SPC 2 - Minutes

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Environment & Infrastructure Meeting held on 14th March 2023 at 12 Noon Council Chamber, County Hall, Sligo.


ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Thomas Walsh, Cathaoirleach
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Michael Clarke

 

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

 

OFFICIALS:

  • Ms Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Mr Tom Brennan Senior Engineer
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr Bernard Scott, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr Pete Murtagh, Energy Efficiency & Climate Action Officer
  • Ms Imelda McCarron, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Caroline McManus, Administrative Officer

 

1. Confirmation of Minutes

Minutes of Meeting held on 14th November 2022 were adopted, proposed by Cllr Donal Gilroy and seconded by Councillor Thomas Walsh.  

 

2. Matters Arising

No matters arising.

 

3. Transportation Grant Funding 2023

E Concannon gave a breakdown of the funding allocations for 2023. It was agreed to circulate a copy of the funding allocations to the members and a breakdown of Active Travel allocations per Municipal District.

 

4. Update on Major Infrastructure Projects

B Scott gave an update on the N17 and N16 Schemes and advised that the public consultation for the N17 K2C Scheme has been extended to the end of March 2023.

A discussion followed and the following points were raised:

  • That the suitability of alternative routes be assessed prior to diversion being put in place on N16.
  • The importance of Safety interventions on the N17, which will be examined by SCC later in the year.
  • That the public were being facilitated in the Sligo venue for the N17 K2C Public Consultation, if they could not secure a spot in Tubbercurry and that while not Council policy, the limit of 3 persons being present at a consultation works very well and is better than a larger forum. It provides privacy for those attending and the information is imparted on a one-to-one basis.

 

5. Update on current Active Travel Programme

T Brennan presented the report on the Active Travel Programme.

A discussion followed and there was general positivity regarding Active Travel. The following points were raised:

  • That footpaths be designed with a buffer between the different modes of transport – pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, that the different modal surfaces are differentiated by colour. This is not always possible, but where there is space, a buffer is provided.
  • That cycle parking be provided at Collooney Railway Station. Sligo County Council will contact Irish Rail on this.
  • That a bus shelter be provided in O’Connell Street, similar to the design in Abbeyleix and Castleblayney. O’Connell Street will be looked at, but there is a tentative list is in place for the provision of bus shelters. These bus shelters are being funded by the NTA at a cost of approx. €30,000 per shelter. The tentative list will be circulated to members.
  • It was noted that the greater portion of Active Travel spend is in Sligo Urban Area but that Active Travel spend is equally warranted in all Municipal Districts. However, the purpose of Active Travel is to encourage modal shift between origin and destination, which is more effective in urban areas.
  • An update on Safe to School Routes to be provided to members.
  • The introduction of a one-way system in Collooney was mentioned.
  • An update was sought on an Active Travel link between St Angela’s College and ATU Sligo. This is to be considered by Sligo County Council.

 

6. Summer 2023

I McCarron gave an update to the meeting on Summer 2023.

A discussion followed and the following points were noted:

  • Following the tender process, it is expected that the toilets at the 3 main beaches will be open in late April/early May.
  • The difficulty in recruiting Beach Wardens at Strandhill was discussed.
  • It was noted that a suitable location for a Campervan site has not been identified. A site along the Airport Road in Strandhill was suggested. Further investigation is needed.

 

7. ‘Leave no Trace’ Campaign to address dog fouling

I McCarron advised that this is a National Policy which Sligo County Council is promoting and aims to make dog owners’ more responsible.

 

8. National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy

E Concannon advised that there is a National Plan being developed which will be available for public consultation.  It is proposed to bring it to the next SPC.

 

9. Road Works Programme & House Fronts

T Brennan detailed the proposed policy on house fronts. Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed not to bring this policy forward to the Main Council.     

 

10. Any Other Business

A number of items were brought up including the following:

  • The possibility of a Casual Trading Bay in Mullaghmore. This will require an update to the Bye Laws, which should be in place for Summer 2024.
  • No further update on Owenmore Drainage.
  • It was advised that the public consultation in relation to the County Development Plan will take place later in 2023, with a view to having the Plan adopted by July 2024.
  • It was agreed to have an update on the following for the next SPC Meeting:
    • N59
    • Eastern Garvogue Bridge
    • Taking in Charge of Rural Roads
  • Vote of congratulations to Conor McCarthy on taking up the position of President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce.

 

11. To confirm date for the next SPC2 Meeting

Date of the next SPC Meeting 13th June 2023.

 

Councillor T. Walsh thanked everyone for attending.

Meeting concluded at 1.45 pm.


Meeting Date 14/03/2023