Minutes 2005

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held on 7 February 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,
  • Higgins,
  • Kilgannon,
  • Lundy,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGrath,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Mullaney,
  • Queenan,
  • Sherlock.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Acting Head of Finance
  • Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms M McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Acting  Senior Engineer
  • Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
  • Mr F. McNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms J. Currid., Senior Staff Officer
  • Ms P. Brennan, Acting Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Gormley presided.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING  

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M Gormley, expressed sympathy to the Flanagan family on the death of their brother, Padraig, Chief Technician with Sligo County Council.

The members and the County Manager, Mr Hubert Kearns, on behalf of the officials, joined with the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Margaret Gormley, in expressing their sympathy to the Flanagan family on their bereavement

The meeting was adjourned for 15 minutes as a mark of respect for the late Padraig Flanagan, Chief Technician.

The members also expressed sympathy to Councillor Aidan Colleary on the death of his nephew.

1. MINUTES OF  THE BUDGET  MEETING HELD ON 10 JANUARY 2005: 

Proposed by Councillor M Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

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

MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 29 NOVEMBER 2004 

Councillor Bree referred to Item No 1 in the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the 17 January 2005 and asked that it be recorded that the Resolution in question had not been withdrawn but had fallen, as there was no seconder.

2. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 17 JANUARY 2005: 

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M Fleming

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 17 January 2005 be and are hereby confirmed”

3. SECTION 183; DISPOSAL OF LAND AT DUNALLY, CO. SLIGO.  

Proposed by Councillor V Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That the Council proceed with the disposal of land at Dunally, Co Sligo, to the Sligo Branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland at a cost of €130 per site for the purposes of providing housing units under the Capital Assistance Scheme, subject to planning permission and the approval of The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.”

4. DRAFT TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION PROGRAMME 2005 -2008 

Proposed by Councillor A Higgins
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“To adopt the  Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme
2005 – 2008 in accodance with The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998.”

A discussion followed and, as agreement could not be reached in relation to this matter, the Cathaoirleach, M Gormley,  asked for a poll to be taken

For the motion: Baker, Barry, Bree, Cawley, Devins, Healy McGowan, Henry, Higgins, Kilgannon, MacManus, McGarry, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Queenan, Sherlock

Against the motion: Colleary, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Lundy

As 15 were for the motion and 5 against, the Cathaoirleach, Margaret Gormley declared the motion carried.

5. NOMINATION OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF SLIGO SPORT AND RECREATION PARTNERSHIP 

Proposed by Councillor A Colleary
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

“To nominate Councillor Jerry Lundy and Councillor Michael Fleming to the Board of Directors of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.”

6. PROGRESS REPORT ON CLAR  PROGRAMME IN COUNTY SLIGO 

A report was received from Director Dorothy Clarke on the progress of the CLAR Programme in County Sligo, which was launched in October 2001.

This report was noted.

7. COMPLETION OF SURFACE DRESSINGS ON CLASS 1 AND 2 COUNTY ROADS BY MID-SEPTEMBER EACH YEAR 

Councillor J Queenan asked the County Manager to ensure that all surface dressing on Class 1 and 2 county roads be completed by mid September each year. 

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, reported that it would be an objective to complete all surface dressing in the county prior to the month of September, subject to favourable weather conditions.

8. IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT ENNISCRONE NATIONAL SCHOOL, WOODLAWNS AND NEPHIN VIEW, ENNICRONE 

Councillor J Queenan asked the County Manager to improve traffic calming measures at Enniscrone National School, Woodlawns and Nephin View, Enniscrone, in the interests of safety.

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, reported that this proposal would be considered in the context of the 2005 Roadworks Scheme when being considered in Draft format at the local area meeting

9. REDUCTION OF THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE COOLANEY TO ROCKFIELD ROAD 

Councillor M Gormley requested that the speed limit on the road from Coolaney to Rockfield be reduced from 80km/h at present to 50km/h in the interest of road safety.

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, reported that new guidelines in relation to Speed Limits would be issued in the near future by the Department of Transport.  There would then be a general review of all speed limit zones in the county following public consultation and consultation with An Gardai.

10. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT KILBOGLASHY AND ABBEYTOWN TO BALLISODARE SPORTS FIELD COMMITTEE 

Councillor J Sherlock requested the Council to agree in principle to the disposal of 2.7 acres of land at Kilboglashy and Abbeytown, which is presently leased to Ballisodare Sports Field Committee.

Mr Padraig Flanagan, Acting Director of Services, reported that the Council agreed in principle to the extending of the lease of 2.7 acres of land at Kilboglashy and Abbeytown, which is presently leased to Ballisodare Sports Field Committee, to the Ballisodare Community Council, subject to its continuing to be used by the community for recreational purposes.

11. FOOTPATHS ON N59 HEADING TO CORHOWNAGH CHURCH 

Councillor J Sherlock asked the Council when the footpaths on N59 heading to Corhownagh Church would be completed (adjacent to Young’s land) in the interest of public safety.

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, reported that this proposal would be considered in the context of the 2005 Roadworks Programme, when grants are received from the NRA.

12. LOSS OF JOBS AT THE SAEHAN MEDIA PLANT

Proposed by Councillor S Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor M Gormley

AND AGREED

“Due to the fact that 70 full time manufacturing jobs have been lost at the Saehan Media Plant in Sligo, that this Council agree to send a delegation to meet with the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Micheál Martin, to ensure that the IDA treat Sligo as a special case for job creation in 2005.”


Proposed by Councillor S Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor T McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“In view of the recent job losses at the Saehan Media plant in Sligo, the Council requests the attendance of the Regional Manager IDA, Mr Joe McHugh, at the March Meeting of the Council to discuss job creation in the area”.

13 ROAD NO. 269 AT SPRINGFIELD, SLIGO 

Councillor S Kilgannon asked the Council to take in charge the last 100 metres of Road No 269.4 at Springfield, Sligo.

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, reported that this section of road could be considered for taking in charge following improvements under a Local Improvement Scheme or by a private undertaking.

13(A) NITRATES DIRECTIVE 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Agriculture to urgently negotiate the Nitrates Directive with the E.U. Authorities, because of the very serious implications it will have for Irish farmers”.

13(B) ROAD SAFETY MEASURES AT RATHGRAN, COOLANEY 

Councillor M Fleming requested that funding be allocated to the provision of safety measures at dangerous junction of Road No. 8 with Road No. 1 at Rathgran, Coolaney

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, reported that this proposal would be considered when the 2005 Draft Roadwords Programme is being considered at the Local Area Meeting.

13(C) PROVISION OF NATURAL GAS TO SLIGO CITY AND COUNTY 

Councillor M Fleming asked that Sligo County Council demands that an Bord Gáis provide natural gas to Sligo city and county and that government ministers be informed of their responsibility to future development of the North West.

Proposed by Councillor T McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor M Fleming

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council meet with the officials of an Bord Gáis and that a deputation meet officials of the Department of Energy to discuss provision of natural gas in County Sligo”

14. COUNTY FLEADH CHEOIL AT STRANDHILL 

Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor T McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“Welcoming the decision of Strandhill to host its first ever County Fleadh Cheoil, this Council agrees to provide a grant of  €2,000 to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to assist the organisation in covering the cost of the event”

15. PREVENTION OF DAMAGE AT ENTRANCE TO ST PAUL’S CHURCH, COLLOONEY AND TRAFFIC CALMING AT COLLOONEY

Councillor D Bree asked the Council to erect bollards at St Paul’s Church, Collooney, to prevent heavy goods vehicles damaging the road surface and pedestrian access at the entrance to the church and further that the Council bring forward plans to provide traffic calming measures at Kiernan Avenue and on the road linking St Paul’s Church with Rowan Tree Gardens.

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, advised that the Council as a matter of policy does not provide bollards to prevent parking at locations.  The introduction of parking bye-laws can be considered at this location following a review.

The issue of traffic calming measures can be considered for inclusion in 2005 Roadworks Scheme when being drafted at local area meeting under Discretionary Improvement Grant.

16. ROAD TRAFFIC COUNT ON THE CALRY ROAD 267 

Councillor I Fox asked the Director of Services to report on the road traffic count carried out on the Calry Road 267.

Mr Seamus O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, advised that a traffic counter had been purchased recently by Sligo County Council and that a traffic count would be undertaken soon on Calry Road.

17  NEW PIPELINE BETWEEN KILSELLAGH DAM AND FARNACARDY RESERVOIR 

Councillor I Fox asked the Director of Services what was the up-to-date position with the construction of the new pipeline between Kilsellagh Dam and Farnacardy Reservoir under the Sligo and Environs Water Scheme and what was the timescale on the work.

Mr Kevin Larkin, Senior Engineer, advised that the construction work and road repair would be completed by the end of February, by which time the traffic disruption would end.

The permanent road restoration would be done in conjunction with Roads Department Programme of Works.

18. PUBLIC LIGHTING AT BARROE 

Councillor I Fox asked the Director of Services to have funding put in place for provision of public lighting at Barroe.

In response Mr S O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, stated that no allocation of grant had yet been made by the NRA for 2005.  A grant was sought for Traffic Route Lighting at this location.

19. PROVISION OF FLASHING AMBER LIGHTS AT KILMACTRANNY N.S. 

Councillor G Mullaney asked that Sligo County Council provide flashing amber lights at Kilmactranny N.S.

Mr S. O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, stated that this proposal would be considered under the Discretionary Improvement Grant Scheme when being drafted at the local area meeting.

20. PROVISION OF LITTER BINS AT BALLINTOGHER: 

Councillor G Mullaney asked that Sligo County Council provide four locked litter bins at Ballintogher and provide resource for them to be emptied weekly.

Mr S. O’ Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, stated that it was Sligo County Council policy to provide the minimum number of litter bins due to indiscriminate dumping.  A meeting is proposed between Environmental Services and the local community early in the year to discuss the litter problem in the village.

21. FINISH AND REPAIR OF FOOTPATHS AT BALLINTOGHER 

Councillor G Mullaney asked that the Council provide funding to finish and repair footpaths and kerbing in the village and vicinity of Ballintogher.

Mr S O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, stated that this proposal would be considered under the Discretionary Improvement Scheme when draft roadworks scheme is being formulated at local area meeting.

22. ROAD SIGNAGE AT BALLINTOGHER 

Councillor M Baker asked the Council to provide signage for roads leading to Ballintogher.

Mr S O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, stated that the signage in the general Ballintogher area would be reviewed in the context of the 2005 Roadworks Scheme.

23. PROVISION OF LIGHTING AT JUNCTION OF OLD N4 ROAD GOING UP CURLEWS 

Councillor M Baker asked the Council to provide lighting at junction of old N4 Road going up Curlews

Mr S O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer, advised that this proposal would be considered when Draft Roadworks Scheme is being formulated at local area meeting.

24. VOTES OF SMYPATHY 

Proposed by Councillor G Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M Baker

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Nuala Gallagher on the death of her mother, Ethna Taffe”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Michael Reynolds on the death of his aunt, Sarah Burke”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mai White on the death of her husband, Eugene”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Emily Tigue on the death of her brother, Paddy Conlisk”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Winnie Murphy on the death of her daughter, Mary Carroll”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Pat Duignan on the death of his sister, Annie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Lyons Family on the death of their cousin, Peter Torsney”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Bernard Morrisroe on the death of his mother, Mary”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J Queenan

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Martin Joe O’Grady on the death of his wife, Winnie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Pat Curley and family on the death of their aunt, Bridie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Eileen Keane on the death of her husband, Tommy”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Padraic Folan on the death of his sister, Mary Lydon”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Willie and Sarah Melvin on the death of their son, Ian”.


Proposed by Councillor M Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Gretta McGuire on the death of her brother Tom Cahalane”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Sarah Selfe on the death of her brother, Michael Hunt”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Ann Monds on the death of her father, John Durcan”.

25. CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor J Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor A Colleary

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Devins be nominated to attend the ‘Implementing the National Spatial Strategy’ conference organised by MWRA in Ennis, Co. Clare, on 3-4 February 2005”.

Proposed by Councillor J Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor A Colleary

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Devins, Healy McGowan and Sherlock be nominated to attend the National Energy Conference in Mallow, Co Cork, on 10 -11 February 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor T McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor N Fleming

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Conmy, McLoughlin and Mullaney be nominated to attend the National Energy Conference in Mallow, Co. Cork on 10 – 11 February 2005”.

Proposed by Councillor J Devins
Seconded by Councillor V Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Cawley be nominated to attend the AMAI Spring Seminar 2005 in Letterkenny, Co Donegal on 11 - February 2005”.

Proposed by Councillor J McGarry
Seconded by Councillor P McGrath

AND AGREED

“That Councillors J McGrath, Queenan, Lundy, Kilgannon, Baker, Barry, Sherlock, Healy McGowan be nominated to attend the ‘Stop Suicide’ conference in Dromahair, Co Leitrim on 18 -19 February 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor J McGarry
Seconded by Councillor V Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Henry, Cawley, MacManus, Bree, Fleming, Mullaney, Devins, and Colleary be nominated to attend the ‘Stop Suicide’ conference in Dromahair, Co Leitirm on 18 -19 February 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor A Colleary
Seconded by Councillor J Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Lundy, Barry and Conmy be nominated to attend the ‘Carlow Tourism Conference’ in Carlow on 24 – 25 February 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor J Sherlock
Seconded by A Colleary

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Devins, Sherlock and Cawley be nominated to attend the ‘Colmcille Winter School’ in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, on 25 – 27 February 2005”.

Proposed by Councillor J Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor A Colleary

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Devins and Lundy be nominated to attend the ‘General Council of County Councils’ Annual Conference’ in Enfield, Co Meath, on 3 – 5 March 2005”.


Proposed by Councillor J Lundy
Seconded by P Barry

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Baker and Lundy be nominated to attend the ‘LAMA Annual Conference’ in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on 31March – 1 April 2005”

26. CORRESPONDENCE: 

This was noted

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED: 

  • Copy of the updated Anti Poverty Handbook issued by the Combat Poverty Agency
  • Notice of the Aware 20th Anniversary Summer Walk in County Sligo on Sunday 8th May
  • List of forthcoming conferences


END OF MEETING 

The meeting ended at 1.15 pm.


Meeting Date 07/02/2005