SPC 2 - Minutes

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Environment & Infrastructure Meeting held on 6th March 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Council Chamber, County Hall, Sligo.


ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Thomas Walsh, Cathaoirleach
  • Councillor Michael Clarke
  • Councillor Thomas Healy

 

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

 

OFFICIALS:

  • Ms Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Mr Paul O’Rourke A/Director of Service 
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr Bernard Scott, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Brendan Lynch, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms Imelda McCarron, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Caroline McManus, Administrative Officer

 

1. Confirmation of Minutes

Minutes of Meeting held on 12th December 2023 were adopted, proposed by Councillor Clarke and Seconded by Councillor Healy.

 

2. Matters Arising

E Concannon confirmed quarter 2 of 2024 for the setup of the Road Strategy Safety Committee.  It was agreed to amend the minutes accordingly.

 

3. Transportation Grant Funding 2024

E Concannon gave a breakdown of funding for 2024:

 

Source of Funding 2024
DOT – Regional & Local Roads €16,712,800
TII – National Primary / National Secondary    €18,200,477
NTA – Active Travel €3,505,000
Total €38,418,277

 

4. Update on Major Infrastructure Projects

B Scott gave an update on Major Infrastructure Projects including the N16 Lugatober Realignment, Sligo greenway Collooney to Bellaghy and the closeout of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Scheme.

N17 Knock to Collooney Scheme
B Scott gave an update on the N17 Scheme and advised the Members that as per the terms and conditions set by the Minister of Transport under Section 24 of the Roads Act as part of the 2024 Grant Allocations, the Council was to progress the Tubbercurry and Charlestown Bypass elements of scheme.

A discussion followed, including the safety of the existing N17 at various locations including Ballinacarrow.

Eastern Garvogue Bridge
P O Rourke updated the Members on this Scheme.  It was agreed that Members would be advised of the process of being included on a distribution list to receive detailed briefing for this project.

N15 Pavement Works Rathcormack
B Scott advised that this contract is awarded, and works would commence during the Easter holidays when schools are closed.

 

5. Update on current Active Travel Programme

P O Rouke gave an update on the Active Travel Programme, including the Schemes being developed this year, including the Pathfinders Scheme.

It was noted that the Council is liaising with the NTA and actively monitoring the provision of bus routes. Issues discussed included the impact on buses on contraflow and the price differential between Rural Link and Bus Eireann.

It was noted that there is a waiting list for schools to apply for the Safe Routes to School Scheme.

It was advised that the Permeability Project allows for estates and different areas to join and make walking or other active travel more accessible.

 

6. Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy

E Concannon advised that the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030 was made by each Local Authority in February 2024.

F O Driscoll advised that remediation of the old land fill site in Finisklin is being progressed and includes a public walkway and landscaped area.

The removal of litter in the Garvogue River was discussed.

 

7. Summer 2024

I McCarron gave an update on Summer 2024.

E Concannon advised that the development of the boardwalk access to the second beach at Rosses Point was at preliminary design stage.

 

8. Any Other Business

Issues discussed included:

  • The upcoming review on speed limits, and the transfer of information between the Council and AGS regarding the sharing of speed survey results.
  • E Concannon advised that draft Bye-Laws on the use Jet Ski’ on Lough Gill, will come before the SPC in due course.
  • Signage being removed from roadworks when completed. Statutory signs need to remain in place as required.
  • Signage on public roads.

 

9. To confirm date for the next SPC2 Meeting

Councillor Walsh advised that the next meeting is scheduled for 5th June 2024 and as the date coincides with the run up to the Local Council Elections that an earlier date in May will be agreed and shared with the committee in due course.

Councillor Walsh thanked everyone for attending. Meeting concluded at 11.55 am.

 


Meeting Date 06/03/2024