Minutes - SPC 2

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 - Climate & Infrastructure Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 11.00 am on Thursday 22nd January 2026 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Michael Clarke, Gerard Mullaney, Thomas Walsh, Donal Gilroy, Marie Casserly

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link

 

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr Michael O Dowd (Agriculture / Farming)
Mr Alan Spencer (Environment / Conservation)
Ms Kathryn Branley (Community/Voluntary)

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

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

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from: Councillor Healy

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC2 HELD ON 2ND OCTOBER, 2025:

Proposed by Councillor D Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor G Mullaney

 

2.  MATTERS ARISING:

None

 

3.   SPEED LIMIT REVIEW

Mr Molloy advised that a meeting was held with the Department regarding the Speed Limit Review National Guidelines.  It has been advised that the Urban Areas are prioritised and other areas if required can be included also.  There may be specific equipment to be used at schools for periodic times and an Garda Síochána would be required to patrol these areas.  

There will be a workshop for each Municipal District prior to the public consultation process.  Following the consultation process, the draft document will be presented to each Municipal District and will then be required to be adopted at the full Council plenary meeting.  This most likely will be the October meeting.  Consultation to begin in February.

A map will be part of the consultation for ease of reference. 

Following a query from Councillor Walsh, Mr Molloy advised that National Funding is being provided for this project with the signs being nationally procured.  When signs are in place and date agreed, gardai and other bodies will be informed of the changes to speed limits.

A discussion took place regarding areas of speed limits near towns and urban areas.  

Councillor Walsh raised a query in relation to the County Development Plan and land zoning in relation to planning applications that it may prevent applicants getting permission in areas rezoned. 

Mr Molloy advised that justification will be required as to why an area might change to an urban area and that the Council will be cognisant of known planned development in the future.

Speed limits on specific rural roads can be considered where necessary. 

Councillor Gilroy advised that it is his opinion that periodic speed limits at schools will not work and will not be supporting same.

Mr Molloy advised that funding for physical interventions would be available in required areas if needed.

 

4.  ABANDONED VEHICLES POLICY

Kieran O’Gorman, SEO gave a brief outline of the Policy and procedure regarding Abandoned Vehicles and the overlap with the Roads Section, however different legislation requirements for each section.

A discussion took place around the issues of abandoned vehicles and the costs involved.

The policies are to be trialled by both sections to anticipate if they are correct and if changes have to be made to them prior to full implementation and adoption.

 

5. DOG CONTROL POLICY

No update in relation to this policy.

 

6. AGREE POLICIES

A discussion took place in relation to the Water Framework Directive.  This is to be investigated further.

It was agreed that Public Lighting Policy would be drafted for the next meeting.

 

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

None

 

9. TO CONFIRM THE DATE FOR THE NEXT SPC2 MEETING

Thursday 14th May, 2026 at 11.00a.m.

 

Councillor Clarke thanked everyone for attending.  The meeting concluded at 11.45 pm.


Meeting Date 22/01/2026