SPC 2 - Minutes

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Environment & Infrastructure Meeting held on Wednesday, 14th September 2022 at 11.00 a.m. Council Chamber, County Hall, Sligo


ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Thomas Walsh, Cathaoirleach
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy

 

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
  • Ms Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services

 

OFFICIALS:

  • Ms Marian Coakley, A/Director of Services
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr Pete Murtagh, Energy Efficiency & Climate Action Officer
  • Mr Paul O’Rourke, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms Imelda McCarron, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Caroline McManus, Administrative Officer
  • Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer (Virtually)
  • Mr Bernard Scott, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms Karen Elliot, Clerical Officer

 

1.Confirmation of Minutes

Minutes of Meeting held on 12th May 2022 were adopted, proposed by Cllr Gilroy and

seconded by Michael O’Dowd.

 

2. Matters Arising

None

 

3. Update on major infrastructure progress

Bernard Scott presented report on N17 Knock to Collooney and N16 Lugatober

The group were informed that releasing of the N17 preferred option (Knock to Collooney)

had been delayed due to the peer review by the TII and a decision was due in Q4 of 2022.

Concerns were raised and general discussion around the works and delays took place.

Bernard Scott briefed the group that the N16 Lugatober Scheme had gone out for

retender due to lack of submission in June. Five submissions have been received this

time and it is hoped to have a contractor appointed in late 2022. A general discussion on

the Major Projects took place.

 

4. Summer 2022

Imelda McCarron gave a brief overview of the Summer 2022 report. Discussion was had

again around the safety of access to the second beach at Rosses point. Several points

were raised around the issue of ongoing safety at the beach during high tide and the

seriousness of the situation should an accident happen, it was noted that there is a need

for a programme to be put in place for how the issues are going to be addressed. It was

agreed that the point would be kept on the agenda and addressed under item ‘Summer

2023’, and an update provided on this for next meeting.

A query was raised around the possibility of retaining buoys in certain areas such as

Mullaghmore to designate the bathing area during the winter due to the popularity of sea

swimming all year round. Pete Murtagh informed the group that Sligo CoCo officials

would be engaging with the area engineers to see if this was feasible.

Sharon Eastwood joined the meeting at this stage.

 

5. Waste Initiatives

Imelda McCarron gave a brief overview of the waste initiatives report. It was clarified that

this was normally an annual fund and if possible, a larger application would be submitted

next year to facilitate two bulky goods and paint collection days.

It was also confirmed that Sligo CoCo officials would ensure there was great publicity

around these events and, Members and the PPN would be informed as soon as the dates

were confirmed.

 

6. Active and Sustainable Travel

Paul O’Rourke summarised his report on Active and Sustainable Travel. Three of the four

members of the Active Travel Team are in place with the fourth identified but not formally

appointed yet, and the funding is currently provided for a 5-year period.

A discussion followed, including that the Transportation Study would be available in early

2023 and there was a need for it to algin with the new County Development Plan. Cllr

Gilroy emphasised the need for Members to be given access to the documents in ample

time to review them properly.

The success of the eBike Share Scheme was congratulated and a discussion followed to

ensure the location for the eBike charge points were most suited to the needs of users.

There was a discussion around the need to connect the train station in Collooney with a

public path. The meeting members raised concerns that the feasibility and design

phases were taking too long and funding available wasn’t being spend quick enough.

Sligo CoCo officials explained the procurement protocol and the importance of following

due process to ensure EU and Government procurement regs were met. Tom Brennan

agreed to discuss the procurement limitations with the NTA to explore the possibility of

allowing other consultants to bid for the work. Cllrs Gilroy and Walsh agreed that they

would meet to discuss the potential of bringing a motion to the Council regarding same.

 

7. AOB

Concerns were raised about the lack of progress in flood relief works due to take place

at Owenmore River. It was agreed that an update report would be sought from Emer

Concannon and issued with the minutes of the meeting.

Concerns were raised about the lack of bus provision in West Sligo – Sligo CoCo officials

confirmed they were due to have a meeting with the NTA about the same and would

report later.

House Fronts scheme mentioned at a recent Council meeting was to be referred to this

Summer 2023 agenda item for the next meeting is to include a discussion around the

provision of facilities and parking sites for camper vans.

Congratulations was offered to Cllr Walsh on chairing his first SPC and best wishes

offered for the remainder of the term.

 

8. Proposed date for the next meeting:

Wednesday 16th November


Meeting Date 14/09/2022