Minutes 2007

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council Held On 1st of October 2007 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

Apologies,

Devins and McGarry

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 F. Moylan, Acting Senior Planner
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Ms D. McDonagh, A/ Admin Officer
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.

It was proposed by Cllr P. Conmy that Standing Orders be suspended to discuss the staffing cutbacks in Sligo General Hospital. The Cathaoirleach stated that as there were a number of notices of motions on the agenda relating to this issue he was proposing to suspend standing orders when item 12 on the agenda was concluded. The meeting agreed to this proposal.

1. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 25TH OF JUNE 2007;

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on the 25th of June 2007”.

2. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 3RD OF SEPTEMBER 2007;

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on the 3rd of September 2007”.

3. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 10TH OF SEPTEMBER 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Ballymote Area Meeting held on the 10th of September 2007”.

4. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING ON THE 5TH OF JULY 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Ballymote Area Meeting held on the 5th of July 2007”.

5. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 10TH OF MAY 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Ballymote Area Meeting held on the 10th of May 2007”.

6. DISPOSAL OF LANDS AT STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO;

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of lands at Strandhill, Co. Sligo”.

7. DISPOSAL OF LANDS AT CARROWNACREVY, BRANCHFIELD, COOLANEY, CO. SLIGO;

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the disposal of property at Carrownacrevy, Branchfield, Coolaney, Co. Sligo to Patrick Quinn, which shall be carried out in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

8. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVLEOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001 THE CONSTUCTION OF 77 (NO) DWELLING HOUSES AND ALL SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS AT KNOCKACULLEEN TD., DROMORE WEST, CO. SLIGO;

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 (Article 81) of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 (as amended by the Planning and Development Regulations, 2006) the construction of 77 (no. ) dwelling houses and all site development works at Knockaculleen Td., Dromore West, Co. Sligo”.

9. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVLEOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001 THE CONSTUCTION OF 61 (NO) DWELLING HOUSES AND ALL SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS AT CARROWCAULY, ALSO KNOWN AS EARLSFIELD TD., BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO;

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 (Article 81) of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 (as amended by the Planning and Development Regulations, 2006) the construction of 61(no.) dwelling units and all associated site development works at Carrowcauly, also known as Earlsfield Td., Ballymote, Co. Sligo”.

10. GRANTING OF A LEASE TO THE TRUSTEES OF COMHALTAS;

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the granting of a lease to the Trustees of Comhaltas for lands at Riverstown”.

11. NOMINATE THREE MEMBERS TO THE SLIGO COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD;

Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator informed the meeting that there was four members on the Sligo County Enterprise Board.

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

AND AGREED

“That the following members be re-appointed to the Sligo County Enterprise Board;

Cllr Albert Higgins
Cllr Jude Devins
Cllr Ita Fox
Cllr Declan Bree

12. L 61051-0 ROAD SITUATE IN THE HOUSING ESTATE OF MOUNTAIN CRESCENT IN THE TOWNLAND OF COOLANEY;

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

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”.

L 61051-0 Road Situate in the housing estate of Mountain Crescent in the townland of Coolaney. As agreed by the meeting standing orders were suspended and items 18, 20, 29, 35, 37 and 41 were taken at this time;

18. RADIOTHERAPY IN THE NORTH WEST;

Following a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council condemn the Minister for Health, Mary Harney regarding the delay of radiotherapy in the North West”.

20. LAYING OFF OF NURSING STAFF AND FOUR CONSULTANTS AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council condemn the laying off of nursing staff and four consultants at Sligo General Hospital and further calls on Professor Brendan Drumm to resign.

29. CUT BACKS IN MEDICAL STAFF INTRODUCED BY THE H.S.E IN SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council deplores the cutbacks in medical staff introduced by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at Sligo General Hospital. This council now calls on the HSE to immediately rescind these notices to terminate the employment of nurses and consultants.

Furthermore this Council seeks as a matter of utmost urgency, meeting's with the Minister for Health Mary Harney and the CEO of the Health Service Executive Mr. Brendan Drumm, to address this issue”.

35. HSE’S DECISION TO LAY OFF FRONT LINE MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council outraged at the HSE’s decision to lay off front line medical and nursing staff at Sligo General Hospital, and recognising the detrimental effect such lay offs will have on the level of patient care, calls on Health Minister Mary Harney T.D. and Minister of State Jimmy Devins T.D. to intervene as a matter of urgency so as to ensure that the necessary funding is provided to allow for the reinstatement of the staff that were laid off, and further this Council requests Minister of State Jimmy Devins T.D. to attend a special meeting of the Council this month to discuss the growing crisis in the
health service.”

37. CALL TO IMMEDIATELY REINSTATE FOUR CONSULTANTS AND ANCILLARY STAFF;

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Minister for Health, Ms Mary Harney to immediately reinstate four consultant’ and ancillary staff without delay”.

41. SEEK ASSURANCES FROM HSE’

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

AND AGREED

“To seek assurances from the HSE that proposed budget cuts will not impact on patient care at Sligo General Hospital”.

The following motions were also agreed;

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to breast check and ask that the mobile unit be brought to Sligo as a matter of priority and urgency”.

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“To call on Minister Mary Harney to resign immediately”.

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council request that Minister Jimmy Devins come in to this Council Chamber to address the cut back in the staff of Sligo General Hospital”.

13. PRESENTATION BY MS DEIRDRE LAVIN, SPORTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, SLIGO SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL PARTNERSHIP;

Presentation by Ms Deirdre Lavin, Sports Development Officer, Sligo Sports and Recreational Partnership.

14. SET UP MEETING WITH MINISTERS WITH NORTH SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL IN ARMAGH TO SEEK FUNDING FOR THE N.16;

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to set up a meeting with Ministers with North South Ministerial Council in Armagh with a view to seek funding for the upgrading of the N. 16 route”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Funding was provided by the National Roads Authority in the current year to recommence planning of the upgrading of the N16.

This will facilitate the review of mapping studies and design of works, previously undertaken by the Road Design Department.

15. IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON THE CALRY ROAD 267;

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

“That Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Environment and Local Government, Mr John Gormley to make the necessary funding available to carry out improvement works on the Calry Road 267”.

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Calry Road 267 as described in motion has been reclassified by DOEHLG as Regional Road R278. This route extends from Borough Boundary at Bellanode to County Boundary with Leitrim at Carnalaghta for a distance of 6.7 Km.

A sum of €20,690 will be expended in the current year on maintenance works under the Discretionary Maintenance grant including improving the signing and lining of this route to Regional standard. A sum of €80,623 has been expended on upgrading the surface of route for a distance of 1.0 Km at Loughanalteen in the current year under Regional Road Restoration Improvement Programme.

It is proposed, subject to funding from DOEHLG, to continue this rate of investment on Regional Road R278 in 2008.

16. PRESERVATION OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY AT CARROWDOUGH, CULLEENAMORE;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

19. PROVIDE SIGNAGE ON ROAD NO. 508 AT BANADA NATIONAL SCHOOL TOURLESTRANE;

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“To ask this Council to provide “slow down” and “school ahead” signs on Road No. 508 at Banada National School Tourlestrane in the interest of road safety”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll stated the following;

These works will be undertaken within the next few weeks when road lining contractor is in the area.

22. UPGRADE OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM ON MOUNTAIN ROAD, TUBBERCURRY;

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

“To request Sligo County Council to upgrade the public water supply system on the mountain road, Tobercurry prior to any future Housing Development, as water pressure to existing houses is very low, which also serves a Nursing House, Group Water Scheme and Primary School”.

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

The question of water supply to Carrowreagh/Cooper GWSS, both to the scheme and within the scheme is under investigation at present. This requires an extensive amount of work and cannot be done in one week, but a definitive reply will issue to next meeting of the Council. In the meantime the supply main from the square in Tubbercurry to the take-off point to the GWSS is being assessed for leakage. Needless to say any leaks will be repaired.

Also an assessment of the supply within the GWSS is to be carried insofar as we have information of the customer base. Traditionally there was severe leakage within this scheme but I understand some repair work has been done recently. We have to try to assess the effects of these repairs and to quantify the design consumption compared with the actual consumption. There is nothing to be gained by pumping extra water into a GWSS is there is high UFW(leakage). The assessment of the overall quality of the main between the square in Tubbercurry and the GWSS will of course be part of this assessment In the meantime I would like to make a suggestion to the GWSS. Having a pressurised supply system is very expensive, very inefficient, and can lead to high water losses. If and when a pump cuts out houses at the higher levels will have an immediate loss of supply. In addition, to supply those houses at the higher level requires a very high pressure for houses at lower level and this leads to increased water usage and loss. I would recommend that the GWSS consider constructing a reservoir at a high point in the locality to supply all the houses by gravity This will reduce pressures, leakage and pumping costs. There are generous grants available from DEHLG, through Sligo County Council, to facilitate this.

21. REMOVE EXISTING TREES FORM THE CENTRE OF THE STEET IN COOLANEY VILLAGE;

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

“ That this Council remove the existing trees from the centre of the street in Coolaney village and replace them with proper traffic calming measures”

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

It is proposed to undertake a traffic management study of Coolaney village which will include the consideration of traffic calming measures on Main Street. These measures can be considered in the context of 2008 Draft Roadworks Programme when being considered at the local area meeting.

23. WATER CHARGES IN THE COUNTY;

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

“To seek clarification re water charges in the County:

Why meters have not been provided for all consumers.
Will the waiver scheme be continued for pensioners and low earners.

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

In compliance with government policy all non-domestic consumers, without exception, are to be metered and charged for water consumption on the basis of what they use.

Most of these meters have now been installed. Naturally some connections have been difficult to locate and Sligo County Council is actively pursuing the
identification of these connections. The water metering project relates to non-domestic consumers i.e. businesses. There is no waiver scheme for any class of business.

As such the question of waiver scheme for pensioners or low wage earners does not arise. This project relates exclusively to the non-domestic sector.

In reply to a query from Cllr Queenan the County Manager informed the meeting that the 2008 charges for non-domestic water would be fixed in November 2007.

24. RE: ALIGNMENT OF ROAD R294 FROM LOUGH TALT TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY BOUNDARY;

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

“To demand special funding be allocated by the Minister for the Environment to carry out essential re: alignment of Road R294 from Lough Talt to Roscommon County Boundary”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The R294 Improvement Roads Study proposed by Road Design Section as requested by Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting was submitted to DOEHLG for funding in 2004.

Improvements proposed fall into 2 No. classification categories Class I Road Reconstruction and Safety Improvements and Class II Road Realignment Schemes. 4 No. Class I Schemes were completed under Multi-Annual Restoration Programme 2006 – 2008.

The Class II Schemes are funded under the Specific Improvement Grant Schemes.

Sligo County Council are currently realigning the section of R294 at Mullaghroe – Cuilpruglish.

A total of €972,941 will be expended on this scheme in 2007. It is hoped to have this scheme open to traffic in December, 2007.

The R294 Improvement Needs Study identified a total of 11no. schemes for improvement at a total estimated cost of €11.8m.

In 2008 it is proposed to replace bridge and tie-in to existing carriageway at Cuilpruglish, Gurteen subject to funding from DOEHLG. The next priority scheme identified by the study is the realignment of section R294 at Mullinabreena.

25. COASTAL EROSION PROTECTION FOR 2008;

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

“To ask the Director of Services to make Pulleenheney and Enniscrone a priority for coastal erosion protection for 2008”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

A submission has been made to the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources in January 2007 for Coastal Protection Works to be
undertaken at Pollacheeney and Enniscrone under National Coastal Protection Programme.

1. Coastal Protection Scheme – Bellawaddy River Bank and Pumping Station Protection - Est. Cost 200,000. 2. Pollacheeney Coastal Protection and River Outfall Works – Est Cost €1.02m.

26. PILOT PROJECT FOR SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTY ON WATER CONSERVATION;

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

“To ask Environment Services Section of Sligo County Council to devise a Pilot Project for schools of the County on water conservation”.

In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council will engage with schools so as to develop measures and practices to conserve water. It is out intention to develop a program to be called “Streamscapes” to encourage environmental protection and conservation in relation to water usage. This program is being designed to be appropriate for National schools, transition years, community groups, and to link in with the Green Schools campaign. As part of our Green Schools program, water is one of the key themes. Various measures for conserving water will be introduced, which will help to raise awareness on how to reduce consumption both in the school and in the home.

27. REMOVE CAMERAS ON ITS RAIL LINE BETWEEN BALLYMOTE AND CLARKES BRIDGE;

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to call on Iarnrod Eireann to remove cameras on its rail line between Ballymote and Clarkes Bridge (5 miles North of Ballymote) and seek clarification regarding its policy”.

Following a discussion the following resolution was agreed;

That we invite a representative form Irish Rail to our next meeting with a view to examining the rail crossings between Ballymote and Clarke’s Bridge and for an independent safety review of these crossings examine the possibility of under passes, bridges and amalgamating some of the crosses to improve safety”.

28. FUNDING FOR ROAD NO. 643.1 DRUMFIN TO BRANCHFIELD;

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide funding for road no. 643.1 Drumfin to Branchfield in its road maintenance program for 2008”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

These improvements will be considered in the context of 2008 Draft Roadworks Programme when being considered at local area meeting.

30. SHANNON TO HEATHROW SERVICE;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on senior management at Aer Lingus to reverse its decision to end its service from Shannon to Heathrow”.

31. RETIREMENT VILLAGE IN BALLYMOTE;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

32. BURIAL GROUND AT MOUNTIRWIN;

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

“What is the up-to-date position on the extension of the burial ground at Mountirwin?”

In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;

The provision of an extension to the burial ground in Mount Irwin will require the purchase of land. Capital funds are required for this purchase and as such these funds could not be provided directly in the budget. On the recommendation of the Head of Finance, our Department are currently preparing a report and will seek council approval shortly to raise a loan to proceed with the extension to this burial ground along with other proposed extensions in the County in 2008.

33.EXTENSION OF THE RUNWAY AT STRANDHILL AIRPORT;

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

AND AGREED

“That this Council expresses its concern at the failure of the Government to respond to the Council’s request that additional funding be provided to allow for the extension of the runway at Strandhill Airport in a westerly extension, and further, the Council recognising the significant environmental impact that the proposed easterly extension would create, calls on all the Oireachtas members from the constituency to make the necessary representations to Government to ensure that the additional funding is allocated to allow for the extension of the runway in a westerly direction.”

34. ROCKFIELD MANOR HOUSING ESTATE;

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

“That the Council be provided with an up to date report outlining the current situation relating to the letter of complaint received from the residents of the Rockfield Manor housing estate, Coolaney, and to ask what has been the response from the developers to the formal request from the County Council to draw down the bond so as to enable the Council to complete all the outstanding works on the estate.”

In Response Mr J. Murphy SEO stated the following;

Since the last meeting some progress has been made in relation to this matter. Agreement was reached in relation to resurfacing the set back area to the front of the development. The road including this area has now been resurfaced by the Council with the developer contributing his share of the costs. Discussions are continuing with the developer in relation to completion of the estate and in relation to the wastewater treatment plant. A meeting was held on Friday following which further submissions were lodged with the Council. These are being considered at present.

Finally, the surety in response to the Council formal request to draw down the bond has asked to be furnished with details of the extent and value of the
works to be completed. This information has now been furnished to them.

17. RESULTS AND CIRCULATION OF TENDERS;

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor

“To ask the County Manager what Policy is in place in this County in relation to tenders (a) results (b) circulation.

In Response Ms D. Clarke DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council has a set procedure in relation to seeking, reception and opening of tenders signed by the County Manager by way of an order dated 28th January, 2002. In the absence of tenders being opened at Council Meetings it has been agreed that a schedule setting out information will be circulated to members.

Members will have received detail of schedule of part of the recent circulation of the Bi annual statistics report.

Cllr A. Colleary asked that the members be informed each month of the list of tenders received by the Council.

36. FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY CHILDCARE GROUPS;

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

AND AGREED

“To call on Minister for Children, Mr Brendan Smith to immediately reinstate funding for Community Childcare groups”.

38. WATER TABLES ARE CLEANED TO PREVENT WATER LODGING ON COUNTY ROADS;

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

“To call on the Director of Services to ensure that water tables are cleaned so as to prevent water lodging on County roads”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The local road network in Co. Sligo consists of in excess of 2,300km of public roadway or 86% of total road network.

As part of general maintenance of network, road water tables, gulleys, watercourses and culverts are cleared by Council staff to ensure safety of road users is not compromised.

39.NEW HOUSING ESTATE AT KILBOGLASHY, BALLISODARE;

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

“That I will ask Sligo County Council for a report on the problems that have arisen on the new Housing Estate at Kilboglashy, Ballisodare”.

In Response Ms D. Clarke DOS stated the following;

There have been a number of complaints regarding plumbing problems at the Kilboglashy Estate. The scheme is under the defects liability period. A snag list has been prepared and sent to the Contractor for action. A joint inspection between the contractor and members of the Housing Staff has taken place and the builder has given a guarantee that he will rectify the plumbing problems immediately. It was agreed at this time that the Joint meeting between Sligo and Omagh Councils be held on Monday 22nd of October at 2pm.