Agendas 2023

Agenda of January Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held on Monday, 16th January 2023 at 10 am


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

071 911 1111

10th January 2023

TO:  THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held:

ON:  Monday, 16th January 2023

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 Sligo County Council Audit Committee held on 22nd September 2022 (Copy attached).
  2. To note the Minutes of Meeting of Joint Policing Committee held on 30th September 2022 (Copy attached).
  3. To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th December 2022 (Copy attached).
  4. That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as “Ríocht na Sí”, Ballygawley, Co. Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development (Report previously circulated).
  5. To note the 2022/2023 Winter Maintenance Plan (Report attached)
  6. That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the Roads named below to be Public Roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.”

    Road No.Location and Terminal Points
    L-92152-0 The road serving development known as “Claragh Glen”, Tonaphubble, Sligo
    L-92153-0 The road serving development known as “The Stirrups”, Tonaphubble, Sligo
    (Report attached).
  7. To adopt the Annual Service Delivery Plan 2023 (Report to follow).
  8. To note the Monthly Management Report for December 2022 (Report to follow).

 

DEFERRED MOTIONS

  1. 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 Gael, 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.”
  2. 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.”
  3. 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.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “Ask the Director of Services to outline the process of allocating housing to Ukrainian refugees in county Sligo and also numbers and location involved.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “Ask the Director of Services Housing how many new local authority houses will be built in County Sligo in 2022.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Fox:
    “That Sligo County Council develop a policy in regard to "the downsizing scheme for the elderly" to include housing solutions which are suitable for elderly persons who find their dwellings too large for their needs.”

 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That this Council write to the Minister for Health, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to ask for an explanation as to why Sligo and the North-West has not been included as a surgical hub and for Sligo University Hospital to be added to the list as the 6th surgical hub catering for the people of Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, North Mayo and North Roscommon. Can this motion be shared with all TDs and local authorities in all of the aforementioned counties.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to review their salting routes in Sligo in 2023 as there is concern that other areas need to be included in this Salt route as a health and safety matter for safe access to regional and national roads.” 
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That any local road in the county that is being serviced by a public bus route be added to the Council winter gritting plan.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That Sligo County Council seek clarity from the HSE on when a Working Group of relevant stakeholders will be set up so that there can be a cohesive and ambitious development strategy put in place for the 105-acre Cloonamahon Native Woodland Park and that it’s full potential can be realised.

    That this council seeks clarity on the same and we write to the HSE, Head of Service Primary Care and the Chief Executive of the HSE requesting an update.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
  6. “That the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, The Greens and soft Independents Government act immediately to engage with the retained fire services to solve the ongoing crisis in the service” 
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local Authority Calls on the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, The Greens and soft Independents Government (Department of Finance) to bring about much needed reforms to the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme.”
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “I ask Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Finance seeking from the EU the reversal or deferral of the introduction of VAT at 23% on antigen test kits which was introduced on January 1st this year. While the initial measure of VAT removal at 23% was designed to be temporary and was introduced in Ireland December 2020 it was extended but only to 31 December 2022.

    Senior medical advisors are stating that the health service is under its ’most pressure ever’ as it is dealing with a winter surge of respiratory diseases, including Covid.

    By applying VAT on antigen test kits for people who suspect they may have the virus, this means people are now having to pay more. People are playing their part in not spreading the Covid virus by buying home test kits and by keeping themselves away from already stretched health services but unfortunately, they are now being punished with price hikes which is sending out the wrong message at this time when we see in the media that some countries are increasing vigilance.”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on the Council’s first-time housing schemes.

    How many applications were received in 2022? How many applications were approved?

    To call on the Minister for Housing to give a breakdown county by county on approved applications.”
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask for a progress report on upgrading the landing facility on Inishmurray Island.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to contact Padel 360 Ireland who are seeking partnerships with County Councils to build and manage new clubs throughout the country. 

    Padel is often described as a mixture of tennis and squash, and it is now the fastest growing sport in the world. It is a great form of exercise regardless of age or physical ability, allowing more people to get active. Excellent space utilisation is made possible by the small court relative to tennis. Social fun game played only in doubles form. Players see it as a great way to meet new people while keeping fit and promotes positive mental health. The massive success of this sport has been demonstrated in South Dublin’s Bushy Park Club that is operating in a financially self-sufficient way and is consistently oversubscribed. 

    Padel are looking for space, about 2,000 meter squared, with this they can help fund, build, and manage clubs and create a great amenity for Sligo.”
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council calls on the government to nationalise private hospitals.”
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health to implement notifying women about their individual category of breast density.”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council writes to the HSE asking them to continue to provide a home birth service based on the criteria set out by its previous governing body as assured to community midwives and services.”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council, in lieu of attacks by dogs on Children and livestock, would add the following breeds to the list of dogs that cannot be kept in Local Authority Housing
    • Belgian Shepherd
    • Dogo Argentino
    • Cana Corso
    • Brazilian Mastiffs
    And that this Council write to the Minister responsible to ensure these breeds are added to the national list of Restricted Dogs.”
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “Aware that the Commission on Housing will be making a recommendation to Government to hold a Referendum on the Right to Housing in the current year, this Council welcomes the recommendation and further we call for the proposed Referendum enshrining public ownership of water in the Constitution, to be held on the same day.”
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “Conscious of the consistent and ongoing chronic overcrowding in Sligo University Hospital and also conscious of the lack of adequate step-down facilities, this Council calls on the HSE and the Minister for Health to provide additional much needed step-down beds in the hospital’s catchment area.” 
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to liaise with primary schools in county Sligo on a meaningful campaign towards the ongoing problem of dog fouling in all our towns and villages. By alerting the children in our schools to the dangers this health hazard causes, the children can in turn inform their parents. Most dog owners are responsible when walking their pets and pick up but unfortunately the pet owners who do not leave a serious problem after them.

    Children who touch dog faeces can go blind or get violently sick. A strong message needs to go out to irresponsible pet owners on this issue.”
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
    “I request that this County Council write to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to ensure that all farmers who wish to partake in the Acres Scheme will receive an environmental scheme payment in 2023. It would be totally unacceptable if farmers are blocked out, given that agriculture is expected to contribute so much to the countryside and emission reduction targets. Acres places for 2023 must not be limited to 30,000.”
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council request the three Municipal Districts to put in place a sign or signage maintenance team to review all signage within the County.”
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council consider putting in place suitable parking spaces in our car parks throughout the county for Wheelchair Buses in order to ensure the safety of drivers and occupants.”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That the Council be provided with a report on Derelict Sites in the county including the list of the properties in each Municipal District that are currently on the Derelict Sites Register, the number removed in the past 12 month and the number added in the past 12 months.” 
  23. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council members be supplied with a report to list
    1. The 19 multi use development sites which would deliver 322 new housing units identified on page 3 of the 2023 Budget
    2. The dates on which the planning permission will expire.
    3. What actions have to date been taken to identify the reasons as to why they are not progressing
    4. What responses have been received from each developer as to why they are not progressing.” 
  24. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council allocate the funding of €102,100 saved by the increase in Brexit Adjustment fund Scheme Contribution from 85% to 95% by Minister McConalogue (and any savings from projects that do not proceed) to Councillors proposals fund so that it can be used for useful infrastructure projects in each of the Municipal Districts.”
  25. Votes of Sympathy.
  26. Votes of Congratulations.
  27. Conferences/Training.
  28. To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  29. Correspondence:
    1. Email dated 30th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister of State for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding Local Authorities taking waste collection back into public ownership.
    2. Email dated 30th November 2022 from the Office of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding reversal of Government proposal to ban the sale of turf.
    3. Acknowledgement email dated 5th December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Finance regarding “The European Commission’s decision to downgrade the North-Western region”, in response to correspondence issued to the Minister following resolution agreed at the Budget meeting held on 21st November 2022.
    4. Email dated 5th December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding a ban on hare coursing.
    5. Acknowledgement letter dated 5th December 2022 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding “The European Commission’s decision to downgrade the North-Western region”, in response to correspondence issued to the Minister following resolution agreed at the Budget meeting held on 21st November 2022.
    6. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Limerick City & County Council regarding policy to have bus shelters constructed where there is a bus stop.
    7. Email dated 8th December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Health in relation to Cervical Check.
    8. Acknowledgement email dated 9th December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Finance in relation to VAT.
    9. Copy of resolution passed by the Northern & Western Regional Assembly at their November Assembly meeting in relation to proposed development of Cancer Centre for the West and North West of Ireland.
    10. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Killarney Municipal District regarding retention of accommodation used for housing Ukrainian refugees for the homeless and those of the LA Housing list.
    11. Email dated 15th December 2022 from TFI Local Link in response to motion agreed at the November Ordinary meeting regarding review of routes serving Sligo town and county.
    12. Email dated 21st December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding health staffing issues.
    13. Letter dated 1st December 2022 from the CEO, Saolta University Health Care Group, HSE regarding provision of a Cath Lab in Sligo University Hospital.
    14. Letter dated 19th December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Social Protection in relation to review of the criteria for qualification for Social Employment Scheme.
    15. Acknowledgement email dated 23rd December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Education in relation to bus drivers.
    16. Email dated 23rd December 2022 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding an update on the new 42 bed Ward Block at Sligo University Hospital.
    17. Letter dated 28th December 2022 from the Managing Director, The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim following issue of vote of congratulations letter as agreed at the December Ordinary meeting.
    18. Acknowledgement email dated 28th December 2022 from the Office of the Garda Commissioner in relation to provision of the necessary resources in terms of Gardaí and appropriate vehicles to the Sligo Roads Policing Unit.
    19. Letter dated 4th January 2023 from the TFI Local Link office in relation to resolution agreed at the December Ordinary Meeting regarding request for a daily bus service from Carrick-On-Shannon, to include Boyle, Ballinafad, Castlebaldwin, Collooney, Ballintogher and Sligo.
    20. Acknowledgement letter dated 4th January 2023 from the Office of the Tánaiste in relation to resolution agreed at the December Ordinary Meeting regarding provision of resources in terms of Gardaí and appropriate vehicles to the Sligo Roads Policing Unit.
    21. Acknowledgement email dated 9th January 2023 from the NTA in relation to recent correspondence issued to the NTA following resolution agreed at the December Ordinary meeting regarding request for a daily bus service from Carrick-On-Shannon, to include Boyle, Ballinafad, Castlebaldwin, Collooney, Ballintogher and Sligo.
  30. Matters arising from Minutes.
  31. Any other business.

 


Meeting Date 16/01/2023