SPC 2 - Minutes

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Environment & Infrastructure Meeting held on Thursday, 12th May, 2022 at 11.00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Sligo


ATTENDANCE:                 

  • Councillor Joe Queenan, Cathaoirleach
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Healy (online)

 

REPRESENTATIVES:        

  • Ms Sharon Eastwood (Community & Voluntary Sectoral Rep) (Virtually)
  • Ms Joan Swift (Environment Pillar Sectoral Rep)
  • Mr Conor McCarthy (Business Sectoral Rep)
  • Michael O’Dowd 

 

APOLOGIES:                      

Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady

 

OFFICIALS:                        

  • Ms Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Mr Paul O’Rourke Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Michael Feeney, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Lorraine Fitzgerald, A/Senior Staff Officer
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Ms Karen Elliot Clerical Officer

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Minutes of Meeting held on 3rd March, 2022 were adopted, proposed by Sharon Eastwood and seconded by Joan Swift.   

 

MATTERS ARISING

None

 

UPDATE ON MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRESS

Emer Concannon informed those present that the N17 preferred option (Knock to Collooney) was under peer review by the TII.

The N16 Lugatober Scheme has gone to tender, and it is hoped to have a contractor appointed in late 2022.

An SEE is being appointed for the Eastern Garvogue Bridge project who will prepare a Brief for Consultants to develop the Detailed Design and the Construction Contract documents.

The meeting was informed that the Council did not expect closeout issues with the N4 CCRD due to the Roadbridge situation. A general discussion on the Major Projects took place.

 

SUMMER 2022

Lorraine Fitzgerald informed the meeting of the summer 2022 plans as follows:

Nine beach guards will be appointed, but the position of Beach Warden for Strandhill has had to be readvertised due to there being no applicants.

The summer season for the beach guards starts on 4th June and runs until 15th September in Rosses Point and Enniscrone. The season begins on 2nd July for all other beaches.

Water safety Ireland will carry out a risk assessment on all beaches this Summer season.

The meeting was informed that the 2021 parking bye laws are in place in relation to overnight parking of campervans.

A discussion took place on inappropriate litter signage. It was also agreed signage should point visitors in the right direction in terms of litter, waste etc.

Emer Concannon informed the meeting that longer term improvements to the access to Rosses Point Second Beach are being looked at, but funding and the consent of private property owners will be required.

 

ACTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Paul O’Rourke summarised his report which was already circulated. Two of the four Members of the Active Travel Team are in place, and the funding is currently provided for a 5-year period.

A discussion followed, including that the Transportation Study should look at employment and residential centres, with a view to improving active travel from origin to destination and also the need for community consultation.

The eBike Share Scheme was welcomed.

The meeting was informed that funding was available to provide drop off points near schools to improve safety measures.

The meeting was reminded  that Saturday the 14th May was the start of bike week.

The meeting was informed that the Councillors from Sligo MD Area have been invited to join a 25-minute cycle with the Sligo Cycling Campaign, following their MD meeting on 16th May next.

 

  AOB

Concerns were mentioned regarding the safety of the lane narrowing on the N15 going north at the R292 junction, and at the N17 at Tullyhugh and Kilvarnet, Templehouse.

 

Proposed dates for the next meetings:

Wednesday 14th September

Wednesday 16th November


Meeting Date 12/05/2022