Minutes 2005

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held on 9th May 2005 at 2.00pm in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT: 

  • Baker,
  • Barry,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • Conmy,
  • Devins,
  • Fleming,
  • Gormley,
  • Healy McGowan,
  • Henry,
  • Higgins,
  • Kilgannon,
  • Leonard,
  • Lundy,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGrath,
  • Mullaney,
  • Murray,
  • Queenan,
  • Sherlock.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms M. Leydon, Financial Accountant
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms M. Barnacle, Administrative Officer
  • Ms P. Brennan, Acting Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley presided.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be adjourned for 15 minutes as a mark of respect to the late Angela Henry, a former employee of Sligo County Council”.

The members expressed sympathy to Fineen O’ Driscoll on the death of his sister Emer and to Tommy Carroll on the death of his mother, May.

1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 4 APRIL 2005: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the ordinary council meeting held on 4th April 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

2. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 18 APRIL 2005: 

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the special council meeting held on 18th April 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

3. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 17 FEBRUARY 2005: 

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ballymote area meeting held on 17th February 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

4. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 2 MARCH 2005: 

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ballymote electoral area meeting held on 2nd March 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

5. MINUTES OF SPC4 MEETING HELD ON 2 MARCH 2005: 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the SPC4 meeting held on 2nd March 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

6. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT CARROWREAGH, KEASH, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Carrowreagh, Keash, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Jean Louis and Brigit Egging Baudry”.

7. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 30 STELLA MARIS, BALLISODARE, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at 30 Sella Maris, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo to Paul and Patricia Doyle”.

8. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT TAVERANE, CLOONLOO, BOYLE, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Taverane, Cloonloo, Boyle, Co. Sligo to Karen Stewart and Krzysztof Zurek”.

9. DISPOSAL OF DWELLING HOUSE AT RINNAROGUE, BUNNINADDEN, CO. SLIGO: 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of dwellinghouse at Rinnarogue, Bunninadden, (Folio 18129) for a sum of €80,000 to Patrick Reilly and Christina Gilligan in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

10. PART 8; CONSTRUCTION OF DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING AT SESSUEGARRY, CLOONACOOL, CO. SLIGO: 

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 construction of a Demountable Dwelling, septic tank and percolation area at Sessuegarry Td., Cloonacool, Co. Sligo”.

11. PART 8; CONSTRUCTION OF DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING AT BILLA TD., COOLANEY, CO. SLIGO: 

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

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the construction of a Demountable Dwelling septic tank and percolation area at Billa Td., Coolaney, Co. Sligo”.

12. PART 8; CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTENSION TO EXISTING SINGLE STOREY DWELLING AT CLOONEAGH TD., GURTEEN, CO. SLIGO: 

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

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 an extension to existing single storey dwelling at Clooneagh Td., Gurteen, Co. Sligo”.

13. PART 8; CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE AT COLLOONEY, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

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 a house at Collooney Td., Collooney, Co. Sligo”.

14. PART 8; IMPROVEMENTS AT MULLAGHMORE, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with improvement works at Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo”.

15. DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE PUBLIC ROADS: 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.”

  1. Road No. L 8309 
    Extension of L 83094-0 North East from Kilturra to Knockrawer for a distance of 345 metres to it’s junction with Regional Road R 294 (Ed. Kilturra)
  2. Housing Development on L 75012 at Finisklin 
    Housing development known as “The Orchard”, Sea Road, Finisklin, Sligo along the L 75012 at Finisklin.
  3. Road No. L 35052 
    Extension of Local Road L35052 North in Killaspugbrone to the Sligo Airport Car Park for a distance of 776 metres.  Width of road 6.3 metres, plus a 3 metre verge on each side”.

16. ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

AND AGREED

“To note the Annual Financial Statement of Sligo County Council for the year ended 31st December 2004”.

17. AUTHORISE OVER EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004: 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

AND AGREED

“To authorise over expenditure of €2,648,310 for the year ended 31 December 2004 in accordance with Section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001”.

18. NOMINATION OF MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SLIGO MUSIC FEST: 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That the Council nominate three Directors to the Board of Directors of Sligo Music Fest and that the Draft Memorandum and Articles of Association be presented to the Council for agreement”.


Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That Deirdre Healy Mc Gowan be appointed to be a member to the Board of Sligo Music Fest Company”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Mc Grath
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“To nominate Cllr Imelda Henry to the Board of Directors of Sligo Music Fest”.


Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Cllr Jim Mc Garry be appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of Sligo Music Fest”.

19. NOMINATION OF THREE MEMBERS TO THE SLIGO MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMITTEE:

This item was deferred to the next meeting with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

20. FIXING OF A DATE FOR THE HOLDING OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: 

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

AND AGREED

“That the Annual General Meeting be held on 27th June at 3pm”.

21. BALLYMOTE DRAFT LOCAL AREA PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor P. Mc Grath
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Proposed Draft Ballymote Local Area Plan, it is hereby resolved in accordance with the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2002 that the Draft Ballymote Local Area Plan be placed on public display for a period of not less than six weeks and that submissions and observations be invited from the public for further consideration by the Planning Authority”.

22. VARIATION OF THE SLIGO AND ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO INCORPORATE CORRIDOR OF WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROAD:

The meeting noted the intention to commence the procedure to make a variation of the Sligo and Environs Development Plan to incorporate the corridor of the proposed route of the Western Distributor Road.

23. GRANTS AWARDED UNDER THE URBAN AND VILLAGE RENEWAL PROGRAMME:

The meeting noted the grants allocated under the Urban and Village Renewal Programme for 2005 and 2006.  Following discussion it was agreed to notify the members regarding the Urban and Village Renewal Programme as it related to their areas.  The meeting also agreed that a report be prepared for the next council meeting in relation to the use of Development Fund Levies in the area of urban and village enhancement.

24. GRANTS AWARDS UNDER THE COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GRANTS SCHEME 2005: 

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Grants Awards under the Community and Voluntary Grants Scheme 2005”.

25. GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF SPECIAL SPEED LIMITS:

The meeting noted the guidelines for the application of special speed limits issued by the Minister for Transport.

26. DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT: 

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Annual Report 2004”.

27. FUNDING FOR DROMORE WEST AND KILGLASS NATIONAL SCHOOLS:

This item was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

28. HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE: 

This item was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

29. UNAUTHORISED TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST AT BALLYMOTE RAIL STATION: 

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Enforcement Section advise the Council as to what action has been taken against Iarnród Éireann regarding the erection of an unauthorised telecommunications mast at Ballymote Rail Station.

In response Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer stated that the Council served an Enforcement Notice on Iarnród Éireann on 30th March, 2005 requiring the removal of the mast.  At a recent meeting with officials of the company, it was claimed by Iarnród Éireann that the work in question was exempted development.  Following discussions with the Law Agent, he has advised that the Council seek a declaration from An Bórd Pleanála under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as to whether or not the development is exempted.  The matter is now being referred to An Bórd Pleanála.

30. SUBMISSION TO REVIEW OF TAX RELIEFS AND INCENTIVES: 

Councillor D. Bree asked for the background information/advice which led to the Community and Enterprise Department stating in a recent draft Council submission for the Department of Finance, that ‘Sligo Port is effectively redundant’; and that ‘the economic case for port maintenance, dredging or maritime development projects is unjustifiable’.

In response Director Clarke stated that a submission to the review of tax reliefs and incentives was discussed at an SPC meeting and a full council meeting.  It was agreed that Sligo Harbour area be included as an area for consideration under an area based approach to tax reliefs.  Following discussion with the harbour commissioner the wording relation to the information on the harbour area in the final submission was amended to reflect a more accurate picture of the level of ongoing activity.

31. CONDITION 2 OF THE SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS RELATING TO PL95/223, SEA ROAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: 

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Enforcement Section advise the Council as to what action has been taken with regard to the implementation of Condition No 2 of the schedule of conditions relating to PL95/223, Sea Road Housing Development.

In response Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer stated that a submission was received from Sligo Borough Council on 29th April 2005 outlining draining and landscaping proposals.  The submission has been examined and has been agreed by the Council.  A copy of the drawing showing these details is available for the information of the members.

32. LIGHT AT TEMPLEBOY N.S. AND SURFACE LAY-BY OUTSIDE TEMPLEBOY COMMUNITY CENTRE: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked the County Manager to allocate funding from this year’s Roads Budget to erect a light at Templeboy National School and surface lay-by outside Templeboy Community Centre.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the proposal to erect a light at Templeboy National School will be considered in context of the public lighting programme 2005 which is being drafted at present.

He also stated that the lay-by will be surface dressed as part of the 2005 roadworks programme.

33. STRANDHILL; DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL HOUSING SCHEME, SEWER TREATMENT PLAN FACILITIES AND ROAD AT NATIONAL SCHOOL: 

Councillor J. Mc Garry asked that Sligo County Council confirm the following:

  1. Is the proposed Social housing scheme for the Strandhill area being developed over an existing right of way?
  2. Has the current sewer treatment plan facilities in Strandhill the capacity to deal with this extra development?
  3. What improvement works are planned for the road in and around the Strandhill National School in the year 2005?”

In response to item (a) Director Caffrey stated that a pathway existed from the top road to the golf course road traversing the proposed Respond housing scheme, in order to preserve this right of way Respond propose to provide a pedestrian link connecting its development to Atlantic View.

In response to item (b) Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the waste water treatment works in Strandhill can accommodate the level of loading being proposed at present, however it is recognised that an upgrade /expansion is required in the medium term and in this regard a preliminary report has been forward to the DoEHLG for their approval.

In response to item (c) Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that €12,000 has been provided in the 2005 roadworks programme for removal on bend on local road 7507-0 adjacent to Strandhill National School.

34. RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE IN THE NORTH WEST: 

Councillor P. Conmy asked that this Council condemn the reply from the Minister for Health regards Radiotherapy Treatment for People of North West.

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on the Minister for Health to meet a deputation from Sligo County Council regarding radiotherapy treatment for people of the North West”.

35 AND 38. CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT COOLANEY: 

Councillor M. Fleming asked for the inclusion of provision of a children’s playground at Coolaney in proposed area plan and allocate funding to ensure success of this community project.

Councillor J. Lundy asked the Council to provide the necessary funding for the development of a children’s playground for the village of Coolaney.

In response Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer stated that a number of areas including Coolaney had expressed an interest in providing playgrounds.  Whilst there are indications that further grant aid will be provided in the current year there is no formal indication to date.  The development of a play policy and best practice will be on the agenda for the next SPC meeting.

36. PUBLIC TOILET IN TUBBERCURRY: 

Councillor M. Fleming asked for the provision of a public toilet on the site of the demolished public toilets in Tubbercurry.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that there are no proposals to replace this facility at this location.

The County Manager stated that the question of public toilets in Tubbercurry could be examined in the context of the proposed Local Area Plan.

37. CLEANING OF MILESTONES:

This item was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

39. WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMME IN THE LOUGH TALT AREA: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked for an update regarding the water conservation programme undertaken by Sligo County Council in the Lough Talt Area.

  1. How much of this programme is complete?
  2. Has any savings been made?
  3. When is it expected it will be complete?
  4. Has work on the programme ceased?

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that water conservation activities are broken down into three stages, implementation of water management systems (complete), active leak detection (ongoing) and Rehabilitation (requiring a clients representative).  In 2002 €148,000 was allocated for water conservation in the Lough Talt /Sligo area.

The average daily output from Lough Talt was reduced by 10% between November 2000 and May 2003, this amounted to almost a quarter million gallons per day, however there has been some increase in output since then due to a number of factors including the need for a new telemetry system, watermains which need replacing, leakage on the customer service side of the supply and increase in population.

Leak detection is an ongoing process.  Mains renewal will begin after a clients representative is appointed and a report submitted and approved by the Department.

40. RESURFACING OF N16 FROM ROUNDABOUT AT YEATS HEIGHTS TO ENTRANCE TO KINSELLA RESERVOIR: 

Councillor V. Cawley asked that funding be sought from the NRA to resurface the N16 from the roundabout at Yeats Heights as far as the entrance to Kinsella reservoir as soon as possible.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the resurfacing of N16 from the borough boundary northwards for a distance of 2.4km is currently underway.

41. NRA MEETING: 

Councillor G. Mullaney asked for a report on the NRA meeting held on 26th April 2005.

In response Director Concannon stated that presentations had been made on each of the national roads in County Sligo outlining the requirements for each route and the present status of proposed schemes. 

The routes discussed in detail were the N4 Cloonamahon /Castlebaldwin, N17 Collooney /Charlestown, N59 Ballysadare to county boundary, N15, N16, Hughes bridge /Bundoran road improvements and the western bypass.

The NRA are working on the next 5 year programme which will follow on the expiry of the current programme at the end of 2006.

42. NATIONAL SCHOOL AT COLLOONEY: 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

AND AGREED

“That this council calls on the Minister for Education to provide funding for a new National School at Collooney as a matter of urgency”.

43. SAFETY AND SPEED CONTROL ON R287 IN CARROWROE: 

Councillor D. Healy Mc Gowan asked what provisions have been made for safety and speed control on the road R287 (culbeg) in Carrowroe.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the location is being examined by local area engineers in the context of the general review of speed limits in the county, prior to adoption by the full council the new proposals will be submitted to local area meeting.

44. EXTENSION TO GRAVEYARD AT CLOONA, ENNISCRONE: 

Councillor P. Conmy asked when work will start on the extension to graveyard at Cloona, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.

In response Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer stated that land has been acquired for the extension, preliminary work has been undertaken and the tender process is due to commence shortly.

45. CONSULTANT AT NORTH WEST HOSPICE: 

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

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Health and the Health Services Executive to appoint a consultant at the North West hospice, Sligo as a matter of urgency”.

46. BALLYGAWLEY SEWERAGE SCHEME: 

Councillor G. Mullaney asked for a progress report on the proposed Ballygawley sewerage scheme.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that this is included in the water services investment programme 2003-2005 and is approved to enter planning stage.  It is now proposed to appoint a clients representative.  It is estimated that it will be 2007 at the earliest before this scheme will go ahead.

47. TRAFFIC CALMING ON ROSSES POINT ROAD: 

Councillor S. Kilgannon asked Sligo County Council to carry out a study with a view to putting in place traffic calming measures along the Rosses Point road at the promenade.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this location is being examined by local area engineers in the context of the general review of speed limits in the county, prior to adoption by the full council the new proposals will be submitted to local area meeting.

48. WATER SUPPLY IN GURTEEN: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked for an up-to-date report on the condition of the water supply in Gurteen, and what proposals the council have to upgrade the supply.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that twelve samples of water in the South Sligo area were taken in 2004 and in all cases the parameters tested were in compliance with regulations.  Three samples carried out in the current year are compliant with all parameters.  There are no plans at present to upgrade this water supply.

49. PROCESS TO ENABLE THE SECURING OF A PEACE 111 PROGRAMME: 

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That in light of the relative success of the Peace I and II programmes in support of peace building, reconciliation and conflict resolution over the past number of years, Sligo Co. Council now calls on the Irish and British governments to immediately prepare and submit to the European Union a cogent policy position outlining the need for a Peace III programme to continue this work.

As part of this process, Sligo Co. Council will contact the offices of the following Ministers: Brian Cowen, Minister for Finance; Dermot Ahern, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Noel Treacy, Minister of State for European Affairs and Paul Murphy and Ian Pearson at NIO, with a request that they commence such a process to enable the securing of a Peace 111 programme”.

50. ACCESS TO PUBLIC WELL IN A FARMERS FIELD: 

Councillor P. Conmy asked the Council to clarify if possible;

  • where a public well is in a farmers field who is responsible for access to the well
  • if an accident takes place or if a person is injured on the way to the well who is responsible is it the Council or the farmer

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that this is essentially a legal question and should be forwarded to the Councils legal advisor.  He further stated that in his opinion landowners would be responsible for health and safety on their lands however in the event of an accident specific to the upkeep and maintenance of the well, the Council may be held accountable.

51. SURFACE DRESSING OF R294 FROM TUBBERCURRY TO ST. ATTRACTA’S SCHOOL: 

Councillor J. Lundy asked that the Council improve sides of, and surface dress R294 /Ballina Road from the town of Tubbercurry to St. Attracta’s new school.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the R294 approaching St. Attracta’s school had been improved by installing new footpath, cycle lane and pedestrian point and there are no funds in the road works programme 2005 to carry out any further works.

52. WALL AT DRIMINA NATIONAL SCHOOL: 

Councillor J. Lundy asked the Council to remove existing wall and replace with new wall at Drimina National School in the interest of parking and safety.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this is a matter for the Board of Management and the Department of Education.

53. TRAFFIC CALMING ON R293 AT STONEPARK, BALLYMOTE; 

Councillor P. Mc Grath asked for the provision of traffic calming measures on Road R293 in area of community football pitches, Stonepark, Ballymote.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this location is being examined by local area engineers in the context of the general review of speed limits in the county, prior to adoption by the full council the new proposals will be submitted to local area meeting.

54. STAFFING AT BALLYMOTE FIRE STATION: 

Councillor P. Mc Grath asked for an update on staffing levels at Ballymote fire station.

In response Director Caffrey stated that there are currently 7 members of staff and two vacancies in Ballymote fire station.  There were no successful candidates in response to recent advertisements and it is proposed to re-advertise in the near future.

55. SEWERAGE TREATMENT AT BALLYGAWLEY: 

Councillor P. Mc Grath asked for an update and plans for a sewerage treatment plant at Ballygawley.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that this is included in the water services investment programme 2003-2005 and is approved to enter planning stage.  It is now proposed to appoint a clients representative.  It is estimated that it will be 2007 at the earliest before this scheme will go ahead.

56. HOUSING SCHEME AT KILKILLOGUE, MULLAGHMORE: 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That this Council recognising that the existing sewerage system in Mullaghmore is urgently in need of upgrading, and further recognising that the 34 unit housing scheme proposed for Kilkillogue, Mullaghmore (ref 05/276) is out of character with the surrounding area, recommends that planning permission be refused in respect of the development”.

Councillor P. Barry and Councillor A. Higgins dissented.

57. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Danny Henry and his family on the death of his wife Angela”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Fineen O’ Driscoll on the death of his sister, Emer”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy Carroll on the death of his mother, May”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Elizabeth Keilty on the death of her nephew, Seamus Garvey”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Bridie Mc Dermott Roe on the death of her brother, Steve Kelly”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Vivienne Curneen on the death of her mother, Mary Brennan”.


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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridget Davey and her family on the death of her husband, James”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Nevin on the death of her sister, Annie Jane Clancy”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nora Gallagher on the death of her husband, Eddie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jim Benson on the death of his brother, Jack”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nancy Henry on the death of her brother PJ Curry”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerard Gallagher on the death of his father, Edward”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Sweeney on the death of her brother, Peter Gallagher”.

 “That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brian Cahill on the death of his aunt, Mary Kate”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Noel Mc Cann on the death of his sister, Maureen Beirne”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Owen Davey on the death of his father, James”.

58. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be expressed to the staff of Tubbercurry library on being shortlisted under the public library building awards 2005”.

 CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“That Councillor I. Henry be nominated to attend the Air Pollution Conference in Carrigaline, Cork on 21-22 April 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Mc Grath
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

AND AGREED

“That Councillor G. Murray be nominated to attend the Air Pollution conference in Carrigaline, Cork on 21-22 April 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“That Councillor I. Henry be nominated to attend the Kerry Environmental Recognition conference in Ballybunion, Kerry on 4-7 May 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Mc Grath
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor G. Murray be nominated to attend the Kerry environmental recognition conference in Ballybunion, Kerry on 4-7 May 2005”.


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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Baker, Bree, Colleary, Fleming, Henry, Kilgannon, Lundy, McGarry, McGrath and Sherlock be nominated to attend the Western Rail Corridor meeting in Castlebar on 13 May 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“That Councillor P. Barry be nominated to attend the European constitution conference in Galway on 19 May 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Cawley, Conmy, Fleming, MacManus, McGrath and Murray be nominated to attend the local partnerships conference in Mallow, Cork on 19-21 May 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Baker, Higgins and Queenan be nominated to attend the local partnerships conference in Mallow, Cork on 19-21 May 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Baker, Kilgannon and Queenan be nominated to attend the ‘potential for sport in modern Ireland’ conference in Mullingar on 23-24 June 2005”.

59. CORRESPONDENCE: 

This was noted.

60. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

The members referred to a report circulated by Director Concannon outlining the steps to be taken in the provision of the proposed accommodation road at Knocknagore railway bridge and expressed disappointment at the delay in starting work.

In response Mr H. Kearns, County Manager stated that as detailed in the report a site investigation would be carried out, land acquisition would be investigated, a cost estimate would be prepared, the scheme would be advertised under Part 8 of the Local Government Regulations 2001, an application would be made to the DoEHLG for funding under 2006 allocations and an application would be made to CLAR for matching funding.  These procedures by law need to be followed before work can commence.

OTHER ITEMS CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING:

  • Letter dated 29 April from the Minister for Education and Science in response to our letter regarding class sizes.
  • Letter dated 29 April from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in response to our letter regarding a childcare facility in Enniscrone.
  • Letter dated 4 May from Mayo County Council in response to our letter regarding a proposed asbestos treatment plant.
  • Resolution from Fermoy Town Council re. social housing.
  • Resolution from Limerick County Council re. driftnet fishing.
  • Resolution from Monaghan Town Council re. communication masts.
  • Resolution from Donegal County Council re. irish immigrants.
  • Report from Director Concannon re. proposed accommodation road at Knocknagore railway bridge.
  • Report from Director Clarke re. grants awards under the Community and Voluntary grant scheme 2005.
  • List of forthcoming conferences.

END OF MEETING: 

The meeting ended at 6.00pm


Meeting Date 09/05/2005