Minutes 2007

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Council which was held on March 5th at 11.00am in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, A/Director of Services
  • Mr D. Breen, A/Director of Services
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Mr. M. Lydon, A/Head of Finance
  • Ms P. R. Gallagher, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. McHugh, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Moran, Acting Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms B. Ronayne, Administrative Officer
  • Mr K. Colreavy, Administrative Officer
  • Mr C. McNamara, Staff Officer
  • Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. McGarry presided.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Cllr J. Lundy
Seconded by Cllr M. Gormley

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary and James Walsh on the death of their father and father in law, Joseph Morahan".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter Kilgallen and family on the death of his father, Paddy".

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Liam Harte on the death of his sister, Philomena".

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREE

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael and Kay McGoldrick on the death of their mother and mother in law, Mrs McGoldrick".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr Seamus Kilrehal on the death of his mother, Peggy".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ted Conway on the death of his wife, Nuala".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary and Jarlath Neary on the death of their father and father in law, Paddy Smith".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nora McHugh on the death of her brother, James McHugh".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Ellen Foye on the death of her uncle, Plunket Foye".

1.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY HELD ON THE 12TH FEBRUARY 2007:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

 AND AGREED

To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 12th of February 2007 to include the following business. It was proposed by Cllr M. Gormley and seconded by Cllr V. Cawley and agreed".

"That this Council calls on the Minister for the Environment to provide the extra funding needed to extend the Cloonacool Sewerage along Road No. 448".

2.  SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001, DISPOSAL OF LAND AT COLLOONEY AND STRANDHILL:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

3.  WATER TREATMENT WORKS AND SERVICE RESERVOIR AT KINSELLAGH, CALRY, CO. SLIGO:

Following a discussion on this item it was;

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

"That Sligo County Council defer Item No. 3"

As agreement could not be reached in relation to this item the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For: Gormley and Higgins
Against: Baker, Barrett, Barry, Bree, Cawley, Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Healy McGowan, Henry, Kilgannon, Lundy, MacManus, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Murray, Queenan and Sherlock.

As a result was 21 for votes to 2 against, the resolution was lost.

It was then:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

"To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, the proposed construction of a new water treatment works and service reservoir at Kinsellagh, Calry, Co. Sligo".

4. DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

"To agree the adoption of Draft Annual Report 2006"

5.  BEACH BYE LAWS 2006:

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

"To adopt the Beach Bye-laws 2006".

Councillor J. Queenan asked that members be consulted in advance of any changes taking place with regard to the coming year.

6.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SLIGO MUSIC FESTIVAL:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting to the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council.

7.  ELECT MEMBER TO COUNTY SLIGO VEC COMMITTEE:

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

"That Sharon Boles be appointed to County Sligo VEC".

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

"I propose Patricia Henderson as a member of County Sligo Vocational Educational Committee".

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

For Boles; Baker, Barrett, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Lundy, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Queenan, Sherlock.
For Henderson; Barry, Bree, Cawley, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Henry, Higgins, Kilgannon and MacManus

Cllr G. Murray abstained.

As a result was 12 for Sharon Boles to 10 for Patricia Henderson, Sharon Boles was elected to the VEC Committee.

8.  FAILITE IRELAND

A presentation was given by Mr Ray MacSharry Chairman and Paul McLoone General Manager of Failte Ireland North West. Following the presentation Mr. McSharry clarified a number of issues raised by the members.

9.  PLANNING PERMISSION ON AREAS LIABLE TO FLOODING:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

This Item was withdrawn with the agreement of the meeting.

10.  BREAKDOWN ON HOW COMMERCIAL RATES ARE CALCULATED:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

"To ask the County Manager for a breakdown on how commercial rates are calculated in this County".

The County Manager explained the rating system and outlined how commercial rates are calculated in this County.

After a discussion it was:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

"To extend a invitation to Mr Frank Gregg, Manager of the valuation office to give a presentation to Sligo County Council".

11. LOCATION AND OPERATION OF BOTTLE BANKS IN THE COUNTY:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

"That in light of the difficulties experienced in some areas, that Sligo County Council reviews the location and operation of bottle banks in the County".

In Response Mr T. Kilfeather A/DOS stated the following:

There are currently 42 Bottle Bank sites operated by Sligo County Council throughout the County and Borough of Sligo. In addition to these sites there are 11 private sites. In 2006 1105 tonnes of glass were deposited at these sites and 42 tonnes of aluminium cans. The provision of bottle bank sites in the County and Borough is considered therefore to be a very important part of modern recycling infrastructure.

The Council acknowledges there is a problem with illegal dumping at some of these sites. In general, those sites which are situated on private property, such as garage forecourts or supermarket carparks, are kept well and are generally not abused. Also sites in which there is active community involvement prove to be less difficult in terms of cleanliness. However at some sites, particularly those in the Borough, the abuse of these bottle bank sites is obvious. This abuse consists of illegally dumping domestic waste at sites, leaving behind plastic bags and boxes, usually stuffed between the banks after the bottles have been recycled, and also leaving behind bags full of bottles and cans outside the receptacles. In 2006 Sligo County Council spent €30,000 on removing this waste.

For 2007, it is planned that all bottle banks sites will be upgraded to an improved standard. It is hoped that by making them more presentable, that the level of abuse will subside. CCTV cameras and sensor lights will be installed where dumping is an on-going problem. In conjunction with these measures the Council will actively pursue the possibility of having each and every set of banks adopted by a local interest group in an effort to encourage local ownership, of what is essentially a necessary piece of community infrastructure.

The environment section of the Council would welcome Members input into the identification of more suitable sites in both the Borough and County. A well maintained bottle bank site is an asset to any community and the Council are at all times interested in improving the network.

Mr T. Kilfeather A/DOS also informed the meeting that a review of the opening hours of the facility at Tubbercurry was presently being carried out.

12.  STRANDHILL SEWERAGE SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

"To request an update on the Strandhill Sewerage Scheme".

In Response Mr K. Larkin stated the following:

A Clients Representative has been appointed to develop the contract Documents for this scheme. It is bundled together with Tubbercurry and Grange WwTW’s. The programme, as it is envisaged at present, is that the contract will go to tender by end of current year. The contract will awarded and the design/construction phase will begin early in 2008 and project will be operational by late 2008.

13. PRIVATE HOSPITAL ON GROUNDS OF SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

"To call on the Minister for Health to scrap any plan to construct a private hospital on the grounds of Sligo General Hospital as there is insufficient lands available to cater for the expansion of existing services".

14.  REQUEST THE NRA TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE ON THE N.4:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

"To request the NRA to provide signage on the N.4 indicating that there is a low bridge on the road linking Strandhill to the Lord Edward Street".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

This is a matter for Sligo Borough Council as this bridge is located within their administrative area. However a sign could be erected for this purpose on approaches to junction of Regional Road R297 and Sligo Inner Relief Road.

15. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING OR A FOOTBRIDGE ON THE DUBLIN SIDE OF THE ROUNDABOUT AT COLLOONEY ON THE N4:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

"That in the interest of pedestrian safety Sligo County Council will bring forward, in conjunction with the NRA if necessary, proposals for the provision of either a controlled pedestrian crossing or a footbridge on the Dublin side of the roundabout at Collooney on the N4".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

Following the passing of a resolution by members of Sligo County Council this matter can be referred to the National Roads Authority for their consideration. At the moment there is an uncontrolled location for pedestrian crossing adjacent to roundabout in Collooney. This is located within a maximum speed limit area".

16.  ERECTING TRANSMITTERS ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS:

It was agreed that Item 16 and 18 be dealt with at this time:

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

"To ask the County Manager if there is a policy in place for erecting transmitters on public buildings for the delivery of Broadband".

18. WATER TOWERS AT DROMORE WEST AND RATHLEE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queeann
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

"To ask County Manager to give favourable consideration to the use of the water towers at Dromore West and Rathlee to facilitate the provision of much needed broadband which will improve the economic and social development of West Sligo".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated the following:

This matter was raised at the December meeting of the council and it was agreed that officials would examine this matter and particularly the question of health implications.

The World Health Organisation has carried out a study of the impact of Wireless Broadband Technology from a health perspective.

Mr. Breen A/DOS indicated that there are other issues involved in the use of council structures by service providers such as access, insurance and the charge for the facility and that this would have to be examined subsequently. This report deals only with the question of health as raised by members at the December meeting of the Council.

This report states:

  • Technology for delivering broadband falls well below the recommended levels of radiation and is in fact far less harmful than many devices used in our daily lives.
  • Studies have shown that there is greater background radio intrusion from television and radio transmission, than from access points.

    The WHO report concludes that wireless broadband is considered safe for use at schools or any other similar place.

Cllr Barrett suggested that the service provider should meet with the local community to explain what is involved with this technology and to ensure that all the community had a good understanding of what is proposed. It was agreed that this would be helpful.

17.  OVERCHARGING SLIGO RAIL TRAVELLERS ON FRIDAYS AND SUNDAYS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

"That this Council calls on Iarnrod Eireann to immediately discontinue the practice of overcharging Sligo rail travellers on Fridays and Sundays".

19.  SPEED LIMITS THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF RATHLEE ON R297 AND CORBALLA VILLAGE ON N59:

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

"To ask the Director of Services what strategy he intends to put in place to reduce speed limits through the village of Rathlee on R297 and Corballa village on N59".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

At the moment there is a 60kph speed limit controlling speed of traffic through Rathlee on Regional Road R297. Amber flashing lights have also been erected on approaches to the National School in Rathlee. The enforcement of these measures is a matter for an Garda Siochana. Proposals to introduce a Special Speed limit on N59 on approaches to Corballa Village have been submitted to the National Roads Authority for their approval.

20.  LOLLYPOP PERSON AT ENNISCRONE NATIONAL SCHOOL ON R297:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

"To ask the County Manager can funding be provided for the provision of a lollypop person at Enniscrone National School on R297".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

There are no funds available to the Roads Section to provide such a service at present. An excellent procedure has existed at this crossing where there is a Junior Warden Scheme in place.

21. LOW WATER PRESSURE IN RATHGRAN AND COOLANEY:

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

"A number of consumers in Rathgran, Coolaney are experiencing low water pressure leaving them with an inadequate water supply. I ask Sligo County Council to take the necessary steps to address this".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following:

This matter is being investigated at present, on foot of information received from Cllr. Gormley, as to the exact location of the dwellings. When the precise nature and extent and nature of the problem is identified we can formulate a solution and determine the extent of the Councils responsibility, if any, in this matter.

22.  CLOSURE OF RURAL POST OFFICES:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

23.  CLOSURE OF RURAL POST OFFICES:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

24.  WATER METERING CHARGES:

It was agreed that Items 24 and 27 be dealt with at this time:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

"That having considered-since the estimates were introduced—the issue of cost of provision of water to the farming community in County Sligo, Sligo County Council now instructs the County Manager to introduce the necessary measures to ensure that a fairer charge is put in place. Such measures will include involvement in a deputation to meet with the Minister of the Environment and senior staff from his Department, to demand that the cost of delivery of water to farmers be subsidised by the Departments of the Environment and Finance".

27. WATER METERING CHARGES:

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

"To request the County Manager to defer any increase in water charges until a deputation meets with the Minister for the Environment to seek increased funding to make up the shortfall".

A lengthy discussion took place on these items.

The County Manager in reply to a number of questions indicated that discussions had taken place with representatives of the farming community. Their concerns seemed to focus on the charging in respect of meters and no problems were raised with respect to the ongoing charge. As a result of these discussions, the amount charged for meters was re-balanced to take these concerns into account. Bearing in mind the increased costs of production in terms of energy and labour costs the increase volumetric charges are considered to be reasonable and justified. He also indicated that he was obliged to set the charge for 2007 before the end of 2006 and this was done by order on 29th December, 2006.

The Manager cited examples of counties in other areas of the country where the charge for water were in line or greater than the charge in Sligo. He also pointed out that if the charge for waste water was combined with the charge for water, then Sligo is among the lowest.

Finally, the Manager welcomed the Ministers statement relating to grant aid for farmers for the purpose of harvesting water.

It was proposed by Councillor S. MacManus, seconded by Councillor J. McGarry and agreed that Motion No. 24 and 27 be agreed subject to Motion 24 being amended to include the business community.

It was agreed that Items 25, 26, 28 – 42 be adjourned to the April Meeting.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Liam and Kathleen Harte and family on the death of their sister and sister in law, Philomena".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Padraic Marren on the death of his brother, Eddie.

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe McNulty on the death of his mother, Kathleen".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mattie Burke on the death of his brother, Brendan".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary and James Walsh on the death of their father and father in law, Joseph Morahan".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter Kilgallen and family on the death of his father, Paddy".

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael and Kay McGoldrick on the death your Mother and Mother in law of Mrs McGoldrick”.

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Seamus Kilrehal on the death of his mother, Peggy".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extend to Ted Conway on the death of his wife, Nuala".

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

AND AGEED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary and Jarlath Neary on the death of their father and father in law".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nora McHugh on the death of her brother, James McHugh".

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Wall on the death of his wife, Theresa".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Ellen Foye on the death of her uncle, Plunket Foye".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Patricia Maye on the death of her mother, Kathleen McAllister".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paul Morahan on the death of his father, Joe".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Padraig Marren on the death of his brother, Eddie".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Cahill on the death of his mother, Agnes".

CONFERENCES

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

AND AGREED

"That Councillor J. Queenan, M. Gormley, D. Bree, V. Cawley, M. Barrett, J. Sherlock, P. Barry, G. Murray, A. Colleary be nominated to attend the ACCC Annual Conference being held in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford on the 8th – 10th of March 2007".

CORRESPONDANCE:

All Correspondence was noted.

  1. Letter dated 20th February from Leitrim County Council regarding resolution passed at Meeting.
  2. Letter dated 28th February from Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding Irish emigrants in the U.S.A.
  3. Letter dated 28th February from Office of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding acknowledgement of receipt of letter dated 23rd February 2007.
  4. Letter dated 28th February 2007 from Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding water service charges.
  5. Letter dated 28th February 2007 from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources regarding hoist crane facility at Poll na Duibhe Pier.
  6. Letter dated 1st March 2007 from the Health Service Executive regarding Sligo General Hospital.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT MEETING:

  • List of forthcoming Conference

The Meeting ended at 5.50pm


Meeting Date 05/03/2007