Minutes 2005

Minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held on 12 September 2005 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Baker,
Barry,
Bree,
Cawley,
Colleary,
Conmy,
Devins,
Fleming,
Gormley,
Healy McGowan,
Henry,
Kilgannon,
Lundy,
McGarry,
McGrath,
McLoughlin,
Mullaney,
Queenan,
Sherlock.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
Ms M. Hegarty, Acting Director of Services
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
Mr D. Harrison, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr S. O’ Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
Ms J. Mc Namara, Administrative Officer
Ms B. Ronanye, Administrative Officer
Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Barry presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor S. Mac Manus.

1. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON 27 JUNE 05:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the annual meeting held on 27 June 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

2. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 4 JULY 05:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the ordinary council meeting held on 4 July 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

3. MINUTES OF SPC3 MEETING HELD ON 8 MARCH 2005:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the SPC3 meeting held on 8 March 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

4. MINUTES OF SPC3 MEETING HELD ON 10 MAY 2005:

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the SPC3 meeting held on 10 May 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.

5. SECTION 183; DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT BALLYSCANNELL, BALLINFULL, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at Ballyscannell, Ballinfull, Co. Sligo to Cormac and Audrey Downey”.

6. PART 8; CONSTRUCTION OF NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AT COOLANEY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Regulations, 2001, the proposed construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and associated siteworks at Coolaney, Co. Sligo”.

7. PART 8; CONSTRUCTION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN AT DUNEILL, DROMORE WEST, SLIGO:

It was agreed that motions 31 and 32 would be taken at this stage.

A discussion took place on the location of the proposed wastewater treatment plant. Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer outlined the reasons why this location had been proposed and the difficulties encountered in attaining a suitable site.

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 the proposed construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and associated site works at Dunneill, Dromore West, Co. Sligo”.

8. PART 8; CONSTRUCTION OF INTAKE PUMPING & ASSOCIATED SITEWORKS AT TREANMORE TD., KEASH, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 the proposed construction of an intake pumping station, and associated siteworks at Treanmore Td., Keash, Co. Sligo”.

9. MULTI ANNUAL RESTORATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the 2006-2008 Multi Annual Restoration Improvement Programme”.

10. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUDITORS REPORT FOR THE TWO YEARS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Local Government Auditors Report issued on July 29th 2005 in accordance with Section 120(1) of the Local Government Act, 2001 in respect of the financial statements of the Council for the two years ended 31 December 2004”.

11. NOMINATION OF THREE MEMBERS TO SLIGO MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMITTEE:

Councillor D. Bree indicated that this matter had now been resolved and this was noted.

12. VARIATION OF SLIGO & ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN; REVISED CORRIDOR FOR WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROAD:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy Mc Gowan
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

“That item 12, to consider the proposed variation of the Sligo & Environs Development Plan 2004-2010 to incorporate a revised corridor to reflect the western distributor route be deferred to a later date till this council are furnished with the relevant reports”.

As agreement could not be reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For the motion: Bree, Cawley, Colleary, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Henry, McGarry, McLoughlin.

Against the motion: Baker, Barry, Conmy, Fleming, Kilgannon, Lundy, McGrath, Mullaney, Queenan, Sherlock.

As the result was 9 for the motion and 10 against the motion the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

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

AND AGREED

“To make a variation to the Sligo & Environs Development Plan 2004-2010 to incorporate a revised corridor to reflect the preferred route for Transport Objective T1.2 Western Distributor Road on map 21.2: Transport Objectives”.

13. FIRST MANAGERS REPORT; BALLYMOTE DRAFT LOCAL AREA PLAN

SUBMISSIONS 1 & 9

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

AND AGREED

“Ref no. 1 and 9 on the First Managers Report of the Ballymote Local Area Plan, site outlined in blue to be zoned for residential use”.

SUBMISSION 7

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

AND AGREED

“Ref no. 7 on the First Managers Report of the Ballymote Local Area Plan
The site outlined in blue be re-zoned from Community Facilities to Community /Residential”.

SUBMISSION 14

Proposed by Councillor P. Mc Grath
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

AND AGREED

“Ref no. 14 on the First Managers Report of the Ballymote Local Area Plan, the site outlined in blue be zoned for residential”.

SUBMISSION 17

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

AND AGREED

“Ref no. 17 on the First Managers Report, site outlined in blue to be zoned for residential use”.

SUBMISSION 18

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

AND AGREED

“Ref no. 18 on the First Managers Report of the Ballymote Local Area Plan;

A. Public Utility zoned to Residential D2
B. Open Space to Residential D2 with
C. Residential D1 to Residential D2 sites outlined in blue on map
D. Open Space to Residential D2

Maintain Open Space”.

SUBMISSION 21

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

AND AGREED

“Ref no. 21 on the First Managers Report of the Ballymote Local Area Plan

Note! This only applies within the boundary line

The site outlined in blue to be zoned for residential /commercial rather than solely residential”.

SITE A

Councillor P. Mc Grath submitted a map outlining an area of land marked A.

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

AND AGREED

“Ref A on attached map.
The site outlined in blue be rezoned for residential use”.

SITE B

Councillor P. Mc Grath submitted a map outlining an area of land marked B.

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

AND AGREED

“Ref B on attached map
That site B outlined in blue be zoned for residential use”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby decides not to make the Ballymote Local Area Plan (“The Plan”) until the procedures laid down in Section 20(3) (e) to (f) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended by the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002, have been completed in respect of the variations and modifications as recommended in the First Manager’s Report (dated August 2005) on submissions and observations on the Draft Plan and in accordance with resolutions passed at this meeting, following which the proposal to make the Plan and the variations and modifications shall be further considered by the Council pursuant to subsection (3)(g) of the said Section and within the time limits laid down in the said subsections”.

14. PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY AT RUE, TUBBERCURRY:

A discussion took place on the council’s roads proposals at this location. The County Manager advised that the matter before the council related to the question of the extinguishment of the public right of way and not to other matters.

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

“That consideration to the extinguishment of the public right of way at Rhue, Tubbercurry, motion no. 14, that this item be deferred until all options and proposals are investigated”.

As agreement could not be reached, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Barry asked that a poll be taken.

For the motion: Bree, Cawley, Conmy, Fleming, Gormley, McGrath, Mullaney.

Against the motion: Baker, Barry, Colleary, Devins, Healy McGowan, Kilgannon, Lundy, McGarry, McLoughlin, Queenan, Sherlock.

As the result was 7 for the motion and 11 against the motion the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

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

AND AGREED

“That the public right of way at points A & B on local roads L4501-0 and L45033 where they meet National Primary Route N17, be extinguished”.

Councillor M. Gormley asked that she be recorded as dissenting.

15. NON NATIONAL ROADS GRANTS:

The Non National Roads Grants Additional Grant Allocations were noted.

16. LETTER RE. ROSSES POINT MARINA:

The members noted correspondence from the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources regarding the Rosses Point Marina Project and requested that an updated report in the matter be circulated at the October meeting.

17. ESB PRESENTATION:

This item was deferred to the November ordinary meeting.

18. BREAST SCREENING SERVICES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on the Fianna Fail /PD Government to provide breast screening services for women in the North West”.

19. DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY & LEISURE FACILITY IN STRANDHILL:

Councillor J. Mc Garry asked for a report in relation to the development of a community & leisure facility in Strandhill.

In response Ms M. Hegarty, Acting Director of Services stated that meetings have taken place with representatives of the Strandhill Community Development Association and of various sporting organisations. This group prepared proposals for lands zoned for sport & recreation on the airport road, the total land requirement for the facility is 31 acres however the available zoned land is 16.5 acres. As the adjacent lands are zoned for business and enterprise and important to the balanced economic development of the area it was suggested that the group make contact with the wildlife section of the DoEHLG with a view to investigating the possibility of moving the S.A.C. line. The group were advised to get firm written undertakings from the sporting bodies who had expressed an interest in taking space in the proposed facility.

20. ASSESSMENT SCHEME FOR NURSING HOMES:

Proposed by Councillor J. Mc Garry
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health, Ms. Mary Harney to establish a more rigorous assessment scheme for all nursing homes catering for the elderly and impaired”

21. STRANDHILL LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

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

22. RADIOTHERAPY SERVICES IN THE NORTH WEST:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council request a deputation with the Minister for Health regarding a radiotherapy base in Sligo”.

23. PUBLIC MEETING ON SLIGO HARBOUR:

Councillor V. Cawley asked that in view of the agreement of the Oireachtas sub committee on the harbours to have a one day public meeting on Sligo harbour, is Sligo County Council going to have an input to the public hearing and what format will their presentation take.

In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance stated that at present our efforts are being directed at preparing a report for the Department and that we have not been formally notified of the public meeting.

24 AND 34. AER LINGUS:

It was agreed that items 24 and 34 would be taken together.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo county council call on the government to:

Retain the national airline, AerLingus, in state ownership;
invest in Aer Lingus as required and on the basis of a business plan to secure the future of the airline, given that there is no impediment under EU competition rules to such investment; and safeguard the employment, pay and conditions of all Aer Lingus Workers”.

Councillor P. Conmy wished to be recorded as dissenting.

25. PUBLIC LIGHTING AT CASTLECONNOR COMMUNITY CENTRE:

Councillor J. Queenan asked when public lighting would be erected at Castleconnor community centre.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that an official order had been submitted to the ESB to undertake public lighting improvement at Castleconnor community centre.

26. WATER METERING:

Councillor J. Queenan asked for an outline of the levies to be charged in respect of water metering for 2006.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the levies for water quantities had not yet been set but that there would be in line with government policy a fixed charge per water meter of €125 per annum to cover installation, administration, maintenance and repair of meters.

27. EXTENSION OF MONASTERADEN BURIAL GROUND:

This item was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

28. R286; HAZELWOOD TO COUNTY BOUNDARY:

Councillor S. Kilgannon welcomed the additional grant allocations for non national roads and requested that every effort be made to secure additional funding in 2006 to complete road no. 286 from Hazelwood to the county boundary.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that a grant of €950,000 had been received in 2005 towards the commencement of the realignment of R286, Ballinode. A further application will be made in 2006, for the continuation of the project.

29. CALRY WATER SUPPLY:

Councillor S. Kilgannon asked what plans if any the Council have to protect the Calry water supply from bacteriological contamination.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that in general water quality of the Calry water supply scheme is very good however following periods of dry spells the water quality deteriorates. This summer this resulted in the scheme being put on a boiling notice. There has been consultation with the environment section to work out a programme of source protection, this will be costed and included in the 2006 estimates. The supply will continue to be monitored.

30. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR CLÁR AREAS:

Councillor S. Kilgannon welcomed the €1 million additional funding announced by Mr. Eamon O’Cuiv, Minister for Community and Rural and Gaeltacht affairs under the CLAR programme for 2005. This additional funding will help to accelerate the progress being made in improving roads and access for people in rural areas.

33. ROAD NO. 49C:

Councillor P. Conmy asked that a further 200 metres be declared public on road no. 49c.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this could be considered if the road is restored to a condition which would not impose any financial obligations on the roads authority, possibly through a local improvement scheme and if it is of general public utility.

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager suggested that Councillor P. Conmy provide details of the case to the officials and the matter would be considered sympathetically.

35. ROAD IN HILLCREST PARK, STRANDHILL:

Councillor D. Bree asked that the road in Hillcrest Park housing estate, Strandhill be resurfaced in the current year.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that it is proposed to include the road servicing of hillcrest park housing estate for improvement under the Class 2 & 3 grant aid, recently notified to Sligo County Council.

36. LITTER BINS IN BALLYMOTE:

Councillor D. Bree asked why street litter bins in Ballymote were removed and when the council intends to replace them.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that due to widespread abuse a number of bins were removed in the beginning of the summer. Since then a litter awareness programme has been implemented principally through schools in the area and it is now proposed to replace 4 bins at agreed location in the coming weeks.

37. WATER QUALITY IN SOUTH SLIGO:

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the council request a detailed report from Roscommon county council as to the cause of the problems with the water quality in Gurteen and surrounding areas, and that the council pursue the possibility of providing an alternative source.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that Sligo county council has been in constant contact with Roscommon county council with regard to this matter over the past few years but will request Roscommon county council to comment on the matter.

Part of the brief for the expansion /upgrading of the Loch Talt system is the examination of the possibility of extending the system to supply south Sligo.

38. SPEED ON ROCKFIELD ROAD, COOLANEY:

Councillor M. Gormley asked that in the interests of safety measures be put in place to reduce speed on the Rockfield road from Coolaney.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that section of roadway, local road L6804 is being considered for a speed limit review as part of the general review of speed limits in the county and will be presented to a local area meeting for consideration.

39. SCHOOL TRANSPORT SYSTEM:

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

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Education to provide the necessary finance for a safe and efficient transport system for all students wishing to avail of same”.

40. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT BALLINACARROW:

Councillor M. Fleming asked that funding of traffic calming measures at Ballinacarrow village be sought from the NRA as a matter of urgency.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that this matter will be considered when drafting the 2006 roadworks scheme.

41. LOUGH TALT WATER SUPPLY:

Councillor M. Fleming asked that Sligo County Council apply for funds to renew water mains on the Lough Talt water supply some of which are in very poor condition in light of major difficulties experiences by consumers.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that no funding for mains renewal will take place other than under stage 3 of the water conservation programme under which we are required to appoint a clients representative. It is anticipated that it will be the new year before a clients representative has been appointed. The clients representative will then compile a list of mains which require replacing, these will be costed and an application for funding will be lodged with the department.

42. CALRY WATER SCHEME:

This item was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

43. BURST PIPE IN ROSSES POINT:

This item was removed from the agenda with the permission of the Cathaoirleach as the matter had already been rectified.

44. KEELOGUES GRAVEYARD:

This item was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.

45. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Tommie Lindsey on the death of his father, John James”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Seamus Brett on the death of his father, John”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Marian Marren on the death of her brother, Sean Lang”.

Proposed by Councillor I. Henry
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath

AND AGREED

“That a vote sympathy be expressed to Packie & Mary Mc Gowan on the death of Bridgie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Tansey family on the death of Martin Tansey”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Hamilton family on the death of Margaret Hamilton”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Sean Mc Morrow on the death of his mother, Teresa”.

46. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Manager and Selectors of the Sligo Ladies Team on winning the All Ireland Semi final and wishing them the best of luck in the All Ireland on Sunday 2nd October”.

47. CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

AND AGREED

“That Councillor D. Bree and Councillor V. Cawley be nominated to attend the Tom Johnson Summer School in Meath on 9-11 September 2005”.

Proposed by Councillor I. Henry
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“That Councillor G. Murray be nominated to attend Irelands national monument to the fighting 69th in Seaport, New York on 13 September 2005”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor V. Cawley be nominated to attend the AMAI annual conference in Clare on 15-17 September 2005.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor S. Kilgannon and Councillor A. Colleary be nominated to attend the launch of the Western Development Commission annual report 2004 in Donegal on 16 September 2005”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Conmy, Henry, McLoughlin and Mullaney be nominated to attend the Fine Gael local government conference in Athlone on 22-24 September 2005”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Lundy and Councillor S. Kilgannon be nominated to attend a planning conference in Donegal on 5-7 October 2005”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Baker be nominated to attend the CEC overseas conference in Berlin on 12-14 October 2005”.

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

AND AGREED

“That Councillor D. Healy McGowan and Councillor I. Henry be nominated to attend the CEC overseas conference in Berlin on 12-14 October 2005”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Mc Garry be nominated to attend the highways to leisureways conference in Craigavon on 13 October 2005”.

48. CORRESPONDENCE:

With regard to item 48(d) Councillor M. Fleming noted the response from the HSE and stated that there has been an unreasonable delay in resuming this necessary service.

With regard to item 48(l) Councillor J. Mc Garry stated that although court orders must be obeyed it is necessary to consider the fate of the five landowners who have been in prison for 76 days.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED:

2004 Report Clár programme for revitalising rural areas.
List of forthcoming conferences.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 4.25pm

Meeting Date 12/09/2005