Agendas 2021

Agenda of February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held on Monday, 1st February, 2021 at 10 am


Corporate Services,
County Hall,
Riverside,
Sligo

071 9111111

26th January, 2021

TO:  THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held

ON:  Monday, 1st February, 2021

AT:  10.00 a.m.

IN:  Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

You are requested to attend.

Kevin Colreavy
Meetings Administrator

 

CLÁR

  1. To note Minutes of Meetings of S.P.C. 1 (Housing and Corporate) held on a) 16th July, 2020 and b) 12th October, 2020 (Copies attached).  
  2. To note Minutes of Meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 16th November, 2020 (Copy attached).
  3. To note Minutes of Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 16th November, 2020 (Copy attached).
  4. To confirm Minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council re. election of a Representative to the Governing Body of the National University of Ireland, Galway held on 11th January, 2021 (Copy attached).
  5. To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 11th January, 2021 (Copy attached).
  6. To note Minutes and Report of Meeting of Sligo County Council’s Procedures Committee Meeting held on 13th January, 2021 (Copies to follow). 
  7. To approve the proposed boundary changes to be made under the Boundary Survey (Ireland) Acts 1854, 1857 and 1859, to the Maritime Boundaries at Sligo Harbour (Report to follow).
  8. To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a demountable dwelling at Sessuegarry, Cloonacool, Co. Sligo to Ms. Josephine O’Reilly (Report previously circulated).
  9. To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Ummeryroe, Drumnacool, Co. Sligo to Ms. Susan Fitzgerald (Report previously circulated).
  10. To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to Tuath Housing Association, in the form of CALF Loan, for the CALF P&A acquisition project 6 Units at No.40 to 45, Block 5, Avena Ballisodare Town Centre, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo (Director of Service’s Report to Members dated 19.01.2021 refers).
  11. To consider the Chief Executive’s Report under Section 179 of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) for the proposed development of the upgrading of the public realm at Stephen Street, Holborn Street, Rockwood Parade, Water Lane and Tobergal Lane, Sligo (Reports to follow).
  12. To consider the Chief Executive’s Report under Section 179 of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) regarding the proposed development of new paving and public realm works at Main Street and Cliff Road, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo (Reports attached).
  13. To hear presentation by Sligo Neolithic Landscapes Group on the proposed application to the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Sligo’s Neolithic Landscapes.
  14. To note Sligo County Council’s submission on the National Development Plan (Copy to follow).
  15. To note report of Ethics Registrar under Section 174 (b) of the Local Government Act, 2001 (Copy attached).
  16. To consider Sligo County Council’s participation in the Covenant of Mayors in order to formalise and underpin our commitment to positive Climate Action.
  17. To note the Monthly Management Report for December 2020 (Copy to follow).

DEFERRED MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Department of Health and the Department of Higher Education requesting that they explore the introduction of an appropriate clinical placement Bursary for Nursing Students.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council works with Leitrim County Council and the NWRA to examine the best way to establish a Platform for Collaboration to provide a national Recreation Area across North Sligo and North Leitrim, as envisaged in the RSES and Variation No. 1 Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023 and that this Platform of Collaboration be established within 6 Months and details brought back to Councillors no later than the July 2021 Council Meeting.”

 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask this Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture to seek an extension on the timeline issued under the BEAM scheme for farmers who have already made efforts to reduce stock. Brexit and the Pandemic have already penalised farmers and to insist on this deadline would be unjust.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That this Council call on the government to commence planning for a change in the nature of our relationship with Northern Ireland with particular reference to the major impact of Brexit and Covid on politics, economy, society, sport and culture on this island and on our community in Sligo and surrounding counties. We accordingly seek a timeline for preparation and plans for continued integration of services in accordance with the new Shared Island Initiative, with a review for a referendum subsequent to an independence referendum taking place in Scotland.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That this Council call on the government to commence planning for a change in the nature of our relationship with Northern Ireland with particular reference to the major impact of Brexit on politics, economy, society, sport and culture on this island and on our community in Sligo and surrounding counties and accordingly we seek a timeline for preparation and plans for a Border Poll”.
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire:
    “Given the recent developments and proposed developments in Strandhill will this Council undertake a replacement of old iron pipes to ensure a high quality of water being provided to all homeowners”.
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council calls on the Government to hold the institutions to account for Mother and Baby Home crimes and have a full criminal investigation.” 
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council write to Barna Waste Collection on behalf of the residents of Cartron Estate calling on them to cease early morning collections in the Estate at 6am every Tuesday which is causing serious disruption to families with young children and elderly residents and to start collections at a reasonable time like in other estates and to also put the bins back to the place of collection after being emptied." 
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    "That Sligo County Council consider officially naming the lane known as Keaveny's lane at Tonaphubble," Martin Keaveny Road" after former Mayor and resident Martin Keaveny as requested by the Residents Association in the area"
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    "That Sligo County Council assess the damage done to the fencing and walkways at the dunes on Strandhill beach as a result of Coastal erosion."
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “Following on from Notice of Motion in July 2019, I call on Sligo County Council to provide update on status of draft design for pedestrian access from Ballygawley Village to Castle Dargan and to consider making application for funding in 2021 to address the absence of this vital piece of infrastructure in Ballygawley and ensure this route is made safe.” 
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to make application to the Active Travel Scheme to address the lack of footpath and lighting on the Dromahair side of Ballintogher Village, R290 (Athvelid), linking the end of village to the village centre. If this cannot be prioritised in this scheme I would ask that it be considered for the Footpath Improvement Scheme.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask Electric Skyline to carry out an inspection and an audit of street and public lighting in Sligo Town and County, and to provide report of same.”
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree and Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Recognising (a) that the scale of the Covid-19 crisis demonstrates the critical role of a fully funded public health service; (b) that two divergent public health strategies to deal with a pandemic on the island of Ireland, is irrational, impractical and dangerous; Sligo County Council therefore calls for a fully integrated All-Ireland public health strategy and supports the campaign for an All-Ireland comprehensive public health service free at the point of delivery.”
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That the meeting be provided with a progress report relating to the development of a walking route to the Neolithic cairn located on Carns/Cairns Hill.”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “To ask the Director of Services to work with local Council staff and community to ensure that the public toilets in Enniscrone are opened for public use from Easter on.”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “To ask the Director of Services to outline what coastal erosion projects in west Sligo are with the Department for funding.”
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire:
    “This Council will set up a working group of stakeholders relating to water safety in county Sligo with a view to the reviewing and updating of water safety provision and information and the non bathing water designation in Strandhill.”
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire:
    “The Council will advise as to the updated position with regard to the proposed Surf Centre of Excellence in Strandhill and outline the reason why the board have not met in the past 12 months.”
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Social Protection Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys to afford an extension to participants in 12 month placements on DEASP schemes.  These schemes have been closed for much of 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions.”
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to address the ongoing concerns for locals and tourists regarding the main access road to Benbulben Forest Walk as this road surface has seriously deteriorated since last year.” 
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to address the concerns of flooding to properties at the junction, between Lower Main Street in Collooney and the Dublin road on the R290.”
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
    “To call on the TII and Bus Éireann to ensure there continues to be a bus stop on the N4 at Castlebaldwin to service the surrounding area.”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to report on what measures and inspections have taken place over the last two years to ensure that dog welfare is maintained at licenced Dog Breeding establishments or “Puppy Farms” as they are more commonly known within the county, and whether or not illegal dog breeding establishments exist.
    To include
    1. How many Dog Breeding farms are Licenced?
    2. How many Dogs are kept at each for Breeding purposes?
    3. How many Inspections have taken place?
    4. How many Unannounced Inspections have taken place?
    5. Have any investigations into possible illegal Dog Breeding Establishments within the county taken place?
    6. How many Licenced dogs are currently in Co Sligo?”
  23. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council amend Bye Laws as necessary to protect property owners who are victims of illegal dumping”, The Current situation where the responsibility and cost falls on the property owner when others dump rubbish on their property is neither fair nor just. In many cases valuable time is lost in tracing the guilty illegal dumpers while the ownership of the property is being determined.

    If the current situation continues Landowners who allow the public access to their land in scenic areas will be forced to withdraw consent and this will then result in Sligo being a less attractive place for visitors and locals alike looking for healthy outdoor recreation.”
  24. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council provide resources to ensure that roadside cuttings and drains are regularly assessed and cleared in all rural areas to ensure that local, regional and national roads are not subject to flooding.

    This type of flooding has a detrimental effect on rural roads and results in substantial use of resources both clearing floods and repairing damaged roads. This exercise was carried out for many years by roads crews and roads needed less repairs and maintenance. As a result this use of resources could be cost saving to both the council on road repairs and road users on damage to cars.”
  25. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That Sligo County Council calls on the coalition Government FF/FG and the Greens to recognise that while it has continuously name-checked domestic violence as a Covid-19 priority this has not yet been backed up by the resources and infrastructural modernisation needed by services throughout the county.” 
  26. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    That Sligo County Council calls on the coalition Government FF/FG and the Greens to extend the fuel allowance season which is currently from October to April by a further month and increase the weekly allowance from its current 28 Euro per week to 42 Euro per week in recognition of the significant increase in heating costs to struggling families now that in many household school age children who in normal circumstances would be at school but because of the COVID-19 restrictions require to be kept in a warm environment in their own homes during day time hours.”  
  27. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “Call on Sligo County Council to prepare a written report regarding the Mortgage to rent (MTR) scheme for the next meeting of this council giving the following information:
    • The number of applications received.
    • The number granted.
    • The number refused.
    • The number currently being processed.
    • The time frame from receipt of application to a final decision.”  
  28. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Fox:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to give an update report on the recreational trail between Hazelwood (Half moon Bay) and Sligo city locally known as the Lady Anne Walk.”
  29. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Baker:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to upgrade Road L502 (main link road with the new N4) to Ballymote in the interest of health and safety.”
  30. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Baker:
    To ask Sligo County Council to progress housing applications adaptation Grants for local authority houses.”
  31. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to withdraw the fire bills that have been issued to 20 property owners regarding forest fires in the Culleens and Gleneaskey areas in May 2020.”
  32. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor P. Taylor:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure the Early Learning and Care Sector are afforded adequate time to prepare for full reopen and to ensure the sector is prioritised for vaccines.”
  33. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor P. Taylor:
    “That this Council engage with the Department in relation to the National Broadband Plan Rollout to ask 
    1. Has Surveying been completed in County Sligo?
    2. What is the timeframe and schedule of works for County Sligo?
    3. How many premises and where are to be connected in 2021?”
  34. To consider the following motion as submitted by Cllr. P. Taylor & Cllr. M. Baker:
    “To ask this Council to request an update from Minister Anne Rabbit in relation to the Vaccine Rollout for Adults with additional needs.”
  35. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue T.D. to meet and engage with Minister Edwin Poots the Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, to deliver an Island food security policy, and strategy to provide for a no border agriculture economy, to provide a mutual quality assured scheme, providing for the free movement of store livestock as well as finished animals.”
  36. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council seek funding to put in place the necessary footpaths from the Maugheraboy roundabout to the Ballydoogan Roundabout adjacent to Murray’s Shop for the safety of Pedestrians.”
  37. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council upgrades the footpaths and Road surface at “Marymount”, Pearse Road.”
  38. Votes of Sympathy.
  39. Votes of Congratulations.
  40. Conferences/Training.
  41. To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  42. Correspondence:
    1. Letter dated 5th January, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Health re. Haemochromatosis screening and charges,
    2. E-mail from the Office of Ms. Marian Harkin, T.D. dated 6th January, 2021 enclosing response from Minister O’Brien re. the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme,
    3. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Wexford County Council re. proposal for a rebate scheme for Third Level Students,
    4. Letter dated 5th January, 2021 from the Department of Social Protection re. Community Employment,
    5. Acknowledgement dated 24th December, 2020 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. payments to Student Nurses and Midwives,
    6. Letter dated 14th January, 2021 (received by e-mail) from Mr. Liam Ó’Súilleabháin, E.P.A. Inspector re. Easkey Caravan Park/Community Centre,
    7. Acknowledgement (via e-mail) dated 19th January, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Finance re. monies seized by Gardai during drug operations,
    8. Acknowledgement (via e-mail) dated 19th January, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Health re. resolution concerning treatment of endometriosis,
    9. Letter dated 21st January, 2021 (via e-mail) from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. resolution concerning investment programme in Council Housing,
    10. Acknowledgement dated 18th January, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Social Protection re. increasing HAP payments,
    11. Acknowledgement dated 19th January, 2021 from the Office of the Minister of State for Transport re. funding for works at Sligo Airport,
    12. Letter dated 20th January, 2021 from Senator Robbie Gallagher, enclosing letter from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. Developer Provider Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme (DPI),
    13. Acknowledgement from the family of the late Rita Gormley following a Vote of Sympathy from the Members of Sligo County Council,
    14. Acknowledgement dated 25th January, 2021 (via e-mail) from the Garda Corporate Services Office, on behalf of Commissioner Harris, re. Sligo Garda Station and
    15. Letter dated 25th January (via e-mail) from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. income thresholds for social housing support.
      (Copies attached).
  43. Matters arising from Minutes.
  44. Any other business.

 


Meeting Date 01/02/2021