SPC 2 - Minutes
Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Environment & Infrastructure Meeting held on 12th December 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Council Chamber, County Hall, Sligo.
ATTENDANCE:
- Councillor Thomas Walsh, Cathaoirleach
- Councillor Michael Clarke
- Councillor Donal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Healy (OL)
REPRESENTATIVES:
- Ms Joan Swift (Environment Pillar Sectoral Rep)
- Ms Sharon Eastwood (Community & Voluntary Sectoral Rep)
- Mr Conor McCarty (Business Sectoral Rep)
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 Val Baynes, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr Pete Murtagh, Climate Action Officer
- Ms Kathleen Kane, Senior Staff Officer
- Ms Imelda McCarron, Administrative Officer
APOLOGIES
- Mr Michael O Dowd (IFA)
- Caroline McManus, Administrative Officer
PRESENTATIONS
- Mr Kristopher Calder, RPS
- Mr Adrian Bell, RPS
- Ms Pippa Black, Sligo DPO
- Ms Ruth Flood, Sligo DPO
1. Confirmation of Minutes
Minutes of Meeting held on 12th September 2023 were adopted, proposed by Sharon Eastwood and Seconded by Councillor Clarke.
2. Matters Arising
None.
3. Presentation from Sligo Disabled Person’s Organisation (Pippa Black)
Pippa gave a presentation raising awareness about the barriers facing people with disabilities, with a particular focus on environment and infrastructure (full presentation attached in Appendix 1).
Following the presentation Members discussed the points raised by Pippa, thanking her for the insightful presentation. It was accepted that it was up to the Council to note the points discussed and to implement recommended changes where possible to help remove some of the social barriers. IMcC to share the presentation with Members.
4. Presentation from RPS Group
Kristopher Calder from RPS Group gave a presentation on Sligo Bay Coastal Flooding and Erosion Risk Management (CFERM) Study. An assessment of the coastal flooding and erosion pressures at Easkey and Strandhill was given, with proposed mitigation plans outlined.
Discussion about the report and options presented followed. IMcC to share the final report with the group after meeting. RPS reps were thanked for their work to date and presenting to SPC. The next steps will be for the Executive and team to discuss priorities and potential funding with the OPW, as the cost of any intervention is significant.
5. Review of Casual Trading Bye Laws
IMcC gave an update on the proposed changes to the Casual Trading Bye Laws (report shared in advance of meeting). The main changes are the inclusion of trading bays in Mullaghmore and Streedagh, and the inclusion of a clause in the Bye Laws allowing the Council to revoke a licence should a stall holder fail to utilise the space.
The proposed changes were agreed by the SPC. The next stage will be to notify the Gardaí and display the Bye Laws for public consultation before presenting to Council in early 2024 for adoption.
6. Council policy regarding flooding and cleaning of rivers in the county
Councillor Healy clarified that this NOM originated due to ongoing issues with debris and litter blocking rivers causing flooding downstream.
It was agreed there was a need for clarity around who was responsible for which rivers. The DoS explained that it would take some time to compile all the relevant information on ownership/responsibilities, and cross departmental consultation would be required to find a solution, which would include the OPW, Inland Fisheries and the IFA.
7. Update on Major Infrastructure Projects
B Scott gave an update on Major Infrastructure Projects (report shared in advance of meeting).
It was noted that good progress was being made on the N16 and compliments were passed to the team for getting the project to this stage.
Request from Councillor Clarke to keep the N59 in the road’s agenda. It was confirmed that the cost is creeping towards the Major Project category, therefore making funding more challenging.
8. Update on N17
Councillor Walsh outlined that Minister Donoghue met with local politicians and Business Representatives recently to discuss the importance of the project and the funding of €2.5m required to progress the N17 in 2024. A funding announcement is expected toward the end of January 2024 for National Roads and Council is awaiting the outcome. Thanks were given to B Scott and his staff for getting the N17 project to this stage.
9. Update on Active Travel
P O’Rourke gave an update on Active Travel (report shared in advance of the meeting).
The Draft local Transport Plan is on public consultation as part of the draft CDP, until the 22nd December 2023.
Initial design drawings for Parklet at JFK parade have been completed but further consultation with local businesses is required after a few issues were raised. This is now being reviewed and work ongoing accordingly.
NTA is giving direction that projects need to be ranked in order of priority for delivery. Many are multi annual, and it is likely that these projects will need to be phased and funding would not be available for all projects to be delivered in 2024/25.
There was a discussion about the feasibility of rolling out the eBike scheme to towns close to Sligo. This is the longer-term aim but at the moment it is limited by the technology available.
10. Any Other Business
Conor McCarthy noted that he had a Chamber Industry Meeting recently and correspondence has been issued to the Chief Executive about the traffic delays at the Rosses Point Road.
Following queries, EC confirmed that a Road Safety Strategy Committee would be set up in Q2 of 2024 and that Traffic Modelling had taken place for the EGB.
EC confirmed that an update on Climate Action would be given to the SPC in Q1 or Q2 2024.
11. To confirm date for the next SPC2 Meeting
2024 meeting dates to be confirmed and shared with the committee in due course.
Councillor Walsh thanked everyone for attending. Meeting concluded at 12.10 pm.
Meeting Date 12/12/2023