Minutes 2006

Minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 9th October 2006 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, Riverside

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,
Murray,
Queenan,

Apologies – Sherlock.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
Mr D. Breen, A/Director of Services
Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Ms J. McNamara, Administrative Officer
Mr F. O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
Ms E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr G. Salter, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
Mr D. Tinney, County Librarian
Ms J. Burns, Senior Staff Officer
Ms B. Ronayne, Administrative Officer
Mr C. McNamara, Staff Officer
Ms S. Ryan, Heritage Officer
Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. McGarry presided.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

"That the meeting be adjourned for fifteen minutes as a mark of respect to Councillor J. Sherlock on the death of his niece, Triona.

1 MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 18TH MAY 2006:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on the 18th May, 2006 are hereby confirmed".

2. MINUTES OF THE SLIGODRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 13TH JUNE 2006:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
"That the minutes of the Sligo-Drumcliffe Area Meeting held on 13th June 2006 are hereby confirmed".

3. MINUTES OF THE TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON JUNE 13TH 2006:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Tubbercurry Area Meeting held on June 13th 2006 are hereby confirmed".

4. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON JUNE 29TH 2006:

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

AND AGREED

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

5. MINUTES OF THE TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 11TH JULY 2006:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Tubbercurry Area Meeting held on 11th July 2006 are hereby confirmed".

6. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 4TH 2006:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held 4th September 2006 are hereby confirmed".

7. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 11TH SEPTEMBER 2006:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting held on 11th September 2006 are hereby confirmed".

Councillor D. Bree asked that correspondence in relationto Ballyweelin Road L-33081-0 Local Road 390 be dealt with as a headed Item. It was agreed that this would be dealt with after Item No. 20 on the agenda.

8. SECTION 183: DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 5 CARROLL DRIVE, CRANMORE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at 5 Carroll Drive, Cranmore, Co. Sligo to Vinna Rolston".

9. SECTION 183: DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT BALLINABOLE, BALLYMOTE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Ballinabole, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Lorraine Mullen".

10. SECTION 183: DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT HOLLOWFIELD, ISLAND ROAD, MONASTERADEN, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Hollowfield, Island Road, Monasteraden, Co. Sligo to PJ and Caroline King".

11. SECTION 183: DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 43 ARD AISLING, CHARLESTOWN ROAD, TUBBERCURRY, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at 43 Ard Aisling, Charlestown Road, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to James and Kelly Benjamin".

12. SECTION 183: DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT KILMACOWEN, BALLISODARE, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Kilmacowen, Ballisodare, Sligo to Kelvin Winters and Pauline Feeney".

13. SECTION 183: DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT MAIN STREET, GURTEEN, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Main Street, Gurteen, Sligo to Geraldine Gallagher (nee McCormack)".

14. PART 8: RECONSTRUCTION AND ALL NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE ARDNAGLASS RIVER OUTFALL STRUCTURE IN THE TOWNLANDS OF CORKAGH AND DUNMORAN, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government ( Planning and Development ) Regulations 2001 the provision of reconstruction and all necessary repairs, to the Ardnaglass River outfall structure in the townlands of Corkagh Beg and Dunmoran, Co. Sligo".

After a discussion the following resolution was also agreed:

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

AND AGREED

"That a footbridge be constructed at the point where the river separates the two beaches, ie Dunmoran and Aughris, when work to the Ardnaglass river outfall is being carried out".

15. PART 8: CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLING HOUSE, PET SYSTEM AND PERCOLATION AREA, AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS AT CARROWNACREEVY TD.,COOLANEY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 2001 the construction of a dwelling house, PET system and percolation area and all associated site development works at Carrownacreevy Td., Coolaney, Co. Sligo".

16. PART 8: BURIAL GROUND AT EASKEY:

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

AND AGREED

To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 2001 the extension of Burial Ground at Easkey.

"In reply to query from Cllr Queenan Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated that the Council would be proceeding to tender shortly and it was hoped work would commence early in the new year".

17. COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2007-2011:

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

AND AGREED

"To agree and adopt the draft County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007 – 2011".

18. SLIGO COUNTY LIBRARY, MUSEUM AND CULTURAL SERVICES LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2006-2010:

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

AND AGREED

"To agree and adopt the Sligo County Library, Museum and Cultural Services Library Development Plan 2006 – 2010".

Following a discussion the Manager informed the meeting that he would report back to the Council in relation to the site at Stephen Street. If new library building were to go ahead at Stephen Street the existing library would have to be relocated during construction.

19(A), 25, 30. SLIGO HARBOUR:

It was agreed that Items 25 and 30 be dealt with at this time also.

"The allocation of €1.5m towards safety and remedial works at Sligo Harbour was noted and the necessary over expenditure of that amount was authorised".

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

"To ask the County Manager what proposals the Councils have to increase shipping in the port and to ask when it is intended to establish a Port Sub-Committee to oversee the development of Sligo Harbour".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS Stated the following:

The Council has no proposals to increase shipping in the port at this stage. The Strategic Policy Committee for Economic Development and Planning Policy has dealt with all issues surrounding the port to date.

It was agreed to come back to the November Meeting with proposals to set up a Port Sub Committee.

Proposed by V. Cawley
Seconded by D. Bree

"That as Sligo County Council is now responsible for Sligo Harbour a safety rail should be erected at the Quay street car park at the open shore area and also along the area known as the old timber jetty next to Hughes Bridge as a matter of urgency".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated that it is proposed to provide these works form the allocation of 1.5 million considered under Item 19(a).

19 (B) DRAFT BEACH BYE-LAWS 2006:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve the Draft Beach Bye-Laws 2006".

20. DATE FOR 2007 BUDGET MEETING:

"It was agreed that the 2007 Budget Meeting be held on the 8th of January 2007".

20(A). CORRESPONDANCE IN RELATION TO BALLYWEELIN ROAD L – 33081 – 0 LOCAL ROAD 390:

"Cllr Declan Bree stated that construction had been going on at this location for two years blocking a public right of way. He further stated that despite being aware of this, Senior Council Officials took no action to implement the law and protect the public right of way. Cllr Bree asked that all documents and files in relation to this be made available to Councillors".

Mr T. Carroll SE in response stated the following:

This roadway is some 140m long and had a public right of way to the Corn Mill and foreshore. The right of way is in part on private property for approximately 40m and has been closed off to public access while construction activity is underway on Health and Safety grounds. The consent of the Council was not sought in this instance. The Council has engaged in correspondence with property owner and local residents to maintain the right of way. The retention of the current right of way postconstruction would not enable vehicular transport or pedestrian access to the foreshore. Local residents in consultation with the landowner, Sligo County Council and property owner have subject to Council consent and legal agreement suggested an alternative foreshore access that will enable vehicular access, vehicle parking and pedestrian access through private property by a simple re-alignment which is to the satisfaction of all parties.

This will be legally formalised and put before the Council for determination.

Following remarks by Cllr Bree in relation to the Council officials handling of this matter the County Manager intervened to state that such comments from Cllr. Bree would not be tolerated and if the member persisted the Manager would withdraw his staff from the meeting to ensure that staff are not subjected to this type of treatment. The Manager went on to state that he was not personally familiar with this case but he understood that there was a strategy in place to secure the public-right of way to whatever facilities there are at this location.

21. PRESENTATION BY MR LIAM SCOLLAN, IRELAND WEST AIRPORT KNOCK:

It was agreed that Mr Liam Scollan, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock be invited to the November Meeting.

51. SLIGO RAILWAY STATION:

It was agreed to take Item 51 at this point.

Proposed by S. Kilgannon
Seconded by A. Higgins

"To ask the County Manager what response if any Sligo County Council have from Irish Rail Re: provision of a car park at Sligo Railway Station".

A discussion took place in relation to the problem of parking at Sligo Railway Station after which it was agreed that Iarnrod Eireann be invited to the December Meeting to discuss the issue.

22. RADON GAS RECORED IN SLIGO:

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

"As a result of High Levels of Radon Gas recorded in Dwellings in County Sligo that the Local Authority and Department of the Environment be requested to provide financial assistance to home owners who find it necessary to carry out remedial works in the interest of Health and Safety".

In Response Mr P. Forkan DOS stated the following:

Sligo County Council has no involvement in the monitoring of radon gas levels or in provision of remedial measures. The Radiological Protection Institute (RPI) supply radon monitoring equipment to householders on request, for a fee. It is then a decision of the householder whether to carry out remedial measures or not.

The DOEHLG have no funding scheme in place at present to aid householders in carrying out these remedial measures. However, the Environment Section shall write to the Department seeking this funding.

23. N16 ON TO KILSELLAGH ROAD NO. 262 AND N16 TO THE DRUM ROAD NO 349:

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

"To ask the National Roads Authority in the interest of Road Safety to provide a right turning lane on the N16 on to Kinsellagh Road No 262 and also a right turning lane on the N16 to the Drum Road No 349".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

An application has been made to National Roads Authority for funds to facilitate the undertaking of Low Cost Accident Reduction Measures on N16 at location of both junctions in question.

24. WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROAD:

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

"To ask the County Manager what is the updated position regarding the design and possible starting date for the construction of the Western Distributor Road".

In Response Mr T. Brennan SE stated the following:

The Sligo Western Distributor Road is a 3.0km Urban Distributor Road linking the Caltragh Interchange on the Sligo Inner Relief Road, the South Western Quadrant fo Sligo City, the Strandhill Road area and the Finisklin area of Sligo.

The Western Distributor Road is a strategic non-national route and is necessary to provide and improve access to existing IDA Business Park at Oakfield, to the Regional Airport at Strandhill, to the Harbour area and to existing and proposed residential areas on the Western side of Sligo City. It will open up land for development which necessary to achieve the targets as set out in the National Spatial Strategy.

It should also be noted that the IDA are currently preparing a development plan for its proposed new business park in the Oakfield area. This new business park will depend for suitable and appropriate access on the development of this new road.

The following is the current estimated programme for the development of the Western Distributor Road.

Commence and to complete the Part 8 planning process for the entire route before the end of 2006.
Construction to commence and be completed in 2007 on land in the Ballydoogan/Kevinsfort area which is already in the ownership of the Local Authority.
Land acquisition procedures commence and are completed in 2007 on the remainder of the route.
Construction of the remainder of the route to take place during 2008 and 2009.

The Western Distributor Route has been designated a Strategic Non-National Route and the Department of the Environment has to date indicated that it will consider funding the scheme up to 50% of the cost with the balance to be provided by the Local Authority from local resources for example Development Contributions. The current estimated cost of the scheme is of the order of €40m. The above indicated programme is dependant on planning procedures being completed in a satisfactory manner and that adequate funding is made available from the Department of the Environment and from local resources for example Development Contributions. The current estimated cost of the scheme is of the order of €40m. The above indicated programme is dependant on planning procedures being completed in a satisfactory manner and that adequate funding is made available form the Department of the Environment and from local resources to enable the scheme to go ahead.

25. This motion was dealt with at Item 19(a).

26. SOCIAL HOUSING AREA IN STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by T. McLoughlin

"To ask the County Manager to indicate the member of applicants from the Strandhill area currently on the Council’s housing waiting list and to ask what current proposals there are to provide local authority and social housing in the area".

In Response Mr Dorothy Clarke DOS stated the following:

There are currently 35 applicants on the Housing Waiting List expressing a preference to be accommodated in the Strandhill area.

Sligo County Council currently has no specific proposals to provide a social housing scheme in Standhill, however, Respond Housing Association has received Departmental approval to proceed with a voluntary housing scheme in the area which includes the provision of 44 units of accommodation, including a 10 bed group home with an additional 8 units to be provided under the Affordable Housing Scheme.

It is also anticipated that approximately 16 social houses will be delivered to the Council under Part V in Strandhill during the next two year period under agreements to be reached with developers in accordance with negotiations that are currently ongoing.

27. CALRY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

"To ask the Director of Services what future plans the Council has to protect the Calry public water supply against bacteriological contamination".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following:

There, is a short term and a medium/long term solution to this question. In the short term, as reported last year, a regime of source protection, by way of fencing off the stream from animal access, is being negotiated at present with landowners. We are ready, immediately on reaching agreement, to put this in place.

This does however require the permission of the landowners and a letter to this effect will be sent to all the landowners within the coming days. The medium/long term or permanent, solution is likely to be in place in about 2 years after the upgrade of the Kilsellagh Water Treatment Works. When that is in place it is proposed, in partnership with another GWSS in the locality, to supply treated water from Kilsellagh into the Calry Scheme.

28. CALRY ROAD 267:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

"To ask Sligo County Council to call on the Department of Environment, Local Government and the NRA to come up with funds to tarmacadem the Calry Road 267"

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

A sum of €91,000.00 was expended on restoring 1.5km of local road 267/L3408-3 in the current year under the Local Road Restoration Programme.

It is proposed subject to funding from D.O.E.H.L.G to improve a further 1.2km of local road 267/L3408-3 at Loughanalteen at an estimated cost of €80,000.00 in 2007 under the same programme.

29. SIGNAGE AND ROAD MARKINGS ON N16 FOR KINSELLA, BARROE AND DUNALLY:

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

"I ask the Director of Services to take necessary action to provide signage and road markings for motorists turning rights at dangerous junctions on the N16 for Kinsella, Barroe and Dunally".

In Response Mr T. Carroll stated the following:

An application has been made to NRA to facilitate the undertaking of Low Cost Accident Reduction Measures on N16 at location of junctions at Kilsellagh and Drum. Low Cost Accident Reduction Measures have been taken at junction on N16 with Local Road in Barroe and Dunnally. No further works are envisaged at this location at the present time. The situation will continue to be monitored at this location.

30. This motion was dealt with at Item 19(a).

31. CHANGE IN TRAFFIC FLOWS IN SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

"That following the change in traffic flows in Sligo and the knock on affect of the increased volume of traffic using Hughes Bridge and turning right on to Ash Lane. That an up todate report be provided to this council on the progress that has been made on the provision of an addition lane from Hughes bridge to the borough boundary. Which should include he time scales as to when the works will start and the cost of such works".

In Response Mr Tom Brennan SE stated the following:

The preferred route for the 26km long "N15 Realignment Sligo to County Boundary" of the N15 National Primary Route was approved by Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council earlier in 2006. The section of road referred to in this motion forms the 1.6km long "Phase 1 Hughes Bridge to Shannon Eighter" section of this overall project. This project received funding of €100,000 in 2006 towards completion of the overall route selection and towards commencing the preliminary design of commenced. Continued work on this Phase 1 section has been completed and design work has commenced. Continued work on this Phase 1 section has been completed and design work has commenced. Continued work on this Phase 1 of the project will depend on continued funding by the National Roads Authority. Assuming continued funding it is expected that preliminary design and planning will be completed in 2008 with a possible construction start in 2009.
The County Manager added that CPO’s may be required which could prolong this project however he assured members that he would take their concerns on board and give this project priority.

32. CONDITIONS OF ROADS AND FOOTPATHS IN BALLYMOTE TOWN:

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

"That Sligo County Council put a program in place to improve the conditions of the roads and footpaths in Ballymote town".

In Response Mr T. Carroll stated the following:

This programme can be considered in context of 2007 Roadworks Programme when being drafted at Local Area Meeting in Ballymote.

The County Manager informed the meeting that a plan was presently being prepared in relation to issues such as footpaths, lighting, pedestrian crossings etc throughout the County. He stated that a major job needed to be done in towns and villages and he urged members to give priority to the towns and villages when considering the roadwork’s scheme 2007 at Area Meetings.

33. IMPROVEMENTS ON ROAD NO 643-1, BRANCHFIELD TO DRUMFIN:

Proposed P. McGrath
Seconded by G. Mullaney

I am calling on Sligo County Council as a matter of urgency to carry out improvements on road No. 643-1. Branchfield to Drumfin.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following

Essential repairs have been carried out on this section of road.

34. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN BALLYMOTE:

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

"I am calling on Sligo County Council to provide a pedestrian crossing in Ballymote in the area of the Community Centre to the Church of Ireland".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

This proposed improvement will be considered in context of 2007 Roadworks Programme when being drafted at Local Area Meeting.

35. PEOPLE APPLYING FOR WATER CONNECTIONS:

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

"That this council put measures in place whereby people applying for water connections are given a timescale as to when the work will carried out, and that additional plumbers be employed to carry out this work and also carry out work for the housing section who require plumbers on a daily basis".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated that people applying for a water connection are given a time scale for the work – four weeks to have application processed, checked and notification to application of charges and conditions attached to connection , then a further two weeks for connection. He stated that it was not considered necessary to employ extra plumbers in water services. Plumber’s services are provided for housing on a regular basis though not on a daily basis. It is open to the housing section if they require a plumber on a daily basis to consider recruiting a dedicated one to their staff.

36. FUNDING FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TUBBERCURRY BY-PASS IN 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"That this council request the NRA to meet a deputation from this council re: funding for the commencement of the Tubbercurry By-Pass in 2007".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

A sum of €400,000 has been provided in Roadworks Scheme 2006 to Progress the N17 Tubbercurry bypass through phase 4 of planning process.

Phase 4 includes for preliminary design, preparation of CPO documents and environmental impact studies. These works are progressing satisfactorily at the moment. On Completion of these works, approval will be sought form the NRA to give approval to make managers orders to compulsorily acquire land, to approve preliminary design and publish E.I.S.

37. RADIOTHERAPY IN SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:

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

"I will call on Fianna Fail TD’s and Senators to make arrangements for deputations from Sligo County Council to the Minister for Health regarding radiotherapy in Sligo general hospital".

After a discussion it was agreed to request that a deputation from this council meet with the Health Service Executive and Minister for Health in relation to the above.

38. LIGHT ERECTED AT DROMARD CHURCH:

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

"I will ask why only one light was erected at Dromard church when money was allocated for two"

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

An estimate for erection of 2no public lights at Dromard Roman Catholic Church was submitted by ESB in 2005. Due to cost of erection which exceeded budget it was decided by Area Engineer to proceed with 1no only at the time. The erection of a second public light is being addressed by Area Engineer in current year.

39. DEPOTS FOR FARM PLASTIC WASTE:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

"That Sligo County Council provide collection depots for farm plastic".

The Meeting agreed to amend this motion to read "That the Department of Environment provide collection depots for farm plastic".

In Response Ms E Concannon SEE stated the following:

The Waste Farm Plastic Collection and Recovery Scheme is a national scheme, operated by a not-for–profit company called Irish Farm Films Producers Group Ltd (IFFPG) under an approval from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Its nine member Board represents the silage sheeting and wrap trade, and includes two IFA nominees.
Funding for the Scheme has been provided by members of IFFPG through a levy of €127 per tonne on sheeting and wrap (equivalent to approx 15cent per bale). However, it is reported that the cost of collecting and recycling waste silage sheeting and wrap is approximately €300 per tonne.

Due to these high costs, the charging mechanism for the scheme has recently been changed to include a pay-byweight system.

The IFFPG also introduced a pilot collection scheme in a small number of counties which had a large backlog of plastics. This scheme involved the collection of plastic from designated pick-up points.

The DOEHLG are currently awaiting results from this pilot project, which are due in the Department by the end of September. A decision on an extension to this scheme is expected to be made after this date. The Environment Section shall write to the DOEHLG requesting that Sligo be included in this extension.

40. BALLYMOTE LOCAL AREA PLAN:

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

"That a variation be made to the Ballymote Local Area Plan to change the zoning of the plot of land delineated on the attached map to residential in the interests of the proper planning of sustainable development of the area. This land is contiguous to the existing residential zoning surrounding this site".

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

For Motion: Baker, Colleary, Higgins, Lundy, McGrath, Mullaney.
Against Motion: Bree, Cawley, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, MacManus, McGarry, McLoughlin.

As the result was 6 votes for to 9 votes against, the motion was lost.

41. INTERTRADE IRELAND:

Proposed by Cllr S. MacManus
Seconded by Cllr D. Bree

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council agrees to invite senior executive members of InterTrade Ireland to address this council at its monthly meeting on a mutually acceptable date inside the next (3) months".

42. CARROWMORE MEGALITHIC CEMETERY:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

"That Sligo County Council, working in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, agrees to erect on all major approach roads into Sligo adequate signage indicating the location of the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery".

In Response Mr T. Brennan SE stated the following:

Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council have commenced a review of all Directional and Information Signage on approaches to Sligo City and within the City itself. The issue of the erection of appropriate signage for Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery will be addressed as part of this review.

43. ISRAELI EMBASSY:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council expresses to the Israeli Embassy our utter indignation and disgust at the recent war atrocities carried out by the Israeli state against the people of Lebanon. Furthermore, this Council calls on the Irish government to adopt a more rigorous stance in opposing Israeli military aggression in the Middle East"

44. INTERNATIONAL SHEEP TRIAL 2007:

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

"To propose that Sligo County Council would provide financial support for International sheepdog trials scheduled to take place in Tourestrane in 2007 organised by Connanght Branch".

Mr P. Flanagan SEE sated that this could be included when Community and Voluntary Scheme Grants are being considered in 2007.

45 and 47 PIER AT ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

"Sligo County Council carry out the necessary procedure to officially call the pier at Rosses Point – "Harry’s Pier" in honour of the late Harry Ewing".

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

"That Sligo County Council in recognition of the life long contribution that Mr. Harry Ewing R.I.P. made to the community life in Rosses Point would call a pier in Rosses Point "The Harry Ewing Pier".

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

The pier at Rosses Point has not got an official name and it would simply be a matter for the members to pass this resolution in order to enable the pier to be so named. This would be an appropriate way to acknowledge the contribution made by Mr Ewing to the local community and particularly in terms of marine matters.

46. SCENIC ROUTE AT ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

"When will works commence at Scenic walk, Rosses Point? What works are scheduled?".

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

Money was allocated under Peace 2 Extension to the local community to carry out works on this walkway. The Council is providing technical assistance to the community to assist them to carry out the work. It is a matter for the community to decide when the works in question will be carried out.

48 and 50 UPGRADING OF TOBERCURRY DRAINAGE SYSTEM:

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

"That the drainage system be upgraded in Tobercurry to alleviate the risk of flooding and resultant damage to premises".

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

"That ground works be carried out by Sligo County Council in Tubbercurry from Morahan’s drapery shop to Murphy’s auctioneering premises to prevent any further flooding of premises along this street, and that the work be carried out in conjunction with the waste waterdrainage works presently in progress".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

Major surface water drainage work is already underway in Tubbercurry which, when complete, will prevent a considerable amount of water from getting as far as ‘The Square’ area of the town.
It is proposed also to connect the surface water drainage pipe from the Ballymote Road area to the above mentioned new pipeline, in due course, which will also prevent surface water from reaching the lower part of the town.

A further short term solution is being examined at present to connect the surface water system in the Square to the new pipeline currently being constructed.

49. JUNCTIONS ON N. 17 IN PARTICULAR CARROWILKIN, ACHONRY AND CARROWREILLY:

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

"To request the Minister for Transport and the N.R.A to allocate funds necessary to improve safety measures at junctions on the N. 17 in particular Carrowwilkin, Achonry and Carrowreilly".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

A Sum of €25,000 has been provided in Road Works Scheme 2006 to improve safety at junction of Local Road at Carrowilkin and National Route N17.

Negotiations have been successfully concluded with Iarnrod Eireann to purchase land to facilitate this improvement.

The junctions at Achonry and Carrowreilly will be examined by Road Design for consideration of improvement under Low Cost Accident Remedial Scheme in 2007.

51. CARPARK AT SLIGO RAILWAY STATION:

This motion was dealt with after Item 20.

52. IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT JUCTION 500/R 293 KILFREE:

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

"That Sligo County Council carry out improvement works at junction 500/R 293 Kilfree in the interest of road safety".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

There are no funds available in current year to carry out works required to improve sight distance south ward along Regional Road R293 from the junction and the works may require some land acquisition also. The works will be included in our proposals for consideration under Discretionary Improvement Grant 2007.

53. PRESERVE RIGHTS-OF WAY AT CARNADOUGH, CULLEENAMORE:

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

"That the Council as a matter of urgency take all necessary steps, legal and otherwise, to protect preserve all public rights-of-way at Carnadough, Culleenamore".

Mr P. Forkan DOS outlined the history of the case and the position as it stands. Following a discussion it was agreed by the meeting that the Director of Services Mr P. Forkan would facilitate a meeting with the interested parties".

54. ERECTING SMALL SOLAR POWERED LIGHTS ON THE PILLARS MARKING THE ROUTE FROM THE MILL ROAD TO CONEY ISLAND:

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

"That in the interest of safety, the Council investigate the feasibility of erecting small solar powered lights on the pillars marking the route from the Mill Road to Coney Island".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

The cost of erecting solar lighting and maintaining them thereafter would be prohibitive to Sligo County Council. However, it is recommended that reflective plates be erected on all 14 no. pillars on access route to Coney Island. This measure will be provided in estimates 2007 for consideration of members.

55. PRESENTATION OF WASTE FOR COLLECTION BYE-LAWS 2005:

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

"That the Council be provided with a report on the status of the ‘Presentation of Waste for Collection Bye-Laws 2005".

In Response Ms E. Concannon SEE stated the following:

The Presentation of Waste for Collection Bye-laws, adopted by the Council in 2005, came into force on January 01 2006. The principle aims of the Bye-laws are to properly control the presentation of waste for collection, ensure that householders avail of and benefit from a properly regulated waste collection service and to prevent the creation of environmental pollution and litter associated with waste collection. The Bye-laws complement and reinforce the system for segregation of waste destined for recycling or for other treatment. Environmental Services are working closely with waste collection companies in Sligo in order to ensure implementation of the Bye-laws. All collectors’ routes are being examined to ensure maximum route coverage. All the routes in North Sligo have been surveyed, resulting in route extensions where feasible. The South Sligo routes are currently being surveyed.

Collectors are working with their customers to ensure all landfill waste is presented in a wheeled bin. This is to eliminate the environmental nuisance associate with waste presentation. The Council are continuing to enforce the condition on all collection permits for municipal waste in relation to a segregated collection service which compliments the Bye-laws regarding the presentation Dry Recyclable waste for separate collection where available.

56.

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

"To ask the County Manager if funds are available to start work on Glackbawn Group Water Supply Scheme in Calry and what is the timescale on the start of this scheme".

Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following:

An allocation of funding in the sum of €446,332 was approved, under the Rural Water Programme, for Glackbaun GWSS in 2006. The scheme is expected to go to tender in the current year and to go to construction in the 2nd Quarter of 2007. The contract period will be approximately 9 months.

57. HEDGES CUT ALONG THE WILLOWBROOK, LISDUFF AND FERMOYLE ROAD:

Proposed by Councillor I Fox
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

"To ask the Director of Services to have hedges cut along the Willowbrook, Lisduff and Fermoyle Road".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SEE stated the following:

The Roads Act 1993 obliges landowners and occupiers of land to take all reasonable care to ensure that the trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not or could not become a danger to people using or working on the public road.

It is the landowners/occupiers responsibility to trim hedges along the public raods.

Sligo County Council have inserted notice in the local newspapers and on the radio requesting landowners to trim their hedges/trees.

58. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Eileen Cawley and family on the death of her husband, Batty".

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

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Maureen Mullen on the death of her husband, Tommie".

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

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Marian O’ Hara on the death of her mother, Kathleen McAllister".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended Eilish McGuire on the death of her Mother, Rita Leonard".

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

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Winnie Haran on the death of her husband, Ambrose".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martin McCarrick on the death of his brother, Gerard".

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Molly Devaney on the death her brother, Joe.

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mark K Savage and family on the death of Nora Healy".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Mullen and family on the death of her husband, Tommy".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Angela Potter and family on the death of her husband, Sean".

59. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

"That a vote of congratulation be extended to the Tobercurry GAA club on winning the County Senior Hurling Championship".

"Councillor I. Fox also welcomed home Donal O’ Suillleabhain a native of Drumkelsella, Colgagh, Calry Red Cross worker, freed after six days captivity in Ethiopa".

60. CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

"That Councillor Albert Higgins be nominated to attend the Conference ‘Fifth Annual Freedom of Information Conference’ been held on the 14th of October in Hamilton Building Trinity College, Dublin".

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

"That Councillor M. Baker be nominated to attend Conference ‘The Role of Local Government in Combating Anti-Social Behaviour’ been held on 27th October in Corrib Hotel, Tipperary".

61. CORRESPONDENCE:

All Items of Correspondence were noted.

In relation to an Item of Correspondence on Ambulance Services in South Sligo and letter from Mr Frank McClintock, Assistant Director, National Hospitals Office it was:

Proposed by Cllr M. Gormley
Seconded by Cllr M. Fleming

AND AGREED

"That Mr McClintock be invited to an Ordinary Meeting of the Council".

Letter from Longford County Council advising of motion passed in relation to childcare facilities.
Letter from Clones Town Council advising of motion passed in relation to youth organisations.

Meeting Date 09/10/2006