Agendas 2025
Agenda of September Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held Monday, 8th September 2025 at 10 a.m.
Sligo County Council
Corporate Services,
County Hall,
Riverside,
Sligo
2nd September 2025
TO: THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held
ON: Monday 8th September 2025
AT: 10.00 a.m.
IN: Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
You are requested to attend.
Sinead Branley
Meetings Administrator
CLÁR
- To note Minutes of meeting of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Climate and Infrastructure held on 31st March, 2025. (Copy attached)
- To note Minutes of meetings of Sligo County Council’s Twinning Committee Meetings held on a)15th April, 2025 and b) 22nd April, 2025. (Copies attached)
- To note minutes of Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 12th May 2025. (Copy attached)
- To note minutes of meetings of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on a) 19th May, 2025 and b) 20th June, 2025. (A.G.M.) (Copies attached)
- To note minutes of meetings of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on a) 26th May, 2025 and b) 7th July, 2025 (A.G.M.) (Copies attached)
- To confirm Minutes of Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 30th June, 2025. (Copy attached)
- To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th July, 2025. (Copy attached)
- To receive a presentation from Sligo B.I.D.
- To consider the Chief Executive’s Report on Part 8 for Cleveragh Regional Park, Sligo. (Copy attached)
- To approve the Freedom of the county protocol. (Copy attached)
- To consider requests for Civic receptions.
- To appoint Officials of Sligo County Council to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee. (Report attached)
- To consider update to Council Standing Orders. (Report attached)
- Appointment of Member to the Association of Irish Local Government (A.I.L.G.) (Report attached)
- To set date for Budget 2026 Meeting and dates for Municipal District Budget meetings.
- To set a date for a Special Meeting to consider the nomination of a candidate for the Presidential Election. (Report to follow)
- To note the Management Report for July-August 2025. (Copy to follow)
DEFERRED MOTIONS
- 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.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
“Can Sligo County Council give an update on the Active Travel Programme in Sligo; projects funded in 2025, the stage each project is at and associated delivery timelines, projects still awaiting further approval to move to the next stage by the NTA and the work plan for 2025.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
“We call on Sligo County Council to use all measures at their disposal to ensure that those struggling with the Cost of Living crises are shielded from any further increases in outgoings. Families and individuals are already facing rising costs from rent and housing costs to day to day groceries, goods and services. This is before we come into the winter months where people are stretched even further and sometimes have to decide between heating or eating.
We further call on this council to engage with relevant ministers and request funding to develop initiatives at a local level, that will ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities are supported in the difficult months ahead.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
“In light of Sligo’s rise in homelessness this council will:
- Officially demand the Housing Minister issue a directive halting no-fault evictions under Section 10 of the Housing Act.
- This council will CPO derelict homes into emergency housing.
- Sligo County Council audit all council-owned land for public housing or modular housing development potential.”
MOTIONS
- To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
“To call on this Council to seek additional funds from the Department of Housing to enable the immediate reopening of Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability Mobility Aids Grants, and Housing Aid for Older People. I am also seeking additional funding from Council resources to process all applications received up to date of Mr. Murphy's press release.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
“That this Council rejects the European Commission proposal to merge the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding with other funds. This will result in a downgrading of food production. I also request that this Council write to the Minister for Agriculture and Food offering him our full support in defending the CAP.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
“To call on this Council to request Re-turn to install bin surrounds on public bins in Sligo. This will provide the public with a convenient and visible recycling option.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the defective concrete block scheme. Has Sligo County Council received the funding & resources from the department of housing?- Time frame when applications will open
- How many more public consultations are to take place?
- When is the in house pyrite committee to meet again?
- To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to seek an “urgent meeting” with Stena Line as they have announced the closure of its Rosslare – Cherbourg route, ending travel with the service between Ireland and France” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Garda Commissioner to provide an update on the provision of an Armed Support Unit Base for County Sligo and if he will outline a timeline of when this critical and urgent policing resource will be put in place.
That this motion be relayed to the Minister for Justice, the Chief Superintendent for Sligo, Leitrim and the 5 Oireachtas members.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
“Calling on Sligo County Council to set up similar to other counties asking people to sign the Green Dog Walker Pledge and become a local Ambassador supporting responsible dog ownership!
People submit a pledge form using a link or by scanning our QR code and they receive a FREE Green Dog Walker pack containing a High-Vis Vest, Dog Lead attachment, and Dog Poo Bags to help combat the scourge of dog fouling across our county.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
“Recognising that people with disabilities have the same right to use and enjoy public spaces that we all share; Acknowledging the obstacles which people with disabilities face in their daily lives, including badly parked vehicles and bicycles, billboards, over-grown hedges and other ill-placed hazards; Understanding that most obstacles are caused by thoughtlessness and genuine lack of awareness; this Council reiterates its support for Ireland’s Annual “Make Way Day” which takes place this year on Friday 26th September." - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
“That Sligo County Council detail what explorative work has taken place, if any, on the much needed provision of an aire-style facility in Sligo that will provide motor home users with a safe, low-cost parking area with waste disposal and water refill station.
Such facilities across Europe have proven highly effective in promoting tourism, beneficial to the local economies, and also it would promote sustainable travel.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
“Given that Teagasc got 106 million from the Irish exchequer in 2024 and the number of employees earning over €100,000 at state agency Teagasc increased by 16 to 124 last year, this Council now calls on the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, T.D. and the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, T.D. to carry out a robust root and branch review of all their activities, and to provide a value for money report on their operations.
According to the 2024 Teagasc Annual Report, which shows that four members of staff earned between €170,000 and €200,000, with another member of staff earning between €150,000 and €160,000. A further 25 staff earned between €130,000 and €150,000, with 40 earning between €120,000 to €130,000. A further 54 earned between €100,000 and €120,000. The total remuneration for Teagasc director, Professor Frank O’Mara, increased from €184,000 to €192,000 last year.” - 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 metre square.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor E. McSharry:
“That Sligo County Council write to the HSE to carry out an audit of the usage of the €100,000 Suaimhneas Room (home-from-home delivery suite) at Sligo University Hospital over the past year — to identify its usage rates, capital cost breakdown, staffing, training or procedural barriers — to ensure it is fully utilised to improve maternal outcomes and value for money.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor E. McSharry:
“That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and to Sport Ireland, requesting the establishment of a High-Performance Pathway Income to provide a monthly stipend for emerging and relay & pool athletes; and further writes to the Minister for Social Protection seeking the creation of a bespoke social-protection disregard for athletes in recognised high-performance programmes.
Council also calls for ring-fenced regional support within Athletics Ireland’s performance structures to ensure athletes training outside Dublin hubs, including those from Sligo, are not disadvantaged.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
“That Sligo County Council call on the Government to commit to investing €15 million annually in the Irish Post Office Network. It is essential to securing this crucial investment, ensuring Post Offices can continue delivering vital services and promoting community well-being and local economic development.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
“To ask that Sligo County Council write to the HSE and Department of Health to recognise the urgent need for a dedicated MS Ireland Community Worker to serve the more than 300 people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Sligo and Leitrim, the only counties in Ireland without such a post.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
“That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Health and the HSE, requesting the provision of enhanced support services for individuals living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in County Sligo. Specifically, we call for:
1. Increased resourcing of homecare and specialist equipment provision.
2. Improved access to multidisciplinary supports, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and palliative care for those affected by MND.
3. Support in establishing a regional support hub, potentially in collaboration with the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), to provide information, guidance, and direct services to families and caregivers.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Housing to urgently expand modular housing delivery and bring vacant and serviced sites into use, to reduce homelessness and address the 1,500 households currently on Sligo’s housing waiting list.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
“That the meeting be provided with a progress report in respect of: (1) the provision of a boardwalk to allow 24 hour safe access to the second beach at Rosses Point and (2) the improvement of facilities at the Deadman’s Point swimming pool including the construction of a shelter for swimmers.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
“I ask the Director of Services to outline what funding has been allocated to Sligo County Council re. Office of Public Works and minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan:
“Ask the Director of Services to give up date re. RRDF projects that have been allocated funding from the Department.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
“I ask Sligo County Council for an update on commencement dates for 2025 on active travel footpath and bus shelters projects in villages in Co Sligo.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
“That this Council calls on the Government to invest €15 million annually in the Post Office Network to safeguard essential community, financial, and Government services nationwide.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
“Given that there are now 5014 children in homelessness, I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin to declare a housing emergency in Ireland so that emergency measures can be used to tackle homelessness.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
“To call on Sligo County Council or Uisce Éireann to prepare a report giving details of the remaining available capacity at all Sligo s sewerage treatment plants, outlining the proposed program and timeframe for all expansion plans at all Sligo's facilities and to outline all new land to be serviced.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor L. Brennan:
“I ask Sligo County Council to liaise with Sligo University hospital management on the following points:- Ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to consider extending the hospital shuttle bus service at Sligo University Hospital to include weekends. This will assist patients who have mobility issues in reaching the new temporary entrance from the car park, a distance of approximately 0.5 km. Many day clinics operate on weekends and there is need for this service for patients as well as visitors to the hospital.
- Explore designating a small number of parking spaces at the new temporary entrance exclusively for patients who may have mobility issues, similar in concept to mother-and-child parking spaces. This would be in addition to blue badge spaces that may already exist.
- Provide an update regarding plans for the future main entrance of the hospital, including its intended location.”
- To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
“That Sligo County Council pursue the installation of a retractable canopy/ covering for Queen Maeves Square to allow for the holding of yearlong, non-weather dependent events in this excellent public space.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
“That Sligo County Council introduce an annual sports bursary to support our local junior athletes when representing Ireland at international events. This funding will go towards their costs such as training camps and travel to events and remove the need for ongoing individual fund-raising activities.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to reinstate the 9% VAT rate for food-led businesses from 1 January 2026 as part of Budget 2026, to protect jobs, prevent further closures and stop the hollowing out of towns and villages across County Sligo. With 99.6% of businesses in the sector being SMEs, failure to reinstate the 9% VAT rate will result in the closure of many small businesses in our communities.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
“To request the Planning Department provide an update on works progressed to date in light of the new Section 28 Guidelines issued in July 2025 by the Department of Housing, specifically what measures are we taking or planning to take to comply with new instructions?” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
“Noting that Sligo and Leitrim are the only two counties in the state without a MS Community Workers, this Council calls on the HSE to provide the necessary resources to MS Ireland, to provide a full-time Community Worker for Sligo and Leitrim.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
“Can this Council outline the current expected handover dates for each social/affordable scheme currently in construction along with number of units and breakdown of bed numbers in each.
Can the council outline development name, number and unit breakdown of part 5 houses in pipeline alongside current expected handover dates.
Finally, can the Council address the chamber on plans for future social/affordable schemes considering the recent issues with the PPP scheme which was planned for Finisklin.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
“That this Council writes to Uisce Éireann requesting that they review current processing timelines of Certificates of Feasibility and Quality Assurance checklists.
Expediating these stages will greatly assist housing developments reach the market sooner.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
“Can Sligo County Council confirm how many 60kph signs and how many signs with the 5 diagonal lines have been installed in County Sligo since the 60kph local road default speed limit was introduced.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
“That Sligo County Council confirm if the final decision on the upcoming and overdue revision of the “Road Traffic (Special Speed |Limits) (County of Sligo) Bye Laws, 2019 as amended by Sligo County on 11th November 2019 is a reserved function of the members of Sligo County Council and if TII, The Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport or the executive can over rule the decision of elected members on National, Regional or Local Roads.” - To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
“That Sligo County Council change the left turn arrow in the Northbound Lane on the N15 at the junction with the R291 to always stay Green unless the Right turn arrow is green for southbound traffic on the N15 or a pedestrian has pushed the button to cross the R291.
Currently the lights only appear to be green when the light is green for Northbound traffic to proceed on the N15. When Traffic is emerging from the R291 onto the N15 there should be no reason why traffic cannot proceed onto the R291 from the N15 and avoiding backups and delays onto the N15 and the Junction with the N16.” - Votes of sympathy.
- Votes of congratulations.
- To approve the Conference/Training events, as circulated.
- To note the summary of proceedings of Conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5)(f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
- Correspondence:
- Acknowledgement from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. rainwater harvesting grant scheme,
- E-mail dated 2nd July, 2025 from Mr. Keith McGrory regarding the Irish Presidential Election 2025,
- Acknowledgement dated 8th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. request for funding for house purchases,
- Acknowledgement dated 8th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. ring-fenced emergency fund for homelessness prevention measures,
- Acknowledgement dated 8th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. funding for acquisition of second-hand houses for priority cases,
- Acknowledgement dated 8th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. social and affordable housing delays,
- Acknowledgement dated 10th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. boundary fences at housing estates,
- Letter dated 9th July, 2025 from the Residential Director of “Panda”,
- Letter dated 10th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment re. future proofing of Ireland’s energy security,
- Copy of resolution agreed by Waterford City and County Council re. sale of Israeli bonds,
- Acknowledgement dated 14th July, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. support for the Irish Road Haulage Association,
- Acknowledgement dated 14th July, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. protection of rural Ireland,
- Acknowledgement dated 14th July, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. combating violence against women,
- Acknowledgement dated 14th July, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. “Sláintecare”,
- Acknowledgement dated 14th July, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. housing project at “Rathellen”, Far Finisklin, Sligo,
- Acknowledgement dated 14th July, 2025 from Corporate Services Office, An Garda Síochána re. fixed and average speed cameras,
- Copy of resolution agreed by Wexford County Council re. eliminating blanket bans on pets in tenancy agreements,
- Acknowledgement from the office of the Minister for Education and Youth re. autism classes in Sligo,
- Letter dated 15th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Health re. Sláintecare,
- Acknowledgement from the office of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade re. hosting of Council of Ministers Meeting,
- Letter from Cllr. Kieran O’Hanlon, President of the Association of Irish Local Government re. the Local Democracy Task Force,
- Letter dated 15th July, 2025 from Mr. Robert Troy, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance re. insurance cover for playgrounds,
- Letter dated 14th July, 2025 from the Marine Survey Office in the Department of Transport re. access to Inishmurray Island,
- Letter dated 17th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr. James Lawless, T.D., re. higher education costs,
- Acknowledgement dated 18th July, 2025 from the office of Mr. Seán Canney, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport re. Collooney-Claremorris rail line,
- Acknowledgement dated 18th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Finance, Mr. Paschal Donohoe, T.D. re. Budget 2025,
- Acknowledgement dated 17th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Mr. Darragh O’Brien, T.D., re. driver testing for category ‘W’,
- Acknowledgement dated 17th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Mr. Darragh O’Brien, T.D., re. Collooney-Claremorris rail line,
- Acknowledgement dated 17th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Mr. Darragh O’Brien, T.D., re. discounted electricity bills for customers affected by Storm Éowyn,
- Acknowledgement dated 16th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Social Protection re. means test for Carer’s allowance,
- Letter dated 17th July, 2025 from the Road Safety Authority re. driver testing for ‘W’ category drivers,
- Resolution agreed by Waterford City and County Council (July Meeting) re. Carer’s allowance and Benefit reform,
- Letter dated 22nd July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Health, Ms. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D. re. pain relief options for invasive cervical procedures,
- Acknowledgement dated 21st July, 2025 from the office of the Tánaiste re. proposal to impose lower welfare increases,
- Acknowledgement dated 18th July, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Social Protection re. Budget 2026,
- Correspondence regarding training for Strategic Polic Committee (SPC) Chairs and senior officials supporting SPCs,
- Letter dated 24th July, 2025 from Mr. Seán Murphy, Head of Public Affairs, E.S.B. re. discounted electricity bills for customers affected by Storm Éowyn,
- Letter dated 21st May, 2025 from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications re. heating boilers,
- Letter dated 27th June, 2025 from the office of Minister Norma Foley, T.D. re. provision of childcare services in the Bundoran-Sligo region,
- Acknowledgement dated 18th July, 2025 from the office of Minister Canney re. status of Collooney-Claremorris rail line,
- Resolution from Limerick City and County Council regarding college fees,
- Letter dated 1st August, 2025 from the Department of Social Protection re. means testing for Carer’s allowance,
- E-mail from Uisce Éireann dated 1st August, 2025 regarding workshop with Elected Members,
- Letter dated 1st August, 2025 from Mr. Alan Dillon, T.D., Minister of State re. the Deposit Return Scheme,
- Letter dated 1st August, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Mr. Darragh O’Brien, T.D. re. funding for N17 route,
- Acknowledgement dated 7th August, 2025 from the office of Minister Browne re. “Rathellen” housing project, Far Finisklin, Sligo,
- Letter dated 8th August, 2025 from Galway City Council enclosing resolution agreed by Donegal County Council re. dismantling of the triple lock,
- Resolution agreed by Limerick City and County Council re. ribbon development legislation,
- Resolution agreed by Limerick City and County Council re. provision of a liaison/link to Community welfare for tenants,
- Resolution agreed by Tipperary County Council re. publication of regulations for renewable energy,
- Acknowledgement dated 13th August, 2025 from the office of Minister Darragh O’Brien re. Sligo-Dublin and commuter rail services,
- Letter dated 13th August, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Health re. food safety policy,
- Letter dated 13th August, 2025 from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment re. energy prices for households,
- Copy of resolution adopted by Donegal County Council re. National Affordable Housing Schemes,
- Copy of resolution adopted by Donegal County Council re. socio economic status and equality legislation,
- E-mail dated 11th August, 2025 from the office of Minister for Health regarding the provision of a surgical hub in Sligo (re. resolution from June meeting of Sligo County Council),
- E-mail dated 11th August, 2025 from the office of Minister for Health regarding the provision of a surgical hub in Sligo (re. resolution from July meeting of Sligo County Council),
- Letter from Sligo B.I.D. in reply to resolution regarding potential for a Christmas market in Queen Maeve Square,
- Copy of Peace Declaration delivered at the Nagasaki Peace Ceremony,
- Letter dated 11th August, 2025 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland re. fixed and average speed cameras on the N15/N17 routes,
- Letter dated 29th August, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration re. Sligo Garda Station,
- Letter dated 8th August, 2025 from the office of Minister Norma Foley, T.D. re. provision of childcare services in the Bundoran-Sligo region,
- Resolution agreed by Offaly County Council re. inclusion of Part 5 houses in the Tenant Purchase Scheme,
- Letter dated 20th August, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Transport re. National road funding and
- Acknowledgement dated 29th August, 2025 from the office of the Assistance Commissioner, An Garda Síochána re. fixed and average speed cameras on the N15 and N17 routes in Sligo.
- Matters arising from Minutes.
- Any other business.
Meeting Date 08/09/2025