Minutes 2003

Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 13th October 2003 at 2.00pm in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


MEMBERS PRESENT: 

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Service
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Service
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Service
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley presided.


A vote of congratulations was expressed to S. Ryan, Heritage Officer and the teachers and pupils of twelve primary schools in the county for the hard work and dedication involved in the seashore project undertaken, which came first in the European eLearning Awards 2003.

 
1. ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVACATIONS FOR INNER RELIEF ROAD: 

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council be provided with a report on the archaeological excavations which have been carried out on the route of the proposed inner relief road.

In response, Director Concannon stated that the archaeological excavations were not yet complete.  He further noted that on completion Archaeologists will proceed to the testing and reporting stages, at which time a report will be provided to the members.

2. RENTAL COST OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION: 

Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager for a report on the rental cost of County Council office accommodation in the Market Yard, Bridge Street and the Cleveragh estate.

In response, Mr F. Mac Nabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer stated that the total cost of office accommodation in Sligo Development Centre, the Market Yard, Kempton Parade, Westward Town Centre, Cleveragh (Environment and Storage) and Bridge Street is €405,929 of which €222,951 is recouped leaving a net cost of €182,978.

3. TENDER COSTS OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS AT COUNTY HALL: 

Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager to provide the Council with a report on the tender cost for the construction of County Hall and further if there were any significant additional costs.

In response, Mr F. Mac Nabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer stated that the overall cost of phases 2,3,4 and 5 was €5,022,092.50 which was €62,937 (1.25%) over the original contract price. This, Mr. MacNabb noted was mainly due to a decision to install a new generator rather than to repair the old generator as was originally planned.

4. FUNDING FOR OWENMORE RIVER: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked the council call on Mr. Tom Parlon, Minister of State responsible for the O.P.W. to meet a deputation regarding funding for the Owenmore River now that all submissions have been received by the flood policy review group.

Cllr. A. Parke advised the Members that he had correspondence stating that Mr. Parlon would meet a deputation at a date to be arranged.

5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN TUBBERCURRY: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the Council make an application to the N.R.A. for funding to provide a pedestrian crossing on the N17 opposite Morahan's Shop, Tubbercurry to allow safe crossing for pedestrians.

In response, Mr T. Carroll acknowledged the difficulty in crossing the road at that point due to poor sightlines, traffic intensity etc. and recommended that the NRA be asked to consider this location for funding.

6. SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS IN BUNNINADDEN AND GURTEEN: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked for a full report on the sewage treatment systems in Bunninadden and Gurteen and questioned whether both systems are adequate to facilitate existing and future developments, and if not what proposals the council have to upgrade them.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that in regard to Bunninadden, a complete sewage treatment works is required once the level of development justifies the expense involved and further that the preferred solution for any future development in the short term is for the developer to install a proprietary treatment system with a proper operational and maintenance regime in place.

He stated that Gurteen waste treatment works is not listed for upgrading at present and that the scheme would be monitored on an ongoing basis.

7. CONDITIONS OF GRANTING LICENCES TO CASUAL TRADERS: 

Councillor M. Fleming requested the Director of Services to amend the conditions for granting licence to casual traders.  In the light of very substantial costs of Public Liability Insurance Cover, to reduce the level of Indemnity from proposed six million euros.

In response Mr J Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer stated that the increase in level of insurance cover required was initiated following consultation with IPB and that it corresponds with the Irish Organisation of Market and Street Traders recommended level of cover.

8. TUBBERCURRY SIGNPOST AT CARRAROE ROUNDABOUT: 

Councillor M. Fleming requested that the NRA and Sligo County Council erect a signpost for Tobercurry in a prominent position at the Collooney roundabout on Road No. N 4.

Councillor M. Fleming acknowledged that since submitting this notice of motion a signpost had been erected.

9. GRADUAL INTRODUCTION OF SMOKING BAN: 

Councillor M. Fleming requested that the Minister for Health review his proposals for the Regulations of smoking in public places, so that a gradual introduction of the ban may be achieved, in the interests of acquiring the co-operation of concerned sections of society.

10. BUS SHELTER IN TUBBERCURRY: 

At the request of Councillor M. Gormley it was agreed that the Council call on Bus Eireann to provide a bus shelter in Tubbercurry.

11. HOUSING SCHEME IN EASKEY: 

Councillor S. Mac Manus asked the County Manager for a report on the new County Council housing scheme in Easkey.

In response Mr T. Caffrey stated that the first phase of this housing scheme consisting of 8 houses had been delayed due to a manpower shortage and the updating of the storm pipe but that it is due for completion at the beginning of November.

12. AMBER FLASHING LIGHTS AT DRIMNA N.S.: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked that amber flashing lights be provided outside Drimina N.S. along Regional Road 294 in the interest of road safety.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that €63,600. was secured recently from CLAR funding towards Class III Local Road Works/ Lights at Schools in CLAR areas and that this funding was proposed for the provision of amber flashing lights at 10 additional schools in the County listed hereunder

  • Drumina N.S. 
  • Mullaghroe N.S.
  • Holy Family N.S. Tubbercurry
  • Enniscrone N.S.
  • Easkey V.S.
  • Rathlee N.S.
  • Bunninadden N.S.
  • Gurteen V.S.
  • Culfadda N.S.
  • Cloghogue.

Cllr. J. Queenan expressed his disappointment and stated that it was his understanding that the funding had been received in respect of Class III roads.  Following discussion the meeting agreed to the proposal as submitted to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.  On behalf of his Fianna Fail colleagues Cllr. Queenan requested an urgent meeting with the County Manager to discuss the matter. 

13. CONTRACTORS FOR MID BLOCK ROUTE: 

Councillor A. Colleary asked for clarification as to why consultants appointed for the mid block route road to Carrowroe roundabout excluded several Irish – West of Ireland contractors – from their list of selected contractors who may tender for this contract.

In response, Director Concannon advised Sligo County Council had advertised for requests from Consultants to participate in the construction contract for the N4 Sligo Inner Relief Road.  He noted that EU procurement procedures were followed and that a total of 14 consultancy firms had made presentations to an interview panel and seven of these were invited to tender.

14. NATIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY: 

Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked the Manger to provide the up to date position regarding the National Spatial Strategy.

In response Director Forkan advised that both the County Council and Borough Council have been involved in the development of the Spatial Strategy and that a submission has been made to the Spatial Strategy Team.  Director Forkan further noted that the Sligo and Environs Development Plan reflects the Spatial Strategy and makes way for the development of Sligo as a Gateway City.

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager advised that the Border Regional Authority has initiated the process of developing Draft Regional Planning Guidelines, which will be in place by December 2003 for adoption in May 2004.  he further noted the link between the Regional Planning Guidelines, the National Spatial Strategy and the Sligo and Environs Plan.

15. FUNDING FOR N16: 

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“To ask the Minister for the Environment to provide funding for the N16 route, a project of major significance which is being actively promoted on both sides of the border by ICBAN”.

16. HOUSING FOR FAMILY ON HOUSING LIST: 

Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager for a progress report with regard to the provision of housing accommodation for a family, who are currently on the Council’s housing list.

In response, Director Caffrey stated that houses are allocated in accordance with the scheme of letting priorities and that he could not comment on individual cases.

17. DROMORE WEST SEWERAGE SCHEME: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked the County Manager to indicate the approximate cost of upgrading the Dromore West Sewerage scheme and the time frame involved.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer estimated that the cost of upgrading the scheme would be approximately €1,000,000 and that it would be approximately 5 years before it could be upgraded.

18. WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked the Director of Services to give an update report on how the Waste Management Programme is working in the Sligo County Council area, with regard to recycling, the amount of waste being transported to Ballina, Co. Mayo compared to 2002 and any future plans

In response Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer advised that glass recycling from January to September in 2002 was 375 tonnes and in 2003 was 607 tonnes, an increase of 61%.  Plastic recycling for the same period in 2002 was 44 tonnes and in 2003 was 76.4 tonnes, an increase of 74%.  The amount of waste transported to Ballina between January and September 2002 was 11945 tonnes and in 2003 was 9766 tonnes, a decrease of 18%.

19. UPGRADING OF ROAD NO. 51 IN DROMORE WEST AND REMOVAL OF BEND ON ROAD NO. 119: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked the County Manager to allocate funding for upgrading of Road no. 51 Fartannan, Dromore West, and provide money to remove bend at Carranduff Road no. 119 going out on to R297.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that there are no funds at present to carry out these works but that they will be considered for inclusion in proposals for the Discretionary Improvement Grant 2004.

20. PUBLIC LIGHTING AT CLOONLOO CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE: 

Councillor G. Murray asked when the extension of public lighting will be completed at Cloonloo Church and Community Centre.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that it is proposed to erect 2 additional 6 metre columns with 55 watt SOX lanterns as an extension of the existing public lighting on the Gurteen side.

21. POLLUTION OF STREAM DISCHARGING INTO BAY AT CREGG: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked the County Manager if an investigation had been carried out with regard to the pollution of a stream which discharges into the bay at Cregg and whether the course of the stream had been diverted.

In response Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer reported that following an investigation it was confirmed that polluting matter was found to have been entering the stream which discharges into the bay at Cregg.  It was confirmed that the matter had been rectified and will be examined on a regular basis to ensure that the problem does not re-occur.  He further stated that the stream had not been diverted.

22. SURFACE DRESSING OF ROAD LINKING PIER AND RNLI STATION IN ROSSES POINT: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked that the road in Rosses Point linking the promenade with the RNLI Station and Pier be surface dressed.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that this proposal would be considered in the context of the 2004 road works programme.

23. SIGHT LINES AT JUNCION LINKING SAEHAN /HAZLEWOOD ROAD WITH DROMAHAIR ROAD: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked the County Manager if there is any proposal to improve sight lines at the junction linking the Saehan /Hazelwood Road with the Dromahair Road.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this proposal would be considered in the context of the 2004 Road Works Programme, and that the purchase land will be required from a third party with their consent to undertake this improvement.

24. TRANSPORT OF LIVESTOCK TO EU COUNTRIES: 

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

AND AGREED

“That proposed changes to regulations governing transport of livestock to E.U. countries be strongly opposed by Ministers for Agriculture and Foreign Affairs to protect the interests of western farmers”.

25. EXTEND SPEED LIMIT ON THE N17: 

Councillor M Fleming requested Sligo County Council and the NRA to extend the existing speed limit on the N17 to a point south of junction with Bunacrannagh road at Curry village”.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a review of all speed limit zones will be carried out in June 2004 as part of a national review.

26. QUALIFICATION PERIOD FOR RURAL RENEWAL SCHEME: 

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

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Finance to extend the qualification period for Rural Renewal Scheme to 2 years and extend it to cover all of the Tobercurry Electoral Area”.

27. PSV RESULTS OF CHIPPINGS FROM MC CAFFREYS QUARRY, BALLINTRA: 

Councillor D. Bree asked for a report on the PSV results of chippings supplied for surface dressing by McCaffreys quarry in Ballintra, Co. Donegal, which were used on county roads, regional roads and national primary roads in county Sligo in the period 1998 to date.

In response Director Concannon advised that while aggregates from Mc Caffreys are not used by Sligo County Council for surface dressing of road network generally, they did tender successfully for overlay contract on National Primary Route N15 in 2002.  It was further noted that certification of results of tests undertaken on chippings from this quarry are available.

28. ST. PATRICKS NATIONAL SCHOOL, CALRY: 

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Deputy J. Perry

AND AGREED

“To ask Minister Dempsey to include St. Patrick’s National School, Calry, Co. Sligo in its book of estimates for 2004 and to allocate sufficient funds so that the school project can commence immediately”.

29. SIGN AND FLASHING AMBER LIGHT AT KILROSS N.S.: 

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council in the interest of safety, erect larger signs and a flashing amber light at Kilross National School, before a fatal accident occurs.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that signs have been erected recently and acknowledged that flashing amber lights would further alert motorists of the presence of the school.  He stated that the provision of flashing lights can be considered under the Discretionary Grant Improvement Scheme in 2004.

30. FOOTPATH REFURBISHMENT /ROAD REPAIR IN STELLA MARIS: 

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council carry out footpath refurbishment /road repair in the Stella Maris area in Ballisodare.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that there is no provision in the 2003 estimates for this work and that the proposal can be considered under the Discretionary Road Grant Scheme in 2004 subject to grant funding being provided.

31. SURFACE REPAIR WORK IN BEACH VIEW PARK, STRANDHILL: 

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council immediately carry out surface repair work in Beach View Park, Strandhill.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that Beach View Park, Strandhill has not being taken in charge by Sligo County Council and it not proposed to carry surface works there.

32. VOTES OF SYMPATHY: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Evelyn Doddy on the death of her husband, Denis”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Patricia Foley on the death of her husband, Paddy”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Teresa Grady on the death of her father, Paddy Foley”.

33. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS: 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Curry U-16 ladies football team on winning the U-16 County Championship”.

34. CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor P. Branley
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Conlon be nominated to attend the Robert Emmet Conference in Wexford on 18th October 2003”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Branley
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Conlon be nominated to attend the ‘Closing the gap, getting more women into politics and Local Government’ conference in Leitrim on 20th October 2003”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Branley
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Conlon be nominated to attend the Global aspiration and the reality of change conference in Ennis on 5-7 November 2003”.


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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Fleming be nominated to attend the IRDA conference ‘positive planning for houses in the open countryside’, in Kerry on 3-4 October 2003.

35. CORRESPONDENCE: 

This was noted.

The meeting concluded at 5.22p.m.


 


Meeting Date 13/10/2003