Minutes 2007

Minutes of the January Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 22nd of January in the County Hall, Council Chamber, Riverside at 11.00am

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Ms D. Clarke, A/County Manager
Mr T. Kilfeather, A/Director of Services
Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
Mr D. Breen, Acting Director of Services
Ms J. Burns, Senior Staff Officer
Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr J. Murphy, SEO
Mr. M. Lydon, A/Head of Finance
Mr J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer
Ms D. Finnerty, A/Senior Executive Officer
Mr C. McNamara, Staff Officer
Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer
Mr F. Mac Nabb, Administrative Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. McGarry presided.

1) MINUTES OF SPC3 MEETING;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the SPC3 Meeting held on the 16th February 2006”.

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

AND AGREED

“That we will ask that the Chairman suspend standing orders to discuss the recent leaked document regards the National Cancer Plan and Radiotherapy for North West”

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council request a meeting as a matter of urgency on a deputation to meet the Minister for Health to advance the provision of satellite radiotherapy facilities in the North West”.

2) MINUTES OF SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy/McGowan

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 3rd April 2006”.

3) MINUTES OF SPC3 MEETING

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of SPC3 Meeting held on the 31st May 2006”.

4) MINUTES OF SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy/McGowan

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 12th June 2006”.

5) MINUTES OF SPC3 MEETING;

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor J. Sherlock

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the SPC3 Meeting held on the 29th August 2006”.

6) MINUTES OF SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy/McGowan

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Sligo/Standhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 4th September 2006”.

7) MINUTES OF SLIGODRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING;

Proposed by S. Kilgannon
Seconded by I. Fox

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Sligo-Drumcliffe Area Meeting held on 18th September 2006”.

8) MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 7th November 2006”.

9) MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on 16th November 2006”.

10) MINUTES OF SLIGODRUMCLIFFE MEETING;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Sligo-Drumcliffe Area Meeting on 20th November 2006”.

11) MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on the 11th December 2006”.

12) SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 – CARROWHUBBOCK SOUTH, ENNISCRONE TO ENNISCRONE LEISURE CENTRE;

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the lease of 1.5692 hectares of land at Carrowhubbock South, Enniscrone to Enniscrone Leisure Ltd. For a period of 99 years at a rent of €1.00 per year”.

13) SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 – 20 MILLVIEW PARK, BALLISODARE, CO. SLIGO;

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at 20 Millview Park, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo to Karen Kerins”.

15) INADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY AT KNOCKNASHAMMER, GURTEEN;

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

“That I will ask the Director of Services why two residents of Knocknashammer Gurteen have been left with an inadequate water supply for over two years”.

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

The Council had been aware of a supply deficit in one house in this locality but the deficit is probably due to a leak on the customer’s side of the supply. The owners of the house are to be informed of their own responsibility in the matter. As to the 2nd supply deficit this only came to the attention of water services staff on foot of Cllr Murray’s Notice of Motion and the plumber will call to that house very soon to find a resolution to the problem”.

16) WATER CHARGES AND WATER METERING COSTS

“This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting”.

17) PLAYGROUNDS, FOOTBALL PITCHES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN ROSSES POINT SLIGO;

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“That Sligo County Council be provided with a report form the Director of Services on what plans are envisaged for the development of playgrounds, football pitches and community facilities in Rosses Point Sligo”.

In response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated the following;

There are no plans, at present, for the development of such facilities in Rosses Point. However, the Council would like to support the local community in drawing up any such plans”.

14) PRESENTATION BY ESB;

Presentation by Mr. Adrian Walsh, Area Manager, ESB Sligo/Ballina.

Mr Adrian Walsh of the ESB addressed the members in relation to the work programme of the ESB and the changes in the way that this work is being carried out. He covered areas such as the Restructured Electricity Industry, ESB Networks within the Industry, Communications, New Connection Issues, and Infrastructure Update. He then answered queries in relation to;

Connection process
Wind farms
Interphase policy
Removal of poles

18) BILLBOARDS ERECTED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY;

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
“That the County Manager indicate to the Council what is the position in relation to billboards erected throughout the County”.

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

In relation to exempted advertisements, the various classes are set out in Schedule 2, Part 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. While there are various different classes of advertisements set out it is considered that Billboards could not be included within any of the exempted classes for the following reasons –

They are not erected on premises in order to advertise the actual activity / services / goods etc carried on within the premises
They are generally visible from outside the location of their erection
They do not come within the other special exempted types of advertisements such as cultural, religious, sporting events etc.

Therefore any new Billboards erected would be considered unauthorised. There are numerous examples of existing Billboards throughout the county which may well be unauthorised. Having regard to the length of time these would have been in place however I would feel there would be great difficulty trying to have these removed through enforcement action.

20) RIGHT TURNING LAND ON THE N.15 AT CASHELGARRON TO BENBULBEN LODGE NURSING HOME;

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

“To ask the National Roads Authority in the interest of road safety to provide a right turning lane on the N15 at Cashelgarron to Benbulben Lodge Nursing Home”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The number of right turning movements at this location does not warrant the provision of a dedicated stacking lane at the present time. The Road Department will continue to monitor traffic movements at this location.

21) IMPROVEMENT-IN-LIEU GRANTS IN 2006 AND ESSENTIAL REPAIRS GRANTS IN 2006;

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

“To ask the Director of Services to report on;

The number of applications submitted for improvement-in-Lieu Grants in 2006 and number approved in the past year.
The number of applications for Essential Repairs Grants in 2006 and number approved in the past year.

Improvement Works in Lieu

Number of applications received to date in 2006 - 17
Number of applications approved to date in 2006 - 15

Essential Repairs Grants

Number of applications received to date in 2006 - 49
Number of applications approved to date in 2006 - 31

19) PLAYGROUND IN COLLOONEY;

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That I will ask Sligo County Council for an update regarding the current position of playground in Collooney”.

In Response Mr D. Breen A/DOS stated the following;

Mr Breen advised the meeting that there were ongoing discussions with officials in the Community and Enterprise Development and the local playground committee. He confirmed that officials would continue to work closely with the committee and advance this project. Following a discussion it was agreed that Collooney be dealt with as a priority in terms of the provision of a playground given the needs of the town and the facilities that have already been provided in other towns throughout the County.

22) EXTENSION OF CORRIB NATIONAL GAS PIPE LINE;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council demands An Bord Gais and Ministers in the present Government to extend the Corrib National gas pipe line to service major towns and population centres in County Sligo”.

23) FUNDS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND RE-ALIGNMENT OF REGIONAL ROAD R294 IN 2007;

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

“To request the Minister for the Environment to provide funds for the improvement and re-alignment of regional road R294 in 2007”

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Proposals for Improvement Works on Regional Road R294 at Mullaghroe were recently submitted to D.O.E.H.L.G. for funding under the EU Co-fin Specific Improvement Grant Scheme. This will facilitate the continuation of the realignment of this sub-standard section of Regional Road.

52) ST BRIGIDS HALL COMMITTEE TOBERCURRY;

It was agreed by the meeting that Item 52 be dealt with at this time;

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

“St Brigids Hall Committee Tobercurry have received grant aid of €200,000 to carry out restoration works before April 6th. I propose that Sligo County Council allocate funding to provide cash flow finance subject to a maximum of 50% of the contract price, the expected duration being 4 months”

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide bridging finance to St. Brigid’s hall committee, Tubbercurry pending the receipt of grant in accordance with Section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001”.

24) SIDECLEAN ROADS AND OPEN UP WATER TABLES;

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

“That this Council undertakes to sideclean roads, and open up water tables in the interest of safety”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Sligo County Council staff will continue the essential maintenance of road network in the county by sidecleaning of roads, opening of inlets and cleaning of watercourse. These works will help consolidate the considerable investment in our roads network undertake over the past number of years.

25) BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR 2007;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council welcomes a budget estimates for 2007 presented by Minister Brian Cowen. It set out a reasonable response to the needs of people without jeopardising the economic success of the Country”.

26) LEVEL OF MONITORING OF RADON IN NEW HOUSES;

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

"That the Council be provided with a report outlining the level of monitoring of radon reducing measures in new houses constructed since July 1998, given that the 1997 Building Regulations specify that all new houses built since 1st July 1998 must be fitted with inactive radon sump and for houses in high radon areas the installation of a radon barrier as well as a sump is required".

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

The Building Control System in this country is a self regulatory system in that a suitably qualified person usually an architect or engineer with indemnity insurance must certify that individual houses comply with the Building Regulations, this includes Radon Prevention which is covered by Part C of these regulations.

The requirement of the DOELG is that the Building Control Authority carry out 12 - 15% inspections of all Commencement Notices submitted. Sligo County Council are currently substantially exceeding these requirements. As part of our inspection - depending on the stage the development under inspection is at - we look for the provision of adequate radon prevention measures as required by the regulations. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to enforcement action by SCC. However we have found that in general, discussion with the people involved leads to a satisfactory solution.

Although the provision of a radon barrier is not mandatory in certain parts of Sligo – mainly North Sligo which according to maps published by the RPII falls below the National Reference Level, we advise all developers to install the appropriate radon barriers along with the sump in these areas as well as throughout the rest of the county.

Sligo County Council have no role in the monitoring of Radon in existing houses, this area is covered by the RPII - Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. Monitoring kits and advice can be sourced from this body.

27) RADON MONITORING;

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

"To ask the County Manager

to indicate the level of monitoring carried out on the Council’s housing stock to identify radon levels,
when it is expected that radon measurements will be completed in all of the Councils housing stock,
the number of houses where remedial action has been taken to reduce radon levels and
to indicate the level of funding provided by the

Department of the Environment to assist in covering the cost of monitoring and reducing radon levels in the Councils housing stock."

In Response Ms D. Clarke DOS stated the following;

All Local Authority Housing built since July 1st 1998 is fitted with radon barriers and sumps in line with the 1997 Building Regulations. No monitoring or remedial works taken place with regard to radon levels in the Local Authority housing stock. There is no financial assistance available from the Department of Environment for carrying out such works. The Minister for the Environment however, has indicated that radon levels will be monitored as part of an audit of Local Authority Housing due to take place in 2007.

61) REMOVE POLES AT BALLYMOONEE, CORBALLA;

It was agreed by the meeting that Item 61 be dealt with at this time;

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

AND AGREED

"That I will ask the County Council to request Eircom to remove the poles at Ballymooneen, Corballa as ducting is already in place so the Council can remove dangerous bend".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Following the passing of a resolution Sligo County Council will request Eircom to have these poles removed”.

28) FOOTPATH FROM TUBBERCURRY TO RATHSCANLON ALONG THE N17;

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

“To request the provision of a footpath from Tubbercurry to Rathscanlon along the N17, and to request funding to improve the N17 from Rhue to Tubbercurry”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

A sum of €25,000 has been secured from the NRA under National Primary Traffic Calming Scheme 2007 to undertake improvements at this location and a sum of €525,000 has also been secured under Pavement and Minor Improvement Works. It is proposed to include these works as part of the above schemes.

29) LOUGH TALT REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEME;

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

"I will ask for a report on when work might start on the Lough Talt Regional Water supply scheme and the estimated cost of this work".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

A Clients Representative has been appointed, subject to successful fee negotiation, to the Loch Talt RWSS project. The duties include the examination of the Source for adequacy, the examination of possible alternative sources, development proposals for a new treatment works and the examination of the feasibility of extending the supply into South Sligo. The estimated cost of the scheme at present is €10.0M and it is intended that construction will begin in 2008”.

30) TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS ON THE N15 AT MILLTOWN;

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

"To ask Director of Services roads to carry out a study of traffic movements on the N15 at Milltown with a view to improve safety at the businesses located there".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

In 2003 a low cost accident reduction scheme was undertaken at Milltown crossroads, the junction of local roads L3402, L34022 and National Primary road N15. This project included the provision of right turning or stacking lanes for traffic turning onto both local roads and the construction of Traffic Route Lighting at this location. These measures have improved the safety of all road-users at this location including customers of business’ situated in the Old Creamery. There are no proposals to undertake any further works at this location. A new preferred route for realignment of N15 was adopted by members of Sligo County Council in February, 2006. Completion of this project would remove the majority of traffic volumes from this junction”.

31) UPGRADING OF THE OLD BUNDORAN ROAD FROM RATHBRAUGHAN BRIDGE TO THE NEW BUNDORAN ROAD;

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

"That funding be sought from the Department of the Environment for the upgrading of the Old Bundoran Road from Rathbraughan Bridge to the New Bundoran Road. To bring the road up to standard to accommodate the expected increase in traffic volumes from the development of lands in the area and the high number of new homes that will be built.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

It is proposed through a combination of both planning conditions and planning contributions to upgrade local road L3410 at Rathbraughan/Shannon. These improvements will include the realignment of existing rout and the provision of public footpaths and lighting.

32) CONFLICT MEDIATORS;

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council calls on the Department of Justice to appoint conflict mediators at national level that can be called on to mediate in conflict situations in towns through out the Country. Further that if this motion is adopted that it should be sent to all County Councils in the Country.

34) ROCKFIELD MANOR ESTATE;

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

"What steps are the Council taking to have the works at Rockfield Manor Estate completed by the developer"

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

The development consists of 36 no houses granted permission under PL 00/1093 and PL 02/759. In the course of our work, the estate was inspected by an Official from Sligo County Council in April 2006 following which, Warning Letters were sent to the developers in respect of non-compliance with a number of conditions of both planning permissions. A submission was received from the developer and a further inspection was carried out in July 2006 following which the developers were written to and asked to indicate a date when the common area work would be completed.

No response was received. Enforcement Notices were then issued to the Developer on the 31st of August 2006 for failure to comply with a number of conditions of the above-mentioned planning permissions. The estate was re-inspected on the 31st of October 2006 and the Developer was subsequently written to and informed of the outstanding items that had to be addressed in order to complete the estate to the satisfaction of the Council. The letter also required a response in writing by the 17th of November 2006. As no response has been received the developer was written to on the 6th of December 2006 and advised that the Council has written to the surety to drawn down the Bond in order to ensure the satisfactory completion of the estate. In addition, a file was prepared and referred to the Council’s law agent to initiate legal proceedings for failure to comply with Enforcement Notices which issued in August 2006.

A meeting was subsequently held with the Developer on the 4th of January 2007 to try and resolve the outstanding issues. A submission is currently awaited. In the interim, a stay has been placed on the draw down of the bond and on the legal proceedings.

35) BUS SHELTER IN TUBBERCURRY;

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council calls on Bus Eireann to provide a bus shelter in Tubbercurry".

46) I.D.A IRELAND;

It was agreed by the meeting that Item 46 be taken at this time;

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council invite the regional manager of I.D.A Ireland to a meeting of this Council to hear what plans I.D.A have for the creation of new jobs in 2007 in Sligo and how this local authority can support the I.D.A Ireland in the creation of new job in this gateway city".

33) PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN VARIOUS TOWNS AND VILLAGES;

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

"To ask the Director of Services when will the report on the provision of pedestrian crossings in the various towns and villages of Sligo be completed".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Work is continuing on the surveying and completion of designs for the introduction of Traffic Management plans for the towns and villages of County Sligo. These plans will provide a template for the introduction of traffic calming measures, footpath improvements including public lighting, and where required pedestrian crossings. These improvements will be introduced under various schemes included in the Roadworks Programme, on a phased basis and subject to funding of NRA and DOEHLG.

36) WEEKEND ROSTER FOR A PANEL OF PLUMBERS;

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

"To ask Sligo County Council when we intend to put in place weekend roster for a panel of plumbers to take care of our water supplies at the most demanding time"

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

If there is a water supply problem in any area at weekends the caretakers for the specific area are the first to be notified. Their telephone numbers are available on the County Council website and in the phone directory. If they require assistance they call an engineer or a technician who in turn may call on the services of a plumber if required. Caretakers are paid a weekend allowance; plumbers are paid normal overtime rates if called out, while engineers and technicians are not paid overtime or allowances. The Council is dependant to some considerable degree on their loyalty and good-will. The question of setting up a roster for weekend call-out is currently under consideration but no definitive decisions have been made yet on this matter. If arranged it will allow for call-out of plumbers and plumbers assistants on a roster basis. The basis for any agreement to be arrived at will be the National Agreement arrived at earlier this year. The terms and the associated costs of implementing such a system will from the basis of a report to compiled and presented to management for consideration.

37) IMPROVE SIGHTLINES ON THE JUNCTION OF L5902-1 AND L1906;

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

"To call on Sligo County Council to improve sightlines on the junction of L5902-1 and L1906 at Kilmactranny”.

In response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

This matter can be considered when the draft Roadworks Scheme is being formulated at local area meeting.

38) SEWERAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN BALLINTOGHER, BALLYGAWLEY, CASTLBALDWIN AND BALLINAFAD;

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

"To ask the Director of Services for a update on how he intends to address the inadequacies in sewerage treatment facilities in

Ballintogher
Ballygawley
Castlebaldwin
Ballinafad".

In Response Mr K. Larkin SE stated the following;

Of the 4 facilities referred to the situation is as follows;

Ballintogher
We have proposals from a private developer to upgrade the WwTW to 1500 P.E. This can be done initially on a temporary basis to accommodate development as required by a planning condition. Negotiations in this regard are ongoing.
Ballygawley
Bundled with 3 other schemes for development of Contract Documents and for procurement. A Clients Representative has been agreed (subject to successful Fee negotiation) to forward this scheme. A Preliminary Report is due in 1st half of 2007. The fee has been negotiated and now with the Department for Environment for approval.
Castlebaldwin
Proposals from developer has indicated that he wishes to build a temporary plant pending the construction of the permanent one. Negotiations are ongoing in this regard.
Ballinafad
Upgrade of WwTW included in Small Schemes Programme 2006. Work to commence early in 2007. It is anticipated that the plant will treat up to 450 PE: construction work will be done partly by direct labour, but process units will be provided by specialists, the contracted to be awarded on foot of competitive tender.

39) TARMACADAM PLANT AT AUGHAMORE, CARRAROE;

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

"That Sligo County Council be provided with a full report on the up-to-date position in regard to the planning status of the tarmacadam plant at Aughamore, Carraroe".

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

A tarmacadam plant was constructed during 2006 at the above location. It was the view of the Planning Authority that the development required planning permission, and was thereby unauthorised. A number of meetings and discussion took place with the developers during the first half of 2006, as it was their view that the development was exempt and did not require planning permission. The developers were asked to provide evidence to satisfy the Council that it was exempt. When this was not provided, legal proceeding for unauthorised development were instigated by the Council. The court case was fixed for 9/11/06, and has been adjourned on 2 occasions at the request of the developer. The case is to come before the court again ion 1/2/07.

40) AREA MANAGER OF BUS EIREANN;

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council extends its congratulations to the Area Manager of Bus Eireann, Mr Rory Leahy, and his staff, on their initiative in providing a new weekend late-night bus service over the Christmas period, linking Strandhill, Rosses Point, Collooney and Ballisodare with Sligo, and further, this Council requests Bus Eireann to retain the "Nightrider" service as a permanent component of its local network".

41) BUILDING REGULATIONS AT COUNTY HALL;

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

"To ask the County Manager if a commencement notice was issued indicting that this Council proposed to comply with the building regulations when the new County Hall was being constructed and to ask if an official from the Council recently stated at a meeting of the Disability Consultative Committee that the County Hall does not comply with the Building Regulations, and to ask the Manager to provide a report on the matter".

In Response Ms D. Clare DOS stated the following;

With reference to Commencement Notice Sligo County Council issued a Commencement Notice on 29th March 1999. The developments of County Hall complied with Part M of the building Regulations relating to access for people with disabilities. Recent works were carried out on foot on application made to Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and provide for enhanced access for people with disabilities. This is part of Sligo County Councils ongoing commitment to improve access to all public places under its control. The Council views Part M of the Building Regulations as being the minimum requirements and in the construction of new facilities, every effort is made to provide for enhances service provision through ongoing improvements to access. The Council is unaware of any statement by an Official indicating that County Hall failed to comply with Part M of Building Regulations. Indeed at a recent meeting of the Disability Consultative Committee the members welcomed additional works being carried out on a number of buildings including County Hall.

Cllr D. Bree asked for documentation in relation to this be made available.

42) DIRECTION SIGNS FOR ENNISCRONE WEST SLIGO OFF N4 AT COLLOONEY ROUNDABOUT AND VILLAGE SIGNS AT RATHLEE, KILGLASS AND QUIGBAR;

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

"To ask the Director of Services for roads to review directions signs and village signs as follows;

Direction sign for Enniscrone West Sligo off N4 at Collooney roundabout
Village signs at Rathlee, Kilglass and Quigbar.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

A previous request to NRA for signage as described was refused on the following grounds. The existing signed interchange at Ballydrehid deemed to be adequate. The natural secondary route N.59 provides direct linkage to N4 dual carriageway at this junction. Provision of signage at Collooney junction would result in increased traffic flows through town of Collooney which is expanding rapidly at the moment. There would be a consequent increase in danger to pupils attending national school and other residents of Collooney town.
The village signs at Rathlee, Kilglass and Quigbar will be reviewed as part of 2007 Roadworks Programme.

43) PULLAHEENEY A PRIORITY FOR THE COASTAL EROSION FUND 2007;

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

"To ask the Director of Services to make Pullaheeney a priority for the Coastal erosion fund 2007”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The project to protect local road L6407-11 in Rathlee is included as a scheme in Coastal Protection programme submitted by Sligo County Council to the Department of Marine and Natural Resources at an estimated cost of €170,000. A scheme to replace the bridge on access road to Pullaheeney Harbour has been submitted to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for funding in the current year at an estimated cost of €265,000. Application has been successful. These were two of the main recommendations included in Pullaheeney Coastal Investigation and Feasibility Study undertaken by Marine Consultation Kirk McClure Morton in June 2002.

44) DEFERRED

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

45) DEFERRED

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

47) FOOTPATH BETWEEN BALLISODARE AND COLLOONEY ON THE OLD N4 AND ERECT LIGHTING OVER IT;

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

"To call on Sligo County Council to continue the footpath between Ballisodare and Collooney on the old N4 and erect lighting over it”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

230 linear metres of footpath along Regional Road R290 between Ballysadare and Colloney will be completed in the current year at an estimated cost of €35,000.

Provision has been made for the public lighting of same.

48) BALLINDOON GRAVEYARD;

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

"To call on Sligo County Council to improve access road to Ballindoon graveyard".

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The access road to Ballindoon graveyard is not a public road. However, this road may be considered for improvement under a Local Improvement Scheme.

49) SUBSIDY TO PRIVATE WATER SCHEMES;

It was agreed Item 49 and 59 be taken at this time;

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

AND AGREED

"To call on the Department of Environment to increase the subsidy to private water schemes, to allow them to give a greater allocation of water to domestic households".

59) GRANT TO FARMERS FOR HARVESTING RAIN WATER;

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

AND AGREED

"That this Council request the Minister for the Environment to provide a grant to farmers for harvesting rain water".

50) IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AT GURTEEN CROSS;

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

"That this Council provide funding in the current year to improve road safety at Gurteen Cross".

In Response Mr T. Carroll stated the following;

A scheme to improve road safety at Gurteen Cross will be included in the 2007 Draft Roadworks Scheme for consideration by the members.

51) TRAFFIC WARDEN AT SCOIL MHUIRE GAN SMAL BALLYMOTE (PRIMARY SCHOOL);

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

"I will ask the County Manager to provide a traffic warden at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Ballymote (primary school)".

In Response Mr T. Carroll stated the following;

There is no provision in the estimates for the provision of a traffic warden in the town of Ballymote.