G.A.A

That this Council support Legion GAA to extend the boundary of their sports ground, thus enhancing the activity of football for participants and supports. Such clubs are a vital component of recreational amenities that define Killarney.

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that there seems to be a disagreement on how to value the land. He said that he hoped that the Executive would take into consideration that this is a GAA club and also has a amenity aspect. He said that it is vital that the issue would be sorted out as soon as possible and that the council would support the development of this club.

Bookies

That this Council review the granting of planning permission for "Bookies" within the Town. Killarney now has a maximum of such facilities

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that he had no objection to a flutter on the horses but that too many betting shops would give a bad impression of Killarney as a tourist destination. he said he would rather see a street-scape with a mix of different shops to ensure a relaxed atmosphere in town. He said a propper balance in mix of business is needed. Cllr. Tom Doherty asked if te Council could curtail the number of betting shops.

It was agreed that this issue would be incorporated into the new Town Development Plan.

Killarney Website

It was proposed by Councillor Tom Doherty, "That this Council strives to ensure that the new Killarney Website is designed to include the following.
To market and promote Killarney Tourism to millions of people across the globe.
To market Killarney business activities and enterprise opportunities.
To promote the working of the Town Council.
To promote communication and information at local level.

Youth Cafe

It was proposed by Councillor Tom Doherty, "That this Council would support the establishment of a Youth Cafe. A Youth Cafe could provide a strong sense of ownership and a much needed place for teenagers to hang out. Facilities could include a pool table, music room, play station, inter net access, arts and crafts to name but a few. Young people want their own space, a place that's stress free and alcohol-free"

Woodlawn / Muckross Junction

That this Council improve the timing of the traffic lights at the Woodlawn / Muckross Junction and to make any improvements to enhance the free flow of traffic.

Improvements to the traffic lights at the Woodlawn / Muckross road junction are on-going and will be completed shortly. These include the provision of a dedicated phase for right hand turners and revisions to the timing of the lights

Traffic Delays

That this council call on the relevant authorities to bring forward the start date for the Killarney By-pass. Killarney is now experiencing long traffic delays on all routes through Town. It is important for the future development of Killarney and it's environs that this process is started as soon ass possible.

Kerry County Council have advised as follows:
Preliminary design work is advancing on the N22 Farranfore to Killarney scheme and a topographical survey was carried out from Farranfore to Lawlors Cross in 2006. A preliminary ground investigation contract will be carried out in 2007 from Farranfore to lawlors Cross to ascertain ground conditions. Construction on this scheme is unlikely to commence prior to 2010 and is subject to the approval of the NRA.

Ramps, Arbutus Drive

Cllr. Tom Doherty called for ramps to be placed at the entrance to Arbutus Drive as it's one of the more urgent issues for the area.

Scrahan Mews

In response to a query from Cllr. Tom Doherty, the Town engineer confirmed that a section of dangerous footpath at Scrahan Mews would be replaced and that the existing trees would also be replaced by trees which are more suitable. He said that the existing trees are the wrong type of trees for the area. The Town engineer also confirmed that the wall would be replaced.
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Pinewood old enterance

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that this issue has been raised a number of times and elected members have been approached by residents of the Estate. He said that if 99% of the residents believe it is safe to enter or exit there must be merit in it. He said that they would not be agreeable to something which would be a danger to the families. Cllr. Doherty urged that Kerry County Council would look at the issue again.

Roundabout at Deerpark & associated works

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that he was concerned with traffic management all over town, for motorists, for pedestrians and for cyclists. He said that the tree at this proposed roundabout creates a hazard. He felt the roundabout design is not big enough to allow free flow of traffic. He welcomed that the Council intent linking the retail park road north of tesco to the road leading to McDonalds and the proposal to provide a northern link from this road the Killarney bypass. Cllr. Doherty asked if it is proposed to put traffic lights at the junction with Park road. In response the Town engineer said that a slip lane up to tesco would be provided. He said that the roundabout at Deerpark/ Park road is working well at present. Cllr. Tom Doherty said that with development taking place on the Torc site it is very important that traffic would be kept moving ass freely as possible. He said that he supports that the tree has to be removed.

Countess Road

That this Council put in traffic controls at the Countess Rd/ Muckross Rd junction to mirror that of the Ross Rd traffic lights.

The engineer said that the Ross road traffic lights are in the process of being commissioned by Kerry County Council. When the commissioning is complete, we will monitor the traffic flow at this junction and its effect on the Countess rd/ Muckross rd junction. If the Countess road/ Muckross rd junction warrants traffic lights, following this monitoring period, then we will revert back to the Council with a proposal for the Countess road/ Muckross road junction.

Ross Road

That the Council fix the ponding of water on the Ross road and also to alleviate ant overgrowth protruding on to the roadway

The Town engineer reported that an additional road gully will be provided along the left hand side of Ross road, on the Ross Castle side of Scrhan to alleviate the ponding that occurs there. He said that the overgrowth along the Ross Rd has been removed.

Student Grants

That this Council supports the allocation of extra funding / grants for our third level students. Also that we contact the relevant Department on the issue.

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that there was a disparity between the cost of living and the grants to third level students. It is an important cog in the link of ensuring continued social and economic progress.

Missionary Rd / Port rd Junction.

That this Council up-grade the traffic design at Missionary / Port Rd junction. A roundabout here would be more suitable in the interest of safety.

Cllr. Tom Doherty said a bus or articulated truck at this junction hols up traffic. He said that in this vicinity there is a church, funeral home, school, national park and a playground. Cllr. Tom Doherty said t hat it is vitally important that a traffic flow system be placed in this area to ensure smooth flow of traffic. He said at the moment there is a serious accident waiting to happen as at times cars are parked two or three abreast. He said that the present traffic system is not working and it is vital that something be done as soon as possible.

Killarney Town Council intend to upgrade this junction in the coming year. The provision of a roundabout will also be considered at this location. Detailed plans will be brought back before the members before the end of 2007.

Town Bus Service

Cllr. Tom Doherty sought a update on the provision of a town bus service in view of the fact that there is still only one wheelchair accessible taxi in Killarney. In response the town clerk said that it had not been possible to address this project due to change in personnel but it would be activated

Water Quality

That this Council give a report on the quality of the water supply for our town. Also to give a detailed analysis of safe guards that are in place to protect our water supply.

Cllr Tom Doherty sail that it is important that we feel confident about the quality of our water supply and said he was glad to hear it is being tested on a daily basis. He said we should urge Kerry County Council to proceed with the tendering process for the provision of a new treatment plant.

Ballyspillane Estate

That this Council create a plan of action for the upgrade and enhancement of Ballyspillane estate.

Cllr. Tom Doherty referred to the size and age of the Estate and the hard working community within it. He said that funding has just been allocated to the community centre in the area and it would be apt that the council supports the project by enhancing the rest of the estate. He said the people in this estate feel let down by the council in relation to their green areas. he asked that the estate be designed in a modern manner and not look like a concrete or steel jungle. He referred to the illegal parking of caravans within the estate. Cllr Tom Doherty said that the bus stop, which has been ruined with graffiti, should be removed or cleaned up. He said that flowers and shrubs should be provided. Cllr Tom Doherty said that the council should do all in their power to enhance the estate.

Knockreer Playground

Cllr. Tom Doherty requested an update in relation to the provision of toilets at the playground at Knockreer. The Town Clerk advised that discussions are ongoing with the OPW

Safety - junctions / roundabouts

Cllr. Tom Doherty requested a report in relation to motion, "that this council give a up date of the safety and traffic flow of the roundabouts within the killarney urban boundary."

The Town clerk reported the KTC are currently examining all the junctions in the town from a traffic capacity and pedestrian point of view. He said that the executive would revert to members at the next meeting outlining general proposals to improve the traffic flow and safety of these junctions: Ross Rd ans Countess Road junctions with Muckross rd; Kenmare Place; Friary junction; Deerpark Road/ Park Road; Park road roundabout; Lewis Rd/ College Street.

Lissivigeen rounabout

It was resolved on the proposal of Cllr. Tom Doherty, "That this Council call on the National Roads Authority to re investigate its time frame for a roundabout at the Cork/ KIllarney/ Mallow intersection at lissivigeen. In 2001 the number of cars traveling this road on a daily basis was 14,000. This figure has increased twofold. With long tail backs from the Mallow road and the close proximity of a national school the NRA fails to support its own mission statement which is "to contribute to sustainable transport by developing and maintaining a safe and efficient network on national roads, in partnership with local authoeities and the private sector.

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that this is a important gateway into the town. He said the dangers in this area have been highlighted previously. He said that it was important that we write to the NRA advising in relation to the close proximity to the school, accidents which occur at this junction and the long tailbacks of traffic which are taking placed. Cllr. Tom Doherty said that the NRA is failing to support its own safety statements.

Town Centre

Cllr. Tom Doherty called on the Council to come up with something to maintain the vibrancy of the town and protect the Town centre. He asked that this be placed on the agenda for a future meeting of the Council. ie how do we protect our Town centre. Cllr. Tom Doherty said that it is important that we support and enhance the small business within the town.

Reen Cottage

Cllr. Tom Doherty referred to Reen cottage in the Ross Road and said that the cottage was a disgraceful state. He asked if this was a listed building and what action was been taken by the Council.

Disability parking spaces

It was agreed on the proposal from Cllr. Tom Doherty to paint all disabled parking spaces blue to highlight the lawful users of these spaces

Fire safety & Emergency access

It was proposed By Cllr. Tom Doherty "that this Council gives a up-date on the fire safety and emergency access to the laneways, and any other affected areas in Killarney. With most lanes now close to capacity levels consisting of apartments and commercial business, it is important that services and equipment are available to tackle any emergencies. Also if the report concludes that specialist equipment is needed, that this Council purchase or hire such equipment in the shortest time frame possible.

Bottle banks.

It was proposed by Cllr. Tom Doherty "that this Council review the usage of our bottle banks and put in place extra units to cater for demand. Recycling is an important ethos of this Council.

Direction signs

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that additional directional signage was required on the approach from Park road to the Friary roundabout as visitors were entering the roundabout the wrong way.

Yellow box junction

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that the size of the yellow box junction needs to be increased at the Friary. The Town engineer confirmed that the road liners were being awaited.

Dromhall Park

It was proposed by Cllr. Tom Dohery "that this Council repair the footpaths and lighting in Dromhall Park."

traffic flow / safety

It was proposed by Cllr. Tom Doherty "that this Council improve the Traffic flow / safety in the Muckross / Countess Road and the East Avenue areas".

The town Clerk reported that the the Killarney Town Council is in the process of finalising a traffic model for Muckross road, Countess road and the Haha junctions with a view to providing traffic lights at these locations. He said that this model will be finalised BY March 2007. He said that the Council will be reverted to with proposals to improve these junctions at that time.

Killarney Court House

Cllr. Tom Doherty said that he supported the executive talking to the Court services and Birds. He said that he would Like to see the site improved at the present location and that the refurbished Courthouse should be capable of facilitating two court sitings. He said that he hoped that Birds would be able to come on board in the shorts time possible.

Housing

Cllr. Tom Doherty asked when a house was last allocated to a single person as he said there are single people who are on the list for a very longtime and that this is a very frustrating situation. He said that he would like that the Council would consider building apartments to meet this need. The Town Clerk confirmed that single applicants were accommodated in the apartments at Fitzgerald's apartments and that that further apartments would be considered in the future.

Disability

Cllr. Tom Doherty sought clarification in relation to the provisions being made for persons with disabilities in any new Council housing developments and in particular in relation to parking and the design of the houses. the Town Clerk advises that a certain number of houses are designed for people with disabilities. he said that the building regulations also make provision to meet the needs of people with a disability. the Town Clerk advised that disabled persons parking is not a big issue in housing developments due to the absence of kerbing but that he would revert with further details in relation to the provision which is being made for persons with disabilities in the new housing development in Dereen.

PREVIOUS MOTIONS

That this Council........

• Give an update on the traffic calming measures for Bridgefield.
• Improve the roundabouts and traffic controls from Ballyspillane into Town.

The Town Engineer said that traffic delays could be reduced by the provision of a splitter lane at the junction of Upper park Rd and Daly's roundabout. He said that the design proposals will be brought before the Council in the next few months. This was agreed.

• Erect the symbols of Killarney on the roundabouts at the main entrances into town, i.e. te deer, the lakes and the quills of learning.
• Up-grade the footpaths at park Rd Estate.
• Up-date on any works relating to a footpath on the Tralee Rd to Madams Hill.

It was confirmed that €45,000 as been alocated

• Adopt a smokeless fuel policy.
• Provide for the up-keep of the walkway/jaunting path on the Muckross Rd and the alleviation of ponding.
• Instigate or provide public access defibrillators in Killarney town to elp combat the emergency of a "sudden cardiac arrest.
• Call on the relevant autority to move the 50km speed limit to the edge of the town boundary on the tralee road.
• Put traffic calming measures in place in the kelly's Villas area.
• Up-grade the gully on St. Margarets road.
• Request the SHB to put ligthing in place in the car park of the district hospital.
• Improve the drainage in Countess road.
• Up-date on the green areas of Woodlawn avenue and Deireadh Coille.
• Review and put in place an action plan to upgrade outdoor play facilities in our Estates, e.g. basketball courts.
• Construct traffic calming measures in Bridgefield.
• Give a 100% water waiver to the secondary schools of Killarney.

A 50% reduction to the schools was granted.