Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Statutory Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 21st November 2022 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Connolly,
  • Councillor Fox,
  • Councillor Gibbons,
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor MacSharry,
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor,
  • Councillor Walsh.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • John Moran, A/Director of Services
  • Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Patricia Guckian, Financial Accountant
  • Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer
  • Jennifer Burns, A/Meetings Administrator
  • Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Healy and Councillor Casserly.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS

AND

INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE OR REDUCTION IN INCOME:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that he had two resolutions to hand as follows.

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That no further motion be voted on by the Council until such time as the entire budget has been considered in detail”.

 

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That all motions seeking an increase in expenditure or a reduction in income under any heading must either show a corresponding decrease in expenditure or an increase in realisable income.”

 

DRAFT BUDGET FOR YEAR ENDING 31STDECEMBER, 2023:

The Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, noted that, in the preparation of the 2022 Budget, the impact of Covid-19 upon service delivery was highlighted, adding that, this year, the Council has been faced with another unprecedented event, namely the war in Ukraine which will impact on service delivery, not only in 2022 but also in 2023.

Mr. Lydon stated that the Budget is being produced against the backdrop of rising energy costs, reduced income from parking and increased staffing costs, but that the Council has received additional Government funding to support those additional costs.

He added that the 15% increase to the baseline LPT adopted by the Members this year is now worth approximately €131,000 less to this Council than in previous years following an LPT revaluation process which took place this year. He advised, however, that the Council will endeavour to continue to progress projects in the pipeline, with efficiency savings to be made, when required, to ensure match funding is in place for such projects.

Mr. Lydon referred to the downgrading of the North-Western region to ‘lagging region’, which presents challenges that must be met and advised that the Council will be working to access a portion of the €1.4bn available through cohesion funds to ensure delivery of various projects in the pipeline, including the Eastern Garavogue Bridge, the Sligo Public Realm and the City Campus project which will bring inward investment of €103m.

Mr. Lydon pointed out that the results, so far, of the 2022 census recorded a 6.5% increase in population for the County which puts pressure on services and added that it is, therefore, imperative that both public and private housing remains a priority for this Council going forward.  Following an upcoming economic appraisal for affordable housing within the County, Mr Lydon stated that this will be an opportunity for the Council to develop its own lands for affordable housing or approach developers to progress their proposed developments, to help kickstart the housing market.

It was noted that, in January 2023, the emerged preferred transport corridor for the N17 Knock to Collooney road will be announced, and it is important that the County’s road network is invested in and national primary routes are upgraded to allow the County to grow economically.

Mr. Lydon outlined various opportunities for the County to flourish and prosper in 2023, and going forward, through various initiatives including:

  • Additional funding for Active Travel projects
  • Production of a Destination Experience Development Plan
  • Addition of Hazelwood Distillery
  • Completion of the Queen Maeve Square in Sligo town
  • The passage of tomb landscapes of Sligo
  • Sligo Harbour masterplan.

He advised that, in order for the Council to invest in a regional growth centre, there is a need to raise a loan over 40 years which can only be financed by an increase in rates as the LPT is already at full capacity.  Mr. Lydon outlined the details of the proposed rates increases as detailed in the Budget Book, together with the proposed rates increases on vacant commercial properties.  

Mr Lydon informed the Members that the Council’s Workforce Plan is currently with the Department for consideration, on which feedback is still awaited.  He also added that sanction has also been sought for twenty-six additional posts in order to deliver on actions and address issues in areas such as climate action, the digital change programme, the regeneration team and vacant posts in relation to active travel.

Ms. Whelan, Head of Finance, outlined the overall summary of proposed expenditure and income for 2023 and the main provisions included in the 2023 Draft Budget.

Councillor Bree welcomed the fact that this Council has been provided with additional funding to support the Council’s increased energy and staffing costs.

 

DIVISION A – HOUSING AND BUILDING:

Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, outlined the content of Division A in the draft Budget book as set in pages 33-44, and the Housing Capital Programme on page 112.

The Director of Services advised that there are many challenges, which include:

  • Tackling homelessness
  • Housing delivery
  • Completion of the Cranmore Regeneration Project
  • Rising material costs which will impact housing maintenance.

It was noted that the majority of the increase to the Housing budget for 2023 will be focused in the area of tackling homelessness.

The Members commended staff in all areas of the Housing section for their diligent work over the past year in challenging circumstances.

In response to a query in relation to the reduction in the housing maintenance budget for 2023, Councillor Bree was advised that the reduction in this figure relates to a reduction in proposed LPT costs to the Local Authority from 2022 to 2023.  The budget for housing maintenance remains the same as for 2022.

 

DIVISION B – ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY:

Ms. Concannon, Acting Director of Services, informed Members that the details of this Division are set out in pages 46 – 52, with the Statutory Table F on pages 50 – 52.

Ms Concannon outlined details of the various projects in this Division including the following, planned for 2023 and beyond:

  • Eastern Garavogue Bridge
  • Burton Street Link project
  • N17 Knock to Collooney project
  • N16 Lugatober scheme
  • The Active Travel Programme, with the following two schemes currently being advanced:
  • Collooney to Castlebaldwin cycleway
  • Pedestrian and cycle route to link Toberbride to Collooney town
  • Sligo Greenway project
  • The Pathfinder project – an off-road dedicated cycle lane linking Carraroe to Sligo ATU.

Ms. Concannon advised that the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency project, a national project to replace all existing public lights with LED lights, is also set to commence in Sligo in 2023.

The Members commended the Acting Director of Services and all staff involved in the preparation of the budget and for their work on all planned projects in the County.

In response to queries from the Members, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised as follows:

  • The Council will continue to push for additional funding in respect of CIS and LIS schemes, as it is recognised that these schemes are of enormous benefits to road users in rural areas.
  • Road works at Top Road, Strandhill, to the roundabout are being carried out through the Active Travel programme for which funding is available. It is hoped that these works can be frontloaded as much as possible.
  • In relation to the rollout of the LED public lighting scheme, works will commence in Sligo in Q3 2023. This is a two-year programme being managed by Mayo County Council, and it is expected that works should be completed around mid-2025.

 

DIVISION C – WATER SERVICES:

Acting Director of Services Ms. Concannon outlined the content of Division C in the draft Budget book as set out in pages 54-56.

She advised that Sligo County Council continues to bear the costs of the operation of public conveniences at Enniscrone, Mullaghmore and Rosses Point over the summer season and some supports associated with group water schemes and private supplies. All other expenditure on water supply and wastewater treatments are fully recouped from Irish Water; the Service Level Agreement for which is to be replaced by a Co-Operation Agreement, to be finalised in the next few months. This new agreement will enable Irish Water to take direct control of water services, with Council staff having the option to move to Irish Water or remain in the Council’s employment.

In a response to a query in relation to the operational aspect of Irish Water going forward, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised the Members that a Master Agreement is awaited and, in the New Year, staff will have the option to go to the new utility or remain with the Council.  He added that this will be a delicate process given that water services must be kept operational within the Council as the process is progressed.

 

DIVISION D – DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT:

Ms Clarke, Director of Services, presented an overview of budgetary issues in relation to Planning, Community and Economic Development, Arts & Libraries, Heritage Office and LEO, comprising Programme Group D and a portion of Group F.

In the area of Planning, she advised that expenditure for 2023 has been maintained at the same levels as for 2022, but with increased workloads associated with statutory requirements around the preparation of the new County Development Plan (CDP. It is hoped that a first draft of the new CDP will be available for Members’ consideration by the end of Q1 2023 or early in Q2 2023.

Ms Clarke advised that Sligo County Council expects to go live on the introduction of the new E-Planning system on 15th December 2022, for which expenditure has already been committed.

She outlined details of the following projects and funding streams in 2023 in this division:

  • Public Realm Enhancement project
  • Wayfinding strategy
  • Croí Cónaithe Scheme - provision of a Vacant Homes Officer
  • County Heritage Plan 2023 – 2027 – recruitment of a Bio-Diversity Officer

Ms Clarke informed the Members that Sligo is progressing its application to become a World Heritage Site.

She provided an overview relating to funding in the various areas for 2023, which include:

  • Heritage Office - to include the delivery of the County Heritage Plan 2023 – 2027 and recruitment of a Bio-Diversity Officer
  • Advancing Sligo’s bid to become a World Heritage Site
  • Community & Economic Development – to include funding for projects such as Christmas lights, tidy towns, Pride of Place competitions, digital development and innovation, among others
  • Tourism Development - to include funding for such projects as The Surf Centre, The Cultural Plaza and toilet and shower blocks at Enniscrone and Rosses Point
  • Tourism Promotion - includes details of funding for Sligo Airport and Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK)
  • Sligo Tourism and Festival and Events funding – SCC to take a stand at the Holiday World Exhibition in January 2023
  • Sligo Food Trail
  • Diaspora
  • Promotion of the Sligo Brand
  • Live, Invest and Visit
  • Patrick’s Day Festival
  • Festival & Events Strategy.

Ms Clarke advised that Sligo County Council has received a commitment for funding of €75,000 following a successful application under the Night Time Economy Support Scheme and will be working with the BID office to progress the scheme in the town.

She also stated that the contract has been signed for construction of the Queen Maeve Square in Sligo Town.

The Members commended the Director of Services and all staff involved in the preparation of the budget and for their work in the large number of ongoing and planned projects in the County, and in sourcing funds from the various funding streams which hugely benefits the county as a whole.

The Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, assured the Members of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District that the North Sligo area gets equal prominence from the Council in relation to projects and the various funding streams.

In response to queries from the Members, Ms. Clarke advised as follows:

The Council is not aware of a further funding announcement for 2023 in respect of the Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS).

The Council will be liaising with all connected hubs in the County.

The Council’s role in relation to zoned land tax is around the preparation of the initial maps which were published in November and the deadline for queries is January 2023. Any queries, suggestions etc will be taken on board and updated maps will then issue, on foot of which the Revenue Commissioners will be tasked with collecting monies.

At this point, following a number of questions on staffing from the Members, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon wished to clarify that staffing is the responsibility of the Executive, not the Members, who are responsible for the monetary aspect of the Council’s operations.

Ms. Clarke advised that, in relation to the preparation of a New Leader Programme, the process has commenced in that expressions of interest have been advertised. The LCDC, as the LAG, will be submitting expressions of interest for Sligo County Council, the Council will be the financial partner and the Sligo Leader Partnership will be the implementing partner. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is 16th December 2022 and it is expected that the new programme will be in place in Q4 2023.

In relation to funding contributions and how particular projects are affected by inflation, Ms. Clarke stated that the Council will be reverting to the particular funding bodies in question to negotiate additional funding where there is an increase in tender prices etc.

Ms. Clarke acknowledged the hard work and contribution of community volunteers which has benefited the county, adding that Sligo is a very vibrant location for community projects undertaken.

 

DIVISION E – ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:

Ms. Concannon, Acting Director of Services, set out the information under the various headings in pages 78-90 of the Budget Book.

The Acting Director of Services outlined the new initiatives in place nationally and locally in the areas of environmental awareness and climate action. An Environmental Awareness Officer post is to be created, whose role will include working across all areas of environmental protection.

Ms. Concannon advised that a new Waste Management Plan is to come into force in 2023 which will replace the three existing regional plans.

In the area of Climate Action, Ms. Concannon advised the Members that Sligo County Council must reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 51%, and improve energy efficiency by 50% by 2030, in line with national policy.  She added that a five-year Climate Action Plan is to be prepared and delivered in 2023 in this regard.  It was noted that two posts are to be funded to ensure preparation and delivery of our Climate Action Delivery Plan, namely the Climate Action Officer, already in place, and a newly funded post, a Climate Action Co-Ordinator, to be appointed in 2023, whose role will include providing supports to rural and urban communities in securing funding to undertake climate action projects in their area under the Community Climate Action Programme.

Ms. Concannon also acknowledged the important role of Sligo ATU in the area of climate action, adding that their vast knowledge in this area has been key in setting up the Sligo-Leitrim Energy Agency which supports those applying for retrofitting and other existing grants.

In relation to the new public amenity facility at the former landfill site in Finisklin, Ms. Concannon advised the Members that this project is fully funded by the Department and will commence towards the end of 2023, when the bird nesting season is over. An amenity area on the site will enable pathway access through the site, which is abundant in landscape and bio-diversity with impressive views of Sligo Bay.

 

DIVISION F – RECREATION AND AMENITY:

Under the content in Division F in the Budget Book – Recreation and Amenity, Ms. Concannon noted that the budgets in this area for 2023 will be similar to 2022 levels with focus on maintenance and improvement of parks and open spaces.  She added that some works are to be continued in 2023 including further pathways and a second MUGA tennis court in Cleveragh, public lighting works in Mitchell Curley Park and pathways in the Fairgreen.

Members welcomed the funding proposals under this category in 2023, particularly in the Cleveragh area and at the Fairgreen which will be welcome news for all using these facilities.

 

DIVISION G – AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE:

Ms. Concannon outlined the content of Division G in the draft Budget book as set out in pages 100-102, which gives details of funding for Piers and Harbours in the County, Coastal Protection works, food safety and animal welfare, including the continuation of the Dog Warden service.

She advised that funding is available for piers and harbours in the County under the Brexit Adjustment Fund and successful projects will be progressed in 2023.

Councillor O’Boyle requested that all options be explored in advance of the renewal of the tender for the Dog Warden service as it is his understanding that the Dog Wardens, who are paid for their services, are sub-contracting their work to other people which is not the proper way to operate this service.

Ms. Concannon advised that funding has been applied for under the Brexit Adjustment Fund for a number of projects in the county including Innishmurray Island and the Enniscrone pontoon, as detailed on page 115 of the Budget Book.

 

DIVISION H – MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES:

Acting Director of Services, Mr Moran, outlined the content of Division H in the draft Budget book as set out in pages 103-110, which primarily covers the cost of Corporate activities including:

  • Administration of the various statutory meetings of the Council
  • Costs associated with providing administrative services
  • Publication of the various plans and activities associated with the Council and other international contexts.

In relation to the Register of Electors, he advised that the Electoral Act 2022 has led to the introduction of a Rolling Register from the 10th October 2022 whereby electors can apply, online or via a new simplified paper application, at any time, to be included in the Register of Electors, or to update their details.  He added that a national awareness campaign is currently under way, supplemented by a local campaign, to inform the public of these new arrangements, the net result of which will be a more timely and accurate Register of Electors.

Mr. Moran provided an overview of the activities of the following groups as detailed in the Budget Book:

  • The Joint Policing Committee
  • Ukraine Response team and Ukraine Response Forum
  • Information Systems
  • Land Assets and Facilities Management, including works on a New Master Plan at Sligo Harbour.

The Director of Services informed the Members that, regarding the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees, in addition to the details contained in the Budget Book, a number of additional measures were recently announced by Government including:

  • Doubling of the recognition payment to €800 per month
  • A €50m community fund to recognise local efforts
  • A new state led vacant homes call, to be administered by Local Authorities and to commence on 24th November 2022, which will, in turn, create an increased workload on Council staff, with an Internal Team set up to manage this initiative.

The Members thanked Mr. Moran and staff for their support to the Elected Members and the Cathaoirleach, and for their work in the various areas of Corporate activities as detailed by Mr. Moran.  The Members welcomed allocated funding which allows the progression of the various projects and initiatives.

 

VOTING ON RESOLUTIONS:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that he would now take each resolution in the order they had been received, together with statutory resolutions.

 

INCREASE ON RATES ON VACANT COMMERICAL PROPERTIES ON A SLIDING SCALE FOR 2023:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That the Council adopts the recommendation from the Chief Executive Officer included in the Budget, that the owners of vacant commercial properties with an annual rate demand up to €3,000 pay 50% of the demand; that the owners of vacant properties with an annual rate demand of €3,001 to €20,000 pay 60% of the demand; that the owners of vacant properties with an annual rate demand over €20,000 pay 75% of the demand; and that the funding derived from vacant properties be used to fund the Rates Incentive Scheme so as to help reduce the negative visual impact of empty commercial properties and generate and support new business outlets.”

 

PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN THE NORTH-WESTERN REGION IN LIGHT OF DOWNGRADING OF REGION TO ‘LAGGING REGION’:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That this Council noting the European Commission’s decision to downgrade the North-Western Region from ‘more developed’ status to a ‘lagging region’; and further noting the legacy of underinvestment in the region; resolves to call on the Government to provide additional funding to Sligo County Council and the other Local Authorities in the region, so as to assist the Councils to address the many challenges the region faces.”

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To note the Chief Executive’s report on the proposed three-year Capital Programme 2023 – 2025 (pages 112 – 115 Budget Book).”

 

ADOPTION OF BUDGET FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2023:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2023 as submitted by the Chief Executive Officer, as set out in Tables A, B & C of the said Budget.”

Councillor Gibbons requested to be recorded as abstaining.

 

RATEABLE VALUATION MULTIPLIER:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31stDecember 2023, as adopted at this meeting, the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for the purposes specified in such budgets as set out in tables B and C for the financial year 2023. The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €.2415.”

Councillor Gibbons requested to be recorded as abstaining.

 

ALLOWANCE FOR CATHAOIRLEACH:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €20,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2023.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LEAS CATHAOIRLEACH:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Leas Cathaoirleach be fixed at €4,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2023.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

ALLOWANCE FOR MAYOR OF SLIGO BOROUGH MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Mayor of the Sligo Borough Municipal District be fixed at €12,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2023.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Mayor within the Municipal District.”

 

ALLOWANCE FOR CATHAOIRLEACH OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY M.D.; SLIGO DRUMCLIFF M.D. AND CHAIRPERSON OF EACH STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach of the Tubbercurry-Ballymote Municipal District and the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District and the Chairperson of each Strategic Policy Committee be fixed at €6,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2023.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred.”

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation at the meeting and encouraged everyone to stay safe. 

The business of the meeting concluded at 1.00 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 21/11/2022