Minutes 2004

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th July 2004 at 2.00pm in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr T. Caffrey, Deputy County Manager
Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
Ms M. Leydon, Acting Head of Finance
Ms M. Mc Connell, Acting Director of Services
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
Mr F. O’ Driscoll, Acting Senior Executive Officer
Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
Ms M. Mc Donagh, Public Arts Co-ordinator
Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
Ms S. Staid, Clerical Officer

1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 10TH MAY 2004:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 10th May 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

2. MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON 25TH JUNE 2004:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 25th June 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

3. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 4TH MARCH 2004:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ballymote electoral area meeting held on 4th March 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

4. MINUTES OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 22ND MARCH 2004:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Sligo/ Drumcliffe Electoral Area meeting held on 22nd March 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

5. MINUTES OF SPC1 HELD ON 26TH FEBRUARY 2004:

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the meeting of SPC1 held on 26th February 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

6. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT CLOONEAGH, GURTEEN, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Clooneagh, Gurteen, Co. Sligo”.

7. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 15 ROSS ROAD, RIVERSTOWN, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at 15 Ross Road, Riverstown, Co. Sligo”.

8. CONSTRUCTION OF 8 NO. HOUSES AT COLLOONEY TD., COLLOONEY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
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 8 no. houses at Collooney Td., Collooney, Co. Sligo”.

9. DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS AT CARROWHUBBOCK SOUTH TOWNLAND, ENNISCRONE, CO. SLIGO :

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

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 an extension to the existing wastewater treatment works at Carrowhubbock South Townland, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo”.

10. CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT CARROWNAKNOCKAN TD., CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor J. Mc Garry
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

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 Carrownaknockan Td., Co. Sligo”.

11. CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT BELLAFARNEY TD., DROMORE WEST, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

12. EXTENSION OF A HOUSE AT NO. 42 MOUNTAIN VIEW, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the extension of a house at No. 42 Mountain View, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo”.

13. DEVELOPMENT OF PHASE 2 OF WATERPOINT, ENNISCRONE, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

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 Phase 2 of Waterpoint, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo”.

14. APPROVAL TO BORROWING A SUM NOT EXCEEDING €6,000,000.:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €6,000,000. by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 31st December, 2004”.

15. APPROVAL IF THE SLIGO LOCAL AUTHORITIES PUBLIC ART PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Sligo Local Authorities Public Art Plan 2004-2006”.

16: APPOINTMENT OF THREE MEMBERS TO THE LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE AND TO APPOINT A CHAIRPERSON FOR THE COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To propose Councillor Albert Higgins as a member of the Local Traveller Consultative Committee.”

It was further
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Mc Garry

AND AGREED

“That Declan Bree be appointed to the Local Traveller Consultative Committee.”

It was further
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To propose Councillor Joe Queenan as a member of the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.”

It was further
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Albert Higgins be appointed as Chairperson of the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, for the lifetime of the Committee, in accordance with Section 22 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1988.”

17. TO APPOINT ONE MEMBER TO THE BORDER REGIONAL AUTHORITY:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

“That Cllr. M. Fleming be selected to represent Sligo County Council on the Border Regional Authority.”

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

“To propose Councillor Jerry Lundy as a member of the Border Regional Authority.”

As there were two nominations received, the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For Councillor Fleming: Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Henry, Mac Manus, Mc Grath, Mc Loughlin, Mullaney, Murray.

For Councillor Lundy: Baker, Barry, Bree, Cawley, Colleary, Devins, Gormley, Healy Mc Gowan, Higgins, Kilgannon, Lundy, Mc Garry, Queenan, Sherlock.

As the result was 14 for Councillor Lundy, 9 for Councillor Fleming, the Cathaoirleach declared Councillor Lundy appointed as a member to the Border Regional Authority.

18. TO APPOINT ONE MEMBER TO THE BORDER, MIDLAND AND WEST REGIONAL ASSEMBLY:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To propose Councillor Jerry Lundy as a Member of the Border, Midland and West Regional Assembly”.

19. TO APPOINT TWO MEMBERS TO THE PEACE II TASK FORCE COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor J. Mc Garry

“That Cllr. M. Gormley be appointed as member of the Peace II Task Force”.

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“That Cllr. M. Fleming be appointed to the Peace II Task Force Committee.”

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

“To propose Councillor Patsy Barry as a member to the Peace II Task Force Committee”.

As there were three nominations, ballot papers were circulated and members asked to indicate their preference for the filling of the two seats.

As the result was 18 for Councillor Gormley, 14 for Councillor Barry and 1 for Councillor Fleming, Councillors Gormley and Barry were declared appointed to the Peace II Task Force Committee.”

20. ALLOCATIONS FOR 2004 UNDER THE COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GRANTS SCHEME 2004:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allocations for 2004 under the Community and Voluntary Grants Scheme be noted.”

21. FUNDING OF CONSULTANT NEUROLOGIST POST FOR NORTH WESTERN HEALTH BOARD:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on the government and in particular the Minister for Health to approve funding of Consultant Neurologist post for North Western Health Board and delay the discussion for no longer”.

22 AND 23. PROGRESS REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARINA IN ROSSES POINT:

It was agreed to take items 22 and 23 at this stage.

Cllr. I. Fox asked the County Manager for a detailed progress report on the development of the Marina in Rosses Point and to outline the obstacles which are preventing the project from being finalised.

Councillors S. Kilgannon and J. Devins requested an update on the Rosses Point Marina project and when work will start.

Director Dorothy Clarke outlined in a detailed report the cost of developing Phase I of the project, the funding sources and the outstanding issues including the guarantee requested by the Department of the Marine. Copies of this report were circulated to the Members.

Following a lengthy discussion it was

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

AND AGREED

“That a delegation representing the County Council, the Borough Council, and the sponsors, along with the Oireachtas Members from the areas, seek a meeting with the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources and his officials, with a view to resolving any and all outstanding difficulties relating to the construction of the marina in Rosses Point.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That Cllr. Ita Fox be a member of the delegation to meet with the Minister for the Marine.”

Following a further discussion on the matter it was agreed that Councillors V. Cawley, J. Devins and M. Gormley be part of the delegation to meet with the Minister regarding the Rosses Point Marina project.

Proposed by Councillor J. Mc Garry
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hold a special meeting of the Council as soon as written response is received from the Department of the Marine, in relation to the outstanding issues on the Marina project in Rosses Point as noted in the report of Dorothy Clarke dated 5th July, 2004. And furthermore to establish a subcommittee consisting of all public representatives of the North Sligo Area and the Chairperson.”

24. ILLEGAL DUMPING OF WASTE MATERIAL FROM SLIGO IN COOKSTOWN, CO. TYRONE:

Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager if he had received correspondence from Cookstown District Council regarding the illegal dumping of waste material from Sligo in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, and if he had responded to the correspondence, and what investigations have taken place to identify the waste collectors responsible for exporting the waste from this area.

Mr. John Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer advised the Members that when Sligo County Council became aware of allegations of waste being transported from Sligo to N. Ireland it was discussed with the Gardai and with Leitrim County Council, and following investigations contact was made with Fermanagh and Cookstown District Council. Mr. Mc Hugh noted that Cookstown District Council confirmed that waste had been received at a facility there. Members were advised that waste contractors in Sligo were instructed to cease all such transport of waste and Cookstown District Council revoked the licence of the company involved.

25. PLANS FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC LIGHTING AND FOOTPATHS IN STRANDHILL VILLAGE :

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council, in preparing its plans for the provision of public lighting and the provision of footpaths in Strandhill village, agrees that the Top Road be considered a priority.

Senior Engineer T. Carroll advised the members of the recent refurbishment of lights and upgrading of road R292 and noted the further expenditure of €10,800 under the Discretionary Improvement Grant 2004. Mr. Carroll further advised that it was proposed to continue the improvement of the Top Road in 2005 by commencing the construction of public footpaths along the R292.

26. HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BEING CONSTRUCTED ON OUTSKIRTS OF STRANDHILL VILLAGE:

Councillor Bree asked the County Manager if the housing development currently being constructed on the southern outskirts of Strandhill village (PL 03/226) is being built in accordance with the planning permission granted by the Planning authority.

Mr. F. O’Driscoll, A/Senior Executive Officer advised that the development is being constructed generally in accordance with the permission granted. He confirmed that the Council was advised by its solicitor that there was no discretion in relation to compliance with the social and affordable housing condition, and in this regard the developer is in contact with the Council so that agreement can be reached. A copy of Mr. O’Driscoll’s report was circulated to the members.

Councillor D. Bree expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of compliance by the developer. It was agreed that an updated report would be given at the September Council meeting.

27. CLARIFICATION SOUGHT ON THE DISBANDING OF HEALTH BOARDS:

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

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Health and the National Health Executive to clarify the position regarding the disbanding of Health Boards and the establishing of Regional Health Executives, particularly the location of regional offices at Manorhamilton”.

28. PROVISION OF SEWERAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT COOLANEY:

Councillor M. Fleming requested the up to date information on the provision on sewerage treatment facilities at Coolaney.

Senior Engineer, K. Larkin advised that the Water Services Section has put in place a process whereby a new treatment works will be constructed and paid for directly by the Council to accommodate all immediate needs for sewerage treatment in the village. The cost of the scheme, Mr. Larkin noted will be recouped by application of special levies to developers. He further advised that the expected construction and operation date for the works is 2005.

29. PROPOSED WORKS ON N17 FROM TEMPLEHOUSE TO ANNAGHMORE / BYPASS OF TUBBERCURRY:

Councillor M. Fleming asked the Director of Services to outline the proposed works on the N17 from Templehouse to Annaghmore and proposals for any bypass of Tubbercurry.

Senior Engineer T. Carroll advised that a total of €600,000 has been provided for the resurfacing of 4km of national road from Ropefield Crossroads north to Ballinacarrow Bridge in the Roadworks programme 2004, and that it is proposed to commence these works on 7th July, 2004.

Mr. Carroll also advised that €200,000. has been provided by the NRA towards planning the next phase of the Tubbercurry Bypass Scheme in 2004.

30. SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT COLLOONEY:

Councillor J. Sherlock asked what plans are in place regarding sewage treatment plant at Collooney to meet future needs.

Mr. K. Larkin, Senior Engineer advised that while there are no immediate plans to expand or upgrade the works it is acknowledged, given the ongoing developments in Collooney, that such an expansion/upgrade will be necessary in the near future. He further advised that land purchase negotiations have been ongoing over the past months.

31. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF REPORT FOR UPGRADING OF SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Environment and Local Government Mr Martin Cullen to immediately approve the report for the upgrading of the sewerage treatment plant at Tubbercurry”.

32. SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANTS AT CLOONACOOL AND ACLARE:

Councillor M. Gormley asked that now that tenders have been accepted for the construction of Sewerage Treatment Plants at Cloonacool and Aclare, when is it expected that;

It will it be formally offered to the successful company?
Work will commence?
Timescale for completion”.

Senior Engineer K. Larkin advised that contracts for both Cloonacool and Aclare have been offered to the successful contractors and that insurance, tax clearance and bond documents are awaited. Contractors are expected to complete the schemes within the specified 30 week construction period.

33. COUNCIL’S POLICY ON THE UPGRADING OF EXISTING SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANTS IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS:

Councillor M. Gormley asked what is the council policy re; the upgrading of existing sewerage treatment plants to accommodate the new housing scheme developments around the county.

Senior Engineer K. Larkin outlined to the members the extensive programme of sewerage treatment work upgrades currently underway around the county. He noted that any application in any town or village is assessed on its own merit and on the basis of proposed planning, cost, sustainability, benefit and other criteria. In some instances Sligo County Council will itself consider providing the capacity and charging developers appropriate levies.

34. FUNDING FOR SIGNPOSTING AT CORBALLA, KILGLASS, CULLEENS, QUIGABAR AND RATHLEE:

Councillor J. Queenan asked the Senior Engineer to ensure that funding is made available in 2004 to improve sign posting at Corballa, Kilglass, Culleens, (Burkes Bridge) Quigbar and Rathlee.

In response, Senior Engineer T. Carroll said that the Area Engineer will undertake a review of signposting in the Culleens – Castleconnor area with a view to improving signage where appropriate.

35. CONSTRUCTION OF 8 HOUSES ON COUNCIL SITE AT EASKEY:

Councillor J. Queenan asked the Director of Services for Housing to consider constructing 8 houses on council site in Easkey.

Ms. M. Mc Connell, A/Director of Services advised that the Council recently completed the first phase of housing at Easkey consisting of 8 houses. She further advised that the provision of further houses at Easkey will be considered in accordance with demand over the life of the Social and Affordable Housing Action Plan 2004 – 2008.

36. WORKING GROUP TO PURSUE THE PROPOSED NEW CARAVAN PARK IN EASKEY:

Councillor J. Queenan asked the Director of Services to indicate when a working group will be set up to pursue the proposed new caravan park in Easkey and who further will be on this working group.

Director D. Clarke advised that the Office of Community and Enterprise would set up a community consultation meeting with the local community, Easkey Community Council, public representatives and other partners, following which a working group will be put in place to pursue the matter. Members were further advised that land suitability inspections will take place.

37. EXTENSION OF FOOTPATH AT RATHRIPPON, COLLOONEY:

Councillor G. Mullaney asked for a report be provided on the extension of a footpath at Rathrippon, Collooney.

Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that there is no funding provided in the Roadworks Programme 2004 for the extension of footpaths at Rathrippon. He noted that it may be considered in the context of the 2005 Roadworks Programme when being formulated.

38. PROVISION OF FUNDING FOR WORKS ON OLD BARRACK ROAD, COLLOONEY:

Councillor G. Mullaney asked that funding be provided to make safe the junction for the old barrack road, Collooney in light of the heavy traffic off the N4 roundabout, and refurbish the footpaths opposite Whiteside’s garage.

Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that there is no funding provided in the Roadworks Programme 2004 for improvement to this junction, that improvements had been undertaken in 2003. The Area Engineer would he noted examine and consider the location for improvement. Mr. Carroll advised that a sum of € 10,000 has been provided in the 2004 programme for the improvement of footpaths in Collooney and that this money will be utilised in the general Collooney area.

39. UPDATE ON BALLYGAWLEY SEWERAGE AND TREATMENT PLANT:

Councillor G. Mullaney asked that an update be provided on the Ballygawley Sewerage and treatment plant which is urgently needed in light of the tremendous growth in the region and taking into consideration the fact that the upper Shannon tax renewal scheme will be concluding.

In response Mr. K. Larkin, Senior Engineer advised that the scheme is included in the Assessment of Needs Schedule 2003-2005 and is approved to enter the planning stage. He advised however that it will be 2007 at the earliest before this scheme will go ahead.

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council request the Government provide essential funding to provide the necessary upgrade to Ballygawley Sewerage Scheme”.

40. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor

AND AGREED

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Eileen Kerins and family on the death of her husband Michael”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Matt Burke on the death of his cousin Mark Gilmartin”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Frank Leinard on the death of his mother Margaret”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Tom Gilmartin on the death of his brother Sean”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor

AND AGREED

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Beatrice Stenson on the death of her brother Sean Brett”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Louie Brennan on the death of his sister Mary Brennan”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Antony Mulligan on the death of his wife Bernie”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Martin Cahill on the death of his sister Frances”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor

AND AGREED

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Sean Stewart on the death of his nephew Liam Durkin”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Sylvia Casey on the death of her father Tommy Healy”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Mairead Mc Laughlin on the death of her mother Peggy Mc Hale”.

43. CORRESPONDENCE:

This was noted.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED:

Report of D. Clarke, Director of Services re. items 22 and 23.
Report of P. Forkan, Director of Services re. item 26
Code of Conduct for Councillors.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 4.15pm.

Meeting Date 05/07/2004