Agendas 2021

Agenda of March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held on Monday, 1st March, 2021


Corporate Services,
County Hall,
Riverside,
Sligo

071 911 1111

23rd February, 2021

TO:  THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held

ON:  Monday, 1st March, 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 Sligo Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee held on a) 1st October, 2020 and b) 16th December, 2020. (Copies attached)
  2. To note the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 21st December 2020. (Copy attached)
  3. To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 1st February, 2021. (Copy attached)
  4. To confirm Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 8th February, 2021. (Copy attached)
  5. To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations  thereunder, provision of assistance to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme for the acquisition project at  No. 304 Harbour Court, Lower Quay Street, Sligo. (Report previously circulated)
  6. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal by way of 3 year lease, of No. 1A Cranmore Road, Sligo and adjoining plot to Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd. as per circulated notice dated 12th February 2021. 
  7. Contributions to the Arts 2021
    1. To approve the funding to Arts Venues and Organisations at 2020 levels. 
    2. To defer the decision on funding Festivals and Events until after the Government announcement on restriction levels on 5th
  8. Continuation of Sligo Business Improvement District (BID) (Report attached)
  9. To appoint a Member to fill the casual vacancy on the North West Joint Homelessness Consultative Forum arising from the resignation of Councillor Chris MacManus.
  10. To note the Monthly Management Report for January 2021. (Copy attached)

 

DEFERRED MOTIONS

  1. 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.”
  2. 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.”
  3. 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.”

 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “To ask Sligo County Council for an updated report on the progress with the Roads Design office and the Roads Department on the installation of a new controlled crossing at Woodbrook Heights Ballisodare near St. John’s National School and a report on interaction with the Principal and Management of St. John’s National School Ballisodare to agree the best location and layout for this crossing as agreed at the Meeting of Sligo Drumcliffe Municipal District on January 20th 2020.

    To also give an update on the finger post sign promised at the September 2019 and January 2020 Municipal District Meeting. And to confirm if the sign can be facilitated at Stella Maris instead of Woodbrook Heights.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the proposed Hazardous waste facility for Sligo City and does Sligo County Council in conjunction with local waste company hope to run out a hazardous waste day.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire:
    “In light of the inability for new playgrounds, and for those existing playgrounds whose insurance has lapsed, and are experiencing difficulties in getting insurance cover we call on Sligo County Council to investigate the cost of taking an insurance cover for every playground in the county under the Council’s insurance policy.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire:
    “Sligo County Council will undertake a feasibility study to identify possible suitable locations for a skate park within the county and identify possible funding streams and apply for same to build what would be a valuable and much used amenity.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    That Sligo County Council would formulate a plan to deal with the serious issue of Dog fouling in Strandhill village as requested by residents in the area."
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council outdoor staff would audit the outdoor Gym equipment in the Doorly Park play areas with a view to repair and maintenance." 
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council provides members with a guarantee that the Greenfort Conservation Plan will be implemented."
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council seeks funding to put Picnic Tables in place at Doorly Park Playground.”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council reviews the Parking Facilities at Doorly Park Playground.”
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council seeks funding to upgrade the Playground Facilities at Mitchell Curley Park.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to make a formal submission to the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage outlining our complete opposition to the proposed provisions of the Land Development Agency Bill 2021.

    The proposed removal of the Section 183 reserved function of Elected Members in relation to the disposal of local authority held land to the LDA as provided for in Part 7 Section 56 of the bill is unacceptable and an affront to Local Democracy. As advocates for the empowerment of local government, we can never support or accept any diminution in the reserved functions and powers of Elected Councillors.

    I also have concerns regarding the potential long term implications for local authorities in delivering social and affordable housing on local authority held land due to the extensive remit of the LDA. I believe that this is a major battle in our ongoing fight to preserve the local democratic function in the face of ever increasing centralism.”
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “Prior to commencement of an expected increase in domestic tourism and visitor numbers to Rosses Point for the summer period 2021, I ask that Sligo County Council provide a report on the following:
    • to provide an update on the proposed upgrade of public toilet facilities
    • to devise a plan to address the large numbers of illegally parked camper vans in 2020 and to ensure there is a safe space to park for these very welcome visitors to the area.
    • to carry out a speed assessment on main Rosses Point Road (R291) through the village and the Old Rosses Point Road and address the safety issues and concerns raised by local community groups and residents.”
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That Sligo County Council engage with their relevant partners including Sligo PPN, Sligo Volunteer Centre to address the urgent needs of the hundreds of community groups across County Sligo who are facing a funding crisis to keep electricity, insurance, credit facilities, heating, maintenance costs and other recurring fixed costs serviced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Whilst recognising that there has been many beneficial schemes open to the C&V sector to in turn support their communities over the pandemic there is now a requirement to support the C&V sector themselves to stay afloat.

    In addition, that this Local Authority write to the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, Leader of the Green Party and the Minister for Rural Affairs and Community Development to request a scheme be devised to address the Community and Voluntary Sectors funding needs.

    That this motion also be relayed to every Local Authority in the country.”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh & Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council provides a report on the status of the public toilets in Mullaghmore in terms of lighting, access and condition of the facility. That this Local Authority ensures that there is an adequate cleaning contract in place prior to the facility opening  and that there is a definitive date given as to when these much needed facilities will open for use in 2021 in this popular tourism destination.”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Government and An Post asking them to give a 2 year extension to the current contract that most of the local Post Offices are engaged in. This is because Covid-19 has had a dramatic negative effect on their income due to the reduction in footfall.”
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “Only 118 Housing Units were completed in 2020 and the recently published ESRI NPF 50:50 City Housing Projection identifies an annual average housing demand for Sligo of 468.

    That Sligo County Council based on these figures urgently address the Housing Crisis in the county by examining all policies and plans local and national and report to members within three months with an achievable plan to achieve not only the required 468 housing units in 2021 but to recover the 350 unit shortfall in 2020 by the end of 2022.”
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to formally request the Minister for Agriculture to seek the appointment of ‘an Independent Meat Regulator’ with statutory powers. The purpose of such an independent regulator will be to have legislative powers to investigate anti-competitive behaviour by meat processors, meat traders, bodies associated with the trade of meat, trade of meat by-products and/or trade by retailers who operate along the meat supply chain.”
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To request an update on the N59 Corhownagh to Lugnadeffa Road Improvement Scheme.” 
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this County Council start the process of having the Lady Erin Monument that is situated at Market Cross cleaned and restored and brought up to an appropriate standard to commemorate the 125th anniversary of its unveiling that will be celebrated in 2023. The statue commemorates the Sligo men who fought in the insurrection of 1798.”
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That the Per Cent for Art Steering Committee be established at our April monthly meeting so as to ensure that an artist can be commissioned and a site at Cloonamahon identified for the memorial to the Connellan brothers and so as to ensure that the substantial funding for the project can be drawn down.”
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to advertise for proposed Turnkey housing developments in west Sligo.”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “To ask the Director of Services to give update on the proposed Killala to Enniscrone Greenway.”
  23. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “To call on Minister Ryan to allow milling of peat on Irish bogs for horticulture use and turf cutting to continue to be harvested for domestic use until there is alternative available to rural people in west of Ireland.”
  24. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “Given the unprecedented Government funding available for walking and cycling projects and the increasing understanding of the role physical activity can play in improving physical and mental health, reducing noise and air pollution, meeting climate action targets and creating pleasant communities that Sligo County Council carry out an audit of existing cycling infrastructure in Sligo, Rosses Point and Strandhill under the headings of segregation, protection, connectivity  maintenance and potential users. Can this audit also categorise the results under "Quick Wins" and" Longer Term Projects" needing Government funding and utilises the audit results to draw up a comprehensive plan to ensure that within 5 years Sligo can be designated a cycle-friendly town.”
  25. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to provide charging points in Ballymote new car park for electric cars in light of the Programme for Government’s plan to ban new registrations of petrol and diesel cars from 2030.”
  26. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to outline what plans are to extinguish the right of way on local road L1403-0 in Castlebaldwin now that it’s no longer in use and the lay-by on the north western side.”
  27. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That in view of the ever intensifying housing crisis this Council resolves that in areas of high demand the Council will use Compulsory Purchase Orders to acquire long term vacant houses and make them available for applicants on the Councils Housing waiting list.”
  28. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That the Roads Department of this County Council start procedures to have a pedestrian crossing installed on R293 adjacent to the Park in Ballymote, in the interest of health and safety, particularly for young children and the elderly crossing the road to and from the Park.”
  29. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “To ask when it is expected that the Council will invite tenders for the necessary works to complete the T2-T12 road, linking the junction of Mail Coach Road/Connolly Street with the junction of Burton Street/Pearse Road, and further to ask what is the estimated length of time for the works to be completed.”
  30. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council calls on Minister Norma Foley and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris to conduct a review of online Gaeltacht fees.”
  31. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council condemns this Government for allocating €100 million between horse racing and greyhound racing.” 
  32. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That Sligo County Council calls on the coalition Government of FF, FG & the Greens for additional educational support for national and secondary school children and those supporting them.

    There are already great disparities in education centered around access, facilities, educational supports and location and if we fail to act now there is a serious and developing risk that children will be left behind in there education and will not reach their full potential academic achievements.”
  33. Votes of Sympathy.
  34. Votes of Congratulations.
  35. Conferences/Training.
  36. To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  37. Correspondence:
    1. Copy of resolution from Galway County Council’s January Meeting enclosing the ‘Agri Kids be Farm safe’ Presentation,
    2. Letter dated 28th January, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. the Defective Concrete Block Scheme,
    3. Letter dated 26th January, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. Housing Assistance Payment (HAP),
    4. Letter received on 1st February, 2021 from ‘Avant Money’ re. resolution concerning payment breaks for mortgage holder and S.M.E.s,
    5. Letter dated 2nd February, 2021 (via e-mail) from the Office of the Minister for Health in relation to the treatment of endometriosis,
    6. Copy of Resolutions received from Clare County Council re.
      1. creation of role of Active and Sustainable Travel Officer in local authorities,
      2. Planning policy in relation to development of residential property, and
      3. Recognition of frontline workers,
    7. Acknowledgement dated 4th February, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine re. BEAM Scheme for Farmers,
    8. Acknowledgement dated 1st February, 2021 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. resolution concerning the H.A.P. Payment,
    9. Acknowledgement dated 1st February, 2021 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. resolution concerning Sligo Airport,
    10. Acknowledgement dated 1st February, 2021 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. resolution concerning C.E.T.A. with Canada,
    11. Copies of Resolutions received from Limerick City & County Council re.
      1. Issues surrounding Mother and Baby Homes and
      2. Suspension of statutory time period for preparation of the Draft Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028,
    12. Acknowledgement dated 8th February, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs re. CETA,
    13. Copy of resolutions adopted by the Members of Clare County Council re.
      1. requesting a review of the National Planning Framework and
      2. unauthorised occupation of public lands,
    14. Acknowledgements dated 9th February, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Health re. Clinical Placement Bursary for Nursing Students,
    15. Letter dated 8th February, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs re. Defence Forces Personnel in Finner Camp,
    16. Acknowledgement dated 11th February, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Transport re. Sligo Airport,
    17. Reply dated 15th February, 2021 (via e-mail) from Irish Water re. replacement of iron pipes in Strandhill,
    18. Acknowledgement dated 15th February, 2021 and letter dated 16th February, 2021 (via e-mail) from the Office of the Minister for Disabilities concerning the Vaccine rollout for Adults with additional needs,
    19. Copy of resolution agreed by the Elected Members of South Dublin County Council re. strengthening of Workers’ Rights,
    20. Acknowledgement dated 17th February, 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Health re. Covid-19 crisis,
    21. Copy of resolution adopted by the Members of Kerry County Council re. invitation to Ms. Samantha Power, Head of U.S. Aid, to address their Council,
    22. Copy of resolution adopted by the Members of Kerry County Council re. Government’s utilisation of its seat on the United Nations Security Council to deliver Statehood to the Palestinian people,
    23. Letter dated 17th February, 2021 (via e-mail) from T.I.I. re. bus stop on the N4 at Castlebaldwin,
    24. Acknowledgement from the Office of the Minister for Social Protection regarding extension of placements on Schemes,
    25. Acknowledgement dated 16th February, 2021 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. items of correspondence forwarded from February Meeting,
    26. Acknowledgement dated 16th February, 2021 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. All-Ireland Health Strategy,
    27. Acknowledgement dated 16th February, 2021 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. Mother and Baby Homes,
    28. Acknowledgement dated 16th February, 2021 from the Office of the Taoiseach re. Border Poll and Shared Island Initiative and
    29. Letter dated 13th February, 2021 from Mr. Tommie Gorman, R.T.É. Broadcaster following Vote of Congratulations from the Members of Sligo County Council.
      (Copies attached).
  38. Matters arising from Minutes.
  39. Any other business.

 


Meeting Date 01/03/2021