WATERFORD CITY COUNCIL

2140 WATERFORD CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED COMMITTEE MEETING 20TH NOVEMBER, 2006 PRESENT: An Comhairleoir Labhrás O Neill, Meara An Comhairleoir Hilary O Caoinnealain, An Comhairleoir Padraig Ó hAodha An Comhairleoir Seosamh ÓCeallaigh An Comhairleoir Daithi Breathnach An Comhairleoir Daithi MacDomnhaill An Comhairleoir Máire de Roiste, An Comhairleoir Sean Breathnach An Comhairleoir Seamus Ó Dorchaidh An Comhairleoir Tomas OCuinneagain An Comhairleoir Seán Hallagan An Comhairleoir Daithi O Cuileannáin An Comhairleoir Seamus O Riain An Comhairleoir Tomás O Murchú An Comhairleoir Máire Ní Hallúráin OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. C. Murray, City Manager Mr. P. Power, Director Services, Corporate Affairs and Transportation Mr. M. Walsh, Director of Planning, Culture & Human Resources Ms. C. Byrne, Director Environmental Services Mr. J. Andrews, Senior Planner Mr. B. Duggan, Senior Executive Officer Ms. M. Breen, Administrative Officer Ms. S. McCarthy, A/Staff Officer. Ms. M. Phelan, A/Senior Staff Officer. PLANNING A copy of the suggested amendments to the Draft Development Plan, submitted by the Council Members, was circulated at the meeting. Chapter 1 – Strategic Context On the proposition of Cllr. M. Roche, seconded by Cllr. T. Cunningham, chapter 1 was agreed. Chapter 2 – Enterprise and Employment The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 16 - Insert – “to draft and implement an Economic Strategy for the City.” Following discussions, this amendment was agreed. On the proposal of Cllr. M. O‟Halloran, seconded by Cllr. J. Halligan chapter 2 was agreed as amended. Chapter 3 – Transportation The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 34 – Insert extra objective – “To identify and provide for the development of the Outer Outer Ring Road (Southeast Section) from the Airport Road to the Dunmore Road.” 2141 Following discussion, the proposal was agreed subject to the wording being altered to bring greater clarity to the objective. On the proposition of Cllr. P. Hayes, seconded by Cllr. M. Roche Chapter 3 was agreed, as amended. Chapter 4 – Housing and Public Services: Page 37 - the following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party:      Every person in Waterford City has the right to live in security, peace and dignity and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. Every person in Waterford has the right to adequate and appropriate housing Every person has a right to housing regardless of income or access to economic resources Every person has a right to protection from homelessness Every individual and every family is equally entitled to adequate and appropriate housing regardless of age, economic status, group or other affiliation or status and has a right to freedom from discrimination in housing. Following discussions it was agreed that this amendment was not appropriate to be included in the Draft Plan and will be discussed at the Housing SPC. The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche and agreed: Page 39 (under second bullet point) add in: “Youth and Community Facilities” The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: To insert on page 48 under where it states “The payment of a monetary contribution” the following:  That all monetary contributions, fully or partially serviced sites, transfer of land or proceeds from the sale thereof received from private developers under Part V shall be ring fenced for the construction or purchase of social and affordable housing unit only. The use of such funds or lands for any other purposes must be subject to a decision of full Council.  That permission be sought from elected representatives before any decision is made on accepting the payment of a monetary contribution. The City Manager advised that the second part of the amendment was an Executive Function. Following a show of hands, the proposal was declared defeated by 10 votes to 5. The Following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: To include under the section that deals with Part V –  It is the policy of this Council that where social and affordable housing units under Part V of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2002 are delivered that the preferred option is for random distribution of units rather than clustered distribution so as to allow for greater social integration.” Following a show of hands, the proposal was declared defeated by 11 votes to 4. The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 51 – Additional paragraph at end: Community Facilities/Youth and Social Infrastructure Outline amount of community facilities which is desirable: how much we have in the City; how we plan to facilitate the development of “indoor” community facilities, e.g. youth café‟s community facility, information centres. Policy: That 5% of the floor space of Neighbourhood Centres be available at cost to non-profit making organisations to provide (non-retail) specific community services, e.g. youth café, community facility, information centres, The Director of Planning, Culture & Human Resources agreed to examine this matter. 2142 The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 51 – Additional Paragraph at end: Schools. “To ensure that school provision in emerging areas is adequate and to attempt to remediate the lack of provision in areas deemed to be deficient. Policy: To seek the transfer of a City Centre Secondary School to a location adjacent to the Dunmore Road/South East suburbs.” Following discussions, it was agreed that this amendment be withdrawn. The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party and agreed: Page 51 – Childcare Provisions in New Residential Developments Add in “ To encourage and facilitate co-operation between developers building in the same area with the objective of combining their resources and thereby provide larger scale childcare facilities that are more commercially viable, while at the same time fulfilling their statutory requirements.” On the proposition of Cllr. M. Roche, seconded by Cllr. T. Murphy, Chapter 4 was agreed, as amended. Chapter 5 – Recreation and Amenity The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: On page 53 after paragraph number two, to insert the following new paragraphs “This interconnectivity can be realised by the development of a city wide green belt from the River Suir at Bawndaw with the river again at Knockboy. The green belt would encircle the City at its Southern and Western Boundary with the county. This green belt shall consist of a 200metre wide strip, zoned as open space, to be suitably planted with native woodland and hedgerow species, incorporating a cycle way and walkway for recreational and amenity use. Such a green belt with provide vital areas for enhancement of the health, safety and well being for our citizens by providing an amenity to attract and retain the necessary professional talent required to build and sustain our knowledge society. It would also act as a carbon sink to help offset the cities carbon dioxide emissions and would provide a repository of bio-diversity.” As this matter was decided upon by Council at the Adjourned Committee Meeting on 13th November, 2006, it can not come back to Council for six months. The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: To amend the second point on page 55 under policy to read „It is the policy of Waterford City Council to protect existing public and private recreational open space, and the loss of such facilities will always be resisted unless alterative recreational facilities are provided in a suitable location to the satisfaction of the elected members‟. Following discussions, it was agreed to withdraw this amendment. The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 55 (Additional Paragraph) ART To identify and provide in tandem with relevant agencies a site for a number of Artists Studios. Following discussions, it was agreed to withdraw this amendment. The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 56 (Additional Bullet Point) To designate a continuous green area/public park in Gracedieu from the cliff tops at the ESB along the top of the cliffs down to and including Lady‟s Walk and around and along the roadside up to and including the area of Coady‟s Pond. 2143 Existing houses do not permit this. It was agreed to discuss this amendment under Chapter 10 – Zoning Policy and Objectives. The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: On page 56, under objectives to amend point 8 to read “To carry out a feasibility study into the provision of a riverside linear park in the gracedieu area and at knockboy. Such a feasibility study to be presented to full council no later than twelve months from the adoption of this development plan”. Following discussions, it was agreed to withdraw this amendment and the City Manager stated that this would be examined in relation to availability of finance. The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: Under the 4th bullet points add in a 5th bullet point to read: “The area extending from the ESB owned lands towards and including Coady‟s Pond at Gracedieu”. Commentary – This is consistent with City Council objective of creating “green wedges” in the city. It was agreed that this matter would be dealt with under the Chapter 10 – Zoning Policy and Objectives. On the proposition of Cllr. D. Cullinane, seconded by Cllr. P. Hayes, Chapter 6 was agreed, as amended. Chapter 6 – Protecting the Heritage. The following amendments were proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 62 (addition to second and fourth bullet points) “….and where opportunities arise to create additional views of the City Walls. ….and where possible to facilitate public/visitor access to the City Walls”. Page 67 (Addition under listing of Fauna) “Animal Feral Goat Herd 23 Investigation into species on-going could be unique”. Page 69 (Additional Bullet Point under POLICY) “To provide for the protection and conservation of the feral goat herd (known locally as the Bilberry Herd).” Page 69 (Additional Bullet Point under Objectives) “To ensure that developments contrary to the continued health of feral goat herd are avoided and to create a buffer area between the herd and any proposed development.” It was noted that the goat herd is referred to in the list of habitats on page 68. The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: On page 69 under policy to amend point two to read „To prepare and implement a management plan for the Kilbarry NHA and its surrounding buffer zone. While the primary purpose of such a plan is to provide for the protection, conservation and enhancement of this wildlife habitat it will also provide for appropriate public amenity uses such as causeways or pontoons.” Following a discussion it was agreed to amend the above as follows: „To prepare and implement a management plan for the Kilbarry NHA and its surrounding buffer zone. While the primary purpose of such a plan is to provide for the protection, conservation and enhancement of this wildlife habitat it will also provide for appropriate public amenity uses”. 2144 The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party “To further investigate biodiversity in the city, to increase public awareness of the status of designated sites through a planned education programme in conjunction with schools and to ensure that the range and quality of wildlife habitats are maintained”. Following discussions, it was agreed that this amendment be withdrawn and would be discussed in the context of the Heritage Plan. On the proposition of Cllr. P. Hayes, seconded by Cllr. M. O‟Halloran, Chapter 6 was agreed, as amended. Chapter 7 – Environmental Management. The following amendments were proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: (a) Page 77 (Additional Bullet Point under Drainage) “To ensure in as far as possible that current areas of flooding are dealt with to alleviate the problem in particular the Tramore Road.” (b) Page 78 (Under Waste Management) “To continue to remediate the now closed Waterford City Dump and to provide for its‟ space. (Design to be confirmed in consultation with public.)” use as a public open Following discussions, it was agreed that reference would be made to flood alleviation in areas currently subject to flooding. The landfill site is already specifically mentioned on page 56. The following amendments were proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: (a)On page 79 under objectives to include an extra objective that reads „To encourage supermarkets and other shopping facilities to provide receptacles that allow customers to deposit packaging of goods bought at such outlets and explore ways of rewarding compliance‟. (b) On page 78 to delete the paragraph beginning this development plan is deemed in law (c) To include on page 78 a new objective to read „Any decision on thermal treatment provision must be subject to discussion at full council‟. (d)To include on page 78 a new objective to read “That no later than twelve months following the adoption of this plan Waterford City Council host a wide ranging waste management conference with the aim of identifying and promoting further innovative waste prevention, disposal and recycling initiatives.” (e) On page 80 under policy to include as the first point  “That Waterford City Council develop an integrated local sustainable energy policy to include greater use of alterative energy sources in all local authority building works” Following discussions it was agreed that these amendments be withdrawn. On the proposition of Cllr. M. Roche, seconded by Cllr. D. Walsh, Chapter 7 was agreed. 2145 Chapter 8 – City Centre and Waterfront The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. T. Cunningham: Final sentence of last paragraph of page 91 of 142. "The provision of places of permanent residence will only be considered in the context of their compatability with the essential character". Following a discussion it was agreed that the reference to permanent residence be deleted. The following amendments were proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: (a) Page 83 (last bullet point under City Centre and the Waterfront) Add in: “develop”…and implement traffic management and parking strategies. This amendment was agreed. (b) Page 85 (additional Bullet Points under Vibrancy & Vitality) “To control and limit as far as possible the amount of buildings and sites which are allowed to fall into dereliction and disrepair. Following a discussion, this amendment was withdrawn. (c) To provide for and control a limited amount of appropriate street furniture and signage. This amendment was agreed. (d) To provide for the establishment of a Wet House in the environs of the City Centre in conjunction with other relevant agencies.” Following a discussion, it was agreed to withdraw this amendment. (e) Page 89 (end of paragraph on Bilberry) “To facilitate and encourage a clean up of the area, including the waterfront.” Following a discussion it was agreed to withdraw this amendment (f) Page 89 (under the North Quays) “Public Access to the Quayside along its entire length must be maintained” This amendment was agreed. Questions were raised in relation to Jenkin‟s Lane and design frame work. On the proposition of Cllr. T. Murphy, seconded by Cllr. M. O‟Halloran, Chapter 8 was agreed as amended. Chapter 9 – The Neighbourhoods The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche Page 94 (2nd bullet point under policy) Add in “Community, Youth”….and Public Services. This was agreed. On the proposition of Cllr. T. Cunningham, seconded by Cllr. M. O‟Halloran, Chapter 9 was agreed, as amended 2146 Chapter 10 – Zoning Policy and Objectives The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: “Given that there is no section on the Arts and Culture in the draft plan, the council agrees to consider a section entitled „Culture and the Arts‟ to be added to the development plan at a future date. The issue of taking a long-term strategic look at festivals is absent from the draft plan and should be included in this section.” The amendment was withdrawn but Mr. Andrews will add appropriate wording to section on Vibrancy and Vitality in Chapter 8 – City Centre and the Waterfront. The following amendments were proposed by Cllr. J. Walsh: (a) Land at front of Farran Park Shop – still zoned residential – request open space. This was agreed (b) Riverside Walk – missing from Glenville to Waterpark – no black dotted line as in 2002 Plan. The Director of Services, Planning, Culture and Human Resources advised that this would be outlined on maps. (c) Could we zone for a Secondary School on the Williamstown Road opposite Mount Pleasant passed Williamstown Glen Estate. Given the scale of development in the area a secondary school is vital. The City Manager stated that he would revert to Council on this matter. (d) Given the growth do we need a new primary school in the Dunmore Road or Williamstown Road? The City Manager stated that he would revert to Council on this matter. (e) General comment – where possible can we put target dates for objects so as to be able to monitor success of plan. The City Manager advised that the Plan monitors for statutory progress reports to Council. (f) It is unlikely that the new youth facility at Farronshoneen will be able to cater for the long term-needs of the youth in the Dunmore Rd.- Knockboy area. Can we zone an Community Use area for this purpose. The Director of Services, Planning, Culture and Human Resources agreed to examine this matter. (g) Can we provide for public open space on the Williamstown Road. The Open space in Knockboy is great but I feel we need something on the Williamstown Road. The Director of Services, Planning, Culture and Human Resources agreed to examine this matter. 3. The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: (a) At page 112 under Agricultural That all city council owned land at the top of Bilberry Rock be rezoned for agricultural use Or Alternatively At page 109 under point 8 after „to protect and conserve rural character and preserve agricultural uses‟ Insert „this to include the rezoning of all city council owned land at the top of Bilberry Rock‟ This matter was discussed in detail and following a show of hands, the proposal was declared defeated by 10 votes to 3. The following amendment was proposed by the Sinn Fein Party: 2147 Residential Development In relation to proposals on page 109 – Given the high volumes of traffic and the inability of the roads infrastructure to cater for same in the Dunmore Road / Williamstown Road area the proposal to zone 72 acres New Low Density and a further 16 acres as New Residential at Blenheim Knockboy is considered premature at this time and will be revisited for consideration during the making of the next plan 2015 – 2021. Following a discussion, it was agreed to withdraw this amendment. The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. M. Roche: Page 119 (Additional bullet point under residential density) Character of the Area Following a discussion, it was agreed to withdraw this amendment as the issue of “character” is already referred to. Zoning Map 7 (seven) Additional Community Facilities Zonings to identify and indicate sites for future Community Developments – as identified on map. Waterford City Council will accept proposals on the development of these sites to provide additional social infrastructure/community facilities for the city. The Director of Planning, Culture and Human Resources agreed to examine the matter and revert to Council. On the proposition of Cllr. P. Hayes, seconded by Cllr. M. Roche, Chapter 10 was agreed, as amended Chapter 11 – Development Management The following amendment was proposed by Cllr. J. D‟arcy: Page 120 Draft Proposal Qualitative criteria To insert the following statement “The Waterford City Authority will seek to ensure a safe residential environment and liaise with the Garda Crime Prevention Unit in the design of new local authority estates and in developing design guidelines for new public and private housing development.” The Director of Planning, Culture and Human Resources agreed to accept the principle of the issue and to include an appropriate wording in the plan. On the proposition of Cllr. P. Hayes, seconded by Cllr. J. D‟arcy Chapter 11 was agreed. The following dates were agreed for future meetings:Public Meeting Development Plan 27th November, 2006,at 6 p.m. Corporate Policy Group Meeting 28th November, 2006, at 1.00 p.m. Budget Briefing Session 29th November, 2006 at 5.00 p.m. Budget Briefing Session 1st December, 2006 at 5.00 p.m. Monthly Council Meeting 4th December, 2006 at 5.00 p.m. Statutory Budget Meeting 18th December, 2006 at 5.00 p.m. It was agreed to adjourn the meeting until 24th November, 2006 at 4.30 p.m. Signed: ________________________ Date:_____________________