MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – ALL IRELAND POLLINATOR PLAN 
08-04-2019

“That Cork County Council would become a partner to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan.”

My introduction to the motion: Text of motion

Response to the motion: Response to Notice of Motion by Councillor Marcia Dalton Full Council 8th April 2019

The CE said he was positively disposed towards signing up to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan.  He wants the motion to go to the Environment SPC so that the Council’s specific actions for the first year will be identified in advance when we sign up.

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – CLIMATE EMERGENCY BILL
11-03-2019

“That Cork County Council asks the government, and members  of the Joint Committee on Communications Climate Action and Environment(both TDs and Senators) to bring the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill before the Dáil for consideration such that in this time of climate emergency it may be considered for passing into legislation, with or without appropriate amendments, without delay as an acknowledgment of the fact that we face a climate emergency and cannot hope to limit global temperature rises without leaving 80% of already  proven reserves in the ground.”

My introduction to the motion: Introduction_to_Motion

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY
14-12-2018

“That Cork County Council would carry out an assessment of sheltered housing for the elderly, both public and private, currently available in each town in the county and that, arising from this assessment, Cork County Council would adopt the following policies:

1. It will be a specific objective of the County Development Plan to provide for sheltered housing for the elderly in every town in the county.
2. The range of sheltered housing to be provided will allow for both independent and supported living.
3. The sheltered housing will be provided close to the town centre and/or services and amenities.
4. The number of sheltered housing units to be provided will be an appropriate proportion of the population of each town.
5. The Local Area Plan for each Municipal District will identify areas in each town appropriate for the provision of sheltered housing for the elderly.”

My introduction to the motion: My motion to full Council on housing for the elderly 10-12-2018

Executive’s response: Response to Cllr Marcia D’Alton NOM for Full Council 10 December 2018

Letter from Minister: JD24-19Reply 06-02-2019

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – PROPOSAL FOR RATES WAIVER IF BUSINESSES UNDULY AFFECTED BY ROAD CLOSURES
(With Cllr Seamus McGrath & Cllr Michael Frick Murphy)
24-09-2018

“This Council would agree to draft a scheme providing for the waiver of a portion of the rates due to Cork County Council when ratepayers in a town centre can demonstrate a reduction in turnover of 30% or more due to an extended period of road closures granted by Cork County Council. That approval for this waiver scheme would be sought from the Minister in accordance with the requirements of Section 2 of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970.”

My contribution to the motion: My contribution to the motion

Executive’s response: Response to Notice of Motion by Cllrs Dalton McGrath and Murphy

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – COMPETENCIES OF MEMBERS OF AN BORD PLEANÁLA
25-06-2018

“That planning legislation would be amended to require all members of An Bord Pleanála appointed by the Minister to be qualified in a planning or planning-related field and to have demonstrated long-standing experience and interest in the planning system.  This is to ensure that the Board can uphold its core function, i.e. to provide, in the interests of the common good, for proper planning and sustainable development.”

My introduction to the motion: An BP members 25-06-2018

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – WORLD HERITAGE SITE PROPOSAL
09-04-2018

“That Cork County Council would, in joint co-operation with Cork City Council, prepare a submission for the following collection of related sites and fortifications to be considered for inclusion on the World Heritage List:

• Spike Island (Fort Westmoreland/Mitchell)
• Fort Camden/Meagher
• Fort Carlisle/Davis
• Ringaskiddy Martello Tower
• Haulbowline Island Martello Tower
• Haulbowline Island naval buildings
• The Belvelly, Rossleague and Monning Martello Towers
• Collins Barracks
• Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills.”

My introduction to the motion: Introduction to motion – shorter

Executive’s response: Response to Cllr Marcia D’Alton Notice of Motion Full Council 09 04 18

Minister’s response: Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht re World Heritage List

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – INITIATING A PAINT REUSE SCHEME
14/03/2018

“That Cork County Council would initiate a paint reuse scheme in each of its 11 Civic Amenity Sites.  The aim of the scheme would be to offer good quality reusable paint to community groups, charities and others while reducing the volume and cost of waste for disposal.”

My introduction to the motion: Paint reuse schemes 12-03-2018

Executive’s response: Response to Cllr Marcia D’Alton Notice of Motion

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – REQUESTING A REVIEW OF NATIONAL NOISE LEGISLATION
12/02/2018

“That this government would initiate a comprehensive review of national environmental noise legislation, including Regulation SI 140/2006 (Environmental Noise Regulations) and the Roads Act 1993, with a view to:

• Setting statutory limit values for excessive environmental noise levels based on recommendations from the World Health Organisation for the protection of human health
• Identifying a regulatory assessment method for environmental noise
• Establishing consistency between noise mapping bodies and action planning authorities
• Allowing for the effect of low frequency noise
• Including for noise control from ports
• Setting out a methodology for identifying “quiet areas” as required by Directive 2002/49/EC (Environmental Noise Directive).”

My introduction to the motion: Introduction to motion 12-02-2018

Minister’s response: Response to motion

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – IMPLEMENTING THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON BALLAST WATER
23-10-2017

“That Ireland would ratify the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments 2004.”

Response to motion: Ballast Water Convention

Minister’s response: Dept of Transport Tourism and Sport re Ships Ballast Water

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – VERNON MOUNT
11-09-2017

“That Cork County Council would use the powers granted to it under Section 71 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000 to take Vernon Mount (No. 00480 in the Record of Protected Structures) into public ownership.

That in thus acting in accordance within its statutory powers to respond to its commitment in HE 4-1 of the County Development Plan, Cork County Council would be mindful that: 

1. Since 1997, the owners of Vernon Mount have failed on an ongoing basis to uphold their responsibility under Section 58 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000
2. The cost of the works to the roof of Vernon Mount carried out by Cork County Council in 2010 and in 2012 was to be reimbursed by the owners to Cork County Council in the event of damage befalling the house.”

My introduction to the motion:  Vernon Mount 2

Response to the motion: Response to Motion Cllr Marcia Dalton

 

MY REQUEST FOR SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS RE FURTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY INDAVER TO ITS STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE APPLICATION
22-05-2017

My introduction: Suspension of standing orders re Indaver FI, 22-05-2017

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – COUNCIL’S COMMITMENT TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
20/03/2017

“That Cork County Council would initiate its commitment to Green Infrastructure outlined in the Cork County Development Plan 2014 by ensuring the critical elements of green infrastructure within Cork County are identified and mapped during the remaining lifetime of the County Development Plan 2014:

• Biodiversity and ecological networks
• Water quality and flood attenuation infrastructure
• Recreational/quality of life infrastructure.”

My introduction to motion: Green Infrastructure 27-03-2017

Executive’s response: 27032017 Reply NOM from Marcia Dalton

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – AMENDMENT OF THE VALUATION ACT SUCH THAT RATES WOULD BE PAYABLE ON CONSTITUENCY OFFICES RUN BY MEMBERS OF THE OIREACHTAS
13/02/2017

“That this Council requests amendment of the Valuation Act 2001 such that standard rates would be payable on constituency offices run by members of the Oireachtas for representational purposes.”

My introduction to the motion: Rates on constituency offices 13-02-2017

Executive’s response: 08022017 Reply NOM from Marcia D’alton

Minister’s response: Correspondence from Dept of Justice & Equality

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – REDUCING LOCAL PROPERTY TAX IN PRIVATE ESTATES NOT TAKEN IN CHARGE
08/12/2016

“That the Local Property Tax charge on residences in private estates or estates not taken in charge by a local authority would be reduced by 35%.  This is to reflect the lower level of local authority service delivered to estates not taken in charge and the commensurate investment in road, drainage and other maintenance borne directly by residents of such estates.

(Note that in this instance, “estates not taken in charge” do not include unfinished estates as defined in S.I. 91 of 2013.)”

My introduction to the motion: LPT for estates not taken in charge 12-12-2016

Executive’s response: 

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY OF PLAYGROUNDS
26-09-2016

“That in building new playgrounds or regenerating existing playgrounds, Cork County Council would introduce a policy of application of the Principles of Universal Design by installing a range of equipment which can be used by both able and less able bodied children alike.  In addition, that towards achieving universal design, Cork County Council would begin a programme of retrofitting all existing playgrounds in its jurisdictional area with at least one item of play equipment specifically designed for inclusivity of all.”

My introduction to the motion: Universal Design of playgrounds 25-09-2016

Brief I prepared to assist D/Chief Executive: Brief for ACE

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – CREATION OF A DEDICATED RECREATION AND AMENITY SECTION WITHIN COUNCIL
25-07-2016

“That the current reorganisation of the Directorate structures of Cork County Council would include a section dedicated to Recreation and Amenity, the functions of which would include development of a Recreation and Amenity Strategy for the County, co-ordination of Recreation and Amenity developments throughout the Municipal Districts and development of the proposed network of cycling infrastructure throughout County Cork.  Easily accessible Recreation and Amenity opportunities are critical for healthy communities and provision of same is a local authority function which is almost always welcome.”

My introduction to motion: Recreation and Amenity section

Extract from Minutes: Document4

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – VERNON MOUNT 
12-09-2016

“That Cork County Council would identify 

• the details of notices served under Section 59 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 on the owners of Vernon Mount since 1997, 
• the dates on which such notices were served, 
• any works undertaken by the owners in response to those notices

and that Cork County Council would pursue the owners of Vernon Mount (No. 00480 in the Record of Protected Structures) for prosecution under Section 58 of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Act 2000.”

My introduction to the motion: Vernon Mount 12-07-2016

Vernon Mount report: Vernon Mount House Report 25th July 2016

Response to motion: Reponse to D’Alton’s motion

 

MOTION – ASD UNITS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
27-06-2016

“That Cork County Council acknowledges the ongoing shortage of places in special education classes for students with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis at secondary level.

That if the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) identifies a need for additional special education classes at either primary or secondary level in a defined geographical area, the Department of Education and Skills would require schools in the geographical area to respond to this identified need by establishing an adequate number of such special education classes to match that need.  

That the necessary funding for both the set-up and running of these special education classes would be provided by the Department.  

That this need is not unique to Cork and consequently that this motion is circulated to all other local authorities in Ireland for their consideration and support.”

My introduction to the motion: ASD units in secondary school 27-06-2016

Minister’s response 1: Dept of Ed Special Classes, 1st reply

Minister’s response 2: ‘Correspondence from Minister for Education and Skills Oct 2016’

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – IMPLEMENTING SECTION 35 IN RECOGNITION OF THE BURDEN OF UNFINISHED ESTATES
14-03-2016

“That Cork County Council would envoke its powers under Section 35 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 and refuse to grant planning permission for new developments to developers who have left unfinished residential estates in either County Cork or any other county in Ireland.”

Introduction to the motion: Section 35 – unfinished estates

Extract from minutes: Extract from minutes

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – VITALITY CHECKS IN TOWN CENTRES
22-02-2016

“That Cork County Council would undertake a health check of the vitality and viability of town centres in all main towns in County Cork.  Such regular health checks are a recommendation of the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012).  That the results of and recommendations arising from the health checks would be incorporated into the revised Local Area Plans.”

My introduction to the motion: Vitality check for town centres

Response from Senior Planner: Response from Senior Planner

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – AIR QUALITY MONITORING IN CORK HARBOUR 
08-02-2016

“That the Environmental Protection Agency would set up a permanent air quality monitoring station at a representative location in Cork Harbour.  That this air quality monitoring station would be capable of measuring concentrations of all the parameters for which limit values in ambient air have been set by Directive 2008/50/EC, including particulate matter.  Cork Harbour is one of the most important industrial areas in Ireland, significant at a worldwide level within the pharmaceutical industry and a major port.  Although Cork Harbour and its immediate environs is home to 44,000 people and an employment hub for over 10,000 people, there is currently no ambient air monitoring in Cork Harbour.”

My introduction to the motion: Air monitoring in Cork Harbour

EPA’s response to the motion: Correspondence from EPA

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE ACT
14-12- 2015

“That a planning application to An Bord Pleanala made under the Strategic Infrastructure Act can be made no more than twice for the same nature of project on the same site.”

My introduction to the motion: SIA limited to 2 times

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STATE FOR THE QUALITY OF NEW CONSTRUCTION
12-10-2015

“That the State would acknowledge its responsibility to people who in attempting to buy their own homes, now find themselves with hazardous properties not constructed in compliance with the building regulations.

And that Cork County Council asks the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government to move away from the current system of self-regulation in the design and construction of buildings and to replace it with an independent Approved Inspector system similar to that operating in the UK.”

My introduction to the motion: Buildings inspection

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – ROADSIDE TRADING
14-09-2015

“That Cork County Council would encourage all roadside traders to observe the requirements of SI 191 of 2004 with regard to the selling of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, gooseberries, blackberries, loganberries, tayberries, currants and new potatoes during May to September inclusive.  Equally, that Cork County Council would encourage the selling of a greater range of fruit and vegetable produce than those specified in the Regulations in designated market areas and in accordance with a Casual Trading Licence.  All opportunities for genuine growers to maximise the sale of their produce are welcome insofar as they do not place rate-paying shopkeepers at unfair disadvantage.”

My introduction to the motion: Trading bye-laws

Extract from minutes: Document6

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – INVISIBLE UNEMPLOYED
13-07-2015

“That State job activation measures should be available to all who are unemployed, not only to those on the Live Register. That if passed, this motion would be circulated to all local authorities in the country.”

My introduction to the motion: The invisible unemployed – motion

Minister’s response 1: Response from the Department, 21-07-2015

Minister’s response 2: Response from the Department, 26-11-2015

SBP article: 

Letter to Senator Ged Nash: Letter to Ged Nash, 21-09-2016

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – JAPANESE KNOTWEED
27-04-2015

“That in view of its obligations under

• Articles 49, 50 and 74 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations,
• Article 56 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000,
• Article 8 of the Convention on Biological Diversity
• Article 4 of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
• Target 8 of the National Biodiversity Plan 2011 – 2016

 and particularly with regard to EU Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species which entered into force on 1^st January 2015 and which lays down rules for the prevention and minimisation of the adverse impact of the spread of invasive alien species and requires a risk assessment within 18 months and a comprehensive control programme within 3 years,

• Cork County Council would dedicate either new or existing staff resources to addressing the issue of Japanese knotweed and other invasive species
• Cork County Council would devote some of the financial allocation to the Cork County Biodiversity Action Plan to:
  1. Improved training of on-the-ground staff, contractors and subcontractors in controlling the spread of Japanese knotweed
  2. Raising general public awareness of Japanese knotweed.”

My introduction to the motion: Japanese knotweed

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – RECOGNITION THAT THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING IN OUR COMMUNITY MAY BE AFFECTED BY ADJACENT PLANNING DECISIONS,
25/05/2015

“That this Council acknowledges that those recognised as disabled under the Disability Act 2005 living within our community may have special needs which may be affected by adjacent planning decisions.  Consequently this Council asks that government would amend standard planning guidelines to include consideration of those special needs when they are supported by medical expertise”.

My introduction to the motion: Planning for the disabled in our community

Minister’s response 1: Response from Paudie Coffey, 19-05-2015 

Minister’s response 2: Response from Finian McGrath, 21-05-2015 

Minister’s response 3: Response from Paudie Coffey, 28-05-2015

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – DOG FOULING
23-02-2015

“To request a report detailing Cork County Council’s current policy on dog fouling.  To include:

(i)  the facilities Cork County Council provides to support the responsible management of dog waste
(ii)  the practical and financial supports Cork County Council currently offers to assist communities in keeping streets free of dog waste
(iii)  the public awareness measures undertaken by Cork County Council highlighting the health risks associated with dog waste
(iv)  The number of on-the-spot fines issued for dog fouling in 2014.”

My introduction to the motion: Dog fouling

Extract from minutes: Document7

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – IRISH WATER TO DEVELOP A PROTOCOL FOR THE TAKING IN CHARGE OF RESIDENTIAL ESTATES
28-10-2014

“That Irish Water would:

1. produce a protocol for the taking in charge of water/wastewater infrastructure within residential estates
2. set targets by which the taking in charge of water/wastewater infrastructure within residential estates would be completed
3. not exclude residential estates with pumping stations/wastewater treatment plants from inclusion in those targets.

Should Irish Water not address this issue, Cork County Council cannot advance the taking in charge of residential estates throughout Cork County.”

My introduction to the motion: Irish Water protocols for taking estates in charge

Extract from minutes: Document8

 

MOTION TO FULL COUNCIL – TRAFFIC CALMING IN RESIDENTIAL ESTATES
23-09-2014

“That in existing residential estates in which speed ramps have not been provided during the course of construction, should a majority of residents desire speed ramps and fund-raise a percentage of the cost of their installation, this County Council would provide support:
(i) financially, by contributing matching funding towards the cost of installing the speed ramps and
(ii) organisationally, by assisting residents in overcoming the planning requirements to permit installation of the speed ramps.”

My introduction to the motion: Traffic calming in residential estates