Minutes 2007
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council Held on 5th of November 2007 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11pm
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Baker,
- Barrett,
- Barry, Bree,
- Cawley,
- Colleary,
- Conmy,
- Devins,
- Fleming,
- Fox,
- Gormley,
- Healy McGowan,
- Henry,
- Higgins,
- Kilgannon,
- Leonard,
- Lundy,
- McGarry,
- McGrath,
- Mullaney,
- Murray,
- Queenan,
- Sherlock.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
- Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr D. Breen, Director of Services
- Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
- Mr J. McHugh, Senior Engineer
- Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
- Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
- Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Ms P. Bergin, Executive Scientist
- Mr F. O’ Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms M. Boylan, Staff Officer
- Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer
- Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor S. Kilgannon presided.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING AND VOTES OF SYMPATHY;
It was proposed by Cllr S. Kilgannon that the meeting be adjourned for 15 minutes as a mark of respect to Deputy Eamon Scanlon on the death of his mother, Mary.
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Bridie Madden on the death of her husband, Patrick”.
The County Manager and other members wished to be associated with the votes of sympathy.
1. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 1ST OF OCTOBER 2007;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on the 1st of October 2007”.
2. MINUTES OF THE SPC2 MEETING HELD ON THE 16TH OF FEBRUARY 2006;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the SPC2 meeting held on the 16th of February 2006”.
3. MINUTES OF THE SPC2 MEETING HELD ON THE 26TH OF APRIL 2006;
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the SPC2 meeting held on the 26th of April 2006”.
4. MINUTES OF THE SPC2 MEETING HELD ON THE 6TH OF DECEMBER 2006;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the SPC2 meeting held on the 6th of December 2006”.
5. MINUTES OF THE SPC3 MEETING HELD ON THE 6TH OF DECEMBER 2006;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the SPC3 meeting held on the 6th of December 2006”.
6. MINUTES OF THE SPC MEETING HELD ON THE 17TH JANUARY 2007;
Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of the SPC2 meeting held on the 17th of January 2007”.
7. MINUTES OF THE SPC3 MEETING HELD ON THE 18TH APRIL 2007;
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of the SPC3 meeting held on the 18th of April 2007”.
8. MINUTES OF THE DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 30TH OF MAY 2007;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of the Dromore West Area meeting held on the 30th of May 2007”.
9. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 11TH OF JUNE 2007;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area meeting held on the 11th of June 2007”.
10. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL DROMORE WEST MEETING HELD ON THE 10TH OF SEPTEMBER 2007;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of the Special Dromore West Area meeting held on the 10th of September 2007”.
11. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT KILKILOGUE, CLIFFONEY, CO. SLIGO;
Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“To approve the disposal of land at Kilkilogue, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo To Thomas McGloin which shall be carried out in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.
12. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT EMLAGH, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO;
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Emlagh, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Mark & Olivia
Chandler”.
13. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT MAIN STREET, COOLANEY, CO. SLIGO;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Main Street, Coolaney, Co. Sligo to Suzanne Colleary”.
14. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, 2001) PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF NEW MACHINERY YARD/WORKSHOP;
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development Regulations, 2001) the proposed construction of New Machinery Yard/Workshop; Salt Storage Barn; Materials Testing Laboratory; Stores; Offices; Associated siteworks/landscaping and Demolition and removal of all existing buildings on site at Drumiskabole, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo”
15. €2 MILLION EURO LOAN FOR BURIAL GROUND PROGRAMME OF WORKS 2008-2010
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
“To approve a loan of €2million euro for the Burial Ground Programme of Works 2008-2010”.
After a discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That Item 15 on the 5th of November Agenda be deferred until the 2008 estimates meeting”.
16. FIX A DATE FOR 2008 BUDGET MEETING;
It was agreed that the 2008 budget meeting be held on the 7th of January 2008 and that the ordinary January 2008 meeting be held on the 14th of January 2008”.
17. TAKING IN CHARGE OF CHESTNUT COURT, STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO;
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council proceed with the taking in charge of, ‘Chestnut Court’, Strandhill, Co. Sligo”.
18. GENERAL PUBLIC UTILITY DECLARE THE ROADS NAMED BELOW TO BE PUBLIC ROADS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 11(1) OF THE ROADS ACT, 1993;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the Roads named below to be Public Roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.
Road No L-45024-0 Road situate in the housing estate of “The Nest” in the townland of Tubbercurry.
19. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUDITORS REPORT;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“ To consider the Local Government Auditors Report in respect of the Financial Statements of the Council for the year ended 31st December 2006 in accordance with Section 120(1) of the Local Government Act, 2001”.
Following a discussion it was further;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report indicating the planning files where Development Charges are still outstanding and also indicating the level of charges outstanding”.
At the suggestion of the County Manager, the meeting agreed to write to the Data Protection Commission for guidance on this matter prior to issuing report as requested.
20. GATEWAY INNOVATION FUND PROPOSAL;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
AND AGREED
“To note report on Gateway Innovation Fund Proposal”.
21. SLIGO AND ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2004 – 2010;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“To note the Commencement of the Statutory Review of Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2004 – 2010”.
Mr D. Breen DOS outlined the steps included in the review of the Sligo and Environs Development Plan and advised that the statutory process included would take approximately two years to complete. He indicated that it was proposed to make a single development plan for the Borough and the environs of Sligo in line with the existing Sligo and Environs Development Plan.
At this point Cllr D. Bree raised a matter of correspondence circulated at the meeting received from Sligo Farming Platform.
Following a discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“That the Council accede to the request from the Sligo Farming Platform and that we receive a deputation from the group at our December meeting so as to allow the Council to hear the concerns of the Sligo farming community regarding the prevailing water charges”.
As an agreement could not be reached in relation to this item the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.
For: Bree, Cawley, Gormley and McGarry
Against: Baker, Barry, Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Healy McGowan, Henry, Higgins, Kilgannon, Lundy, Mullaney, Murray, Queenan and Sherlock.
As a result was 4 for votes to 15 against, the resolution was lost.
22. RIGHT OF WAY AT CARROWDOUGH, CULLENAMORE;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor
That the Council be provided with a full report regarding the preservation of public rights of way at Carrowdough, Culleenamore.”
In Response Mr D. Breen DOS stated the following;
The Council purchased land at Carrowdough in 2005 in order to ensure that access to the shoreline at Culleenamore Beach was available to the public. As part of the agreement the Council undertook to erect a fence to separate the land purchased from that retained by the owner. A special meeting of the Sligo/Strandhill area was held on 2nd October 2007 and the members viewed the site in question. It is proposed to proceed with the construction of the fence without further delay.
Mr D. Breen informed the meeting that evidence submitted to this Council was insufficient to establish a prima facia case that a public right of way existed at this location.
23. RETIREMENT VILLAGE IN BALLYMOTE;
This Item was withdrawn with the agreement of the meeting.
24. FUNDING FOR THE BY-PASS AT TUBBERCURRY;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That this Council request the Minister for Transport Mr Noel Dempsey to meet a deputation re; funding for the by-pass of Tubbercurry”.
25. RESPOND HOUSING SCHEME IN STRANDHILL;
This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
26. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GLEN ROAD, KNOCKNAREA;
This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
27. WATER LEAK AT DUCK STREET;
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
“That a report be given to the Council on a water leak at Duck Street between houses No 11 and 12, St. Johns Terrace and what measures have been taken to find the source of the problem”.
In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;
This refers to water issuing onto public road/footpath opposite Feehily’s funeral home. Extensive leakage detection was carried out in this area, principally on the water supply mains, but also, just in case, a CCTV survey was carried out on the wastewater mains. No leakage has been identified. Also water flow was monitored on the footpath over time, and as this flow is not constant this would indicate that the source is not a watermain. All information suggest that this water flow comes from either ground water or from a spring. Sligo Borough Council, Road Section has installed a gulley in
the footpath at this location to capture the water flow and prevent it from issuing onto footpath and road.
28. COASTAL EROSION AT ROSSESPOINT;
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins
“To ask the Director of Services what measures can be taken to stop coastal erosion at Rossespoint first and second beach, and the associated costs”.
In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;
Rosses Point is a fairly protected shoreline/beach, unlike many other of our beaches, e.g. Strandhill, Trawee, Enniscrone.
The two main beach dune fronts at Rosses Point are occasionally subject to wave attack, when a combination of circumstances arise i.e. very high tide, large ocean storm and strong West to NW wind. This usually happens less frequently than once a year. In between times, there is a tendency for the beach and dune front to recover (i.e. sand is replaced in calmer condition by small waves and currents and by wind action. Certainly the north end of the second beach and the third beach are accreting (i.e. sand is being deposited and not eroding at all).
In the last number of years the County Sligo Golf Club have submitted various planning applications relating to coastal protection on the second beach dune front, which is their property. In their most recent application, concern has been expressed regarding their proposal, and it’s the long term effects on the coastal sub cell and natural processes and the environment/ecological consequences of their proposal. As a consequence and through a Further Information request, the applicant, CSGC, has been asked to have a coastal study carried out by experts and to provide evidence that the dune front along the entire second beach has in fact retreated in the last 20 years. It is regarded as essential that this information is provided prior to consideration as to whether any significant intervention is necessary. Additionally, the site is a designated Special Area of Conservation and that any proposed works that are likely to have a significant effect on a designated area, require an EIS to be prepared as per the Habitats Directive.
Following a discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Department of Marine to explain the gravities of the erosion that has taken place on the 2nd beach at Rosses Point and to request the Department to allocate funding to help protect the coastline. This information to be communicated to County Sligo Golf Club”.
29. EXCESSIVE SPEEDING AT CARROWGUBADAGH;
Proposed by Councillor I. Henry
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
“To ask Sligo County Council to put in place measures to deal with excessive speeding at Carrowgubadagh”.
In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;
The road in question is Regional Road R284 and is subject to special speed limit of 60.k.p.h. The Enforcement of this speed limit is a matter for An Garda Siochana.
30. UPGRADE THE WALK ALONG LOUGH TALT;
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“That Sligo County Council seek funds from Failte Ireland under Interreg Ш to upgrade the walk along Lough Talt to a loop walk by completing the walk along the eastern shore of the lake and along the R. 294 Ballina/Tubbercurry”.
In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;
In April 2007 Fáilte Ireland, under the NDP, announced funding opportunities for local authorities to develop a set of tourism facilities in the key product areas in 2007. This represented a major opportunity to work in partnership with Fáilte Ireland to develop the infrastructure necessary for success in an ever more challenging tourism market.
This year, Sligo County Council received funding to undertake Capital works in Rosses Point, Strandhill and Drumcliffe.
We are hopeful that Failte Ireland will announce a call for further funding in 2008 on similar Walking/Environmental Management Projects and consideration will be given to this request. Funding may also be considered under the new LEADER Rural Development Programme in 2008.
31. UPGRADING OF WATER RESERVOIR AT KINARD, ENNISCRONE;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
“To ask the Director of Services to allocate funding in the 2008 estimates for the upgrading of the water reservoir at Kinard, Enniscrone to increase water capacity in the area”.
In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;
All our investigations indicate that quantities of water are perfectly adequate for present levels of consumption in the area serviced by the Kinard reservoir.
The capacity of the reservoir is 592M3 :the winter consumption is 350M3 and summer consumption is 500M3 .As such storage capacity is at a high level of 1.7 days during winter and almost 1.2 days during summer. Even allowing for recently constructed hotel and houses (50 No.), and a possible further 400 houses there would still be a residual of ¾ day’s capacity in the reservoir. Insofar as there are supply problems in the locality it is obvious that they are not generated by lack of reservoir capacity and for the present there is nothing to be gained by increasing that capacity.
The real reason there appears to be a deficit in supply in this locality is lack of pressure, and this relates to the high altitude of current proposed housing vis-à-vis the altitude/level of reservoir.
There is no higher ground available in the immediate vicinity to construct a reservoir to service this area.
32. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE TO MANAGE SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROPERTY AT EASKEY;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
“To ask the County Manager to set up a management structure to manage Sligo County Council property at Easkey Castle. The committee should consist of the following:- Rita McNulty, Director of Services (Chairperson), 3 Local Representatives, 3 members of Easkey Community Council, 1 representative from the surfing committee, 1 business representative”.
In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;
The Community and Enterprise section will work with local interest groups in the management and development of the County Council property at Easkey Castle. The details of the above proposal will be discussed at the Dromore West Area Committee Meeting on 12th November 2007. The Community and Enterprise Section is currently working with the Area Office to manage access to the property.
33. METEOR TELECOMMUNCATIONS MAST AT CARRAUN;
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
“To ask the Director of Services to support the people of Castleconnor, and refuse planning retention for a Meteor Telecommunications mast at Carraun, Castleconnor.”
In Response Mr D. Breen DOS stated the following;
The application (07/971) by Meteor Communications Ltd for the retention of a 30m high telecommunications mast at Carraun was the subject of a decision to refuse planning permission on 2nd November 2007. The single reason for refusal related to the proposed development’s injurious Impact on the visual amenities of the area.
34. IMPROVEMENTS OF R284 AND PROVISION OF A FOOTPATH;
This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
35. DELEGATION FROM SLIGO COUNTY COUCIL REGARDING RADIOTHERAPY IN THE NORTH WEST;
It was agreed that items 35,38,42,43,44 and 45 be taken at this time;
Following a discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on Minister Devins to request the Minister for Health Ms Mary Harney to meet a delegation from Sligo County Council regarding radiotherapy in the North West”.
After a further discussion it was also;
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That this Council call on the Fianna Fail Tds in the west of Ireland to tell Bertie Ahern and Mary Harney that they will withdraw their support for the Government if they withdraw cancer care services from Sligo General Hospital”.
38. BREAST CANCER SURGERY MAINTAINED AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the HSE and Minister of State Jimmy Devins to have Breast Cancer Surgery maintained at Sligo General Hospital”
42. RETENTION OF CANCER SURGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council call on the HSE to ensure the retention of cancer surgical and diagnostic services at Sligo General Hospital”.
43. AMEND THE CANCER CARE STRATEGY TO INCLUDE SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council call on the HSE to immediately amend the Cancer care strategy to include Sligo General Hospital as a satellite centre and at the very least to continue the existing services”.
44. AUDIT OF CANCER CARE SERVICES AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on the HSE to carry out an independent audit of cancer services at Sligo General Hospital”.
45. RETAIN CANCER CARE SERVICES AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
AND AGREED
“To request the Minister for Health, the Government and the HSE to (a) retain cancer care services at Sligo General Hospital (b) include it as one of the proposed centres of excellence”.
36. PADDY KILORAN TRADITION FESTIVAL;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“Recognising the importance of the Paddy Killoran Traditional Festival, this Council resolves that a sum of €2,000 be included in the 2008 Arts budget to provide grant aid for the festival.”
In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;
Sligo Arts Department is happy to make provision in its 2008 budgets for the festival to receive €2,000, the amount received by other traditional music festivals in the county.
37. PUBLIC LIGHTING AND FOOTPATHS FROM FAIRWAYS ESTATE, TUBBERCURRY
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“To ask the Director of Services to provide funding in the 2008 estimates for public lighting and footpaths from Fairways Estate, Tubbercurry to the garden centre on the Ballymote road (R294) Tubbercurry, to improve road safety”.
In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;
These improvements can be considered under 2008 Discretionary Improvement Grant Draft proposals at the local area meeting.
39. ASPHALT PLANT AT AUGHAMORE FAR;
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry
“To ask the County Manager; That a full detailed report be given to this Council on the existing operation of the Asphalt plant at Aughamore Far including a report on the environmental impact on the Area”.
40. . ASPHALT PLANT AT AUGHAMORE FAR;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
“To ask the County Manager to provide this Council with a detailed report in relation to operation of the Irish Asphalt Ltd. Plant at Aughamore Far. Such report to address in particular the issues of planning and licensing, the steps taken by Sligo County Council pertaining to enforcement and environmental concerns associated with this plant”.
In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the as the environmental concerns were being pursued legally she did not intend making a report to the meeting. In Response Mr J. Murphy SEO stated the following;
The following is the position in relation to Planning Enforcement. There are 2 plants on site. One is a temporary mobile plant which constitutes exempted development (as advised to the Developer by letter from the Planning Section dated 22/2/2007). The second plant, with an overall height of 30.5 metres is unauthorised and was the subject of a successful District Court case in February 2007, following which production ceased and the use of the plant was discontinued. There is now a current application (PL 07/1037 refers) before the Council for the retention of this plant. The decision due date is the 29th November 2007.
It is now being alleged that on occasion the developers are operating this plant early in the morning and than discontinuing its use before 9:00 am. A site inspection will be carried out next week in relation to this issue. In addition, there is an issue with 6 floodlights attached to the plant, the subject of the current planningapplication, which when in use, are impacting upon the properties and intruding on the privacy of people living in the vicinity. The developer was written to on the 24th October 2007 and asked to discontinue the use of the floodlights, with immediate effect. I have today received a letter from the Company stating that the lights in question will not be used from the 30th October 2007.
Cllr D. Bree stated that the Council had taken no legal action against the company who had been operating illegally for eight months. He asked whether there was some type of cosy arrangements between council officials and the company involved and asked if there was one law for powerful companies and another for communities. The County Manager in response stated that he was tired of vague references from Cllr Bree to conspiracies and cosy arrangements and asked Cllr Bree to produce evidence or stop inpuning the reputation of staff. He also indicated that in the event of no such evidence being provided his staff would have to move to protect their good names.
41. CURRENT COMPLIMENT OF POLICING IS MAINTAINED IN THE SKREEN/DROMARD AREA;
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That this Council call on the Department of Justice to make necessary funding available to ensure the current compliment of policing is maintained in the
Skreen/Dromard Area”.
46. AIRPORT IN COUNTY SLIGO;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
“Recognising the strategic importance of maintaining a commercial Airport in county Sligo which is capable of handling airliner and executive aircraft. And further recognising the possibility that planning permission may be refused for an extension of the existing runway which would lead to the closure of the airport at Strandhill. Sligo County Council requests the Board of Sligo Airport to seek funding so that they might engage consultants to examine the possibility and cost of locating Sligo Airport on a new green field site. And further the Council call on the relevant agencies to provide the funding to cover the cost of the consultants report”.
As an agreement could not be reached in relation to this item the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.
For: Bree and Cawley
Against: Baker, Barrett, Barry, Colleary, Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Henry, Higgins, Kilgannon, Leonard, Lundy, McGrath, Mullaney, Murray, Queenan and Sherlock.
Abstained: Gormely
As a result was 2 for votes to 18 against, the resolutionwas lost.
47. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR TUBBERCURRY;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“I am calling on Sligo County Council as part of the traffic management plan drawn up for Tubbercurry in consultation with the community that provision be made in the 2008 Road Work Scheme for:
- A pedestrian crossing in and around Mickey Mac’s Pub.”
This proposal can be considered in the context of 2008 Roadworks Programme when being drafted at local area meeting. - “That the Ballina Road junction be examined with a view to providing a roundabout at this location or changing the flow of traffic to give right of way to vehicles exiting from the Ballina Road.”
In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;
The Ballina Road Junction in Tubbercurry will be examined with a view to changing the priority of the junction. However, there will not be enough room,
within the existing constraints, to provide any form of roundabout solution. Sight distance in the Charlestown direction is poor and this would not help any proposed change in priority here.
This matter has been referred to the Road Design Section for their attention and recommendation. The matter would also require the approval of the NRA and funding if any changes are proposed.
The Councillor will be kept informed of any developments in this matter. The Cathaoirleach Cllr S. Kilgannon suggested that it was a appropriate point in the meeting to acknowledge the outstanding public service given by Mr S. Concannon DOS to both Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council over more than years. All the members joined with the Cathaoirleach in acknowledging Mr Concannons professionalism, courtesy, honesty and his help to members of the Council over the years. The County Manager joined with the members and paid tribute to Mr Concannon for his outstanding work and for his personal support over the years. Mr Concannon thanked the members and staff for their kind words.
48. VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT SCHEME FOR 2008;
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“To request the Director of Services to include the villages of Aclare and Cloonacool in South Sligo in the village enhancement scheme programme for 2008 in association with Sligo Leader Company and Clar”.
In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;
The Village Enhancement Scheme for 2008 will be funded through the Sligo LEADER Partnership Co. (SLPCo.). Sligo County Council will work closely with the SLPCo. to identify and prioritise villages for inclusion in the scheme.
49. CONTRIBUTION TO MICHAEL FLATLEY;
Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
“That Sligo Council commission a public arts feature in the village of Culfadda to mark the achievements and contribution of Michael Flatley and the Flatley family to Irish culture and dance”.
In Response R. McNulty DOS stated the following ;
Sligo County Council will commission a public art feature in Culfadda as outlined in this notice of motion and will work with the local interests in conjunction with Michael Flatley to complete the project.
50. ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE OF HOUSING ESTATES IN THE COUNTY;
This Item was deferred by the agreement of the meeting.
51. PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE HOLDERS;
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“To request the Minister for Transport and the Road Safety Authority to protect the Independence and rights of certain provisional driving licence holders, who can prove their competence to drive, but are unable to pass regular driving test because of age or certain Health conditions”.
As an agreement could not be reached in relation to this item the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.
For: Baker, Barrett, Colleary, Conmy, Fleming, Gormley, Henry, McGarry, McGrath, Mullaney and Queenan.
Against: Bree, Cawley, Devins, Higgins, Kilgannon, Lundy and Sherlock.
As a result was 11 for votes to 7 against, the resolution was carried.
52. WEATHER PITCH AT ST. JOHNS COMMUNITY PARK;
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry
“That this Council make a contribution of €150,000 towards the completion of an all weather pitch at St. Johns community park Carrowroe”.
In Response Mr R. McNulty DOS 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 in order to be in a position to prioritise the allocation of development contribution funds as a number of groups have already approached the department requesting funding. The request for funding from St. John’s Community Park will be considered in this context.
A number of members paid tribute to Councillor Higgins on the good work he had done with St. Johns and it was agreed as principle that funding would be made available for the work.
Councillor Devins raised a question of funding for facilities in Rossespoint and it was agreed that this would be next in line to be considered for funding.
Ms R. McNulty DOS indicated that a report would be brought before this Council early in the new year in relation to this matter.
53. RAILWAY BRIDGE ON REGIONAL ROAD 290 AT COLLOONEY;
Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
“To ask the Council to carry out urgent repairs to the disused railway bridge on Regional Road 290 at Collooney and that upgrade to footpaths would be considered along this road”.
In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;
The bridge parapet over the old railway route here needs rebuilding. This work will be included in our proposals for the 2008 Roadworks Scheme. Funding has been sought from DOEHLG. A new footpath is required from Quigley’s towards Ballysadare and this section will be included in our proposals for consideration under Discretionary Improvement Grant 2008.
54. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON ROAD R284;
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide traffic calming measures on Road R284 at Foyogues Bridge on the Geevagh side”.
In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;
It is proposed to install yellow speed bars on the roadway at both approaches to Foyogues Bridge in the current year and also to erect chevron signs.
55. FIRE STATION IN TUBBERCURRY;
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“That this Council provide the Fire Brigade Station in Tubbercurry with a second Fire Tender similar to the one in Ballymote to enable the fire fighters access houses where roadways are narrow in the event of a fire”
In Response Ms D. Clarke DOS stated the following;
Sligo Fire Authority plan to provide each brigade with a “light water tender”.
The appliance is typically a “jeep” sized vehicle that fulfils numerous roles. The cost of such vehicles, the necessity to continue to maintain existing equipment and the prioritising of the purchase of new equipment; prevents the purchase of such specialised equipment for all brigades at once. The cost of doing so would be in the order of €200,000 to €250,000.
Sligo fire authority have submitted an application for funding to the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Fire Services and Emergency
Planning Section for the approval for the purchase on one such appliance this year and it is hoped that over the coming two years that we may purchase one such appliance annually for each brigade.
56. SIGNAGE FOR BUS STOP OUTSIDE ST. PAULS NATIONAL SCHOOL COLLOONEY;
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide signage for a bus stop (parking area) outside St. Pauls National School Collooney”.
In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;
This matter, which has been made known to us previously, has been considered and a sign has been ordered for the purpose. It will be erected when it
arrives.
57. NEW DEVELOPMENT AT BALLYMOTE COMMUNITY PARKS;
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
“To ask Sligo County Council to provide €100,000 funding towards the new development at Ballymote Community Parks”.
In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS 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 in order to be in a position to prioritise the allocation of development contribution funds as a number of groups have already approached the department requesting funding. The request for funding from Ballymote Community Parks will be considered in this context.
It was also agreed to include this proposal in the report being brought before the Council by Ms R. McNulty DOS early in the new year.
58. VOTES OF SYMPATHY;
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Bridie Madden on the death of her husband, Patrick”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr Hugo Frizzle on the death of his mother, Nora”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Dorothy Maye on the death of her father, Pake Walsh”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Kathleen Walsh on the death of her husband, Pake.
“That vote of sympathy be extended to Hugh Leonard on the death of his wife, Mrs Leonard”.
Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Mulhern on the death of her husband, Thomas”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mai Redican on the death of her husband, Francis”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nora Tynan on the death of her sister, Maureen McCarthy”.
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eamon Scanlon on the death of his mother, Mary”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Albert Higgins
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Wright on the death of his wife, Margaret”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridie Madden and family on the death of her husband, Patrick”.
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Francie Kearns on the death of his brother, Vinnie”.
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Gethins on the death of her husband, Paddy”.
59. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS;
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Curry Junior Ladies Team on winning the All Ireland Junior Ladies quarter final last weekend”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Caroline Conmy and Lisa Forde on successfully completing the New York City Marathon”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Ian Barlow, Damien Tighe and Wesley Tighe on participating in building houses for the poor in Africa”.
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Gary McDermott on finishing in 3rd place in the European senior cup team event held in Corfu in reece”.
Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Teresa Heeran and Terry O’Connell on participating in building houses for the poor in Africa”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended the St Nathys Intermediate Ladies Team who are through to the All Ireland Semi Final”.
60. CONFERENCES
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That Cllr M. Baker, M. Fleming, J. Lundy, J. Queenan, P. Barry, A. Higgins and J. Sherlock be nominated to attend the Lama Conference in Carlow on the 9 – 10 November 2007”.
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That Cllr J. Queenan and Cllr I. Fox be nominated to attend the Tourism for changing lifestyles in Co. Clare on the 23rd and 24th of November”.
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That Cllr M. Baker, Cllr J. Lundy and Cllr M. Barrett be nominated to attend the Local Government Budget 2008 in Wexford on 1st of December”.
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That Cllr J. Sherlock and Cllr G. Murray be nominated to attend Etowns Conference on the 13 – 14 November 2007”.
61. CORRESPONDANCE
Councillor G. Mullaney and Cllr M. Gormley raised a query in relation to correspondence from the NRA .
62. AOB
Councillor D. Bree raised a query in relation to Rockfield Manor Estate.
63. MATTER ARISING FROM MINUTES
64. ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT MEETING:
- List of forthcoming Conference
- Letter dated 31st of October from Sligo Farming Platform regarding meeting with Sligo County Council.
- Letter dated 31st of October from the Department of Transport regarding funding for R294.
- Letter dated 1st of November from the National Cancer Screening Service regarding mobile unit in Sligo.
- Correspondence from Association of County and City Councils 1899 – 2017.
The Meeting ended at ended 6.00pm
Meeting Date 05/11/2007