Minutes 2005
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held on 13 June 2005 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Baker,
- Barrett,
- Barry,
- Bree,
- Cawley,
- Colleary,
- Conmy,
- Devins,
- Fleming,
- Fox,
- Gormley,
- Healy McGowan,
- Henry,
- Kilgannon,
- Leonard,
- Lundy,
- MacManus,
- McGrath,
- McLoughlin,
- Murray,
- Queenan,
- Sherlock.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
- Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
- Mr P. Flanagan, Acting Director of Services
- Ms M. Mc Connell, Acting Director of Services
- Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
- Mr S. O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer
- Mr F. Mac Nabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer
- Ms M. Hegarty, Administrative Officer
- Ms S. Malone, Assistant Staff Officer
- Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
- The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley presided.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be adjourned for 10 minutes as a mark of respect to the late Sean Doherty”.
1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 9 MAY 2005:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the ordinary council meeting held on 9 May 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.
2. SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 10 FEB 2005:
Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Sligo /Drumcliffe area meeting held on 10 February 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.
3. SLIGO /DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 10 MARCH 2005:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Sligo /Drumcliffe area meeting held on 10 March 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”.
4. PART 8 REGS; IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ON R286 HAZELWOOD ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 2001, proceed with the improvement scheme on R286 Hazelwood Road”.
5. TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR THE HALF-YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2005:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and subject to the sanction of the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €5.196M by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 31st December 2005”.
6. SLIGO MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMITTEE:
This item was deferred with the permission of the Cathaoirleach.
7. NORTH WEST TRAIL STEERING COMMITTEE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“That Cllr Healy Mc Gowan be nominated to the North West Trail Steering Committee”.
8. €60000 GRANT FOR PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT:
The members noted the grant of €60,000 from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for playground equipment to be installed in new or refurbished playgrounds.
SPECIAL MEETING
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley informed the members of the receipt of correspondence from Iarnród Eireann regarding proposed changes to the Sligo /Dublin line. The Cathaoirleach informed the members that she would hold a special meeting on 20 June 2005 at 11.00am to hear a presentation from Iarnród Eireann in this regard.
9. HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That this Council invite the CEO and Heads of Departments of the Health Service Executive for this region to address a meeting of this council and update members on the new H.S.E. as well as ongoing developments and services, since the abolition of the North Western Health Board almost one year ago.”
10. CLEANING OF MILESTONES:
Councillor M. Barrett asked that the council consider the cleaning and restoration of milestones in West Sligo as they are part of our heritage.
In response Director Forkan stated that the Sligo Heritage Forum has recently commissioned an industrial archaeologist to undertake an industrial heritage survey of the county, as part of the survey due to be completed in October 2005 all milestones will be noted and recorded. Best conservation practice in relation to historic street furniture concentrates on conservation in situ and as found. Cleaning of any historical stone is not generally advised as it can cause long term damage. It is recommended the heritage office, on receipt of the report consult with the roads section to draft a procedural policy in relation to the conservation of milestones in the county.
11. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON N59 IN DROMORE WEST:
Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council initiate contact with the NRA with a view to providing a pedestrian crossing in Dromore West adjacent to the new playground”.
12. LABOUR INSPECTORATE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
AND AGREED
“That this Council, concerned at the revelations relating to Gama Construction employees and the employees of certain other companies, calls on the Government and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to provide an adequately resourced Labour Inspectorate; increased powers for the inspectors and substantially increased penalties for non-compliance with employment rights legislation”.
13. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
AND AGREED
“As the Councils application for funding under the dormant account fund was unsuccessful for the provision of pedestrian crossings in Tubbercurry I am calling on Sligo County Council to provide the necessary funding out of the development contribution scheme to have the crossings provided in the current year”.
Mr S. O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated that an appeal had been made in this matter and an outcome is awaited.
Mr H. Kearns, County Manager stated that he would examine the possibility of funds being made available from the councils own resources if no funding is received from the dormant accounts fund in relation to the Gallagher House crossing and that an application would be made to the NRA in relation to the crossing on the N17.
14. TO SEEK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PURCHASE OF LANDS TO EXTEND PLAYGROUND OF KILLEENDUFF NS:
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That I will ask the County Manager to request the Department of Education to give financial assistance towards the purchase of lands at the rear of Killeenduff School to extend the playground”.
15. CODIFICATION OF LIQUOR LICENCING LEGISLATION:
Proposed by Councillor I. Henry
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
AND AGREED
“This Council notes with concern the recent statements of the Irish Medical Organisation representing 6000 Medical Doctors, and a similar statement from the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol, in which both bodies expressed their alarm and concern at the proposals of the Minister for Justice to introduce five new categories of liquor licence under the proposed codification of liquor licensing legislation – they being:
- A Café Bar licence,
- A Distance Selling licence,
- A Caterer’s licence,
- A licence for Public Cultural Events, and
- Guest House licence,
which will result in a greatly increased number of liquor outlets that will fuel the already serious problem of under age and binge drinking with the resultant public order problems that affect our society.
We therefore call on the government to recognise that we already have a problem of too easy access to alcohol leading to abuse, and that we have too many outlets selling alcohol at present with a licence for every 350 persons of all ages of the population.
We therefore call on the Government to issue no further liquor licences”.
16. ROAD WORKS AT HUGHES BRIDGE:
Councillor V. Cawley asked that a commitment of funding be sought as matter of urgency from the NRA to continue road works at Hughes Bridge and Bundoran Road as part of the to continuing work of the Mid Block Route.
In response Director Concannon stated that discussions with the NRA are ongoing in relation to improvements to Hughes Bridge and the Bundoran Road post Inner Relief Road opening. The NRA have indicated that funding would be provided for this project in the 2006 allocations.
17. UPGRADING OF EASKEY FOOTPATHS:
Councillor J. Queenan asked for an indication as to when work would commence on the upgrading of footpaths in Easkey.
In response Mr S. O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated that funds, which will be matched from own resources have been provided in the 2005 roadworks scheme for the replacements of footpaths in Easkey. It is proposed to commence construction in August.
18. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT CORBALLA VILLAGE:
Councillor J. Queenan asked for an indication as to when work will commence on traffic calming measures at Corballa village on the R297.
In response Mr S O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated that a proposal had been submitted to the NRA in this matter however approval has not yet been received.
19. ENNISCRONE SEWERAGE SYSTEM:
Councillor J. Queenan asked for an indication as to when the proposed new sewerage system in Enniscrone will go to tender.
In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the draft contract documents have been submitted to the Department for approval. The urgency of the matter has been emphasised to the Department. If approved within two months we can proceed to go to tender, evaluate and award the tender in the current year.
20. BREAST CHECK SCREENING SERVICES:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“This council notes that:
- Since the development of the National breast cancer-screening programme in 2000, the Government and the Ministers for Health have set deadlines for the extension of the screening facilities and promptly ignored them;
- an invisible border now extends down through the middle of Ireland and a form of apartheid persists for those West and South of the line and that women's lives are at risk;
- that screening facilities have been made available to 200,000 women living along the east coast the north east and the midlands, while women in the South and West have to wait until the end of 2007 at the earliest;
- that it is not clear when women in Sligo will be able to avail of BreastCheck screening
- that the availability of BreastCheck Screening to an extra 130,000 women in the south and west would reduce breast cancer death rates by a fifth;
This Council calls for the immediate expansion of the BreastCheck screening services to women in the south and west; demands that the Minister for Health guarantee a specific time/date when the BreastCheck will be available to women in Sligo”.
Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That the motion on “Breastcheck” be amended to include the following additional sentence;
That Sligo County Council also calls for the lowering to 35 years of age for qualification for entry to the Breastcheck programme”.
21. SLIGO HARBOUR:
Councillor V. Cawley asked for a report on the possible takeover of Sligo Harbour and what stage it is at.
In response T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance stated that government policy in relation to harbours is set out in the Ports Policy Statement published recently by Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. With regard to regional Harbours the policy states that “most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership”. As stated in the policy statement, many of these harbours have neither the resources nor the capacity to comply with aspects of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies whereas their transfer to local authority control would bring improved corporate governance and allow the harbours to realise their amenity potential. In cases where significant commercial traffic exists, consideration will be given to bringing the harbours under the control of a port company. In cases where there is little or no commercial traffic and where it is not possible to reach agreement on a transfer to local authority, the policy states that the sale of the harbour will be considered.
At a meeting of Sligo County Council held on 15th November 1999 to discuss the Department of Marine and Natural Resources review of state regional ports and harbours including Sligo port the following motion was passed by members;
“That Sligo County Council take ownership of Sligo Port, subject to financial assessment”.
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government is currently working with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to advance the implementation of the Policy Statement with regard to the future of regional harbours. It is intended to make arrangements for the transfer of the designated regional harbours to their respective local authorities, where appropriate, and to proceed individually in conjunction with the relevant local authorities and harbour authorities having regard to local requirements in each case.
Agreement between the two Departments is still being finalised. However it is probably that the next step with regard to any possible arrangement with regard to Sligo Harbour will require Sligo County Council to undertake a thorough assessment of the potential of the harbour for transfer to the County Council including any terms and conditions required in advance of accepting its transfer. In particular, it is suggested by the joint Departments that the council would examine;
- the financial position of the harbour authority, encompassing all income, expenditure, assets and liabilities;
- all land and facilities to be transferred detailed by descriptions, maps, documents, establishing ownership, rights of way etc., including all port and shore facilities (age, condition, usage, etc,);
- details of any full and part-time staff, pension and salary commitments;
- all health and safety, public liability and insurance issues;
- details of any legal proceedings, underway or pending;
- any current planning and development issues
- foreshore issues (leases, licenses, etc); and
- requirements for ongoing operation (pilotage etc.), maintenance and upkeep of the harbour (dredging, maintenance of aids to navigation, etc.)
This assessment is likely to take place as soon as the two departments have finalised arrangements on the procedures.
The members agreed that the matter proceed as outlined in the report given by Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance.
22. TRAFFIC CALMING IN GURTEEN:
Councillor M. Gormley asked that action be taken to slow down motorists approaching Gurteen cross by providing a roundabout at this location similar to what is in Ballisodare in the interest of road safety.
In response Mr S. O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated that there is no provision in the 2005 roadworks scheme for the construction of a roundabout in the village of Gurteen, this may be considered in the context of the estimates 2006 when being drafted.
23. RAGWOOD BRIDGE:
Councillor M. Fleming asked for improvement works to be carried out on Ragwood Bridge located on R293 Gurteen to County boundary in the interests of road safety.
In response Mr S O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated that there are signs erected on approaches to the bridge indicating narrow bridge ahead. There are no funds provided in the 2005 roadworks scheme towards improvements to the bridge, however it can be considered in the context of the 2006 roadworks progamme when it is being formulated.
24. INSPECTORATE TO MONITOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE NURSING HOMES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“In the light of very disturbing facts published about private nursing homes to request the Minister for Health to establish an independent inspectorate to monitor all public and private nursing homes”.
25. VETERINARY MEDICINES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“To request the Minister for Agriculture to allow qualified pharmacists prescribe certain categories of veterinary medicine or have them exempted when EU directive on veterinary medicines is being transposed into Irish Law”.
26. CLOONACOOL AND ACLARE SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANTS; UPGRADE OF TUBBERCURRY TREATMENT PLANT; UPGRADE OF COOLANEY TREATMENT PLANT:
Councillor M. Gormley asked for an update on the following;
1. Sewerage treatment plants at Cloonacool and Aclare.
2. Upgrade of Tubbercurry treatment plant.
3. Upgrade of Coolaney treatment plant”.
In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that Cloonacool and Aclare sewerage treatment plants are on target for commissioning in July but that Cloonacool is dependant on a developer paying development charges and connecting to the scheme.
We expect official approval shortly regarding Tubbercurry sewerage treatment plant, with the stipulation that it be bundled together with the Grange and Strandhill waste water treatment works for procurement as a single DBO project.
The tender for Coolaney treatment plant has been approved and the successful tenderer informed, it is anticipated that construction would begin in October of this year.
27. MOBILE PHONE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
AND AGREED
"That the Council calls on Minister Parlon, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, and the executive of the OPW, to refrain from erecting a mobile phone telecommunications mast or antennae on the Government Buildings, College Road, Sligo."
28. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Eugene Killoran on the death of his sister, Kathleen Haraghy”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Bernadette Clarke on the death of her niece Eimear Leyden”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Brendan Walsh on the death of his sister, Freda”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Bernadette Hosey on the death of her husband, Robert”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Austin Walsh on the death of his wife, Mary”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to John Johnson on the death of his brother, Michael”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Harraghy family on the death of Kathleen”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Gallagher family on the death of their mother, Florence”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Vera Egan on the death of her mother, Ethel Stenson”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Rita Kearins and her family on the death of her husband, Peter”.
29. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy Mc Gowan
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Curry under 12 girls team who won the Sligo county final in Cumann na Mbunscol”.
30. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus
AND AGREED
“That Councillors Barry, Bree, Cawley, Devins, Henry and Sherlock be nominate to attend the ‘potential for sport in modern Ireland’ conference in Mullingar on 23-24 June 2005”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Councillors Barrett, Cawley, Devins, Fleming, Leonard, Mac Manus, McGrath and McLoughlin be nominated to attend the Byrne Perry Summer School in Wexford on 24-26 June 2005”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Mc Grath
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock
AND AGREED
“That Councillors Fleming, Mullaney, Murray and McGrath be nominated to attend the Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, Tulsk on 23-25 June 2005”.
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy Mc Gowan
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock
AND AGREED
“That Councillor M. Baker, Councillor I. Henry and Councillor S. Kilgannon be nominated to attend the ‘Childcare, whats needed’ conference in Dublin on 1 July 2005”.
31. CORRESPONDENCE:
This was noted.
33. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. Mc Grath
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council request an agent from ESB and Eircom to attend the next meeting of the above body”.
Councillor J. Leonard called on the County Council to exercise its responsibilities under the Roads Act to protect public rights of way through the Lissadell demesne due to the recent closure of access to the beach at the Burrow.
Councillor J. Lundy asked that the Director of Services for planning take into account the proximity to the golf course of an application for planning permission in Tubbercurry.
Councillor J. Sherlock called for immediate action on the N4 at Lackagh in the interests of public safety. This was supported by Councillor M. Baker.
Councillor D. Bree asked when the bridge at Ballyfree would be opened as its closure lead to diversions which were causing problems for residents. In response Mr S. O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated that the bridge would be opened by the end of the week.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING:
- Letter dated 19 May; motion forwarded by Monaghan Town Council.
- Letter dated 19 May; motion forwarded by South Tipperary County Council
- Letter dated 13 May; motion forwarded by South Tipperary County Council
- Letter dated 9 May; motion forwarded by Clones Town Council
- Programme for CEC summer seminar ‘potential for sport in modern Ireland’
- Invitation to unveiling of roll of honour of Sligo County Council
- List of forthcoming conferences
END OF MEETING:
The meeting ended at 1.57pm
Meeting Date 13/06/2005