Roadmap for reopening society and business – COVID19

Two changes come onto effect from Tuesday 5th of May:

  • People can travel up to 5 kilometres from their home to exercise.
  • Those who are cocooning can leave their homes for exercise so long as they avoid all contact with other people.
Roadmap for reopening society and business in Ireland from Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Health. COVID19
COVID19 Roadmap for reopening society and business in Ireland

The full document Roadmap for reopening society and business is available here & here.

Update from the Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Health – 01/05/2020.

Update on Public Lighting at Kildalkey National School

A tele-conference meeting was held on the 12th  March last between the Kenny Lyons Architects, Leamore (Contractor for St. Dympna’s National School Kildalkey) and the MCC Public Lighting Section to agree the cost for completion of the works by Leamore. The following was proposed:

MCC would make provision in its Capital Plan in the amount of €22,500 towards the cost of the public lighting works

MCC would provide 12 No. public lighting heads/lanterns to Leamore for the public lighting (MCC could source these lanterns  at a more competitive price through its maintenance contract)

Kenny Lyons would revert to the school/Department of Education to fund the remaining balance of  the Contractor’s  quotation to complete the works in the amount of €11,858.

Kenny Lyons Architects have advised that they were in contact with the Department just prior to the commencement of the current COVID 19 restrictions and that verbal agreement was given to fund the balance of the monies as set out above.

When the current COVID-19 restrictions with respect to travel and construction works are reviewed by the Government,  Leamore may be in a position to advise and agree on a start date and programme for the works with Kenny Lyons Architects.

The Council understand that the ESB are progressing with preparing a work order for the electrical services diversion works required (note: some ESB works may be affected by current COVID19 restrictions also).

IMPORTANT NOTICE – MEATH RECYCLING CENTRES

The initiative to waive the €5 fee for black bin waste on a trial period at the Kells Navan and Trim Recycling Centres has resulted in overstimulating visitor numbers to the extent that it has now become impossible to observe Covid 19 social distancing restrictions at the centres.  Over 2,000 customers visited the centres over the weekend of the initiative, depositing 2,300 bags of refuse for safe disposal, some of which may otherwise have been illegally dumped.

The high level of activity presented difficulties in terms of traffic and essential travel restrictions also.  Regretfully this high level of activity cannot be sustained in the current era of Covid 19 restrictions. 

The Recycling Centres are deemed to be an essential service, in particular serving the needs of the population who do not have access to a kerbside collection service, and it is vital that they remain open during this period.

For this reason, it has been decided to reinstate the charges for household waste from 8.30am Wednesday 22nd April.  This will lead to a reduction in the visitor numbers to the sites and will ensure that the sites are allowed to remain open whilst observing social distancing restrictions and that the use of the centres does not present a health threat to visitors or staff.

The public are advised to use the sites only if essentially required and to store materials where possible at this time.

The gate fee of €2 continues to be waived.

We continue to seek vigilance from the public in terms of illegal dumping which has increased in recent weeks.

All waste collectors must have a waste collection permit.  Never use a waste collector who does not have a permit listed at www.nwcpo.ie

Report suspicious activity to environment@meathcoco.ie

For further information on recycling centres in Meath visit www.meath.ie

Civic Amenity Sites – Navan ,Kells and Trim

“Waste collection and disposal is designated as a critical and essential service  and following consideration and recommendations  of the Regional Waste Management Offices and the Local Authority Business Continuity Group the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment  have agreed for Civic Amenity sites to remain open to facilitate acceptance of essential waste and in particular for households who are not in receipt of a kerbside / door to door collection service.

The Civic Amenity Sites at Navan, Kells and Trim will therefore remain open Monday to Saturday (8.30am to 4.45pm) however the public are advised to use the sites only if essentially required and alternatively to store materials where possible at this time. It is anticipated that if the Covid 19 restrictions are fully observed activity at these sites will be significantly reduced and social distancing will be more easily achieved.

As you are aware, in order to eliminate cash handling the Council waived the €2 entry charge to the three sites for the period of the current health protection measures being in place. We have also decided to waive the €5 fee for a bag of day to day residual domestic waste (with recyclables removed) on a temporary basis to reduce illegal dumping which is become ever more prevalent across the county and presents a serious health risk to our staff.

The operations at the three sites will be monitored on an ongoing basis and changes put in place where necessary.

Notwithstanding our decision to waive the fees as above, it is a matter for the Gardai to decide if the trip is essential or not.”

– Meath County Council Environment Department

New FREE ONLINE Community Education Courses

All these courses are FREE to Everyone

NEW Learn The Basic Skills Of Painting & Recycling Existing Furniture

Apply to register: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=276965

You will need:

Download Zoom from Apple or Play Store

A piece of furniture, some old household paint.

Marena will show you how to make chalk paint with, emulsion paint and filler

Tutor 

Marena Casey

Starting Monday 6th April

Day Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Times 2.00pm to 3.30pm

No. of sessions 6

**************************************************************************

NEW Learn the Basic Skills of Drawing and Painting

Apply to register: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=276964

You will need:

Download Zoom from Apple or Play Store

If you have painted before you can use your oils and acrylics and canvases or wooden board (chip board)

or if you did not have these are supplies you can use colouring pencils, markers, poster paints and copy books.

Tutor Marena Casey

Starting Monday 6th April

Day Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Times 11am -12.30am

No. of sessions 6

**************************************************************************

NEW Online Coping with Stress Course – Mornings, 

Apply to register: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=276963 

You will need to download ZOOM from Play or Apple Store

Tutor Elfreda Manahan Vaughan

Starting Tuesday 

Times 11am to 12.30pm 

Starting Tuesday 7th April

Number of Sessions – 6

**************************************************************************

NEW Online Mindfulness Course – Evenings, 

Apply to register: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=276652 

You will need:

Download ZOOM from Play or Apple Store

Tutor Elfreda Manahan Vaughan

Starting Tuesday 7th April

Course will run on Tuesdays –

Times 7.30pm to 9.00pm

Starting 7th April

Number of Sessions – 6

**************************************************************************

NEW Online Mindfulness Course, 

TApply to register: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=276650 

You will need: 

Download ZOOM from Play or Apple Store

Tutor Elfreda Manahan Vaughan

Starting Monday 6th April 

Course will run on Monday & Wednesdays 11am to 12.30pm 

Number of Sessions – 6

**************************************************************************

NEW Online Knitting Course, 

Apply to register: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=276648

You will need:

1. ZOOM – download App from Play Store

2. Knitting Needles and a Ball of Wool

and a CUP OF TEA

Tutor Mary Kirwan

Starting Tuesday 7th April

Course will run Tuesday and Fridays 

Times 2pm to 3pm

Number of Sessions – 6 

**************************************************************************

NEW Online Sewing Course, Beginners Course in making Easter Bunnies and other Crafts

Apply to register: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=276649

You will need:

Material – this maybe old clothes and recycled to make your Bunny

Thread & Needles.

Please download – ZOOM from the Play Store for this course.

Tutor – Mary Kirwan

Starting 7th April

Course will run on Tuesday & Friday for 6 classes.

Times 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Number of sessions 6

Paid Parking Changes due to COVID-19

In light of the revised restrictions imposed on everyone following last night’s Government announcement we have been reviewing the operation of all Council services including the parking and warden services.

We believe that there is an important support role that our wardens can play to assist essential businesses and key workers in the current crisis.

Essential businesses include:

  • Pharmacy
  • Health Food Stores
  • Forecourt / Fuel
  • Specialist pet stores and animal feed providers
  • Supermarkets and butchers  
  • Convenience stores / newsagents
  • Laundries and Drycleaners
  • Banks / Post Offices

For the duration of the current emergency period therefore the revised role of our warden services will be to ensure that:

  • There is no illegal parking such as would restrict or prevent access to any of these essential services by customers or key workers
  • Parking is generally available for people using or providing these services
  • There is no improper use of disabled parking bays such as would prevent access for people with disabilities to these services
  • There is no illegal parking that could constitute a danger to other road users or pedestrians.
  • Loading bays are kept clear for the delivery of supplies to these essential services.

The Council would encourage any essential business having difficulties with illegal parking affecting access to their premises or parking for key workers to contact the wardens for assistance.

– Meath County Council

Municipal District Allocation Scheme – 2020

Given the unprecedented and extremely challenging environment we are now facing, ALL discretionary budgets are being reviewed and, therefore, the following budgetary measure is to be implemented:

  • All further payments from the Municipal District Allocation Scheme are to be postponed.

This is only a temporary measure intended on protecting resources at a time of great financial uncertainty and the situation can be reviewed when the economic environment permits.

Therefore any payments not yet processed or issued, regardless of having come before a municipal district meeting, will now be postponed.

Any changes to this position will be notified to you, as appropriate.

– Finance Department Meath County Council

Aura Leisure Centres – Trim & Navan

Meath County Council took a decision to close its swimming pool in Kells and libraries throughout the county on Friday. Given the escalating crisis and patterns experienced in other countries, Aura Leisure are planning on closing the Leisure Centres in Trim and Navan at 18:00 hrs this evening until further notice.

Community Grant Scheme 2020

Applications are invited from Community Groups, Tidy Towns/Village Committees, Residents Associations and other organisations, to assist with actions and projects being undertaken in their local area for the Meath County Council Community Grant Scheme 2020.  The range of grant categories available under the Community Grant Scheme 2020 are:

·         Residents Association

·         Tidy Towns

·         Equality and Social Inclusion

·         Recreation and Sport

·         Festivals & Events

·         Burial Ground

·         Ashbourne 2020 Commemorative Grant

Further details and application forms can be obtained from The Community Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath C15 Y291 or by email communitygrants@meathcoco.ie or alternatively from our website:

https://www.meath.ie/council/council-services/community/community-grants-and-initiatives/community-grant-scheme

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00pm Friday, 6th March, 2020

Report on Pedestrian Safety Newtown Bridge & R154 Pedestrian Crossing

Trim Municipal District – 2:00 p.m., 15th November, 2019, Trim Civic Offices

Report for Trim MD Councillors St Peter’s Bridge (at Marcie’s) Pedestrian Options

Background:

A Notice of Motion was submitted by Cllr Trevor Golden at the Trim MD Ordinary Meeting on 12th July 2019 as follows:

‘That Meath County Council will assess and prepare a report for the Members’ consideration on improving pedestrian access from the R154 to Lackanash Road. This report should include, but not limited to:

•Measures on the bridge
•Pedestrian Crossing on the R154’

Measures on the bridge
Several Options were reviewed and here follows a report of each option considered.

Road Marking: The length of this bridge is 38m and the width of the road (L-8016-2) on the bridge is 4m. The minimum acceptable width for a footway is 1.2m which only then allows only an unacceptably narrow 2.8m for vehicles – this creates a conflict between pedestrian and vehicle road markings.

Phasing of Traffic Lights: The traffic lights at this bridge currently only allow for vehicular traffic. The combined amber/green phase is 1.5 minutes. If an additional pedestrian phase were to be included in the cycle then a further minimum of 1.5 minutes would need to be allowed. This additional wait time would cause driver frustration probably leading to poor driver behaviour. In addition the space available for queued vehicles on the Navan side of the bridge will not allow for the extra cars that would need to queue while waiting for the green light thus causing conflicts/back ups on the through road from Lackanash to Navan. It is also questionable whether a pedestrian would wait for the pedestrian phase of the traffic light cycle before crossing thus making it ineffectual.

Cantilever Bridge: A cantilever bridge structure (similar to that in Navan) would cost approximately €0.8 million (based on pro-rate costs from the Navan bridge) which is prohibitively expensive considering the low pedestrian count at this location.

Separate Pedestrian Bridge: A pedestrian only bridge could possibly be constructed parallel to the existing vehicular bridge however this would cost in the region of €0.5 million – based on an approximately 50m long bridge. In addition the bridge wing walls would need to be broken through which is unacceptable in a protected structure.

Close Bridge to Vehicular Traffic: There is an option of closing this bridge to vehicular traffic and leaving it as pedestrian only. However the vehicles currently using this bridge would then be diverted towards the ring road. It is unknown whether the other junctions along the ring road can absorb this additional load. It also would create a 3km detour for vehicles as opposed to the current distance of 850m. However if the members wish to do this on a trial basis please advise and this office can arrange same.

Conclusion: The existing bridge has immense historical significance dating from 1330 and is a protected structure. It is in an Architectural Conservation Area and it is also located in the Boyne and Blackwater Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area. This means that any options involving civil works would need extensive permissions from various government bodies which may not be forthcoming.

There is no easy solution for giving more priority to pedestrians at this location and the pedestrian traffic counts do not justify extraordinary measures. Those pedestrians that use the bridge do so with due care and attention. No incidents are accidents have been reported to date nor were any issues identified during the pedestrian traffic counts undertaken (see below for pedestrian traffic count data).

It should be noted that there are many schemes that already form part of the County Development Plan which must be considered from limited funding. None of the options detailed above form part of the development plan and there is considerable expense involved in most of them. At this time the pedestrian count does not justify such expense.

The County Development Plan does include for a new bridge to be built across the Boyne which may reduce vehicular traffic at St Peter’s Bridge by approximately 50%. This may make it even easier for pedestrians to navigate the bridge.

Pedestrian Crossing on the R154

Meath County Council regularly receives proposals for new works but the volume of works unfortunately far exceeds the funding and resources available. Meath County Council therefore must prioritise works – pedestrian crossing locations are thus typically placed closer to urban centres where there is a higher pedestrian volume that there is at the proposed location above (i.e. on the R154 at the turn for the bridge).

Rather, it is the preference of this office to channel available funds towards a controlled crossing on the Lackanash Road at the pedestrian entrance to the Porchfields (approximately opposite the entrance to Steeple Manor Estate). It is hoped that this may be installed in 2020 if funds become available.

The report can be found in the agenda for the Trim MD Meeting on Meath.ie:
Agenda – Trim Municipal District Meeting November 2019