Issue - meetings

The Chair advised that a number of public questions had been submitted in advance of the meeting.  He also noted that there were a number of members of the public in attendance who had intimated that they wished to ask a question.  He advised that his intention was to take the questions submitted in advance first and then open the floor to those in attendance. 

The questions were submitted in the following order:-

Question 1 – Jennifer Evans

Evans Funfair submitted an application to hold their annual Fun Fair at Blaze Pitch Mossfield in February 2025 to Amenity Services, they have not received an acknowledgement or any confirmation.  They have heard that the Waterboard are working on the site and do not know how long that is going to go on for, therefore is there an alternative site available for September or can they have confirmation that the works will be complete and they are able to use the Blaze Pitch as normal?

The Operations Manager advised that Scottish Water were carrying out works at the blaze pitch on Mossfield and that it was anticipated that they would still be on-site in September.  He advised that he was currently awaiting confirmation from the Network and Standards Manager as to whether Lochavullin Carpark would be available to use as an alternative to site the annual fun fair and he would confirm the position with Mrs Evans in due course.

Question 2 – Frank Roberts

On 24 January Storm Eowyn caused significant damage to the pontoon berths adjacent to the North Pier, particularly to sections of the floating breakwater.  Consequently, the outer two sections of the breakwater are now closed “until further notice", and the inner section subject to restrictions for the time being of the number and size of vessels which may use them.  (EDI Committee, March 2025: Notice to Mariners # 04/25, May 2nd 2025).  The breakwater being out of commission is having severe adverse effects on both commercial and leisure users of it.

At a recent meeting of the Oban Bay Management Group, it was stated that it was not possible to say when repairs might be completed and full use of the breakwater restored, but that it was not likely before an as yet indeterminate date in 2026.

It is now four months since the storm, and surveys of the damage are reported to have been conducted.  Therefore, can the Area Committee respond to the following questions, please:

1.      Has the full extent of the damage and necessary repairs been determined?

2.      Has an initial schedule of those repairs been developed?

3.      Do either of the outer sections of breakwater require to be rebuilt and replaced?

4.      What is the anticipated latest date for completion of repairs, and the breakwater to be fully re-opened for use?

5.      Will the EDI Committee be given a full report on progress at its meeting later this month?

The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that the question(s) had been forwarded to the Council’s Roads and Infrastructure Service and enquired as to whether the Operations Manager was able to provide an update in this regard.  Mr Murphy confirmed that he was unaware of the position in relation to the questions.  He undertook to take forward with the Council’s Marine Operations Manager following the meeting and ensure a response was provided to Mr Roberts directly.

Question 3 – Terry Hegarty

How exactly does Argyll and Bute Council reconcile the legal rights of children to enjoy the benefits of family life and equality of educational opportunity with continuing reliance upon mainland hostel arrangements for children resident in SW Mull attending High School in Oban?

The Democratic Services Manager advised that as this question related to the Mull Campus Project, she had taken advice from the Council’s Legal Services.  Mrs Stewart confirmed that a Judicial Review had been served on the Council, in regard to that project and as the matter is now subject to Court Proceedings it would not be appropriate to provide a response or have any discussion on the matter, or any other question that may arise at the meeting relating to the Mull Campus Project.

Question 4 – Nigel Burgess

1.      What was the procurement process for awarding the contract to build Iona Breakwater?

2.      Why was the contract awarded to a dredging Company when the EIA report clearly stated that dredging would be required subsequent to the construction due to sedimentation?

3.      Where is the £14.8 million budget coming from? This does not appear in the Transport Scotland infrastructure budget

4.      Why was the advice of the Planning Statutory Consultee Naturescot not followed to investigate and mitigate for seagrass?

5.      What will be the addition cost of the seagrass investigation, subsequent to the contract preliminaries?

6.      What will be the increase to the contract price as a consequence of these delays?

The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that the questions raised by Mr Burgess were more aligned to a Freedom of Information request.  She undertook to signpost Mr Burgess to the process for lodging a Freedom of Information request.

Question 5 – Mary Braithwaite

Why has there been a change to care at home provision on Luing, with the care provider no longer willing to work with family carers? This was introduced with no notice, and it has so far been impossible to obtain any information on this change in policy. It has already impacted care and the situation of families on Luing and is of significant concern to the community in terms of current and future care.

The Chair confirmed that this was an issue which was felt across the Council area and was also a concern for Elected Members. 

Councillor Green, Chair of the Argyll and Bute HSCP Audit and Risk Committee advised that he was looking to progress this matter with the appropriate personnel within the HSCP and would work with Committee Services to avoid a duplication of questions.

Question 6 – Tracy Mayo

Ms Mayo sought  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4