other towards the Port Road.
Reply: Malachy Walsh & Partners are currently carrying out a Traffic Management Study of Killarney Town. As part of this study they will create a traffic model to model the existing traffic patterns and future road improvements proposals. The study will also examine all the main junctions and make recommendations if any improvements can be made. Malachy Walsh and Partners will examine this junction and consider the provision of a left filter lane.
09/12/2015- Killarney MD
Motion: What is the up-to-date position regarding the taking in charge of Elm Wood Estate, Mill Road. We should take this estate over without delay.
Reply: Kerry County Council are seeking to have the taking in charge process commenced in accordance with the relevant legislation in respect of this estate. However, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding and Protocol for the taking in charge of Estates agreed with Irish Water, all estates proposed to be taken in charge must be referred to Irish Water in the context of Water Services infrastructure. By way of response in respect of Elmwood, Irish Water advised that this estate has been selected by it as part of a Pilot Scheme to be completed in advance of commencement of taking in charge process whereby they will carry out CCTV surveys of the sewers and a Water Audit at their own expense. Therefore, we have to await the completion of these surveys and reports on same by Irish Water prior to commencing the in charge legal process. An update from Irish Water in respect of this survey is awaited.
09/12/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: What is up to date position regarding the taking in charge of Ross Dara, Loretto Road. We should take this estate over without delay.
Reply: In accordance with the Menorandum of Understanding and protocol for the taking in charge of estates agreed with Irish Water, all estates proposed to be taken in charge must be submitted to Irish Water in the context of the Water Services Infrastructure and as part of this process, a report is being prepared by our Water Services Section following which it is intended to revert to Irish Water identifying any works required in respect of the Water Services infrastructure which will be required to be addressed prior to commencing the legal taking in charge process.
09/12/2015-Killarney MD
Motion: That this Council would prevent parking outside Der O’Sullivan’s on Main Street, Killarney as this is preventing buses, trucks, Fire Department etc from turning right from Plunkett Street onto Main Street.
Reply: A yellow hatched box will be painted at this location adjacent to the loading bay in order to alleviate the problem with larger vehicles turning on to Main Street. It will also be heavily monitored by our Traffic Wardens.
