Minutes 2004
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 21st December 2004 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Barrett,
- Barry,
- Bree,
- Cawley,
- Colleary,
- Conmy,
- Devins,
- Fleming,
- Fox,
- Gormley,
- Healy McGowan,
- Henry,
- Higgins,
- Kilgannon,
- Leonard,
- Lundy,
- MacManus,
- McGarry,
- McLoughlin,
- Mullaney,
- Murray,
- Sherlock.
APOLOGIES:
- Apologies were received from Councillor M. Baker and Councillor J. Queenan.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
- Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
- Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
- Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
- Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
- Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
- Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
- Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr B. Gavin, Project Engineer
- Mr F. Mac Nabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer
- Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
- Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
- The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley presided.
1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 1 NOVEMBER 2004:
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the ordinary council meeting held on 1 November 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
2. MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 8 NOVEMBER 2004:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the adjourned ordinary council meeting held on 8 November 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
3. MINUTES OF SLIGO /DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 20 SEPTEMBER 2004:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Sligo /Drumcliffe area meeting held on 20 September 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
4. MINUTES OF SLIGO /DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 18 OCTOBER 2004:
Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Sligo /Drumcliffe area meeting held on 18 October 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
5. BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 2 SEPTEMBER 2004:
Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Ballymote Area meeting held on 2 September 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
6. BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 20 OCTOBER 2004:
Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Ballymote Area meeting held on 20 October 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
7. MINUTES OF JOINT (SLIGO, MAYO, ROSCOMMON) MEETING HELD ON 29 MARCH 2004:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Joint Council meeting held on 29 March 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
8. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT CLOONKEELAUN, ENNISCRONE, CO. SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at Cloonkeelaun, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo to John and Sheila Lavelle”.
9. DISPOSAL OF LAND IN THE TOWNLAND OF COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land in the townland of Collooney to John Anthony McGarry, Woodview, Collooney, Co. Sligo in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.
10. PART 8 REGS, 2001, CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT FULE, CURRY:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
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 a house, septic tank and percolation area at Fule, Drumbaun, Co. Sligo”.
11. PART 8 REGS, 2001 CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSIENT HALTING SITE AT CLOONAMAHON:
Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox
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 transient halting site and associated works at Cloonamahon, Co. Sligo”.
12. SECTORAL REPRESENTATION MEMBERSHIP ON SPC STRUCTURE:
The meeting agreed to adopt the report as submitted, for insertion into the Council’s Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2004 – 2009.
13. REPORT ON PROVISION OF NEW SEWERAGE TREATMENT AT BUNNINADDEN:
The members considered the report in relation to this item and on the proposal of Councillor M. Gormley, seconded by Councillor J. Lundy, it was agreed to proceed as outlined in the report. It was agreed that the new sewerage treatment works be taken in charge by the Council on satisfactory completion.
14. AUTHORISATION OF TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT TO 30 JUNE 04:
Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and subject to the sanction of the Minister of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €5.5M by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 30th June 2005”.
15. PROPOSED LIBRARY MUSEUM FACILITIES:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“That this Council proceed to develop the Museum, parking facility, civic space, extension of the Model and Niland Gallery and commercial element of the proposed developments at The Mall, Connaughton Road, Sligo”.
The County Manager stated that it was important to proceed as outlined in the proposal and to continue in discussions in relation to the location of the library
16. DELEGATION TO DISCUSS EXTENSION OF THE BOROUGH BOUNDARY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“The County Council select a deputation to meet with a delegation from the Borough Council in response to the correspondence of 6 December from the Town Clerk”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Leonard be appointed to the delegation to meet with the Borough Council”.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That Councillor M. Gormley be a member of the delegation”.
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“That Councillor P. Conmy be part of the delegation to meet with the Borough Council”.
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Mc Garry
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Mc Garry be a delegate on committee to discuss extension of the borough boundary”.
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“To propose Councillor A. Higgins and Councillor J. Devins as members of Sligo County Council delegation regarding extension of the borough boundary”.
It was further agreed that the Cathaoirleach and the Mayor would agree a date for a joint meeting to take place in the New Year.
17. PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO MURDER OF PAT FINUCANE:
Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council call for a full public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. We also call on the Government to exert every possible pressure on the British Government to achieve this”.
18 AND 20. FUNDING FOR TOWN TWINNING; TUBBERCURRY AND VIARMES:
Councillor M. Fleming and Councillor M. Gormley requested that monies be provided in the estimates 2005 to assist the Tubbercurry town twinning committee to host Viarmes in 2005.
In response Director Caffrey stated that a figure had been provided in the estimates for town twinning and that this was a matter for consideration at the budget meeting.
19. ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
Councillor M. Barrett asked that this Council object to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Dúchas) requesting unnecessary expensive archaeological works in dealing with ordinary planning applications of one off houses.
In response Director Forkan stated that there are a considerable number of heritage locations in Sligo and that any proposed development in these locations are referred to Dúchas who stipulate planning conditions including archaeological works to be carried out.
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“That this Council write to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government seeking a review of the regulations involving the archaeological assessment of sites, in order to avoid unnecessary expenditure by people building their own homes”.
21. CUTTING OF ROADSIDE TREES AND HEDGES:
Councillor V. Cawley asked that the cutting back of hedges and roadsides overgrowth be done on a rota basis throughout the county and that the information on this rota be made available to all councillors for their information.
In response Mr T. Carroll stated that landowners and occupiers of land are obliged to take all reasonable care to ensure that trees and hedges growing on their land are not or could not become a danger to people using or working on a public road, he further stated that the Council are at present issuing notices to negligent landowners and occupiers.
22. CHILDCARE:
Councillor S. Mac Manus with the permission of the Cathaoirleach deferred this motion.
23. PROGRAMME OF DRIVING INSTRUCTION:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“That in view of the deaths on our roads this council calls on the minister of education to introduce a programme of driving instruction and road safety as part of the transition year syllabus in all secondary schools Further if this motion is passed that it is circulated to all County Councils asking them to support the motion”.
24. INNER RELIEF ROAD:
Councillor S. Kilgannon asked if Sligo County Council have a finishing date for the Sligo inner relief road, how the inner relief road will impact on Hughes bridge, if there are any plans to widen the bridge to cater for the extra traffic and what progress has been made in relation to the eastern and western bypass.
In response Director Concannon stated that as construction of the inner relief road is ahead of schedule it is expected that it would be completed in Autumn 2005. In relation to Hughes bridge, a western bypass and an eastern bridge, a comprehensive traffic study is nearing completion, which will inform the need for, and the order of priority of these projects.
25. JUNCTION AT HAZLEWOOD AVENUE WITH R286:
Councillor S. Kilgannon asked what plans have Sligo County Council to improve the junction at Hazlewood avenue with Road 286.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that lands have been acquired to undertake improvements at this junction and it is proposed to include these works in the 2005 road works scheme subject to councillors approval.
26. DRUMCLIFFE WATER SUPPLY:
Councillor S. Kilgannon asked for the extension of the North Sligo Regional Water Supply Scheme to the Clooneen area of North Sligo.
In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the North Sligo water supply scheme extends southwards as far as Drumcliffe and that the Drum East group water supply scheme extends northwards as far as the Sligo town side of Drumcliffe bridge, this scheme serves the Clooneen area it is to be upgraded and as such there are no plans to extend the north Sligo scheme to Clooneen.
27. SKREEN /DROMARD /LOWER TEMPLEBOY GROUP WATER SCHEME:
Councillor M. Barrett asked when the Skreen /Dromard /Lower Templeboy Group Water Scheme will be officially taken over by this Council.
In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that this scheme would be taken in charge early in the new year once the process of identifying all connections to the scheme has taken place.
28. CONNAUGHT GOLD FACILITY AT ACHONRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Chief Executive of Connaught Gold Co-op, Mr Aaron Ford to ensure that the facility at Achonry is utilised and expanded”.
29-31: Items 29, 30 and 31 were deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.
32. CONSULTANTS AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:
Councillor P. Conmy asked that this Council give its full support to the Consultants in Sligo General Hospital, that the hospital is not downgraded and that the Council take a very serious view where Sligo politicians are accused by the Consultants of not shouting loud enough.
33. PARKING SPACES FOR DISABLED DRIVERS IN SLIGO TOWN:
This motion was disallowed as it is a matter for Sligo Borough Council.
34. TRAFFIC COUNT ON CALRY ROAD 267:
Councillor I. Fox asked to have a traffic count carried out on the dangerous Calry road 267.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a traffic count would be carried out early in 2005.
35. ROAD SAFETY AT ENTRANCE TO MAURICE PEARSE PREMISES, COLGAGH, CALRY:
Councillor I. Fox asked for the implementation of safety road traffic measures at entrance to Maurice Pearse premises situated at Colgagh, Calry, Co. Sligo.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the improvement of sightlines from a private entrance onto a public road is a matter for the property owner.
36. TASK FORCE TO PROMOTE ENTERPRISE PROJECTS IN SOUTH SLIGO:
Councillor M. Fleming asked the Director of Services, Community and Enterprise to facilitate the setting up of a task force representative of statutory and voluntary bodies to promote enterprise projects in the South Sligo area.
In response Director Clarke stated that an internal working group has been established to focus on the development of Tubbercurry and surrounding areas and that development and promotion of enterprise in the town will be taken into consideration by the group.
37. FUNDING FOR GRAVEYARD MAINTENANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS:
Councillor M. Fleming asked for increased funding through community and voluntary grants particularly in relation to graveyard maintenance and environmental projects.
In response Director Clarke stated that community projects including graveyard maintenance and environmental projects can be considered under the community and voluntary grant scheme at the budget meeting in January 2005.
38-42. Items 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 were deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.
43. TAKING IN CHARGE SECTION OF ROAD AT KILTURRA:
Councillor M. Gormley asked that Sligo County Council take in charge section of road from 472D to Regional Road 294 link road at Kiltunna, continuation of 472D, leads to cemetery.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this section of road has been recently upgraded and is of public utility and recommended that the process of taking in charge this section of road be commenced.
44. LIGHTS IN BALLINTOGHER VILLAGE:
Councillor M. Gormley asked that funding be made available to upgrade existing lights and provide four new lights in Ballintogher village.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this would be considered as part of the 2005 road works programme when it is being discussed at the Ballymote electoral area meeting.
45. SEWERAGE SCHEME AT CASTLEBALDWIN:
Councillor G. Mullaney asked that Sligo County Council report on the capacity of the existing sewerage scheme in Castlebaldwin and if an allocation of funding will be ringfenced for an upgrade of the scheme.
In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the scheme is at present at full capacity and that until recently there had been no significant demand for housing or development in Castlebaldwin and as such no plans to expand or upgrade the sewerage scheme. Mr. Larkin added however that a pre planning proposal for construction of 72 new houses and a waste water treatment works to accommodate this development has recently been submitted to water services, this is in the early stages of assessment at present.
46. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN COLLOONEY:
Councillor G. Mullaney asked for provision of a traffic management plan in Collooney in light of all the residential development in the region between the old and new Galway road.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this proposal would be considered in context of the 2005 roadworks programme when under discussion at the Ballymote electoral area meeting.
47. CORRESPONDENCE:
With regard to item 47(g) Councillor M. Gormley expressed her dissatisfaction with the content of the letter.
With regard to item 47(j) Councillor M. Gormley expressed her disappointment with this response.
VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Mc Vann on the death of her husband, John”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Teresa Durcan on the death of her husband, Tom”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Jennings on the death of his mother, Kathleen”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John P. Dunne on the death of his wife, Kitty”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Gallagher on the death of his mother, Delia”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Katharina Mc Daniel on the death of her father”.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED:
- Issue 1 of Contact newsletter
- Confederation of European Councillors winter newsline
- List of forthcoming conferences
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley expressed her thanks and appreciation to Ms M. Mc Connell for her courteousness and efficiency in her role as Meetings Administrator and welcomed Mr F. Mac Nabb to the role.
The meeting ended at 1.25pm
Meeting Date 21/12/2004