Minutes 2004

Minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 26th April 2004 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


MEMBERS PRESENT: 

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • L. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Gormley,
  • Higgins,
  • Kilgannon,
  • Leonard,
  • Mac Manus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan,
  • Scanlon,
  • Shannon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Ms M. Mc Connell, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr B. Carolan, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
  • Ms F. Meaghar, Senior Executive Planner
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr F. O’ Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr G. Browne, Administrative Officer
  • Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. D. Mc Donagh, Acting Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer
  • Mr E. Ryan, National Building Agency

 CATHAOIRLEACH: 

In the absence of the Cathaoirleach and the Leas Cathaoirleach it was agreed that Councillor P. Conmy would chair the meeting.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS TO DISCUSS ROADWAYS AT LISSADELL: 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Standing Orders be suspended to allow for consideration of a motion pertaining to the closure of public roadways at Lissadell”.

Following a discussion on the matter it was

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That this Council acknowledges the serious public concern at the closure of public roadways at Lissadell and will accordingly review the situation”.

1. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1 MARCH 2004: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 1st March 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

2. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO /STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 19 JANUARY 2004: 

Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Deputy J. Perry

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Sligo /Strandhill Electoral Area meeting held on 19th January 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

3. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 23 JANUARY 2004: 

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor J. Shannon

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area meeting held on 23rd January 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.

4. MINUTES OF SPC1 MEETING HELD ON 28 NOVEMBER 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the SPC1 meeting held on 28th November 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

5. MINUTES OF SPC2 MEETING HELD ON 16 DECEMBER 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the meeting of SPC2 held on 16th December 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

6. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001, DEMOLITION OF DWELLING AND CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT DRUMCOLUMB TD., RIVERSTOWN, SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
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 demolition of an existing dwelling and the construction of a house, septic tank and percolation area at Drumcolumb Td., Riverstown, Co. Sligo”

7. RAISING OF A LOAN OF €5,000,000 FROM THE HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY PLC. FOR HOUSING PURPOSES: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and subject to the sanction of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the raising of a loan of €5,000,000 from the Housing Finance Agency PLC for housing purposes”.

8. STATUTORY AUDIT REPORTS ON ACCOUNTS OF SLIGO CO. CO. FOR YEARS ENDING 31 DEC 2001 AND 31 DEC 2002: 

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Local Government Auditors Report issued on January 9th 2004 prepared in accordance with Section 120(1) of the Local Government Act, 2001 in respect of the Annual Financial Statements of the Council for the two years ended 31st December 2001 and 31st December 2002”.

9. DRAFT SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2005-2011: 

Mr B. Carolan, A/ Director of Services outlined the procedure involved in the pubic display of and consultation on the proposed Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2005-2011.  Mr Carolan advised that the plan could be inspected in the County Hall, County Library, Tubbercurry One Stop Shop and each local area office.  He further advised that there would be a ten week period for consultation during which time the public can make submissions and /or meet with the relevant planning staff.

Following further discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That the text relating to telecommunications mast in the current County Development Plan be included in the new Draft County Development Plan”.


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

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2005-2011, dated the 12th March, 2004 prepared by the County Manager in accordance with Section 11.-(5)(a) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, it is hereby resolved to approve the Draft Plan as submitted by the County Manager in order that public notice may be given of the preparation of the Draft Plan and written submissions or observations may be invited from the public for the further consideration of this Planning Authority before the making of the Plan in accordance with the Planning and Development Act, 2000, subject to amendment agreed at this meeting”.

10. VARIATION OF THE STRANDHILL LOCAL AREA PLAN 2003-2009: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Proposed Variation and the Manager’s Report dated March 2004 under the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2002 on the proposed variation of the Strandhill Local Area Plan 2003-2009, it is hereby resolved to adopt the Manager’s Report and to make the variation to amend the Local Area Plan”.


11. DRAFT CONTROL OF HORSES BYE-LAWS 2004: 

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“To approve the Draft Control of Horses Bye-laws 2004”.

12. RURAL WATER ALLOCATIONS 2004: 

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the report on Rural Water Allocations 2004”.


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

AND AGREED

“That a section of public mains water supply along the N.17 at Rinbane /Streamstown be upgraded and replaced in consultation with engineering staff”.

13. TAKING IN CHARGE OF HOUSING SCHEME AT SEA ROAD, FINISKLIN, SLIGO: 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the taking in charge of the housing scheme at Sea Road, Finisklin, Sligo”.

In response to his query Cllr. B. Scanlon was advised that Sligo Borough Council did intend, on a phased basis, to provide a play area, but that there was no completion date available.

14. ROAD WORKS SCHEME 2004: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“To approve the Road Works Scheme 2004”.

15. PRESENTATION ON DRAFT REGIONAL PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR THE BORDER REGION: 

Ms Vivienne Egan, Project Manager, Border Regional Authority gave a presentation on the draft regional planning guidelines for the Border Region setting out the areas which the guidelines should address and the key goals of the regional strategy.

Clarification on a number of members’ specific issues was given by Ms Egan following which the Leas Cathaoirleach thanked her for the presentation.

16. REPORT ON EU PROGRAMME FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION 2000-2004 PEACE II ALLOCATION:

This was noted

17. ALLOCATION FOR 2004 UNDER URBAN AND VILLAGE RENEWAL PROGRAMME 2000-2006:

This was noted.

 

18: NATIONAL PLAY POLICY:

This was noted.

A number of Councillors expressed their concern at the issue of insurance in the provision of playgrounds. 

In response to Members comments on the lack of playground facilities locally, the County Manager agreed that the lack of such facilities is a major issue.  He referred to the lack of commitment by central government to resource and maintain facilities such as this.

54 + 59 + 74: PROVISION OF PLAYGROUNDS: 

It was agreed to take items 54, 59 and 74 at this stage.

Councillor M. Barrett asked the Director of Services for the position regarding the provision of playgrounds at Dromore West and Skreen.

Councillor J. Queenan asked the Director of Services to investigate the possibility of allocating funding towards the construction of a playground at Dromore West.

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the Council provide funding for improvements to the playground at Tubbercurry from the funding being provided to this Council from the Department of Health and Children, for playgrounds.

In response Director Clarke stated that a play policy would be brought before the members before the end of 2004 which would explore partnership arrangements with communities for insurance and management purposes.  She noted that a funding application was submitted for Dromore West and  that provision or refurbishment of playgrounds in the future will be made in accordance with the proposed new policy and subject to funding becoming available.

19. JOINT MINISTERIAL INITIATIVE ON IMPROVING LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURES AND PROGRAMMES:

This was noted.

20. HEALTH CENTRE IN BALLYMOTE: 

Councillor J. Shannon asked that the Council enter into discussion with the North Western Health Board with regard to finding a suitable site for the construction of a much needed Health Centre for Ballymote.

In response M. McConnell, A/Director of Services advised that the Council would be willing to further discussions with the North Western Health Board in this regard.

21. CONSIDER SETTING UP COMMITTEES FOR MAINTENANCE OF GRAVEYARDS: 

Councillor J. Shannon asked that the Council set up a cemetery committee to ensure that all graveyards in this County are funded and properly maintained.

In response Director Clarke stated that €18,000.is the annual maintenance budget in Sligo for the 64 countywide burial grounds and this is allocated to the four engineering areas to cover essential maintenance work.

In 2003, local graveyard committees were, under the community and voluntary grants scheme, awarded grants to cover grass cutting and clean ups.  Director Clarke also advised that a survey currently being undertaken will allow a long term plan to be evaluated and that systems being used by other local authorities will also inform the plan.

43 + 51 + 72: GRAVEYARDS IN COUNTY SLIGO: 

It was agreed to take items 43, 51 and 72 at this stage.

Councillor A. Parke asked for the updated position regarding the purchase of land for the purpose of the graveyard at Killery, Ballintogher.

In response Director Clarke stated that the Council will have to investigate the need for a new burial ground in Killery, Ballintogher, and that when the burial ground survey is completed a development plan can be formulated.

Councillor M. Barrett asked what progress has been made with regard to extending the existing cemetery at Roslea, Easkey.

In response Director Clarke stated that following a meeting with the local community on 8th March a letter was issued requesting permission to dig trial holes in land adjoining the existing burial ground at Roslea and a response is awaited.

Councillor I. Fox asked the County Manager to proceed with the purchase of land for the provision of the extension to Keelogues burial ground at Ballintrellick and to make funding available to carry out development of the extension.

In response Director Clarke stated that limited funds are available for the development of burial grounds in County Sligo during 2004 and the extension to Keelogues will be considered along with other proposed extensions.

22. SEWERAGE SCHEME AT BALLGAWLEY: 

Councillor J. Shannon asked for the up to date position regarding the sewerage scheme at Ballygawley.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the scheme is included in the assessment of needs schedule 2003-2005.  It is at planning stage and construction is estimated at the earliest for 2007.

23. NITRATE DIRECTIVE: 

This item was deferred with the agreement of the members.

24 + 37: CUMMEEN DRAINAGE SCHEME AND ROUTE FOR WESTERN BYPASS: 

It was agreed to take items 24 and 37 at this stage.

Councillor S. Mac Manus asked that in light of the discussions and motions adopted at the final meeting of the Draft Sligo and Environs Plan that the Council be updated on the following:

  1. the current status and the work being carried out on the Cummeen Drainage Scheme
  2. What progress has been made in relation to the identification of a route for the western bypass.

Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager for the current position regarding the Cummeen Drainage Scheme.

In response Director Concannon stated that most of the advance preparatory work has been completed on the Cummeen drainage scheme.  He stated that as it is intended to pump the foul sewage from Cummeen into the Sligo Main Drainage network for treatment in the new treatment works at Finisklin, the project could not proceed until the Finisklin project was approved to go to tender and construction.

Councillors were further advised that the NRA has approved a traffic and transportation study the results of which will determine the route for the western by pass.

25. ALLOCATION OF HOUSES IN ENNISCRONE: 

Councillor P. Conmy asked when the Council houses in Enniscrone would be allocated.

In response Ms M. Mc Connell, Acting Director of Services, stated that the houses had been allocated in the week ending 16th April 2004, a pre-tenancy course is been undertaken at present and the keys will be given out in early May.

Following a discussion regarding tenants in voluntary housing schemes it was:

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That the Minster would agree as requested by this Council to allow tenants of voluntary housing agencies such as Respond and others to purchase these tenanted houses after a number of years”.

26. LITTER SWEEPING IN COLLOONEY: 

This item was deferred with the agreement of the members.


27. OWENMORE RIVER: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked that Mr Tommy Carroll, Senior Engineer meet with members from the Tubbercurry and Ballymote Electoral Areas, and representatives from the Owenmore Drainage Committee to discuss the outcome of the meeting that took place with Minister Parlon on Wed 28th Jan, and to put together a plan to carry out drainage works on the Owenmore River and its tributaries for submission to the Dept of the Environment and Local Government and Minister Parlons Dept for funding.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a meeting had taken place and that a submission is being prepared.

28. CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITE AT BUNOWLA, EASKEY: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked that the County Manager examine the possibility of developing a caravan and camping site in conjunction with the local community on Council property at Bunowla, Easkey.

In response Director Clarke stated that the land and the viability of the project would be examined.

29. SIGHT LINES ON ROAD 87 AT CABRA: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked that the Council allocate funding to improve sight lines on Road 87 at Cabra, Rathlee on to R297.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that allocations have been made under the 2004 discretionary improvement grant to improve junctions on Regional Road R297 with County Roads 108 Killanly, 163 Scurmore, 119 Carnduff and 106 Ballymoneen and that the junction of County Road 89 and R290 would be considered in 2005.

30. STUDY OF N59: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked when the study regarding N59 would be completed.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the study of deficiencies of N59 is proposed to be completed before the end of the current year.

31. WESTERN RAIL CORRIDOR: 

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

AND AGREED

“That we confirm to the Minister for Transport Sligo County Council’s support for the opening of the Western Rail Corridor and the commitment to develop Settlement and Planning Strategies at locations along the track at Collooney, Coolaney, Tobercurry, Bellaghy and Curry.”

32. HOUSING IN THE TUBBERCURRY AREA: 

Councillor M. Fleming requested that Sligo County Council consider the provision of affordable housing in the Tobercurry area or Starter Homes for young couples acquiring their first homes.

In response Ms M. Mc Connell, Acting Director of Services stated that the Council is preparing an action plan for the provision of social and affordable housing in the County, and that expressions of interest in affordable housing in the County were sought in March 2004, the results of which are being analysed.

33. SEWERAGE TREATMENT WORKS IN GRANGE: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked for the current position relating to the provision of a new sewerage treatment plant at Grange.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that land in Grange has been purchased for sewerage treatment works, the project has gone through the Part 8 planning process and the preliminary report is being finalised for submission to the DOEHLG.

34. ROAD 390 AT CREGG: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked what steps the Council has taken to have road no. 390 at Cregg (linking Rosses Point Road with the sea) re-opened for use by the general public and to ask the Manager if permission was granted by the Council for the closure of said road and the diversion of the nearby stream.

In response Mr T. Carroll stated that no permission had been given by Sligo for any works to the particular road.  Advice is being sought from the Council’s solicitor as to how to proceed.

35. SEWERAGE TREATMENT SCHEME AT TEESAN /LISNALURG: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked if the Department of the Environment and Local Government has approved the preliminary report submitted by the Council for a sewerage treatment scheme in Teesan/ Lisnalurg and when work might be expected to commence on the scheme.

In response Mr K. Larkin stated that no approval has issued to date and so it is not possible at this stage to give a definitive starting date for the Teesan /Lisnalurg project.

36. ACCESS FROM BALLYMOTE ROAD AT CLARKS BRIDGE TO THE N17: 

Councillor D. Bree asked when it is proposed to improve access from the Ballymote Road at Clarks Bridge to the N17.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that there are no proposals to carry out further improvement, recent changes to roadmarkings and signage had improved road safety for users.

38. HOUSING IN STRANDHILL: 

Councillor D. Bree asked for the number of applicants on the Council housing waiting list who are seeking housing in the Strandhill area and what proposals the Council have with regard to the construction of additional houses in the area.

In response Ms M. Mc Connell, Acting Director of Services stated that there are 44 applicants on the waiting list for the Strandhill area and outlined current proposals for social and affordable housing to be developed in conjunction with Respond.

39. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON THE N17 AT DOOHANS, TUBBERCURRY: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked what progress has been made re; the provision of a pedestrian crossing on the N17 at Morahan's Shop now Doohans, Tubbercurry.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a suitable location has been identified and that this location and design will be submitted to the NRA for approval and funding.

40. FORTHCOMING LOCAL AND EUROPEAN ELECTIONS, INFO RE. VOTING: 

Councillor M. Fleming requested full details of arrangements being proposed for the forthcoming local and European elections:

  1. Information on electronic voting
  2. Staffing of polling booths
  3. Any proposed changes of rules related to voting
  4. Plans to familiarise the public with machines and funding available from the Department of the Environment”.

In response A/Director M. Mc Connell advised that the Department has appointed an advertising and public relations company to deliver a major public awareness and education campaign and that a series of road shows will be run around the country in April and May and the road show will be visiting Sligo on 18th May and Tubbercurry on 19th May. 

She advised that there is no funding being made available from the Department to the council in relation to any part of the election process and that a sum of €25,000 has been provided in the Councils budget to cover all costs incurred in the process.

She further advised that the Department will be circulating information leaflets to householders and a media advertising campaign is also underway.  She broadly outlined arrangements for the staffing of polling booths but advised that ultimately custody of the machines and taking the poll is a matter for the County Registrar.  She further added that the overriding rules in terms of the legislation governing the taking of the poll remain the same.

A discussion followed in which members asked that the Council together with the County Registrar staff carry out further local education programmes.

Following a further discussion on the matter it was:

Proposed by Deputy J. Perry
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“To request that the County Registrar attend the next meeting of Sligo County Council with information on numbers of staff and number of machines for polling day”.

50. CEMETERY IN ROSLEA, EASKEY: 

Councillor P. Conmy withdrew this motion with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

75. VOTES OF SYMPATHY: 

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

AND AGREED

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Tess Mc Enaney on the death of her brother, John Mc Donagh”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Peter O’ Dowd on the death of his brother, Liam”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Margaret Finan on the death of her husband, Bernie”.


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

AND AGREED

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Mary Dwyar on the death of her daughter, Letita”.

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Donald Taheny on the death of his wife, Letita”.


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

AND AGREED

“To extend a vote of sympathy to Mary O’ Dowd and her family on the death of her son, Liam”.

77. CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Barry, Branley, Kilgannon and Shannon be nominated to attend the Confederation of EU Councillors conference on EU legislation, structures and finance in Newcastle, Co. Down on 1st May 2004”.


Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Barry, Branley, Kilgannon, Mc Garry and Shannon be nominated to attend the Kadenza Consultancies conference on Local Government in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford on 7-8 May 2004”.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING: 

  • Regional Planning Guidelines for the Border Region handout.
  • Information on Electronic Voting Roadshow.
  • Minutes of Management Team meetings held on:
    • 16th February 2004
    • 24th February 2004
    • 23rd March 2004
  • List of forthcoming conferences.

 END OF MEETING: 

It was agreed to defer items 23 and 26 to the next meeting and to adjourn items 41-42, 44-49, 52-53, 55-58, 60-71, 73, and 75-78 to the next meeting to be held on 10th May 2004.

The meeting ended at 4.40pm. 


Meeting Date 26/04/2004