Minutes 2002

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 14th January 2002 at 11.00 am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • L. Conlon,
  • M. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Devins,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Higgins,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan,
  • B. Scanlon,
  • E. Scanlon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager.
  • Ms. M. McConnell, Acting Director of Services.
  • Mr. S. Concannon, Director of Services.
  • Mr. P. Forkan, Director of Services.
  • Mr. T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance.
  • Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer.
  • Mr. J. McHugh, Senior Engineer.
  • Mr. K. Larkin, Senior Engineer.
  • Mr. B. Carolan, Senior Planner.
  • Mr. D. Tinney, County Librarian.
  • Mr. D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer.
  • Ms. S. Ryan, Heritage Officer.
  • Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. G. Salter, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Ms. K. McDaniel, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. J. Gethin, Administrative Officer.
  • Ms. M. McDonagh, Public Art Co-Ordinator.
  • Ms. J. Currid, Staff Officer.
  • Mr. D. Kelly, Assistant Staff Officer.
  • Ms. M. Bruen, Clerical Officer.

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. McLoughlin presided.

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 0F 10/12/2001:

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry,

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 10th December, 2001 be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF ESTIMATES MEETING HELD ON 03/12/2001:

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry,

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Estimates meeting of the Council held on the 3rd December, 2001, be and are hereby approved”.

MINUTES OF S.P.C. MEETING OF 24/09/2001:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn,

AND AGREED

That the minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 4 Meeting held on the 24th September, 2001 be and are hereby approved.”

MINUTES OF AREA MEETING OF 15/10/2001:

Proposed by Councillor P. Branley,
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn,

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Area Meeting held on the 15th October, 2001 be and are hereby approved”.

DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY:

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council dispose of Council property at Skreen, Co. Sligo to the North Western Health Board in accordance with Section 83 of the Local Government Act, 1946 as amended by Section 88(3) of the Housing Act, 1966 and Section 26(1)(b) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 and the Planning and Development Act, 2000”.

DRAFT COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2002 – 2006:

Ms. S. Ryan, Heritage Officer outlined details of the Draft County Sligo Heritage Plan (2002 – 2006).

A number of Councillors welcomed the plan and complimented the staff in preparing same.

In response to Councillor Bree, Ms. Ryan indicated that, with regard to the Council representative on the Heritage Forum, the guidelines for same were issued by the Heritage Council and were brought before a Strategic Policy Committee Meeting.

The County Manager indicated that a County Archaeologist would advise the Council generally and may advise Community Groups on Archaeological matters generally, but would not be involved in planning applications.

Following a discussion in this matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,

AND AGREED

“To adopt the draft County Sligo Heritage Plan 2002 –2006”

After a further discussion in this matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor J. Perry,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“That the Minister for the Arts, Culture, Heritage would make an annual allocation of 100,000 punts or euro equivalent towards the implementation of the County Plan, also that the fund would be ringfenced”.

ARTICLE 134 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 1994 (PART X):

Mr. G. Salter, Senior Executive Engineer outlined the contents of his report in relation to the construction of a slip-way and coastal protection scheme in the townland of  Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill.

A number of Councillors welcomed this project.

In response to queries from a number of members, Mr. Salter indicated that it is hoped to have the project completed by mid 2002. He further indicated that the scheme will have a life span of 50 years approximately.

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin,
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Article 134 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994 (Part X) proceed with the construction of slip-way and Coastal Protection Scheme in the townland of Carrowdough and Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill”.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN MAYO AND SLIGO MAYO AND SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 59 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1955 WITH REGARD TO THE N-17:

Report in relation to this matter was circulated to  members with the Agenda for their consideration.

In response to members queries, Mr. Tommy Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that re-alignment is a general term used for new road projects such as this. He confirmed that consultation will take place with landowners and others affected by the scheme.

Following a discussion on the matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan,
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn,

“That Sligo County Council pursuant to the provisions of Section 59 of the Local Government Act, 1955, shall enter into an agreement with Mayo County Council whereby Mayo County Council, being able and willing so to do, shall arrange for the design and construction of the route of National Primary Road N17 in the townlands of Drumbaun, Curry and Bunnacrannagh running southwards to the county boundary with County Mayo by-passing Curry and Charlestown”.

Following a further discussion on this matter it was agreed to put the motion to a vote and the result is as follows:-

For the motion: - Barry, Branley, Cawley, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, Conmy, Devins, Fleming, McGarry, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Murray, Perry, Queenan and E. Scanlon.
Against the motion: - Bree, Higgins, MacManus, Parke and B. Scanlon.

As the result was 15 for and 5 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

PROPOSED VARIATION OF COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN – ROADS IMPROVEMENT:

Director Forkan outlined the contents of the report in relation to the proposed variation.

After a discussion in this matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,

“To approve report on the proposed variation of the County Development Plan 1999 – 2004 for the purposes of amending Section 3.8.1 - Roads Improvement”

After a further discussion it was agreed to put the motion to a vote and the result is as follows: -

For the motion: - Barry, Branley, Cawley, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Higgins, McGarry, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Murray, Perry, Queenan, E. Scanlon.
Against the motion: - Bree, MacManus, Parke, B. Scanlon.

As the result was 15 for and 4 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

PLANNED MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME FOR COUNCIL HOUSING:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor McLoughlin asked that this item to deferred to the February Council meeting at the request of the Chairperson of Strategic Policy Committee 4 who was not in a position to attend this meeting. This was agreed.

ESSENTIAL REPAIR GRANT SCHEME:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor McLoughlin  asked that this item be deferred to the February Council meeting at the request of the Chairperson of Strategic Policy Committee 4 who was not in a position to attend this meeting. This was agreed.

DRAFT ACTION PLAN ON HOMELESSNESS:

A number of members welcomed this plan and complimented all those involved with working with the homeless.

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry,
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“To approve the Draft Action Plan on Homelessness”

After a discussion in this matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry,
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin,

AND AGREED

“That the Chairman of Sligo County Council Housing S.P.C. be elected to Sligo Homeless Forum as our representative”.

PER CENT FOR ART SCHEME:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor McLoughlin asked that this item be deferred to the February Council meeting at the request of the chairperson of Strategic Policy Committee 4 who was not in a position to attend this meeting. This was agreed.

ONCE-OFF ALLOCATIONIN 2002 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND:

The County Manager outlined the contents of his report indicating his proposal for allocation of additional funds of £695,221 (€ 882,749) to be divided between Sligo County Council and Sligo Corporation.

A number of members welcomed this extra allocation and complimented the Manager on securing additional funding. However, a further number of members expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed allocations querying the basis on which the Council were being allocated a portion of this additional fund.

A discussion followed on this matter in relation to the implications of the additional allocation for both Local Authorities.

Following discussion in this matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

“To approve report and schedule dated the 14th January, 2002 from the County Manager on the once-off allocation of € 882,749 (£695,221) in the 2002 Local Government Fund, and the setting out of addition expenditure of £325,000 and to approve the over-expenditure in this amount to be incurred by the Council in respect of these charges in accordance with Section 11 of the City and County Management (Amendment) Act, 1955”

Following a further discussion in this matter it was agreed to put the motion to a vote and the result is as follows: -

For the motion: - Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Higgins, McGuinn, McLoughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Queenan and E. Scanlon.
Against the motion: - Bree, McGarry, B. Scanlon.
Abstentions: MacManus.

As the result was 17 for and 3 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

E-COMMERCE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE:

It was agreed to defer this item to the February Council meeting.

REQUEST EIRCOM TO REMOVE POLES AT KINARD:

Councillor Conmy asked the Council to request Eircom to remove poles at Kinard, Enniscrone and put the cable underground and also that the Council remove the dangerous bends at Kinard, Enniscrone.

In response, Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that Eircom have informed the Enniscrone Area Engineer that some civil works are required at Trotts and these will be completed by the end of January. He further added that Eircom will then arrange to have the overhead lines put underground and redundant poles removed. He further indicated that the Council have purchased land in this vicinity in 2001 and that an application for a grant to re-align this section of regional road has been made to the Department of Environment and Local Government. The Council await notification of approval of Grants from the Department for 2002 in February.

UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT AT ABBEYTOWN:

Councillor Bree asked if the Council had received correspondence relating to unauthorised development at Abbeytown, Ballisodare, and what action the Council has taken with regard to the matter.

In response, Mr. Declan Breen, Senior Executive Officer indicated that two complaints were received by the Council in December last with regard to this matter and that it was being investigated at present. He further added that a meeting is to be arranged with the developer to discuss the matter.

RECRETIONAL AREA OF GIBRALTAR:

Councillor Bree asked the Council for a progress report on the proposed refurbishment and development of the planned recreational area of Gibraltar.

In response, Mr. Padraig Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer indicated that a meeting is to be arranged with the Corporation’s Parks Superintendent and the Chairperson of the local residents group in relation to this matter. He further indicated that this project can be submitted to the Task Force dealing with funding under the Peace II Programme. He further added that it is hoped to have an update in this matter by April or May of this year.

It was agreed to take item no. 19 and 22 together.

COSTS OF THE PROPOSED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND C.P.O. AT CHAPEL ROAD, CLIFFONEY:

Councillors B. Scanlon and S. MacManus requested a breakdown of the total costs incurred by the Council in relation to the proposed housing development at Chapel Road, and the serving of the Compulsory Purchase Orders on the residents of Chapel Road, Cliffoney.

In response, Ms. M. McConnell, Acting Director of Services indicated that advertising in the Sligo Champion cost £1,000.00, valuation and land registry fees amounted to £ 500.00, and Postage and Copying cost £ 133.00. She further added that it is difficult to isolate exact costs in respect of staff time as, at any given time, a number of projects are being processed together in terms of advancing the aims of the Housing Strategy. She further indicated that design costs were not a significant factor as a detailed design scheme had not been prepared. She advised that no legal expenses have been incurred in this matter. She further indicated that a letter has been issued to An Bord Pleanala advising that the Council is not proceeding with the Compulsory Purchase Order, that a response is awaited confirming this request in the next week or so and that members from the elected area and all residents involved will be notified in this matter.

RAMP ON FOOTPATH AT ROSSES POINT:

Councillor B. Scanlon asked that a ramp be  constructed on the footpath adjacent to the accesspoint to the pier at Rosses Point to allow wheelchair users access and egress to and from the footpath.

In response, Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that this footpath will be ramped in the normal maintenance programme in the near future.

RECOVERY OF ORGANIC WASTE REGULATIONS 2001:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus,
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins,

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for the Environment to abandon the proposed farming industry targeted ‘Recovery of Organic Waste Regulations, 2001’, it been our view that, as framed, the intended measures are extreme in character, are a disproportionate response to the prevailing level of threat to water quality, are scientifically and legally ill-informed and in implementation would prove a budgetary and administrative burden for this and other local authorities across the state. Further, members of this Council believe leakage from old, faulty or damaged septic tanks, to be a greater immediate threat to waters and public health than recycled animal waste from small holdings or non-intensive farm operations and, accordingly, we urge the Minister and Government to make this a priority issue by at once reversing the decision to refuse grant-aid for the up-grading of septic tank systems and soakage/percolation areas and, to encourage maximum uptake, provide grant aid of not less than 75% of the gross cost of all materials, including replacement tanks, and site works”.

Councillor MacManus asked that this motion be circulated to all Local Authority Representative Groups.

RE-CYCLING AND COMPOSTING:

Councillor M. Fleming asked that an emergency plan for re-cycling and composting should be initiated, to combat illegal dumping.

In response, Mr. John McHugh, Senior Engineer indicated that a number of meetings have been held with the waste contractors, who are being encouraged to move to a prepaid bag collection system. He further indicated that the Environmental Awareness Officer has been meeting with Community Development Groups giving information and advice with regard to home composting. He indicated that it is proposed to provide 20 additional bring banks throughout the county in the current year and that provision for the recycling of plastic bottles is at present being incorporated into all sites. He also indicated that work has been commenced on the identification of suitable sites for recycling centres for Sligo and Tubbercurry, and the planing of these facilities will be progressed as quickly as possible.

REQUEST FOR SOCIAL WORKER FOR TUBBERCURRY AREA:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“That the Council request the North Western Health Board to provide the services of a Social Worker for the Tubbercurry Area on a regular basis.

SMALL INVESTORS WHO PURCHASED SHARES IN TELECOM EIREANN:

It was agreed to defer this item to the February Council Meeting.

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR E.S.B.’S 220/110kv FLAGFORD TO SRANANAGH PROJECT:

It was also agreed to defer item no. 26.

NEW SCHOOL FOR ARDKEERAN N.S.:

It was agreed to defer this item to the February Council Meeting.

TIMESCALE IN PHASE 2 OF UPGRADE OF HILLVIEW DRIVE, BALLYMOTE:

It was agreed to defer this item to the February Council Meeting.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy,
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Des Clarke, Benbulben Hotel, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo on the death of his mother, Doris”

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Gerry Conmy, Cartron, Easkey, Co. Sligo on the death of his brother, Joe”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming,
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs. Irene Brennan, Moylough, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo on the death of her husband, Tony”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs. Marian Kennedy, Muckelty, Tobercurry, Sligo on the death of her mother, Elenor”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Bernie Brennan, Ballymote Toad, Tobercurry, Sligo on the death of his wife, Una”.

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Eileen Powey and family, Bellaghy, Charlestown P.O., Co. Sligo on the death of John”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Ms. Nora Coleman, Knocknahoo, Gurteen, Co. Sligo on the death of her husband, Jackie”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Des O’Hara, Annaghmore, Gurteen, Co. Sligo on the death of his mother, Bridget”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Kevin Meehan, Lisserlough, Boyle, Co. Sligo on the death of his wife, Maura.”

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox,
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Ann and John Scanlon, 5 Bridge Street, Sligo on the death of Gerard”.

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins,
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Ann Marie Scanlon, 5 Bridge Street, Sligo and to John Scanlon, Bridge Street, Sligo on the death of Jerry”.

CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland Spring Seminar 2002 in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry on the 15th and 16th February, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary,

AND AGREED

“That Councillors McGuinn, Murray, Colleary, Fleming, Higgins and B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland Spring Seminar 2002 in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry on the 15th and 16th February, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon,
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry,

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Barrett, McGarry, Parke and McLoughlin be nominated to attend the Cumann Merriman, Scoil Gheimridh 2002 in Gleann Maghair, Corcaigh from the 1st – 3rd February, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy,

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Murray, Perry, Fleming, Cawley, Parke, McLoughlin and Fox be nominated to attend the General Council of County Councils Annual Seminar in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan on the 7th and 8th February, 2002”

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Bree and B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Cumann Merriman, Scoil Gheimridh 2002 in Gleann Maghair, Corcaigh from the 1st – 3rd February, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Bree and B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the General Council of County Councils Annual Seminar in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan on the 7th and 8th February, 2002”

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins,
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor P. Branley be nominated to attend the Cumann Merriman, Scoil Gheimridh 2002 in Gleann Maghair, Corcaigh from the 1st – 3rd February, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor P. Branley,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Winter Tourism Conference 2001 in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare on the 23rd and 24th November, 2001”

CORRESPONDENCE:

Councillor S. MacManus referred to Letter dated the 17th December, 2001 as received from the Department of Environment and Local Government in relation to Remedial Works Scheme and suggested that the Council write again to the Department in this matter.

A number of members expressed dissatisfaction with regard to Letter dated the 20th December, 2001 as received from the Department of Environment and Local Government in relation to a resolution passed at a recent Council meeting with regard to telecommunication antennae.

In response to Councillor Murray, Mr. P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that the Council did receive an acknowledgement letter from the Office of Public Works indicating that there is no funding available for Owenmore River Drainage. Councillor Murray suggested that the Council write again to the Office of Public Works in this matter.

Both Councillors McGuinn and Parke asked that the Council write to the National Roads Authority with regard to the National Primary Road Project from Sligo to Dundalk.

Councillor Fleming referred to letter dated the 3rd January, 2002 as received from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs with regard to the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. He asked that a further letter be issued to the Department in relation to this matter.

Corporate Policy Group Minutes of the 19th November 2001, Letter received from the IPA with regard to Councillor Training/Planning Policy and letter in relation to Local Government (Representational Payment for Members) Regulations, 2001 were circulated to members.

Copies of the Local Government Act, 2001 were made available to members who had not yet received a copy of same.

MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

Councillor MacManus referred to the motion agreed at the meeting of the 10th December, 2001 with regard to granting planning permission for dwellings in rural areas

In response to Councillor S. MacManus, Director Forkan indicated that this matter could be considered in the framing of the new Development Plan in 2004. He further indicated that the matter is being considered by the Planning Department. Councillor Fleming suggested that this matter be considered by Strategic Policy Committee 1.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach referred to the electronic display of agenda, minutes and reports which were on screen at the meeting and which is now to become standard practice. He acknowledged the assistance of Ms. Jenny Currid, Staff Officer, Mr. Damien Kelly, Assistant Staff Officer and Ms. Mary Bruen, Clerical Officer, in making this available.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor McLoughlin indicated that the February Council meeting would be held on the 4th February, 2002 at 3.00 p.m. with the Standing Orders Committee Meeting to be held at 2.00 p.m on the same day.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 2.20 p.m.


Meeting Date 14/01/2002