On Feb 22, 2013, the laneway between Ashefield and Abbeylands was cleaned by Westmeath County Council. Following this, Westmeath County Council then cleaned the edges of the estate roads using the road sweeper approximately one week later.
Category: Upkeep of the estate
Road sweeping in Ashefield
Westmeath Co. Co. sweeps the roads in Ashefield approximately once every two months. However, it appears that due to funding cutbacks, this will be curtailed. The council is to issue a revised timetable in due course and we’ll provide further information on this site when received.
Thanks to John S. for this update
Attention Dog Owners
Are you a dog owner? Due to the number of dog fouling instances in the estate, which are public health hazards, and loose/unmuzzled dogs, we’d like to bring the following information from Westmeath County Council’s control of animals webpage to your attention.
Dog owners responsibilities:
- A person in charge of a dog must clean up when the dog fouls in a public place. Owners who fail to do so are liable to an ‘on-the-spot’ of €150
- Keep their dog/s under control in a public place.
- Dogs must wear a collar and tag bearing the name and address of the owner.
- Certain breeds of potentially dangerous dogs must be kept on a short strong leash and muzzled whenever they are in a public place.
Licensing:
If you have a dog over 4 months old, you must have a licence for it and the person to whom the licence is issued must be over 16 years of age.
A dog licence may be purchased online or at any Post Office.
If you do not have a licence for your dog, you are liable to a €30.00 on-the-spot fine.
Failure to pay this fine can lead to a prosecution with a maximum fine of €1,270.00 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment if convicted.
Breeds of dog to which certain regulations apply under the Control of Dogs Act:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Bull Mastiff
- Dobermann Pinscher
- English Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd (Alsatian)
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog) and to every other strain or cross of every breed or type of dog described above.
Further information:
Link to Westmeath County Council’s control of dogs webpage
An Post’s dog licensing webpage
Annual collection of resident contributions and remedial works
The upkeep of the common areas in the estate is the responsibility of the residents. This includes grass cutting of common green areas, replacement of house number street signs in the estate, repairs to estate walls that are not the responsibility of the council, and any other remedial works that may be necessary. These works were outlined in the recent AGM.
The grass cutting season has already started and the first part of the remedial work plan – replacement of house number street signs – is underway.
To help cover to the costs of these works, the residents association have been collecting €30 per household every year. 100% of these contributions go directly towards these works and the full accounts for the resident association are made public.
Volunteer residents from the association will be circulating around the estate in the coming weeks with a view to collecting a contribution of €30 per household. We do realise that times are hard and living costs are climbing but your valued support is being requested once again this year. The €30 contribution is approximately 60 cents per week, which is a modest sum considering the work it achieves. This request is being made to all residents; either renting their home or as owners.
Sincere thanks to all the residents and community groups for their contributions and support. We are sure that you will do your best to support us in our efforts to maintain the estate that will all live in.
Minutes of the 2012 Ashefield Residents Association AGM
Ashefield Residents Association held their 2012 AGM on April 26th in The Newbury Hotel, Green Bridge, Mullingar.
1. Meeting Opening
The meeting was opened by Mr. Joe Gettings, Treasurer.
2. Accounts for 2011
The accounts for 2011 were presented by Treasurer Mr. Joe Gettings. (Full accounts available on www.ashefield.com.) These were unopposed and accepted.
3. Annual contribution for upkeep-of green areas
The residents contribution is currently €30 per house. It was pointed out that is the lowest in Mullingar. Other estate contributions range from €50 to €100. It was decided to leave the annual contribution at €30 per house.
4. Additional Remedial Works
The prospect of engaging in additional remedial works in the estate such as replacement of the house number street signs and repair to the estate walls near the Ashe Road entrance was discussed. As there is sufficient funds to complete the grass cutting for 2012, it was decided that these activities would be undertaken if estimated additional cost of this activity was collected in 2012.
5. New Constitution
The Treasurer, Joe Gettings presented a new constitution for discussion. However the quorum of 10 persons required to adopt the new constitution was not present. Therefore the discussion was suspended until a quorum could be convened. Full details of the constitution is available at www.ashefield.com.
6. Election of new committee
Mr Joe Gettings stepped down from the position as Treasurer. The election of the association officers for 2012 commenced.
- Treasurer: Mr. John Scales went forward for this position. He was elected unopposed unanimously.
- Chairperson: Mr. Joe Gettings went forward for this position. He was elected unopposed unanimously
- Secretary: No one was available for this position. A decision was made to try and co-opt a resident into this position
7. Closing of meeting
The meeting was then closed
Annual General Meeting – Ashefield Residents Association
Ashefield Residents Association will hold their annual general meeting on Thursday 26 April, 2012 in The Newbury Hotel, Green Bridge, Mullingar at 8pm
Contributions from all residents in the estate are most welcome. The current list of items for discussion are:
- Presentation of the 2011 accounts
- Maintenance and remedial work plans for the coming year
- Election of the new committee for 2012
- Any other business
Notice regarding this meeting is being distributed to all houses in the estate.
Dear Resident,
Thanks for your support in 2011 and we hope that you will be as supportive in the coming year.
This is your residents association and your opinion and voice counts. The main agenda items as listed are not the only topics that may be address in the forthcoming AGM. We invite suggestions for anything that you feel needs to be included in the agenda and any ideas that you might have to help improve the estate for all residents.
Ashefield has a website, e-mail address, Twitter account, and a Facebook page to help you keep up with to date and to contact us.
We encourage you to use these to stay in touch with both the residents association and residents. The committee comprises all unpaid volunteers – your neighbours, who are willing to spare some time.
Your contribution is very important. It falls back on us as a community to maintain and improve the common areas in the estate.
We realise that time is precious so therefore we appreciate all and any help you can give. This can involve calling on Tesco to collect abandoned shopping trolleys or picking up litter in your area.
We encourage you to contact us with your ideas, suggestions, and hope you can turn up to the AGM to meet other residents, give your opinion, and get involved.
Joe Gettings/Keith Nolan
Treasurer Ashefield Residents Association/website administrator
Ashefield Accounts 2011
Details of the 2011 bank account transactions and balance summary for Ashefield Residents Association are as follows:
| Date | Lodged By | Source | Purpose | Withdrawn | Lodged |
| 17-May-11 | J.Gettings | 2011 Collection | €170.00 | ||
| J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) | €180.00 | ||||
| 21-May-11 | J.Gettings | 2011 Collection | €235.00 | ||
| 31-May-11 | Credit Union | 2011 Grant | €200.00 | ||
| 10-Jun-11 | D.Conroy | 2011 Collection | €350.00 | ||
| 14-Jun-11 | J.Gettings | 2011 Collection | €60.00 | ||
| 17-Jun-11 | D.Conroy | 2011 Collection | €197.50 | ||
| 01-Jul-11 | M.Colvert | 2011 Collection | €380.00 | ||
| 06-Jul-11 | J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) | €270.00 | |||
| 22-Jul-11 | J.Gettings | 2011 Collection | €50.00 | ||
| 30-Jul-11 | D. Conroy | 2011 Collection | €80.00 | ||
| 19-Aug-11 | W,meath CC | W,meath CC | €300.00 | ||
| 07-Sep-11 | J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) | €360.00 | |||
| 05-Oct-11 | J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) | €360.00 | |||
| 14-Dec-11 | C.U. dividend | €10.18 | |||
| 14-Dec-11 | Affil Fee C.U. | €0.90 | |||
| 14-Dec-11 | Donation C.U. | €1.00 | |||
| 30-Dec-11 | J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) | €90.00 | |||
| Summary | |||||
| Total Collected & Lodged to Credit Union 2011 | €2,032.68 | ||||
| Credit Union Balance Brought Forward from 2010 | €1,564.91 | ||||
| Petty Cash Forward from 2010 | €120.00 | ||||
| Total Funds Collected 2011+ Brought Forward From 2010 |
€3,717.59 | ||||
| Total Withdrawn from Credit Union in 2011 | €1,261.90 | ||||
| Petty Cash Spent 2011 | €46.00 | ||||
| Credit Union Balance | €2,335.69 | ||||
| Petty Cash Balance | €74.00 | ||||
| Overall Balance | €2,409.69 | ||||
Letter from Robert Troy T.D. regarding council responses to Ashefield-related queries
The following letter from Robert Troy T.D., dated 8th May 2011, was delivered to all houses in Ashefield and addresses a number of issues raised at the recent Residents Association AGM:
Dear Resident,
I am writing to you further to my attendance at your recent residents association AGM. Following this meeting I requested my two colleague’s Cllr. Bill Collentine and Cllr. Ken Glynn to raise the issues of concern to the residents at the next Mullingar Town Council meeting. Please see on reverse of this letter a comprehensive list of questions they asked and the replies given. We will continue to pursue these issues on your behalf.
I am enclosing a card with all our contact details for your information. Please do not hesitate in contacting any of us should you feel we can be of any assistance to you, your family or friends in the future.
Best wishes,
Robert Troy T.D.
Cllr. Glynn: That Westmeath County Council would maintain the green area at the entrance to Ashefield estate, similiar to the green strip across the road.
Reply: This is a matter for the Ashefield Residents Association.
Cllr. Collentine: Can Westmeath County Council advise what responsibility it has to ensure that the communal areas of the apartment block in Ashefield are maintained in good order, in the absence of a management company?
Reply: It is a matter for the residents of the Ashefield apartments to make arrangements for the upkeep of any communal areas.
Cllr. Collentine: Can Westmeath County Council advise that assistance it can provide to the residents of Ashefield under the National Spring Clean competition towards the removal of graffiti?
Reply: Graffiti removal would not be covered by the National Spring Clean campaign. Westmeath County Council is currently awaiting details of the 2011 Anti Litter and Anti Graffiti Grants Scheme from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. When details are received, an application form will be forwarded to Ashefield Residents Association.
Cllr. Collentine: Can Westmeath County Council advise it it has a schedule in place for the roadsweeper to come into the Ashefield estate and if possible to ensure that laneways are swept out as well?
Reply: This estate is included in the road sweeping schedule and is swept once every three months.
Cllr. Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to provide a litter bin at the entrance to Ashefield.
Reply: There is a litter bin at the entrance to the Ashefield. Mullingar Area Office will examine locating another bin at the entrance to TESCO. However, stopping the bin collection vehicle in this area is problematic from a safety view point.
Cllr. Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council if it will carry out extensive remedial works on the green area between Ashefield and Abbeylands.
Reply: Mullingar Area Office plans to cut the grass in this large open space this year with a heavy duty mower so that it can be maintained by the residents association. Mullingar Area Office also intends to commence a multi-annual programme of landscaping works along the Western By-Pass R394 this year. This section of the R394 will be included in the programme
Minutes of the 2011 residents’ association AGM & record of accounts
Date/Time: April 07, 2011, 20:00
Note: these are draft minutes and may be updated
In Attendance:
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh (Treasurer/Secetary)
Mr. David Conroy (Committee Member)
Ms. Maria Colvert (Committee Member)
Residents – their attendance was recorded on a sign-in sheet
Also in Attendance:
Councillor Ruth Illingworth (Town Councillor)
Mr. Robert Troy T.D.
Mr. Jonathan Darcy (AES)
Agenda:
Meeting opening:
Meeting was opened by Ms. Margaret Kavanagh and all those in attendance were welcomed.
Role of the residents association:
The role of the Residents Association was discussed by Ms. Margaret Kavanagh.
Responsibilities of each resident:
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh reminded those present that grass cutting currently carried out by the contractor only extends to the large green areas. It remains the responsibility of the residents to cut the strip of grass in front of their own house.
Annual contribution for upkeep-of green areas:
Mr. David Conroy proposed that the contribution per house be continued at the current rate of €30 per annum. This was agreed by all those present. However the possibility of using a raffle to raise funds in the future was discussed. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh said that she had got a two quotes for the cutting of the grass and while the exact cost had not been agreed finally with the tendering parties it was expected that this would be approximately €1400. The large green area adjacent to the C-Link road was discussed and was felt this area needed remedial works. Mr Robert Troy T.D. undertook to write to the County Council and request that these works be carried out.
Ashefield resident and professional fitness instructor, Eamonn offered to hold a series of fitness classes using one of the green areas within the estate. It was proposed that any revenue generated would be contributed to the estate funds.
Tenants/landlords responsibilities:
It was discussed that as some of the houses are rented there is an issue as to who has the responsibility for the upkeep. It was decided that the residents should forward the request to the landlord if they were unprepared to pay.
Apartment block:
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh said that the apartment block in Ashefield did not have a management company. Therefore it was unclear as to who had responsibility for the upkeep of the area around the apartments.
Laneways/anti-social behaviour:
The issue of litter in the laneways and the congregation of people in laneways was discussed. Councillor Ruth Illingworth stated that it was currently proposed to close off some of the laneways in neighbouring estate Abbeylands. However it was decided that this course of action would not be pursued. Other deterrent methods were proposed and discussed.
Ashefield website
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh reminded residents that a lot of information regarding the estate and the residents association is currently available on the estate’s website.
http://165.227.235.101/
Financial statement for 2010:
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh presented the financial statement for 2011 (see below).
Election of new committee:
Mr. David Conroy and Ms. Maria Colvert agreed to stay on in their current position. This was unopposed. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh stated that she no longer wished to remain in the position of treasurer and asked if anyone was willing to go forward. Mr. Joe Gettings offered to take over this role.
He was accepted into this position unopposed. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh then handed over the folder containing the financial details of Ashefield Residents Association and undertook to assist in the smooth handover of the accounts to Mr. Joe Gettings. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh also presented Mr. Joe Gettings with the Associations Petty Cash which amounted to €120.
Closing of meeting:
The meeting was then concluded.
Record of Ashefield Residents’ Association accounts for year ending 2010
| Date | Description | Credit | Debit | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance from 2009 | €1180.30 | *** | €1180.30 | |
| 07.05.10 | Community grant | €200 Credit Union | *** | €1380.30 |
| 28.05.10 | Grass cutting – J. McD | *** | €360 | €1020.30 |
| 01.06.10 | Contributions | €760 (Dave) | *** | €1780.30 |
| 25.06.10 | Contributions | €440 (Tom) | *** | €2220.30 |
| 02.07.10 | Grass cutting – J. McD | *** | €360 | €1860.30 |
| 16.07.10 | Contributions (Eddie) | €60 | *** | €1920.30 |
| 07.08.10 | Contributions (Maria) | €595 | *** | €2515.30 |
| 07.09.10 | Grass cutting | *** | €600 | €1915.30 |
| 10.11.10 | Grass cutting | *** | €360 | €1555.30 |
| December | Miscellaneous items – bin tags, etc. | *** | €100 cash (not in Credit Union) | |
| December | Late payment. | No.2 €30 | *** | €60 to be kept for misc. expenses |
Due to new Credit Union rules with regards to withdrawing cash, the present committee has decided to keep a certain amount of money in the kitty for miscellaneous expenses as it is not always convenient for members to get to the credit union.
Notes:
- Accounts statement as presented to new treasurer Mr. Joe Gettings on 08 April 2011.
- Cash in kitty had not been recently updated and was €120 on 08 April 2011. The possibility of opening a current account is currently being investigated with a view to removing the need to hold cash.
Plans for a new litter bin near the Ashe Road entrance
Conor, an Ashefield resident, got in touch with Westmeath County Council regarding the litter problem on Ashe Road near the estate entrance and green area. Their response was:
I refer to your letter re the above and wish to advise that Mullingar Area Office will seek to erect a new bin at the pedestrian crossing on Ashe Road near Tesco entrance.
This will hopefully help to reduce the litter dumped over the wall into the green area. Thanks, Conor!