Minutes 2002

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 20th May, 2002 at 3.00 pm in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

• Barrett,
• Barry,
• Branley,
• Bree,
• Cawley,
• L. Conlon,
• M. Conlon,
• Devins,
• Fleming,
• Fox,
• Gormley,
• Higgins,
• Leonard,
• MacManus,
• McGarry,
• McGuinn,
• Murray,
• Parke,
• Perry
• Queenan.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

• Mr H. Kearns, County Manager.
• Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services.
• Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services.
• Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance.
• Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer.
• Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer.
• Ms M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer.
• Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer.
• Ms E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
• Ms K. McDaniel, Senior Executive Engineer
• Mr G. Salter, Senior Executive Engineer
• Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer.
• Ms R. Feely, Arts Office.
• Ms D. McDonagh, Senior Staff Officer.
• Mr D. Willis, Estate Management Officer.
• Ms T. Rooney, Senior Staff Officer.
• Ms J. Currid, Staff Officer.
• Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
• Ms S. Malone, Assistant Staff Officer.

APOLOGIES:

• Apologies were received from Councillor B. Scanlon.

CATHAOIRLEACH:

In the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, it was: -

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox,

AND AGREED

“That Councillor R. McGuinn would preside as Cathaoirleach”.

At the outset Congratulations were extended by a number of Councillors to Councillor Devins and Councillor Perry on their success at the recent Dail Elections. Commiseration’s were extended to Councillors Bree, McManus and Scanlon. The Councillors also paid tribute to the local press and local radio on their impartial coverage of the election.

The County Manger on his own behalf and on behalf of the staff wished to be associated with the sentiments expressed.

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF 08/04/2002:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 8th April, 2002 be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF ADJOURNED MEETING OF 15/04/2002:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting held on 15th April, 2002, be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE MEETING OF 04/02/2002 AND 04/03/2002:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Standing Orders Committee meetings of 04/02/2002 and 04/03/2002 be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF S.P.C. MEETINGS:

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the following Strategic Policy Committee Meetings: -

• Strategic Policy Committee 2 Meeting held on the 18th February, 2002,
• Strategic Policy Committee 3 Meeting held on the 18th February, 2002,
• Strategic Policy Committee 4 Meeting held on the 5th February, 2002,

be and are hereby confirmed.”

ARTICLE 134 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 1994 (PART X) WITH REGARD TO THE REALIGNMENT OF R 292 (STRANDHILL ROAD) AT BALLYDOOGAN/KNAPPAGHMORE):

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Part X of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Regulations, 1994, (report prepared in accordance with Article 134) proceed with the realignment of R 292 (Strandhill Road) at Ballydoogan

ARTICLE 134 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 1994, (PART X) WITH REGARD TO BREAKWATER AND HARBOUR IMPROVEMENTS AT MULLAGHMORE:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox,
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Article 134 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 1994 (Part X) proceed with Breakwater and Harbour Improvements at Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo”

PART X OF THE LOCAL, GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 1994 WITH REGARD TO HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Part X of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994, proceed with the construction of the following:

• Construction of house and puraflo sewage treatment system at Carns, Culleens, Co. Sligo
• Construction of house, sewage treatment system and Percolation area at Cremlin, Achonry, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
• Construction of house, sewage treatment system and Percolation area at Carrowneaden, Coolaney, Co. Sligo”.

DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY:

Proposed by Councillor A. Parke,
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon,

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of a house at Buenos Ayres Drive, Strandhill, Sligo to Kevin and Lisa O’Connor in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice dated the 2nd May, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of a house at No. 6 St. Ascius Rd, Riverside, Sligo to Aaron & Sherwin Conboy in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice dated the 2nd May, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of a house at Kilcreevan Phibbs, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Eamonn Costello in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice dated the 2nd May, 2002.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of a house at Ballymote Rd., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Marie Burke in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice dated the 2nd May, 2002”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by I. Fox,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of a house at No. 3 St. Anne’s Terrace, Sligo to Ann Marie McGovern in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, notice dated the 2nd May, 2002”.

AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE FOR 30MPH SPEED LIMIT ON REGIONAL ROAD R 291 AT BALLINCAR:

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

AND AGREED

“That the following amendment be made to the Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (County of Sligo) Bye-laws, 2000”

Second Schedule

Insertion of the following:

“1A. The following road at Ballincar:
The Sligo – Rosses Point road between a point 63 metres east of its junction with the Lisnalurg Road and a point 574 metres east of its junction with the Creggs Road”.

Third Schedule
Deletion of the following:

“16(b) The Rosses Point Road between the borough and a point 625 metres west of its junction with the Ballyweelin Road”.

To be replaced by -

16 (b) (I) The Rosses Point between the borough boundary and a point 63 metres east of its junction with the Lisnalurg road.

16 (b) (II) The Rosses Point Road between a point 574 metres east of its junction with the Cregg Road and a point 625 metres west of its junction with the Ballyweelin Road”.

NON NATIONAL ROADS COUNTY FUND ALLOCATIONS 2002:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox,
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan,

AND AGREED

“To approve report on Clar – Non-National Roads County Fund Allocations, 2002”

COILLTE NON-NATIONAL FORESTRY ROADS CO. FUNDALLOCATION, 2002:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve report on Clar – Coillte Non-National Forestry Roads Co. Fund Allocation, 2002”.

BORROWING OF A SUM NOT EXCEEDING €5,000,000 BY WAY OF TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR HALF YEAR ENDING 31/12/02:

Proposed by Councillor A. Parke,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,

AND AGREED

“To approve the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €5,000,000 by way of a temporary overdraft for the half year ending 31st December, 2002.

ADOPTION OF DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT 2001:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Annual Report 2001”.

APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY ARTS ACTS GRANTS APPLICATION:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,

AND AGREED

“To approve the Community Arts Act Grants Application 2002”.

APPROVAL OF APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANT SCHEME:  INFRASTRUCTURAL

Emer Concannon, Acting Senior Engineer gave a presentation to the members outlining Sligo County Council’s application for funding under the Scheme.

Councillor Higgins asked that the Council correspond with the private sector companies applying and confirm that the Council will not be acting in competition with them.

Following a request from Councillor Bree the presentation notes were circulated to members at the meeting.

In response to queries raised by the members Ms Concannon advised that the application being made is for approval in principle and that no specific sites have been identified at this stage.

The County Manager advised that the Council will have to address the issue of funding the residual costs, the provision of facilities and the running costs of these projects.

After a brief discussion it was: -

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To approve report on the Waste Management Infrastructural Grant Scheme”.

FUNDING OF €20,000 FROM TASK FORCE MONIES TO HELP CONSTRUCT A PLAYGROUND IN DROMORE WEST:

In reply to Councillor J. Queenan’s motion, Ms M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer indicated that a meeting had been held with the playgroup committee recently to discuss funding. They were advised to make application to the Task Force for funding under the PEACE II Programme. Decision on applications for funding is a matter for the Task Force and it is proposed to hold meetings on the PEACE funding shortly after which applications for funding will be invited. Councillor Perry asked that Director Clarke report on this matter for the next meeting of the Council. Councillor McManus asked for clarification on the membership of the Task Force.

Cllr Bree advised that the Minister for State made money available to the Development Boards earlier this year to be specifically spent on playgrounds and wished to know how this money had been spent. Ms McConnell advised that as Director Clarke was absent a response in this matter was not available, but would be provided at the next meeting of the Council.

DEPARTMENT OF Councillor PUBLIC ENTERPRISE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME:

S. McManus asked the County Manager to state when Sligo County Council were first informed of/asked to apply for funding under the Department of Public Enterprise Telecommunications Infrastructure Programme.

In response, Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer indicated that a meeting was held with the I.D.A. and Enterprise Ireland on 31st August, 2001, in the Sligo Park Hotel. It was indicated that there would be a rolling call with arrangements for bids to provide Telecommunications Infrastructure for the following two years. The first deadline given was 19th October, 2001. There was a further deadline given of 22nd February, 2002.

The Council were advised early in January, 2002, that the deadline of 22nd February, 2002, no longer applied. No new date for presenting the bid has yet been provided.

A number of clarifications were sought by members regarding this issue and it was agreed that Director Clarke would prepare a report for the next meeting of the Council.

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CALL ON N.W.H.B. TO DESIST FROM CHARGING FOR CAR PARKING AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:

Councillor Sean McManus asked that Sligo County Council calls on the North Western Health Board to immediately desist from charging for car parking at Sligo General Hospital, indicating that this should not be treated as a private car park.

It was agreed to write to the North Western Health Board with a view to arranging a meeting to discuss the issue.

Proposed by Councillor S. McManus,
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the North Western Health Board to immediately desist from charging for car parking at Sligo General Hospital”.

ASK N.W.H.B. WHY AMBULANCE BASE HAS NOT BEEN PROVIDED FOR SOUTH SLIGO:

Councillor Gormley requested clarification from the North Western Health Board as to why the ambulance base has not been provided for south Sligo.

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the North Western Health Board why the ambulance base has not been provided for south Sligo.”

It was agreed that a representative from the North Western Health Board would be asked to attend a meeting of the Council in order to clarify outstanding issues with regard to the ambulance base.

COUNCIL TO ARRANGE FUNDING FOR SLIPWAY AT CUAN GEARR, EASKEY:

Councillor Barrett asked that the Council arrange to provide funding for a slipway at Cuan Gearr, Easkey, for the benefit of fishermen and other users at this particular location.

In response, Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, indicated that there is no funding available at present to carry out works on this slipway. He further indicated that a detailed survey and design needs to be prepared. Consultation would have to take place with the Fishermen who use this facility and Mr. Carroll gave an undertaking that Mr.G. Salter, Senior Executive Engineer, would meet with the local fishermen regarding this issue.

REQUEST MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO NEGOTIATE WITH U.S. AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE LEGAL STATUS FOR IRISH IMMIGRANTS:

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

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Foreign Affairs to negotiate with the U.S. Authorities, as a matter of urgency, an agreement which would ensure legal status for Irish Immigrants, some at present ‘illegals’ in the U.S.A.”

Councillor Fleming also requested that a copy of this motion be forwarded to all other local authorities in the State.

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AND RESPOND HOUSING AGENCY TO CO-OPERATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GARDENS AT REAR OF HOUSES AT “WILLOWS ESTATE” CURRY:

In response to the motion of Councillor Gormley, Ms. M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer outlined that the land in question at the rear of houses at Willows Estate, Curry is owned and managed by Respond! Voluntary Housing Association and that an undertaking had been given by them that they would follow up on the issue of poor drainage in some of the back gardens.

BRIDGE AT CARN ON OUTSKIRTS OF GURTEEN VILLAGE ON REGIONAL RD 294:

Councillor Fleming requested that the bridge at Carn on the outskirts of Gurteen village on Regional Road 294 be widened in the interest of safety for pedestrians with protective railing installed.

Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that the estimated cost of widening the bridge and installing footpath with protective fencing is €9,500. There is no provision in this years estimates/roadworks scheme for undertaking these works. He stated that they will be considered in the context of the Roadworks Scheme 2003 when it is being formulated.

COMPANIES BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER THE WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS, 2001, FOR ILLEGALLY DUMPING WASTE IN CO. LEITRIM:

Councillor Bree asked the County Manager if any companies which have applied for a collection permit under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations, 2001, are being investigated to illegally dumping waste in Co. Leitrim.

In response, Director Forkan indicated that the matter of illegal dumping is currently being investigated by the Leitrim authorities. No report has yet been received from them in relation to their findings. He indicated that the matter is being kept under review and in particular whether any prosecutions in respect of illegal dumping activities are taken.

He further indicated that under the Waste Management Act, 1996 an application for a waste collection permit may be refused, if the applicant has been convicted of a offence under the Act.

WASTE MANAGEMENT (PACKAGING) REGULATIONS 1997:

Councillor Bree asked the County Manager what efforts has the Council taken to enforce the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997, and also the number of companies prosecuted for failing to comply with the Regulations in County Sligo.

In response, Director Forkan, indicated that under Section 18 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 and article 20 of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997, Sligo County Council are currently writing to all known Packaging Producers and Waste Collectors in Sligo Borough and County asking them to furnish information regarding their treatment of packaging waste.

In response to Councillor Bree, Director Forkan stated that 43 (no.) companies are listed on the Register.

PRESENT POSITION REGARDING IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR CONNOLLY PARK, TUBBERCURRY:

Councillor Gormley sought clarification as to the present position regarding improvement works for Connolly Park, Tubbercurry.

In response, Ms M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer indicated that the Council have acquired a number of properties on Connolly Park Estate, some of which need to be refurbished. Draft proposals have been prepared for the improvement of the estate which include the demolition of the water tower, the creation of open spaces/seating areas, improvement of on-street car parking and works to the outside of the houses. The draft will be presented to the residents at an open meeting on 29th May, 2002. Following this an application will be made to the Department of the Environment & Local Government for funding.

Councillor Gormley welcomed the report and the involvement of the residents of Connolly Park with regard to improvements to the Estate.

In response to Councillors Bree and MacManus Ms. M. McConnell indicated that a number of properties have been bought in Connolly Park and it is envisaged that these will be refurbished. She indicated that every effort will be made to maximise funding for refurbishment of privately owned houses.

CONSTRUCTION OF COLLOONEY/CASTLEBALDWIN ROADWAY AND N17:

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,

AND AGREED

“That having regard to the strategic development of Sligo City as a growth centre in the context of National Spatial Strategy there exists a clear need to advance/accelerate the provision of Area Road infrastructure. In this context the Strategic Policy Committee for Transportation and Infrastructural Policy calls on the Government and the National Roads Authority to:-

1. Prioritise the construction of the Collooney/Castlebaldwin Roadway and to upgrade this section to dual carriageway status and,
2. Re-prioritise the N17 to enable this proposal to advance to construction stage.

After a further discussion in this matter it was agreed that, in the short term, signs indicating ‘Dangerous Bends’ should be erected at this location, and that the NRA would have to be made aware that the work on the N17 is a major priority.

Councillor Gormley raised the matter of providing a pedestrian crossing on the N17 at Tubbercurry, adjacent to Morahans Shop.

REQUEST FOR SEWERAGE SCHEME FOR BALLINA ROAD, TUBBERCURRY IN CONJUNCTION WITH SERVICES FOR NEW SCHOOL:

Councillor Gormley asked that the Council extend the Sewerage out the Ballina Rd., Tubbercurry, in conjunction with the services to be provided to the new school.

In reply, Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer indicated that the cost of the proposal is in the region of €200,000. An application was made to the Department of the Environment and Local Government for special funding as the Small Schemes Programme is fully committed up until the end of 2003.

Funding was not forthcoming and an application was made under the Serviced Land Initiative Programme. To-date no response to this application has been received.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy,
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Michael and Teresa Murphy, Glan, Culleens, Co. Sligo on the death of their son Leo Murphy”

Proposed by Councillor Branley,
Seconded by Councillor Queenan,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Ann Stuart and Family, Cemetary Road, Sligo on the death of her husband Dermott Stuart.”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Drummond Nelson, Hazelwood Avenue, Sligo on the death of his wife Mrs. Nelson.”

Proposed by Councillor Queenan,
Seconded by Councillor Branley,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Michael and Teresa Murphy, Glann, Culleens, Co. Sligo on the death of their son Leo Murphy.”

Proposed by Councillor McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor Branley,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Cyril Brennan, McNeil Drive, Sligo on the death of his brother Des Brennan.”

Proposed by Councillor McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor Branley,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs Scanlon, Abbeyville Park, Sligo on the death of her husband Sean Scanlon.”

Proposed by Councillor Fleming,
Seconded by Councillor Murray,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs John Stenson, Cloonagh, Charlestown, Co. Sligo on the death of her sister Mai Turner.”

Proposed by Councillor Murray,
Seconded by Councillor Fleming,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Peter McManamy, Culfadda, Ballymote, Co. Sligo on the death of his uncle Patrick McManamy.”

Proposed by Councillor Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor Fox,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Maria Gorman, Carnyara, Lavagh, Ballymote, Co. Sligo on the death of her mother Mary Gallagher.”

Proposed by Councillor Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor Fox,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Jimmy Coleman, Bunninadden, Co. Sligo on the death of his wife Teesie Coleman.”

Proposed by Councillor Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor Fox,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mickey Gallagher, Cloonca, Tourlestrane, Co. Sligo on the death of his mother Ellen Gallagher”

Proposed by Councillor Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor Fox,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to James Gallagher, Cashel North, Lavagh, Co. Sligo on the death of his mother Mary Gallagher.”

VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor Fleming,
Seconded by Councillor Murray,

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be expressed to Sligo Supporters Club of New York, c/o Mr. Kieran Fleming, 921, McLean Avenue, Apartment E4, Yonkers, New York 10704 on organising a successful weekend in New York recently, during which the Sligo G.A.A. team played New York”

CORRESPONDENCE:

Councillor S. McManus referred to letter dated the 8th May, 2002 as received from the Department of Health & Children with regard to the breast cancer programme “Breast Check”. He outlined the need to write to the Department of Health seeking an extension of the breast check programme in the North West area to women under the age of 50.

Councillor McManus also referred to letter dated 14th May, 2002, from the Department of the Environment & Local Government in relation to the loan of €5m for Sligo Inner Relief Road. He sought clarification as to whether Local Government Fund will be off set against interest rate.

It was proposed by Councillor S. MacManus, seconded by Councillor M. Fleming, and agreed to write to the Department of the Environment and Local Government seeking clarification regarding the last paragraph of their letter dated 14th May, 2002.

Councillor McManus referred to letter dated 3rd April, 2002, as received from the General Council of County Councils with regard to the Sellafield nuclear processing plant.

It was proposed by Councillor S. MacManus, seconded by Councillor P. Branley, and agreed, that this Council is alarmed at the decision to permit the opening of Sellafield’s MOX (mixed oxide) plant and the threat it represents to the people of Ireland arising both from the danger of accidents at the plant and also the threat from the international terrorism. The Council supports the Government of Ireland in its attempts to secure the closure of the plant and urges the Taoiseach to intensify efforts to engage other countries in northern Europe to engage in a combined diplomatic campaign to achieve the closure of the plant.

Letter dated the 15th May, 2002 as received from the Office of the Minister at the Department of Environment and Local Government regarding the fee for submissions on planning applications was circulated.

Due to the absence of a number of Councillors it was agreed to defer Item’s No. 20, 21, 22, 31, 34, 35, 36, 37 & 40 until the next meeting.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 5.50 p.m. and it was agreed that the June meeting would be held on Monday 10th June, 2002

Meeting Date 20/05/2002