Minutes 2002

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 8th July 2002 at 11.00 am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. T. Caffrey, Deputy County Manager.
  • Mr. S. Concannon, Director of Services.
  • Mr. P. Forkan, Director of Services.
  • Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Community and Enterprise.
  • Mr. T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance.
  • Ms. M. McConnell, Acting Director of Services.
  • Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer.
  • Mr. J. McHugh, Senior Engineer.
  • Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. F. O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Ms. K. McDaniel, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. A. Skeffington, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. D. Harrison, Acting Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Ms. F. Meagher, Senior Executive Planner.
  • Mr. F. Moylan, Senior Executive Planner.
  • Ms. S. Ryan, Heritage Officer.
  • Mr. G. Browne, Administrative Officer.
  • Mr. T. Rooney, Acting Administrative Officer.
  • Mr. S. McMorrow, Senior Executive Technician.
  • Ms. C. Kenny, Staff Officer.
  • Ms. M. Bruen, Clerical Officer.

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. McLoughlin presided.

SEANAD ELECTIONS:

At the outset the Cathaoirleach indicated that Mr. F. McNabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer is the authorised officer for the purposes of the Seanad Elections 2002 and is available to members wishing to vote.

ADJORN MEETING FOR FIVE MINUTES:

A vote of sympathy was extended to Councillor J. Cawley on the death of his nephew, Mr. Brendan Tuite who died in a fire in Longford. It was agreed to adjourn the meeting for five minutes.

F.A.I. SELLING VIEWING RIGHTS OF INTERNATIONAL GAMES TO SKY:

The Cathaoirleach allowed a discussion to take place with regard to the F.A.I selling the viewing rights of Irish International soccer games to Sky T.V. and Councillors expressed their opposition in this matter and it was,

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the F.A.I to rescind its decision to sell the showing rights of international games or others to Sky sport and to allow the Irish people normal viewing of these games.”

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF 10/06/2002:

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 10th June, 2002 be and are hereby confirmed.”

MINUTES OF ELECTORAL AREA COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Councillor Gormley asked that the minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting of the 28th February be amended to include matter raised by her regarding Serviced Land Initiative at Tubbercurry and request to be made to the Minister for funding for same. It was then,

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry,

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the following Electoral Area Committee Meetings:-

  • Tubbercurry – held on the 28th February, 2002
  • Dromore West – held on the 1st March, 2002
  • Sligo/Drumcliffe – held on the 1st March, 2002
  • Ballymote – held on the 5th March, 2002

be and are hereby confirmed.”

MINUTES OF STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

“That the minutes of the following Strategic Policy Committee Meetings:-

  • Strategic Policy Committee 1 held on the 18th February, 2002
  • Strategic Policy Committee 3 held on the 15th April, 2002 be and are hereby confirmed.”

DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY:

Proposed by Councillor A. Parke,
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Carrownanty, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Paula Murtagh in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice dated the 13th June, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of a house at No. 69 Cartron Bay, Sligo to Alec and Beatrice McMoreland which shall be carried out in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice dated the 20th June, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor A. Parke,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of a house at No. 19 Marren Park, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Mary Gurrie in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice circulated the 21st June, 2002.”

PART X OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 1994:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Part X of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994 proceed with the construction of 34 (no.) houses in Coolaney, Co. Sligo.”

PART VIII OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke,

 AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part VIII of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the following: -

  1. Construct house, septic tank and treatment system at the following locations: -
    • Treanmore, Ballyfarnon, Co. Sligo.
    • Carrowgun, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.
    • Mountedward, Ballinfull, Co. Sligo.
    • Clooneenmore, Easkey, Co. Sligo.
  2. Construct shower room ensuite extension to the gable of a Council house at Donaghintraine, Dromore West, Co. Sligo.
  3. Construct house, septic tank and puraflow system at Cloonloo, Boyle, Co. Sligo.
  4. Construct of 21 (no.) houses at Bunninadden, Co. Sligo”.

PROPOSED ROUTE FOR RE-ALIGNMENT OF N4 CLOONAMAHON TO CASTLEBALDWIN:

A discussion took place in relation to this matter.

Councillor Parke asked that a further public meeting be held to discuss this matter and that a decision on the proposed route be deferred to the September Council Meeting.

In response to a discussion on the matter, Director Concannon indicated that the adoption of this report would allow the Council to apply to the National Roads Authority to go to the e-tender design stage.

After a further debate in this matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard,

“To adopt the proposed route for the re-alignment of the N4 Cloonamahon to Castlebaldwin.”

A second resolution was,

Proposed by Councillor A. Parke,
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus,

“That the re-alignment of the N4 to adopt be left to the September Meeting”.

It was agreed to put the first resolution to a vote.

The results are as follows: -

For the motion: - Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, L. Conlon, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Leonard, McLoughlin, Murray and Perry
Against the motion: - Bree, Gormley, MacManus, Parke and B. Scanlon.
Abstentions: - Higgins, Queenan and E. Scanlon.

As the result was 12 for, 5 against and 2 abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

As the first resolution was carried the Cathaoirleach declared the second resolution as fallen.

URBAN AND VILLAGE RENEWAL PROGRAMME 2002:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry,
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard,

AND AGREED

“To note allocation received for the Urban and Village Renewal Programme 2002.”

RAISING A LOAN OF €5M FROM HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“To approve the raising of a loan of €5 million from the Housing Finance Agency plc. for Affordable Housing purposes”.

MEMBER OF COUNCIL TO NEW STEERING GROUP FOR PER CENT SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon,
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus,

"That Councillor D. Bree be nominated to the new Steering Group for the Per Cent Scheme.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley,

“That Councillor J. Leonard be nominated to the new Steering Group for the Per Cent Scheme.”

As there were two nominations for one position it was agreed to take a poll in relation to the two names and the results was as follows: -

For Councillor Leonard:- Barrett, Barry, Branley, L. Conlon, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Higgins, Leoanrd, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Murray, Perry and E. Scanlon.
For Councillor Bree: - Bree, Gormley, MacManus, Parke and B. Scanlon.

As there were 14 votes for Councillor Leonard and 5 votes for Councillor Bree, the Cathaoirleach declared that Councillor J. Leonard be nominated to the new Steering Group for the Per Cent Scheme.

BALLISODARE AND GRANGE VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry,
Seconded by Councillor M. Conlon,

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Ballisodare and Grange Village Design Statement as a non-statutory Supplementary Planning Guidance”.

PRE-DRAFT SUBMISSIONS/OBSERVATIONS FOR SLIGO AND ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

Mr. Eoghan Ryan, National Building Agency gave a presentation to Councillors with regard to this matter.

A number of Councillors thanked Mr. Ryan for his presentation and welcomed the report in this matter.

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry,
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon,

AND AGREED

“To note presentation and consider Deputy Manager’s report in relation to the pre-draft submissions/observations for the Sligo and Environs Development Plan”.

ADOPT AMENDMENT TO PROPOSED STANDING ORDER NO. 87:

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon,
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon,

AND AGREED

“To adopt amendment to proposed Standing Orders (Standing Order No. 87) in relation to filling of a Casual Vacancy. These Standing Orders come into effect on the 17th July, 2002”.

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR GRANT SCHEME 2002:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming,
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus,

AND AGREED

“To approve the Community and Voluntary Sector Grant Scheme 2002”.

HARBOUR BREAK-WATER WORKS AT MULLAGHMORE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“To note report dated the 2nd July, 2002 and letter dated the 28th June, 2002 as received from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources with regard to grant aid for the Harbour Breakwater Works at Mullaghmore”.

Mr. T. Caffrey, Deputy County Manager indicated that a loan in the sum of €317,500 would have to be raised for this work and it was,

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon,
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry,

AND AGREED

“To approve the raising of a loan of €317,500 towards the Harbour Breakwater Works at Mullaghmore.”

QUERIES WITH REGARD TO THE NORTH WESTERN HEALTH BOARD:

It was agreed to defer this item to the September Ordinary Meeting of the Council.

EXTENSION OF DROMARD CEMETERY:

Councillor Barrett asked for the update with regard to the extension of Dromard Cemetery.

In response, Mr. P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer indicated that drawings have been prepared and forwarded to the pastoral council for observation and that when the Council receive a response the drawings will be finalised and will go for planning approval.

It was agreed to take item no. 30 next.

ERECT A SIGN ON THE N59 AT DROMORE WEST:

Councillor Barrett asked that the Council erect a sign on the N59 at Dromore West stating ‘Kilmacshalgan Abbey and Burial Ground.’

In response, Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that it is proposed to erect a finger post sign on N59 indicating location of Kilmacshalgan Abbey and Burial Ground in the near future.

RUMBLE STRIPS,SIGNS, LIGHTS AND FOOTPATHS IN ROCKIELD, COOLANEY:

Councillor Perry asked that the Council provide rumble strips and relocate the speed limit sign beyond Rockfield cemetery, Coolaney; erect a children crossing sign at the National School and make funding available for the extension of the lights and footpaths in Rockfield.

In response, Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that there are presently ‘Caution School Children’ signs erected on each side of the school and that the provision of rumble strips may prove to be a nuisance to householders because it is felt that the night-time noise generated by same would be unwelcome. He added that there would be no objection to extending the speed limit out this road by 500m to cover the cemetery and new housing development and extending public lighting as housing development proceeds, subject to funds being available.

WIDEN ROAD FROM GORTNADRASS TO KILLORAN CROSS:

Councillor Perry asked that the Council widen the stretch of road from Gortnadrass to Killoran Cross.

In response, Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that the main problem with this road is the sightline reduction due to extensive growth of hedgerows and that as the landowners are responsible for the cutting back of hedges notices shall be prepared to inform the relevant landowners of same. He further indicated that the surface of the road is good and no road widening as such is proposed at this time.

FUNDING FOR STRANDHILL GYMKHANA AND CRAFT FAIR:

Councillor Perry asked that the Council make funding available to Standhill Gymkhana and Craft Fair.

In response, Director Clarke indicated that due to the Councils limited financial resources, there is no funding available in this years estimates to this event. In the event of a lack of grant uptake on other projects, the matter can again be given consideration.

EXTENSION OF CLOUGHER BURIAL GROUND:

Councillors Branley and Fox asked that the Council complete the purchase of land for the extension of Clougher Burial Ground.

In response, Mr. P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer indicated that the Council proposes to hold a meeting with the local Councillors and Calry Development Association to progress the purchase of the land. He added that it is the Council’s intention to finalise this matter in the near future.

FUNDING FOR SIGNAGE ON ROAD NO. 286:

Councillor Gormley asked that the Council allocate funding for the necessary signage on Road. No. 286 to prevent road accidents occurring on this road leading to Dromahair.

In response, Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that safety along this road can be improved by the installation of some extra signage. He further indicated that it is proposed in the current year to erect a number of short chevron signs around some of the worst bends to be funded out of R286 Regional Road Maintenance Fund to be erected in the near future.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FARMING PROBLEMS OF THE B.M. W. REGIONS:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

“That Sligo County Council condemns the failure of the government in its ‘Programme for Government’ to meaningfully address the infrastructure and farming problems of the Border, Midlands and Western regions.”

Following a discussion on this matter it was agreed to put this to a vote and the results are as follows: -

For the motion: - Bree, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Leonard, MacManus, McLoughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry and B. Scanlon.
Against the motion: - Devins, Higgins, Queenan and E. Scanlon.

As the result was 13 for and 4 against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

It was agreed to take item no. 31 at this stage.

 

SPECIAL HARDSHIP FUND FOR FARMERS:

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

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Agriculture to establish a Special Hardship Fund for farmers who are experiencing major losses as a result of the atrocious weather conditions prevailing for the past few months.”

After a discussion in this matter it was,

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

AND AGREED

“We ask Deputies Devins and Perry to ensure that the headage payments for farmers are brought forward.”

While welcoming this motion Councillor Gormley added that further measures may be needed to resolve this matter.

 

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs. Margaret McCormack, Sandyhill, via Charlestown, Co. Sligo on the death of Ambrose.”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Patrick Curran, Ballina Road, Tobercurry, Co. Sligo on the death of his father, Michael.”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Aiden Duffy, Muckelty, Achonry, Lavagh, Co. Sligo on the death of his father, Martin.”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Councillor J. Cawley, Emmet Street, Tobercurry, Co. Sligo on the death of his nephew, Brendan Tuite.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Councillor J. Cawley, Emmet Street, Tobercurry, Co. Sligo and also to the Tuite family, Knockdrin, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on the death of Brendan.”

CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard,
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Murray be nominated to attend the Association of Health Board Conference in Killarney, Co. Kerry on the 23rd and 23rd March, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Branley be nominated to attend the Federation of Local History Societies Conference in Bray, Co. Wicklow on the 27th April, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Branley be nominated to attend the Survey Ireland 2002 Conference and Trade Exhibition in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin on the 20th and 21st May, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard,
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Conmy be nominated to attend the Tourism Conference in Knaturk, Co. Cork from the 24th to the 26th May, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins,
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Parke be nominated to attend the Cultural Tourism Industry Conference in Kanturk, Co. Cork on the 24th and 25th May, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry,
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor E. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Waste Recycling Conference in Carrigaline, Co. Cork on the 6th and 7th June, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus,
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Parke be nominated to attend the Recycling Environmental Conference in Carrigaline, Co. Cork on the 6th and 7th June, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Parke be nominated to attend the General Council of County Council Conference in Bundoran, Co. Donegal on the 14th and 15th June, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett,
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Leonard be nominated to attend the Byrne, Perry Summer School in Gorey, Co. Wexord from the 28th to the 30th June, 2002.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Fleming, Perry and Murray be nominated to attend the ‘Planning for Alternative Rural Enterprises’ Conference in Oughterard, Co. Galway on the 12th and 13th July, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins,
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Devins be nominated to attend the Criminal Trespass Legislation Conference in Dublin on the 23rd July, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Cawley be nominated to attend the Criminal Trespass Legislation Conference in Trinity College, Dublin on the 23rd July, 2002.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Leonard and Barrett be nominated to attend the Criminal Trespass Legislation Conference in Trinity College, Dublin on the 23rd July, 2002.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Cawley be nominated to attend the Regional Assembly Conference in Portlaoise, Co. Laois on the 12th September,2002”

CORRESPONDENCE:

The following were circulated to the Councillors at the meeting: -

  • Report in relation to the update on the new Sligo Branch Library and Headquarters; County Sligo Museum; New Arts Office and New Archive.
  • Copy of e-mail of the 3rd July, 2002 as received from Mr. John Reilly with regard to the attendance by Councillors at the County Enterprise Board.
  • Copy of letter of the 2nd July, 2002 as received from Omagh District Council in relation to Omagh Sligo Partnership.
  • Copy of report with regard to item no. 25 on the agenda.
  • Copy of report with regard to item no. 26 on the agenda.
  • Copy of report with regard to item no. 36 on the agenda.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins,

AND AGREED

“That with regard to copy of letter of the 2nd July, 2002 as received from Omagh District Council in relation to the following resolutions: -

  • ‘That this Council seek to institute joint meetings with Sligo County Council to develop a greater mutual understanding of common local government concerns’ and,
  • “That this Council actively explores development plans for the further strengthening of the Omagh-Sligo Partnership in line with Best Value principles and as a means of informing our approach to the imminent review of public administration’, that Sligo County Council agree to meet the Omagh District Council with regard to same.”

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 1.45 p. m. and it was agreed that any outstanding items would be deferred to the September Ordinary Meeting of the Council.


Meeting Date 08/07/2002