Minutes 2004

Minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 13th September 2004 at 11.00 in the Council Chamber, Riverside, Sligo.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Baker,
Barrett,
Barry,
Bree,
Cawley,
Conmy,
Devins,
Fleming,
Fox,
Gormley,
Healy Mc Gowan,
Henry,
Higgins,
Kilgannon,
Leonard,
Lundy,
McGarry,
McGrath,
McLoughlin,
Mullaney,
Queenan,
Sherlock.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
Mr F. O’ Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
Mr F. Mac Nabb, Administrative Officer
Ms D. Mc Donagh, Acting Administrative Officer
Ms S. Malone, Assistant Staff Officer
Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor S. Mac Manus and Councillor A. Colleary.

1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5TH JULY 2004:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 5th July 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

2. DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT 19 BALLINA ROAD, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at no. 19 Ballina Road, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Vincent and Mary McGuire”.

3. DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT MAIN STREET, COLLOONEY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at Main Street, Collooney to Alan Beirne”.

4. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT NO. 41 PARKLANDS, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at No. 41 Parklands, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, to Linda Kennedy (nee Kelly)”.

5. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT NO. 1 TEELING GARDENS, BALLISODARE, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at No. 1 Teeling Gardens, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo to Ursula Kelly”.

6. DISPOSAL OF 16 (NO.) SERVICED SITES AT CAMROSS, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor P. Mc Grath
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of 16 (no.) serviced sites at Camross, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, to Gilleece Brothers Construction Ltd.”.

7. DEVELOPMENT OF SLUDGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT WOODFIELD, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, proceed with the development of sludge treatment facilities at the existing Wastewater Treatment Works at Woodfield, Ballymote, Co. Sligo”.

8. DEVELOPMENT OF SLUDGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT COLLOONEY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

9. DEVELOPMENT OF SLUDGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT RATHSCANLAN, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

10. IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO BALLINTOGHER GROUP WATER SUPPLY SCHEME AT RATHMONEY, BALLINTOGHER, KILROSS AND BALLYGAWLEY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the development of improvement works to Ballintogher Group Water Supply Scheme, at Rathmoney, Ballintogher, Co. Sligo, and Kilross, Ballygawley, Co. Sligo”.

11. CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT RATHLEE, EASKEY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

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 Rathlee Td., Easkey, Co. Sligo”.

11A. CONSTRUCTION OF 34 NO. HOUSES AT COOLANEY, CO. SLIGO:

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

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 34 No. houses at Coolaney, Co. Sligo”.

12. ZONING OF LAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AT CLOONAMAHON, CO. SLIGO TO PROVIDE FOR TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION:

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

“To make variation of the County Development Plan relating to the zoning of land for residential purposes at Cloonamahon, Co. Sligo, to provide for traveller accommodation in accordance with documentation circulated to members dated 27 August 2004”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to the matter, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley asked that a poll be taken.

For: Barrett, Barry, Bree, Cawley, Devins, Gormley, Healy Mc Gowan, Henry, Higgins, Kilgannon, Leonard, Lundy, Queenan.

Against: Baker, Fleming, McGrath, Mullaney, Sherlock.

As the results were 13 for the motion and 5 against the motion the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

13. DRAFT STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE SCHEME 2004-2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Draft Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2004-2009 and the process to be followed in the preparation and putting in place of the scheme”.

14. CONTROL OF HORSES BYE-LAWS 2004:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the bye-laws under the Control of Horses Act, 1996”.

15. ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

“To note the Annual Financial Statement of Sligo County Council for the year ended 31st December 2003”.

16. AUTHORISATION OF OVER EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003:

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy Mc Gowan

AND AGREED

“To authorize over expenditure of €3,811,773 for the year ended 31 December 2003 in accordance with Section 104(7) of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

16A. REVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCING:

The members agreed that a small committee would be formed and it was agreed to place this item on the agenda for the next council meeting.

17. DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993:

Road No.L7427 From junction with Regional Road No. R286 in the townland of Ballynamona for a distance of 25 metres and linking with existing L7427.
Road No. L74302 From junction with Local Road No. L74302 in the townland of Hazelwood Demesne for a distance of 616 metres, average width 5.7metres, to Half Moon Bay; also car park area at end of road measuring 50 metres X 36 metres.”

18. INCREASE BORROWING LIMIT FOR COMPLETION OF ENTIRE BROAD AND METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK AROUND SLIGO CITY AND ENVIRONS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“To approve increased borrowing limit for the completion of the entire Broad and Metropolitan Area Network (M.A.N.) around Sligo City and Environs to €750,000”.

19. FIXING OF DATE TO HOLD JOINT MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AND OMAGH DISTRICT COUNCIL:

It was agreed to hold a joint meeting of Sligo County Council and Omagh District Council in Sligo on 11th October 2004 at 2.00pm.

20: ADOPTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Higher Education Grant Scheme 2004”

21 AND 44. UPDATE ON POSITION RE. ROSSES POINT MARINA PROJECT:

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services, outlined details of a submission made by Sligo County Council to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on 20th July at which the major issues raised were the public value of the project, underwriting, objections by the Harbour Master and difficulties with the foreshore licence.

The Harbour Master has since withdrawn all objections and there are no outstanding matters in connection with the foreshore licence. The underwriting issue has yet to be resolved and a suggested 10year commitment to the project by the Council is being sought. A further examination of tourism potential will be forwarded to the Department of Marine as soon as possible. A meeting between department officials and officials of Sligo County Council is to be held in Sligo at a date yet to be agreed.

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council again request the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources to meet a joint delegation regarding the development of the proposed Rosses Point Marina”.

22. REPORT RE. CORPORATE PLAN 2004-2009:

This was noted. It was agreed that a workshop for members of Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council would be held at a venue to be agreed on 29th September 2004 at 7.00pm to discuss issues in relation to the Corporate Plan 2004-2009.

23. PURCHASE OF LANDS AT CARRADOUGH, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor J. Mc Garry
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

AND AGREED

“To proceed with the purchase of lands at Carradough, Strandhill”.

24. PRESENTATION BY ESB INTERNATIONAL RE. WESTERN RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PROJECT:

Mr Pat Canney, Project Co-ordinator and Mr Paddy Kavanagh, Project Manager, ESBI, gave a presentation to the members outlining the role and timeframe of the Western River Basin District Project. Sligo County Council is one of the 7 local authorities in the Western River Basin District who have a statutory role in promoting, establishing and implementing the requirements of the Water Framework Directive which is to ensure that ‘a good status’ must be achieved for all European waters by 2015 and that water use must be sustainable throughout Europe.

25. CAPACITY OF SEWERAGE PLANT AT CARNEY:

Councillor V. Cawley asked that in view of the number of new developments and further planning applications approved in the Carney area that a report be given to the council on the current capacity of the sewerage plant at Carney and whether improvements are needed in view of the increase in development in the area, further what is the time scale for such works to be carried out.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the size of the required upgraded scheme is being assessed at present and it is intended that construction will be underway in 2005.

26. ILLEGAL PARKING AT GREEN ROAD, SLIGO:

Councillor J. Mc Garry asked the roads Engineer for Sligo / Strandhill what plans are there to put the necessary infrastructure/fencing in place to stop illegal parking at Green Rd. Sligo.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that it is not proposed to alter the custom and practice of temporary parking of sightseers at this location.

27. RADHARC NA MARA HOUSING ESTATE, STRANDHILL:

Councillor J. Mc Garry asked that the Council be provided with a full report on the completion of Radharc na Mara housing estate, Strandhill in accordance with planning permission granted.

In response Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer stated that the developer has indicated that following the completion of boundary treatment works the landscaping of the estate will be completed. A close circuit TV survey will be carried out on the foul and storm services before taking the estate in charge.

28. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON THE CARAROE /DRUMISKABLE ROAD:

Councillor J. Mc Garry asked that the Council to indicate what plans have they to provide traffic calming measures on the Carraroe /Drumiskabole road.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a 40mph speed limit exists from Carrowroe to Jinks cross and that it is not proposed to introduce traffic calming measures along this section of road, the enforcement of the speed limit is a matter for An Garda Siochana.

29. GRANGE SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT:

Councillor V. Cawley asked that the council receive a report on the up to date position on the provision of the new Grange sewerage treatment plant including expected start date, total cost of the plant and expected capacity.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the estimated cost of the new waste water treatment works for Grange is €1,250,000. The preliminary report on will be ready for submission to the DoEHLG shortly but a start date cannot be given until the preliminary report is approved.

30. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT STRANDHILL:

This motion was deferred to the next meeting with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

31. BALLINALEG, BELTRA AND DROMORE WEST NATIONAL SCHOOLS:

Councillor M. Barrett asked that this Council call on the Minister for Education to provide the necessary funding for the extensions and refurbishment of Ballinaleg National School, Beltra and Dromore West National School, as a matter of urgency.

This was agreed.

32, 39 AND 49. SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN DROMORE WEST AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN EASKEY:

Councillors M. Barrett, J. Queenan and P. Conmy requested information regarding the upgrading of the Dromore West Sewerage System.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that expressions of interest have been sought for the construction of a new treatment works in Dromore West, contract documents are to issue in October with a tender period of approximately 6 weeks, it is expected that the contract should be signed early in 2005.

Councillor M. Barrett asked for the extension of the sewerage system in Easkey to the Fortland Estate.

In response Mr K Larkin stated that the only source of funding would be the small schemes programme but that this is fully committed to other schemes for the next number of years.

33. CASTLEBALDWIN BYPASS ON THE N4:

Councillor G. Mullaney asked that Sligo County Council call on the government and the National Roads Authority to accelerate the Castlebaldwin Bypass on the N4 and to outline when funding will be made available.

In response Mr T. Carroll stated that a preferred route to realign section of N4 was adopted by members of Sligo County Council on 8th July 2002 but that to date no approval has been forthcoming from the NRA to progress this project to the next phase of development.

34. WATER SUPPLY IN GURTEEN:

Councillor M. Gormley asked that this Council take the necessary steps to provide a proper water supply to Gurteen and the surrounding areas.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that Gurteen water supply is in compliance with EU water supply regulations at each testing. It is not possible at present to connect to the Lough Talt water supply scheme as that scheme is at the upper limit of its current water abstraction order.

35. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN TUBBERCURRY:

Councillor M. Gormley asked for the up-to-date position on the provision of pedestrian crossings in Tubbercurry.

In response Mr T. Carroll stated that proposals to construct a pedestrian crossing on the N17 Tubbercurry relief road have been preliminarily approved and a submission will be made to the NRA for funding as part of the National Roads Programme 2005.

36 AND 45. ROAD NETWORK IN STRANDHILL:

Councillors T. Mc Loughlin and S. Kilgannon asked for details on the completion of works on Strandhill Road, starting at the first sea road.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that negotiations have commenced to purchase land for the realignment of the R292 between 1st and 2nd Sea road. Subject to agreement and funding it is proposed to commence works in 2005.

Councillor T. Mc Loughlin asked that funding be provided so that work could be carried out to accommodate increasing volumes of traffic on the Carrowmore Road and for works to accommodate increasing volumes of traffic on Regional road R292.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the Carrowmore Road will be considered for improvement in the context of the 2005 roadworks programme. Works have recently been undertaken on R292 and further improvements can be considered under the 2005 roadworks programme.

37. CUMEEN DRAINAGE AND STRANDHILL WASTE WATER TREATMENT WORKS:

Councillor T. Mc Loughlin asked for the up to date position regarding the provision of Cumeen Drainage, and the upgrading of the existing sewerage Treatment Plant in Strandhill.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that much of the advance preparatory work on Cumeen Drainage has been completed. It is intended to pump the foul sewage from Cumeen into Sligo Main Drainage for treatment work which has now been approved to tender stage.

With regard to the Strandhill Waste Water Treatment Works, a preliminary report is being finalised for submission this month to the DoEHLG for their approval.

38. HEALTH SERVICES IN SLIGO AND THE NORTH WEST:

This item was, with the permission of the Cathaoirleach deferred to the next meeting of the Council.

40. RURAL TRANSPORT INITIATIVE.

Councillor J. Queenan called on the Minister for Transport to put the Rural Transport Initiative for County Sligo on solid footing.

This motion was agreed.

41. VILLAGES INVOLVED IN PROMOTION OF TOURISM:

Councillor J. Queenan asked that the County Manager to consider putting monies available in 2005 estimates for the upkeep of our villages involved in the promotion of tourism.

In response Mr H. Kearns, County Manager indicated that a balance needs to be achieved with local people playing a part in the upkeep of villages and that the matter should be discussed further at SPC level.

42. TAKING IN CHARGE OF THE BLENNICKS, ROSSES POINT:

This item was deferred to the next meeting with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

43. WATER QUALITY AT THE BLENNICKS, ROSSES POINT:

This item was deferred to the next meeting with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

46. BENDS ON LOWER FINISKLIN ROAD:

Councillor S. Kilgannon asked the Director of Services when funding will be made available to remove the bad bends on the Lower Finisklin Road.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that there was is no provision in the 2004 roadworks programme for these works however this can be considered in the context of the 2005 roadworks programme when being drafted.

47. TAKING IN CHARGE OF THE ORCHARDS, SEA ROAD:

Councillor S. Kilgannon asked that Sligo County Council take in charge the housing estate known as The Orchards on the First Sea Road.

In response Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer stated that the members had previously agreed to the taking in charge of this estate.

48. WATER SCHEME IN DROMORE WEST:

Councillor P. Conmy asked for the up to date position regarding the water scheme in Dromore West and if the Council would extend it.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the Council are currently in the process of taking over Dromore West group water supply scheme, upgrading works on 1.5km of the existing mains are at an advanced stage and will facilitate connection of existing members to the public water supply, there are no plans to extend the existing Council scheme.

50. LIGHTS AT AUGHRIS:

Councillor P. Conmy asked that the Council include in the estimates money for lights at Aughris.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this would be considered when the 2005 budget is being drafted.

51. NEW REGULATIONS FOR FISHERMEN:

Councillor M. Barrett asked that the Council call on the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources to revise the new regulations for fishermen to be implemented by mid 2005.

This was agreed.

52. COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES:

Councillor M. Fleming asked that the Council request the Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment, Mary Harney to increase the number of places on Community Employment Schemes, particularly to organisations like the Wheelchair Association, Alzheimer’s Society, etc.

This was agreed.

53. BUS STOP AT ACHONRY:

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

AND AGREED

“To request Bus Eireann to establish a routine stop for express buses at Achonry Connacht Gold Stores”.

54. INSTALLATION OF PUBLIC SEWERAGE MAINS AT SANDYHILL:

Councillor M. Fleming requested the installation of a public sewerage mains to serve a number of houses at Sandyhill convenient to Bellaghy.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that there is no allocation or fund available at present to carry out this work.

55. SIGNAGE IN RIVERSTOWN:

Councillor M. Baker asked that the Council heighten motorists awareness of the necessity of keeping children in mind when driving through Riverstown village and to provide signs to highlight the importance of not driving at excess speed.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a review of existing signage in Riverstown would be undertaken and that the Area Engineer would undertake any necessary improvements.

56. TAP CONNECTIONS AT GRAVEYARDS:

Councillor M. Baker asked that where a water main exists beside a graveyard that Sligo County Council supply a connection to a tap in order to facilitate the maintenance of the graveyard.

In response Ms D. Mc Donagh, Acting Administrative Officer stated that the council is working to identify those burial grounds which have water mains adjacent to them and may put in place a programme for the installation of connections where requested, if adequate funding is available.

57. FOOTPATH ALONG N17:

Councillor J. Lundy asked that Sligo County Council provide funding for a footpath from Lovers Lane junction with N17 to Tubbercurry in line with recreational/tourism product in the County Development Plan.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that there is no provision in the 2004 estimates for construction of footpaths along the N17 as proposed but that the proposal can be considered in the context of the 2005 roadworks scheme, when being drafted.

58. FUNDING FOR UPGRADING OF THE N16:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

Following a discussion on the matter the following amended motion was put forward.

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That this Council seek a meeting with Leitrim and Cavan County Councils with a view to meeting with Minister Seamus Brennan with regard to funding for the upgrading of the N16 at the earliest date. Further that Fermanagh District Council be contacted with a view to forming a joint committee to seek funding from all possible sources, e.g. ICBAN”.

59. BALLISODARE SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT:

Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager to report on the current position relating to the proposed Ballisodare Sewerage Treatment Plant and to ask if all the legal requirements were complied with during the planning process.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the contract for the Ballisodare sewage treatment plant has been signed, that the project will go to construction shortly and that all legal requirements are complied with.

In response to members queries Mr Larkin stated that every effort would be made to screen the facility.

60. WITHDRAWAL OF RECYCLING BANKS FOR PLASTIC BOTTLES:

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council express its deep concern at the decision of Council officials to reduce the Council’s recycling facilities by withdrawing the plastic bottle bring bank service, and further the Council instructs that where similar cut backs in public services are being considered in future, the matter be placed on the monthly agenda of the Council for consideration by the elected members.

In response Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer stated that services of recycling banks for plastic bottles are being withdrawn in locations where a door to door separate collection of dry recyclable materials is available to the consumer and that the introduction of recycling banks for plastic bottles was introduced in 2002 as a temporary measure.
Director Forkan stated that waste management issues of this nature will be discussed with the relevant SPC in future.

61. STONE WALL AT BREEOGUE:

Councillor D. Bree withdrew this motion with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

62. OWNERSHIP OF VOLUNTARY HOUSING:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to allow tenants in Voluntary Housing accommodation to buy out the houses if they so wish, as is the case with local authority tenants”.

63. COUNCIL HOUSING AT GEEVAGH:

Councillor G. Mullaney asked that Sligo County Council clarify and provide an update on the new council housing at Geevagh.

In response Director Caffrey stated that the scheme in Geevagh commenced in 2001 but due to failure on the part of the contractor has not yet been completed. The Council is currently seeking legal advice on this matter to allow the scheme to be completed as soon as possible by this contractor or an alternative one.

64. FOOTPATHS AND ROADWORKS IN BALLYGAWLEY:

This motion was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

65. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Vincent Feely on the death of his father, Tom”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Claire Surlis on the death of her mother, Mary Varley”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Beatrice Stenson on the death of her brother, Sean Brett”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Anthony Roper on the death of his wife, Bridie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paddy Cunnie on the death of his brother, John”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Burke on the death of his brother, Ambrose Carr”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Frances Mullarkey on the death of her father, Henry Neary”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Patricia Anderson on the death of her father, Henry Neary”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Phillips on the death of her brother, Joe Gavigan”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Kennedy on the death of his uncle, Ambrose Carr”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ted and Sheila Smyth on the death of Mary”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to David and Susan Duncan on the death of their daughter, Devena Duncan”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom and Annette Sweeney on the death of Jack”.

66. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be expressed to the Sligo Ladies Football Team and their Manager, Kathleen Kane on reaching the All Ireland Finals”

CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Councillor V. Cawley be nominated to attend the Tom Johnson Summer School in Louth on 17-19 September 2004”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor G. Mullaney be nominated to attend the Local Government workshop in Cork on 24th September 2004”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Fleming be nominated to attend the International Genealogy festival in Sligo from 30th September to 3rd October 2004”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Queenan be nominated to attend the La Touche Legacy Seminar in Wicklow on 1-3 October 2004”.

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Queenan be nominated to attend Feile Frank Mc Gann in Roscommon on 7-10 October 2004”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Lundy be nominated to attend a town twinning event in Viarmes, France on 14-20 October 2004”.

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy Mc Gowan
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Baker, Barry, Colleary, Higgins and Healy Mc Gowan be nominated to attend the CEC annual conference in Gibraltar on 14-17 October 2004”.

CORRESPONDENCE:

With regard to item 67(c)

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

AND AGREED

“That we call on the Minister for the Environment to immediately approve the report for the upgrade of the proposed sewerage treatment plant for Tubbercurry”.

68. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

Noted.

69. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley drew the attention of the members to a facsimile dated 13/09/04 received from Dana Rosemary Scallon requesting the members to consider her nomination to the presidential election. It was noted that her request did not meet with the requirements of the Presidential Elections Act, 1993. As the matter requires to be dealt with prior to the next ordinary meeting of the council a special meeting of the council would need to be convened. The Cathaoirleach put the matter of holding a special meeting of the Council, before 1st October, to the members of the Council and it was the decision of the members not to hold a special meeting to consider the request.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING:

Structures proposed for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures as part of the Draft Development Plan for Sligo 2005-2011.
Facsimile received from Dana Rosemary Scallon regarding presidential nomination.
Section 16 of the Presidential Elections Act, 1993.
Western River Basin District Project presentation.
List of forthcoming conferences.

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley thanked the members for their co-operation and the meeting ended at 3.55pm.

Meeting Date 13/09/2004