Report Public Participation Network - Westmeath
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Report
to
Westmeath
Public Participation Network
on
The WPPN 2019 Submission
to Athlone/Moate Municipal District (AMMD)
on Matters Relating to
Athlone/Moate Municipal Electoral Area
for the 2020 Budgets
Affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation Network
1
This is final report regarding local issues, identified by the member groups of
Athlone/ Moate Municipal District PPN (AMMD/PPN) on 30th Sept. 2019,
for submission to the Athlone/Moate Municipal District of Westmeath County
Council for considered in the budget allocation for 2020.
The Athlone/Moate Municipal PPN made their recommendations for this submission having considered the paper
entitled, "Interaction between the Area Committees of the Council and the Community and Voluntary Forum". This
paper received approval from the Corporate Policy Group and members of Westmeath County Council on 29th July
2002 and the policy document “Westmeath Public Participation Network (PPN) Interaction with Municipal
Districts” adopted by Westmeath County Council July 2016.
This report reflects on the issues, divided into 7 Themes as agreed by consensus by the Athlone/Moate Municipal
PPN forum. Some of the issues highlighted had little or no financial implications and were more concerned with
process, while other issues had financial implications. The Athlone/Moate Municipal District PPN Forum was
aware that Westmeath County Council were under budgetary and resource constraints, however urged
Athlone/Moate Municipal District and Council officials to support their submission as much as was possible.
Forty-two submissions were received by the AMD/PPN on behalf of its member groups. Of these 42 submissions
5 were not related to Athlone/Moate Municipal District and therefore have been forwarded by PPN to relative
agency. The remaining 37 submissions were categorised into 7 main Themes as follows:
1. Environment
2. Facilities
3. Footpaths
4. Access
5. Road Safety
6. Public Lighting
7. Housing
Athlone/Moate Municipal District PPN selected a deputation to meet with the Athlone/Moate Municipal District
and to present the submissions document on behalf of PPN members. The deputation was as follows:
Elected AMMD PPN Delegates
Hugh Farrell Louise Slammon Marie Reddin
Irena Cvetkovic Jonathan Donoghue Michael Mulvey
Linda Jo Quinn
Facilitators of PPN
Brigid Geoghegan, Westmeath PPN Resource Worker, Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council
Margaret Egan, Westmeath PPN Support Worker, Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council
2
1. Breakdown of WPPN/AMMD Submissions
In total forty-two submissions were received by the AMD/PPN on behalf of its member groups. Of these
43 submissions 5 were not related to Athlone/Moate Municipal District and therefore have been
forwarded by PPN to relative agency. (Illustrated below in Figure 1 & outlined in Appendix 1 & 2)
WPPN Groups which submitted submissions to AMMD 2019
for 2020 Budget
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Figure 1: 12 AMMD/PPN groups made 43 Submissions to Athlone/Moate Municipal District September 2019 for 2020 Budget
2. Number of AMD/PPN Submissions under each Theme
The following is a breakdown number of submissions under each theme
1. Environment 5
2. Facilities 5
3. Footpaths 5
4. Access 11
5. Road Safety 8
6. Public Lighting 3
7. Housing 1
8. Other 5
Figure 2 WPPN Submissions to Athlone/Moate Municipal District September 2019 for 2020 Budget
33. Meetings
AMMD/PPN delegates attended Athlone Municipal District meetings on behalf of WPPN groups. The
AMMD/PPN delegates presented the initial submissions document to the Athlone Municipal District
members; outlining the submissions, giving and seeking clarification. They further attended meetings in
which Athlone/Moate Municipal District gave responses to the submissions. The responses to each
individual submission are outlined in Appendix 2
It should be noted that at each meeting the AMMD/PPN delegates represented the community groups
very professionally, with great confidence and passion. Great credit is due to AMMD/PPN delegates for
their diligence and commitment, without them this process could not have taken place.
It should be equally noted that the AMMD/PPN delegates were treated with great courtesy and respect
by the Municipal District members; they were listened to and treated with equity. AMMD/PPN offers
its gratitude to the Athlone Municipal District members and look forward to building upon foundations
begun with this second set of submissions.
4. Results
12 AMMD/PPN Groups made 48 Submissions; of these 48 submissions; 5 were not issues pertaining to
Westmeath County Council. 20 were acted upon by Athlone/Moate Municipal District and 13 delayed
due to insufficient funds in budget to complete in 2020; however, may happen when funds are available.
10 were referred to another relevant agency or organisation (shown in Figure 2 below)
Total 43 Relevant Submissions
• 20 Acted upon/ Completed
• 13 Delayed due to
Budgetary Constraints in
2020
• 10 Referrals
Figure 2 WPPN/AMMD Submissions September 2019 for 2020 Budget to Athlone/Moate Municipal District
4Appendix 1
Number of
Name of Group Submissions:
1 Athlone Access Awareness 7
2 Battery Heights Residents Association 3
3 Clonbrusk West Res Assoc 5
4 Disability Working Group 3
5 Drumraney heritage Society 3
6 Independent People with Disabilities 4
7 Moate Museum & Historical Society 2
8 Mount Carmel Drive Residents Association 6
9 Rosemount Development 3
10 Rosemount Tidy Village 3
11 Valleycourt Residents Association 1
12 Wednesday/Thursday Club Rosemount 3
43
Appendix 2
Environment
GROUP ISSUE SUGGEST SOLUTION Response
E.1 Clonbrusk West Res Temporary' hoarding around the Ensure current Proposals for the completion
Association Athlone adjoining Glenatore Estate. developer complete of the development of this
the final boundary plot are currently going
wall and landscape as through the planning process.
per planning
permission conditions.
E.2 Mount Carmel Drive Dog fouling an ongoing issue More dog wardens & This issue will be referred to
Residents Association warden visits the Dog Warden and the
Moate Community Warden.
E.3 Mount Carmel Drive Trees an issue behind houses 33- Cut trees between 33- The trees are on property
Residents Association 38. These trees are noted as 38 Mt Carmel drive. that is not in the ownership of
Moate being on no man’s land. They are Westmeath County Council. It
pushing on residents’ fences. is considered that the hedge
should be trimmed on the Mt
Carmel side.
E.4 Mount Carmel Drive A Lot of vermin (rats) are seen in Also, pest control as This should be reported to
Residents Association the area and are an vermin is an issue the HSE's Environmental
Moate environmental health & safety Health Officer
issue for children and residents
E.5 Valleycourt Residents Litter 'black spot' at the entrance Would appreciate a It is our experience that bins
Association to Valley Court. Residents litter bin at the bus do not lead to an
constantly have to litter pick and stop near to the improvement in cleanliness
dispose of rubbish in their own entrance of valley and in some cases, can make
bins. Court that is regularly the situation worse. The
emptied. District Engineer will seek to
carry out more frequent litter
pickups and the Community
Warden will be asked to keep
this area under review.
5…….
Facilities
GROUP ISSUE SUGGEST SOLUTION Response
F.1 Moate Museum & Delay in putting signs & plaques on Please speed up the This will be expedited.
Historical Society display around the town placement of the
signage
F.2 Wednesday/Thursday Lack of local shop in the Rosemount WCC to support The Council is supportive
Club Rosemount and the Streamstown areas Social Enterprise but is not in a position to
intervene.
F.3 Battery Heights Playground currently closed off as RA keen to know These upgrade works are
Residents Association vandalism a recurring problem. Lock what WCC’s plan for now complete.
on gate now but youths climbing this is and what
over fence regardless, which is a solution can be
safety hazard. implemented as
playground is
necessary for
community.
F.4 Disability Working Little supports in place for people To organise a Westmeath Libraries
Group with Dementia in Athlone Dementia café in provide the community with
Moate & Athlone and access to learning including
other towns/villages social inclusion learning
if possible, perhaps opportunities in Branch
using the Libraries Libraries throughout the
County. We have applied
for funding to install
projection Magic Tables and
are awaiting confirmation of
the funding.
F.5 Disability Working Social Inclusion learning To install projection Westmeath Libraries
Group opportunities for people with 'Magic' tables in provide the community with
disabilities using council libraries to support access to learning including
facilities/Libraries people with social inclusion learning
disabilities opportunities in Branch
Libraries throughout the
County. We have applied
for funding to install
projection Magic Tables and
are awaiting confirmation of
the funding.
……..
Footpaths
GROUP ISSUE SUGGEST Response
SOLUTION
Mount Carmel Drive Footpath outside houses 21-25. Footpath This has been reported to Irish
Residents Association After numerous roadworks in the reinstatement Water.
FP.1 Moate area. This has caused the path to
be hazardous following works by
Irish Water.
Battery Heights Footpath near Mulvey’s and Review and repair Repairs carried out in November
Residents Association alongside soccer pitch needs to of footpath is 2019.
FP.2
Athlone be repaired. Hazardous for required
public.
6Rosemount Tidy Walkway resurfaced Walkway The provision of funding for
Village resurfaced these types of works is a matter
for the Elected Members in the
context of the budget available
and their priorities as part of the
FP.3 Annual Roads Programme.
Alternatively, the local
community can make an
application to the Council under
the Community Involvement
Scheme.
Moate Museum & Lack of footpath on the Put footpath in The provision of funding for
Historical Society Ballymore road, Moate - place these types of works is a matter
Toorphelim - (along) inside 50- for the Elected Members in the
mile limit) Many young families context of the budget available
have moved to the area recently- and their priorities as part of the
FP.5 this is a Road Safety issue Annual Roads Programme.
Alternatively, the local
community can make an
application to the Council under
the Community Involvement
Scheme.
…….
Access
GROUP ISSUE SUGGEST SOLUTION Response
A.1 Independent People without disabilities using A need for better This will be referred to the Traffic
People with Disabled parking bays. People using policing of Disabled and Community Wardens for
Disabilities the disabled badges of their family parking bays in the attention.
members when disabled person not towns and villages of the
in the vehicle county
A.2 Disability Regeneration work in town and For example, carry out Such consultations are undertaken,
Working villages should provide for people walkability studies in and all works are compliant with
Group with disabilities. Where works are Athlone before works Access for All standards.
taking place, Disability Groups should begin in these areas.
be consulted prior to works Suggest that these
commencing studies should be Policy,
before works put out to
tender.
A.3 Independent Independent People with Disabilities Extend dishing beyond The District Engineer has arranged
People with wish to make a submission to the Disabled parking bay for works to be completed as part
Disabilities Westmeath County Council in on both sides. of the 2020 Roads E64 Programme.
respect of the Disabled Parking bay
outside our premises at 96 Seán
Costello Street. We wish to have the
footpath dishing extended to
improve access for wheelchair up
onto the footpath as we have a lot of
people who have to gain access onto
the footpath and the current dishing
is not long enough as the Disabled
Parking bay just barely
accommodates the length of a car.
7A.4 Independent Independent People with Disabilities Extend Parking bay to Accessible Parking Bays are
People with wish to make a submission to allow easy access to upgraded in tandem with
Disabilities Westmeath County Council in footpath by installing resurfacing works as they are
respect of Disabled Parking bays in yellow “no entry” box at carried out throughout the District.
general. No room for ease of access the end of the parking The provision of specific funding to
and egress from the rear of vehicles bay. upgrade all the current bays
for people who use Power outside these programmed works
wheelchairs. is a matter for the Elected
Members in the context of the
budget available and their priorities
as part of the Annual Roads
Programme.
A.5 Athlone Our concern is with all of the All of the WCC- owned Accessible Parking Bays are
Access Accessible Parking Bays in Athlone, parking Accessible Bays upgraded in tandem with
Awareness e.g. lack of signage, some with no be upgraded to Irish resurfacing works as they are
blue coloured base, no yellow hatch Wheelchair Association carried out throughout the District.
boxes for safe access and egress to Best Practice Guidelines, The provision of specific funding to
and from vehicles. which should include upgrade all the current bays
There is also a lack of maintenance Signage, Colour outside these programmed works
of the above parking bays. Markings, Safe Zone is a matter for the Elected
(Yellow Hatch box). Members in the context of the
budget available and their priorities
as part of the Annual Roads
Programme.
A.6 Athlone Parking bays not fit for purpose. E.g. Guideline for accessible These bays were installed at the
Access Payne's Lane, Athlone parking bays. Page 22 members request to address a
Awareness section 4.1 to page 25 specific local need with the
https://www.iwa.ie/dow knowledge that within the local
nloads/about/iwa- constraints they would not meet
access-guidelines.pdf the full requirements.
A.7 Athlone Key areas in Athlone do not have That adding new Accessible Bays are provided in
Access sufficient Accessible Bays. Population Accessible Bays be accordance with the required rate
Awareness approximately of 33,000 includes the considered for the of 5% of overall parking provided.
following areas, Athlone, Moate, following areas:
Ballymahon, Glasson, Kiltoom and 1. Custume Pier
Ballymore (from Google 2016). Apartments
Parking permits issued 2. Pearse Street across
approximately 1200. 27 Permits from Court House
issued per accessible bay (Ratio 27:1) 3. Mardyke Street
Information Parking Permits from 4. Sean Costello Street
Irish Wheelchair Association 5. John Broderick Street
A.8 Athlone Multipurpose Accessible Parking In WCC Car Parks we Accessible Parking Bays are
Access Bays. suggest that upgraded in tandem with
Awareness More people with Disabilities are Multipurpose Accessible resurfacing works as they are
using vehicles that require access Parking Bays be provided carried out throughout the District.
from the rear. The installation of these larger bays
See link Figure 3 page 22 are considered in the context of
https://www.iwa.ie/downloads/abo the local constraints however it is
ut/iwa-access-guidelines.pdf not always possible to provide
them.
8A.9 Athlone Footpath at Garden Vale at the This area be upgraded to This area has been assessed by the
Access entrance to Town Centre and near a health safety District Engineer and it meets
Awareness the Pedestrian crossing. Gradient is accessibility standards. requirements. No action deemed
unsafe which slopes towards the necessary.
main road. There is a serious dip at
this point. Unsafe for Wheelchair
users and generally for people with
disabilities and mobility issues.
A.1 Athlone Footpath at Northgate Street This section of footpath Upgrade works have been
0 Access Athlone at the approaching the be widened, and a completed.
Awareness entrance too Court Devenish and dished kerb be inserted
opposite the Credit Union to narrow to facilitate accessibility
to facilitate wheelchair users and
unsafe for the elderly who use
physical aids to navigate the build
environment
A.1 Athlone Irishtown Athlone between the Widen the footpath to The provision of funding for the
1 Access Sound factory and Bookmakers. facilitate people with upgrading this footpath is a matter
Awareness Unsafe extremely narrow footpath disabilities and mobility for the Elected Members in the
issues. context of the budget available and
their priorities as part of the
Annual Roads Programme.
……
Public Lighting
GROUP ISSUE SUGGEST Response
SOLUTION
PL.1 Mount Carmel Lights outside. Needs to be fixed. This has been reported to the maintenance
Drive House 33 Light contractor through the Council's public lighting
Residents pole no. 11 portal. Any public lighting faults can be reported
Association needs to be through this portal which is available at:
fixed. https://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/r
oadsparkingandtransport/reportroadissues/
PL.2 Rosemount New lamps, New lamps, electric Undergrounding of the cables has been referred
Tidy Village electric wires to wires to go to the ESB for consideration.
go underground underground
PL.3 Rosemount More lighting in More lighting in the There is no funding available in the current year
Tidy Village & the village village for the provision of additional Public Lighting for
Rosemount Rosemount Village. However, funding provision
Development for public lighting at Rosemount Village could be
considered under the 2020 CLAR Programme, as
administered by the Department of Rural and
Community Development
…….
GROUP ISSUE SUGGEST SOLUTION Response
RS.1 Clonbrusk Hedge obstructing view at Request This was followed up by Supervisor
West Res exit of estate onto Coosan householder/owner to cut of works.
Assoc Road back hedge.
RS.2 Clonbrusk Traffic speeding through the install a raised junction The provision of funding for traffic
West Res estate especially down the (not speed ramps) at the management works is a matter for
Assoc hill towards Rindoon Park junction halfway down the the Elected Members in the
despite speed limit sign in estate to slow traffic. context of the budget available and
place. their priorities as part of the
Annual Roads Programme.
9RS.3 Drumraney Restricted visibility at Request that district A Safety Scheme to improve this
heritage junction where road L5364 engineer look into the junction was carried out in 2014.
Society meets main road R390 in possibility of realigning the The wall and crash barrier were
Drumraney; coordinates: existing crash barrier in located within the constraints of
616314.509, 747651.336. order to improve visibility. the site to maximise visibility.
RS.4 Mount Speeding in estate. Road Ramp or method of The provision of funding for traffic
Carmel Drive safety is an issue. Concern for slowing vehicles management works is a matter for
Residents children & residents safety the Elected Members in the
Association context of the budget available and
their priorities as part of the
Annual Roads Programme.
RS.5 Rosemount Car parking on road corners Method of stopping cars This will be considered by the
Development parking on corners District Engineer but is unlikely to
be a priority for resources, given
the challenges across the District.
RS.6 Battery Not all roads in estate are Comprehensive gritting of Roads and footpaths are gritted on
Heights gritted during Winter/Spring roads in estate during icy a priority basis and the Council
Residents when necessary. Potential conditions. does not have the resources to grit
Association hazard for both road users all of the roads and footpaths in
and pedestrians. The top of the county. In particular, housing
the estate is often left out estates are not gritted routinely,
and residents are requesting but do receive attention in extreme
this be included in gritting conditions.
plans going forward.
RS.7 Drumraney Poor condition of road L5363 Reinstate that section of The provision of funding for road
heritage at junction with main road road with new sub-base improvement works is a matter for
Society R390 in Drumraney; material and new the Elected Members in the
coordinates: 618448.643, tarmacadam i.e. new base context of the budget available and
449075.062. Please refer to course and wearing their priorities as part of the
photograph DSCF2056. course. Annual Roads Programme.
RS.8 Drumraney Reinstatement works not Break out and remove This will be reviewed in the context
heritage completed after realignment tarmacadam and sub-base of the next phase of the project to
Society of junction where road L5456 material which now forms improve this section of the R390
meets main road R390 in part of the roadside verge. which is currently being designed
Drumraney; coordinates: Remove any site waste by the Transportation Section of
613349.053, 746282.644. material in same area and Westmeath County Council.
Please refer to photograph reinstate as grass verge
DSCF2057. while maintaining suitable
access to adjoining field.
…….
Housing
GROUP ISSUE SUGGEST Response
SOLUTION
H.1 Independent The issue is that rent increases for people Independent People This matter has been
People with with disabilities who are in council housing with Disabilities referred to the Housing
Disabilities cannot afford to have a rent increase respectfully request Department of Westmeath
imposed on them as they have extra that the elected County Council for
expenditure to deal with which are: representatives and consideration.
1. Having to get medication monthly management of
from their G.P. and Hospital appointments Westmeath County
etc. Council consider the
2. Transport to the Hospital or G.P. cost of disability in
surgery (This may require taxi journeys to respect of County
and from the doctor/hospital (No Mobility Council Housing rent
Allowance anymore). 3. Extra use of increases as a priority
Electricity depending on severity of when planning your
disability thus higher electricity bills. budgets for 2020.
…..
10ESB
ESB.1 Clonbrusk West Res High voltage power line on Request ESB to This matter has been referred to
Assoc pylons traversing the estate underground the line the ESB for consideration.
close to houses. and remove pylons
ESB.2 Clonbrusk West Res View obstructed at exit road Request ESB to This matter has been referred to
Assoc from the estate onto Coosan relocate pole to the ESB for consideration.
Road by ESB pole. improve road safety
Gardai
G.1 Rosemount Great community concern This matter has been referred to
Development Increased Drugs availability the Gardai for consideration.
in the community
G.2 Wednesday/Thursday Visit of community garda to This matter will be referred to
Club Rosemount talk to elderly and people the Gardai for consideration.
living alone
HSE
HSE.1 Wednesday/Thursday More services locally such as This matter has been referred to
Club Rosemount a chiropody service in the HSE for consideration.
community
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