Minutes 2007

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council which was held on April 2nd at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
Mr T. Kilfeather, A/Director of Services
Mr D. Breen, A/Director of Services
Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
Ms D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. M. Lydon, A/Head of Finance
Ms P. R. Gallagher, Senior Executive Officer
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr J. McHugh, Senior Engineer
Mr F. O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
Ms B. Ronayne, Administrative Officer
Ms E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
Ms B. Dobson, Clerical Officer
Ms M. Boylan, Staff Officer
Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer
Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. McGarry presided.

Councillor P. Conmy asked that standing orders be suspended to discuss nurses work to rule. The meeting agreed that this matter be dealt with when considering Cllr S. MacManus Notice of Motion (No. 45) on the Agenda.

1. MINUTES OF THE SPC1 MEETING HELD ON THE 13TH DECEMBER 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"To confirm the minutes of the SPC1 meeting held on the 13th December 2006".

2. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTEELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 12TH JANUARY 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"To confirm the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral meeting held on the 12th January 2007".

3. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL MEETING HELD ON THE 15TH JANUARY 2007:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

"To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral meeting held on the 15th of January 2007".

4. BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 28TH FEBRUARY 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"To confirm the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area meeting held on the 28th February 2007".

5. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON THE 5TH MARCH 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"To confirm the minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 5th March 2007".

6. SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001, DISPOSAL OF LAND AT STRANDILL:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of land at Strandhill".

7. SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNEMENT ACT 2001, DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT UNION COTTAGE, COLLOONEY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Union Cottage, Collooney, Co. Sligo to Eugene Magee and Josephine Magee".

8. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS 2001 THE PROVISION OF A DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING, SEPTIC TANK, AND PERCOLATION AREA AT GLENNAWOO TD., ACLARE, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 2001 the provision of a demountable dwelling, septic tank, and percolation area at Glennawoo Td., Aclare, Co. Sligo".

9. SECTION 106 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 THE RAISING OF A LOAN €4,400,000 FOR THE SLIGO MAIN DRANAGE PROJECT:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve 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, the raising of a loan by Sligo County Council of €4,400,000 for the Sligo Main Drainage Project".

10. SECTION 106 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 THE RAISING OF A LOAN €1,150,000 FOR THE ENNISCRONE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT:

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

AND AGREED

In Reply to Councillor Jude Devins the County Manager stated that a proportion of the repayments on this loan would have to be met by way of increased wastewater charges for the commercial sector.

11. NOMINATE A MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SLIGO MUSIC FESTIVAL:

The meeting agreed to a request by Cllr D. Bree that a report relating to the Sligo Music Festival be given to the members by Cllr I. Henry at the May Meeting.

12. ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2006:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Annual Financial Statement of Sligo County Council for year ended 31st December 2006".

13. AUTHORISE OVER EXPENDITURE OF €6,751,327 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2006:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

"To authorise over expenditure of €6,751,327 for the year ended 31st December 2006 in accordance with section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001".

14. RURAL WORKS SCHEME 2007 – BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATION, 2007:

The members noted the Rural Water Programme – Block Grant Allocation, 2007.

15. ROAD WORKS SCHEME 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve the Road Works Scheme 2007".

16. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CONSERVATION GRANT FOR PROTECTED STRUCTURES 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve Sligo County Council Conservation Grants for Protected Structures 2007".

17. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL COMMUNITY HERITAGE GRANT SCHEME 2007:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve Sligo County Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2007".

18. LITTER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2007-2010:

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

AND AGREED

"To approve the Litter Management Plan 2007-2010".

19. MOUNTAIN CRESENT, COOLANEY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

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

Mountain Crescent, Coolaney, Co. Sligo.

20. ROADS NAMED BELOW TO BE PUBLIC ROADS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 11(1) OF THE ROADS ACT, 1193:

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

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, 1193".

Road Number	Location and Terminal Points
L-24039-0	Extension of County Road 176 by 294 metres North in Castletown
L-7229-0	Extend road L-7229-0 in a northerly direction along the coast for a distance of 980m up to the T junction with road L-3208-27 in Raghly.

21. CONSTRUCTION OF THE SLIGO MAIN DRAINAGE WASTEWATER SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT:

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

"To ask the County Manager what is the current position regarding the construction of the Sligo Main Drainage Wastewater Sewerage Treatment Plant and if a time scale can be provided for the construction of the Cummeen sewerage scheme and the Carraroe and Rosses Point and Teesan/Lisnalurg sewerage schemes".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following:

The following is the current situation with regard to the various schemes mentioned in this Notice of Motion:

Sligo Main Drainage:
Contractor has mobilised, work has commenced sewage pumping site and pile driving is about to commence on main site.
Cumeen Drainage Scheme:
As Cumeen Drainage is to discharge into the town network for treatment in Sligo Main Drainage it is anticipated that the contract can run in parallel with the latter stages of the SMD contract and hopefully be in operation not long after that. However it is important to note that because of the time lapse since the original scheme design a Design-Review was necessary and we now await approval of this from DEHLG.
Carraroe Main Drainage: 2009
Because of the massive costs of the storm/surfacewater disposal proposals in this scheme, which are not funded by DEHLG, a new approach has had to be formulated putting the responsibility for management and disposal of storm/surface-water onto the developers. This is a SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) solution. It is anticipated that it will be 2009 before this scheme is in place in its entirety.
Ballinacar/Cregg/Rosses Point Sewerage Scheme:
A revised Preliminary Report is awaiting DEHLG approval and the scheme should be operational in 2009. it also will discharge into Sligo Main Drainage. Preliminary Report since approved.
Teesan/Lisnalurg Sewerage Scheme:
Go to construction in Autumn of 2007. CPO process for sewage pumping station is in train at present.

22. RESIDENTS OF HILLCREST PARK ESTATE:

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

AND AGREED

"That there be full consultation with the residents of the Hillcrest Park estate, Strandhill, so as to allow the community to participate in the planning of the proposed €25,000 Environmental Enhancement Scheme for the estate".

In Response Ms D. Clarke stated the following;

The Chairperson of Hillcrest Park estate’s Residents Association has bee contacted and a meeting has been set up to discuss proposals for expenditure of funds available in the current year under the Environmental Enhancement Scheme.

23. DEPUTATION WITH THE NRA:

It was agreed that Item 23 and 42 be taken at this time:

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

"That this Council request a deputation to meet with the NRA regarding the long overdue upgrading of the N. 16".

42. UP TO DATE POSITION RE: THE N16:

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

"To ask the Director of Services for roads what is the up to date position re: the N16 and what plans have Sligo County Council to progress this road to the next stage in 2007, and this Council calls on Sligo County Council to go to public consultation if this is not already carried out".

In Response Mr T. Carroll stated the following ;

In 1996 a preferred Route for the realignment of N16 in County Sligo was adopted by members of Sligo County Council and included in the County Development Plan for further improvement. In 2007 a sum of €25,000 has been provided by the National Roads Authority to review N16 design and update mapping. This work will be undertaken in the current year and subject to approval for funding from NRA Phase 4 of the Planning stage can be commenced in 2008 i.e. C.P.O. and E.I.S. documents prepared.

After a discussed the following resolution was agreed:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council seek funding of €500,000 for preparatory work for the development of the N16 route from NRA and Department of Transport".

24. BUS SHELTERS ALONG THE N.16:

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council request Bus Eireann to provide bus shelters along the N.16 route from Sligo to Manorhamilton".

25. DEFIBRILLATOR FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES:

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

AND AGREED

"To call on the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to provide indemnification for community groups and private individuals who wish to provide a defibrillator for their communities".

26. DOUBLE YELLOW LINES AT WOODBROOK HEIGHTS:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

"To call on Sligo County Council to put In place a double yellow line at the entrance to Woodbrook Heights, extending from Teeling Gardens on the left hand side of the road for 150m in the interest of public safety".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

This location has been inspected by the Roads Department, Sligo County Council. It is not deemed appropriate that a by-law restricting parking at this location be introduced at this time. Following discussion the meeting agreed the motion with Cllr Jim McGarry dissenting.

27. FUNDING FOR WATERPOINT, ENNISCRONE:

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

"That this Council condemns the Minister for Tourism Mr John O’Donoghue for allowing Failte Ireland to withdraw €700,000 funding from Waterpoint, Enniscrone and further call on the Minister to refund the money as a matter of urgency".

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS informed the meeting that discussions took place with the Chairman of Failte Ireland North West Mr R. MacSharry and its manager Mr P. McLoone and that he was confident that the funding of approximately €700,000 would be provided by Failte Ireland. In response to a question from Cllr P. Conmy he stated that the Minister for Tourism Mr J O’Donoghue was not responsible for withholding of any grant money for this project.

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

For: Barrett, Conmy, Fleming, Gormley and Leonard.

Against: Baker, Barry, Bree, Cawley, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Higgins, Kilgannon, Lundy, McGarry, Queenan and Sherlock.

As a result was 5 for and 13 against the motion was defeated.

28. CLAR PROGRAMME:

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

"To ask the Director of Services what extra funding will Sligo County Council draw down in 2007 as a result of the significant changes to the CLAR Programme announced by Eamon O Cuiv Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SEO stated the following:

Some funding had been received this year and it is expected that further funding will be notified later in the year. He further stated that he would keep the members informed of any further funding.

29. INTEREST RATES THAT LICENSED MONEY LENDERS CAN CHARGE ITS CUSTOMERS:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Finance Mr. Brian Cowan to bring forward new legislation to control the interest rates that licensed money lenders can charge its customers".

30. TAKE IN CHARGE CHESTNUT COURT, STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO:

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

"That Sligo County Council take-in-charge Chestnut Court, Strandhill, Co. Sligo".

In Response Mr T. Kilfeather A/DOS stated the following:

The Council are currently processing an application by the Developer of Chestnut Court to have it taken in charge. This process will be completed shortly. A recommendation to take the estate in charge will be brought before the members as soon as the Council is satisfied that the development has been carried out to its satisfaction.

31. ROADWAY IN THE DUNES HOUSING ESTATE STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

"That funding be made available from the 2007 roads programme to upgrade the roadway in The Dunes housing estate Strandhill, Co. Sligo".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following:

This road will be considered for improvement under Class III local road improvement grant if funds are forthcoming from Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2007. The road in question requires upgrade.

32. STRANDHILL AIRPORT:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council, while welcoming the grant aid of €8.5 million for Strandhill Airport, requests the Government to provide the necessary additional funding to allow for the extension of the runway in a westerly direction".

33. HEALTH INSURANCE MARKET:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

"Competition in the Health Insurance market is vital for subscribers. Sligo County Council requests the Minister for Health to maintain that competition, by encouraging new companies like Bupa and others to market their products on a fair equitable basis".

34. BALLINACARROW SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT:

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

"The upgrade of Ballinacarrow sewerage treatment plant has been promised for some time, I am requesting the present position of plans, to commence work, and proposed date of completion".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following:

Ballinacarrow WwTw’s has been bundled with 3 other schemes (Mullaghmore, Ballygawley and Cliffoney WwTW’s) for procurement purposes. A Client’s Representative has appointed and meetings with Water Services Section are ongoing on a monthly basis. A Draft Preliminary Report is expected by end April and a finalised P.R by Summer. Subject to any required DEHLG approval the scheme can go to construction in 2008 and be operational if not by late 2008 then certainly by early 2009.

35. MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF ALL HOUSING:

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

"I am calling on Sligo County Council to put a system in place to support tenants in the maintenance and upkeep of all housing stock within the County".

In Response Ms Dorothy Clarke DOS stated the following:

The Housing Department are currently considering proposals for a settlement and tenancy support service in conjunction with the North West Simon Voluntary Housing Association. Such a service will encourage and support tenants to maintain and sustain a tenancy over and above what can be provided by the existing service but who do not require ongoing care. These initial proposals are for a one year pilot project with Leitrim County Council. Discussions are currently ongoing with North West Simon Association. It is expected that the vacant position of Estate Manager will be filled in the next month.

36. ATM MACHINE IN COOLANEY VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council call on the Financial Institutions in the Sligo area to provide Coolaney Village with an ATM Machine for the residents living in the area".

37. DUMPING BY LORRIES AND SKIPS ON FINISKLIN ROAD TO 1ST SEA ROAD:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

"That Sligo County Council investigate the unauthorised dumping by lorries and skips on Finisklin Road to 1st Sea Road and a full report be given to the Council about this matter".

In Response Mr T. Kilfeather A/DOS stated the following:

Following inspections by Sligo County Council of the waste activity taking place at the corner of Finisklin Road and the First Sea Road, a Legal Notice was served on both the owner and occupier of the site. This Notice required the cessation of the waste activity at the site. The waste has now been removed from the site and security fencing has been erected at the site entrance to prevent further unauthorized waste activity at this location.

In Reply to a query from Councillor D. Bree Mr J. McHugh SE stated that the waste collection company involved was licensed by Sligo County Council.

38 AND 39. CLOSURE OF RURAL POST OFFICES:

It was agreed items 38 and 39 be dealt with together:

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council calls on this Government to stop the closure of Rural Post Offices".

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

AND AGREED

"To call on the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to review the situation with regard to the closure of the rural Post Offices, and to call on this Council to oppose such a move".

40. BYE-LAWS AT THE PROMENADE STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

"That Sligo County Council introduce Bye-laws at the promenade Strandhill to regulate parking traffic management".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SEO stated the following:

The Council has prepared draft bye-laws for Strandhill and other seaside resorts. The draft bye-laws will be placed before the Area Committees at the next available opportunity for consideration in the first instance prior to publication.

Mr T. Carroll SE further informed the meeting that the placing of yellow lines at this location did not require Bye-Laws.

41. RESPOND HOUSING SCHEME:

It was agreed Item 41 and 58 be taken at this time:

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

"To ask the County Manager to provide an up to date report on the Respond Housing Scheme in Strandhill".

In Response Ms D. Clarke DOS stated the following:

At recent meetings where a report on this project was given, there were a number of issues that were giving rise to concern.

Safety hazard of a boundary wall that had been built on an adjoining site currently being developed.
The adjacent landowner (one whose land the dangerous structure is sited) is in the process of dismantling the structure. An inquiry has been lodged to the developer as to date of completion of works. No response has been received to date.
Access – Entrance/Exit onto Golf Course Road – to facilitate standard turnaround. Negotiations are in progress with the Board of Management of Strandhill Primary School and with a second landowner regarding the acquisition of two small portions of land required to facilitate a proper entrance from the site onto the Golf Course Road.
Planning permission obtained by Repsond for the development had expired at the end of March. It was agreed with them to resubmit for planning by way of Part 8. Respond are currently updating their designs.
The local primary school has written to the Council looking for piece of our site for the future expansion of the schools facilities. No specific requirements were included. A small area of ground on our site was zoned for community purposes in the Local Area Plan of Strandhill for this purpose.
Capacity of existing Sewerage Treatment Works in Strandhill to cater for further development. Planning condition imposed by An Bord Pleanala on recent major housing development planning applications that no house to be occupied until sewerage works are complete.
- The Water Services Section have confirmed that the provision of a new Sewerage Treatment Works is 1½ years away.
- Negotiations are currently in progress for an interim solution.

58. SPEED RAMPS AND ROAD MARKINGS AT STRANDHILL:

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

"To request an update on the provision of speed ramps and road markings at Strandhill National School, and to ask that, in the interests of road safety, Sligo County Council consider the provision of a roundabout at this location".

In Response Ms D. Clarke DOS stated:

That the marking of land requested by the school was merely a small triangle. Ms Clarke stated that the school never specified amount of land they needed for their future developments. And on the next submitted zoning the should specify amount of land needed. And that the roundabout at location was being dealt with by the Infrastructure department.

The County Manager informed the meeting that under the voluntary housing scheme tenants are unable to buy out their houses. He also stated that the Council should discuss with the Department of Education & Science, the Departments plans in relation to any future development for Strandhill National School.

After a discussion the following resolution was agreed:

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

AND AGREED

"That representatives of the Respond Housing Association be asked to attend the next Strandhill Area Meeting of the Council to discuss the Proposed Respond Housing Development In Strandhill".

47. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON THE N59:

It was agreed by the meeting that Item 47 be taken at this time:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

"That this Council provide a pedestrian crossing on the N59 in the village of Dromore West from the Housing Estates/Retail Complex to the Community Centre in the interests of road safety".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SEO stated the following:

A pedestrian crossing on N59 is proposed as part of the development along the south side of the N59.

43. FOOTPATHS AND TRAFFIC CALMING IN RATHSCANLON:

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

"Residents in the Townland of Rathscanlon request that footpaths and traffic calming measures including a reduction of present speed limit to 80km be provided on the N.17 to promote road safety for pedestrians, motorists and residents".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SEO stated the following:

A sum of €25,000 has been provided by NRA to complete Traffic Calming Scheme on N17 at Rathscanlon which commenced in 2006. These works include for the construction of a new boundary wall and footpath including public lighting along N17 to Lovers Lane. There are no proposals to introduce a Special Speed Limit along this rural section of National Primary route N.17.

In Response to a query from Cllr M. Gormley, Mr S. Concannon DOS stated that the E.I.S and C.P.O documents in relation to the N17 Tubbercurry By Pass would be sent to the National Roads Authority within days.

44. SUMMER WORKS SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

"To request the Minister responsible to re-introduce the summer works scheme for students".

45. PAY AND WORKING HOURS FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council Supports the nurses and midwives, members of INO and PNA, in their efforts to obtain equity in pay and working hours with other health professionals. This Council calls on the Minister of Health and Children to immediately take all necessary actions to see that the nurses genuine grievances are addressed to their satisfaction".

46. SEWERAGE TREATEMENT PLANT IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

"To ask the Director of Services for the up-date position on the upgrade of the sewerage treatment plant in Tubbercurry. When is expected work will commence?".

In Response Mr K. Larkin stated the following:

A Client’s Representative has been appointed to develop the contract Documents for this scheme. It is bundled together with Strandhill and Grange WwTW’s. The programme, as it is envisaged at present, is that the contract will go to tender by end of current year. The contract will be awarded and the design/construction phase will begin early in 2008 and project will be operational by late 2008.

In Reply to a query in relation to the requirement of the E.P.A regarding this scheme the County Manager informed the meeting that there were procurement problems with some of the works the E.P.A require the Council to undertake. He also informed the members that the scheme was with the D.O.E.H and L.G for approval for over two years.

48. WESTERN RAIL CORRIDOR:

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council calls on whoever forms the next Government that they commit to the re-opening of the entire Western Rail Corridor to Sligo in the lifetime of the next Government and that we write to each of the party leaders seeking this commitment".

49. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE GROUP WATER SUPPLIES IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

"To ask the County Manager to provide this Council with a full report on the condition of all public and private group water supplies in County Sligo in relation to how these schemes conforms to EU law and standards on e. coli. In particular such report must address the concerns expressed by the EU Commission which states that a large amount of private water schemes in Co. Sligo breached the EU’s e.coli standards in 2005".

In Response Mr. K. Larkin stated the following:

This Notice of Motion relates to 2 distinct categories of GWS scheme.

With regard to the schemes supplied form public mains all water is the same standard and quality as that supplied to ordinary consumers off the public mains. These waters are constantly monitored at source i.e. at the treatment works and along the lines on consumption in accordance with EC (Drinking Water) Regs. 2000 now replaced by EC (Drinking Water) Regs. 2007.

The EPA publishes an annual report on the quality of drinking water in Ireland.

The 2005 Report says:

Overall rate of compliance was above the national average.
Compliance with the chemical parametric values was good in all supply categories.
Compliance with microbiological parameters was excellent in the public water supplies and the the public group schemes: it was poor in the private group water schemes in 2005.
There were no incidents of e coli contamination of public water supplies or public group water schemes in 2005.

The EPA Report for 2005 again states that ‘Although the majority of private group water schemes were supplying very poor quality drinking water in 2005 it is anticipated that this situation should shortly be resolved, as 11 new treatment works were completed and brought into service in 2006, which should resolve the quality deficiencies in private group water schemes in Sligo in future.

March: 1No
May: 2No
June: 4No
July: 1No
August: 2No
Sept: 1No

Discussions are ongoing with a view to connecting a 12th scheme (Doongeela) into the Geevagh/Highwood Scheme. There is a final 13th scheme (Carrownadargney) which opted out of the South East/bundle and we are examining ways that it might be supplied from another GWSS. In addition in the recent past

Grant aid was provided to upgrade Ballygawley GWSS before connection to the Sligo and Environs public supply
Dromore West GWSS was upgraded before being connected to the Lough Easkey public supply.
Ballintogher GWSS was upgraded before being connected to the Sligo and Environs public supply.

As such the quality of water in public and private GWS Schemes can be seen to have greatly improved since 2005, to the extent that 2005 statistics are no longer valid. Water services personnel have worked very hard to help to bring this situation about.

In response to a query from Cllr S. MacManus, Mr K. Larkin SE agreed to prepare a report for a future meeting on any private schemes still lacking treatment. The County Manager informed the meeting that a recent statutory instrument issued by the D.O.E.H & L.G made local authorities the regulatory authority for all private group schemes and that he would also report to a future meeting of the council on this matter. He also stated that our main concentration was to provide a good quality water supply and that in doing so and in implementing the various regulations it all added to the cost of production.

It was agreed that Items 50 – 57, 59 – 65 be adjourned to the May meeting.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Geraghty family on the death of Hugh".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Anne and Paddy Joe Scott on the death of their mother and mother in law, Mrs Maisie Gilmartin".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Liz Feeney and Tommy Sweeney on the death of Kathleen Sweeney".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Kilgallen and the Leonard family on the death of Paul".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sheila Flynn on the death of her husband, Tommy Joe Flynn".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael James Keenan on the death of his mother, Annie".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jerome Tansey on the death his mother, Lily".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Carol Kivlehan on the death of her mother, Kathleen Walsh".

Proposed by P. McGrath
Seconded by G. Murray

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Queenan and family on the death of his brother, Frank".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eileen Kelly on the death of her mother, Delia Higgins".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Ryan on the death of her brother, Martin Neville".

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kevin Walsh on the death of his mother, Vera”.

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerard Harrington on the death of his mother, Mary".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Josie Benson and family on the death of her son, Michael".

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

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Patsy Harte on the death of her husband, John".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Collette Noone on the death of Henry Nangle".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Una Sheerin on the death of her mother, Mary".

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brid Tobin on the death of her aunt, Kate Ann Tobin".

CONFERENCES

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

AND AGREED

"That Councillor A. Higgins, S. Kilgannon, P. Barry and Jude Devins be nominated to attend the Lama Spring Conference in Killarney on the 12th -13th April 2007".

CORRESPONDANCE:

All Correspondence was noted.
1. Letter dated 26 March 2007 form the Health Service Executive, regarding car park at Sligo General Hospital.
2. Letter dated 27 March 2007 from the Health Service Executive, regarding sexual assault units in Letterkenny.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT MEETING:

List of forthcoming Conference

The Meeting ended at 5.50pm

Meeting Date 02/04/2007