Agendas 2023

Agenda of September Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held Monday, 4th September 2023 at 10 a.m.


Sligo County Council,
Corporate Services,
County Hall,
Riverside,
Sligo
071-9111111

29th August 2023

TO:      THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held:

ON:      Monday, 4th September 2023

AT:      10.00 a.m 

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

You are requested to attend.

Sinéad Branley
Meetings Administrator

 

CLÁR

  1. To note minutes of Meetings of the County Sligo Joint Policing Committee held on a) 16th December 2022 and b) 31st March 2023 (Copies attached).
  2. To note minutes of Meetings of Sligo Borough District held on a) 20th March 2023 and b) 22nd May 2023 (Copies attached).
  3. To note Minutes of meeting of the SCC Audit Committee Meeting held on 15 May 2023 (Copy attached).
  4. To note the Minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 22nd May 2023 (Copy attached).
  5. To note minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 22nd May 2023 (Copy attached).
  6. To note the Minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District AGM held on 19th June 2023 (Copy attached).
  7. To note the Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District AGM held on 19th June 2023 (Copy attached).
  8. To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 3rd July 2023 (Copy attached).
  9. Presentation by Fáilte Ireland.
  10. To consider holding a Civic Reception for Special Olympics Medalist Noel Coen.
  11. To note Audit Committee Annual Report 2022 (Report attached).
  12. To note Annual Review of Audit Committee Charter (Reports attached).
  13. Scheduling of Meetings/Revision of MD Standing Orders (Reports attached).
  14. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of land at Keenaghan, Ballymote, Co Sligo to Niall and Lewis Rhatigan (Report previously circulated).
  15. 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 €178,969 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of 12 The Village Square, Collooney, Co Sligo (Report previously circulated).
  16. To approve in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the sum of €13,036,353, the Stage 2 Budget approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, on 20/06/2023 for the construction of 37 No. New Build Apartment Units and 1 No. Communal Facility at the current car park site at Adelaide Street in Sligo Town.” (Report previously circulated).
  17. To note, pursuant to Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the report on the Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application for a Hydrogen Plant within Castleconnor, Co Sligo and 13 no. wind turbines in Bunnyconnellan, Co Mayo, which will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála subject to the attachment of any additional recommendations agreed by resolution at this meeting by Members (Report and Appendix 1 attached).
  18. To approve the recommendations of the Arts Assessment Committee regarding the Contributions to the Arts Grants Scheme (Report attached).
  19. To note the Monthly Management Report for July/August 2023 (Report to follow).

 

DEFERRED  MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “Call on Government parties to support Macra na Feirme efforts to ensure that the youth will have a future in rural Ireland.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council investigate the possibility of using modular housing in the short term to help ease the housing shortage in Sligo.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To request an update from the Department of Transport for the provision of EV chargers in County Sligo with particular emphasis on residential areas that are not suitable for home chargers.” 
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That the Executive look at the prospect of developing designated Aires or Council owned camping facility/facilities in Sligo town and county.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask that this Council to write to the HSE and the Dept of Health to fund the extension of the very important Falls Prevention Physiotherapy Exercise Programme in Nazareth house, Sligo. I request that this service continue to be funded and for this valuable service be extended to other centres in the region also.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the hazardous waste facility which is needed for County Sligo.”

 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To request that this Council actively seek a suitable location and funding to install a Changing Places Facility in Sligo for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to explore what scheme can be put in place to maintain the green areas of LA estates. Many LA estates do not have resident groups in place and thus the green areas are going unkept and growing wild. Some estates which are relatively new will become unmanageable if let go too long.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “With over 9000 babies buried in unmarked graves this Council calls on the state to excavate all mother and baby homes ran by the church to help find remains of the babies left to die by the church and state.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council calls for a full scrapping of the TV licence.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Fox:
    “That Sligo County Council calls again on the Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport Eamon Ryan TD and An Taoiseach to give serious consideration to commencing construction without further delay of The Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads scheme which is of strategic importance to the development of County Sligo and the growing population of over 70,000 residents and further noting with the ever-intensifying housing crisis that a report be provided in relation to the delivery of sustainable and affordable housing for all on serviced land which is strategically located close by.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to look seriously at the acceptability of Timber Log cabin dwellings in rural Co Sligo owing to the spiralling cost of new house builds on people especially young couples starting out. People are getting quotations of €450k+ for an average bungalow excluding the site purchase and interior and garden finish of the house. There has to be occasions where, with their modern design, well insulated, long-life span of wooden homes, that they can be incorporated into the countryside. Most couples feel they are very lucky to get a site on family lands and build a home where previously around €200k would complete it but nowadays people face paying in excess of half a million euro to complete a 3 or 4 bed bungalow.”
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask that Sligo County Council write to the Department of Health and the HSE requesting that they consider opening Minor Injury Clinics in Primary Care Centres throughout the County.”
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “That Sligo County Council call on the Irish Government to provide free school transport to all students, Primary, Secondary and University students and all citizens up to the age of 25. (A) This will take thousands of cars off the road at peak times and massively reduce carbon emissions and help Ireland to meet its emission targets (B) This will incentivize and educate young people to use public transport and people will become accustomed to using buses and trains and into their adult l (C) Given that Government acknowledges 35% of families go into debt to send their children to school. If agreed to be circulated to all local authorities.”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Finance to extend the 9% VAT rate for the food related Hospitality Sector businesses until the end of 2024.”
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “Given that many rural national schools have closed in the lifetime of the last two County Development plans in County Sligo, in west Sligo alone two national schools closed. Now in September 2023, three schools in west Sligo have no new students starting and one school has only one student starting. Two further schools have less than five new students starting. I call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report outlining new wording to be included in the draft CDP that removes discrimination and to provide for indigenous individuals and couples who have clear connections with rural areas who may have been educated and grew up in the area, with all occupations to be facilitated, to build their one and only primary residence.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
    “Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Finance calling on him to retain VAT at 9% for the food related businesses to the end of 2024.”
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
    “That Sligo County Council writes to the Ministers for Transport and Agriculture requesting financial supports for landowners and farmers who face thousands of euros in bills to remove dying roadside ash trees from their land.”
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To call on the Minister for Finance to extend the 9% vat rate for restaurants, cafes, pubs, Food Service and other relevant businesses”.
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to reinstate the Civil Defence Boat cover which was suspended for operational reasons in 2022 and to also address the ongoing concerns regarding the unavailability of an adequate number of crew members which is necessary to comply with Health and Safety requirements; and when will we see this volunteer Civil Defence boat service available again in Sligo”.
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “In the wake of recent examples of the continued rip-off of students by some landlords particularly in the short-term letting sector; that this council call on the government to bring in much needed legislation to protect the students and their guardians from this greed.”
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “In September 2022, it was announced that every school in the country would be provided with free solar photovoltaic (PV) panels funded under the Department of the Environment's Climate Action Fund.
    Sligo County Council wishes to ask the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications why some schools have had no correspondence on this matter; Furthermore, why the rollout is moving at such a slow pace and if the Minister would detail how many schools, Primary and Secondary have been provided with PV panels since this initiative was announced.”
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “Currently the statutory means limit per week is €282.60 for Carers Allowance
    That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Social Protection to immediately review the Carers Allowance application process and income thresholds including the criteria associated with the assessment with a view to completely reforming this allowance to support an individual caring for a family member.
    That the value of the carer both to the individual requiring support, his/her family, and also to the state, be centre to such a reform.”
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “To call on the government and regulator to ensure that the decrease in wholesale electricity prices is urgently passed on to ordinary workers and families.”
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on this government to challenge the bank sector over the rise in interest rates for borrowers at a time when the banks' profits are at an all-time high.”
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council, in anticipation of the new code of practice and data protection guidelines currently being finalised by the LGMA, begin preparation for the full operation of CCTV schemes aimed at assisting waste enforcement officials to apprehend and prosecute littering offenders. That the Council also uses Drone mounted video to monitor any suspected areas or individuals and that this is used for all types of environmental enforcement.”
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council in conjunction with Omagh District Council reopen the Omagh /Sligo Partnership to the benefit of both communities and build a strong partnership with Omagh in order to access supports and financial benefits.”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That this Council expresses its deep concern at the decision of the National Car Test Service not to accept cash as a valid form of payment for car tests and calls on the Road Safety Authority and the Government to intervene so as to ensure that cash will continue to be accepted as a valid form of payment for NCT tests.”
  23. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    "Noting the further increase in homelessness and the growing housing crisis and recognising that access to secure and genuinely affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many people, this Council expresses its concern with the ongoing delay to hold a referendum on the Right to Housing."
  24. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That the meeting be provided with a progress report relating to the provision of a boardwalk to allow 24 hours safe access to the second beach at Rosses Point.”
  25. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That Sligo County Council outline its future plans under the Active Travel Programme for County Sligo and outline spend to date on expenditure since the programme has been initiated.”
  26. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the active travel from Toberbride Roundabout to Collooney Village.  When will we see the public consultation taking place as there is concern regarding the safety of pedestrians’ crossings the N4 Road at the roundabout in Collooney.”
  27. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the site inspection carried out in 04/02/2022 on the vacant and abandoned development, the Mill Apartments in Ballisodare. The report that was carried out by Sligo County Council state that a structural survey would be required for the entire development.”
  28. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council report to members on the use of section 254 Licences to inform members of the following: 
  1. What types of development are allowed to be constructed by means of a section 254 Licence
  2. Is there any provision for submissions from the local planning authority 
  3. Is there any provision for submissions from the local community or elected representatives. 
  4. Does the property owner adjacent to the licence application site have any input on the application as their folio shows that they own to the centre of the road.
  5. Once a licence is granted, what appeals procedure is open to the general public or any of those mentioned above.”
  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor R. O’Grady:
    “That Sligo County Council consider the needs of people who are visually impaired in all ongoing upgrading of Streetscapes and developments.”
  2. Votes of Sympathy.
  3. Votes of Congratulations.
  4. To approve the Conferences/Training events as circulated.
  5. To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  6. Correspondence:
    1. Acknowledgement email dated 28th June 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding clarification on the proposed nature restoration law.
    2. Acknowledgement email dated 28th June 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Education regarding school transport.
    3. Acknowledgement email dated 28th June 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Finance regarding betting tax.
    4. Acknowledgement email dated 29th June 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Mental Health and Older People regarding the Early Intervention Youth Mental Health project.
    5. Acknowledgement letter dated 28th June 2023 from the HSE regarding the Early Intervention Youth Mental Health project.
    6. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Wexford County Council regarding use of the Term ‘Halting Sites’.
    7. Acknowledgement letter dated 28th June 2023 from the HSE in relation to provision of GP service on the grounds of Sligo University Hospital.
    8. Email dated 30th June 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Education in relation to school transport.
    9. Acknowledgement email dated 5th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister of State for Disabilities regarding vital respite services.
    10. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of South Dublin County Council regarding call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
    11. Email dated 6th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to banning of super trawlers from fishing in Irish waters and all European waters.
    12. Acknowledgement email dated 6th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to construction of a facility centre for water sports activities at Enniscrone, Co Sligo.
    13. Email dated 7th July from Mr. Martin Cassidy, father of Aoibheann and Eli Cassidy, to whom a Letter of Congratulations was sent following the July Ordinary meeting.
    14. Acknowledgement letter dated 5th July 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding taking waste management back into public ownership.
    15. Acknowledgement letter dated 5th July 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding strengthening of the powers of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
    16. Acknowledgement letter dated 5th July 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding provision of vital respite services for people with disabilities and their families.
    17. Email dated 10th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage in relation to provision of funding to support Retained Fire and Rescue Service personnel.
    18. Acknowledgement email dated 12th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Education regarding use of mobile phones.
    19. Acknowledgement letter dated 12th July 2023 from the HSE in relation to the publication of the National review of Cardiac Services in Ireland.
    20. Acknowledgement email dated 13th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Transport regarding CIS Schemes.
    21. Acknowledgement email dated 14th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth regarding introduction of legislation requesting all road users to be fully illuminated.
    22. Email dated 14th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Education regarding the use of mobile devices within schools.
    23. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Leitrim County Council regarding employment of more school bus drivers.
    24. Acknowledgement email dated 18th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage regarding request for increase to Disability & Adaptations grant by 25%.
    25. Acknowledgement email dated 18th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage regarding local authority dwelling houses on family-owned land.
    26. Acknowledgement email dated 18th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to lack of childcare services.
    27. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Cork County Council and sent to a) HSE and b) Coillte, in relation to awareness campaign for Lyme disease.
    28. Email dated 19th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Justice regarding the future of the national Abhaile service.
    29. Acknowledgement letter dated 18th July 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding funding deficits in addiction and community addiction services.
    30. Acknowledgement letter dated 18th July 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding the rise in poverty levels.
    31. Acknowledgement letter dated 18th July 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach regarding student accommodation affordability.
    32. Email dated 24th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage regarding request for increase to Disability & Adaptations grant by 25%.
    33. Letter dated 24th July 2023 from Iarnród Éireann regarding provision of an early morning rail service from Connolly to Sligo.
    34. Letter dated 18th July 2023 from the HSE in relation to provision of a GP service on the grounds of Sligo University Hospital.
    35. Acknowledgement email dated 25th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Rural and Community Development regarding CIS Schemes.
    36. Letter dated 25th July 2023 from the HSE regarding National review of Cardiac Services in Ireland. (NOTE: A letter has issued on 25th July 2023 to the Minister for Health on foot of the attached HSE letter).
    37. Email dated 26th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth regarding staffing difficulties in the Early Learning and Childcare Services sector.
    38. Email dated 27th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding GP services at Sligo University Hospital.
    39. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Cork County Council and sent to a) RSA and b) Minister for Transport, in relation to reduction of waiting times for driving tests.
    40. Email dated 28th July 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth regarding childcare services in County Sligo.
    41. Email dated 1st August 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Health in relation to €1,000 Covid payment to healthcare sector.
    42. Acknowledgement email dated 4th August 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Public Expenditure in relation to provision of funding for Fire Services personnel.
    43. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Waterford City & County Council regarding funding to local authorities for footpath repairs.
    44. Email dated 8th August 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding the National review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
    45. Email dated 9th August 2023 from the Office of the Minister of State Jack Chambers in relation to the Irish Coast Guard Search & Rescue aviation service.
    46. Email dated 10th August 2023 from the Office of the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People regarding funding for a Suicide Awareness Campaign.
    47. Email dated 20th July 2023 from Uisce Éireann in relation to request for a meeting to discuss issues with Housing developments.
    48. Letter from the HSE dated 11th August 2023 in relation to Early Intervention Youth Mental Health Service in Sligo/Leitrim.
    49. Email dated 21st August 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Mental Health and Older People in relation to the newly commissioned Early Intervention Youth Mental Health project.
  7. Matters arising from Minutes.
  8. Any other business.

Meeting Date 04/09/2023