Minutes 2003

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 6th October 2003 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Barrett,
Barry,
Branley,
Bree,
Cawley,
Colleary,
L. Conlon,
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
Mr P. Flanagan, Acting Director of Service
Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
Mr F. MacNabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
Mr G. Salter, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr PJ Cawley presided.

OPEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed students from the Sligo Institute of Technology who are one of a number of student groups who have been invited to visit County Hall and attend meetings in progress, to learn about the local government system as part of the Council’s Open Local Government Initiative.

With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, the members and the County Manager acknowledged the resignations of Deputy J. Devins and Senator E. Scanlon, thanked them for their contributions to the work of the Council and wished them well in the future.

The members extended a vote of congratulations to Sligo County Councils Environmental Section as Sligo has been recognised as having the highest volume of glass recycling in the country.

1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF 1ST SEPTEMBER 2003:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 1st September 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

2. MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 19TH JUNE 2003:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area meeting held on 19th June 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

3. MINUTES OF STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 2ND MAY 2003:

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 2nd May 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

4. MINUTES OF SLIGO /DRUMCLIFFE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 21ST JULY 2003:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Sligo /Drumcliffe Electoral Area meeting held on the 21st July 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

5. MINUTES OF SPC3 MEETING HELD ON 30TH JANUARY 2003:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the SPC3 meeting held on 30th January 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

6. MINUTES OF SPC1 MEETING HELD ON 30TH MAY 2003:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the SPC1 meeting held on 30th May 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

7. MINUTES OF SPC2 MEETING HELD ON 27TH JUNE 2003:

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the SPC2 meeting held on 27th June 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

8. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT BUNDUFF, CLIFFONEY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a site at Bunduff, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo to Mr Thomas Oates”.

9. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT BALLYMEENEY, DROMORE WEST, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To approve the disposal of land at Ballymeeney, Dromore West, Co. Sligo to Mr Tommy Casey which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 19th September 2003 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”

10. PART 8: EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PIER ON CONEY ISLAND:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the extension and improvement of the existing pier on Coney Island (or Inishmulcloy)”.

11: PART 8: CONSTRUCT HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PET SYSTEM, BUNDUFF, CLIFFONEY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the construction of a house, septic tank and PET system at Bunduff, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo”.

12. PART 8: CONSTRUCT HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT TAWNYMUCKLAGH, MONASTERADEN, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

13. PART 8: CONSTRUCT HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND TREATMENT SYSTEM AT CARRIGEENS TD, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

14. PART 8: CONSTRUCT EXTENSION, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT RATHSCANLON TD, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the construction of an extension, septic tank and percolation area to existing single storey dwelling at Rathscanlon Td., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo”.

15. PART 8: CONSTRUCTION OF DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT GREYFIELD TD, GURTEEN, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the construction of a demountable dwelling, septic tank and percolation area at Greyfield Td., Gurteen, Co. Sligo”.

16. FIX A DATE FOR COUNCILS BUDGET 2004 MEETING:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager informed the meeting that the prescribed dates as set by the Department of Environment and Local Government for the holding of the 2004 Budget Meeting were from 25th November, 2003 to 13th January, 2004.

A discussion followed in relation to the matter, following which it was

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

AND AGREED

“To hold the Budget Meeting for 2004 on 12th January 2004”.

17. SECTION 48 OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000: DEVELOPMENT LEVY SCHEMES

It was agreed to take item no. 48 at this stage.

Mr. D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer outlined to the meeting the details of the Development Levy Scheme. A discussion followed in relation to the matter following which it was

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That the charges for the Schemes outside the Environs be as follows water €2000, sewerage €2000, and the other two categories be €400”

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That people in the rural areas who have no water or sewerage do not have to pay any levy”.

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council make Development Contributions Schemes for the area within the environs of Sligo Town as set out on the attached map and for the area outside the environs, in accordance with the published draft schemes, subject to the amendments proposed by the County Manager and any other amendments agreed at this meeting”.

18. REVISED POLICIES: DISABLED PERSONS GRANTS, DISABLED PERSONS NEW HOUSE GRANTS AND ESSENTIAL REPAIRS GRANTS:

The meeting agreed to take items no. 50 and no. 57 with this item.

Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services outlined the detail included in the revised policies in respect of the Disabled Persons Grants, Disabled Persons New House Grants and Essential Repairs Grants. Following some discussion on the matter it was

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council refer back to the Housing SPC for further consultation on DPG and Essential Repairs and further consult with Councillors”.

19. NAMING OF NEW PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES /SCHEMES:

Councillor D. Bree asked that it be a condition of the grant of planning permission that the names of all new private housing estates/schemes be agreed with the Council and that this condition be included in the Development Plan.

In response Mr H. Kearns, County Manager suggested that the naming of estates /schemes could be included in the conditions of planning permission. Further that he would revert to the members regarding whether or not this was a reserved function.

44. DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR DROMARD, BELTRA, DROMORE WEST AND EASKEY:

It was agreed at Cllr. M. Barrett’s request to take item no. 44 at this stage.

Councillor M. Barrett asked that a Development Plan be prepared for Skreen and Dromard, Beltra, Dromore West and Easkey to be included in the County Development Plan.

In response Director Forkan stated that these small scale settlements can be the subject of a series of mini plans for inclusion in the review of the County Development Plan.

20. EXTENSION AT CLOGHERMORE CEMETARY, CALRY, CO. SLIGO:

Councillor I. Fox asked for an up to date report on the development of the extension at Cloghermore Cemetery, Calry.

In reply, Mr P. Flanagan, Acting Director of Services stated that the archaeologists report had been submitted for consideration to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

21. FUNDING FOR PROVISION OF ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

Councillor I. Fox asked that Sligo County Council request Sligo Borough Council to allocate funding for the provision of proper access on the streets of Sligo, for people with disabilities.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley stated that this item was for consideration at a Borough Council meeting.

22. FUNDING FOR ELDERLY:

At the request of Councillor I. Fox it was agreed that the Council ask Minister Martin to immediately provide an increased allocation of funding for the elderly – so that our elderly population can avail of daily home help services.

23. CAR PARK AND TRAFFIC SYSTEM IN MARREN PARK, BALLYMOTE:

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council surface dress the small car park adjacent to the green area in Marren Park, Ballymote, and further that the necessary proposals be drafted, in consultation with the local residents, to introduce a one way traffic system in the estate, provide speed ramps and implement parking restrictions on the road adjacent to Corran College.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that it is proposed that the car parking area in Marren Park be surface dressed in the current year. Further that consultations have taken place with residents regarding the traffic system, and that these were ongoing. Mr. Carroll, also noted that there are no funds at present to improve sightlines near Corran College.

24. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT KIERNAN AVENUE AND CHURCH VIEW, COLLOONEY:

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council in consultation with the local residents, introduce traffic calming measures at Kiernan Avenue and Church View, Collooney.

In response, Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that road restoration works are planned for Church View in the current year. He further noted that there are no funds available for traffic calming measures at this time, but that consultations with residents will take place.

25. EXTEND 30MPH SPEED LIMIT ON COUNTY ROAD NO. 628:

In the absence of Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor A. Higgins proposedthat the 30m.p.h. speed limit be extended by 250 yards approximately on County Road no. 628 in Riverstown.

In response, Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the proposal to extend the speed limit is not considered necessary at present, but that the speed limit extension can be reconsidered before the proposed new school is completed.

26. DISTRIBUTION OF NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDS:

It was proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on the government to set up an independent board for the distribution of the National Lottery Funds instead of the Minister for Tourism allocating the biggest share to is own constituency”.

27. PURCHASE OF LISADELL HOUSE:

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council condemn the government on its failure to deal with the purchase of Lissadell for the citizens of Ireland and to ask the Minister to explain why he refused to meet a deputation which was agreed at a meeting of Sligo County Council.

28. UPGRADING OF BALLYGAWLEY /BALLINTOGHER WATER SCHEME CONNECTION TO KILSELLAGH RESERVOIR:

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council immediately proceed with the upgrading of the Ballygawley /Ballintogher water scheme connection to the Kilsellagh reservoir in view of the housing development that is planned in Ballygawley.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that these villages could be supplied from Lough Gill Water Treatment works, but at present water from Lough Gill Water Treatment works is being used to augment the Kilsellagh water supply scheme while modification works are being carried out at Kilsellagh dam. These works will be completed in Autumn 2004.

29. LITTER PROBLEMS IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES:

Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked the County Manager to apply the resources necessary to address the growing litter problem in the towns and villages of County Sligo.

In response John Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer outlined the current measures being undertaken and those planned by the Environmental Awareness Officers in both Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council, in an effort to combat these growing problems.

Mr. H Kearns, County Manager acknowledged that the budget for street cleaning was modest and emphasized the need for public cooperation and civic pride in maintaining a clean County Sligo.

30 WATER CONNECTION TO CARRIGANS CEMETERY:

Councillor S. Mac Manus asked that Sligo County Council provide a water connection (tap) to Carrigans Cemetary, Maugherow for the convenience of persons using the graveyard.

In response Mr P Flanagan, Acting Director of Services stated that there are no funds available to carry out this work in 2003, it would cost €1,000 and could be included in the burial grounds draft estimate for 2004.

31. SEWER AT CORPUS CHRISTI, TOURLESTRANE:

Councillor S. MacManus asked that Sligo County Council take the requisite actions to end the backing-up of the sewer in Tourslestrane at Corpus Christi, Tourlestrane.

In response Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services stated that the sewer and septic tank at Tourlestrane belong to a voluntary housing scheme and serve 6 voluntary houses and 3 local authority houses. He stated that the Housing Section would liaise with the local voluntary housing agency to have the problem rectified and would pay costs pro rata to the number of houses owned by Sligo County Council.

32. BRING BANK FACILITY AT ROSSES POINT:

Councillor B. Scanlon asked that the bring-bank facility located in the car-park adjacent to the promenade at Rosses Point be re-located to an alternative site in the village in consultation with the local community.

In response Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer stated that consultations had taken place with the Rosses Point tidy towns committee during 2001 and 2002 on a location for bring bank facilities in Rosses Point but that no consensus has been reached. The bring bank facilities were installed in the public car park conforming with best practice nationwide and are in regular use. He stated that further consultations would take place with the tidy towns committee on the issue.

69. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mary Perry on the death of her husband, Josie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mai Cahill on the death of her brother, Paddy Durkin”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Loretta Henry on the death of her mother, Bridget Delaney”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Nathy Mullarkey on the death of his father, Richard”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mary Kate Mc Donagh on the death of her brother, Eddie Haran”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Nora Torsney on the death of her father, Matt”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Francis Flannery on the death of his mother in law, Sadie Ruane”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Patrick Mc Donagh on the death of his Aunt, Tess”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Sean Carew on the death of his brother, Pat”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Sean Frizzell on the death of his sister, Marita Mc Govern”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to William Henry on the death of his brother, Patrick”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Tom Brennan on the death of his father, Tom”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Pat Haran on the death of his brother, Edward”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Maureen Duffy on the death of her mother, Annie Muldowney”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kathleen O’Connor on the death of her brother, James Gallagher”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Teresa Kennedy on the death of her brother, Paddy Durcan”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Thomas and Mary Conway on the death of their son, Wesley”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Edward Cleary on the death of his uncle Paddy”.

Proposed by Councillor P. Branley
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Annie Boylan on the death of her brother Tom Mc Carrick”.

70. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Curry GAA Club on their win in the County Sligo Senior Championship 2003”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Cloonacool Ladies Football Team on their win in the Ladies Junior Championship”.

71. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor P. Barry, Councillor P. Branley, Councillor J. Cawley, Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor M. Conlon, Councillor P. Conmy, Councillor I. Fox, Councillor R. Mc Guinn, Councillor T. Mc Loughlin, Councillor G. Murray, Councillor A. Parke, Deputy J. Perry, Councillor J. Queenan and Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Local Authority Members Association Annual Winter Seminar in Galway on 7-8 November 2003”.

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

AND AGREED

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

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Barrett be nominated to attend the ‘Impact of population growth on community development and planning’ conference in Wexford on 14-15 October 2003”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the ‘future of local authorities in the promotion of arts and culture’ conference in Wicklow on 3-5 October 2003”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Conlon, Councillor P. Barry and 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”.

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“That Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the IPA planning policy training seminar in Dublin on 27th September, 2003”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Conlon be nominated to attend the ‘partnership, the crucial factor or just empty talk” conference in Cork on 25-27 September 2003”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Conlon be nominated to attend the ‘Suicide and older people’ conference in Limerick on 20-21 September 2003”.

With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, Mr F. Mac Nabb drew the members attention to a letter circulated with the Agenda acknowledging the resignations of Deputy J. Devins and Senator E. Scanlon, he advised that co-options would take place at the November Ordinary meeting and noted that a person shall not be proposed for co-option without the prior written consent of that person.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING:

Lama newsletter, Autumn 2003.
Forthcoming conferences listing

The meeting adjourned at 4.10p.m. It was agreed to adjourn items 34-43, 45-47, 49, 51-56 and 58-68 to 13th October 2003.

Meeting Date 06/10/2003