Minutes 2006

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting which was held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo on 11th December 2006 at 11.00am.


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Baker,
  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • Conmy,
  • Devins,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Gormley,
  • Healy McGowan,
  • Henry,
  • Higgins,
  • Kilgannon,
  • Leonard,
  • Lundy,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGrath,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Mullaney,
  • Queenan,
  • Murray,
  • Sherlock.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Breen, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Administrative Officer
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Ms S. Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Ms J. Burns, Senior Staff Officer
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr F. O’ Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr J. Murphy, SEO
  • Mr C. McNamara, Staff Officer
  • Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. McGarry presided.

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy that a vote of sympathy be extended to Councillor G. Mullaney on the death of his uncle Eamon Devine and it was agreed that the Meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes as a mark of respect to Councillor G. Mullaney.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

To extend best wishes to Mr Peter Tiernan who recently retired from FAS. The Meeting also extended its appreciation and good wishes to Mr P. Forkan D.O.S who is to retire shortly.

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

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Carney family, Beltra, Co. Sligo on the death of Pat".

1) DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Dromore West Area Meeting held on the 7th of December 2005 are hereby confirmed".

2) DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Dromore West Area Meeting held on the 22nd of February 2006 are hereby confirmed".

3) DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Dromore West Area Meeting  held on the 5th of April 2006 are hereby confirmed".

4) DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Dromore West Area Meeting held on the 10th of May 2006 are hereby confirmed".

5) SPC4 MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the SPC4 Meeting held on the 29th of June 2006 are hereby confirmed".

6) DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Dromore West Area Meeting held on the 12th of July are hereby confirmed".

7) BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on the 12th of October 2006 are hereby confirmed".

8) ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on the 6th of November 2006 are hereby confirmed".

9) SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF LAND AT ENNISCRONE:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of land at Enniscrone".

10) DRAFT COUNTY HERITAGE PLAN 2007 – 2001:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

"To adopt the Draft County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011".

11) TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDING 30TH JUNE 2007:

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

"To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €3.25M by way of temporary overdraft for the half-year ending 30th June 2007".

12) PHASE TWO WATERPOINT;

It was agreed that Items 12 and 32 be taken at this time;

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

"To consider Report on funding of Phase Two Waterpoint, Enniscrone".

32)

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

"That I will call on the Government to reverse Failte Ireland decision to withdraw funding of €700,000 from Enniscrone Leisure Company Limited in  respect of Phase Two Water Point Enniscrone where work commenced in May 2006 and which is expected to be completed in January next year".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated the following;

Enniscrone Leisure Ltd received a letter of offer from Fáilte Ireland in September 2004 for the development of . When the tender documents were being drawn up, it became clear that the original estimate of approximately €2m for all of the elements was unrealistic and that the work could not be done within this figure. The first order of costs prepared by the consultants in April 2005 estimated the total cost of the project as between €3.7m and €4,1m. In all, a total of eight separate bills of costs were prepared by the consultants and at the end of this process, it was clear that it would not be possible to complete all of the elements within the available finance. Following lengthy consultation and discussions, it was decided to omit two elements (i.e. multipurpose activity hall and an additional children’s themed water playground) and to proceed with the following:

  • Adult Spa/Relaxation suite with additional treatment rooms
  • Multi-purpose all weather playing courts
  • New changing room facilities for indoor and outdoor activities
  • Themed adventure play area with themed maze.

A number of representatives of the company met with officials of Fáilte Ireland on the 26th April 2006 and the position was explained verbally. At this meeting, the company was asked to write to Fáilte Ireland outlining the changes and this was done on 5th May, 2006. Work later commenced on the site and the development is due to be completed in January or February 2007. At no time did the company envisage a situation where the full grant would not be paid and the contract was proceeded with on this understanding. However, the Council was noted by email on 8th November 2006 that the grant was being reduced from €1,451,577 to 778,029.

The costs in respect of phase 11 are as follows:

ElementConstruction CostsFees at 10%Total cost
Adult Spa/Relaxation suite with treatment rooms. 1,119,255 111,926 1,231,181
Multi-purpose all weather play courts 662,296 66,230 728,526
New changing facilities 333,298 33,330 366,628
Themed adventure play area with themed maze 318,640 31,864 350,540
Total 2,433,489 243,350 2,676,839

The decision to reduce the funding to Waterpoint was made by the Tourism Product Marketing Board. This decision has been appealed by the Company and is to be considered by the Board at its meeting on 6th December 2006. If the decision is not reversed, this will leave a shortfall of approximately €680,000 on the project.

A number of company directors, public representatives and officials of the Council met with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr. John O’Donoghue, on 4th December 2006 and he was very supportive of the Company’s position. A further meeting took place with representatives of Fáilte Ireland and it was indicated that provision could be made for meeting this shortfall from the capital budget for 2007 in the event of the Tourism Product Marketing Board maintaining its position.

Given the support of Minister O’Donoghue to the proposal put forward by Fáilte Ireland, I am confident that funding will be available early in the New Year to meet this shortfall.

In the meantime, the approval of the members is sought in accordance with Section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001 to provide bridging finance to Enniscrone Leisure Ltd. to secure the completion of the project in the short term. A further report will be submitted to the members in the New Year when the financial position has been clarified.

After a discussion it was;

Proposed by P. Conmy
Seconded by J. Queenan

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council provide the necessary bridging finance to Enniscrone leisure ltd to secure the completion of Waterpoint Enniscrone pending payment of funding from Failte Ireland".

13) DRAFT SCHEME OF ALLOCATION PRIORITIES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING;

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

"To consider the adoption of the draft Scheme of Allocation Priorities for Affordable Housing".

14) HOUSING AID FOR ELDERLY SCHEME;

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

"This Council calls on the Health Services Executive to double the funding under the housing aid for elderly scheme from €3500 to €7000".

After a discussion it was also proposed by Cllr D. Bree to amend the motion to include the Department of Health.

This was agreed by the Meeting.

15) PUBLIC LIGHTING PROGRAMME;

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

"That this Council include in the public lighting programme;

  1. Upgrading of existing public lighting on the R297 and the N59 at Dromore West.
  2. Provide one light at Community Centre in Dromore West on the R297".

In Response Mr S. O’Toole SEE stated the following;

These proposals can be considered in the context of 2007 Roadworks Scheme when being discussed in draft format at Local Area Meeting. The Meeting requested that the ESB be invited to the next Council Meeting.

 16)  DELIVERY OF BROADBAND;

It was agreed Items 16, 30 and 58 be taken at this time;

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

"That this Council call on the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to make provision for delivery of Broadband to the Communities of Dromore West, Skreen, Dromard and Beltra".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated the following;

It is understood that there is a significant demand for Broadband in this area and that one service provider is actively pursuing this. It is likely that the provision of Broadband will be by wireless technology. No funding has been made available for his area from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to date.

30)

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

That Sligo County Council be provided with a report in relation to FASTCOM BROADBAND LTD application to install transmitter units on the Water Towers in Dromore West, Easkey and at the reservoir at Cregg".

58)

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

"That we allow the water tower in Curry to assist in obtaining broadband for the area".

Following a discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
"That a draft policy protocol be presented to the Council in advance of any contract being signed, for use of water towers for Broadband Radio Transmission".

"It was also agreed to Call on the Minister of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dermot Ahern to provide funding for Broadband. The Meeting requested that a report be prepared on this item for the February 2007 Meeting".

17) ROAD L – 33081 AT CREGG;

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

"That the Council be furnished with a full report relating to road L-33081 at Cregg, including an explanation as to why Council officials failed to take action to have the right of way opened after it had been blocked off by a developer, and further that all documentation and files relating to the case be made available for inspection by Councillors".

In Response Mr S O’Toole stated the following response;

Further to my report of 26th September, 2006, correspondence received from solicitor of developer indicates ownership of 28 linear metres of public roadway by his client.

The deed map of property would indicate that the public road extended 28 linear metres approximately beyond location of temporary barrier erected by developer.

  • The public right of way to the foreshore has been partially retained.
  • The developer has proposed to construct a parking and turning area at his expense adjacent to shoreline on his property along a Land Commission right-ofway.

Discussions have taken place between residents, developer and Council officials in relation to the above matters. It is hoped to draw up an agreement which is satisfactory to all parties including Sligo County Council.

This agreement may involve the extinguishment of the public right-of-way over a short distance of public roadway. This section of roadway is not of general public utility.

These and other legal issues raised by the above proposals will be referred to our law agent for his attention and report.

Files relating to this matter are available subject to the terms decided by members of Sligo County Council.

The County Manager stated that the only public issue appeared to be access to the foreshow which he understood to be available. Following discussion it was agreed that files relating to this matter be made available to the members and it was also suggested that the matter be raised at the next Sligo/Drumcliffe Area Meeting".

18) CURRENT STATE OF THE TAILINGS POND;

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

"To ask the County Manager to provide a report on the current state of the Tailings Pond from old lead and zinc mine at Harrington’s Quarry, Ballisodare".

In Response Mr P. Forkan DOS stated the following response;

Harrington Concrete Ltd. have carried out considerable monitoring on site which has confirmed the presence of the tailings consistent with the historic use of the area as a lead and zinc mine. A report has been prepared and submitted indicating the lead and zinc levels on the site.

These results have been analysed and a Draft Risk Assessment is currently being finalised by the company for the site. This Draft Risk Assessment will be reviewed by Sligo County Council together with the Environmental Protection Agency with a view to the early preparation of an Environmental Management Plan for the site going forward. This work should be completed early in 2007. It should be noted that the Tailings are currently covered and stabilised as this is considered to be the best environmental solution. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction with the Geographical Survey of Ireland have commenced a survey of all the historic mines in the country. This site and the adjacent foreshore will be included in this survey and when this is completed a set of recommendations will be forwarded in relation to any issues which arise.

The Meeting asked that a report on this matter be brought before the members in early 2007.

19) BUILDING REGULATIONS;

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

"When a Commencement Notice is submitted indicating that a developer intends to comply with the Building Regulations, including the issue of access as required under part M of the regulations, what action does the Council take in the event of the development not being constructed in compliance with the Building Regulations".

In Response Mr P. Forkan DOS stated the following;

The requirement of the DOELG is that the Building Control Authority carry out 12 - 15% inspections of all Commencement Notices submitted. Sligo County Council are currently exceeding this.

In addition it is the policy of SCC when in receipt of a Commencement Notice for 2 or more houses or for commercial or industrial premises to require the Developer to submit drawings showing compliance with Part M – Section 11(c) BC Act 1990, and is something very few counties in the country do at present and has the effect of making both the Developer and the Architect/Agent aware that Part M should be complied with both at the design and the construction stages. However, should it come to our attention that a development has not been constructed in accordance with the Building Regulations a letter is sent to both the Developer and his Agent advising them accordingly. The council will follow the matter up with the developer. It is Sligo County Councils policy to try and resolve breaches by discussions with the parties involved. The reason for this is that it is recognized that it was a flaw in the original Act in that that prosecutions could only be taken by the DPP which takes too long.

The new Building Control Bill currently before the Dail provides under Part 2 for amendments of the Building Control Act 1990. This will simplify the prosecution process for building control authorities by giving authorities the option to bring summary prosecution for all building code offences in the District Court. It also provides for substantial increases in maximum penalties for breaches of the building code. Part 2 also introduces a "disability access certificate" whereby the design of non-domestic buildings and apartment blocks will be certified as being in compliance with Part M of the building regulations, prior to commencement of work.

Cllr Bree raised a specific issue in relation to access to County Hall however this was ruled out of order by the Cathaoirleach.

20) ROADS AND FOOTHPATHS IMPROVEMENTS AT STELLA MARIS AND ABBEY DRIVE IN BALLISODARE AND AT ST. MARYS GREEN, CHURCH VIEW AND KIERNAN AVE COLLOONEY;

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

"I will ask the County Manager to allocate funding in the 2007 Budget to roads and footpaths improvements at Stella Maris and Abbey Drive in  Ballisodare and at St. Marys Green, Church View and Kiernan Avenue Collooney".

In Response Mr S. O’Toole SEE stated the following;

These proposals will be considered for inclusions in 2007 Road Works Scheme when draft road works programme is being considered at local area meeting.

21) LOW WATER PRESSURE AT KNOCKBEG COLLOONEY (OLD GALWAY ROAD);

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

"I will ask Sligo County Council to investigate the reason for low water pressure at Knockbeg Collooney (Old Galway Road) supplying consumers linked to the old water mains".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

It is acknowledged that there has been a pressure drop of the order of 8-10 P.S.I. in recent times related mostly to leakage but also possibly due to increased development along this road. Pressure is now restored but on going monitoring will be continued because of development in area.

22) LOW WATER PRESSURE IN THE RATHMADDER AREA, GURTEEN;

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

"Consumers living in the Rathmadder Area, Gurteen (off the Ballaghderreen road) are experiencing very poor water pressure. What steps are the Council taking to address this problem?"

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

The houses experiencing poor pressure in Rathmadder are all on long connections from the main on the Ballaghadreen Road. One of the houses is actually 109 meters from the road. These connections are small bore and lead to very heavy pressure losses regardless of how good the pressure is in the main at point of connection. Earlier this year Sligo County Council attempted to pressure pump the supply into these houses to clear any possible blockages in the pipes, but with very limited success. The situation is under review again to see if we can get a short-term, interim, improvement. The long term solution however would be to lay a main in the road to shorten the lengths of the services and thus reduce the pressure losses resulting from the small-bore connections. There is planning permission at present for a project which will require the laying of such a main and that can be availed of when it occurs. Sligo County Council will try to determine if and when this project is to proceed. If it does not proceed within a reasonable period of time the Council will then consider laying a 2" main to remedy the situation.

23) WORKS TO IMPROVE JUNCTION AT CROSSBOY, BALLINTOGHER R290 AND R287 IN THE INTEREST OF ROAD SAFETY;

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

"To ask Sligo County Council to carry out necessary works to improve junction at Crossboy, Ballintogher R290 and R287 in the interest of road safety".

In response Mr S. O’Toole stated the following, 

A sum of €5,000 is included in Road Works Scheme 2006 to undertake improvements to junction R290/R287 at Crossboy, Ballintogher. These works will include renewal of signage and road markings. This has been included in submission to DOEHLG for funding under Low Cost Accident Schemes.

26)  INCREASE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR GRANTS AND GRAVEYARD MAINTENACE GRANTS;

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

"To request the County Manager when deciding the estimates for the coming year to increase funds available for Community and Voluntary Sector Grants and Graveyard maintenance grants".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated the following;

The amount provided in the 2006 budget in the Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme was €75,000 and this enabled substantial works to be carried out by communities throughout the County. It is hoped to increase the amount available in the 2007 budget.

24)  PROVIDE A RIGHT TURNING LANE OFF N4 AT BALLINAFAD;

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

"To call on Sligo County Council to provide a right turning lane off N4 at Ballinafad onto the slip that leads on to the old N4".

In Response Mr S. O’Toole SEE stated the following;

A scheme to include for a stacking lane on right turning lane has been included in proposals for funding by NRA under Low Cost Accident Reduction Measures in 2007. Subject to funding from NRA these works will be undertaken in 2007.

25) BALLINDOON ABBEY;

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

"To call on the Sligo County Council to take Ballindoon Abbey into ownership of Sligo County Council".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated the following;

The position relating to the ownership of the Abbey is unclear, at present as it has not been registered with Land Registry. If the Abbey was taken into the ownership of the Council, this would place a significant onus on the Council in terms of ongoing maintenance and health and safety. The Council would need to examine this issue in detail before taking any decision on the matter.

After a discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

"That the Council contact the O.P.W on this matter".

27)

This Item was deferred with the permission of the Council.

29)BUS SHELTER AT BALLINAFAD;

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

"That I will ask Sligo County Council to request Bus Eireann to provide a bus shelter at Ballinafad on the N4 in the interest of road safety".

In Response Mr S. O’ Toole SEE stated the following;

Sligo County Council Roads Department have no objection in principle to the erection of a bus shelter along N4 at Ballinafad. The precise location should be agreed with roads department prior to erection. It was agreed to request Bus Eireann to re-route the bus through Ballinafad village".

28)  TAKE IN CHARGE SEWERS AND WATER MAINS IN THE FOLLOWING HOUSING ESTATES;

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

"That Sligo County Council take in charge sewers and water mains in the following Housing Estates; Heather View lower, Heather View upper, The Stirrups, Beechfield, Tonaphubble, The Paddocks, Larkhill Woods, Summerhill Village phase 1 & 2, Crozon Downs, Crozon Park, Crozon Crescent, Knocknaganny Park, Caltragh Heights phase 1 and 2 and Straid na Mara".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

The Council does not take – in charge particular services associated with any estate. The whole estate and all its services are taken in charge, or not all. In this instance I understand that most of the estates in question are in the Borough. If any are in fact in the County they should make application to Sligo County Council to be take in charge. Otherwise the process for taking-in-charge should begin with a request to the Borough but SCC has no input into Borough’s process other that in respect of water services infrastructure.

Sligo County Council is the water authority for the entire County including the Borough: the water services will become a responsibility of this section when and if the estates are taken-in-charge. Enforcement Section, in conjunction with Water Services, have a process in place whereby all water services infrastructure is assessed as to adequacy before taking-in-charge. That process is initiated by the estates, or whoever is responsible for them, be it a developer or a community association, making an application for taking in charge to the County Council or to the Borough Council.

31)  DEPUTATION WITH SENATORS AND FIANNA FIAL TDS REGARDING RADIOTHEARPY;

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

"That we write to the Fianna Fail TD’s and Senators to set up a deputation for member of the Sligo County Council regarding radiotherapy".

33)  SITE FOR BALLYMOTE FIRE STATION;

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

"That I will ask Sligo County Council for an update on the proposed site for Ballymote Fire Station and when will this Council be in a position to designate a new site for a new Area Office and Library in Ballymote".

In Response Ms Dorothy Clare DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council has agreed a site for a new fire station in Ballymote with Connaught Gold beside the existing site. We are currently working to progress and finalise this. As an interim measure to accommodate the Fire Service a lease has now been agreed on a building in the Fairgreen area and minor refurbishment works are currently being undertaken to modify the buildings to meet the needs of the Fire service. These works are to be completed by the end of the year to allow the Fire Service to move with immediate effect.

In relation to a site for a new Library and Area Office for Ballymote we are currently assessing a number of site options in the town. We will be working with the HSE with a view to accommodating their needs for a Primary Care centre into the development of a new Public Service Centre for the town to incorporate Community facilities also looking at a number of options (sites).

34)  AMENDMENT BE MADE TO THE BALLYMOTE LOCAL AREA PLAN;

It was agreed that Item 34 and 51 be dealt with at this time.

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

"That I will ask Sligo County Council that an amendment be made to the Ballymote Local Area Plan to allow lands marked L1 to be rezoned from open space to residential".

In Response Mr P. Forkan DOS stated the following;

The site marked L1 on the map attached to the motion is located on an elevated, back land site, which was zoned open space in the Ballymote Local Area Plan. There is an existing protected monument RMP SL033 – 090 located on site which will limit if not prevent any potential development on site. The site does not abut any public roads and it is not clear how the subject site would be accessed. The elevated and back land nature of the subject site would raise concerns regarding overlooking and the visual impact of any housing development on the landscape. Taking the above into account any proposals to zone these lands would need to be accompanied by clear proposals to deal with the issues raised.

Following a discussion the meeting agreed to alter the resolution to replace the word amendment with variation.

It was then;

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That I will ask Sligo County Council that a variation be made to the Ballymote Local Area Plan to allow lands marked L1 to be rezoned from open space to residential”.

51)  L1 ON GRANGE MINI-PLAND TO BE ZONED RESIDENTIAL;

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

"That a variation of the County Development Plan be made to allow for lands marked L1 on the attached Grange Mini-Plan to be zoned residential".

In Response Mr P. Forkan DOS stated the following;

  1. The site marked L1 on the map attached to the motion is located outside the development limit, in the buffer zone, adjoining the local road L-7209.

    The site has extremely poor accessibility, as the road is substandard (effectively one-lane wide) and connects to the village centre over two bridges, one of which is a Protected Structure (RPS No. 206 - Grange Bridge), which cannot be modified/widened even if the road itself were widened. Both bridges are humped and this creates significant visibility problems.

    There is a third bridge along this road, located to the south of the site marked L1. This narrow bridge in conjunction with the nearby sharp bend in the road adds to the potential traffic hazard along L-7209.

    A planning application for 50 houses (McHugh) could not proceed due to poor access to the lands due North of this proposed rezoning.
  2. Grange Mini-Plan was formally adopted on 19 April 2005 as part of Sligo County Development Plan 2005-2011.

    The adopted Mini-Plan zoned approximately 40 hectares (99 acres) of land for residential use and another 39 hectares (96 acres) for mixed uses.

    Since the coming into operation of the County Development Plan, in May 2005, there have been only two applications for multiple housing development on zoned lands in Grange: PL 05/854 (15 apartments) - which was found invalid and remains incomplete to date - and PL 06/760 (23 apartments over shop units) – which was refused because the proposal was not fully in compliance with the provisions of the Mini-Plan.

    Any submission in relation to additional land zoning in this area would need to be accompanied by firm spatial proposals for access and development of all the lands in the area.

Following a discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

That a variation of the County Development Plan be made to allow for lands marked L1 on the attached Grange Mini-Plan to be zoned residential”.

Items 35-50, 52-57 and 59-60 be deferred until the January Meeting.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mary McGill on the death of her brother, Gerry Sherlock”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kathleen Gormanly on the death of her husband, Pat”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Valerie McGettrick and family on the death of her mother, Maureen Kerins”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Margaret Reynolds on the death of her husband, Dinny”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Catherine Burns on the death of her father, Patrick Carney”.

Proposed by Cllr D. Bree
Seconded by Cllr M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kathleen Shaw and family on the death of her husband Bertie”.

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

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Breda Durcan on the death of her uncle, John McGettrick”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Valerie Davey on the death of her father, Pat Gormley”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Michael McVann on the death of his sister, Mary Ellen McHugh”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Evelyn Moffitt on the death of her husband, Paddy”.

CORRESPONDANCE:

All Correspondence was noted.

 


Meeting Date 11/12/2006