Minutes 2006

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held on 3rd April 2006 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
Mr D. Breen, A/Director of Services
Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
Mr J. McHugh, Senior Engineer
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Ms S. Eastwood, Heritage Officer
Ms P. R Gallagher, Senior Executive Officer
Mr F. Moylan, Senior Executive Planner
Mr J. Moran, Administrative Officer
Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
Mr C. McNamara, Staff Officer
Ms M. Collery, Clerical Officer
Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Barry presided.

1. MINUTES OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 28 NOVEMBER 2005:

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

AND AGREED

"That the minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Area Meeting held on 28th November 2005 be and are hereby confirmed".

2. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 6 MARCH 2006:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

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

3. RURAL WATER PROGRAMME BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATION:

The meeting noted the Rural Water Programme Block Grant Allocation for 2006.

4. ACQUISITION OF GROUP WATER SCHEMES:

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

AND AGREED

"That we hereby approve of the County Manager's proposal to acquire waterworks from the Group Water Supply Schemes listed hereunder, whose members have submitted a formal request in accordance with Section 6 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1962:

Dromore West GWS
Skreen/Dromard GWS
Ballintogher GWS
Coney/Stonehall GWS
Drimbane/Fule GWS

5. REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR FIELD STUDY CENTRE AT BALLINAFAD, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council agree to advance a loan of €65,000 to the Management Committee of the Field Study Centre in Ballinafad; the terms of the loan to be agreed by the Committee and the Council in advance of the payment of the loan".

6. PRESENTATION BY MR BRENDAN HEALY, ORTHOPAEDIC CONSULTANT:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Barry welcomed Mr Brendan Healy, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. Mr Brendan Healy, addressed the meeting in relation to the provision of a radiotherapy unit in the North West. He stated that patients in the North West should have the same opportunities as in other parts of the country. He went on to say that the provision of a satellite unit in Sligo would cater for the needs of patients and that it could operate in a similar fashion to Dialysis treatment. The Councillors welcomed Mr Healy's presentation and thanked him for attending.

With the agreement of the meeting Items 31 and 10 were taken at this stage.

31. DEPUTATION TO MEET MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND CHILDREN:

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

AND AGREED

"To ask the Minister for Health and Children to meet a deputation from Sligo County Council and Consultants from Sligo General Hospital regarding radiotherapy in Co. Sligo".

10. SUPPORT FOR CAMPAIGN FOR PROVISION OF RADIOTHERAPY SERVICES IN SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council agrees to support a campaign to have radiotherapy services provided in Sligo General Hospital to serve the North West region. All party and independent Councillors on this Council agree to work, in union with the general public, to secure this important service which would alleviate some of the hardship experienced by those who at present have to travel long distances to avail of radiotherapy".

7. NUMBER OF CONSULTANTS REPORTS COMMISSIONED BY THE COUNCIL:

Members noted reports received from each Directorate.

8. REFUSAL OF PLANNING APPLICATION PL05/1189:

Mr P. Forkan DOS stated an application by John Mullaney for planning permission for a dwelling house was the subject of a decision to refuse permission by Sligo County Council on 14 February 2006. The application site is located approx 2km east of Rosses Point village centre along Regional Road R291. The subject site is relatively flat and is bounded to the north by the Regional Road and to the south by the Sligo Bay coastline. The proposal is for a dwelling house and all associated site works on a stated site area of 0.42 hectares. The gross floor area of the proposed dwelling is stated to be 429m2. There were 3 reasons for refusal as follows:

The proposed development is located within a Rural Area under Urban Influence as defined in current Sligo County Development Plan 2005-2011. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to manage development in such areas and to direct development into existing serviced settlements in the interests of sustainable development and the preservation of the rural environment. It is considered that the proposed development would conflict with this objective and would constitute sporadic development in an unserviced rural area. The proposed development would set an undesirable precedent for further such development at this location and would give rise to an uneconomic demand for the provision of public services and facilities. The proposed development would accordingly be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The subject site is located between Regional Road R291 and the coastline which is designated as a Visually Vulnerable Area as per Sligo County Development Plan. It is the policy of the Planning Authority to preserve the integrity, distinctiveness and unique visual character at this location. It is considered that the proposed development would conflict with this policy by interfering with views of the coastline and Knocknarea. The proposed development would constitute further ribbon development at this location and would therefore, both by itself and the precedent which it would set, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and seriously injurious to the visual amenities of the area.
Having regard to the sensitive and prominent nature of the subject site it is considered that the proposed development would be unacceptable by reason of excessive scale and inappropriate elevational treatment. The proposed development would form an obtrusive feature in close proximity to a designated Visually Vulnerable Area and accordingly would be seriously injurious to the visual amenities of the area.

The application site has been the subject of three previous planning applications for single dwelling houses. Two of these applications were withdrawn (02/138 and 04/694) and one was the subject of a refusal of planning permission (99/824). In this case, the second reason for refusal states:

'(2) Having regard to the location of the site along the Sligo - Rosses Point Regional Road R291 at a location which affords open views across Sligo Bay and which is designated as visually vulnerable in the County Development Plan 1999, it is considered that the proposed development would be seriously injurious to the visual amenities of the area and contrary to the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan’.

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

AND AGREED

"That the Members would visit this site prior to the next meeting".

11, 18. AND 30. HAZELWOOD HOUSE:

Ms S. Eastwood, Heritage Officer said that meetings had taken place with representatives of Sligo Field Club, Irish Georgian Society and the Heritage Council to discuss concerns about the endangerment of this protected structure and to discuss the long term protection of Hazelwood House.

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

"That Sligo Borough/County Council give their full support and make every effort to ensure that Hazelwood House comes back into public/local authority/civic trust ownership."

12. 90th ANNIVERSARY OF 1916 RISING:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor S. A. Colleary

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council requests that the following Government Departments implement firm policies and protocols to ensure the following:

To request the Department of Education to ensure that a copy of the 1916 Proclamation is prominently displayed in all state funded education establishments;
To request the OPW and the Department of the Taoiseach to ensure that the National Flag is flown outside all public buildings during working hours, and further should be flown during appropriate hours every Easter Sunday and Easter Monday and on the 24th April each year [the actual date of the Easter Rising]".

13. 90th ANNIVERSARY OF 1916 RISING:

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

AND AGREED

"To mark the occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the 1916 Rising, this Council resolves to display a copy of the 1916 Proclamation in a prominent position in the Councils’ public offices."

14. THIRD LEVEL GRANT ASSESSMENT:

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

AND AGREED

That this Council calls on the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin and Minister for Finance Brian Cowen to reverse the decision to include income from the SSIA Scheme in determining eligibility for Third Level Grants."

15. CONSULTANT NEUROLOGIST AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council welcomes the decision of the HSE to sanction funding for a Consultant Neurologist at Sligo General Hospital. This decision paves the way for the HSE to start the recruitment process".

16. BUS SERVICE TO SLIGO AIRPORT:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council calls on Bus Eireann to provide a bus service from Sligo Town for passengers using Strandhill Airport".

17. LAGAN TARMACADAM PLANT AT AUGHAMORE FAR, SLIGO:

Councillor A. Higgins asked the County Manager what is the update position regarding planning status re Lagan Tarmacadam Plant at Aughamore Far, Sligo.

In reply, Director Forkan said that following receipt of a number of complaints about the erection of a new asphalt manufacturing plant at Aughamore Far, a formal warning letter was served on the current owners of the quarry, Lagan Group Ltd on 8th February 2006.

In response, Lagan Group Ltd have submitted a detailed submission which states that it is their opinion that the replacement of an existing Asphalt manufacturing plant constitutes exempted development ie does not require planning permission. The planning and enforcement sections of Sligo County Council are currently considering the arguments made in this submission to determine whether further enforcement action is warranted.

19. SAFETY AT NEW ROUNDABOUT AT UPPER ROAD, STRANDHILL:

Councillor D. Healy McGowan thanked the Council for the work carried out to date and asked the County Manger what provisions have been made to ensure safety at the new roundabout on the upper road in Strandhill in the way of lighting and requested a single strand signpost to be erected.

In reply, Mr T. Carroll Senior Engineer said that the construction of a new mini roundabout at junction of Burma Road and Top Road was completed as part of the road works programme 2005. The operation of this roundabout is being continuously monitored and any improvements required will be considered after this review period.

Signage will be upgraded and the ESB have been contacted to upgrade the lighting.

20. FOOTPATH FROM BOROUGH BOUNDARY TO GILMORE'S CORNER:

Councillor D. Healy McGowan asked the County Manager for an update in relation to a motion submitted in January 2005 that provisions be made for a footpath to be laid from the borough boundary to Gilmore’s corner that was to be included under the 2005 roadwork’s scheme.

In reply, Mr T. Carroll Senior Engineer said that the annual road works scheme is agreed in draft format at local area meetings and there was no provision in 2005 for provision of footpath at this location. Due to the proximity of old stone masonry wall to footpath it is not deemed prudent to replace this footpath at this time.

21. WATER CONNECTIONS TO FARMS:

Councillor A. Colleary asked that Sligo County Council would charge no more that €1,500 for new farm trough connection, especially where there are no road crossing involved.

In reply, Mr K Larkin, Senior Engineer said that the charge for an agricultural connection up to 1st April 2006 is €2,100 but this is not related to the number of troughs.

The matter of a road opening has nothing to do with the water connection itself. It is a Roads matter and is related to the amount of reinstatement the Roads Section is likely to have to carry out. An Insurance Levy of €33 is applicable if the applicant or contractor does not have their own PL insurance. It is not recommended that this levy structure be changed other than in line with inflation.

After a discussion on the matter it was:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council would charge no more than €1,500 for new farm trough connections, especially where there are no road crossing involved".

22. NUMBER OF NEW AGRICULTURAL CONNECTIONS IN 2005:

Councillor A. Colleary asked Sligo County Council to furnish details on the number of new farm connections requested in 2005.

In reply, Mr K Larkin, Senior Engineer said there were 12 requests for new agricultural connections in 2005 and a number of agricultural connections subsequently alert us to the fact that they have changed their connection status to domestic.

23. REPAIRS TO FOOTPATHS IN BALLYMOTE:

Councillor D. Bree asked that the footpaths on both sides of the road outside the Pastoral Centre and Roman Catholic Church in Ballymote be refurbished/replaced at the soonest possible time.

In reply, Mr T. Carroll Senior Engineer stated that it is proposed to include a scheme to improve footpaths in Grattan Street and Keenaghan, Ballymote in the draft road works scheme for approval at local area meeting in Ballymote. These footpaths are deemed to be the most urgent priority in Ballymote. The footpaths adjacent to the Pastoral Centre and Roman Catholic Church will be examined and repaired where necessary.

24. TAILINGS POND HARRINGTON'S QUARRY, BALLISODARE:

Councillor D. Bree asked the County Manager to provide a report on the current state of the Tailings Pond from the old lead and zinc mine at Harrington's Quarry, Ballisodare.

Mr J. McHugh, Senior Engineer replied that the tailings ponds from the original mining operation at this location have not been used for many years and are covered over. Following construction of new settlement tanks in 2003 a notice under Section 17 of the Water Pollution Act 1977 was served on Harrington Concrete Ltd. This notice required the carrying out of extensive monitoring and testing of leachate, seepage, tailings, as well as ambient air monitoring. Details of the sampling programme were agreed between the company, the County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency in May 2004. The monitoring programme was subsequently carried out between August 2004 and May 2005. The results of this monitoring, which were submitted to us on 29th August 2005 confirm the presence of tailings and are consistent with the historic use of the area as a lead and zinc mine.

These monitoring results are still being reviewed with the company and with the EPA. On completion of this review, it is the intention that the monitoring information will be used as a basis on which to carry out a Risk Assessment for the tailings materials on the site, and to determine what environmental management measures need to be implemented. Meetings to finalise this review have been planned for the coming weeks, following which the Council's requirements in relation to Risk Management Measures will be specified and the company will be asked to implement those without delay.

25. PREVENTION OF SPREADING OF ZEBRA MUSSELS:

Proposed by Councillor G Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

"To request Mr Noel Dempsey, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to discourage the movement of boats, engines and landing gear from lake to lake so as to prevent the spreading of Zebra Mussels and aggressively invasive weeds".

26. PILOT PROGRAMME FOR HARVESTING OF RAINWATER:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

"To request Mr Dick Roche, Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government to provide funding for a pilot programme for the harvesting of rain water on farms in the area served by the Geevagh Highwood group water scheme in view of the cost of treated water which has to provided under EU Law".

27. RIGHT TURNING LANE ON N4 AT TOBERSCANAVAN:

Councillor G Mullaney requested the National Roads Authority to provide a right turning lane on the N4 on to local road 318.1 at Toberscanavan as part of the bypass and realignment.

In reply, Mr T. Carroll Senior Engineer said that the preliminary design of N4 Collooney – Castlebaldwin is presently being undertaken by staff of Road Design. The carriageway type has been designated 2 + 1 type by the NRA and the redesign of this junction is being examined by the Design Team as part of this process.

28. INDEPENDENT ACCESS AUDIT ON MID-BLOCK ROUTE:

Councillor V. Cawley asked that Sligo County Council have an independent access audit carried out in the Mid-Block Route also known as the inner relief road and that this road or any part of it should not be taken in charge until the finding of the audit (if any) have been implemented. Also that the Sligo Access Committee and the newly formed Disability Consultative Committee be consulted as part of the audit and receive a copy of this report.

In reply, Mr T. Brennan Senior Engineer said that the urban section of the Sligo Inner Relief Road has been designed and built to a very high standard and has taken into account the needs of pedestrians including the issue of accessibility. Features include wide pavements and fully accessible pedestrian crossings which include tactile paving, audio-tactile push button units and safety railings. The opening of the Inner Relief Road has also allowed the existing junctions at John Street/Adelaide Street and at Lord Edward Street/Adelaide Street to have fully accessible pedestrian crossings introduced. Pedestrian access to the City Centre from the western side of Sligo City across the Inner Relief Road and Adelaide Street is now across fully accessible junctions and indeed it should be considered that the scheme has greatly improved accessibility on that side of Sligo. Since the opening of the Sligo Inner Relief Road regular consultation has taken place with the Sligo Access Committee and with Disability Groups including Council for the Blind and comments and recommendations of those groups has been incorporated into the scheme where reasonable and practical. Consultation with these groups will continue to take place and any suggested improvements will where reasonable and practical be incorporated into the scheme.

Ms D. Clarke, DOS said that the Disability Consultative Committee highlighted a number of access issues on the Inner Relief Road at their last meeting. It was suggested that the NRA be requested to carry out an access audit in relation to these. However, if an independent audit is required then Sligo County Council will endeavour to have one carried out in the immediate future and will ensure that the Disability Consultative Committee and Sligo Borough Access Committee are involved and kept informed.

29. REVIEW OF CLÁR AREAS:

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council calls on the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O’Cuiv to have the DED Temple included in his review of Clár areas".

9. ROAD SIGNS ON MIDBLOCK ROUTE:

Councillor J. McGarry asked the Council to consider erecting special road signs to the Pensions Services Office on the mid-block route at Caltragh and to also ask for consideration to erect road signs on the mid-block route for Sligo West, Sligo East and Sligo Town Centre.

In reply, Mr T. Brennan Senior Engineer said that the signs along the Inner Relief Road were designed and erected as part of the Inner Relief Road Scheme to standards laid down in the Department of the Environment Road Signs Manual and to NRA standards. Taking into account the opening and operation for a period of the Inner Relief Road, the signage along the scheme is under review and suggested alterations including that of this motion will be considered. Any alterations must meet the Road Signs Manual standards and NRA requirements.

32. ROAD 29101 FROM COLLOONEY TO COOLANEY:

Councillor J. McGarry asked that Sligo County Council indicate what funding is available in the 2006 roads budget to improve sightlines, dangerous bends and remove potholes on road 29101 from Collooney to Coolaney.

In reply, Mr T. Carroll Senior Engineer said that the Road Restoration Programme 2006 – 2008 approved by DoEHLG has included for improvements to be undertaken to local road L2101 Collooney – Coolaney. In the current year it is proposed to improve 1km of roadway at Ardcotton/Kinagrelly. A budget of €48,000 is included for this purpose and it is also proposed to surface dress 1.5km of roadway at Ardcotton in the current year. In 2008, it is proposed to improve 2km of roadway at Laragan/Kinagrelly. A budget of €80,000 is included for this purpose. Other repairs to sections of road can be considered under the discretionary improvement grant scheme on an annual basis at local area meetings.

The meeting was informed by Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator that a request for a reclassification of this road had been forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

33. GOVERNMENT'S GUIDELINES ON BULLYING:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council recognising that the Government’s Guidelines on bullying in the workplace and schools are only Guidelines and recognising that these Guidelines are no longer sufficient to deal with bullying, calls on the FF/PD Government to draft and implement a coherent national community strategy to tackle bullying".

34. ENHANCEMENT OF COLLOONEY VILLAGE:

Councillor J Sherlock asked the Council if there are any plans for investment in the village of Collooney to enhance/upgrade the village centre (Main Street).

In reply, Mr T. Carroll said that a scheme has been included in the draft road works programme 2006 to upgrade footpaths in the centre of Collooney village. These proposals will be submitted to the local area meeting for approval. Mr D. Breen, A/DOS said that the current urban and village renewal scheme covered the period 2001 to 2006 and work took place on eighteen towns and villages during this period. The towns included for 2006 are Ballinacarrow, Ballisodare and Coolaney. The current scheme finishes at the end of this year and while no notification has been received, it is expected that a new scheme will commence in 2007. It is expected that Collooney would be one of the villages included in the new scheme.

35. REVIEW OF BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

"To welcome the High Courts decision relating to axing of a students Back to Education Allowance and request the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to review and relax some of the strict criteria that prevents other groups, such as lone parents from qualification for this scheme".

36. GARDA PERSONNEL IN COOLANEY:

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

AND AGREED

"To request the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell TD and Chief Superintendent of Sligo/Leitrim Division of An Garda Síochána to provide Garda Personnel in Coolaney in accordance with the demands of the community".

37. PUBLIC LIGHTING SOUTH OF CURRY VILLAGE:

Councillor M. Fleming asked that the NRA be requested to install public lighting on primary route N17 between junction south of Curry village and existing lights near bridge.

In reply, Mr T. Carroll Senior Engineer said that there is no provision in the 2006 Estimates for extension of public lighting at this location on N17 adjacent to Curry village. This matter can be considered in the context of Estimates 2007 and a proposal submitted to the NRA for their consideration at the appropriate time.

38. ISSUING OF WATER BILLS:

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the Director of Services ensures no water bills are issued to consumers until all meters are installed in the county and all queries clarified.

In response, Mr K Larkin Senior Engineer said that this course of action is not recommended for the following reasons: -

It is not advisable that all bills be issued on one lot at one time
Reading and issuing of bills are best done on a phased basis in terms of minimisation of staffing requirement and of logistics in general
In compliance with EU and Government Policy all non-domestic consumers are to be metered and billed by 2006
There will never be a time when all queries are clarified, as there are always new and outstanding queries.

This proposal if implemented could undermine the whole project which must be in place in current year.

39. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Frank Kilgallen and family on the death of his wife, Nancy".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Ann Duffy on the death of her father, Patrick Kearins".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Patricia Kelly and family on the death of her husband, Patrick".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kay O'Kelly and family on the death of her husband, Michael".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Madelaine McGahern on the death of her husband, John".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Doris Mannion on the death of her husband, John M".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Dolores Hannon on the death of her mother, Annie Mullaney".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Colm Mullarkey on the death of his brother, Sean".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Linda McLoughlin on the death of her brother, Matt Walsh".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Bernie McSteen on the death of his wife, Rose".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Paddy Cawley and family on the death of his brother, Tommy".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Don Urwin on the death of his wife, Audrey".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Anne Busby on the death of her husband, John".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Councillor Ita Fox on the death of her sister-in-law, Mary Mannion".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Linda McLoughlin on the death of her brother, Matt Walsh".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to John Taylor on the death of his brother, Ivan".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Dermot Flanagan on the death of his mother, Mary Ellen".

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Mannion Family on the death of their mother, Mary".
"That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Sheila Carty on the death of her husband, Tom".

40. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of congratulations be extended to St Attracta's Community School Football Team and their Manager Anthony Brennan and Assistant Manager Pat Kilcoyne who are through to the All-Ireland Senior 'B' Final".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of congratulations be extended to St Attracta's GAA Team on winning the All-Ireland Colleges 'B' Semi-Final".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of congratulations be extended to St. Mary's College, Ballisodare on winning the Senior Connacht Colleges 'C' Title".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of congratulations be extended to Coola Post Primary School on winning the Connacht Ladies Junior 'B' Championship".

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

"That a vote of congratulations be extended to John Divers on his selection to represent Connacht at the All-Ireland Sports Acrobatic Final".

41. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

"That Councillor T. McLoughlin be nominated to attend the seminar entitled 'The Law of Defamation' in Tralee, Co. Kerry on 8th April 2006."

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

"That Councillor J. McGarry be nominated to attend the seminar entitled 'The Law of Defamation' in Tralee, Co. Kerry on 8th April 2006."

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

"That Councillors McGarry, Kilgannon and Barry be nominated to attend the 'Training for SPC Members' organised by the IPA in Galway on 12th May 2006".

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

AND AGREED

"That Councillors Colleary, Queenan, Gormley, Cawley, Barry be nominated to attend the LAMA Annual Conference in Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny on 20th – 21st April 2006."

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

"That Councillors Cawley and Devins be nominated to attend the Waste Management Conference in Downings, Co. Donegal on 24th – 26th April 2006."

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

"That Councillors Queenan, Baker, Lundy and Healy McGowan be nominated to attend the Kerry Environmental Recognition Conference in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry on 26th – 29th April 2006."

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

"That Councillor S. Kilgannon be nominated to attend the conference entitled 'Battle of the Boyne – its legacy' in Drogheda, Co. Louth on 27th – 29th April 2006."

42. CORRESPONDENCE:

All items of correspondence were noted.

43. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Members welcomed the decision to reopen North West Hospice on 24th April 2006
Councillor J. Leonard spoke of a Polish worker who was suddenly taken ill and died last week. He commended the local people in Ballinfull who offered help, the HSE and a Sligo based undertaker in this tragic situation. He also said that we should ask the Minister and the Department of Social and Family Affairs to put in place arrangements that are compassionate, kind and generous.
Councillor Leonard condemned the recent Government decision to grant €1.1m for the refurbishment of gardens at Lissadell House.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING:

Letter dated 27th March 2006 from Ennis Town Council re Undocumented Irish in the US.
Letter dated 29th March 2006 from Clonakilty Town Council re motion adopted
List of Forthcoming Conferences
Commission for Taxi Regulation – Action Plan 2006 - 2007

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 4.30pm

Meeting Date 03/04/2006