Agendas 2022

Agenda of January Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held on Monday, 17th January 2022 at 10 am


Sligo County Council,
Corporate Services,
County Hall,
Riverside,
Sligo

071 9111111

11th January 2022

TO:  THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held:

ON:  Monday, 17th January 2022

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 the minutes of Meetings of the County Sligo Joint Policing Committee held on a) 26th March 2021, b) 25th June 2021 and c) 24th September 2021(Copies attached).
  2. To note the Minutes of Meetings of SPC 4 (Climate Change) held on a) 30th June 2021 and b) 29th September 2021(Copies attached).
  3. To note the Minutes of Meetings of the LTACC held on a) 12th May 2021 and b) 15th September 2021(Copies attached).
  4. To note the Minutes of Meeting of Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group Meeting held on 29th July 2021 (Copy attached).
  5. To confirm Minutes of SCC Audit Committee Meeting held on 14th September 2021 (Copy attached).
  6. To note the Minutes of Meeting of SPC 1 (Housing & Corporate) held on 28th September 2021 (Copy attached).
  7. To note the Minutes of Meeting of Sligo/Drumcliff Municipal District held on 11th October 2021 (Copy attached).
  8. To note the minutes of Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 1st December 2021 (Copy attached).
  9. To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 6th December 2021 (Copy attached).
  10. To note that the Housing and Corporate SPC has approved Ms. Rosaleen Lally of the Irish Wheelchair Association’s nomination to the Disability Consultative Committee to replace Ms. Jillian Marelich.
  11. 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 Capital Assistance Scheme in the value of €767,575 for 6 No. Apartments at No.’s 58,59,62,63,65,66 Block 8, Avena Ballisodare Town Centre, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo (report previously circulated).
  12. To consider a report from SPC 2 on All Ireland Strategic Rail Review Consultation Paper (Report to follow).
  13. To note the Monthly Management Report for November 2021 (Report to follow).

 

DEFERRED MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan and Councillor M. Clarke:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to activate Section 34 6 of the Planning Act so that the development of surfing accommodation on former IDA lands at Easkey, Co. Sligo can be considered for planning.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “To ask Sligo County Council, LCDC, Sligo Leader and the Minister to provide a report, why under the programme that is run by Sligo Leader Company, the maximum grant for a community group in Sligo is €200,000, and the same project in Mayo is €300,000.

    Why when the cohesion programme was introduced in Ireland and west Sligo was amalgamated into Sligo from Mayo (Moy Valley Leader Group), the commitment was to ensure it would not be worst off as regards Leader funding?

    What efforts are being made to ensure that community groups in Sligo and in west Sligo in particular are receiving the same level of funding as community projects in Mayo?”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority  write to the FG Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD and the FF Minister of State at the Dept of Finance with specific responsibility for insurance regulation, Sean Fleming TD, that during the current drafting of insurance legislation the legislation actually leads to a reduction of insurance costs to customers, and this legislation must contain the end of dual pricing and loyalty penalty and not further delay at stopping these practices as this and previous governments  have done for far too long.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to Irish Water for an update report on the Groundwater Investigation Programme to identify alternative sources of water in North Sligo area that will meet with demands of customers during periods of prolonged dry weather and a permanent supply into the future.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “To call on the Department of the Marine to make funds available from the Brexit Adjustment Fund available for the renovation repair and dredging of Local Authority Piers and Harbours within the county.

    This fund could bring massive benefits to the Commercial Port of Sligo and to the fishing and Marine Tourism harbours along the coast of Sligo.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    "That Sligo County Council would improve the street lighting at the following locations as requested by the Students Union of Sligo IT:
    1-Clarion Road.
    2-Mall Road.
    3-Hazelwood Road.
    4-Ballytivnan Road.”
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture for a commitment to undertake the building of the new regional vet laboratory in Sligo and a time frame when this will happen.” 
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority would investigate how to secure funding to bring the pedestrian walkway known as Mud-lane Carton Bay foreshore up to a satisfactory standard of safety and accessibility for everyone. Also provide funding for the enhancement and development of the foreshore area.”

 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “Given the long-standing difficulties in obtaining by agreement Lands required for Burial Ground facilities at a number of locations in the county that the Executive use the powers available under the Compulsory Purchase Order process to deliver said facilities with Rosses Point and Ahamlish as priority locations for attention.
    And that if agreement cannot be reached and such powers are required to deliver Burial Grounds, that the Chief Executive brings a Report to the March 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting outlining a timeline for delivery and a date for commencement of the Compulsory purchase process of the lands that have been identified as the best location for these Burial Grounds.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to introduce the Park Magic App to help Disabled drivers find an available disabled parking space in Sligo town and other locations around the county.” 
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the local authorities in Longford, Roscommon and in Leitrim asking them to each make a submission to the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review. This submission should promote the Dublin to Sligo route specifying the need for faster train speed and also the suggestion of a daily commuter service from Longford to Sligo. To call on Sligo County Council to write to the local authorities in Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Galway, Mayo and Donegal asking them to make a joint submission on the Western Rail Corridor promoting the importance of this infrastructure and the need to reopen this line for both freight and rail service. This submission should emphasise the economic, environmental and social benefits to these counties in linking the Dublin rail line to the western seaboard.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “There are 82 children with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus currently requiring urgent Orthopaedic intervention. This was brought to the attention of the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly’s in December 2020. However, no action has been instigated by the Minister to resolve this matter and these children continue to deteriorate. Lack of surgical intervention has caused their limbs and bodies to become deformed and maimed. Some of these children’s legs are so badly affected that the soles of their feet permanently rub together causing open sores and bleeding. Children who have the ability to walk are losing or have lost that ability due to the absence of timely surgical management. Others who are manual wheelchair users, due to the same issue are unable to self-propel themselves effectively leaving them immobile. The lack of timely surgical intervention means that effectively these children end up requiring more complex surgeries and failing that amputation of limbs. I am calling on the County Council to write to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and fast track these children for surgical review as a matter of urgency. We are also calling on the Minister for Health to ensure that provision of services is made to Disabled Children within elective Hospital settings as well as acute Hospital settings to avoid a repeat of this situation in the future.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “Following my recent correspondence with the Minister for Health`s Office and his reply stating that "following delays arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the group involved in the National Review of Cardiac Services has recommenced meetings and the consideration of outstanding issues. Further meetings are scheduled for November and December. The timeline for the completion of the review should become clearer following the December meeting.

    I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health, Chairperson of the National Review into Cardiac Services, Secretary General of the Department of Health, and the Director General of the Health Service Executive to provide this Local Authority with an update on the National Review of Cardiac Services in Ireland detailing when will the review will be concluded and the recommendations made public.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke, Councillor J. Queenan, Councillor D. Mulvey and Councillor P. Taylor:
    “That Sligo County Council will afford European Gold Medal winner Keelan Kilrehill a Civic Reception.”
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To call on the HSE and the Department of Health to end the practice of pursuing cancer patients with private commercial debt collection agencies and to review exemptions to the inpatient charge by the Department of Health, and for this be shared with all other local authorities around the country.”
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “Emergency Department and the new 42 bed medical block at SUH:

    That Sligo County Council fully support the need for a staffing assessment to be carried out in the Emergency Department in Sligo University Hospital (based on the new footprint for ED and Triage categories of patients attending).

    That this Local Authority conveys the same in writing to the CEO of the SAOLTA Group, the General Manager of Sligo University Hospital and the Minister for Health requesting a timeframe of when this assessment will be completed and when it is likely that the procurement process will begin and end for the new 42 bed medical block which has detailed design completed.”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
    “To ask this Council to write to the ESB requesting them to survey their power lines with a view to removing dangerous trees that pose a threat in storms.”
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “Noting that in addition to the €500,000 grant allocated in July 2020, an additional grant of €1million was recently allocated to further advance the planned Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway, from Sligo to the Border; and aware that the project is currently being considered for significant funding from the €500 million Shared Island fund; this meeting requests a progress report on the project.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That the meeting be provided with a progress report on the development of the new outdoor water-based activities Facility Centres, grant aided by Failte Ireland, which the Council intends to construct at Rosses Point and Enniscrone.”
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly calling on him as a matter of urgency to pay all frontline workers their Bonuses as promised.”
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council once again write to the NTA requesting a date for a meeting to discuss the ongoing concerns regarding the inadequate Bus Services presently in place in Sligo.”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council review the section of the R292 in the Cummeen Townland at the junction with Barnashrahy considering the number of concealed exits from Households in the area.”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “With a view on 2022 and getting events back up and running in County Sligo, I ask the Community and Economic Directorate for an update on the Local Live Performance Support Scheme and theRegional Festivals and Participative Events Scheme and what proposal is in place for The Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021.”
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this council call on Niall Collins TD Minister for State with responsibility for Skills and Further Education for greater investment in the apprenticeship system.”
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this council calls for a vote no confidence in the FF minister for housing Darragh O’Brien who has failed on every commitment made by him in delivery of housing in 2021.” 
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority write to the Department of Environment / inland Fisheries to ask that before the decision was made to restrict Salmon Fishing on Lough Gill for the 2022 fishing season, were all the relevant stakeholders consulted, i.e. Sligo Anglers & Leitrim Anglers associations and could they provide us with a full report on why these restrictions were implemented.”  
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That in view of the ever intensifying housing crisis, this meeting calls on the Government and the Minister for Finance to prioritise the introduction of a vacant homes tax.”
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Commission for Energy Regulation to correct the unfair practice where people who live in areas where both Electricity and Mains Gas are available are offered cheaper Electricity than householders in areas where Mains Gas is not available. Householders in affected areas are already discriminated against by the lack of a Mains Gas supply and should be treated equally with householders in other areas.

    And that Sligo County Council write to the VAT Section of the Revenue Commissioners and ask them to explain why VAT is charged on the Public Service Obligation part of Electricity Bills when there is a precedent not to charge “Tax on a Tax” as applies to no VAT Charged on Stamp Duty or on BER Registrations as they are already a fixed fee to a state body.”
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “In light of the welcome recent allocation of €580,000 for works at Ballisodare, that members are given a report (Including Map/Drawing) detailing what exactly the funds will be spent on?

    Further, that a report be submitted to members on the spending of the €670,000 allocated on January 8th 2021 through the “Towns & Villages Scheme”; What it was spent on, if all work has now been completed and if not, when will it be finished?

    The January 2021 allocation was announced as follows:
    Drumcliffe       €100,000
    Enniscrone     €100,000
    Tubbercurry    €70,000
    Carraroe          €100,000
    Ballisodare     €100,000
    Ballymote       €100,000
    Rosses Point  €100,000.”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Fox:
    “Recognising the future of offshore wind energy in Ireland what steps have been taken by this council to develop infrastructure at Sligo Harbour to prepare for growth in advance of the development of wind farms off the west coast of Ireland.”
  23. Votes of Sympathy.
  24. Votes of Congratulations.
  25. Conferences/Training.
  26. To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  27. Correspondence:
    1. Letter dated 22nd November 2021 from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science regarding current challenges in relation to student accommodation.
    2. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Galway County Council regarding boycott on goods from occupied territories.
    3. E-mail acknowledgement dated 2nd December 2021 from the Office of Marian Harkin T.D. regarding of awareness on bullying.
    4. E-mail dated 3rd December 2021 from the Office of Marian Harkin T.D. regarding raising of awareness on bullying.
    5. Letter dated 3rd December 2021 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding review of Housing for All Strategy.
    6. E-mail dated 7th December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding healthcare waiting lists.
    7. Acknowledgement email dated 9th December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Finance regarding increase to 2023 LPT allocation.
    8. Acknowledgement email dated 10th December 2021 from the Office of the Housing Minister of State, Peter Burke, T.D., regarding increase to 2023 LPT allocation.
    9. Acknowledgement email dated 15th December 2021 from the Office of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) regarding clarification on installation of Smart Meters.
    10. Acknowledgement email dated 15th December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., regarding excavation of the former Mother and Baby Home site.
    11. Acknowledgement email dated 17th December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D., regarding request for increase of funding under RRDF.
    12. Email dated 17th December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Finance regarding introduction of a solidarity tax on wealthy individuals or companies to pay for the Covid pandemic.
    13. Acknowledgement letter dated 13th December 2021 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding excavation of the former Mother and Baby Home site.
    14. Acknowledgement letter dated 13th December 2021 from the Office of Mr Paul Reid, CEO, HSE regarding provision of assistance to Agency Carers in light of rising fuel prices.
    15. Letter dated 17th December 2021 from National Broadband Ireland regarding update on the rollout of high-speed Broadband in County Sligo.
    16. Email dated 21st December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., regarding leave provisions for employees experiencing pregnancy loss.
    17. Email dated 21st December 2021 from Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development regarding increase in RRDF funding from 75 to 90 per cent for the local authorities in the Northern & Western Regional Assembly area.
    18. Email dated 22nd December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., regarding provision of a domestic violence refuge in Co Sligo.
    19. Email dated 31st December 2021 from the Office of the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, TD regarding reduction of VRT on imported electric vehicles and roll out of fast chargers across the country.
    20. Letter dated 6th January 2022 from the HSE regarding assistance for agency Home Support workers using their own transport for travelling to and from client homes, due to the rising costs of fuel and other factors.
  28. Matters arising from Minutes.
  29. Any other business.

 


Meeting Date 17/01/2022