Minutes 2007

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council Held on 3rd of December 2007 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
Mr J. O’Dwyer, A/Director of Services
Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
Mr P R Gallagher, A/Director of Services
Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services
Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
Mr J. McHugh, Senior Engineer
Mr F. Moylan, Acting Senior Planner
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Ms C. Stallard, A/Staff Officer
Ms S. Malone, Assistant Staff Officer
Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor S. Kilgannon presided.

It was proposed by Cllr I. Henry that Standing Orders be suspended to discuss requesting J. Devins, TD and Minister M. Harney to conduct an Audit on Sligo General Hospital.

1. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 5TH OF NOVEMBER 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on the 5th of November 2007”.

2. MINUTES OF THE SPC1 MEETING HELD ON THE 28TH OF FEBRUARY 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the SPC1 Meeting held on the 28th of February 2007”.

3. MINUTES OF THE SPC1 SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON THE 03RD OF APRIL 2007;

Proposed by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the SPC1 Special Meeting held on the 3rd of April 2007”.

4. MINUTES OF THE SPC4 MEETING HELD ON THE 19TH OF APRIL 2007;

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the SPC4 Meeting held on the 19th of April 2007”.

5. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON THE 18TH OF JUNE 2007;

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Meeting held on the 18th of June 2007”.

6. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 03RD OF SEPTEMBER 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 3rd of September 2007”.

7. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON THE 07TH OF SEPTEMBER 2007;

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Meeting held on the 7th of September 2007”.

8. MINUTES OF THE DROMORE WEST MEETING HELD ON THE 24TH OF SEPTEMBER 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Dromore West Meeting held on the 24th of September 2007”.

9. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 25TH SEPTEMBER 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on the 25th of September 2007”.

10. TO FINANCE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW MACHINERY YARD/STORES/OFFICES AT DRUMASKIBBOLE, BALLISODARE AND A PROGRAMMED REFURBISHMENT OF AREA DEPOTS AT BALLYMOTE, TUBBERCURRY, ENNISCRONE AND SLIGO”

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

AND AGREED

“To consider the raising of a loan up to €4m to finance construction of a new machinery yard/stores/offices at Drumaskibbole, Ballisodare and a programmed refurbishment of area depots at Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Enniscrone and Sligo”

In response Mr J. O Dwyer A/Director of Services stated the following:

‘The projected all-in cost of this provision is €3.5m. It is intended to allocate €0.5m to undertake refurbishment and improvement works to existing Council Depots.’

‘Competitive loan options will be secured over a repayment period of 25 years to ensure optimum value for money and the minimisation of annual instalments on Council finances. The costs of servicing the debt will be defrayed in part by the Annual Contribution of €100,000 from the Machinery Expense Account which is currently operating at an annual profit circa €200,000.’

Subject to loan approval the council is in a position to issue immediate instruction to a nominated contractor which would allow provision of the new facility by September 2008.’

11. BORROWING A SUM NOT EXCEEDING €3.25M BY WAY OF TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR THE PERIOD TO 30TH JUNE 2008;

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

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001 and subject to the sanction of the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorise the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €3.25m by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 30th June 2008.”

In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance stated the following:

“The main reasons giving rise to our requirement for an overdraft facility in the order of €3.25m for the next six months are as follows:

We have an accumulated deficit on our revenue account of €1.6m which is reflected in our bank position.
Other timing difference where significant expenditure is incurred in areas such as HEG Grants and VEC pension payments for which there is a recoupment process which requires the expenditure to be carried on overdraft for shorter periods.”

12. TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATES

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

AND AGREED

“To consider report in relation to the taking in charge of the following estates:

Gurteen View, Gurteen, Co Sligo

Response from Paula R Gallagher, A/Director of Services stated the following:

“The estate known as Gurteen View, Gurteen has been inspected by Sligo County Council and is considered to be satisfactorily completed. Accordingly it is recommended for taking in charge.”

“If it is agreed in principle to take this estate in charge, the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 will be instigated to declare the roads to be public.”

13. UP TO DATE POSITION REGARDING RESPOND HOUSING SCHEME IN STRANDHILL

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

AND AGREED

“To enquire regarding the up to date position regarding the proposed Respond Housing Scheme in Strandhill.”

In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:

“The design was lodged last week. It needs to be sent to the Department for final approval. They were asked to deal with it as soon as possible. Once approval is sought, the County Council will advertise for Part 8, hopefully around February/March depending on Department approval. Construction should take 1 year to 18 months to complete.”

14. IMPROVEMENTS TO GLEN ROAD, KNOCKNAREA;

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“To enquire if there are any proposals for improvements to the Glen Road, Knocknarea.”

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

“Proposed improvements to Glen Road, Knocknarea can be considered in context of 2008 Draft Roadworks Programme when being discussed at local area meeting. It is proposed to strengthen and surface dress 1.2km of Glen Road L3507 in 2010 as part of the multi-annual restoration programme.”

15. A) IMPROVEMENTS TO ALIGNMENT AND SURFACE OF R284
B) PROVISION OF FOOTHPATH

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council be informed of what steps are being undertaken to deal with the following:

Improvements to alignment and surface of R284 road between Carraroe and Drumiskabbole Cross.
Provision of footpath to same stretch of road.”

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

“Subject to approval of members at local area meeting it is proposed to undertake improvement to alignment of Regional road R284 adjacent to McClean farm holding in 2008 under Discretionary Improvement Grant. The section of road R284 between Carraroe Church and Drumiskabbole Cross was strengthened and surface dressed under Road Restoration Programme 2005-2008. The surface texture is deemed to be satisfactory.
This improvement can be considered at local area meeting when draft roadworks scheme is being considered.

16. ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE OF HOUSING ESTATES IN THE COUNTY;

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormely

AND AGREED

“To seek clarification on this Council’s future policy and plans for the Environmental maintenance of Housing Estates in the County.”

17. FUNDING FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC LIGHTING AND FOOTPATHS IN THE BARROE AREA;

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide for funding in the 2008 estimates for the provision of public lighting and footpaths in the Barroe are.”

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

“This proposal was the subject of previous submissions for funding to the NRA in earlier years. The NRA have refused to fund the construction of footpaths and public lighting along what they considered to be a rural section of national primary route.

The estimated cost of this proposal is €350,000. This proposal has again been submitted to the National Roads Authority for funding as part of 2008 Roadworks Programme. A resolution of the Council could again be forwarded to the NRA.

18. BUS SHELTER, SIGNAGE, REVIEW OF SPEED LIMITS AT KILTYCAHILL AND SPEED LIMITS AT HAZLEWOOD

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on Bus Éireann for a provision of a;

Bus shelter at RD 287 at Kiltycahill
To provide signage for school children crossing
Review of speed limits on stretch of road at Daveys new development, Kiltycahill
Review of speed limits approaching from both sides of the community playing field at Hazelwood.”

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The Roads Department, Sligo County Council has no objection in principle to the provision of a bus shelter by Bus Éireann at the location in
question.
The local area engineer will examine existing signage and replace if warranted.
The speed limit at this location is 50kph and is deemed to be appropriate.

19. FUNDING TO ERECT PUBLIC LIGHTING ALONG BEACH ROAD IN ROSSESPOINT

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide funding to erect public lighting along beach road in Rosses Point”.

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

“ESB contracts have been written to, to provide estimates for public lighting of access road and car park at beach area in Rosses Point. This matter can then be considered in context of 2008 Roadworks Scheme when being discussed at local area meeting.”

21. IMPROVEMENTS TO ROAD JUNCTION (CASHEL GATES) AND N17

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the NRA to provide funding in 2008 to carry out improvements to Road Junction (Cashel Gates) and N17 in the interest of road safety.”

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

“A scheme to undertake improvements to junction at local road L4504 and national primary route N17 has been submitted to NRA for approval and funding as part of 2008 Roadworks Scheme. The estimated cost of proposal is €459,000.

22. 1)23, 24 & 29

GRANT AID OF €4000 TO CRAOBH COLEMAN CCE GURTEEN
GRANT AID OF €4000 TO COUNTY FLEADH
SPONSORSHIP FOR FLEADH CHEOIL CHONTAE SHLIGIGH

“That Sligo County Council provide a grant of €4000 to Craobh Coleman CCE Gurteen towards the cost of hosting the 2008 County Fleadh.

Recognising the importance of Fleadh Cheoil Chontae Shligigh, this council confirms its intention to allocate grant aid of €4000 for the 2008 County Fleadh which is to take place in Gurteen on May 31st to June 2nd 2008.

To include in the estimates for 2008 a similar sponsorship for Fleadh Cheoil Chontae Shligigh being hosted by Craobh Coleman, Gurteen.”

In response Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services stated the following:

“Sligo Arts Department propose to make provision in its 2008 budgets to Craobh Coleman CCE Gurteen in the amount of €4000, to host the 2008 County Fleadh.”

25. CONDUCT AUDIT ON THE LEVEL OF BROADBAND IN THE COUNTY

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Director of Services for Community and Enterprise to conduct an audit on the level of broadband in the County.”

In response Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services stated the following:

“As part to the work of the County Development Board the Community and Enterprise Department will work with the relevant agencies to survey the level of broadband coverage in the county in 2008. It is hoped to carry out this survey in January and should be completed in 3 months.”

26. PROVIDE INCREASED FUNDING FOR THE UPGRADE AND MAINTENANCE OF COUNTY ROADS

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey to provide increased funding for the upgrade and maintenance of County roads.”

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

“Roads Department Sligo County Council would welcome any increase in funding towards the upkeep and improvement of county road network.”

27. PROVISION OF EXTENSION TO KILLERY CEMETERY

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor

“To call on the County Manager to provide an extension to Killery Cemetery.”

In response Ms R. McNuly, Director of Services gave the following report;

“The Community & Enterprise office is presently seeking land from local landowners for the extension to Killery Cemetery, but to date we have not been successful. If any member of the community knows of a possible site, they can contact the Community and Enterprise office.”

28. FUNDING THROUGH ARTS OFFICE TO SUPPORT THE WESTERN DRAMA FESTIVAL COMMITTEE IN TUBBERCURRY TO HOST THE ALL IRELAND DRAMA FINALS IN 2008

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

“To request this council to provide funding through the Arts office to support the Western Drama Festival Committee in Tubbercurry to host the All Ireland drama finals in 2008.”

In Response Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services stated the following;

“The Arts Department is proposing to make some provision in the 2008 Arts Budget for the hosting of the 2008 All Ireland Drama finals in Tubbercurry in 2008 pending discussions and communication from the Western Drama Festival Committee regarding securing the grant aid.”

30. WHEN NEW HOUSING GRANTS SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED AND WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GRANT AVAILABLE FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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

“To ask the Director of Services to outline when the new housing grants scheme will be introduced, and what is the maximum grant available for older people and people with disabilities.”

In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following:

“The new grants scheme came into operation on 1 November 2007. The maximum grants applicable to each of the schemes are as follows:

Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for people with Disability €30,000
New House Grant €14,500
Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme €6,000
Housing Aid for Older People Scheme €10,500.

32. CONGRATULATE THE STRANDHILL BARBERSHOP CHORUS (4 BARS LATER) ON SUCCESS IN SECURING THE HOSTING OF THE 2008 IRISH ASSOCIATION OF BARBERSHOP SINGERS CONVENTIONN

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

“That this council congratulates the Strandhill Barbershop Chorus (4 bars later) on its success in securing the hosting of the 2008 Irish Association of
Barbershop Singers (IABS) Convention which is to take place in Sligo on the 3rd/4th/5th October 2008, and further the council request the Arts Office to enter into discussion with the organisers so as to ensure that there is provision in the 2008 Arts Budget to provide grant aid for the event.”

In response Ms R McNulty, Director of Services stated the following:

“The Arts Department is proposing to make a provision in the 2008 Arts Budget for the hosting of the 2008 Irish Association of Barbershop Singers (IABS) Convention in Sligo and recommends that the hosts, Strandhill Barbershop Chorus (4 Bars Later), applies for funding from other relevant sources including Fáilte Ireland Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative.”

33. CONTRIBUTE GRANT AID OF €100,000 TO COMMUNITY PARK AND FACILITIES PROPOSED BY CLOONACOOL COMMUNITY PARK CO LTD

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

AND AGREED

“To propose that Sligo County Council contribute grant aid of €100,000 to community park and facilities proposed by Cloonacool community park co Ltd at Cloonacool in accordance with plans submitted to Community and Enterprise.”

In response Ms R McNulty, Director of Services stated the following:

“The Council will work closely with the communities to provide advice and assistance on the development of such facilities. It should be noted that there are limited funds available under the Development Contributions Scheme and a number of significant allocations have already been made in 2007. The Community and Enterprise Section is presently compiling information on play and recreation facilities as a number of notices of motion requesting funding have already been submitted as well as direct requests from groups to the Community and Enterprise department for funding.

As part of the development of a play policy a method for prioritising the allocation of development contribution funding to recreational and community facilities will be presented to the SPC in early 2008. The request for funding from Cloonacool community park will be considered in context.”

34. REQUEST TO BE FURNISHED WITH PLANNED PROPOSALS FOR DOWNGRADING OF SERVICES AT SGH, REQUEST REPORTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF HSE WEST FORUM AND INVITE MR O’BRIEN DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL HOSPITALS OFFICE TO ADDRESS A MEETING OF THIS COUNCIL BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“To request the Minister for Health and the HSE to furnish this local authority with

Planned proposals for downgrading of services at Sligo General Hospital
Request reports from the members of HSE West Forum
Invite Mr O’Brien, Director of National Hospitals office to address a meeting of this council between January and March”.

35. BUNNINADDEN, GURTEEN AND LAVAGH BE INCLUDED IN THE NEW PROGRAMME FOR VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT SCHEMES

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

AND AGREED

“That the villages of Bunninadden, Gurteen and Lavagh be included in the new programmed for village enhancement schemes being drawn up at present.”

In response Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services stated the following:

“Sligo County Council will work closely with the SLPCo. to identify and prioritise villages for inclusion in the scheme. The Village Enhancement Scheme for 2008 will be funded through the Sligo LEADER Partnership Co. (SLPCo).”

36. NEGOTIATE WITH AN BORD TELECOM REGARDING REMOVING POLES ALONG PUBLIC ROADS

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would negotiate with An Bord Telecom about removing poles along public roads in the interest of safety, and reducing costs to landowners.”

In response Mr T. Carroll, SE stated the following:

“A survey of all National, Regional and Local Primary Roads was undertaken in four Engineering areas in 2007. This survey established that a number of utility poles and other structures posed a hazard to road users. Under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 it is proposed to pursue adjacent landowners and owners of the structures causing the hazards to remove same hazards. Failure to remove these hazards will result in prosecution through the courts if necessary.”

The Meeting ended at ended 4.40pm

Meeting Date 03/12/2007