Minutes 2002

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 9th December 2002 in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • L. Conlon,
  • M. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Devins,
  • Fleming,
  • Gormley,
  • Higgins,
  • Leonard,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan,
  • B. Scanlon,
  • E.Scanlon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
  • Mr G. Browne, Administrative Officer
  • Mr J. Noone, Administrative Officer
  • Mr F. Mc Nabb, Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Branley presided.

OPEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed students from the Ballymote Secondary School, who are one of a number of secondary schools who have been invited to visit County Hall and attend meetings in progress to learn about the local government system as part of the Council’s Open Local Government Initiative.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:

It was agreed that Standing Orders be suspended to allow a discussion take place in relation to holding a special meeting to consider this Councils policy relating to the development of one off houses in rural Sligo.

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That a Special Meeting of Sligo County Council be convened on the first week of January, (i.e.) 3rd January 2003 to consider this Councils policy relating to the development of one off houses in rural Sligo”.

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF 04/11/2002:

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of 4th November 2002 be and hereby are confirmed”.

MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF 11/11/2002:

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council of 11th November 2002 be and hereby are confirmed”.

MINUTES OF ELECTORAL AREA MEETINGS:

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That minutes of the following Area Meetings:

  • Dromore West, held on 26th September 2002
  • Sligo /Strandhill, held on 27th September 2002
  • Sligo /Drumcliffe, held on 1st October 2002
  • Ballymote, held on 1st October, 2002

Be, and hereby are confirmed”.

Following a proposal by Councillor M. Gormley it was agreed that the Ballymote Area Committee Minutes be amended in respect of motion passed on drainage of Owenmore River as follows: “That provision be included in the Estimates 2003 of an equivalent sum to that provided in Estimates 2001 to continue drainage works on the Owenmore River and its tributaries and that the Council send a deputation in relation to this matter to meet with the appropriate Minister and the OPW”.

PLATFORM FIRE TENDER:

It was agreed to take item no. 36 at this stage.

Councillor B. Scanlon asked for a full report on the Platform Fire Tender which is not now in use at Sligo Fire Station.

Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services advised that the existing hydraulic platform has been serviced and is available for use in emergencies if required. He further advised that tenders have been received and assessed for the refurbishment of the hydraulic platform and Department approval is awaited to formally place an order with the successful contractor.

MINUTES OF SPC MEETINGS:

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“That the minutes of SPC4 held on 4 July 2002, be and hereby are confirmed”.

PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT)

REGS. 2001, CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSION TO HOUSE AT NO. 20 WOODLAWNS ESTATE, ENNISCRONE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the construction of extension to house at no. 20 Woodlawns Estate, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo”.

PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS. 2001, SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT CARNS, ACLARE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the development of a sewage treatment works at Carns, Aclare”.

PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVT. (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS. 2001, SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT CLOONACOOL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the development of a sewage treatment works at Cloonacool”.

ROAD TRAFFIC (SPEED LIMITS) BYELAWS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (County of Sligo) Bye-laws, 2002.

Following a discussion on the matter it was further

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor S MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council amends the Road Traffic (Speed Limits ) (County of Sligo) Bye-laws, 2002, to include a 40m.p.h. limit on N59 at Corballa for approximately 600 metres from Tuffys Sligo to junction to road to Bunniconlon”.

Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised Members that consideration could only be given to this and to speed limits on other National Roads when speed limits on these routes are being reviewed next year. Mr J. Noone, Administrative Officer further advised that it will be necessary to obtain approval from the NRA in advance of amending the speed limit bye-laws on these National Routes. This was agreed.

RAISING OF A LOAN OF €3,000,000 FOR HOUSING PURPOSES:

Proposed by Councillor P.J. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to Section 4 of the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1960 and subject to the Sanction of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the raising of a loan of €3,000,000 from the Housing Finance Agency plc for housing purposes.

RAISING OF A LOAN OF €740,000 FOR TUBBECURRY ONESTOP-SHOP:

Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to Section 4 of the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1960 and subject to the Sanction of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the raising of a loan of €740,000 from the Housing Finance Agency repayable half-yearly over 20 years, at a variable rate of interest in respect of the Tubbercurry One-Stop-Shop Project”.

PROPOSED SITES FOR TRAVELLER ACCOMODATION IN COUNTY SLIGO:

Councillor R. Mc Guinn, Chairman of the Local Traveller Consultative Committee, outlined the work undertaken by the Committee to date and the progress made in bringing this report before the members and commended the Committee for their effort. He further advised Council members of their statutory obligation to implement the Traveller Accommodation Programme.

Mr J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer, gave a presentation outlining the proposed sites as set out in the report as circulated and responded to queries as raised by the members.

A discussion followed whereby the Members expressed their dissatisfaction with a number of the sites. Mr H. Kearns, County Manager advised the Members that in making their decision they should consider the following issues; there is a statutory obligation on the Council to consider the needs of transient travellers as well as indigenous travellers; the role of the Consultative Committee had been fulfilled and the Committee were to be commended for the job that they had done; if no transient sites are provided, it would not be possible for the Council to take action to remove travellers who were illegally parked in the county. Inaction by the members at this stage, may, he advised result in indiscriminate illegal camping.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the provision of 6 No. Group houses at Ballinacarrow North in accordance with the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2000-2004”

As agreement was not reached in relation to the motion, the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For the motion: Bree, Higgins, MacManus, McGuinn.
Against the motion: Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon L, Conlon M, Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Gormley, Leonard, McLoughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Queenan, Scanlon E.

As the result was 4 for and 18 against, the Cathaoirleach deemed the motion lost.

Proposed by Cllr. R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Cllr. A. Higgins

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the provision of a six bay transient halting site at Cloonamahon, Collooney in accordance with the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2000 – 2004”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to the motion, the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For the Motion: Barry, Branley, Bree, Cawley, Colleary, Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Gormley, Higgins, Leonard, MacManus, Mc Guinn, Queenan.
Against the Motion: Barrett, Conlon, L., Conlon, M., Mc Loughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Scanlon, E.

As the result was 14 for and 8 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

Proposed by Cllr. R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Cllr. A. Higgins

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the provision of a 6 bay Indigenous Transient /Transient Halting Site and 1 No. House at Aghagad, Grange in accordance with the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2000 – 2004”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to the motion, the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For the Motion: Higgins, Mc Guinn.
Against the Motion: Barrett, Barry, Branley, Bree, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon, L., Conlon, M., Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Gormley, Leonard, MacManus, Mc Loughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Queenan, Scanlon, E.

As the result was 2 for and 20 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

Proposed by Cllr. R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Cllr. A. Higgins

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the provision of a 6 Bay Indigenous Transient /Transient Halting Site at Carrowntober, Tobbercurry in accordance with the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2000 – 2004”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to the motion, the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For the Motion: Bree, Higgins, MacManus, Mc Guinn.
Against the Motion: Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon, L., Conlon, M., Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Gormley, Leonard, Mc Loughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Queenan, Scanlon, E.

As the result was 4 for and 18 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

Proposed by Cllr. R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Cllr. A. Higgins

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the provision of 6 No. Group Houses at Tullylin, Enniscrone in accordance with the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2000 – 2004”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to the motion, the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For the Motion: Bree, Higgins, Mc Guinn.
Against the Motion: Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon, L., Conlon, M., Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Gormley, Leonard, MacManus, Mc Loughlin, Murray, Perry, Queenan, Scanlon, E.
Abstainee : Parke.
As the result was 3 for and 18 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

VARIATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed to initiate the procedure to vary the Development Plan for the County of Sligo 1999-2004 in respect of Traveller Accommodation at Finisklin Road”.

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed to initiate the procedure to vary the Development Plan for the County of Sligo 1999-2004 in respect of Traveller Accommodation at Cloonamahon”.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Celia Brennan, Bridie Marren and Ann Carty on the death of their brother, Tom Brennan”. “That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nora Benson on the death of her brother, Frank Mc Donagh”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Robert Taylor on the death of his sister Miriam Lenehan”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Brian Gorman on the death of his uncle, Anthony Gorman”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Nuala O’ Hara on the death of her husband, Paddy”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Sean and Nancy Keevans on the death of their son, John”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Eileen Curley on the death of her mother, Kathleen Cawley”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Tom Waters on the death of his brother, Charlie”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs Richard Kennedy on the death of her brother, John Carr”.

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Josephine Cunningham on the death of her husband, Frank”.

Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs Mitchell on the death of her husband, Jim”.

VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr Eamon O’ Hara, Parkview, Tubbercurry, Sligo on receiving a GAA All Stars Award”.

Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr Jim Sheridan, Pearse Road, Sligo on the occasion of his retirement”.

ITEMS OF CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:

  • Minutes of the Management Team Meeting held on 25th October 2002.
  • List of forthcoming conferences.
  • Minutes of the joint meeting of Omagh District Council and Sligo County Council held in Omagh on 21st October, 2002.
  • Minutes of the Management Team Meeting held on 12th November 2002.

END OF MEETING:

It was agreed to defer the remaining items 13-35, 37-51 to the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be held on 13th January, 2003.

The meeting concluded at 5.15pm.


Meeting Date 09/12/2002