Agendas 2022

Agenda of November Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held on Monday, 7th November 2022 at 10 am


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

071 911 1111

1st November 2022

TO:  THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held:

ON:   Monday, 7th November 2022

AT:  10.00 a.m.

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

You are requested to attend.

Jennifer Burns
A/Meetings Administrator

 

CLÁR

  1. To note the minutes of Meeting of the Joint Policing Committee held on 24th June 2022 (Copy attached).
  2. To note the minutes of Meeting of  Sligo Borough District held on 18th July 2022 (Copy attached).
  3. To note the minutes of Meeting of the Corporate Policy Group held on 2nd September 2022 (Copy attached).
  4. To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 3rd October 2022 (Copy attached).
  5. Presentation by EmployAbility North-West as agreed at Meeting of SCC Corporate Policy Group on 10th October 2022.
  6. To note the report of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee on the Statutory Audit Report for year ending 31st December 2021 (Report attached).
  7. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Kilnaharry, Culfadda, Ballymote, Co Sligo to Mr. John Harris and Ms. Sinéad McClure (Report previously circulated).
  8. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the freehold interest in property at No. 6 Cartron Estate, Sligo to Colm and Margaret Kelly (Report previously circulated).
  9. To consider report on Mid-Term Review of the Traveller Accommodation Programme 1st July 2019 – 30th June 2024 for Sligo County Council (Report previously circulated).
  10. To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance in the form of the Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the amount of €141,824 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 406 Harbour Court, Lower Quay Street, Sligo (Report previously circulated).
  11. To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance in the form of the Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the amount of €184,977 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 9 Print House, Market Yard, Sligo (Report previously circulated).
  12. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the lease of lands at Gortalough, Ballinafad, Co Sligo to Aughanagh Parish Council Limited (Report previously circulated).
  13. To note the Monthly Management Report for October 2022 (Report to follow).

 

DEFERRED MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan that this Government must reverse its proposal to ban the sale of turf.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That funding for beach changing shelters be applied for under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme at suitable locations at beaches in county Sligo.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “That this council does a review on vacant homes buildings and holiday homes in the county of Sligo and start using CPOs as a matter of urgency due to the housing crisis and the shortage of homes available to this council.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    “Sligo County Council calls on the Government to extend the 9% VAT rate for the Hospitality sector to the end of 2023.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council call on the TFI Local Link to review the routes serving Sligo town and county and to address the difficulties faced by a number of urban passengers in particular until funding is in place for the S3 Bus route.”

 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council report to members on how many road traffic collisions have occurred since the completion of the N4/N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme on the N15 at the point north of the junction where two lanes are reduced to one before Circle K and to clearly identify which lane has priority at this merger as many road users appear to have different understandings of who should give way.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask this Council what projects to date have been selected under the Shared Island cross border investment fund and are there any future Sligo projects identified as possible projects for cross border investment.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys TD calling on her Department to extend free travel eligibility to people with epilepsy who are unable to drive as a result of their condition.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to give a full report as to what they intend to do with the 5.36 hectares of land bought in Grange by Sligo County Council in 2002;

    And can this land also facilitate the need for burial ground for North Sligo.” 
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask what funding assistance and opportunities are available to community and voluntary groups who had previously availed of Leader funding for community events that are planned for 2023.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask that Sligo County Council write to Coillte management to request they carry out a feasibility study to develop a Visitor's Centre at Gortarowey Forest Walk that showcases all collaborative projects between Coillte and Sligo County Council.”
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Social Protection to amend the criteria for individuals to qualify for a social employment scheme, to eliminate the time required to be on jobseekers and to increase the payment on those schemes from €20 to €100 over the Jobseekers allowance.”
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillors G. Mullaney and M. Clarke:
    1. To ask the Director of Services for Corporate Services what measures are being put in place to ensure the Electoral Register will be up to date for upcoming elections.
    2. Given the increase in population in Sligo we call on the electoral commission to review the council seat allocation in the Ballymote-Tubbercurry electoral area.”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council write to the president of Sligo ATU and ask why, after receiving millions of taxpayer's money, have they made the gym at the Knocknarea Arena for students/staff only. Also write to the relevant department asking that if any of the millions in funding Sligo ATU received, was any of it for community development?”
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire:
    “This council will engage with Sligo University Hospital to highlight the issues patients are currently encountering with regard to parking to try and find a solution to this ongoing problem.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “Ask the director of services for Housing to indicate what measures he is taking to tackle the housing crises in each of the Municipal Districts.” 
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council ensure that all new buildings have a changing place facility for people with Disability.”
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council consider putting in place accessible picnic benches in our parks for wheelchair users.”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That a review be done on all footpaths that proper access is in place for wheelchair users.”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “Section 39 workers have not had a pay increase since 2008. I am now asking this local authority to call on the Fianna Fail, Fine Gail, the Green party and the Soft Independents to increase Section 39 workers pay to the same rate of pay as their counterpart Civil servants holding similar positions of responsibility.”
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, The Greens and the Soft Independents in Government to make provisions ASAP to include those on Working Family Payment to avail of the Fuel Allowance Payment Scheme. A copy of this motion to be sent to all local authority within the state.”
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, The Greens and the Soft Independents in Government to set up statutory child maintenance service.”
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That Sligo County Council confirms its support for the proposal to hold a Referendum to amend Article 28 of the Constitution so as to ensure that government shall be collectively responsible for the protection, management and maintenance of the public water system and to ensure in the public interest that this resource remains in public ownership and management; and further this Council welcomes and supports the ‘Keep Water Public’ Campaign recently launched by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, SIPTU, Forsa, Connect and Unite the Union, which calls on the government to confirm a date for a referendum enshrining public ownership of water in the Constitution.”
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “To ask if the Council has considered providing a roof cover in part of the changing area at the swimming pool at Deadman’s Point, Rosses Point.”
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “Following a notice of notion listed and agreed on the 6th September 2021: 

    ‘To call on Sligo County Council to make application for funding under the digitisation scheme to convert burial records in County Sligo to a digital format, facilitating improved cemetery management and facilitating public access to cemetery records’

    Can Sligo County Council provide an update on the digitisation of burial records in the County of Sligo.”
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “In light of the huge staffing issues our health service is now facing that Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health to undertake a review of the numbers of doctors and nurses being trained annually with a view of doubling capacity within the system as is required.

    Furthermore, that the Minister for Health instructs the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive to implement a workforce strategy for the retention of nurses and doctors to stay working within our health service instead of paying millions for recruitment campaigns overseas.

    That this Motion be relayed to the Minister for Health, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and every Local Authority.”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That we, the Members of Sligo County Council, call on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide significant additional funding to local authorities in 2023 having regard to the unprecedented levels of inflation, in particular, increased energy costs, rising construction costs, enhanced payroll commitments, the impact of the cost of living crisis on other revenue streams such and rents and rates. Such additional funding is vital to: maintaining our essential services,  allowing us continue to make applications for funding for further capital developments within our communities and throughout the county of Sligo.”
  23. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “Noting that the provision of a full time catheterisation lab for Sligo was recommended by the HSE’s North West Cardiology Review Group in 2013; and noting that the Saolta University Health Care Group in 2017 called for the provision of a full time permanent Cath Lab service  at Sligo University Hospital; and further noting that the part time mobile Cath Lab service at the Hospital ceased operation on the 30th of June this year and has not been replaced to date; this Council requests the HSE to send a representative/s to a Council meeting so as to advise the Council when a full time permanent Cath Lab service will be provided in Sligo University Hospital.”
  24. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council starts to buy vacant houses to help ease the housing crisis.” 
  25. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council calls for the age of smear tests to be lowered.”
  26. Votes of Sympathy.
  27. Votes of Congratulations.
  28. Conferences/Training.
  29. To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  30. Correspondence:
    1. Acknowledgement letter dated 26th September 2022 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to urgent action to support middle income households and the self-employed.
    2. Letter from Mr. Tomás Mullaney, Lacknasleva, Enniscrone, Co Sligo in acknowledgement of Vote of Sympathy letter which issued following the December 2021 Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council.
    3. Email dated 29th September 2022 and attached letter from TII in relation to proposal for a nationwide audit of bus shelters.
    4. Email dated 5th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the revised arrangements to the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme.
    5. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Monaghan County Council regarding establishment of all-Ireland Citizens’ Assembly to discuss our constitutional future.
    6. Email dated 10th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding the hiring of newly qualified clinical psychologists in the area of mental health supports/primary care psychology.
    7. Email dated 10th October 2022 from the Office of Marian Harkin TD, regarding the worsening situation at Sligo University Hospital.
    8. Acknowledgement email dated 10th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister of State for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding consideration for local authorities to manage waste collection.
    9. Acknowledgement email dated 10th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding increase of income threshold for social housing in all councils across the country.
    10. Acknowledgement letter dated 7th October 2022 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding the hiring of newly qualified clinical psychologists in the area of mental health supports/primary care psychology.
    11. Acknowledgement letter dated 7th October 2022 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding consideration for local authorities to manage waste collection.
    12. Acknowledgement letter dated 7th October 2022 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding the worsening situation at Sligo University Hospital.
    13. Email dated 10th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding a ban on hare coursing.
    14. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council regarding ‘Justice for Noah Campaign’.
    15. Acknowledgement letter dated 11th October 2022 from the Office of An Tánaiste regarding the worsening situation at Sligo University Hospital.
    16. Email dated 14th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
    17. Letter dated 13th October 2022 from the Chief Executive, Iarnród Éireann in relation to anti-social behaviour on the Dublin-Sligo train and public transport.
    18. Acknowledgement email dated 17th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth regarding the Mother and Baby Home Redress Scheme.
    19. Email dated 19th October 2022 and attachment thereto (letter from Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth) in relation to redress scheme for the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes.
    20. Email dated 20th October 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding publicly funded fertility treatments.
    21. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Donegal County Council regarding turf cutting policy.
    22. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Offaly County Council regarding Ambulance Service.
    23. Email dated 27th October 2022 from the Office of Marian Harkin TD in relation to the future of the National Abhaile Service.
  31. Matters arising from Minutes.
  32. Any other business.

 

 


Meeting Date 07/11/2022