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Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of Environment Committee
26th April 2005
Minutes of the Meeting of Environment Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, 47 Derry Road, Strabane on Tuesday 26 April 2005 at 7.30 p.m.
Present:- In the Chair: Councillor C McHugh
Other Members: Councillors I Barr, A Bell, A Bresland, J Donnell, J Emery, D Hussey, T Kerrigan, T McBride, C McGill, B McNamee
Total: 11
In Attendance: Chief Technical Services Officer,
Technical Services Licensing Officer, Mr Ken Moore – Planning Service, Administrative Assistant – L Shields, Administrative Assistant – J Galloway
Apologies: Councillors E McMenamin and J McNulty
Planning Applications – April 2005 Schedule
Mr Ken Moore from the Planning service attended the Meeting and presented the schedule of Planning Applications for April 2005.
Arising out of the schedule the following application were discussed:-
New Applications
It was agreed to organise site meetings for the following 37 planning applications:
J/2004/0373/O - Mr G Lowry, dwelling house and domestic garage 15m west of Mill Cottages, Ardcame Road, Donemana
J/2004/0374/O - Mr G Lowry, dwelling & domestic garage at Mill Cottages, Ardcame Road, Donemana
J/2004/0522/F - Mr G McNamee, erection of 3 townhouses and 2 detached domestic garages immediately east of 58 Camus Rd, Douglas Bridge, Strabane
J/2004/0581/F - Mr R Hegarty, 2 proposed retail units; 1 Class A1 (a) & 1 Class A1 (e) and 3 proposed manufacturing units; 2 Class B2 and 1 Class B3 100m north west of 293B Melmount Road, Victoria Bridge
J/2004/0978/F - Mr L Millar, dwelling & garage 200m west south-west of 66 Seein Road, Sion Mills, Strabane
J/2005/0057/O - Mr & Mrs R & C Taylor, erection of a dwelling immediately west of 11 Cloughboy Road, Bready, Strabane
J/2005/0097/O - Mr G Mullan, replacement dwelling and domestic garage 70m north east of 339 Lisnaragh Road, Plumbridge
J/2005/0119/F – Newtownstewart Development Association, proposed retention of existing free standing sign 36m north of 49 Moule Road, Newtownstewart
J/2005/0155/O - Mr W Hamilton, farm dwelling 300m north west of 1 Tirmegan Road, Douglas Bridge
J/2005/0159/O - Mr E Ballantine, dwelling and domestic garage 40m north east of 85 Dergborough Road, Plumbridge
J/2005/0169/O - N Stevenson, dwelling and domestic garage 460m west of 15 Ballyskeagh Road, Artigarvan
J/2005/0184/F - Mr A Dixon, dwelling and garage adjacent to 3 Deerpark Road, Ardstraw
J/2005/0192/O - Mr R Hegarty, dwelling & domestic garage 25m north west of 22 Lisdoo Road, Clady, Strabane
J/2005/0197/F - Mr J Porter, dwelling & garage for domestic use 375m north east of 84 Glenelly Road, Plumbridge
J/2005/0202/F - Mr & Mrs A Doherty, retention of change of use of domestic garage to hairdressing salon at 106 Castlegrange Park, Strabane
J/2005/0204/O - Mr E Bryson, new two storey dwelling and domestic garage 180m south east of 22 Cavancreagh Road, Donemana
J/2005/0209/O - Mr J Milligan, dwelling & garage 120m north east of 25 Lisnacloon Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0217/O - J McMullan, dwelling & domestic garage 50m south west of 81 Lurganbuoy Road, Creevy Lower, Castlederg
J/2005/0218/O - E Carlin, dwelling & domestic garage 35m east of Sproul Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0237/O - F McHugh, dwelling and domestic garage 580m south west of 30 Aghalunny Road, Killeter, Castlederg
In response to Councillor McHugh, Mr Moore said that he would endeavour to arrange that a representative regarding the significant loss of trees contrary to DES 10 be present at the site meeting.
J/2005/0247/O - D&J Baird, dwelling and domestic garage 60m south east of 20 Camus Road, Douglas Bridge, Strabane
J/2005/0250/O - Mr N Mitchell, erection of new dwelling 120m north west of 6 Cavanacreach Road, Gortmellan, Strabane
J/2005/0251/O - Mr R Fulton, erection of new farm dwelling 180m north west of 115 Dunnalong Road, Bready
J/2005/0255/O - Mr M Foley, proposed use for land is to provide 5 housing units at land adjacent south of 67 Park Road, Ballymagorry, Strabane
J/2005/0262/O - Mr V McGovern, dwelling & domestic garage approximately 40m east of 27 Coolcreaghy Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0267/O - Mr F McCrossan, erection of new dwelling & domestic garage 320m north west of 128 Baronscourt Road, Envagh, Drumquin
J/2005/0268/O - Mr F McCrossan, erection of new dwelling & domestic garage 80m north east of 6 Envagh Road, Envagh, Drumquin
J/2005/0272/O - Mr WA Moore, dwelling & domestic garage 270m north west of 8 Lough Road, Newtownstewart
J/2005/0274/O - Mr D Patrick, two storey dwelling & domestic garage at 1 Lislaferty Road, Newtownstewart
J/2005/0287/O - J Conlin, single storey dwelling house & garage 50m south east of 83 Cavan Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0289/O - Mr J Conlin, single storey dwelling house & garage approximately 200m north east of 24 Magherenny Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0291/O - Mr T Burke, storey and a half dwelling and garage 80m north east of 25 Lisleen Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0294/O - WH Cummings, dwelling & domestic garage 50m south east of 25 Cavandarragh Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0301/O - Mr B Thompson, proposed dwelling house & domestic garage 450m north of 7 Riverview Road, Killen, Castlederg
J/2005/0310/O - Mr W O'Neill, dwelling & garage 130m north west of 27 Cavancreagh Road, Donemana
In response to Councillor Emery, Mr Moore said that he would endeavour to arrange that a representative regarding the loss of woodland trees contrary to DES 10 be present at the site meeting.
J/2005/0322/O - C McHugh, dwelling & domestic garage 30 metres south of 26 Mullanbreen Road, Castlederg
J/2005/0333/F - Mr H Devine, extension to dwelling (to provide granny flat) at 93 Hollyhill Road, Strabane
J/2005/0306/0 – A Gallen, storey and a half dwelling and domestic garage 250m west of 82 Scraghey Road, Castlederg
Mr Moore referred to the approval of the above application and advised Members that approval had been based on a one and a half storey dwelling and domestic garage as outlined in the applicant’s form. He understood that the applicant now wished to alter the application to a two-storey dwelling. Mr Moore advised that the Planning Service would have to re-consider and re-advertise the application and it was agreed to defer the application until relevant steps had been undertaken to fulfil the appropriate criteria.
Office Meetings
It was agreed to arrange office meetings for the following 2 planning applications:
J/2005/0106/F - Mr & Mrs I Caldwell, bungalow and domestic garage 200m north west of 8 Lough Road, Drumlegagh, Newtownstewart
J/2005/0161/F - Mr R Rankin, new dwelling 40m south of 57 Dunnalong Road, Creaghor, Strabane
On the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Barr the Planning Schedule (new applications) for April 2005 was adopted.
Deferred Applications
Arising out to the Deferred Schedule the following applications were discussed:
J/2005/0069/O - Mr J Faulkner, dwelling and domestic garage 310m north of 15 Barleyhill Road, Castlederg
Councillor Kerrigan understood that a DPM/MLA meeting had been requested.
J/2005/0102/O - Mr M Armstrong, dwelling and domestic garage 200m west of 3 Landahussy Road, Lisnacreaght
Councillor McBride welcomed the approval of this application.
J/2005/0122/O - J Browne, dwelling and domestic garage 100m east of 27 Hillhead Road, Clady, Strabane
Councillor Hussey noted that he would request that a DPM/MLA meeting be held to discuss the application and he said that any other Member would be welcome to attend the meeting.
J/2005/0160/O - Mr D McFarland, dwelling and domestic garage 140m south of 16 Slievebeg Road, Plumbridge
Councillor Bresland welcomed the approval of this application.
J/2005/0171/O - Mr L Corry, dwelling and garage 150m south east of 51 Hospital Road, Castlederg
Councillor McNamee welcomed the approval of this application.
J/2005/0172/O - Mr D Dolan, dwelling & domestic garage 30m south of 1 Park Road, Killeter, Castlederg
Councillor Barr noted that medical evidence would be submitted in support of this application.
Mr Moore confirmed that the Planning Service would consider the application on receipt of the evidence.
J/2005/0174/O - Mr A McCullagh, dwelling & domestic garage 350m north of 4 Glencoppagh Road, Plumbridge
Councillor McBride requested that this application be held for 10 working days. This was agreed.
On the proposal of Councillor Bell, seconded by Councillor McBride the Planning Schedule (deferred) for April 2005 was adopted.
Site Meetings – June 2005
The Chairman clarified that the site meetings requested above together with site meetings arising from the forthcoming Planning Schedule for May would be arranged for the beginning of June. He also noted that as previously agreed, non-contentious approvals would be issued from the May Schedule.
Planning Application – Heron Bros. Retail Development, Dublin Road Industrial Estate
The Chairman referred to a letter from Planning Service Headquarters together with enclosures, which had been circulated for Members’ attention regarding a proposed retail development at the Dublin Road Industrial Estate.
Councillor Barr felt that there was the potential for the application becoming a controversial issue with regard to other traders in Strabane. He felt however that retail studies had shown that out of town shopping did not operate to the detriment of town shopping. He felt that it could in fact have a beneficial spin off for other traders in the town. He felt that many residents of Strabane travelled to neighbouring towns for items that were not readily available in Strabane or where the choice of goods would be better elsewhere. He felt that there was a market for such a retail unit in Strabane. He also noted that there were would be welcome employment opportunities for the residents of the district. He felt that Council should support the application.
Councillor Hussey said that he could understand the concern from other traders in the town centre but felt that this development should be welcomed as it was within a reasonable distance from the town centre. He felt that it would create a critical mass that could benefit other traders with the influx of customers into the area.
In response to Councillor McBride, Mr Moore felt that it was necessary to provide further details to Members by way of clarification on the application. He said that it had not been made clear in the correspondence that the retail development was for a food store of 25,000 square feet with 166 car parking spaces. He added that the proposal was for one site of nearly 2 hectares. He advised Members that Planning Service Headquarters dealt with such applications and that the process could be protracted. He noted that the land did lie within the town development limit and, whilst it was not specifically zoned, it did lie within an industrial estate where the Policy states should be retained with a view to keeping and augmenting existing industrial use. He felt that from a Planning perspective the proposal did involve a substantial departure from planning policies in terms of visual impact, traffic volumes and impact on viability of the shopping core. He felt that the potential of increased traffic would involve a traffic impact assessment.
In response to Councillor McBride, Mr Moore said that a plan of the unit had been submitted and he circulated the plan, which showed the scale of the building, which he said, was substantial and sizeable. He added that a copy of the impact statement could be viewed at the Planning Service offices in Omagh.
Councillor Hussey referred to an increase in traffic flow, which he said he would prefer to see coming into the town rather than out of the town.
In response to Councillor Barr, Mr Moore confirmed that the proposal was for a ‘food super store’
Councillor McBride said that he had believed the proposal was for a number of units and felt that there may be some concerns as it was for one foodstore. However, he added that the issue of increased employment was still relevant.
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor McBride it was agreed that the new Council invite the developers to meet with Members to discuss their proposal in order to give a clear indication of the development.
In response to Councillor McBride, Mr Moore said that there would be time to undertake this consultation with the developers, as the process for such substantial developments would take some time to complete. He felt that any consultation at this stage should initially be undertaken between Council and the developers.
Councillor McGill left the meeting at this point.
CHIEF TECHNICAL SERVICES OFFICER’S REPORT
Mr Malcolm Scott, Chief Technical Services Officer (CTSO) attended the Meeting and presented his report for April 2005, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members.
Arising out of the report the following was discussed:-
Waste Management Regulations (N.I. 2005)
The CTSO reported that correspondence had been received from the Environmental Policy Division of D.O.E. inviting views on the proposed Waste Management Regulations. He referred to the comprehensive consultation document and the question and answer brief on the proposed regulations which main purpose was to apply to agricultural waste and non-mineral waste from mines and quarries. He added that the issue had been discussed with the North West Regional Waste Management Officer Group, which recommended that an extension to October 2005 be requested to allow time to respond to the proposals.
On the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Kerrigan the recommendation was agreed.
Loo of the Year Awards 2005
The CTSO reported that correspondence had been received inviting applications for the 2005 Loo of the Year and Attendant of the Year Awards. He noted that the Donemana Public Conveniences had been nominated for the last 3 years and had been successful in being awarded a 5 star grading together with a national award in 2004. He recommended that Council nominate these facilities and the attendant Mr Hugh Bresland for this competition and felt that other facilities in the district should also be considered. He noted that the fee was £80 per entry.
Councillor Hussey declared an interest as a previous winner in the national category award. He supported the recommendation.
Councillor Bresland declared an interest as a relative of the attendant at the Donemana Public Conveniences.
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor Emery it was agreed to proceed with the nomination of Donemana and to discuss the matter with other attendants to consider entering other facilities if it was felt appropriate.
2005 World Toilet Summit in Belfast
The CTSO reported on the above summit, which would be held at the Waterfront Conference Centre, Belfast from 26 – 29 September 2005 during which the 2005 awards presentation would be made. He referred to the fees involved in attending the summit as outlined in his report.
Councillor Hussey said that given the fact that Council had been involved in this project for a number of years and that, on this occasion the venue was in Northern Ireland he proposed that 2 Members attend together with relevant Officer and staff participation. This was seconded by Councillor McBride.
The CTSO clarified that, due to the forthcoming election, the appropriate number of attendees could be reserved within the early booking fees structure with the names of delegates to be given at a later date.
Translink Ulster in Bloom 2005
The CTSO reported that Council had previously agreed to nominate Plumbridge for the competition and to write to the relevant groups in Strabane, Castlederg and Newtownstewart to ascertain if their members were prepared to assist Council in promoting floral displays within these towns. He added that he had written to the groups but none had responded to him by the agreed date.
Councillor Hussey said that, as the Member who had suggested taking the project forward in partnership with the groups, who he felt could be vocal about the support or perceived lack of support from Council, he was extremely disappointed that none of them had responded.
On the proposal of Councillor Hussey, seconded by Councillor Emery it was agreed that full support be given to Plumbridge to achieve an award and that the CTSO write to the groups in the other areas confirming that they will not be entered due to the lack of correspondence from them.
Council Best Kept Awards 2005
The CTSO noted the winners in each of the categories of the 2004 competition as outlined in his report. He advised Members that presentations to the winners were normally arranged for May to coincide with the launch of the current year’s competition but he appreciated Members’ current busy schedules and sought clarification on proposed dates.
Following a discussion, it was felt that a date after the AGM should be considered and it was agreed to consider the week commencing 30 May 2005 with the current Chairman of Council to be given the opportunity of making the presentations if he so wished.
Councillor Donnell noted that under the category for ‘Best Kept Housing Estate 1-20 Houses’ it should read ‘Foyleview Crescent’ instead of ‘Foylview Park’.
Blue Bins in Strabane Town Centre
The CTSO reported that over the next few weeks it was planned to implement the Blue Bin Scheme for mixed dry recyclables to the remaining properties in Strabane town centre, which were mainly commercial properties. He added that this would complete the distribution of the Blue Bin Scheme for the whole district. He advised Members that letters had been issued to all Council database held commercial and industrial premises in the district informing them of the need to acquire new trade waste stickers for their wheeled bin collection service for the financial year 05/06. He noted that when traders completed their duty of care waste transfer note for the coming year it would be established at that point the number of blue bins they would require and the frequency of collection of black bins.
Councillor Bell welcomed this initiative.
Floral Bed Sponsorship Opportunities
The CTSO referred to the addendum to his report, which had been tabled for Members’ attention, which outlined the process undertaken with regard to advertising for interested parties to tender for sponsorship opportunities and the specification of the tender documents. He added that due to a limited response the advertisement was re-run in the local press. He noted that 10 requests for tender documents had been received with 3 completed forms returned which covered a limited number of floral beds. He referred to the reserve price for the floral beds and noted the bids received as outlined in his report.
The CTSO referred to the issue raised by a local business who had raised concerns about their perceived view that they had sole rights to the sponsorship of the floral bed at the Lifford Road roundabout. He noted that a legal opinion had been received which had been discussed at the Culture, Arts & Leisure Committee meeting the previous evening. He noted that Council’s solicitors, based on relevant documentation on file, believed that the business did not have sole right to the sponsorship at that roundabout. It had subsequently been agreed to proceed with opening the tenders, which had been received.
Councillor Barr noted that he had previously felt that consideration should be given to the local business who had perhaps sponsored the floral beds in previous years when other businesses had not been interested. He appreciated the legal opinion now received on the issue and felt that Council’s position could now be diplomatically explained.
On the proposal of Councillor Hussey, seconded by Councillor Barr the following sponsorship bids were accepted and agreed:
O’Neills - Roundabout at Lifford Road
O’Neills - Roundabout at Bradley Way
O’Neills - Floral Bed at Sion Mills, Melmount Road
Replicast - Roundabout at Fir Trees
Marie Curie Cancer Care
The CTSO reported that correspondence had been received from the Marie Curie Cancer Care requesting that they be considered for a floral bed donation in the event that not all the sponsorship opportunities were taken up. He added that Marie Curie Cancer Care had an existing sponsorship arrangement with Yellow Pages who provided the daffodil bulbs and the signage, which complies with DRD specification.
Following a discussion, it was agreed to donate an unsponsored floral bed or other area of significance in the district to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Members noted that grass bankings had been used for this purpose in other districts. It was felt that an area that was least likely to be vandalised or disturbed should be considered.
Fountain Street Community Development Association
The CTSO reported that correspondence had been received from the above Association requesting Council to consider the provision of stones from the former Strabane Flood Wall for the construction of two benches at the Environmental/Burn Walk Project adjacent to Drumrallagh Estate.
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor Bell it was agreed to provide the stones. The CTSO said he believed there was a quantity of the stones at the former gasworks site and that he would check the stock of stones.
Abandoned Vehicles Contract – ‘New Burdens Fund’
The CTSO referred to the item included in the addendum to his report, which had been tabled for Members’ attention. He reported that correspondence had been received from the EHS Producer Responsibility Unit informing Council that the tender evaluation had been completed for the contract. He added that the contractor selected was Portglenone Peugeot Parts (PPS) and he noted the tender price as outlined in the addendum. He advised Members that Council had previously agreed to commit to this province wide contract to deal with end of life vehicles and formal agreement and ratification of the contract was now sought. He advised Members that Council would be able to recover 100% funding from EHS until at least March 2006.
On the proposal of Councillor Kerrigan, seconded by Councillor McBride it was agreed to proceed with the ratification of the contract.
Mitchell Park – Development of Second Pitch
The CTSO referred to the item included in the addendum to his report, which had been tabled for Members’ attention. He noted that this matter had been ongoing for some time and confirmed that as previously agreed by Council, select lists had been agreed and tenders received for the development of Mitchell Park and the 2 pitches at Melvin. He added that Sweeney Bros. had undertaken the work at Melvin but were unable to undertake the work at Mitchell Park due to difficulties with the transfer of additional land. He advised Members that the difficulties of land at Mitchell Park had now been resolved and Council’s consultants had been in discussion with Sweeney Bros. to ascertain if they were still interested in undertaking the work but, despite written correspondence a response from them had not been received. It was now recommended to instruct the consultants to reissue the tender documents to the previous select list.
Councillor Hussey congratulated the staff on successfully achieving the purchase of the necessary additional land for the development of Mitchell Park. He said that the establishment of a second pitch was important for the people of Castlederg.
On the proposal of Councillor Hussey, seconded by Councillor Kerrigan it was agreed to proceed with reissuing the tenders to the select list.
TECHNICAL SERVICES LICENSING OFFICER’S REPORT
Mr David Turner, Technical Services Licensing Officer (TSLO) attended the meeting and presented his report for April 2005, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members.
Arising out of the report the following was discussed:-
Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions (NI) Order 1985 Licensing Of Places Of Entertainment
The renewal of entertainment licences for the premises as outlined in the report were agreed.
Councillors Emery and Hussey declared an interest in the renewal for the First Castlederg Presbyterian Church Hall, Garvetageh* Road, Castlederg.
Councillor Hussey declared an interest in the renewal for the Royal British Legion Hall, Main Street, Castlederg.
Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions (NI) Order 1995 Naming of Housing Developments
The TSLO reported on the following proposed names for housing developments and added that the Post Office had no objection to the suggested names.
On the proposal of Councillor Kerrigan, seconded by Councillor Emery ‘Glenview’ was agreed for the 35 houses opposite Killen Primary School, Learmore Road, Killen.
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor McNamee ‘Abercorn Cottage’ was agreed for the 20 apartments at Lower Main Street, Strabane.
In response to Councillor Barr, the TSLO reported that he had recently written to all architects and developers in the area advising them of the process of naming housing developments.
Request from Bready and District Ulster Scots Development Association
The TSLO reported that correspondence had been received from the Association requesting Council assistance with regard to planning permission for the townland marker stones, which are to be erected in their area. He added that the Planning Service had confirmed that planning permission would be required but that the proposal could be accepted as permitted development if it was submitted as a District Council undertaking under the Planning (General Development) Order (NI) 1993 with the relevant Certificate of Lawfulness being supplied. He advised Members that there would be no cost to Council in providing the requested documentation, which would enable the Association to proceed with the scheme and meet the impending deadline for the required funding.
In response to a query from Councillor Donnell, the TSLO confirmed that the Planning Service required an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness and confirmation that the overall aim of the Council would be to promote townlands throughout the district. He added that the Association was aware that Council’s support would be for the planning application and that the funding issue would be their responsibility.
Councillor Bresland noted that there had been some miscommunication from the Planning Service at the initial stage when it was thought that it would be the responsibility of the Roads Service. The Association was subsequently informed that planning permission would be required.
On the proposal of Councillor Bresland, seconded by Councillor Emery it was agreed to submit the relevant documentation to the Planning Service and for this to be undertaken as quickly as possible given to timescale for funding requirements.
Street Trading Act (NI) 2001 Granting of Temporary Licences associated with Strabane Hiring Fair
The TSLO referred to the addendum to his report, which had been tabled for Members’ attention. He noted that to date 2 applications for temporary licences for the Fair Day on 25 June 2005 had been received as outlined in his addendum. He said that it was envisaged that further applications would be received prior to the event.
On the proposal of Councillor Hussey, seconded by Councillor Barr it was agreed to issue temporary licences for applications received to date and that the TSLO be given powers to grant any subsequent applications deemed appropriate. Members felt that appropriate measures should be taken against anyone found trading without a licence at the Fair Day.
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor McBride the report and addendum from the TSLO were adopted.
Any Other Business
West Tyrone Area Plan
The CTSO reported that the first draft of Council’s submission would soon be prepared and a copy would be distributed to Members. He added that Dr. Boomer would attend Council in June when Members would have a further opportunity to raise any issues that they would want to be considered.
Members noted that Dr. Boomer had intimated that additional items could also be added during further stages of the process. The CTSO added that Members could also submit suggestions direct to Dr. Boomer.
Roads Service – Traffic Calming Measures
The CTSO referred to a letter from Roads Service concerning traffic calming measures at Springhill Park in Strabane and proposals for Sion Mills, which had been tabled for Members’ attention. He also referred to the maps outlining the proposals, which had been displayed in the Council Chamber. It was agreed that any Member wishing to comment on the proposals should forward their views to the CTSO in time for Council to reply by the deadline of 6 May 2005.
Tenders – Alternations to Melvin Hall Changing Areas
The CTSO reported that approval was required to open tenders for the select list for the above tender following the closing date on 13 May 2005. On the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Barr this was agreed.
Illegal Dumping
Councillor Donnell noted that illegal dumping had taken place at Maple Road, Ballymagorry in addition to other locations notified to Council. The CTSO agreed to look into this matter.
Roads Service
Councillor Hussey referred to the letter from Roads Service, which had been circulated for Members’ information. The letter of 19 April 2005 had been in response to Members’ queries raised at the Special meeting of Council on 7 December 2004 at which representatives from Roads Service had been in attendance. Members requested that the following comments/changes be notified to Roads Service:
· Page 2 – Cllr McHugh: Councillor Hussey referred to the deterioration of the cross border roads and felt that the liaison of Roads Service and Donegal County Council was important in this regard.
· Page 2 – Cllr Donnell: Councillor Donnell said the request for footways was for 2 locations i.e., at the end of Park Road and at the end of Station Road. He felt that the letter suggested that the request had been for only 1 location.
· Page 2 – Cllr Hussey: Councillor Hussey noted that speed limit signs** had now been erected on the northern side of Clady bridge and it was hoped that Roads Service and Donegal County Council could come together concerning the provision of traffic lights at the bridge.
· Page 3 – Cllr McBride: Councillor McBride noted that the improvements requested were not at the Spar shop but McCullagh’s Vivo supermarket in Plumbridge.
· Page 3 – Cllr McBride: Councillor McBride noted that the requested link was from Fairview housing estate to Plumbridge Village not Cranagh.
On the proposal of Councillor Bresland, seconded by Councillor Bell it was agreed that the meeting go ‘into committee’
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor Bell the meeting went ‘out of Committee.’
Remarks of Appreciation
As it was the final meeting of the Committee, the Chairman thanked Councillors and staff for their work during the year. In particular he thanked the CTSO and his staff and said that he appreciated the work undertaken in preparing the monthly reports. He felt that, given the detail of the reports to the Committee, the new Council should monitor that enough time was given to fully debate these important issues. He extended good luck wishes to Members for the election.
Councillor Barr endorsed the Chairman’s remarks. He said that he wanted to take the opportunity to thank all the staff for the work undertaken on behalf of elected Members, which he said was very appreciated.
Councillor Bell thanked the minute clerks for all the work undertaken at Council and Committee meetings.
The CTSO thanked the Chairman and all Members for their assistance in working together through some controversial issues over the year.
The meeting concluded at 8.55 p.m.
The following does not form part of the Minutes recorded above but is included hereon in the interests of clarity:
At a meeting of Strabane District Council held on the day of 14 June 2005 the Minutes of the above Meeting were adopted as a true record on the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Barr, subject to the following amendment:-
* Delete and Insert ‘Garvetagh’
** Insert ‘relevant to the Republic of Ireland’
