Minutes - SPC 2

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 - Climate & Infrastructure Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 11.00 am on Tuesday 1st July 2025 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor Gilroy

 

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr Michael O Dowd (Agriculture / Farming)
  • Mr Alan Spencer (Environment / Conservation)

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Mr Kieran O’Gorman, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms Eithne Currid, Administrative Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from:

  • Councillor Casserly
  • Councillor Walsh
  • Kathryn Branley (Drumcliffe/Rathcormac Tidy Towns)

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC2 HELD ON 31st MARCH 2025:

Proposed by Councillor D Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor G Mullaney

 

2.  MATTERS ARISING:

None

 

3.  PRESENTATION FROM FUTURECAST

Mr JJ O’Hara and Mr Sean Burke made a presentation relating to a Fire Testing and Science Centre and Heavy Manufacturing Incubation Hub at a site in Finisklin which is under active consideration. Futurecast are seeking endorsement from the Chief Executive to further the project and letter of approval for site at Finisklin to lodge planning permission. The matter was discussed and agreed to approve at the SPC and request approval from Chief Executive.

Futurecast are to be invited to make a presentation to full Council meeting later in the year.

 

4.  SPEED LIMIT REVIEW

J Molloy advised that the Speed Limit Review National Guidelines are to be approved by the Dail shortly. Timelines to be given once guidelines issued. Proposals can be submitted prior to issuing of guidelines.

 

5.  REQUEST FOR ITEMS FOR WORK PROGRAMME

J Molloy requested Members to consider two policies/procedures from list that would be brought to next SPC. Discussion took place regarding a policy on rivers and who was responsible for cleaning/maintainence of same. Water Framework Directive was also nominated as a policy to be considered. Public lighting policy in relation to lighting levels and impact on birds and insects was discussed. J Molloy advised that it would be next year before a policy on rivers could be completed due to consultation with internal and external stakeholders. Two policies agreed were “Abandoned Vehicles” and “Control of Dogs”.

 

6.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor Gilroy raised an incident that occurred at Streedagh Beach and the lack of lifeguards. J Molloy stated that the Council are endeavouring to employ lifeguards and there are issues in terms of insurance and training in using clubs for lifeguarding.

Michael O’Dowd raised an issue regarding progress on N17 road and rail infrastructure.

The death of Lisa Moore, who was on the Climate Change SPC in the last Council was noted.  Condolences were expressed by members to family.

 

9.   TO CONFIRM THE DATE FOR THE NEXT SPC2 MEETING

Thursday 2nd October 2025 at 11a.m.

Councillor Clarke thanked everyone for attending.  The meeting concluded at 12.25 pm.


Meeting Date 01/07/2025