BALLINGARRY COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING,
Monday 20th February 2006, Community Hall , Ballingarry

Present: Tony Claydon, Pat Walton, Kathleen Kelly, Bill Martin, Alice Goldsboro, Kathleen Brennan, Annie Heaphy., Dick Goldsboro, Tom Power

Apologies: Sr Patricia, Donal Dunne, Annie Heaphy
Tomas Fitzgerald has retired from Community Council as he has recently changed jobs. Thanks for his help in the past and good wishes in the future.
:
( Next Meeting: Monday 3rd April 8.00 p.m. Community Hall)

1. Last minutes.
These were read out. ( from 7th November 2005 , last meeting was AGM )
Proposed Pat , Seconded Kathleen.
Need to follow up item 7. Bill will ask Jonathan Cooney to check the map with a view to identify the exact location & the owner. Community Council will then ask the Co Co to fix the problem.
2. Adoption of accounts as per AGM
Proposed Dick seconded Pat
Tony proposed insurance costs be reviewed in 2006. Only insure for tidy towns when we actually take this on.
3. Adoption of Secretary's Report as per AGM
Proposed Alice , Seconded: Kathleen.
4 Election of Officers
Chairman: It was proposed that we ask Bill to stand again for 2006. Proposed by Dick and seconded by Kathleen . Bill is elected.
Vice Chairman: Dick Goldsboro : proposed by Tony, Seconded by Pat.
Secretary/PRO: Tony will carry on in the short term. Will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Asst Secretary: Kathleen Brenan
Communications Secretary:
Treasurer: Dick proposed stay the same . Seconded Pat.
Asst Treasurer: Alice.
5. New Members
Tom Power proposed Dick , Seconded Alice.
6. Set up Sub Groups for 2006:
6.1 Footpaths. Bill & Tony . St Mary's Road ; this project will include safety modifications to the road on the left hand side ( in direction Callan ) , Village to GAA ground/ Community Hall and on to Lower Ballingarry. Sports field / Commons. The first part of the village - Community Hall path will be complete this year. ( will be completed in 3 phases 2006, 2007 and 2008 ).
Jonathan Cooney visited 14th Feb with Bill and Susan to discuss the road exit at the end of St Mary's Road . This needs to be widened/ graded for safety reasons. Bill will talk to John Fennelly.
Possible project for Village Renewal grant money St Mary's Road , Alter frontage of Assumption Tce houses. Theme: Safety improvement & Environment enhancement.
6.2 Corner: Eileen will join this group to coordinate the design/ art competition . Dr Tom McGrath will also advise on commemorative memorial ( 1848, miners , people of the parish , war house …collage ) . Jonathan Cooney has accepted that the corner needs to be fixed for safety reasons. He has agreed to draw up a map to alter the corner. When this corner work finally goes ahead we can campaign for a mini roundabout at the junction to help control the speeding problems on the Killenaule - Callan road.
6.3 Community Alert :Alice . All recent alarms have been fitted. Dick will check on the location of Community Alert signs …..after recent break-ins it is important to keep emphasizing to need the watch out for each other.
6.4 Graveyard expansion: Donal. Bill reported on his behalf. Holes have been dug and percolation is certified except for one small area. Planning application will go in. This is progressing well. Committee will meet when wall costings etc are available. ( Dick, Donal Eileen , Dan Finnegan , Fr Breen ) .Check with Dennis Doheny also for wall costings.
6.5 Sheltered Housing: Bill & Tony. A long term project.
6.7 Sight Distance improvements .ongoing
6.8 Hydro power from the river ( as per Bill's item on AGM ) . Tom Power will follow this up. Potential ?
7. Correspondence
Muintir na Tire Church gate collection dates11th & 12th March. Helpers : Bill will organize by phone.

AGM South Tipperary Community & Voluntary Forum: Wed 22nd Feb , 8.00 p.m. , Cahir House Hotel , Cahir. Sr Patricia will attend. Play Policy consultation : Pat has this on behalf of GAA.
8. Coalbrook / Lisnamrock - Copper Road
Bill updated the meeting. The road has been left in a complete mess after the installation of a new water pipe it has also been made narrower in places, it does not drain well ,
Unnecessary embankments have been constructed and it is dangerous (in places) for both drivers and pedestrians. Tony sent an e-mail (with photographs), outlining the problems as listed by Dick Goldsboro (and other residents), to Jonathan Cooney 31st Jan.

The residents accept that such a project would have caused some disruption but it is the work since the pipe installation that has caused all the difficulties.

On afternoon of 2nd Feb Jonathan , Eoin Powell ( water & sanitation engineer ) , County Councillors Michael O'Brien ( also has visited on 3 other occasions ) and Susan Meagher, Joe Pollard , Dick Goldsboro and Tony Claydon met at the site. Bill has also met with Jonathan on 14th Feb.

A list of work was agreed. To date some has been completed BUT other areas have been made worse. Jonathan had agreed to revisit after 6 weeks ( i.e. mid March ) but Dick and all the residents are anxious that extra work is avoided by getting it right first time. They want the road back as before the project and want to be consulted.
Dick has received letters of support from County Councillor John Fahey ( who visited the site on 4th Feb ) and Michael Smith TD.
The position as of this afternoon ( Monday 20th Feb ) is that work is still very much incomplete. The road ( both sides ) is a mess in places and the banks are still too high, recent rain has shown the drainage to be poor as predicted , and the serious safety concerns have not been addressed. Dick and the residents want these banks / and all spoil removed.
We need communication with the contractors and the residents. Dick is prepared to take the contractors through each item but he needs the OK from the County Council.
Action : In the short term Bill will talk to Anthony Phelan , the County Co . local road ganger.
Action:Tony will send a copy of these minutes to Jonathan Cooney and others , in addition to Community Council members , who have expressed their concern with the problem.

9. Ballingarry Notes for newspapers
Kathleen Kelly raised the issue that often these notes do not appear.
This has been an issue previously. Need to talk to Jimmy Meagher and Susan Meagher who send in to the Tipp. Star and Nationalist respectively. Action : Bill.

NEXT MEETING : Monday 3rd April 8.00 p.m. Community hall

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BALLINGARRY COMMUNITY COUNCIL AGM MEETING,
Monday 30th January 2006 Community Hall, Ballingarry

Present: Tony Claydon, Annie Heaphy. , Kathleen Brennan , Dick Goldsboro ,Bill Martin, Kathleen Kelly, Sr Patricia, Annie Heaphy, Pat Walton. Donal Dunne, Eileen Fennelly

Apologies: Tomas Fitzgerald,
Guests: County Councillor Susan Meagher .Eileen Horgan, County Development, Brigid Webster, Michael Bowler, Family Resource., Tom Power

Next Meeting: Monday , 20th Feb, Community Hall, 8.00 p.m.,

1. Welcome from the Chairman
Bill welcomed all members and guests
“I wish to welcome all the members of the Community Council - parishioners and guests to the AGM of Ballingarry Community Council, I have apologies from Michael O' Brien MCC, John Fahy MCC.

As chairman I wish to express our sympathies to the many families in the Parish who were bereaved during the past year - some in very tragic and sad circumstances.

I wish to amend item 6 on the agenda to read 'Co-opt at least six new members'

2. Secretary Report for 2005
3. Treasurers Report
4. Chairmans Address
5. Adoption of Constitution ( as per meeting Monday 16th May 2005 )
6. Co Option of at least 6 new people to the Council
7. Plans for 2006. Sub Groups etc
8. Speaker Eileen Horgan - from The County Development Board.

Next item…. “
2. Secretary Report for 2005
Aims: ' To foster a sense of responsibility to the needs and problems of the local community and to devise programmes of action and development , especially those based on co-operation'.

By any measure 2005 was a year of good progress for the Community Council.

The Community Council continues to meet on an approximately monthly basis and the minutes are published for all to read on our local website www.ballingarry.net. We want to be 100% transparent and ensure full involvement.

We appreciate the support of our County Councillors, particularly John Fahy , who has responded positively ( in writing ) to all communications.

As we have said on many occasions ,the important thing is to keep the momentum going! Success is a direct result of our campaigns via the sub groups and/or full meetings.

o Maireads/Sullivan Cross. You will all now know that this is now a stepped junction which will mean an end to drivers going straight across on the Mullinahone / Urlingford route. The project has been completed exactly as we had requested some 4 years ago.

o Commons Sewage system. Finally , after a wait of nearly 30 years this project has been completed! The residents of The Rocky will now be making their own arrangements to connect up to the main line.
o Footpaths. This remains an ongoing campaign and we did make an entry , unfortunately unsuccessful , to the South Tipperary Urban and Village Renewal Programme. It is essential that Ballingarry has a footpath from the village to O'Sullivan Park, to the Community Hall and on to the old group. We would like to see the existing ( built in 2003 ) extended in front of the houses on St Marys Road. This has been taken up by John Fahey at County Council level and clearly this project area is one on which the Community Council needs to keep in focus during 2006.
o Speeding. An ongoing major issue. Our ideas / proposals have been submitted as part of the County Council consultation process. These include extending 50kph limits, construction of speed ramps , and a mini roundabout in Ballingarry village. As with the footpath requirements this will need ongoing / continuous consultation and involvement of the County Councillors and the Roads Engineering Dept of the County Council.

o The Ballingarry Corner. We continue to await direction from the County Council on this project. They did respond to our safety concern by removing the unstable part of the wall. The planned change for this corner will enhance the appearance and improve safety. We are expecting complete removal of the old wall, the road to be widened as a safety feature, and the remaining area to be designed as a memorial Corner, commemorating the mining community, the people of the parish and the Historic Famine Warhouse.. It will also be an ideal site for tourist signage for the greater Slieveardagh area ( e.g. The scenic route / heritage etc. )
o Community Alert. The hard work from the sub group has reinvigorated this project. Lists have been updated. Thanks to the whole group, particulary Alice Goldsboro and Sr Patricia for their efforts in securing funding for 19 extra monitors , all installed since early December. We need to recruit more parishioners as eyes and ears for the vulnerable.

o Sight distance improvement work. Several difficult corners have been identified and work continues. We will be adding to this list as more information is collated.

o Sheltered housing. This remains seen as a long-term project but one that recognizes the need to provide a group of houses for senior citizens from the parish. This project, which would build on best practice from projects elsewhere in the country, would be centrally located, and would address the needs of isolation seen in rural areas.
o Graveyard Expansion. Progress depends on a percolation test. The sub group thinks that we need to ensure that the site is backfilled before any test ; this will ensure that the test will be OK …..See Donals Report later

3. Treasurers Report
Report circulated. Balance € 490.95
BALLINGARRY COMMUNITY COUNCIL AGM MEETING,
Monday 30th January 2006 Community Hall, Ballingarry
Present: Tony Claydon, Annie Heaphy. , Kathleen Brennan , Dick Goldsboro ,Bill Martin, Kathleen Kelly, Sr Patricia, Annie Heaphy, Pat Walton. Donal Dunne, Eileen Fennelly
Apologies: Tomas Fitzgerald,
Guests: County Councillor Susan Meagher .Eileen Horgan, County Development, Brigid Webster, Michael Bowler, Family Resource., Tom Power

Next Meeting: Monday , 20th Feb, Community Hall, 8.00 p.m.,

1. Welcome from the Chairman
Bill welcomed all members and guests
“I wish to welcome all the members of the Community Council - parishioners and guests to the AGM of Ballingarry Community Council, I have apologies from Michael O' Brien MCC, John Fahy MCC.

As chairman I wish to express our sympathies to the many families in the Parish who were bereaved during the past year - some in very tragic and sad circumstances.

I wish to amend item 6 on the agenda to read 'Co-opt at least six new members'

2. Secretary Report for 2005
3. Treasurers Report
4. Chairmans Address
5. Adoption of Constitution ( as per meeting Monday 16th May 2005 )
6. Co Option of at least 6 new people to the Council
7. Plans for 2006. Sub Groups etc
8. Speaker Eileen Horgan - from The County Development Board.

Next item…. “
2. Secretary Report for 2005
Aims: ' To foster a sense of responsibility to the needs and problems of the local community and to devise programmes of action and development , especially those based on co-operation'.

By any measure 2005 was a year of good progress for the Community Council.

The Community Council continues to meet on an approximately monthly basis and the minutes are published for all to read on our local website www.ballingarry.net. We want to be 100% transparent and ensure full involvement.

We appreciate the support of our County Councillors, particularly John Fahy , who has responded positively ( in writing ) to all communications.

As we have said on many occasions ,the important thing is to keep the momentum going! Success is a direct result of our campaigns via the sub groups and/or full meetings.

o Maireads/Sullivan Cross. You will all now know that this is now a stepped junction which will mean an end to drivers going straight across on the Mullinahone / Urlingford route. The project has been completed exactly as we had requested some 4 years ago.

o Commons Sewage system. Finally , after a wait of nearly 30 years this project has been completed! The residents of The Rocky will now be making their own arrangements to connect up to the main line.
o Footpaths. This remains an ongoing campaign and we did make an entry , unfortunately unsuccessful , to the South Tipperary Urban and Village Renewal Programme. It is essential that Ballingarry has a footpath from the village to O'Sullivan Park, to the Community Hall and on to the old group. We would like to see the existing ( built in 2003 ) extended in front of the houses on St Marys Road. This has been taken up by John Fahey at County Council level and clearly this project area is one on which the Community Council needs to keep in focus during 2006.
o Speeding. An ongoing major issue. Our ideas / proposals have been submitted as part of the County Council consultation process. These include extending 50kph limits, construction of speed ramps , and a mini roundabout in Ballingarry village. As with the footpath requirements this will need ongoing / continuous consultation and involvement of the County Councillors and the Roads Engineering Dept of the County Council.

o The Ballingarry Corner. We continue to await direction from the County Council on this project. They did respond to our safety concern by removing the unstable part of the wall. The planned change for this corner will enhance the appearance and improve safety. We are expecting complete removal of the old wall, the road to be widened as a safety feature, and the remaining area to be designed as a memorial Corner, commemorating the mining community, the people of the parish and the Historic Famine Warhouse.. It will also be an ideal site for tourist signage for the greater Slieveardagh area ( e.g. The scenic route / heritage etc. )
o Community Alert. The hard work from the sub group has reinvigorated this project. Lists have been updated. Thanks to the whole group, particulary Alice Goldsboro and Sr Patricia for their efforts in securing funding for 19 extra monitors , all installed since early December. We need to recruit more parishioners as eyes and ears for the vulnerable.

o Sight distance improvement work. Several difficult corners have been identified and work continues. We will be adding to this list as more information is collated.

o Sheltered housing. This remains seen as a long-term project but one that recognizes the need to provide a group of houses for senior citizens from the parish. This project, which would build on best practice from projects elsewhere in the country, would be centrally located, and would address the needs of isolation seen in rural areas.
o Graveyard Expansion. Progress depends on a percolation test. The sub group thinks that we need to ensure that the site is backfilled before any test ; this will ensure that the test will be OK …..See Donals Report later

3. Treasurers Report
Report circulated. Balance Euro 89.95
4. Chairmans Address- Bill
“ As reported by our efficient Hon Sec Tony in the Sec Report we have seen important activity in the past year.
There will be some overlap between my points and those reported by Tony.

Some of the major wants on our wish list for 4 years have been completed by the Co. Council, namely The Commons sewage extension, Harley Park road resurfacing and Sullivan's Cross re-alignment for safety purposes.

We have recognized the need to be in partnership with our local Councillors and we thank them for attending and supporting our activities during the year.

o It is also important to recognize that not all things will be completed overnight but with persistence and communication we will eventually succeed in achieving our objectives.
o Our Famous Corner. The planned change for this corner will enhance the appearance and improve safety. It is important that some movement is made in the coming year or our village will look like a derelict hamlet.

o Footpaths. We would like to see the Callan Road exit upgraded as a safety feature with a footpath in front of the houses on St Marys Road. Assist Sec. Kathleen has acquainted the residents of St Marys some nine months ago and all were agreeable to give up some of their front Gardens to allow space for this path.

o The next major job is to build a footpath from the village to O'Sullivan Park, to the Community Hall and on to the old group.

o Speeding. As with many areas of the country we are plagued with cars traveling at high speeds through 50kph zones. We took the initiative to highlight the problem to the Chief Superintendent which resulted in Garda speed checking; this was only a short term measure We have identified several possible traffic calming measures ( e.g. a mini roundabout on the Cashel / Callan road which would be part of the corner development, speed humps/ rumble strips on either side of the all the schools. ) This is an issue with is supported by all our Councillors .

o I would ask the councillors to convey our thanks to Jonathan Cooney for keeping his pledges to the Ballingarry Community.

o Community Alert - I am happy to report that 19 Monitored Alarms were installed before Christmas 2005, my thanks to Alice and Sr Patrica for their work in this area.

Graveyard ( sub committee ) information …..a parcel of land is being offered to extend to the east of the High graves. Donal may be in a position to report progress on this
project “-
Donal reported that the percolation test MUST be complete before backfill ( not the other way round ). Dan Finnegan is involved. Holes should be dug during February.

5. Adoption of Constitution
Proposed Pat, Seconded Annie. This was just the formal adoption at the AGM as put forward by Pat in May 2005 meeting. Bill signed the constitution copy.
6 Election of Officers/ co-option
The election item will be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Community Council

7. Added projects for 2005
Bill : “Examination of our economic resources for instance: ,

The potential of the Kings river for a number of small hydro-electric Systems - Feasibility Study by local farmers with land beside the river.

Following on from the ICT training locally - is it possible to identify Companies outsourcing suitable jobs in IT? - by doing nothing we will never know!!!

Can anything be done to have the former Convent inhabited before it falls - Heritage council maybe!!

With the help of Parish Journal committee compile a written and pictorial history of the Parish

Contribute to two projects being considered by Slieveardagh Rural development

A) Developing Historical and Heritage tours - for schools, research etc.

b) Development of an electronic Genealogical Data base for all the Parishes of Slieveardagh - source of information County Registrar since 1840. “

8. Speaker : Eileen Horgan, County Development
Eileen said that John Quinn is on holiday. County development set up 7 years ago. Eileen described the aims/objectives. Emphasis on partnerships ( e.g. Community Groups ).
Ballingarry seen as a good example. Praise for the web site and 100% transparency with our minutes posted on the site.

Positive relationships with County Councillors and , for example , the County Roads Engineer.

Importance of being persistent to get things done !
On behalf of John Quinn …..congratulations and well done !
8. Susan Meagher
Footpath ( village to Lower Ballingarry )
Susan said cost is 68k , will be complete over 3 years. One idea is that there is some contribution form the Parish which would then be paid back by the council ; this would allow for completion in one go ( rather than 3 phases )
Playground - GAA
Support from all Community Groups needed. A public meeting suggested. Grant application needs to be in before end of February. GAA club caretaker will be in charge.

9.Date for next meeting
Monday 20th February , 8.00 p.m. Community Hall.
Chairmans Address- Bill
“ As reported by our efficient Hon Sec Tony in the Sec Report we have seen important activity in the past year.
There will be some overlap between my points and those reported by Tony.

Some of the major wants on our wish list for 4 years have been completed by the Co. Council, namely The Commons sewage extension, Harley Park road resurfacing and Sullivan's Cross re-alignment for safety purposes.

We have recognized the need to be in partnership with our local Councillors and we thank them for attending and supporting our activities during the year.

o It is also important to recognize that not all things will be completed overnight but with persistence and communication we will eventually succeed in achieving our objectives.
o Our Famous Corner. The planned change for this corner will enhance the appearance and improve safety. It is important that some movement is made in the coming year or our village will look like a derelict hamlet.

o Footpaths. We would like to see the Callan Road exit upgraded as a safety feature with a footpath in front of the houses on St Marys Road. Assist Sec. Kathleen has acquainted the residents of St Marys some nine months ago and all were agreeable to give up some of their front Gardens to allow space for this path.

o The next major job is to build a footpath from the village to O'Sullivan Park, to the Community Hall and on to the old group.

o Speeding. As with many areas of the country we are plagued with cars traveling at high speeds through 50kph zones. We took the initiative to highlight the problem to the Chief Superintendent which resulted in Garda speed checking; this was only a short term measure We have identified several possible traffic calming measures ( e.g. a mini roundabout on the Cashel / Callan road which would be part of the corner development, speed humps/ rumble strips on either side of the all the schools. ) This is an issue with is supported by all our Councillors .

o I would ask the councillors to convey our thanks to Jonathan Cooney for keeping his pledges to the Ballingarry Community.

o Community Alert - I am happy to report that 19 Monitored Alarms were installed before Christmas 2005, my thanks to Alice and Sr Patrica for their work in this area.

Graveyard ( sub committee ) information …..a parcel of land is being offered to extend to the east of the High graves. Donal may be in a position to report progress on this
project “-
Donal reported that the percolation test MUST be complete before backfill ( not the other way round ). Dan Finnegan is involved. Holes should be dug during February.

5. Adoption of Constitution
Proposed Pat, Seconded Annie. This was just the formal adoption at the AGM as put forward by Pat in May 2005 meeting. Bill signed the constitution copy.
6 Election of Officers/ co-option
The election item will be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Community Council

7. Added projects for 2005
Bill : “Examination of our economic resources for instance: ,

The potential of the Kings river for a number of small hydro-electric Systems - Feasibility Study by local farmers with land beside the river.

Following on from the ICT training locally - is it possible to identify Companies outsourcing suitable jobs in IT? - by doing nothing we will never know!!!

Can anything be done to have the former Convent inhabited before it falls - Heritage council maybe!!

With the help of Parish Journal committee compile a written and pictorial history of the Parish

Contribute to two projects being considered by Slieveardagh Rural development

A) Developing Historical and Heritage tours - for schools, research etc.

b) Development of an electronic Genealogical Data base for all the Parishes of Slieveardagh - source of information County Registrar since 1840. “

8. Speaker : Eileen Horgan, County Development
Eileen said that John Quinn is on holiday. County development set up 7 years ago. Eileen described the aims/objectives. Emphasis on partnerships ( e.g. Community Groups ).
Ballingarry seen as a good example. Praise for the web site and 100% transparency with our minutes posted on the site.

Positive relationships with County Councillors and , for example , the County Roads Engineer.

Importance of being persistent to get things done !
On behalf of John Quinn …..congratulations and well done !
8. Susan Meagher
Footpath ( village to Lower Ballingarry )
Susan said cost is 68k , will be complete over 3 years. One idea is that there is some contribution form the Parish which would then be paid back by the council ; this would allow for completion in one go ( rather than 3 phases )
Playground - GAA
Support from all Community Groups needed. A public meeting suggested. Grant application needs to be in before end of February. GAA club caretaker will be in charge.

9.Date for next meeting
Monday 20th February , 8.00 p.m. Community Hall.