Minutes 2002

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 4th February 2002 at 3.00 pm. 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,
  • Leonard,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan
  • B. Scanlon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager.
  • Mr. T. Caffrey, Director of Services.
  • Mr. S. Concannon, Director of Services.
  • Mr. P. Forkan, Director of Services.
  • Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Community and Enterprise.
  • Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer.
  • Mr. J. McHugh, Senior Engineer.
  • Mr. D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer.
  • Ms. M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer.
  • Mr. P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. F. O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Ms. E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer.
  • Mr. J. Gethin, Administrative Officer.
  • Ms. E. Garvin, Administrative Officer.
  • Ms. M. McDonagh, Public Art Co-Ordinator.
  • Ms. J. Currid, Staff Officer.
  • Ms. M. Bruen, Clerical Officer.

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. McLoughlin presided.

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 0F 14/01/2002:

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox,

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 14th January, 2001 be and are hereby confirmed”.

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

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry,
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins,

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Article 134 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994 proceed with the: -

  • Construction of house and sewerage treatment system at Ballynagalliagh, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo.
  • Construction of house and sewerage treatment system at Carrowkeel, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo.”

TEMPORARY OVER DRAFT FOR HALF YEAR ENDING 30th JUNE, 2002:

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

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to Section 4 of the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1960 and subject to the sanction of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government Sligo County Council hereby authorises the borrowing by way of a temporary overdraft on the Council’s Revenue Account in the sum of €3,800,000 for half year ending on 30th June 2002”

RAISING OF A LOAN FOR LIBRARY AND MUSEUM PROJECTS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby authorises the raising of a loan of €2.5 m for the proposed Branch Library, Headquarters and County Museum.”

PLANNED MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME 2002-2007:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve Planned Maintenance Programme 2002 – 2007 for Council Housing”

ESSENTIAL REPAIRS GRANTS/POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

Cllr. Joe Leonard outlined the report on policy and procedures which has been considered by SPC 4.

Cllr. Parke referred to a meeting which has taken place between the Council and the North Western Health Board with regard to Essential Repairs and Disabled Persons Grants. He suggested that the Council should write to the Minister requesting that the Council be allocated all monies with regard to these services, currently divided between the Health Board and the Local Authority in order to streamline the application process.

In response to Councillor McGuinn, Director Caffrey indicated that all applicants who have submitted applications within the past 18 months do not have to re-apply for current funding.

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard,
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan,

AND AGREED

“To approve report on Policy and Procedure in administering Essential Repair Grant Scheme”.

PER CENT FOR ART SCHEME:

Ms Mary McDonagh, Public Art Co-Ordinator gave a short video presentation to illustrate the value of the per cent for Art Scheme.

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

AND AGREED

“To approve report on the future application of the Department of Environment and Local Government per cent for Art Scheme.”

TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE:

It was agreed to take motion no. 8 with this item.

Director Clarke stated that the Council had been advised by the Department of Public Enterprise that the second round of bids are not being accepted at present due to the large number of applications in the first round.

NON-NATIONAL ROAD GRANT ALLOCATIONS 2002:

Mr. Tommy Carroll, Senior Engineer outlined the contents of Circular Letter RW 1/2002 received from the Department of Environment and Local Government in relation to the 2002 non-national road grant allocations.

In response to a number of Councillors queries Mr. Carroll indicated that R290 will be considered for surface dressing later this year and that work on the R292 at Tully/Strandhill should be completed this year.

In response to Councillor McLoughlin, Mr. Carroll indicated that public lighting is not included for the rural section of R292 (Tully/Strandhill), but this matter can be re-examined.

In response to Councillor Fleming, Mr. Carroll indicated that no funding has been received in the current year for R296.

SMALL INVESTORS WHO PURCHASED SHARES IN TELECOM EIREANN:

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

“To call on the Government to initiate a scheme of compensation for small investors who purchased shares in Telecom Eireann now being compelled to accept a major financial loss, as a result”.

Following discussion it was agreed to put this matter to a vote, the result is as follows: -

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

As the result was 9 for, 7 against and 4 abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

ARDKEERAN NATIONAL SCHOOL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request that the Minister for Education address the urgent need for a new school for Ardkeeran National School, Co. Sligo in light of the inadequate substandard facilities which the teachers and pupils have to use at present”

HILLVIEW DRIVE, BALLYMOTE:

Councillor Perry asked for the timescale involved in Phase 2 of the upgrade of Hillview Drive, Ballymote, as many homes need re-wiring and replacement of windows and doors.

In response, Director Caffrey indicated that the Planned Maintenance Programme provides for the replacement of windows and doors in the remaining 14 houses in Hillview Drive over the 2 year period 2002 – 2003 with 7 houses to be completed each year.

WORKS TO GURTEEN/BOYLE ROAD AT CLOONLOO:

In the absence of Councillor E. Scanlon, Councillor Colleary put this motion, asking that the Council would carry out necessary works to the Gurteen/Boyle Road at Cloonloo.

Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that works have been carried out on the R294 and the situation will be kept under review by the Area Engineer.

CHILDRENS PLAY- GROUND IN DROMORE WEST:

Councillor MacManus asked that the Council provide £15,000 (€19,046.47) towards the provision of a childrens playground in Dromore West. He confirmed that the word “playgroup” in his motion as submitted should in fact read “playground”.

Following a general discussion the following amendment was submitted.

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy,
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett,

To item 15 that the following be added: -

“and that such finance be provided by transferring the funds that was included in the estimates for the erection of the sculpture of Countess Markievicz as there is no where to erect it and has been refused planning permission, to transfer that funds for the playground in Dromore West”.

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

For the motion: - Barrett. Cawley, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Leonard, McLoughlin, Murray and Perry.
Against the motion: - Barry, Branley, Bree, Colleary, Fox, Higgins, MacManus, McGuinn, Parke, Queenan and B. Scanlon.
As the result was 9 for and 11 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

After a further discussion in this matter it was,

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus,
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett,

“That Sligo County Council provide £15,000 (€19,046.07) financing towards the cost of a provision of a childrens playground in Dromore West”

It was agreed to put this original motion to a vote and the result is as follows: -

For the motion: - Barrett, Barry, Branley, Bree, Colleary, Conmy, MacManus, McGuinn, Parke, Perry, Queenan and B. Scanlon.
Against the motion: - L.Conlon, Fleming, Higgins, Leonard, McLoughlin and Murray.
Abstentions: - Cawley and Fox.
As the result was 12 for, 6 against and 2 abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

SPEED LIMIT THROUGH CORBALLA VILLAGE/’SLOW DOWN VILLAGE’ SIGN AND ROAD MARKINGS/STRIPS TO N59 AT CORBALLA VILLAGE:

It was agreed to take item no. 16 and 19 together Councillor Queenan asked that the Council examine the matter of reducing the speed limit through Corballa Village to 40 mph.

Councillor MacManus asked that the Council provide signs ‘Slow down Village’ and appropriate road markings/strips to N59 at Corballa village from Ray’s Public House to a point adjacent to Murdeach Tuffy’s at Ballymoghennry on Sligo side of village.

In response Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that the centre of the N59 road is marked with a continuous white line in the vicinity of the cluster of premises in the Village.

He further indicated that there are 2 (no.) large signs ‘Slow through Village’ erected on the approaches to the village on N59. He added that it is proposed to provide further signage and road markings as appropriate.

EXTEND STRANDHILL BUS SERVICE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request Bus Eireann to extend the Strandhill bus service to Ransboro one day per week”.

DRAINAGE ALONG PROPERTY AT CARROWTAWNY, BALLYMOTE:

Councillor Perry asked that the Council provide proper drainage along property of Paul Gunton’s Carrowtawny, Ballymote, Co. Sligo.

Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer indicated that under the Roads Act 1993 the Local Authority is permitted to discharge surface water from the road onto the adjacent land. He further added that the property owner is obliged to pipe the drain along his newly constructed house frontage and make provision to discharge surface water from the road to the pipe/drain along his property.

PILOT KERBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTION SYSTEM:

Councillor Bree asked when the proposed pilot kerbside recycling collection system in Sligo will commence and which estates/streets it is intended to collect from.

In response, Director Forkan indicated that Sligo Borough Council have made a decision to privatise the refuse collection service in the town and that at present officials from both authorities are engaged in planning and transition from the public to the private service. He added that as part of this process it is proposed to introduce kerbside collection of dry recyclable materials, throughout the town, on a phased basis and that while it is not possible to indicate a precise program it is proposed to commence the collection of paper products from the end of March.

He further added that provision will be made in the system to gradually add other dry recyclable materials such as cardboard, magazines, packaging, etc.

Mr. J. McHugh, Senior Engineer indicated that permits can be conditioned as required in order to collect waste in the most beneficial way to the County.

CARRAROE MAIN DRAINAGE:

Councillor Bree asked as to the current position with regard to the new Carraroe Main Drainage scheme and if the preliminary report has been forwarded to the Department of the Environment and Local Government and if so, if there has been a response from the Department.

In response, Director Concannon indicated that the draft preliminary report for the Carraroe Main Drainage Scheme is being examined within his department at present and that it is expected to be forwarded to the Department of Environment and Local Government within the next two weeks.

Councillor Bree asked that the Council be advised when it has been forwarded to the Department.

REFUSE FROM SLIGO BEING CONSIGNED TO LANDFILL IN BALLINA:

Councillor Bree asked what steps the Council is taking to reduce by 10,000 tonne the amount of refuse from Sligo being consigned to landfill in Ballina.

In response, Mr. J. McHugh, Senior Engineer indicated that the introduction of a volume based collection system such as that which will be introduced to Sligo Borough and later Sligo county together with an increase in provision of recycling facilities will succeed in reducing waste going to landfill. He further added that enforcing the packaging regulations and extensive public relations campaign to encourage the use of home compost bins will also assist.

DAMAGE CAUSED ON ROADS IN CLOVER HILL, CARRAROE, BARANSR AGHY AND OAKFIELD:

Councillor McGuinn asked what measures are to be taken in view of the serious damage caused on the roads in Clover Hill, Carraroe, Baransraghy and Oakfield by vehicles delivering material to the bunded area at Finisklin.

Director Concannon stated that some damage has been done to sections of the roads in question. He further indicated that an undertaking has been given to the residents along the roads, in particular the Ballydoogan/Barnasraghy and Second Sea Road that strengthening and repairs will be carried out, verges will be reinstated and roads cleaned when the project is completed.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

On behalf of the Fire Services Department Director Forkan extended his sympathy to the Kennedy family on death of Frank and to the Rooney family on the death of Jack.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs. Rooney, St. Patrick’s Terrace, Sligo on the death of Jack”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Jack and Robert Kennedy, St. Brigids Place, Sligo on the death of Frank”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Noel Kennedy, Ard-na-Veigh, Sligo on the death of Frank”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Stanley and Peggy Scanlon, Kilmorgan, Ballymote, Co. Sligo on the death of their daughter, Alison”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Patrick Cawley, Carn, Gurteen, Co. Sligo on the death of his sister Jane Goan”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kathleen Rogers, Rathmadder, Gurteen, Co. Sligo on the death of her sister Jane Goan”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs. Corscina Brennan, Moylough, Tobercurry, Co. Sligo on the death of her son Tony”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs. Marie Gormley, Ballyfahy, Bunninadden, Co. Sligo on the death of her mother Mrs. Mary Cahill”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs. Phil Brennan, Moylough, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo on the death of her mother Mrs. Margaret Gavaghan”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Roger McCarrick, Cloonacool, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo on the death of his mother, Peggy”
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mr. Joe Morahan, The Square, Tobercurry, Co. Sligo on the death of his sister Maureen”.

CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Parke and Fleming be nominated to attend the Policy Seminar for Elected Members (Planning Policy and Practice) in Kilmore House, Cavan on the 19th January, 2002 “

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor McLoughlin be nominated to attend the St. Patricks Day Celebrations in New York in March, 2002”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Branley be nominated to attend the A.M.A. I. Spring Seminar in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry on the 15th and 16th February, 2002”

CORRESPONDENCE:

This was noted.

Minutes of Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on the 10th January, 2002 and copies of LG 16/2001 dated the 18th December, 2001 with regard to the Implementation of the Local Government Act, 2001 were circulated to members with the Agenda for this meeting.

Copy of report with regard to Harringtons Quarry, Abbeytown, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo was circulated to members at the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

This was noted.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

In response to Cllr Colleary, Ms M. McConnell advised that as the Local Government Act, 2001 (Commencement) (No. 3) Order 2001 came into effect on the 1st January, 2002, Section 15 of the City and County Management (Amendment) Act, 1955 which empowered the members to make regulations is thereby revoked. In this regard the regulations made by the Council on the 25th June, 1999, in respect of seeking, reception and examination of tenders no longer apply. The procedure for seeking, reception and opening of tenders signed by the County Manager order dated 28th January, 2002, now applies.

Councillor Barry indicated that the Heritage Plan is to be launched soon and on behalf of Strategic Policy Committee 1 asked the Councils permission to invite Minister De Valera to same. This was agreed.

Sligo County Councils Corporate Plan (2001 – 2004) was circulated to members at the meeting.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 6.05 p.m.


Meeting Date 04/02/2002