Minutes 2012
Minutes of May Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 14th May, 2012 at 11am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Barrett,
- Councillor Barry,
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor D. Cawley,
- Councillor V. Cawley,
- Councillor Clarke,
- Councillor Devins,
- Councillor Fleming,
- Councillor Gormley,
- Councillor Healy McGowan,
- Councillor Keaney,
- Councillor Leonard,
- Councillor Lundy,
- Councillor Lyons,
- Councillor MacManus,
- Councillor McGarry,
- Councillor McGrath,
- Councillor McLoughlin,
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor Murray,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
- Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Ms P. R. Gallagher, A/ Director of Services
- Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr D. Cawley, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Ms. M. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner
- Ms. A. Smyth, Administrative Officer
- Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
- Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
- The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.
1. MINUTES OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 23RD APRIL, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of a Special Council Meeting held on 23rd April, 2012.”
2. MINUTES OF THE APRIL ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 2ND APRIL, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the April Ordinary Meeting held on 2nd April, 2012.”
3. MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 17TH FEBRUARY, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Special (Roads) Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 17th February, 2012.”
4. MINUTES OF THE TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 18TH NOVEMBER, 2011:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 18th November, 2011.”
5. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 17TH FEBRUARY, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on 17th February, 2012.”
6. MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 12TH DECEMBER, 2011:
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on 12th December, 2011.”
7. MINUTES OF SPC 4 MEETING HELD ON 14TH DECEMBER, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of SPC No 4 (Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development) meeting held on 14th December, 2011.”
8. MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 5TH MARCH, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 5th March, 2012.”
9. MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 13TH FEBRUARY, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 13th February, 2012.”
10. MINUTES OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP MEETING HELD ON 16TH JANUARY, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 16th January, 2012.”
11. REPORT ON SLIGO EC BID – ‘4CNW’:
Ms D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer stated the following in relation to this item;
Sligo County Council is delivering an initiative entitled Creative Challenge Celtic Crescent North West or 4 CNW as it is also know. The project was developed as an initiative of Sligo County Development Board and it involved collaboration between Sligo County Council, Western Development Commission and local authority partners in Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Roscommon. The project recognises the potential of the creative sector to the economy and what they can bring to other sectors, more specifically the agrifood, tourism, technology and life sciences sectors.
The goal of the project is to develop the creative industries and wider innovation ability in the north west region of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. A successful bid was made to the EU for €243,000 and the main elements to the project are;
- Distribution of vouchers - €100,000
- Participation in EU policy initiative entitled European Creative Industries Alliance – providing an opportunity to influence policies at an EU level.
- Development of a strong regional coalition of key stakeholders in government, regional development, education, business and enterprise.
- Development of a Creative Directory mobile app.
It is hoped that this project will create and safeguard 150 jobs. It is also part of the wider regional strategic plan entitled ‘Creative West’ which hopes to achieve by 2020 additional exports to the value of €100m and 17,000 new jobs. The project has been funded until December 2013 and it is hoped that there will be opportunities under future structural funding programmes.
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“To note report on successful Sligo EC bid entitled ‘4CNW’ which will contribute to the development of creative industries and wider innovation in the North West, Northern Ireland and Scotland.”
12. DRAFT BALLYMOTE AREA PLAN:
Ms. M. Davidescu, A/Senior Executive Planner gave a brief overview of the Draft Ballymote Area Plan and proceeded to go through the First Manager’s Reports on submissions and observations:
It was agreed that resolutions would be put forward only if amendments were being proposed to the draft plan.
Submission 1: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 2: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 3: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 4: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 5: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 6: The Manager’s Report recommends that there be no change to the draft plan in relation to this submission but following a discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“Re-Ballymote Area Plan: The area shaded in pink, as shown in the O.S Map, be zoned for residential use.”
Submission 7: This issue was dealt with under Submission 4.
Submission 8: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submissions 9: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 10: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 11: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission 12: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission L-1: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Submission L-2: Agreed with the Manager’s recommendations.
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“Having considered Draft Local Area Plan for Ballymote and the First Manager’s Report dated 17th April, 2012, it appeared to the members of the Planning Authority that the Draft Plan should be varied or modified in accordance with the Manager’s Report and in accordance with resolutions passed at this meeting and that the proposed variation or modification would, if made, be a material alteration of the draft concerned.
It is hereby resolved in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, that the proposed variation be put on public display for a period of not less than four weeks and that submissions and observations be invited from the public for further consideration by the Planning Authority.”
13. DATE FOR AGM:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred until after lunch.
14. APPOINT ONE MEMBER TO BOARD OF SLIGO leader partnership:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To appoint Councillor Jerry Lundy to the Board of Sligo Leader Partnership due to the resignation of Councillor Joe Queenan.”
15. WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT:
Mr Kilfeather, Director of Services stated that this item had been placed on the agenda as the Council had been in negotiations with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government over funding for this project. They have just received notification this morning that the department would now fund 97% of the cost of this project and works would proceed as soon possible.
The members welcomed this announcement from Mr. Kilfeather. It was then;
Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“To note the position in relation to the Water Conservation Project Stage III.”
16. PRESENTATION BY ALAN GALLAGHER, CONNECT IRELAND:
The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that due to a mix up of dates Mr Gallagher would not be making a presentation to the meeting today.
At this point the Cathaoirleach bought the members attention to 2 items of correspondence from EirGrid and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland requesting to address the Council.
The members agreed to allow both groups to present to the Council at the June Ordinary Meeting.
17. DOCKLANDS AREA, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“To call on Sligo Council to provide a report on the Docklands area in Sligo, which is now in the ownership of the Council.
- A economic strategic report
- A report on the environmental study been carried out
- A report to see how IT Sligo could assist the council in bringing forward plans for this area.”
In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following;
Two processes are currently underway. The Infrastructure section is preparing a study relating to the continuous silting of the Harbour area and how that might be ameliorated. In the past some dredging was carried out mostly over local areas so as to maintain shipping. Silting of the bed and resulting loss of water depth is seen as the biggest issue for the Harbour and significant silting is now present - although shipping operations are being maintained. Modern techniques in dredging are being examined in the search for a cost effect solution. They are based on agitating or energizing the deposits of silt under water which are then taken out to sea at high tide. Maintaining shipping will however require an investment to counter silting. Whilst a full scheme would cost several million euros it may be possible to carry out a limited scheme at a very preliminary estimated cost of €100K.
Currently also the Environment Section are dealing with the EPA towards procuring a Certificate of Authorisation relating to the landfill areas within the Harbour. An assessment of the landfill areas has been carried out substantially monitoring landfill gas and leachate production. Elevated gas levels consistent with the previous use as a landfill exist within those areas and remediation measures may need to be put in place.
There are no plans at this time to involve Sligo IT students in the Harbour. If the IT wish to have information for the benefit of their students in relation to the studies referred they should contact the undersigned.
In response to further queries from the members Mr. Kilfeather stated that;
- The main focus of the Council is on the maintenance of the harbour.
- A Docklands Development Plan would be very beneficial but the Council would not have the staff requirements for such a plan.
- IT Sligo are involved in the Docklands area but it is at a very early stage.
- A report delivered by Pat Doyle, Project Engineer to the SPC would be circulated to all the members.
18. SEPTIC TANKS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on Council ‘once off houses’ in rural areas in relation to their septic tanks and will the Council upgrade those tanks, if required, for its tenants?”
In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., was to issue a consultation document which sets out in full the details of what he proposes to include in standards for the operation and maintenance of septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems. The Minister is inviting submissions on the document and the standards before he gives them legal effect. Once this in place Sligo County Council Housing will carry out a report on Septic tanks in Sligo County Council rural Houses.
It is the intention of Sligo County Council Housing Section to upgrade the septic tanks in Sligo County Council Rural Houses to the appropriate standard where necessary, subject to available budgets.
19. GARDA RECRUITMENT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“Due to the increase in crime, the closing of Garda Stations and the reduction in Garda numbers; that this Council calls on the Government and the Minister for Justice to end the embargo on the recruitment of Gardai and open up the training centre in Templemore for the intake of trainees.”
20. SECTION 14 OF LOCAL GOVT (HOUSEHOLD CHARGE) ACT 2011:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“Recognising the potential dangers to personal confidentially inherent in using personal details held by utility companies, Sligo County Council will not use the power it has been given by Section 14 of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 to access information held by utility companies for the purpose of identifying potential liability to the household charge.”
Following a discussion by the members and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.
For: Baker, Bree, V. Cawley, Clarke, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus and Queenan.
Against: Barrett, Barry, D. Cawley, Fleming, Lyons, McGrath and Mulvey.
As the result was 9 for and 7 against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.
21. DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“Noting that arrears of €1.8 million in Development Contributions/Levies was owed to this Council on the 1st January 2012; and further noting that seven developers/development companies owe in excess of €100,000 each; this Council calls on the County Manger to provide a report (a) indicating the exact amount of money owed to the Council by each of the seven developers/development companies (b) the action taken to date by the Council to collect the money from each of the seven developer/development companies and (c) given that Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides the planning authority with power to impose a planning condition for phased payments of contributions, to ask the Manager if such a condition was imposed in respect of any of the seven developers/development companies.”
In response Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following;
- Of the 7 cases mentioned in the motion all but 2 have phasing conditions.
- Actions taken include enforcement notices served, legal action taken resulting in fines being imposed but in these cases no development levies would be paid.
- After discussions with the Council solicitor legal action is seen as a negative direction as only fines imposed and development levies could not then be collected.
- Over time as the housing market improves the houses in these developments cannot be sold until development levies have been paid to the council.
- The slight upturn in 2012 has resulted in €225,000 being collected in contributions.
- A full detailed report will be circulated to all the members.
Councillor Baker enquires about Brookfort Estate, Riverstown. Mr. Murphy stated that this estate has been completed but not in time to be included on the agenda for this meeting.
It was therefore;
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the estate known as Brookfort Estate, Riverstown, Co. Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the estate.”
22. REPORTS ON SLIGO MUSEUM AND THE MODEL:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“To ask the County Manager when the reports sought by the Council on: (a) the Sligo Museum project including details of all funding spent on the project and the source of the funding; and: (b) on funding, grant aid and assets donated by the County Council to the Model Niland Gallery, including details of when the funding was approved and the source of the funding; will be made available to the Council for consideration.”
The County Manager, Mr. H. Kearns stated that staff are currently working on these reports and it is hoped to have them completed in July.
23. TRAFFIC ON BURMAH ROAD, STRANDHILL:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
“That Sligo County Council would take the necessary steps to address the traffic control problems which currently exist at the roundabout at the top of the Burmah Road in Strandhill. Such steps would include reviewing control of traffic travelling both from Sligo towards Strandhill and along the Burmah Road towards the roundabout, with an emphasis on provision of speed control entering the roundabout, curtailing traffic from Strandhill passing inside on left at roundabout and any alteration of road markings which might be needed.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
Our Road Design Office will be asked to examine solutions to the problems as outlined in this motion and to design solutions to same.
Any works on site, against the background of the current poor economic situation, are dependent upon the level of funding in 2013, if any.
24. RURAL TRANSPORT CUTS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to ask the Government to reverse its cuts and re-instate rural transport to its 2011 levels.”
25. GURTEEN AND TUBBERCURRY HEALTH CENTRES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the HSE to indicate what proposals if any they have for the extension and improvements to the Health Centres and to services at (a) Gurteen (b) Tubbercurry.”
26. TIDY TOWNS AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
27. SIGN FOR THE HUNGRY ROCK:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask Sligo County Council to provide a sign for ‘The Hungry Rock’ at Coolaney as a tourism feature.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The Area Engineer will procure cost of such a sign and prepare an estimate for the work for consideration.
28. FLOODING AT COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask Sligo County Council to contact Iarnród Éireann regarding a flooding issue at Collooney south along the old railway line.”
In response Mr. Kilfeather stated that the council would endeavour to contact Iarnród Éireann regarding this issue.
13. AGM:
The members agreed the 2012 AGM for Friday 22nd June, 2012 at 12.00 noon
29. NAMA PROPERTIES:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
It was agreed to take Items 30, 35 and 38 together.
30. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Government to support Family Resource centres and reverse their decision to the cutbacks imposed, and in particular to the Family Resource Centres in Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Easkey and Sligo who are providing such an excellent service to local communities.”
35. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRES:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Government to support the Family Resource Programme and in particular, the four Family Resource Centres based in Sligo and two in Leitrim - Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Easkey, Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon and Mohill, and to reverse the cuts imposed on the Family Resource Programme.”
38. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“To request the Minister for Social Protection & the Minister for Children to maintain financial supports to the Family Resource Centre Programme by reviewing cut backs already imposed and those proposed, in recognition of their pivotal role in the development of the new family and children communities at County and National level.”
It was agreed to take Items 31 and 32 together.
31. FUNDING FOR CREGG HOUSE:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Fine Gael/Labour Coalition Government and the HSE to ensure that adequate funding is provided to Cregg House so that the 2011 level of services provided by this facility can be maintained into the future.”
32. PROPOSED CUTS TO CREGG HOUSE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“To condemn the outrageous cuts been proposed to Cregg House.”
Councillor D. Cawley asked to be recorded as dissenting from this motion.
It was also;
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“To write to the Minister to compliment the service and work that Wisdom Services have delivered through Cregg House over 50 years and to condemn any cuts made to Wisdom Services in 2012 and thereafter.”
The members also paid tribute to the staff at Cregg House for the services provided.
33. LANDS IN COLLOONEY:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
34. APPLICATIONS TO SPORTS CAPITAL PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“To ask that members be provided with details of any applications which Sligo County Council made for Sports Capital Programme funding in the years 2005/2011 inclusive and that we also receive details of any application which this Council is making to the 2012 Sports Capital Programme.”
In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;
Sligo County Council made no applications directly from 2005-2010. However the County Council assisted and advised numerous groups with their applications, mapping etc. at the time of submission. In 2011 two applications were submitted on behalf of Sligo County Council for MUGA’s at €70,000 – Skreen and Coolaney.
We are intending to progress with two applications to the Sports Capital Programme, 2012. The two locations are the coastal walk at Carrowhubbock South, Enniscrone and at Union Wood, Ballygawley. Each project will have a total budget of approximately €25,000. Enniscrone is in a CLÁR area and will require 10% match funding while Union Wood is not and will therefore require 15% funding.
The County Manager stated that while the Borough Council has serviced sports facilities within the Borough for years the County Council has undertaken a supporting role to local communities in developing their own facilities.
36. WATER SERVICES STAFF:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“Ask the County Manager what are the implications for the staff of this Council in light of Minister Hogan’s decision to handover the contract for water and wastewater services to Bord Gais.”
In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following;
Sligo County Council has received no formal correspondence from the Department in relation to any staffing implications following the announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, that Irish Water will be an independent state owned subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann.
We understand that an Implementation Plan for the transition of water services functions from the city and county councils was to be finalised at the end of April and that subsequent to that a series of regional briefings will be arranged to outline the plan and roadmap to the establishment of Irish Water to Local Authority staff and elected members.
37. CONTRACT FOR TEAGASC BUILDING:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“Ask the County Manager has he signed the contract for the purchase of the Teagasc building and has he paid the €480,000 to the Minister for Agriculture?”
In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;
The contract for the purchase of the Teagasc building was signed on 23rd December, 2011 and payment was made to Teagasc.
39. TRAFFIC CALMING AT RANSBORO:
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin
“To ask that Sligo County Council look at putting traffic calming at Ransboro Church.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The Road Design office will in due course, examine the Ransboro Church area so as to assess the need for traffic calming there. Any works here are dependent upon the level of funding in 2013, if any.
At 4.00pm the Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor M. Lyons takes the chair.
40. STRANDHILL CYCLE LANE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin
“To welcome the bicycle track from Sligo to Strandhill, and to enquire that some of the lining seems to have narrowed the main road in places.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
There are two types of cycle lanes provided on the Strandhill Road– Mandatory and Advisory.
Mandatory Cycle Lanes are marked by a continuous white line which prohibits motorised traffic from entering the lane, except for access. There is sufficient road width outside the cycle lane to cater for motorised traffic.
Advisory Cycle Lanes are marked by a broken white line which allows motorised traffic to enter or cross the lane. Advisory Cycle Lanes are used where a Mandatory Cycle Lane leaves insufficient residual road space for traffic. The provision of an Advisory Cycle Lane draws attention to the presence of cyclists. Advisory Cycle Lanes are located on the Strandhill Road towards Sligo Town where there is insufficient residual road space for the provision of Mandatory Cycle Lanes.
The majority of the Strandhill cycleway is mandatory, with a buffer zone separating the cyclists from motorised traffic, indicated by a broken yellow line.
41. JUNCTION ON N17 AT CARROWREILLE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“To call on Sligo County Council to improve junction on the N17 at Carrowreille to enable road users exit from the local road in safety.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
Our Road Design Office will in conjunction with the NRA Inspectorate prepare a scheme here to improve sight distance at this junction utilising funding under the HCL Safety Grant for 2012.
42. PRIVATE CONTROL OF WATER SECTOR:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council, recognising that water is a limited natural resource and a public commodity fundamental to life and health; (a) declares it’s opposition to the private control of water services; (b) expresses its concern regarding the government’s proposal to centralise water services; and (c) welcomes the Irish Congress of Trade Unions pledge to resist any proposal to privatise the water sector.”
At 4.20pm the Cathaoirleach resumes the Chair.
43. CLOONAMAHON CENTRE, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That this Council requests from the HSE a detailed report on the future plans for the Cloonamahon Centre, Collooney.”
44. FUNDING FOR ORGANISATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That the Council be provided with a report at the next monthly meeting with the recommendations and proposals for funding for arts organisations, community groups, tourism organisations, cultural groups and residents and sports organisations.”
45. COASTAL EROSION AT STRANDHILL:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council acknowledges with thanks the visit and the inspection by Minister of State Brian Hayes, of the effects of coastal erosion at Strandhill, and further the Council now appeals to Minister Hayes and the government to provide as a matter of urgency the necessary grant aid to finance the recommendations as contained in the consultants report on coastal erosion in Strandhill.”
In response to queries from the members Mr Kilfeather stated that an application had been submitted and the Minister had given a commitment that he would turn it around as quick as possible.
46. DRIVING LICENCE ADMINISTRATION:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“As the driving licence administration is being moved from local authorities to the RSA (Road Safety Authority), I will ask if this will result in job losses for Council staff, and that this Council request the Department to re-locate the new centralised driving licence administration to the Department Offices in Tubbercurry, and not to the R.S.A. in Ballina, Co. Mayo.”
47. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Anderson on the death of her uncle, Tommy Farry.”
48. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
The members agreed to extend a vote of congratulations to Deirdre Lavin from Sligo Sports Partnership on the resounding success of the An Post Cycle held on the 6th May, 2012.
49. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That the list of Conferences circulated for April and May at this meeting are unanimously approved.”
50. CORRESPONDENCE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To note the correspondence circulated with the Agenda.”
51. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
There were no matters arising.
52. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor D. Bree raised an issue in relation to a recent clean up organised by the Rosses Point Tidy Towns Committee.
Councillor Bree also raised a query in relation to the resolutions in his name agreed at the Adjourned Special Meeting held on 2nd May, 2012.
END OF MEETING:
The meeting ended at 4.55pm.
Meeting Date 14/05/2012