Minutes of the Access Committee Meeting held on Thursday 15th April, 2010

IN ATTENDANCE:

• Councillor Arthur Gibbons, Chairperson
• Councillor Matt Lyons
• Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
• Mr Bob Murphy, PWDI
• Mr Eugene O’Brien, PWDI
• Mr Anthony Skeffington, Senior Executive Engineer
• Ms Sinead Leonard, Clerical Officer
  

1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 

• Minutes of Meeting – 7th January 2010:

 Proposed: Bob Murphy
 Seconded: Anthony Skeffington
 
2. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

Designated Car Parking Spaces:

Councillor Arthur Gibbons invited a member of the Community Garda to this Access Committee Meeting to discuss the abuse of parking spaces by the public in the evenings after 6pm.  Unfortunately he was unable to attend but it is hoped he will attend the next meeting

Ramp at Barton Smiths:

A photo call took place prior to this meeting at the ramp at Barton Smiths.  The main reason for this was to raise public awareness and gain recognition for all the hard work that the Access Committee have achieved since its formation.

Traffic at Rockwood Parade:

At the last meeting, Bob Murphy raised concerns about the lights at some of the pedestrian crossings that there was a delay from when the lights turned red until the beeper went off.  Anthony Skeffington is still to look into this.

Mid Block Route:

With regard to getting the double yellow lines repainted in this area, Anthony Skeffington stated they were not painted yet but may be done later in the year.

Anthony Skeffington stated that preliminary sketches have been done to try and determine the feasibility of providing a footbridge on the mid block route.  At the minute, the ramps would need to be very long to gain the height required and this may deter the public from using it.  As a temporary alternative solution, Anthony is to look at the phasing of the traffic lights in this area.

3.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

At the last meeting, Bob Murphy raised his annoyance that no other Councillors attended the last 2 meetings.  Councillor Gibbons stated that the Councillors input at these meetings is essential. Councillor Lyons apologised for not attending these meetings but stated he will be in attendance at any further ones.

At the last meeting, Councillor Arthur Gibbons raised his concerns that there were no apologies from the other Councillors or members for the meetings.  He stated that if they were not going to attend these meetings or nominate another person to take their place that they should resign from the committee.  Bob supported this.

Anthony Skeffington said that a new pedestrian crossing is now up and running at St John’s and that another one is proposed for the Connaughton Road area for later in the year.  Bob stated that a lights operated pedestrian crossing would be preferred due to the types of residents in the area.

Anthony also stated that there is an ongoing programme of footpath works around the town.

It was suggested that Kevin Colreavy do an article on the different types of pedestrian crossings and how they are supposed to be used to raise public awareness.  Bob suggested that maybe get a 5 minute slot on Ocean FM with this regard as well.

With regard to Fire Safety in the building, Councillor Gibbons raised concerns about people in wheelchairs who are on any of the upper levels of the building, how do they evacuate the building.  Tom Kilfeather is to look into getting an evacuation chair for the stairs like they have over in the County Council building.

4.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Next meeting date is Thursday 15 July 2010

Meeting Date 15/04/2010