SPC 2 - Minutes

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Environment & Infrastructure Meeting held on 13th June 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Council Chamber, County Hall, Sligo.


ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Thomas Walsh, Cathaoirleach
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Healy

 

REPRESENTATIVES:

  • Ms Joan Swift (Environment Pillar Sectoral Rep)
  • Mr Conor McCarthy (Business Sectoral Rep)

 

GUEST SPEAKER

Mr Kevin Swift, Regional Waste Coordinator – Connacht Ulster Waste Region

 

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 Matthew Robb, Acting Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Pete Murtagh, Energy Efficiency & Climate Action Officer
  • Ms Imelda McCarron, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Caroline McManus, Administrative Officer

 

APOLOGIES

  • Councillor Michael Clarke
  • Mr Michael O Dowd (IFA)
  • Ms Sharon Eastwood (Community & Voluntary Sectoral Rep)

 

On behalf of all present, sympathy was expressed to Conor McCarthy on the death of his son.

 

1. Confirmation of Minutes

Minutes of Meeting held on 14th March 2023 were adopted, proposed by Cllr Thomas Walsh and seconded by Joan Swift.

 

2. Matters Arising

Conor McCarthy proposed and Cllr Thomas Healy seconded the motion that the N17 be listed as a standalone item on the agenda.

It was agreed that the N17 be discussed after Kevin Swift’s presentation on National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy.

 

3. National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy

Kevin Swift gave a detailed overview of the Draft National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy and advised that the public consultation process is open until 5th July 2023.

A discussion followed and the following points were raised:

  • Lack of Hazardous Waste Facility in Sligo Town
  • Extent of Supermarket Packaging
  • Role of L.A. in Plan
  • Funding commitment in Plan
  • Size of street bins
  • Modest targets for waste reduction was noted – not very ambitious
  • Possibility of Regional Incineration – not sustainable in this Region
  • Potential of C&D waste in refurbishment projects
  • The need to make the repair of WEEE financially viable
  • Overall ambition to have zero percent total waste growth over the lifetime of the plan.

Councillor Walsh thanked Kevin for his presentation and advised that submissions can be submitted for consideration before the 5th July 2023 deadline.

 

4. N17 Knock to Collooney Project

Matthew Robb gave a detailed update on the N17 Knock to Collooney Project.

A discussion followed and the following points were noted:

  • All present were unanimous in highlighting the importance of funding being secured to progress the project.
  • The allocation of funding for the N17 Project will be announced in the last quarter of 2023 or in quarter one of 2024.

It was agreed that:

  • the documentation circulated at the meeting with Minister Jack Chambers be circulated to all members of the SPC2 Committee.
  • a letter issue to the leaders of all the three political parties in government to support the securing of funding for the N17 Project.

 

5. Update on Major Infrastructure Projects

Bernard Scott gave an update on the following:

  • N16 Lugatober Scheme
  • Sligo Greenway Projects
  • N59 – Owenbeg Pavement Recycling Scheme

Tom Brennan gave an update on the Eastern Garvogue Bridge Scheme.

A discussion followed and the following points were noted:

  • The current lack of funding for the N59 Corhownagh to Crockacullion Scheme
  • Submissions will form part of the report to be prepared on the Greenway Public Consultation.
  • Preliminary work is commencing on the N16 Scheme to link the Lugatober Scheme to Sligo Town
  • The Greenways will be linked to Sligo town via the SLNCR Greenway

 

6. Update on current Active Travel Programme

Tom Brennan presented the report on the Active Travel Programme, a very detailed programme of works being delivered by Sligo County Council.

A discussion followed and the following points were noted:

  • The option of an electric bus running between Saint Angela’s College and ATU Sligo is being considered.
  • Grange Footpath Scheme will be developed by Sligo County Council in conjunction with the NTA and the TII.
  • Funding for the Urban Pathfinder Scheme is specific to the project selected by the NTA & DOT and continues to receive priority to ensure Sligo County Council avails of all funding available.
  • Safe to School Projects continue to be developed.
  • The Draft Local Transport Plan will form part of the Draft County Development Plan.

 

7. Summer 2023

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

A discussion followed and the following points were noted:

  • It is proving very difficult to source an outside contractor to clean the beach toilets.
  • The Council has not progressed the identification of a campervan site.

 

8. Access to the Second Beach at Rosses Point

  • The meeting was advised that the tender process for the appointment of consultants to address access to the second beach in Rosses Point during high tides, is underway. The source of funding is a separate matter to be considered.
  • The putting in place of a temporary solution is not feasible.
  • Signs are in place to advise the public that access is not available during high tide.
  • The placing of rock armour was specific to a Coastal Erosion Project.

 

9. Taking in Charge of Rural Roads

In the absence of Councillor Michael Clarke, it was agreed to defer this item until the next meeting.

 

10. Any Other Business

That consideration be given to maintaining walkways in rural areas.

 

11. To confirm date for the next SPC2 Meeting

Date of the next SPC Meeting 12th September 2023.

 

Councillor T. Walsh thanked everyone for attending.

Meeting concluded at 1.25 pm.

 


Meeting Date 13/06/2023