Minutes 2004
Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 9th February 2004 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Barrett,
- Branley,
- Bree,
- Cawley,
- Colleary,
- L. Conlon,
- M. Conlon,
- Conmy,
- Fleming,
- Fox,
- Gormley,
- Higgins,
- Kilgannon,
- Mac Manus,
- Mc Garry,
- Mc Guinn,
- Mc Loughlin,
- Murray,
- Parke,
- Perry,
- Queenan,
- Scanlon,
- Shannon.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
- Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
- Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
- Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
- Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
- Mr F. Moylan, Senior Executive Planner
- Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr D. Harrison, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms D. Mc Donagh, Administrative Officer
- Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
- Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
- The Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley presided.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:
Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
“That Standing Orders be suspended to discuss the proposed landfill site at Bellanurley, Calry”.
Councillor Ita Fox highlighted a number of issues which she felt would render the Calry site unsuitable for such a development. The Members went on to discuss various road, land drainage, traffic, site supervision and health and safety issues in relation to the proposed development.
Director Pat Forkan advised the Members that a waste permit application in respect of a site at Bellanurly, Doonally was received on 7th January 2004. The waste activity proposed is the recovery of soil and stones. The application is currently being examined in the light of the need for such a facility.
45. WASTE MANAGEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION AT FAUGHTS, CALRY, CO. SLIGO:
It was agreed to take item no. 45 at this stage. Following discussion it was;
Proposed by Deputy J. Perry
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council refuse permission on the waste management permit application submitted at Faughts, Calry, Co. Sligo as it is a most unsuitable location”.
1. DECEMBER ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 1ST DECEMBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the December Ordinary Council meeting held on 1st December 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
2. SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 8TH DECEMBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on 8th December 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
3. BUDGET MEETING HELD ON 12TH JANUARY 2004:
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Budget meeting held on 12th January 2004 be and are hereby confirmed”.
4. SPC4 MEETING HELD ON 5TH JUNE 2003:
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the SPC4 meeting held on 5th June 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
5. SPC1 MEETING HELD ON 1ST SEPTEMBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the SPC1 meeting held on 1st September 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”
6. SPC3 MEETING HELD ON 25TH SEPTEMBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor P.J. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the SPC3 meeting held on 25th September 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
7. BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 20TH OCTOBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor J. Shannon
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area meeting held on 20th October 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
8. SLIGO /STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 12TH NOVEMBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Sligo /Strandhill Electoral Area meeting held on 12th November 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
9. TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 13TH NOVEMBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area meeting held on 13th November 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
10. SLIGO /DRUMCLIFFE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 17TH NOVEMBER 2003:
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Sligo /Drumcliffe Electoral Area meeting held on 17th November 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.
11. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT 40 CASTLEGROVE, BALLYMOTE, 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. 40 Castlegrove, Ballymote, Co. Sligo”.
12. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT CABRAGH, RATHLEE, EASKEY, CO. SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of a site at Cabragh, Rathlee, Easkey, Co. Sligo to Brendan Connaughton”.
13. CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE & SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT CARRIGEENS TD, BALLINPHULL, CO. SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the construction of a house and sewage treatment works at Carrigeens Td., Ballinphull, Co. Sligo”.
14. CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT LOUGHANELTEEN TD. CALRY, CO. 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 construction of a house, septic tank and percolation area at Loughanelteen Td., Calry, Co. Sligo”.
15. BORROWING OF A SUM NOT EXCEEDING €6,000,000 BY WAY OF TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR THE PERIOD TO 30 JUNE 2004:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and subject to the sanction of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €6,000,000 by way of temporary overdraft for the period to June 30th 2004”.
16. RAISING OF A LOAN OF €350,000 TO PROVIDE A METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK AROUND SLIGO TOWN:
Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council approves raising a loan of €350,000 as the Council’s contribution towards the provision of a Metropolitan Area Network (M.A.N.) around Sligo Town”.
17. DATE FOR JOINT SLIGO /OMAGH MEETING IN OMAGH:
Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That 23rd February 2004 be set as the date to hold a joint meeting of Sligo County Council and Omagh District Council in Omagh”.
17a. IARNROD EIREANN:
It was noted that the presentation by Iarnrod Eireann is to be made at the March Ordinary meeting.
GROUP WATER SCHEMES:
With the permission of the Cathaoirleach the County Manager referred the members to a memorandum circulated which made comment on the Environmental Protection Agency’s report on quality of drinking water in Ireland, published in February. He stated that in his opinion the media reporting on the issue was not a true reflection on the position of Sligo who has a good record in the area of water quality.
18. PUBLIC LIGHTING UNDER BYPASS BRIDGE ON OLD UNION/ COLLOONEY ROAD:
Councillor J. Shannon asked that Sligo County Council install public lighting under bypass bridge on the old Union /Collooney Road as a matter of urgency.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a vandal proof lighting system would be installed in the next 6-8 weeks at an approximate cost of €3,000.
19. RURAL GARDA STATIONS:
Councillor P. Conmy asked that this Council call on the President of the IFA to seek a meeting with Minister of State, Tom Parlon for him to make it clear to him that rural people do not want to see rural garda stations closed or sold off and instead want to see them upgraded and more garda on duty and further call on the Minister, as a former President of the IFA and a representative of rural people to reconsider his position on this matter.
This was agreed.
20. SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN ENNISCRONE:
Councillor P. Conmy asked for the up to date position regarding funds from the Department for the upgrading of the sewerage system in Enniscrone.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the preliminary report on the Enniscrone Sewerage Treatment Works had been revised on foot of a letter from the DOEHLG and that these revisions have now been forwarded to the Department Inspector.
21. YOUNG’S QUARRY, BALLISODARE:
Deputy J. Perry asked that County Council outline the timescale envisaged on the land transfer for the development of Young’s Quarry, Ballisodare in view of the fact that the local community has raised up to €100,000.
In response Director Clarke stated that it would be premature to outline a timescale for the transfer or sale of Young’s Quarry to Ballisodare Community Council until the County Council makes a decision regarding its own uses for the site. It was noted that communications are ongoing between both sides.
22. FINANCIAL AID FOR PUPILS IN ST. PATRICKS NS, GEEVAGH:
Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council provide financial aid to the pupils in St Patrick’s National School, Geevagh to travel to England in February to compete in a tournament with schools from Bath and Bristol areas.
In response Director Clarke stated St Patrick’s National School could seek funding under the Community and Voluntary grant scheme and that the application forms for the scheme would be available in April 2004.
23. SPEED LIMIT OF 30MPH ON COUNTY ROAD 319A:
Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council erect a 30mph Speed Limit on County Road 319a (Streamstown Road).
In response Senior Engineer T. Carroll advised that a review of speed limits in the County is to be undertaken soon as part of National Review and further that County Road 319A will be included in this review.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke
AND AGREED
“That the Council agree in principal to provide a 30m.p.h. speed limit on county road 319a, as requested by the local residents, pending the outcome of the Ministerial review”.
24. WATER SUPPLY IN GURTEEN AND SURROUNDING AREAS:
Councillor M. Gormley asked that this Council examine the possibility of extending the Lough Talt water supply to Gurteen and surrounding areas, due to the poor quality of water in this area.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that the viability of connecting the water supply for the Gurteen area to the Lough Talt Scheme network is to be assessed in the current year.
25. RIGHTS BASED DISABILITY BILL:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley
AND AGREED
“To request the Minister for Health to protect the fundamental human rights of people with disabilities, by ensuring that a rights based Disability Bill is passed by the Oireachtas”.
26. OFFICIAL OPENING OF ONE STOP SHOP, TUBBERCURRY:
In the absence of Councillor P. Barry, Councillor A. Higgins asked that this Council invite the Minister for Environment and Local Government to open the One Stop Shop in Tubbercurry.
Following a discussion on the matter the motion was withdrawn.
27. TREATMENT PLANT AT LOUGH TALT:
Councillor M. Gormley asked that this Council call on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government Mr Martin Cullen to provide the funding to upgrade the Treatment Plant at Lough Talt.
This was agreed.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a preliminary report on the treatment plant at Lough Talt had been prepared and sent to the Department for approval.
28. & 32. IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT KILLANLEY CEMETERY:
It was agreed, with the permission of the Cathaoirleach, to take items 28 and 32 together.
Councillor M. Barrett asked that the Council prepare a costing for improvement works to be carried out on the county road opposite Killanley Cemetery and Councillos P. Conmy and J. Queenan asked if funds could be made available for improvement of car parking at Killanley Graveyard.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that the Council does not provide funding towards the acquiring of land and construction of carparks at Churches or other community facilities, but added that assistance could be given in exceptional circumstances, through allocation of cul de sac monies, towards the improvement of car parking adjacent to churches and community facilities along local roads network.
30. PROVISION OF FOOTPATHS AND PUBLIC LIGHTING TO HOUSING ESTATE AT CAMROSS, BALLYMOTE:
Councillor J. Shannon asked for the up to date position regarding the provision of footpaths and public lighting to the housing estate at Camross, Ballymote.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that €40,000 was the estimated cost of completing footpaths and public lighting at Camross, Ballymote and that this can be considered in the context of the Discretionary Improvement Grant Scheme 2004 to be agreed at the next Ballymote Area Meeting.
31. + 46.FOOTPATHS IN BALLYGAWLEY:
It was agreed, with the permission of the Cathaoirleach, to take items 31 and 46 together.
Councillor J. Shannon asked for the up to date position regarding the provision of footpaths in the village of Ballygawley and Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council make funding available for the completion of the footpaths in Ballygawley between Kelly’s pub and the pump before a fatal accident occurs.
In response Mr T. Carroll stated that the footpath from Callaghan’s pub to the village had been completed in 2003 and that the remaining section of uncompleted footpath can only be constructed if the local community makes land available.
33. COST OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKS:
Councillor P. Conmy asked how many euros archaeological works have cost this Council.
In response Mr T. Carroll stated that the cost of archaeological works is being assessed and recorded, but that as these works are being undertaken by various directorates this information is not readily available.
H. Kearns, County Manager added that specifying a timeframe would be helpful.
34. BREACH OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCILS DEVELOPMENT PLAN:
Councillor P. Conmy asked how An Bord Pleanala can breach the Sligo County Council’s County Development Plan.
In response Mr H. Kearns, County Manager stated that An Bord Pleanala is bound by its own set of criteria and may grant a planning permission even if the proposed development contravenes materially the development plan.
36. SOUTH SLIGO WATER SCHEME:
Councillor J. Shannon asked whether or not any plans have been put in place to provide a new reservoir at Monasteraden so as to facilitate the increased usage over the past 15 years and to cater for the future needs of the South Sligo water scheme.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that there are no plans at present to construct a new reservoir at Monasteraden as the leakage problems in Monasteraden and the South Sligo area must first be rectified.
37. BURIAL GROUND AT KNOCKBRACK, KEASH, CO. SLIGO:
Councillor J. Shannon asked for the up to date position regarding the provision of a new burial ground at Knockbrock, Keash, Co. Sligo.
In response Ms D. Mc Donagh, Acting Administrative Officer stated that a burial ground survey, to include Knockbrack, Keash, is currently being carried out to ascertain the need for new burial grounds and extensions throughout the County in order to formulate a long term plan.
38. DRAINAGE OF CABRA RIVER IN RATHLEE:
Councillor M. Barrett asked that the Council call on the Minister for the Environment to provide funding for the drainage of Cabra River in Rathlee as a matter of urgency, as the surrounding lands and roadway are totally flooded over at the moment.
This was agreed.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the roadway in question was the subject of a Local Improvement Scheme application in 2003 but that due to the guidelines which apply ‘drainage only works’ cannot be considered under such a scheme.
39. R294:
Councillor M. Fleming asked that Regional Road 294 be included in the roadworks programme for 2004.
In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the R294 is included in the road works programme for 2004 and gave details of same.
41. BALLISODARE TRAIN STATION:
Councillor D. Bree asked that this Council call on the Minister for Transport to reopen a train station in Ballisodare.
This was agreed.
42. COASTAL EROSION IN STRANDHILL:
Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager what proposals the Council have to prevent further coastal erosion in Strandhill.
In response Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the Council have no immediate proposals to carry out further coastal protection works at Strandhill but that the situation is being monitored. He added that the Council have included for the construction of a defensive system for 2006 in their submission to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources ‘Coastal Protection Programme’, forwarded to the Department in 2002.
43. HILL WALKING IMPASSE:
Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked that the Council call on Minister Eamon O’ Cuiv to meet with farming organisations and Failte Ireland with a view to resolving the present impasse regarding hill walking.
This was agreed.
44. STATUS OF SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:
Councillor M. Fleming asked that the Council call on the Minister for Health to ensure that the status of Sligo General Hospital is in no way diminished in any future proposals.
Following a discussion the matter was agreed.
47. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Deputy J. Perry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mary Brett on the death of her brother Jack”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Raymond Goulden on the death of his aunt, Annie Price”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mary Cawley on the death of her husband, Vinnie”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mary Cawley and family on the death of her husband, Vinnie”.
49. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Deputy J. Perry
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Leonard be nominated to attend the La Rencontre De Dublin conference in Dublin on 30-31 January 2004”
Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley
AND AGREED
“That Councillor L. Conlon and Councillor PJ Cawley be nominated to attend the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland spring seminar in Donegal on 13-14 February 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland spring seminar in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 13-14 February 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor M. Conlon
AND AGREED
“That Councillor L. Conlon and Councillor PJ Cawley be nominated to attend the ‘Climate Change and Irish Agriculture’ conference in Dublin on 26th February 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Queenan be nominated to attend the growing tourism together conference in Carlow on 26-27 February 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley
AND AGREED
“That Councillor P. Conmy be nominated to attend the growing tourism conference in Carlow on 26-27 February 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor M. Conlon
AND AGREED
“That Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor M. Conlon and Councillor R. Mc Guinn be nominated to attend the Colmcille Winter School in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 27-29 February 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor M. Conlon
AND AGREED
“That Councillor L. Conlon and Councillor R. Mc Guinn be nominated to attend the Environmental Conference in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry on 3-6 February 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Shannon, Councillor P. Branley, Councillor M. Conlon and Councillor P. Barry be nominated to attend the Environmental Conference in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry on 3-6 March 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That Councillor S. Kilgannon, Councillor A. Colleary and Councillor P. Barry be nominated to attend the General Council of County Councils annual conference in Kilkenny on 11-13 March 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Shannon, Councillor P. Branley, Councillor M. Conlon and Councillor P. Barry be nominated to attend the General Council of County Councils annual conference in Kilkenny on 11-13 March 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Queenan and Councillor M. Gormley be nominated to attend the Duhallow Conference in Kanturk, Co. Cork on 18-21 March 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor M. Conlon
AND AGREED
“That Councillor P. Branley, Councillor M. Conlon and Councillor J. Shannon be nominated to attend the Duhallow Conference in Kanturk, Cork on 18-21 March, 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor M. Conlon
AND AGREED
“That Councillor J. Shannon, Councillor P. Branley and Councillor M. Conlon be nominated to attend the Duhallow Conference in Kanturk, Cork on 18-21 March 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That Councillors P. Barry, P. Branley, D. Bree, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, M. Fleming, A. Higgins, S. Kilgannon, J. Leonard, S. Mac Manus, R. Mc Guinn, T. Mc Loughlin, G. Murray, A. Parke, J. Perry, J. Queenan and B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Annual Health Board Conference in Tullamore on 26-27 March 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That Councillor P. Barry, P. Branley, PJ Cawley, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, P. Conmy, M. Fleming, A. Higgins, R. Mc Guinn and J. Shannon be nominated to attend the Local Authority Members Association annual conference in Ennis, Co. Clare on 15-16 April 2004”.
50. CORRESPONDENCE:
The Correspondence was noted.
Councillor M. Gormley expressed her disappointment with the reply from Iarnrod Eireann (letter 50(l)).
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That this Council call on Mr Joe Meaghar, Managing Director of Iarnrod Eireann to meet with the members of the Council to discuss the ongoing problems students from the County have due to the fact that the Sligo /Dublin train does not stop at Drumcondra”.
51. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
In response to Councillor B. Scanlon’s query regarding a bring bank facility at Cliffoney, Director Forkan stated that there had been no progress to date.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED:
- Delivering Value for People, service indicators in Local Authorities DOEHLG publication.
- Report circulated by Ms K. Mc Tiernan, Administrative Officer regarding the EPA report on quality of drinking water in Ireland.
- Memorandum regarding St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Birmingham.
- List of forthcoming conferences.
- Letter to Deputy J. Perry from St. Patrick’s National School regarding funding for school sports trip to Bath and Bristol.
END OF MEETING:
The meeting ended at 3.38p.m.
Meeting Date 09/02/2004