Agendas 2025

Agenda of June Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held Friday, 6th June 2025 at 10 a.m.


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

30th May 2025

TO:      THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held

ON:      Friday, 6th June 2025

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 Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 12th May 2025. (Copy to follow)
  2. To note minutes of meeting of SPC2 Environment & Infrastructure held on the 21st May 2024 (Copy attached)
  3. To note minutes of meeting of Borough District of Sligo dated 25th March 2025 (Copy attached) 
  4. To note minutes of meeting of the Sligo Drumcliff Municipal District dated 10th March 2025 (Copy attached)
  5. To note minutes of meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry Municipal District dated 24th March 2025 (Copy attached)
  6. To note minutes of Procedures Committee dated 6th March 2025 (Copy attached).
  7. To note minutes of Corporate Policy Group Meeting dated 3rd March 2025 (Copy attached).
  8. To note minutes of Special Corporate Policy Group Meeting dated 7th April 2025 (Copy attached).
  9. To note minutes of Special Corporate Policy Group Meeting dated 30th April 2025 (Copy attached).
  10. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the freehold interest in property at No. 11 Emmet Place, Sligo to Darragh Perrin (previously circulated).
  11. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the freehold interest in lands in the townland of Carrowgobbadagh, part of SCC Folio’s SL12393F, SL12721F, to Mullane Plant Hire Ltd (previously circulated).
  12. To agree the proposal to appoint the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council to the World Heritage Nomination Team for ‘The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo’ UNESCO World Heritage bid.
  13. Update on Bus Stop Enhancement Programme.
  14. To approve allocations under the Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 2025 (Report attached)
  15. To approve delegation to attend the 74th Allgäu Festival Week in Kempten, Germany (Report to follow)
  16. To consider requests for Civic Receptions (Report attached)
  17. To note the Monthly Management Report for May 2025 (Copy to follow).

DEFERRED MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “Given the huge success of the Love Sligo Gift Card since its launch in 2024, and it having achieved over €1M in sales within a year in Sligo, over €10M in gift card sales in Ireland, driving an estimated 150,000 in-store consumers across the country:
    That Sligo County Council writes to Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Rural Affairs to ask them to consider supporting the Town and City Gift Card rollout across every county. That this motion be shared with each Local Authority in the country.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That this Council calls on the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to urgently address the severe shortage of childcare provision in the Bundoran–Sligo region, with particular focus on services for children under the age of two. We further request immediate measures to increase investment in early years services, reduce waiting lists, and support the establishment and sustainability of childcare providers in rural and underserved areas. This motion also calls for a regional childcare needs assessment to be carried out to inform future planning and policy development”.
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council and TII provide funding for additional Chevron Signage at dangerous bends along National Primary and National Secondary Roads and explain what Criteria is used to determine where such signage is required”.
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, to allocate increased resources to local authorities specifically for the recruitment and support of outdoor staff. Current staffing and budget levels are inadequate to meet growing demands, particularly in supporting voluntary and community groups who carry out clean-ups and other civic initiatives. Additional funding is urgently needed to ensure local authorities can properly assist and collaborate with these groups in maintaining and enhancing public spaces across the county”.
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “To call on the Minister for Agriculture to pause restrictions under geac2 and to agree terms and conditions with farming organisations. And to introduce a stand-alone annual payment based on acreage and carbon content on the designated peat land”. 

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for the Environment Darragh O’Brien calling for a rainwater harvesting grant scheme, similar to the retrofit grants to support households in investing in water conservation systems. A grant scheme to help households to install rainwater harvesting systems would allow families to use rainwater for much of their household needs, thereby helping to conserve expensive treated tap water nationally”.
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To request that this council write to Panda Waste on behalf of the Council, requesting that they:
    • Improve communication with customers by providing timely updates on service issues through appropriate channels (e.g., SMS, email, app notifications, or public notices)
    • Address and resolve the recurring issues of missed or irregular bin collections in the affected areas as a matter of urgency.
    • Outline the steps being taken to prevent further disruption and improve overall service delivery”.
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of the Environment and the Government to address the scandal of plastic collected from the Deposit Return Scheme being needlessly shipped around the world”.
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “Given that Sligo County Council’s budget is not sufficient for the maintenance of the Council's housing stock, while some tenants are living luxury most of the tenants are living in deplorable conditions in old accommodation, this situation is no longer acceptable which is no fault to Council staff, I propose that this Council write to the Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD, and the Minister for Housing to appoint an independent consultant to carry out a detailed inspection of the Council housing stock and to provide a report on the overall conditions of housing stock and recommendation's in relation to budget and immediate works required”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
    “That this Council:
    • Affirms its full support for the position of the Irish Government, as expressed by Minister of Foreign affairs Simon Harris, in condemning both the Hamas attacks of October 7th and the ongoing, disproportionate Israeli military operations in Gaza.
    • Acknowledges with deep concern the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including the deaths of over 15,000 children, enforced starvation, destruction of healthcare infrastructure, and the blockade of over 44,000 humanitarian aid trucks, including Irish Aid convoys.
    • Commends the Irish Government’s efforts at international and EU level, including its intervention at the International Court of Justice, and the advancement of legislation to prohibit imports from illegal Israeli settlements (the Occupied Territories Bill).
    And further calls on the Government of Israel to:
    1. Immediately and fully lift the blockade of Gaza to allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and essential supplies;
    2. Agree to an immediate and sustained ceasefire to halt the killing of civilians and allow space for humanitarian relief and peace efforts;
    3. Respect international humanitarian law and cooperate with UN agencies in facilitating aid and services to the Palestinian people.
    Finally, this Council:
    • Supports the swift passage of the Occupied Territories Bill through the Oireachtas and urges the Irish Government to enact it as a clear expression of Ireland’s commitment to international law and human rights.
    • Requests that a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Taoiseach, the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, and the Palestinian Mission in Ireland”.
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
    “That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Central Bank Governor, Mr Gabriel Makhlouf, calling on the Central Bank of Ireland to immediately end the regulation of the Israeli Bond Issuance Programme, which is facilitating the sale throughout Europe of bonds which are funding genocide in Gaza.”
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
    “Call on the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Mr Peter Burke to ensure that the issue of public sector status for all secretaries and caretakers working in schools be made a priority by this government and that this cohort of essential workers be given access to the protections and pensions that come with this status.”
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
    “That this Council install accessible mobility mats, where physically possible, on all Blue Flag beaches in County Sligo ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy our beaches, as is their right under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “Recognising the important role of lifeguards employed by local authorities this Council calls for a review and an increase in the level of remuneration paid to lifeguards; and further the meeting requests a report in regard to the difficulty the Council currently has in recruiting an adequate number of lifeguards to patrol our beaches.”
  10. To consider the following motion as jointly submitted by Councillor D. Bree, Councillor T. Healy, Councillor A. Gibbons and Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “In the interest of (a) promoting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination; (B) promoting the protection of civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; (c) promoting respect for human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; (d) promoting compliance with international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; (e) to give effect to commitments and other obligations arising from resolutions adopted by the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nation;  This Council calls on the Government to introduce the necessary legislation and regulations, to allow the Minister for Finance to prohibit or impose restrictive measures on the sale or purchase of any security or class of securities that is issued by or on behalf of the State of Israel.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That the meeting be provided with a progress report in respect of the proposed new outdoor water-based activities facility, which is to be constructed in Rosses Point, including details relating to the operation of the facility and when construction work is expected to commence on the facility.”   
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the government to update the legislation of the distance of ESB corridor lines in private and Coillte lands from 20 meters to 40 meters or further, if need be, in the interest of keeping power supply reaching   the general public all year round”.
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on the government to deliver urgent and sustained investment in Ireland’s family resource centre (FRC) network”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the Cleveragh Regional Park masterplan and outline the prospective planning process timelines for the skate park, pump track, car parking, basketball courts, learn to cycle and Muga courts and that a progress report be provided”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor B. Gallagher:
    I call on Sligo County Council to contact Uisce Eireann in relation to the following:
    1. Why Uisce Eireann did not send representation on their behalf when invited to our Storm Eowyn meeting on 26/05/2025.
    2. Can we get an update of what protocols Uisce Eireann have put in place following Storm Eowyn to future proof that the same issues do not happen again.
    3. Can we get an update please on what Uisce Eireann is doing to reduce the connection offer wait time from 16 weeks and also the actual connection wait time which can be up to another 16 weeks? This is totally unacceptable from an Irish Utility Company.
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor B. Gallagher:
    I call on Sligo County to contact the HSE to investigate:
    1. When was this issue first noticed and what is the timeline for the repair works to be completed on the roof of the orthopaedic theatre in the SUH which is leaking.
    2. What arrangement are been put in place for patients who were scheduled to get operations in this theatre at SUH.
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to get a costing for the installation of solar powered water drinking fonts similar to which other councils have installed. These fonts can be to be situated along our recreational walks and parks”.
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That this Council calls on the Government and the Department of Justice to include the construction of a new Garda Station in Sligo as a priority project in the updated National Development Plan (NDP) to be published in July 2025”.
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor B. Gallagher:
    “To ask Sligo County Council:
    1. Who is responsible for the removing of fallen trees onto public roadways from private and commercial forestry's.
    2. Which often happen that the council outdoor teams must attend to these fallen trees, are the owners of these forestry's contacted and billed for the works carried out to make the roadway safe again”.
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
    “Noting that the HSE West North West confirmed that it was recommending Sligo as a preferred location. That this Council calls on the Minister to provide an update on the provision and timeline of the building of a surgical hub at Sligo University Hospital”.
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council are calling on the HSE and the Minister of Health to:
    • Mandate pain relief options for all invasive cervical procedures
    • Require informed consent with clear explanations of what to expect
    • Ensure emotional support and aftercare are part of standard treatment”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor L. Brennan:
    “I ask that Sligo County Council provide an update on the funding allocated for graveyards /cemeteries in 2025.
    • Has the review process of all burial grounds, which commenced in January 2025, been completed?
    • Has a priority list for interventions been identified?
    I request that funding is allocated for Burial grounds to complete outstanding Works, and maintenance, as part of this year’s work program”
  23. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “That Sligo County Council:
    1. Notes with serious concern the increasing prevalence of false, misleading, and unsubstantiated advertising claims made by some food companies regarding the safety, quality, nutritional value, origin, and health benefits of their products.
    2. Recognises that such practices:
      • Undermine consumer trust and informed choice.
      • Put public health at risk, particularly for vulnerable groups and those with dietary restrictions or health conditions.
      • Create an unfair trading environment that disadvantages compliant businesses.
      • Contribute to public confusion about healthy eating and food safety standards.
    3. Further recognises that robust regulation and enforcement are essential to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field in the food industry.
    4. Calls on the Minister for Health to:
      • Prioritise the strengthening of monitoring, investigation, and enforcement actions against food companies engaged in false or misleading advertising related to health, safety, and nutritional claims.
      • Ensure adequate resources are allocated to relevant agencies (e.g., the Food Safety Authority of Ireland - FSAI, Health Service Executive - HSE) specifically for this purpose.
      • Review and, if necessary, advocate for the enhancement of legislative provisions under food safety and labelling regulations to provide clearer definitions of prohibited claims and stricter penalties.
    5. Calls on the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to:
      • Ensure the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) have the necessary mandate, resources, and powers to proactively monitor and swiftly act against misleading food advertising across all media platforms (including TV, radio, print, online, and social media).
      • Support initiatives to enhance consumer education and awareness regarding misleading advertising tactics.
      • Strengthen collaboration between the ASAI, ComReg, the FSAI, and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to ensure a cohesive and effective national approach”.
  24. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on the Minister for Housing James Browne to tell the truth on social and affordable housing delays” 
  25. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
    “That Sligo County Council formally supports the Year of Care campaign, which calls for a minimum of 12 months of accessible, continuous and meaningful postnatal care for all mothers in Ireland and that write to the Minister for Health and relevant Oireachtas committees to request a review and reform of national postnatal care standards”
  26. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor L. Brennan:
    “I ask Sligo Co Council for an update on when the local authority speed limit review will be held in 2025? Can an outline of the process of public consultation be provided?”
  27. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council write to Longford County Council to ask how they were permitted to have a speed bump / raised pedestrian crossing on the N4 National primary road at the primary school at Newtownforbes and how school crossing wardens are able to operate at this location so that Sligo can follow their lead and provide similar at primary schools along the N15 and N17 in Co Sligo” 
  28. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Transport to request that an independent funding stream be put in place for funding of essential works along National Secondary roads as National Roads Funding is swallowed up by National Primary roads with higher traffic numbers leaving very little for improvements to the National Secondary Roads especially those in the West and Northwest”
  29. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council provide a report on what checks and controls the local authority have over the waste collection companies operating within the county and what checks the council has put in place to ensure that companies are collecting on a regular basis and on the days advertised so that bins are not left along scenic routes for days and in some cases weeks without being collected, allowing rubbish to be blown away causing littering in such areas”
  30. Votes of sympathy
  31. Votes of congratulations
  32. To approve the Conference/Training events, as circulated.
  33. To note the summary of proceedings of Conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5)(f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  34. Correspondence 
    1. Email response dated 12th May 2025 from the  Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage James Browne, TD re support to households for remedial work on septic tanks.
    2. Email response dated 13th May 2025 from the  Office of the Minister for Transport Minister O’Brien, TD regarding the National Driving Test Service.
    3. Email response from the Office of the Minister for Transport dated 15th May 2025 re Roof at Seán Mac Diarmada Train Station.
    4. Letter from Fingal County Council dated 15th May 2025 - Ban on Fox Hunting on Council-owned Lands
    5. Email response dated 14th May 2025 from the  Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage James Browne, TD re grant supports for replacement boilers.
    6. Letter dated 19th May 2025 from the  Office of the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD re Heartwatch Programme.
    7. Email response dated 23rd May 2025 from the  Office of the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD re Cardiology CT scanner and Cath Lab services at SUH.
    8. Email response dated 23rd May 2025 from the  Office of the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD re
    9. Acknowledgement email dated 27th May from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD re breast density notification law.
    10. Acknowledgement email dated 27th May from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD re request for funding for Sligo University Hospital damage.
    11. Acknowledgement email dated 27th May from the office of the Minister for Education and Youth, Ms. Helen McEntee TD re DEIS and non-DEIS schools.
    12. Acknowledgement email dated 27th May from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD re development of proposed new multiservice surgical block at Sligo University Hospital.
    13. Acknowledgement email dated 27th May from the office of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment re Council’s resolution on energy security and  renewable energy as a planning condition.
    14. Email response dated 27th May 2025 from the office of the Minister for Education and Youth, Ms. Helen McEntee TD re DEIS and non-DEIS schools.
    15. Email response dated 27th May from the Office of the AILG President Mr. Kieran O’Hanlon re Local Democracy Taskforce.
    16. Acknowledgement email dated 27th May from Mr. Martin Heydon T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
    17. Acknowledgement email dated 27th May from the office of the Minister for Finance, Mr Paschal Donohoe TD re 05/2025-24.
    18. Acknowledgement email dated 29th May from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, TD re driving tests.
    19. Acknowledgement email dated 29th May from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, TD re 05/2025-28.
    20. Letter dated 29th May 2025 from Donegal County Council resolution on State of Israel Bonds Issuance Programme.
    21. Acknowledgement letter dated 28th May from the Office of the Taoiseach re 02/2025-26.
    22. Acknowledgement letter dated 28th May from the Office of the Taoiseach re 05/2025-20.
    23. Acknowledgement letter dated 28th May from the Office of the Taoiseach re 05/2025-50.
    24. Acknowledgement letter dated 28th May from the Office of the Taoiseach re 05/2025-40.
  35. Matters arising from Minutes.
  36. Any other business.

Meeting Date 06/06/2025