Agendas 2023

Agenda of November Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held Monday, 6th November 2023 at 10 a.m.


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

071-9111111

31st October 2023

TO:      THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held:

ON:      Monday, 6th November 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 confirm minutes of Meeting of SPC 1 Group (Housing & Corporate) held on 21st March 2023 (Copy attached).
  2. To confirm minutes of Meetings of SPC 2 Group (Environment & Infrastructure) held on (a) 14th March 2023 and (b) 13th June 2023 (Copies attached).
  3. To confirm minutes of Meetings of SPC 4 Group (Climate Change) held on (a) 30th March 2023 and (b) 19th July 2023 (Copies attached).
  4. To note minutes of Meeting of County Sligo Joint Policing Committee held on 30th June 2023 (Copy attached).
  5. To confirm the Minutes of the Audit Committee Meeting held on 18th July 2023 (Copy attached).
  6. To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 2nd October 2023 (Copy attached).
  7. To confirm minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council to consider the Draft County Development Plan 2024-2030 held on 2nd October 2023 (Copy attached).
  8. Presentation on the Strategic Plan for the Model.
  9. To note the report of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee on the Statutory Audit Report for year ending 31st December 2022 (Report attached).
  10. To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the lease of lands at Dromore, Co Sligo to NBI (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 €121,954 to Sophia Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of 6 Cartron Court, Cartron, Sligo (Report previously circulated).
  12. To note the Monthly Management Report for October 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 writes to Housing minister Darragh O’Brien asking for a meeting regarding the housing crisis in County Sligo.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Fox:
    “Given the strategic importance of the N16 National Primary Route to County Sligo, I ask that an update be provided to members on any future plans to continue the realignment for the full length of the N16 in County Sligo.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “That Sligo County Council writes to the government to urgently reform their regressive retrofitting programme, arguing that without a major overhaul, Ireland will not meet its 2030 targets.” 

 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the HSE to start a nationwide information campaign on the significant dangers of synthetic opioids that are circulating in the country, which have resulted in several deaths of drug users in recent years.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to ask the ESB and other EV charging station providers to install rapid EV charging stations throughout the town and county of Sligo.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    "Given the importance of CE Schemes in every community and the difficulty finding suitable candidates to fill those positions, Sligo County Council calls on the Minister to (1) amend the criteria to either reduce or remove the qualifying period of time that must be spent on social welfare to qualify for the scheme; (2) extend the consecutive period of time a person can spend on CE from 3 to 6 years; (3) increase the CE rates to incentive social welfare recipients to apply for the scheme."
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That Sligo County Council contact the HSE relative to providing this Local Authority with an update on the construction start date and completion date on the urgently needed 42 bed medical block at Sligo University Hospital as outlined in the HSE Capital Plan 2023.
    • (capital project number 11429) Sligo University Hospital Additional Bed Capacity: Provision of a 2 x 21 bed wards, single en suite rooms with ancillary accommodation.
      That this council seeks an update from the Minister for Health and the CE of the Saolta Group.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That Sligo County Council formally form a festival and events steering team for County Sligo made up of nominated stakeholders. That this Committee could have oversight on Queen Maeve Square and Cleveragh Outdoor Performance Space as well as feeding into local policy/strategies in the county.
    That this motion be moved to the CPG for further discussion and exploration.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That the Chief Executive of Sligo County Council provide members with details of the policy or strategy for replying to questions or representations from elected members sent to staff. Details should include if replies are to be sent to
    1. The elected member who asked the question only
    2. All members for the Municipal District
    3. Every member of the Council

If no policy is in place can a policy be agreed with either the procedures committee or the Corporate Policy Group to ensure that the member who asks the question or makes the representation is as a very minimum acknowledged in the reply and receive the reply a fair and reasonable time in advance of colleagues so that the reply can be provided to the people on whose behalf the representation was made.”

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council provide details of what works have been carried out under the €1,424,596 Community Recognition fund and give an update on each of the 27 Projects detailing by project how much money has been spent to date, when works will be completed and who is carrying out the works. (Sligo County Council or the name of the Organisation Carrying out the work).”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to seek an update on the defective block scheme from the Minister for housing.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “Ask the Director of Services to outline Council policy regarding flooding and cleaning of rivers in the county.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
    “Ask the Director of Services for housing to give an update regarding the number of applications received, granted and paid out under Housing Aid for the Elderly, Mobility and Disability Grants 2023.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That Sligo County Council unanimously calls for the required allocation of €2.5million in 2024, to allow our in-house Design Team at Sligo Regional Design Office continue their progress of the N17, Knock to Collooney project from Phase 2 Option Selection towards Phase 4 Planning. 
    That this motion be sent to The Taoiseach, The Tánaiste, The Minister for Transport, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for reply and copied for the attention of the Mayo County Council CE and Members.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to pilot a scheme of providing salt bins to community groups in areas not covered by this local authority roads winter Maintenance route schedule.
    In past winters during spells of snow and ice many residents found themselves stuck in their homes as the footpaths and roads around their areas were not on the salting routes.
    Many local residents were contacting Councillors stating their willingness to spread salt paths and estate exits to allow people to get to work if bunkers were left full during the cold spell.
    Every winter this issue comes up and Councillors are asking for extra roads and estate exits to be gritted but due to lack of funding and resources it is not possible. “
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “For Sligo County Council to request the NTA to provide new bus shelters at designated locations throughout county Sligo in consultation with members, Local Link staff and area engineers. I am asking for this to be expedited as quickly as possible.”
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Fox:
    “That Sligo County Council make the necessary arrangements for the provision of Age Friendly Signage that is suitable for older people throughout the County.”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “To Implore the Taoiseach to call for the EU and our international partners to change course in its approach to the brutal Israeli attacks in Gaza.”
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on this government to make permanent the short-term measures announced to address children's needs in the recent budget.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority Call on the government to revisit budgetary provisions for disability services.”
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to alert motorists to the dangerof deer causing fatal accidents by bolting across roads, and urge motorists to be cautious, especially on rural roads in S  While I welcome the warning signs on some roads throughout the County, many motorists have confirmed they are still encountering near misses, particularly at night, therefore, I ask if there are any further measures that can be put in place.” 
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “Noting that Article 20 of the EU Public Procurement Directive allows public procurers to reserve contracts to encourage the employment of disabled persons; and further noting that Scotland has an explicit policy that every public body should have at least one contract with a “supported business” (a business where the workforce is made up of at least 30% people with disabilities/disadvantages); this Council resolves to commence the process of developing a policy to use Article 20 and further we request the Government to change Public Procurement policies so that Ireland makes full use of Article 20 of the Procurement Directive.”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That the meeting be provided with an up to date report on the Council’s Active Travel programme, the report to include (A) the current number of staff on the Active Travel Team; (B) progress on the development of the Local Transportation Plan for Sligo City and Environs;  (C) progress on the Cycle Strategy for Sligo City and County; (D) details on the number of schools participating in the ‘Safe Route to Schools Programme’.”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “To ask when the necessary regulations/bye laws will be introduced to allow the Council to impound vehicles which are parked illegally in disabled parking spaces.”
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Ordinary meetings of Sligo County Council and Municipal District meetings of each Municipal District return to full in person meetings where members can contribute or be recorded as being in attendance by in person attendance only.
    Exceptions to be facilitated in exceptional circumstances with the agreement of the Cathaoirleach in cases where:
    1. Members are unavoidably absent due to illness or travel to a maximum of two meetings in any year between Annual General Meetings.
    2. A national emergency such as an epidemic or pandemic.
    3. Any exceptional circumstances agreed by the Corporate Policy Group.”
  1. Votes of Sympathy.
  2. Votes of Congratulations.
  3. To approve the Conferences/Training events as circulated.
  4. To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  5. Correspondence:
    1. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to excavation of mother and baby homes.
    2. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to scrapping of the TV licence.
    3. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to construction of the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads.
    4. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to provision of free school transport for all students.
    5. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to decrease in wholesale electricity prices to be passed on to ordinary workers and families.
    6. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to rise in bank interest rates.
    7. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of An Taoiseach in relation to cashless payments to NCT service.
    8. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th September 2023 from the Office of The Minister for Social Protection in relation to Carer’s Allowance.
    9. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Limerick City & County Council regarding tax on residentially zoned land.
    10. Copy of letter dated 27th September 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media regarding RTE reform and the TV licence.
    11. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Limerick City & County Council regarding funding support for Cuan Mhuire Association.
    12. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Limerick City & County Council regarding funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to prevent nursing home closures.
    13. Email dated 29th September 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Health regarding extension of the ‘Falls Prevention Physiotherapy Exercise Programme ‘ in Nazareth House, Sligo.
    14. Email dated 4th October 2023 from the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities regarding decrease in wholesale electricity prices being passed on to ordinary workers and families.
    15. Email dated 4th October 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Transport in relation to Community Involvement Schemes.
    16. Letter dated 3rd October 2023 from the HSE in relation to opening of Minor Injury Clinics in Primary Care Centres throughout the County.
    17. Letter dated 29th September 2023 from the HSE in relation to extension of the ‘Falls Prevention Physiotherapy Exercise Programme ‘ in Nazareth House, Sligo.
    18. Note and memoriam card from the family of Mr. Michael Bussmann RIP, following issue of Vote of Sympathy letter to Mr. Bussman’s family.
    19. Letter dated 9th October 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Social Protection regarding the Carer’s Allowance.
    20. Acknowledgement email dated 17th October 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Finance in relation to re-introduction of the 9% VAT rate for restaurants, cafes, pubs and food service businesses.
    21. Letter from the Department of Transport dated 4th October 2023 from the Department of Transport regarding NCT cashless service.
    22. Letter dated 11th October 2023 from the RSA, Head of NCT Services, in relation to NCT cashless service.
    23. Copy of resolution passed by the Members of Clare County Council regarding planning conditions for new housing developments in relation to traffic calming measures.
    24. Email dated 16th October 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Health in relation to HSE/SUH responses to representations submitted by Sligo County Council.
    25. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th October 2023 from the HSE in relation to Call Doc service provision on weekends in the county.
    26. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th October 2023 from the HSE in relation to HSE de-congregation strategy within the disability sector.
    27. Acknowledgement letter dated 25th October 2023 from the HSE in relation to extension of the day care centre in St. John’s Hospital Sligo from a 2 day week to a 5 day week.
    28. Email dated 27th October 2023 from the office of the Minister for Education in relation to provision of free books to post primary school students.
    29. Email dated 27th October 2023 from the office of the Minister for Health in relation to a national framework for endometriosis.
    30. Acknowledgement email dated 26th October 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage in relation to increase to housing grants for persons with disabilities.
    31. Acknowledgement email dated 25th October 2023 from the Office of the Minister for Justice in relation to anti-social behaviour.
  6. Matters arising from Minutes.
  7. Any other business.

Meeting Date 06/11/2023