CROOM AREA ROADS PROGRAMME 2010

It is proposed to undertake restoration and maintenance of the various roads within the Croom district including Toureen, Dullas Passage, Anhid Cross, Rathbrana, Dunaman and Rathbranagh. At the recent county council area meeting Patrick C. Fitzgerald MMC welcomed the proposals to undertake the maintenance of these roads which have been badly damaged over the winter period. Over half a million euros has been granted to the Croom area and district for the restoration maintenance and strengthening and drainage work fro the area.

M20 SUBMISSION

The M20 Motorway action group submitted a submission in objecting to the new proposed M20 Motorway which if sanctioned will have a major effect in the future development of Croom. In the submission by the Croom Action Group it stated that Croom would suffer all the detrimental effects that accrue from having a Motorway built through it and it will deny any benefits that might accrue from better transport access. This is unacceptable as submitted by Croom M20 Motorway Action Group.

CLOSING OF ACCESS TO CROOM

The proposal to close the access ramp/interchange. Which leads directly from the N20 into the Town of Croom, which will have the effect of cutting Croom off from the public/tourist traffic. This cannot be considered to be capitalising on the potential of the area to act as a gateway. This will have a detrimental effect on the economy of the town. Its potential for growth and the objectives set out in PLUTS and the Croom local area plan 2009-2015. The junction at Croom is proposed to be moved to a point 4.5kms approximately North of Croom at the Fanningstown interchange (location of the Adare bypass). On the Southern side of Croom the next exit will be the Bruree exit approximately 11kms to the South of Croom. This means that anyone travelling from Limerick to Cork via the historic town of Croom will in essence have to travel some 15.5kms approximately from when they exit the M20 at Fanningstown until they can rejoin the M20 at Bruree exit. This will have a detrimental effect in the Commercial life of the town

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

The Croom Action Group have grave concerns regarding the proposal to divert all non motorway traffic onto the Ballingarry Bridge, various traffic that cannot use the motorway agricultural vehicles, learner drivers, vehicles not capable of 50kph, vehicles under 50cc, cyclists, pedestrians and animals and local heavy goods vehicles. This will lead to immense traffic congestion on the roundabout at the Ballingarry road bridge, where there are houses GAA ground and Cemetery on the Ballingarry roadside and will lead to increased traffic on this junction to a significant safety hazard.

EFFECT ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Croom is currently served by a daily 2 hour City Link service that serves various towns between Cork and Galway. A grave concern regarding the effect that this closing of the access to Croom will have on the viability of this service. The Croom M20 Motorway states that generations of people in Croom will suffer economically and will become more isolated if a solution and an amendment are not forthcoming. Submissions closed for people wishing to submit objections or amend the design as proposed by the NRA.

Motion – N69/Kildimo Roundabout

We will move at the next meeting that the National Roads Authority (NRA) consider a around about at Kildimo Village. The N69 passes through Kildimo village and this national route would be regarded as one of the busiest in the South of Ireland. It is the main national route from Limerick to Tralee on the scenic coast road. The high volume of traffic creates major problems for Kildimo residence. A roundabout would help to elevate the traffic and make the village safer for school children and residence.



This motion was moved by Cllr. Patrick C. Fitzgerald and was seconded by Cllr. Rose Brennan.



In proposing the motion it was stated that Kildimo was a developing town and that County towns like Kildimo should be encouraged to prosper and grow. Kildimo has an active community council and have shown great commitment to participating in the tidy towns and the development of a library centre. A delegation from the Kildimo community council made a successful presentation at the area meeting of Limerick county council on Monday 22nd March 2010 and was complemented by the senior engineering team and the local councillors.

Motion - Shannon Airport February 2010

Proposal

• To ensure that Shannon airport is not downgraded as an international airport for Transatlantic and European flight
• That the people from the mid-western seaboard would retain its tourism infrastructure and travel facilities for the west of Ireland
• All counties that lie in the West of Ireland would see the continuation of commercial growth in all these areas

New Proposals at Shannon

• Shannon Airport a key driver of economic development in Mid West and West of Ireland
• Shannon Airport is a Business, not just a facility or utility
• Government investment and funding must be a continued policy of any government
• Airport Act – states that Shannon airport requires a viable business plan to separate from the Dublin airport authority
• No further government grants as indicated by DAA
• We congratulate our county Limerick native, Mr Brian O’Connell, on his appointment as chairman of the New Shannon Airport Authority

I propose that:

• Limerick county council and city council seek a meeting seek a meeting with Clare county council to ensure that Shannon airport will have a vibrant future and that the western and mid west counties of Limerick, Clare, Galway, Kerry, Tipperary and Offaly be part of the stakeholders of a re-amalgamated Shannon airport
• I would ask for this proposal to be initiated immediately

CROOM TO HOST CO. CO. MEETING

Limerick County Council is to host Community Development Social and Cultural SPC Group in April. It is a great honour for the Maigueside Town that Limerick County Council are to be part of the April activities schedules. It is a little bit of history repeating itself when in the mid centuries that the major decisions of political and commercial life were made in Croom when they were hosted at Croom Castle. There is no Castle or King to preside at the April meeting as that era of the Kings presiding is now in the past.

Motion re: Flood Plains January 2010

Flooding at Parteen Co. Limerick


 With the recent nation wide flooding disasters we witnessed from our television screens and from the national media the effects of the flooding at the close of 2009.

 We saw Shannon Banks, Montpellier and Castle Connell badly flooded with homes being evacuated.

 Various rural areas throughout the County were also affected by the flooding. Single homes in various areas have been greatly affected in low lying areas.

 We saw towns and cities, Cork, Dublin, Gort, Ballinaslow and Ennis all affected.

 A National policy should be put in place were by that every local authority would be informed of a Flood Plain.

 Flood plans should be categorised, indicating the risk levels of areas.

 Hydrometric Stations are situated in all County Limerick rivers recording historical events of the river and floods.

 Residential and commercial developments need to take into consideration the potential for flooding.

 In November 2009 following the guidelines published by Minister Gormley and Dr Martin Mansergh a responsibility was put on local authorities and also on the elected members of County Councils to implement these guidelines.

 The guidelines clearly indicate that they take precedence over any previous directives associated with flooding.

 Guideline Objectives
o Avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding;
o Avoid new developments increasing flood risk elsewhere, including that which may arise from surface water run-off;
o Ensure effective management of residual risks for development permitted in floodplains;
o Avoid unnecessary restriction of national, regional or local economic and social growth;
o Improve the understanding of flood risk among relevant stakeholders;
o Ensure that the requirements of EU and national law in relation to the natural environment and nature conservation are complied with at all stages of flood risk management.

 I will call on the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government that areas listed and designated as flood risk areas by the office of Public Works be part of the national policy to any planning applications that may be sought for residential or commercial purposes. Also that a Flood Risk assessment be carried out when planning is applied for in a flood risk area.

 Also that all local authorities would be better informed of areas that are designated as flood plains and would treat flood risk with greater awareness in the planning process.

Adoption of Croom Area Plan 2009 - 2015

Adoption of Croom Local Area Plan 2009 – 2015



Introduction
The Croom area development plan was adopted on the 21st December 2009 at the December Limerick County Council meeting. Patrick C. Fitzgerald, Independent, proposed the adoption. Councillor Patrick Fitzgerald thanked the planning management team, the county manager, Ned Gleeson, County Secretary, Euguene Griffin the planners Gerry Beehan, Tom Enright, Bernie Quinlivan and Marie Woods. In proposing the area plan Councillor Fitzgerald hoped to bring this plan to fruition over the next 5 years. He stated that it was a detailed plan including many issues. These issues include the following items.

Population
The population of Croom has increased by 3% over the last 20 years. From 2002 to the 2006 the population declined by a total of 11 people (1.04% of a decline). The Croom rural area electoral division experienced a population increase of 10% from 1986 to 2006.

Flooding and Flood Plains
In compiling the area plan the concerns of the people of Croom about flooding had to be taken into account. The residents and the business people of Croom had suffered greatly with the Mauige flooding in homes and in shops. Various amendments had been made to the proposed draft area plan with regard with any developments on the embankments of the river Mauige.

Development Constraints
The town suffers from a number of constraints which has impacted negatively on its ability to develop including:

1. The lack of capacity in the towns sewerage system
2. The lack of capacity in the towns water supply
3. Traffic congestion
4. In the past, poor public transport links to city and else where. This has improved over the past 2 years with City Link service providing a 2 hour service to the Atlantic corridor from Galway to Cork.
5. Lack of investment which led to a high rate of vacancy and dereliction in buildings.

Education
The proposal to build a new community college which will cater for approx. 800 students should enhance the town as an education centre. The original proposal for the college was to build adjacent to the existing building and some infrastructure had been put in place with regard to link roads however, the local area boundary plan was extended from the 2003 draft plan and now it is proposed to build the college in the Skagh townland.

Economic Development
To facilitate and encourage appropriate industrial, enterprise and commercial development the proposal of enterprise centres was put forward and planning permission has been put in place. This will hopefully bring very much needed employment to the Maigueside town.

Residential Development
In the 2005 – 2011 area plan the area theoretically had zoning for 490 housing units in an area of 28.48 ha. The majority if this area is still currently undeveloped. In proposing the new area plan for Croom this available residential zoning area was considered ample for development in these recessionary times. If development where to take place it would take many decades to see these residential developments coming to fruition.

Service Sites
In the proposed plan a unique proposal with regard to service site development was put forward. This is a concept involving single unit house developments which could be accommodated by the existing services that are available.

Croom linking to other areas
Croom is a very historical town. It was home to one of the principle manors in the Munster area. Croom castle is also located on the river Mauige which was belonging to the Earls of Desmond (the Fitzgeralds). It would be hoped to link the town of Croom and other county towns to towns and cities throughout Europe and America. With the advent of broadband it would be hoped to link with these areas and exchange community and commercial programmes. This could also have great benefits for education. 44000 Crooms exist in the United States and there is a great interest in linking with these towns and some exchanges of ideas has already taken place.

Community/Sporting open space
In the area plan there was an emphasis on creating special outdoor areas for sporting and community activities. This open space area has been designated adjacent to the schools and colleges and would accommodate pupils of the national school of Croom to participate in sport and community games.

Service Road
An extension to the existing service road has been proposed which would alleviate the traffic congestion through the town. The existing service road had been constructed during the 2003 area plan but was never put into use.

Conclusion
The whole focus of the plan for Croom is to take into account tourism, culture, retail development, sporting and recreation development, town infrastructure and residential development, to help develop the area into a compact community orientated town with commercial strength.

Croom Area Plan

The Croom Area Plan was proposed and adapted by Patrick C. Fitzgerald at the December County Council meeting in the council Chamber at County Hall. The area plan is for 2009-2015. In proposing the plan the county manager, Ned Gleason and the county secretary Eugene Griffin and the planners Gerry Sheerin, Tom Enright, Bernie Quinlivan and Marie Woods were thanked. A special word of thanks was given to the various groups on Limerick County Council who showed great courtesy in compiling and amending sections of the plan.

In compiling the plan Patrick Fitzgerald had to take into account the issue of flooding which was the concern of the people of Croom. These concerns would have existed over 100 years. Retail development was part of the proposal as also was open space to cater for sporting activities to facilitate the local GAA club and to accommodate pupils from the local national school. The establishment of an enterprise centre would be a major benefit and this is included in the proposal. Education was a major part of the proposal with a new proposed college. In the 2003 plan a new road had been proposed and built to accommodate the existing area where the college is at present. In the proposal it is stated that Croom is a historical town and is well known for its poets, its castle and it was stated that over 44000 Crooms exist in the United States. It is hoped to do a twinning and linking with these areas. Croom has a large area zones for residential development and in this 2009-2015 area plan the concept of service site development is proposed to accommodate people wishing to build their own single home.

Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Patrick C. Fitzgerald
County council Meeting Wednesday 28th October

Cllr Patrick C. Fitzgerald requested that the cemetery grants and funding for the County graveyards and cemeteries would be increased to assist the voluntary committees in the renovating, restoration, removal of debris, grass cutting, cleaning of pathways and other maintenance. Patrick stated in his request that these burial grounds are an integral part of local heritage. He spoke of the historical cemeteries of Croom, Anhid, Kilkeedy of Clarina, Mungret, three historical cemeteries in Adare, Kilamacow, Manister, Crecora, Kildimo and many others that would need maintenance to be carried out. Cllr Fitzgerald did accept that we are in a recession but it was most important to retain our heritage an historical sites.

Question Raised

It was asked if properties surplus to the HSE in Croom, including (a) old dispensary/health centre, High Street, Croom and (b) lands and buildings including the former Fever Hospital at St. Nessans, Croom, could be secured to be used as community centres and other community activities such as respite centres, day care centres and nursing centres.

Opening of Banouge Tots and Teens Creche

The President of Ireland Mary McAleese graced the Maigueside district when she accepted an invitation to open the new Tots and Teens Creche in Banouge. The President was accompanied by her husband Martin McAleese. It was an acknowledgment of community efforts by parishes and community groups whether big or small. Banouge being one of the smallest parishes in the County.

Road Improvements

Limerick county Council roads department have begun work on the road surface and boundary areas at the Dohora, Banouge. Serious accidents have taken place in this black spot area over the past year. It is hoped to erect boundary barriers to make the area safer.

North - South Co-Operation


Patrick C. Fitzgerald MCC meeting Jeffrey Donaldson M.P.M.L.A at the Bellingham Castle Hotel, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth

Patrick C Fitzgerald MCC participated in the North-South confederation of councillors at the Castel Bellingham in Co. Louth on the 10th October 2009. The theme of the seminar was Councillor co-operation North and South and the challenges they face. also in attendance were Liz McManus T.D Labour, Cllr. Patsy McGlone M.I.P S.D.L.P and billy Timmins T.D F.G.


Limerick county twinning with Minnehaha, Sioux Falls


Fr. JP Morgan , Patrick C. Fitzgerald MCC, and Sean Breen formally of Croom and Minnehaha Minnesota in the Council Chamber at the reception for the twinning of Limerick County and Minnehaha, Sioux Falls.


At the Council Chamber reception for the twinning of Limerick county with Minnehaha, Soux falls


Notice of Proposed Material Alterations to the Croom Local Area Plan 2009-2015

NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the County of Limerick has, in pursuance of the provisions of the above Acts, prepared Proposed Material Alterations to the Croom Local Area Plan for the period 2009-2015.

A copy of the Proposed Material Alterations to the Croom Local Area Plan will be on display from 17th October 2009 to 16th November 2009 and may be inspected at County Hall, Dooradoyle, County Limerick each day (exclusive of public holidays) from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm. A copy of the Proposed Material Alterations may also be inspected at the Croom Area Office and Public Libraries in Dooradoyle and the Granary, Michael Street, Limerick during normal opening hours. The Proposed Material Alterations will also be available on Limerick County Council’s web site at www.lcc.ie/Planning/Local_Area_Plans/Proposed+Local+Area+Plans.

Any objections or representations with respect to the Proposed Material Alterations to the Local Area Plan for Croom shall be made in writing, to the Forward Planning Section, Planning and Development Dept, Limerick County Council, County Hall, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick and received before 3.30pm on Monday 16th November 2009. These submissions will be taken into consideration before the Proposed Material Alterations to the Local Area Plan are made.

New Proposed motorway from Patrickswell to Blarney



I had the good pleasure of attending a meeting with the management of the new proposed motorway from Patrickswell to Blarney at the design office of the Cork county Council at Gould’s Hill Mallow on Tuesday the 25th August. The delegation that travelled from the Maigueside comprised of business and community residence of the area. We met with the senior engineer Mr Kevin Lehane, Matt Cummingham senior planner, Ciaran Hegerthy senior planner Limerick county Council and Derek Daley engineer. There was a broad discussion on the various issues and fears with regard to the draft proposal in the Croom district. There was grave concern with the exit and access links to the town of Croom where in the new draft proposal the existing link roads will not be retained. There was a discussion on secondary roads, walkways and the fear of losing bus transport services, city link because of the long journey to enter and exit the town.

The local press reported that Sean O'Neill, head of communications at the NRA said that the M20 had been "reprioritised" due to lower traffic volumes compared to other schemes also a waiting funding. A full confirmation that this report is true has not been received from the design office at Mallow. The design team at Mallow and Limerick are still working in their offices so hopefully this is only a wild political scare.

The M20 motorway would involve 80km of new motorway and it is envisaged that the construction at peak development would involve over 2000 workers. An impact study was to be carried out in the near future. Following the impact study statutory land acquisition would commence.
Steps included are:
Publication of CPO/Motorway Scheme
Publication of the environmental impact scheme
Objections or submissions to the CPO/Scheme, or EIS, to An Bord Pleanala
An Bord Pleanala may hold an Oral Hearing
If the CPO/Motorway Scheme is confirmed, a confirmation notice is published
A period is allowed to challenge the CPO/Motorway Scheme to the High Court
The CPO/Motorway Scheme is then confirmed.


Limerick County Council approves County Enterprise Project


Artists immpression of an Enterprise Centre

Limerick County Council has approved an investment of €1,050,000 (by means of subordinate loans) for the development of Community Enterprise Centres in Limerick at the last meeting of the Limerick county council on Monday 13th July. The amount for the proposed funding for Croom is €940,000 (Source of funding Enterprise Ireland €450,000, CEB €100,000, Co. Council €200,000, Own funds 50,000, Borrowings €140,000). Enterprise Ireland administrators a community led enterprise support programme - Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) Scheme 2007-2009. Limerick county council, working in close co-operation with Enterprise Ireland, FAS, the County Enterprise Board and the County Development board, in supporting applications made by community based companies to avail of funding under this initiative, is anxious to create new job opportunities for the people of County Limerick. Grant aid assistance has been approved by enterprise Ireland under this scheme for the development of five Enterprise Centres in Co. Limerick. One of these centres will be in Croom. A combination of inter agency support and local community involvement is key to the delivery of these projects, all of which are at various stages of planning. They are also supported by local entrepreneurs. These and other local entrepreneurs will play a key role in identifying potential tenants for the Enterprise Centres who may also benefit from ongoing support from State agencies such as Limerick County Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland or LEADER Groups. At the meeting of Limerick county council on Monday 13th councillor Patrick C. Fitzgerald welcomed the proposed Enterprise Developments in Co. Limerick and was delighted to see the town of Croom a beneficiary of this scheme. In his statement he said that having lost the creameries, post offices and local Garda stations in towns and villages it was great to see local government authorities such as Limerick County Council and the Limerick Enterprise Board initiating job creating Enterprises in our County towns. The construction of these centres should be completed by 2010. This centre in Croom should create jobs for the people of Croom. The long term benefits in both economic and social terms are very considerable and should justify the commitment in terms of money and effort from everyone involved.

I would like to thank everyone that helped me get elected to Limerick county council, my family, canvassers, friends and especially you the voters. I am deeply honoured and humbled and look forward to representing you to the very best of my ability.