Minutes of Annual Meeting held on 6th June, 2014

Cllrs Present: 	M. Shortall, M. H. Cavanagh, P. Fitzpatrick, P. Millea, J. Brennan, 
M. McCarthy, A. McGuinness, P. Cleere, M. Doyle, P. O’ Neill, B. Gardner, D. Kennedy, M. Doran, J. Malone, M. Noonan, P. McKee, D. Fitzgerald, K. Funchion, M. O’ Neill, P. Dunphy, F. Doherty, E. Aylward, T. Breathnach, G. Frisby. 

Officials:	J. Crockett, J. Mulholland, J. McCormack, P. O' Neill, M. Prendiville, M. Delahunty, M. Mullally, K. Hanley, B. Tyrrell, S. Walton and A.M. Walsh. 

Cllr. P. Dunphy, outgoing Cathaoirleach opened the meeting. He welcomed all the members to the first meeting of the new term of office for Kilkenny County Council.. 
Ms. A.M.Walsh, Meetings Administrator read into the minutes the following statement. 
"Following the poll taken on 23rd May, 2014 the following are the persons duly elected as members of Kilkenny County Council. 
- Castlecomer Municipal District. 
Maurice Shortall, Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Pat Fitzpatrick, Pat Millea, John Brennan, Michael McCarthy. 
- Kilkenny City East Municipal District
Andrew McGuinness, Peter "Chap" Cleere, Michael Doyle, Patrick O' Neill, Breda Gardner, David Kennedy. 
-Kilkenny City West Municipal District 
Matt Doran, Joe Malone, Malcolm Noonan, Patrick McKee, David Fitzgerald, Kathleen Funchion.
-Piltown Municipal District 
Melissa O' Neill, Pat Dunphy, Fidelis Doherty, Eamon Aylward, Tomas Breathnach, Ger Frisby. 

Before commencing with the formal business Cllr. P. Dunphy addressed the meeting. 
Outgoing Chairman's Address:- 
Members, Chief executive, Directors and staff members, it is an honour for me to address you for the final time to thank you for your cooperation and support during my term as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council.
This time last year I was honoured to be selected as  Cathaoirleach and entrusted  to serve the citizens of this County in the final year of our five year term as Councillors.
As I look around the benches to my right and left I see a changed Council membership, and I welcome all the newly elected members and wish you well for this term.
It would be remiss of me not to recall those elected members who retired or were not successful at the recent elections. I can entirely sympathise with those who lost their seats and I really wish them well in their chosen future pursuits. All those former members contributed to civic and political society and served the people well. I hope that in time they can recall with some affection the time that they spent in this Chamber working for the betterment of Kilkenny.
To the new members of Kilkenny County Council I say congratulations on your election. I know that new members can feel daunted by the protocol and procedures but I also know that there are ample facilities and assistance to support you in your new roles. In one sense the really hard work starts now!
Over this past year I have been fortunate to be a part of many significant developments in Kilkenny. The provision and realignment of Local Government services is being transformed.  Issues such as  the new position of Chief Executive, the creation of new Municipal Districts, the transfer of the Water Services to Irish Water, the creation of Local Enterprise Offices, the realignment of local development agencies, are all areas which are currently engaging both members and staff alike, and as Chairman I have been directly involved in most of these issues at the coal face.
One of the many strategic areas under consideration over the last Council term has been the adoption of the new Kilkenny County Development Plan, recently adopted and now in place to provide strategic guidance for next six years, and which will, I hope ,facilitate the economic  renewal of the County and enable Kilkenny to share in Ireland’s improving economic performance.
During the past twelve months I have seen at first hand the tireless work of voluntary committees whose members give selflessly to the communities in which they live or work. Such volunteerism is at the very heart of resilient communities. Kilkenny County Council through its diverse range of functions and services is uniquely placed to enhance and support community initiatives. For me one of the personal highlights of my year was the presentation of Amenity Grants, here in county Hall, where one could sense the real spirit with which people go about improving their local place.
The presentation of Gathering certificates, for those communities who embraced the concept, revealed a depth of energy and commitment which was remarkable in its variety and comprehensive in its range.
The effects and aftermath of storm Darwin once again proved that community spirit is alive and well in Kilkenny and when we in the Council reacted with such competence we were able to minimise the impact for all of our citizens.
Recent years have been particularly challenging for the Council. The major recession and consequent significant reduction in all lines of income have led to significant re-balancing with  limitations on service levels.  The Council, both elected members and staff, have worked hard to make sure that Council service provision was  maintained and also not burdened by revenue deficits, so as to enable balanced growth as the County and the economy emerges from recession. 
Last year, the Council’s received approval of its application to Failte Ireland for the development of a medieval mile in Kilkenny City with the aim of strategically lifting city and county tourism economic performance. 
This programme is now underway with the completion of Phase 2 of the public realm improvement in Kilkenny City at High Street, the completion of the planning process for a new museum and exhibition centre at St. Mary’s Church and the initiation of a design tendering process for a new garden/park amenity along the river Nore. These projects will progress significantly this year. 
The most immediate and significant tourism project in the year ahead will the opening of the new Smithwicks visitor centre this summer.. It is a Diageo objective that some 100,000 visitors will be attracted to this centre, and this will represent a very significant boost to tourism performance. 
The tourism awards received in 2013 – Overall Tourism winner and best town  and friendliest city – demonstrate and underpin the County’s  commitment to tourism and provide confidence to the tourism sector that further growth is achievable. The completion of the medieval mile project and support for the tourism sector will continue to be a major objective of the Council. 
The provision of a major water supply to the Belview area by the IDA and the County Council at a cost of €13m has been a major success. The decision by Glanbia to locate their new dairy ingredient plant in Belview at a cost of €180m, would not have been possible without a strategic water supply. The decision by Coillte to expand the Smartply operation at Belview is also a major boost for the South Kilkenny area. 
The Diageo site, formerly Smithwick’s Brewery presents us with an historic opportunity to develop in the heart of Kilkenny City. I realise that the subject will be debated shortly in this chamber but I would simply request full engagement by the members in what should be an exciting development.

Finally I wish to thank all elected members, Management and staff for your support and assistance in a year that I will not forget.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TOP PAY A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MY FAMILY WHOSE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT NEVER WANED.
Members paid tribute to Cllr. Dunphy for his work as Cathaoirleach for the Council during the last year and congratulated him on his fairness and openness with the members. 
Item 1.  Election of Cathaoirleach 
Cllr. P Millea was proposed as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council for the ensuing year by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward. There were no other proposals. Accordingly Cllr. P. Millea was unanimously elected as the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council for the coming year. 
The incoming Cathaoirleach thanked his proposer and seconder and addressed the meeting as follows:- 
To The members of the general public and the press you are most welcome. A special welcome to the family members and friends of those that have been elected. This is a special day in the civic life of the City and County.  The start of a new 5 year term, new plans, new aspirations and new hope.
I wish to congratulate each one of you on your election. Being elected by the people of Kilkenny to be their representative is a huge personal honour and achievement for the individual concerned, their family and, where applicable, their party.  I wish you the very best and look forward to working with each one of you in the best interest of the people we serve.
I also pay tribute to the candidates who did not get elected, and, acknowledge that their candidacy and participation in the Election is what makes the democratic process work. I wish them and their families the very best for the future.

I pay tribute to the outgoing Chairman, Councillor Pat Dunphy, Mayor Martin Brett and to all the members of the previous County Council and Borough Council for their public service during their term of office. A lot was achieved by the two councils and it is my hope that we can build further on their achievements.  I wish to acknowledge the work done by our Chief Executive or better known as County Manager, Joe Crockett.  He is due to leave at the end of June.  I wish him well and thank him for his efforts on behalf of the people of Kilkenny.
We have come through hard times over the course of the past 7 years. We should now prepare for the recovery phase and commit ourselves to implement policies that will bring us further progress and development, while taking full account of what people said to us on the doorsteps and in the ballot box. 
The people voted for change and have given us a mandate to bring forward new policies and new ideas to respond to the challenges they face in their lives.
We must now renew our focus on economic development and in this regard, the creation of sustainable jobs is essential.  Too many families are suffering from unemployment, too many people are emigrating, and we have to do everything we can to create jobs in Kilkenny and the South East Region generally, thus giving people and particularly, our young, hope for the future.
The South East region has the highest rate of unemployment in the Country, standing at 15.5%. We must try to reverse this by every means possible. Therefore, I suggest that we, as a Council, make this our principal priority for this term.
I have spoken to the Chief Executive and his staff and it is now my intention that, working with council members, proposals for a new economic development strategy will be brought forward to focus on the needs of Kilkenny City and County, and, working closely with the New Enterprise Office to market Kilkenny as a great place to live, work, and to invest.
We have a new mandate and a new structure of local government, with new municipal districts, with additional legal powers and responsibilities. The purpose of these new structures is to get a stronger focus on the needs of every locality of North, South, East and West Kilkenny. I look forward to the changed emphasis on policies and priorities which will help each locality to grow. 
This will also mean a strong focus on the development of Kilkenny City, the port of Belview, and the principal county towns.   The promotion of agri-business and tourism remain central to our recovery.  It goes without saying that every village and town and local community have a lead role to play in this work. Nothing will be achieved by the council alone – it will be a collective responsibility and enterprise
The finances of the Council, like those of every household and business will also need to balance. We are in a time where people and businesses are under huge pressure and financial strain.  Public representatives must acknowledge these pressures. Therefore, I have insisted on a review and full examination of the Councils funding, to determine if, within the limited scope provided in the legislation, that a reduction in the Property Tax of up to15% can be achieved, while also considering the potential impact this may have on Council Services. 
The public have spoken and we must listen. Therefore, this review must also include development levies.   I know that the question of commercial rates is a huge concern for business, and, as part of this financial review, the issues relating to rate harmonisation for the city and county will be examined.
We read in the paper last week and in reports and documentation provided by the council, that there is a strong prospect of new jobs for Kilkenny. I will set dates with the members for meetings, to be held immediately, where we can examine the different options and choices that are open to us, with a view to making the right call on the right option for us. 
There has been much public debate about the new river crossing at Greensbridge.  In the course of the past week, my colleagues and I have met with the chief executive and officials of the Council, and, have reviewed all of the decisions taken to date by the Borough Council in this process. This review has shown clearly that in our opinion there is no going back on the decisions made by the County and Borough Councils. The compulsory Purchase Order has been implemented and lands have been acquired, tender documentation is advanced and preparatory work done.  However, such was the concern expressed by many local communities we have now agreed that the following should happen without delay:

1.	That a full traffic management Plan, prioritising pedestrians and residents, be agreed with the local communities at, Wolfe Tone Street, Newpark, Comer Road, Stephen Street, Rioch Street and Old Callan Road.
2.	That Dean Street be given special treatment as an important urban road and that it be made pedestrian friendly throughout.
3.	That the next phase of the outer ring road be prioritised and progressed. 
4.	That the consultation process on each of these projects be as inclusive as possible involving all stake holders. 

The Greensbridge replacement scheme will add significantly to the employment creation potential of Kilkenny City Centre and we are endorsing this scheme.  
It has long been an ambition and policy objective of the Members of this Council to complete the Ring Road to the north and west of our city.  
Members will be aware that the outgoing Council oversaw the completion of preliminary design, Environmental Impact Assessment and community consultation for the section of the Ring Road connecting the Castlecomer Road to the Freshford Road.  It is understood that An Bord Pleanala, following the Oral Hearing held in mid April, will make a decision on the scheme later this year. 
We must therefore ensure that this Council is fully prepared to advance the Ring Road on the assumption that the Bord determines in its favour. 
I was elected in the North Kilkenny Electoral Area. I am keenly aware of the challenges that face that part of the County.  Towns such as Urlingford, Johnstown, Freshford, Ballyragget, Castlecomer and the many small villages that comprise North Kilkenny, are suffering from lack of investment and inadequate planning. 
An action plan is needed to revitalise the North of the County. Job creation, initiatives to support local businesses, such as rate relief and reduction of local authority costs and charges, a viable public transport system and housing are just some of the issues faced in this area. 
A plan needs to be agreed and implemented as a matter of urgency to deal with these problems, giving hope and breathing life into rural communities. I know that the same problems are faced elsewhere in the county and my hope is that this Action Plan, once agreed, could act as a template in the other electoral areas. In this regard, I will be asking each area committee to examine proposals for this plan with all stake holders immediately. These Action Plans can form part of the overall economic development plan for the county.
Finally, I would not be here at all without the support of my family, friends, and in particular, those who voted for me. I thank all of you most sincerely for your efforts on my behalf.  I am extremely proud of all of the work undertaken by my son, David, who acted as my director of elections and never lost the belief that his father would win a seat. 
The next twelve months will be extremely busy for me as chairman and I ask you all for your support and co-operation.
Item 2. 	Election of Leas Cathaoirleach 
Cllr. Patrick McKee was proposed by Cllr. A. McGuinness and seconded by Cllr. J. Malone. There were no other proposals accordingly Cllr. P. McKee was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach for the coming year. 
Cllr. P. McKee thanked his proposer and seconder and stated that it was a huge honour to be given this position. He advised the meeting that he will take the responsibility seriously and will work for the people of Kilkenny. He thanked his family for their support. 
Cllrs. M. Doran, E. Aylward, M.H. Cavanagh, T. Breathnach, K. Funchion, B. Gardner, M. Noonan, A. McGuinness, M. Shortall congratulated Cllr. P. Millea and P. McKee on their election as Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach. 
Members offered their support and co-operation to both Councillors and wished them well in their year of office. Outgoing Councillors were wished the best for the future and the newly elected members were welcomed by all. Members thanked the people of Kilkenny for voting for them and thanked their families for their ongoing support.  A number of members requested a review of the Central Access Scheme and the Inner Relief Road. 
Concerns were also raised in relation to the forthcoming appointment on the agenda that members would consider appointing members in a fair and equitable manner taking into consideration the expertise required for the appointment. 
Mr. Joe Crockett Chief Executive on behalf of the staff congratulated Cllr. P. Millea and P. McKee on their election and wished them well for the year. He thanked Cllr. P. Dunphy and Cllr. M.H. Cavanagh on their work during the last year. He welcomed the newly elected members and looked forward to working with them for the betterment of the County. He assured all members of the support of all staff. There are important decisions to be made by the new Council. It is a huge responsibility to take on for the next 5 years. 
Mr. Crockett also paid tribute to M. Brett outgoing Mayor and Joe Reidy, Deputy Mayor. He wished them well in the future and also included good wishes for those Councillors who retired and those who were unsuccessful in the recent election. 
At this juncture Cllr. Millea allowed Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh outgoing Leas Cathaoirleach to address the meeting as follows:- 
Members, Chief executive, Directors and staff members, it was a privilege for me to be selected to serve as Leas Cathaoirleach for the last year. I would like to thank you for your cooperation and support given to me during my term and also special thanks to Cllr Dunphy who was Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council.
I hope that I have carried out the duties of the Leas Cathaoirleach for the benefit of the County and I look forward to continuing this work with the new Council.  It is important that we continue to promote Kilkenny as a vibrant tourist location and that we also promote the City and County for investment and job creation. By working together we can achieve success for the Council. I look forward to the new strategies and the new policies which this Council will bring forward in the coming months. 
Cathaoirleach Pat Millea has already referred to the new choices and priorities for the new Council and I support the views he expressed in relation to the need for economic development, for a strong focus on the needs of the new municipal districts, for a review of Council finances and to balance them with the ability of families to pay the local property tax and the need to deliver services, and the ability of companies to pay rates and development charges. I should also say that we as a party are supportive of the plans for the construction of a new city centre bridge to replace Greens Bridge with the proposed changes for Kennyswell Road and for Wolfe Tone Street and for the progressing of a  new bridge on the Outer Ring Road. 

  Like Cathaoirleach Millea, and outgoing Chair, Pat Dunphy, I welcome all the newly elected members and wish you well for this term.  To those that have retired or have been unsuccessful in the recent election I wish you and your families every good wish for the future and thank you for the tireless work that you have done.   
Finally I wish to thank all elected members, Management and staff for your support and assistance in the last year.
It would be remiss of me not to pay tribute and  thank most sincerely my family as without their support I would not be able to carry out the many duties that is demanded of an elected member and being away from home for considerable periods.

Item 3. 	Appointment of Chair Designate to SPC 1 
It was proposed by Cllr. A. McGuinness and seconded by Cllr. P. Cleere:- “That Cllr. P. Millea be appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 1”. There were no further proposals received. Cllr. P. Millea was unanimously appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 1. 
Item 4. 	Appointment of Chair Designate to SPC 2. 
Proposed by Cllr. J. Malone, Seconded by Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick:- “That Cllr. M. Doran be appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 2”.  There were no further proposals received. Cllr. M. Doran was unanimously appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 2. 
Item 5. 	Appointment of Chair Designate to SPC 3.
Proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, Seconded by Cllr. P. O' Neill:- “That Cllr. J. Brennan be appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 3”.  There were no further proposals received. Cllr. J. Brennan was unanimously appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 3.
Item 6. 	Appointment of Chair Designate to SPC 4. 
Proposed by Cllr. G.Frisby, Seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward:-  “That Cllr. A. McGuinness be appointed as Cathoairleach of SPC 4”.  There were no further proposals received. Cllr. A. McGuinness was unanimously appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 4.

Item 7.  	Appointment of Chair Designate to SPC 5. 
Proposed by Cllr. P. McKee, Seconded by Cllr. M.Doran:- “That Cllr.E. Aylward be appointed as Cathaoirleach of SPC 5”. 
Cllr. T. Breathnach stated that a group has been formed to propose Cllr. M. Shortall. 
Mr. Crockett advised that this is not in accordance with the legislation. Cllr. Shortall requested an adjournment to seek advice. The members agreed to 10 minute adjournment. The meeting resumed and Cllr. P. Millea advised that following advice from the Chief Executive Item No. 7 is being deferred to the next meeting. 
Item 8. 	Appointment of 3 members to the Local Community Development Committee.  (LCDC)
Cllr. D .Fitzgerald was proposed by Cllr. M H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. J. Brennan.  
Cllr. E. Aylward and Cllr. A. McGuinness were proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick. 
Cllr. D. Fitzgerald, E. Aylward and A. McGuinness were unanimously appointed to members to the Local Community and Development Committee. 
Item 9. 	Appointment of 3 representatives to the Association of Irish Local Government
Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick and Cllr. E. Aylward was proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. P. Cleere. 
Cllr. P. O' Neill was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. M. Doyle. 
Cllrs. P. Fitzpatrick, P. O' Neill and E. Aylward were unanimously appointed as representatives to the association of Irish Local Government. 
Item 10.  	Appointment of 1 Representative on Local Authorities Members Association. 
Cllr. Joe Malone was proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward. 
Cllr. J. Malone was unanimously agreed as the Council's representative on the Local Authorities Members Association. 
Item 11.  		Appointment of two representatives to the Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly 
Cllr. J. Brennan was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. D. Fitzgerald.

Cllr. P. Millea was proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward. 
Cllr. J. Brennan and P. Millea were unanimously agreed as the Councils representative to the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly. 

Item 12. 	Appointment of 4 representatives to the Regional Health Forum South
At this juncture Cllr. T. Breathnach, M. Shortall, D. Kennedy, K. Funchion, M. O' Neill and B. Gardner indicated that they wish to form a block. The block nominated Cllr. B Gardner to the Regional Health Forum. 
As no other group wished to form a block the meeting preceded as per paragraph 18 of schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2001 and proceeded to elect the balance of 3 members of the forum by vote. 
Cllr. M. Doyle was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. P. Dunphy. 
Cllr. J. Malone and Cllr. M. McCarthy were proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by  Cllr. E. Aylward. 
Accordingly Cllr. B Gardner, M. Doyle, M. McCarthy and J. Malone were appointed as the Council's representative to the Regional Health Forum South. 
Item 13. 	Appointment of 6 representatives to the Goul Joint Drainage Committee 
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, seconded by Cllr. J. Brennan that the 6 elected members of the Castlecomer Municipal District be nominated to the Goul Joint Drainage Committee. This was agreed by all members. Accordingly Cllr. J. Brennan, P. Fitzpatrick, M. McCarthy, P. Millea, M. H. Cavanagh and M. Shortall were appointed as the Council's representative to the Goul Joint Drainage Committee. 

Item 14. 	Appointment of 3 members to Kilkenny Tourism. (One from each Municipal District)
Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick and Cllr. A. McGuinness were proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. G. Frisby. 
Cllr. P. Dunphy was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. P. O' Neill.
Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick, Cllr. A. McGuinness and P. Dunphy were unanimously appointed as Council's members to Kilkenny Tourism. 
Item 15. 	Appointment of 4 representatives to the Kilkenny Leader Partnership Board (One from each Municipal District) 
At this juncture Cllr. T. Breathnach, M. Shortall, K Funchion, D. Kennedy, B. Gardner, M. Noonan indicated that they wish to form a block. The block nominated Cllr. M. Noonan to the Kilkenny Leader Partnership Board. 
As no other group wished to form a block the meeting proceeded as per paragraph 18 of schedule 10 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and proceeded to elected the balance of 3 members to the Leader Partnership Board by vote. 
Cllr. J. Brennan was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. P. O’ Neill. 
Cllr. A. McGuinness and Cllr. E. Aylward were proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. M. McCarthy. 
Accordingly Cllrs. M. Noonan, J. Brennan, A. McGuinness and E. Aylward were appointed as the Council’s representatives to the Kilkenny Leader Partnership Board. 
Item 16. 	Appointment of 8 members to Kilkenny Water Safety Committee.
At this juncture Cllr. T. Breathnach, B. Gardner and M. O’ Neill indicated that they wished to form a block. The block nominated Cllr. M. O’ Neill to the Kilkenny Water Safety Committee. 
Cllr. M. Shortall, K. Funchion and D. Kennedy indicated that they wished to form a block. The block nominated Cllr. D. Kennedy to the Kilkenny Water Safety Committee. 
As no other group wished to form a block the meeting proceeded as per paragraph 18 of schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2001 and proceeded to elect the balance of 6 members to Water Safety Committee by vote. 
Cllr. M. Doyle and P. O’ Neill were proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. J. Brennan. 
Cllr. P. Cleere, P. McKee, J. Malone and P. Fitzpatrick were proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward. 
Accordingly, Cllr. M. O’ Neill, D. Kennedy, M. Doyle, P. O’ Neill, P. Cleere, P. McKee, J. Malone and P. Fitzpatrick were appointed as members of the Kilkenny Water Safety Committee. 
Item 17. 	Appointment of 1 representative to Irish Public Bodes Mutual Insurances Company Ltd. 
Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick was proposed by Cllr. M. Doran and seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward.
 Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick was unanimously agreed s the Council’s representative to Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Company Ltd. 
Item 18. 	Election of 8 representatives to Kilkenny & Carlow Education & Training Board
At this juncture Cllr. M. O’ Neill, M. Noonan and T. Breathnach indicated that they wished to form a block. The block nominated Cllr. T. Breathnch to the Kilkenny/Carlow Education and Training Board.
 Cllr. K. Funchion, D. Kennedy and M. Shortall indicated that they wished to form a block. The block nominated Cllr. M. Shortall to the Kilkenny/Carlow Education and Training Board. 
As no other group wished to form a block the meeting proceeded as per paragraph 18 of schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2001 and proceeded to elect the balance of 6 members to the Kilkenny/Carlow Education and Training Board. 
Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and F. Doherty were proposed by Cllr. J. Brennan and seconded by Cllr. M. Doyle. 
Cllr. M. Doran, P. Cleere, P. McKee and G. Frisby were proposed by Cllr. A. McGuinness and seconded by Cllr. P. Fitzpatrick. 
Accordingly Cllr. T. Breathnach, M. Shortall, M. H. Cavanagh, F. Doherty, M. Doran, P. Cleere, P. McKee and G. Frisby were appointed as the Council’s representatives to the Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board. 
Items 19-28 	Appointment to County Council Committees 
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, Seconded by Cllr. M. Doran that item No. 19 to Item No. 28 inclusive be deferred to the June monthly meeting and was agreed by all. 
Other Matters. 
Item 29.	Report on Local Elections 
Report on Local Elections was circulated with the agenda for the member’s information. 
Item 30. 	Standing Orders Kilkenny County Council – Review	
Mr. Crockett advised that the Standing Orders regulating the proceedings of the Council require to be reviewed.  A draft document is being prepared and will be issued for the views of the members. 
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, Seconded by Cllr. M. Doran and agreed: - “That draft Standing Orders would be considered by the Corporate Policy Committee and then by the full Council. 
Item 31.	Tenders - to provide for the attendance of the Cathaoirleach or nominated member at the opening of tenders and the signing of documents related thereto.
Mr. Mulholland requested approval of the attendance of the Cathaoirleach or any elected members at the opening of tenders and signing of related documents. 
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, Seconded by Cllr. M. Doran and agreed that any elected member can attend at the opening of tenders. 
Item 32. 	To apply for the sealing of documents in accordance with the provisions of Section 149(5) of the Local Government Act 2001(existing provision is that each member is authorised to witness the fixing of the common seal to documents) 
Mr. Mulholland requested Council’s approval that any elected members can witness the fixing of the common seal to Council’s documents in accordance with the provisions of Section 149(5) of the Local Government Act 2001.
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh and seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward and agreed that any elected member can witness the fixing of the common seal to council documents. 
Item 33. 	To fix a schedule of Ordinary Meetings of the Council.
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, Seconded by Cllr. E. Aylward and agreed:-  “That dates of the Ordinary Meetings of the Council will take place on the following dates:- 
Monday 23rd June, 2014 at 3.00p.m.
Monday 21st July, 2014 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 15th September, 2014 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 20th October, 2014 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 17th November, 2014 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 15th December, 2014 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 19th January, 2015 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 16th February, 2015 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 16th March, 2015 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 20th April, 2015 at 3.00p.m 
Monday 18th May, 2015 at 3.00p.m. 
Monday 15th June, 2015 at 3.00p.m. 
Item 34.	To fix dates for first meetings of Castlecomer, Kilkenny City and Piltown Municipal Districts
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, Seconded by Cllr. P. Millea and agreed:- “That the first meeting of the Castlecomer Municipal District take place on Friday 13th June, 2014 at 2.00p.m. in County Hall, Kilkenny”. 
It was proposed by Cllr. A. McGuinness, Seconded by Cllr. P. Cleere and agreed:- “That the first meeting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District take place on Monday 16th June, 2014 at 7.30p.m. in City Hall, Kilkenny”. 
It was proposed by Cllr. T. Breathnach, Seconded by Cllr. P. Dunphy and agreed:- “That the first meeting of the Piltown Municipal District take place on Monday 16th June, 2014 at 1.30p.m. in the Ferrybank Offices”. 
Item 35 	Induction Training for Elected Members
Members were advised that induction training for all elected members of Kilkenny County Council will take place in Cork on 26th June, 2014. Names of members attending to the forwardedby Kilkenny County Counicl to the Association of Irish Local Government. Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh asked that consideration be given to computer training for elected members through the Education and Training Board. Cllr. Gardner supported Cllr. Cavanagh’s request. 
It was proposed by Cllr. M. H. Cavanagh, Seconded by Cllr. M. Doran and agreed:- “That Kilkenny County Council nominates all 24 elected members to attend the training seminar being organised by the Association of Irish Local Government for all elected members to take place on the 26th June, 2014 in Cork”. 
Item 36	Any Other Business 
Mr. Crockett Chief Executive advised the members that his term of office ceases in August 2014, and he will leave the Council at the end of June. Mr. John Mulholland will be appointed as Deputy Chief Executive until a permanent appointment has been made. The recruitment process has commenced with the Public Appointment Services Board. He advised the members that he will be stepping back from all major projects between now and end of June but will continue in a support role. 
Mr. Crockett requested members to consider a date for a meeting to consider the options for the development of the Smithwick’s Site. Mr. Mulholland and Mr. Prendiville will be available to brief members either individually or per party. Cllr. Noonan requested that members be supplied with all documents in advance of the meeting. Cllr. Breathnach and Gardner supported Cllr. Noonan request that all information and sufficient time be given to members to assist them in making decisions on the future development of this strategic site. 
Following discussions members agreed that the briefing for members will take place in committee on Monday 23rd of June, 2014 at 11.30a.m and that the item be listed on the June monthly agenda for consideration. 
Mr. Crockett agreed to issue members all the supporting documentation including the summary of the preliminary architectural assessment which has been carried out. He agreed that the management team will be available to meet members on an individual basis if they so wish. 

That concluded the business of the meeting.