Minutes 2008

Minutes of the November Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 3rd November 2008 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am


MEMBERS PRESENT: 

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr D. Breen, Director of Services
  • Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr P. Hampson, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. Moylan, Acting Senior Planner
  • Mr M. Ryan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr P. Doyle, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr M. Carty, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms D. McDonagh, Acting Administrative Officer
  • Ms P. Bergin, Executive Scientist
  • Ms E. Garvin, Administrative Officer
  • Ms F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
  • Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Devins presided.

The Cathaoirleach advised the members he was circulating notification dated 22nd October 2008 under the Local Government Acts setting out the County Manager’s decisions to extend his term of office from seven to ten years.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Councillor Joe Queenan on the death of his uncle, Fr Tom Kenny”.

1. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON THE 6TH OCTOBER 2008; 

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the October Ordinary Meeting held on the 6th October 2008” 

2. MINUTES OF THE SPC1 MEETING HELD ON THE 17TH JULY 2008; 

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the SPC1 meeting held on the 17th July 2008”. 

3. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS 2001 THE PROVISION OF A DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING, SEPTIC TANKS AND PERCOLATION AREAS AND ALL ASSOCIATED WORKS AT SESSUEGARRY TD, CLOONACOOL, CASTLEROCK, ACLARE AND BALLYFARNEY, CULLEENS, CO. SLIGO;

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

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: -

  • Provision of a demountable dwelling, septic tank and percolation area, and all associated site development works at Sessuegarry Td., Cloonacool, Co. Sligo (report attached).
  • Provision of a demountable dwelling, septic tank, percolation area and all associated site development works at Castlerock, Aclare, Co. Sligo (report attached).
  • Provision of a demountable dwelling, septic tank and percolation area, and all associated site development works at Ballyfarney, Culleens, Co. Sligo

4. NEW SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE AREA OFFICE IN CLONTYPROKLIS, GRANGE, CO. SLIGO; 

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

AND AGREED

“To approve proposal to erect new Sligo Drumcliff Area Office in Clonntyproklis, Grange Co Sligo and notice under Local Government (Planning and Development Act) 2000 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 Part 8”. 

5. FÁILTE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING; 

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

AND AGREED

“To approve report on Fáilte Ireland Tourism Infrastructure Funding”

6. SLIGO LOCAL AUTHORITIES PLAY POLICY 2008 – 2011;  

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

AND AGREED

“To approve the Sligo Local Authorities Play Policy 2008 – 2011”.

7. HOUSING GRANT SCHEMES; 

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

AND AGREED

“To Adopt The Proposals For Prioritising Applications for the Housing Grant Schemes”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“In relation to mobility aids grants, that preference be given to applicants who can produce medical evidence of their needs, for financial support”.

The members requested that a detailed report in relation to this Item be circulated.

8. TAKING IN CHARGE OF WHITESIDE ESTATE, COLLOONEY AND KNOCKNAREA VIEW, STRANDHILL;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council Take in Charge “Knocknarea View, Strandhill, Co. Sligo”.

“That Sligo County Council Take in Charge “Whitesides Estate”, Barrack Road, Collooney, Co. Sligo”.

9. TAKING IN CHARGE OF CASTLE COVE ESTATE, BARRACK ROAD, COLLOONEY, SLIGO; 

Proposed by Councillor J. Sherlock
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the estate known as “Castle Cove, Estate” Barrack Road, Collooney Co. Sligo, by initiating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development”. 

10. OPERATION OF JOINT POLICING COMMITTEES IN LOCAL AUTHORITY AREAS AND INTENTION TO ESTABLISH A COMMITTEE; 

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

AND AGREED

“To note Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Joint Policing Committees in all Local Authority areas and intention to establish a committee in Sligo County Council”.

It was agreed that party whips meet to put forward nominations

11. NEW LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSE PURCHASE LOAN KNOWN AS HOME CHOICE LOAN; 

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“To Note The Introduction of A New Local Authority House Purchase Loan Known As Home Choice Loan”

12. KILSELLAGH WATER TREATMENT PLANT; 

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

AND AGREED

“To note the report on the Kilsellagh Water Treatment Plant

13. FIX A DATE FOR A SPECIAL MEETING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED DRAFT SLIGO AND ENVIRONS 2010 – 2016 DEVELOPMENT PLAN; 

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

AND AGREED

“That the date for the Special Meeting be fixed for the 17th November 2008”.

14. PRESENTATION BY MR PATRICK CANNEY, PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR ON THE PREPARATION AND MAKING OF A RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLAN;

A Presentation was made by Mr Patrick Canney, Project Co-ordinator on the preparation and making of a River Basin Management Plan for the Western River Basin District.

15. TAKE IN CHARGE THE ESTATE OCEAN LINKS, STRANDHILL;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

16. COMBAT SPEED ON THE HOLY WELL ROAD, THE CARROWROE CUILBEG ROAD 287 AND R292 FROM BALLYDREHID TO RANSBORO;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

17. GRANTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED; 

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

“I propose that Sligo County Council use their €100,000 surplus in the 2008 budget for back up to department grants for the elderly and disabled.  This to be used to raise a loan of €900,000 to assist with the already committed monies of (€300,000 and €564,000), to give a total expenditure for 2008 by Sligo County Council of €1,760,00”.

In Response Ms D. Clarke DOS stated the following;

The current situation regarding the grants schemes is as follows:

Allocation from Department €491,790

 NumberAmount
Grants paid to date in 2008 120 €563,256
 Commitments remaining (approved grants) 41  €208,212


Grant applications on hand

    
Inspected but not approved 109 €648,092
Not yet inspected  156 Not available

Sligo County Council was advised via circular letter dated 18 September 2008 of a supplementary allocation of €300,000 (not including local authority’s own contribution).  €193,567 of this allocation is required to cover remaining commitments, therefore, €106,433 is available to fund additional grant approvals which, when including the Council’s 20% contribution, increases to €133,041.

I would not recommend the raising of a loan for a number of reasons

  • Approval from the Department for such a loan may not be forthcoming particularly in the  current economic climate.
  • The Council is currently carrying loan repayments of approximately €34,000 per annum for a period of 20 years in respect of a loan of €600,000 raised in 2002 to clear a back-log of grants at the time.
  • The raising of a loan would result in the Council incurring the cost of 100% of the grants awarded, instead of only 20% as is the normal practice.
  • A loan of €1 m would only cover the grants on hand.  Consideration should be given to future years where funding may not be significant and how grants are to be financed on a long-term basis.
  • There may be audit concerns attached to borrowings of this nature i.e. borrowing to cover current expenditure.

After a discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed to seek €900,000 loan approval from the Department of Environment to assist with current and ongoing applications for grant assistance for our elderly and disabled people within County Sligo”.

18. FARM WASTE MANAGEMENT SCHEME:  

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Brendan Smith to extend the completion day for work, approved under the farm waste management scheme for six months until 30th June 2009”.

It was agreed that this motion be circulated to all Local Authorities.


19.  ROLE OUT OF BREAST CHECK IN COUNTY SLIGO; 

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

20. CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGETS; 

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

21.  HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN AT STRANDHILL NATIONAL SCHOOL; 

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

22. CONTRIBUTE €5000 TO THE TIRERAGH BRANCH OF CEOLTAS CEOLTÓIRÍ ÉIREANN;

It was agreed that items 22 and 34 be taken at this time.

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

“That this Council contribute €5000 to the Tireragh Branch of Ceoltas Ceoltóirí Éireann towards the running costs of the County Sligo Fleadh Ceol which will be held in Dromore West on the June bank holiday weekend 2009”.

34. DROMORE WEST COUNTY FLEADH; 

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

“That Sligo County Council provide a grant to the Dromore West Community Council regard the hosting of the County Fleadh”.

In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;

Sligo Arts Department proposes to maintain the provision to the County Fleadh in its 2009 budgets, subject to the outcome of the Estimates, to go to Craobh Tireragh C.C.E. as hosts of the 2009 Fleadh.

23. THE MEADOWS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT ENNISCRONE; 

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

24. IMPROVE SAFETY AT KILLEENDUFF NATIONAL SCHOOL ON THE R297; 

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

“That this Council take measures to improve safety at Killeenduff National School on the R297 due to speeding traffic and replace flashing amber light on the Dromore West side of school”.

In Response Mr S. O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated the following;

Regional Road R297 will be examined in the vicinity of Killeenduff National School to see if road markings there can be improved and the flashing light on the Dromore West side of the school is being attended to. 

Councillor P. Conmy also asked that Rathlee N.S be looked at in regards improving safety.

25. EXTENDING THE 50KM SPEED LIMIT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF GRANGE; 

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

“To ask Director of Services to discuss with the NRA the possibility of extending the 50km speed limit on the South side of the Grange village taking account of the new developments”.

In Response Mr S. O’Toole A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

The 50KM speed limit south of Grange was extended southward a few years ago.  The possibility of extending it further southward will be examined. 

At the request of Councillor J. Leonard Mr S. O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer agreed that the speed limit to the North side of Grange be examined also. 

26. SEVERITY OF THE CUTS IMPOSED ON THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY IN THE RECENT BUDGET; 

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

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to condemn the Government for the severity of the cuts imposed on the agricultural community in the recent budget”.

27. COMPENSATE FARMERS IN THE GEEVAGH AND BALLYFARNON AREAS WHOSE LANDS WHERE DAMAGED DURING THE RECENT FLOODING; 

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Brendan Smith, to compensate the farmers in the Geevagh and Ballyfarnon areas whose lands were damaged with soil and flood waters during the recent flooding”.

28. REMOVAL OF MEDICAL CARDS FROM ELDERLY PEOPLE, IMPOSITION OF 1% TAXATION ON LOW INCOME EARNERS AND INCREASE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASS SIZES; 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council opposes aspects of the recent Fianna Fáil/Green Party Budget.  In particular we object to the proposal to remove medical cards from people over seventy years of age, the imposition of 1% taxation on low income earners and increases in primary school class sizes.  This Council calls on Fianna Fáil/Green Party Government to repeal these measures”.

29. MEANS TEST THE OVER SEVENTIES FOR MEDICAL CARD ELIGIBILITY; 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on the Government to restore universality of access to the Health Services for older people by abandoning the proposal to means test the over seventies for medical card eligibility”.

30. NEW MOUNTAIN RESCUE VEHICLE; 

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

“I will ask the Director of Services to include the sum of ten thousand Euros for the mountain rescue team to help the fit out of their new vehicle”.

In Response Ms R. McNulty DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Councils Community and Enterprise Department has no identified budget available for this request, at present.  In the current budgetary context where cuts are required , it is a challenge to maintain existing commitments to voluntary groups.  Funding opportunities may arise in the forthcoming Rural Development Programme operated by Sligo Leader Partnership Company.  SLMRT could consider an application under Sligo County Councils 2009 Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme for possible future funding.

31. GLENCAR - SLIGO PORTION OF THE N16;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

32. RESULTS OF THE PILOT PROJECTS AVAILABLE TO THIS LOCAL AUTHORITY; 

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

33. NOT TO CUT BY HALF THE GRANT TO FARMERS PARTICIPATING IN SUCKLER COW WELFARE SCHEME;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Government not to cut by half the grant to farmers participating in suckler cow welfare scheme as announced by Ministers for Agriculture, Mr Brendan Smith”.

35.  DOWNGRADE CANCER SERVICES IN SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL; 

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council request the Government TD’s in Sligo and North Leitrim to withdraw their support to the Government if it is decided to downgrade cancer services in Sligo General Hospital”.

36. REPAIR ROADS DAMAGED BY THE FLOODING, REQUEST FUNDING TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING ON THE N17 AT KILCOYNE PARK/CLOONACOOL JUNCTION AND FINDINGS OF THE CAMERA SURVEYS CARRIED OUT BY THE COUNCIL;

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

“To ask the Director of Services what response the council received from;

  1. The Minister for Transport to the Councils request for funding to repair roads in the County damaged by the severe flooding that occurred in August
  2. The N.R.A to request for funding to alleviate flooding on the N.17 at Kilcoyne Park/Cloonacool junction.
  3. What were the findings to the camera survey carried out by the Council recently to culvert at Kilcoyne Park and what action is going to be taken.

In Response Mr S. O’Toole A/SE stated the following;

A reply was received from the Department of Transport to the affect that no funds would be made available to repair roads damaged by flooding in August.

No funding is available from NRA in relation to N17 near Kilcoyne Park either.  The camera survey of the culvert at Kilcoyne Park was carried out but the results are not yet to hand.  If there is any restriction in this culvert it will be attended to immediately. 

37.  INCREASE PUPIL TEACHER RATIOS WHICH WIL INCREASE CLASS SIZES; 

Proposed by Councillor I. Henry
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to request the Government to reverse the decision to increase pupil teacher ratio which will increase class sizes and have a disastrous effect on quality of education for primary and secondary level school”.

38. PROJECTS UNDER THE GATEWAY INNOVATION FUND; 

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

“That I will ask this Council if they have had any response from the Borough Council in relation to which projects under the Gateway Innovation Fund have commenced, which projects are approved, which projects are yet to be approved”.

In Response Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator stated that there had been no response from the Borough Council in relation to this matter.

39. PROPOSED CUTS IN EDUCATION; 

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Government to reverse their decisions on the proposed cuts in Education”.


40. PUBLIC LIGHTING AT THE CHURCH OF IRELAND IN BALLYMOTE; 

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

“To call on the Director of Services to provide public lighting at the church of Ireland in Ballymote”.

In Response Mr S. O’Toole A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

Public lighting funds this year are being directed towards locations where footpaths have been improved and ducting has been provided.

41. REDUCTION OF FARMERS INCOME; 

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls the Government to reverse its decision to reduce farmers income by cutting the Disadvantaged Area Based Payment and The Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme  and calls on them to restore the Young Farmer Installation Aid Scheme and the Early Retirement Scheme”

42. STREETS OF MONASTERADEN VILLAGE BE TARMACADUMED; 

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

“I will ask the Director of Services for Infrastructure, that the streets of Monasteraden village be tarmacadumed now that most of housing development and extension to the National School is completed”.

In Response Mr S. O’Toole, A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

The resurfacing of the streets in Monasteraden can be considered at the Area Meeting prior to the formulation of Road Works Scheme 2009.

43. CARRY OUT REPAIRS OF FOOTPATHS AT CHURCH VIEW, COLLOONEY; 

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

"That Sligo County Council carry out repairs to footpaths at Church View, Collooney as required and that public lighting be provided from St. Marys Green to Church View".

In Response Mr S. O’Toole, A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

Footpath work at Church View, Collooney and public lighting at St Mary’s Green/Church View can be included in your proposals for consideration under Discretionary Improvement Grant 2009.

44. RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION INSTITUTE OF IRELAND; 

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

"That given the high level of Radon gas prevalant in many areas of County Sligo as identified by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, Sligo County Council will organise a series of localised meetings throughout County Sligo to impart information to the general public on how best to reduce the risks associated with this gas."

Ms R. McNulty, DOS stated that money is to be provided in budget 2009, to carry out survey on radon levels in Councils Housing Stock.  She further stated that the Council would examine ways of disseminating information and establishing links to relevant websites.  The County Manager state that the Council would assist the Radiological Institute but that the responsibility for this matter lay with the Institute.  

45. ROAD SIGNAGE ON ROAD NUMBER 443;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

46. PUBLIC LIGHTS AT THE CAR PARK OF ST. ATTRACTA’S CHURCH, TOURLESTRANE;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

47. WESTERN RAIL LINE FROM COLLOONEY TO TUBBERCURRY; 

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting

48. ROAD NUMBER 308 REALIGNED AT THE KILNAMONAGH, ANNABEG JUNCTION; 

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

“To ask the Director of Services for Infrastructure, Mr. T. Kilfeather to investigate the possibility to have Rd. 308 realigned at the Kilnamonagh, Annabeg junction”.

In Response Mr S. O’Toole, Acting Senior Engineer stated the following;

This matter can be included in your proposals for consideration under Discretionary Improvement Grant 2009.

49. COMMERCIAL WATER CHARGES NOT TO BE INCREASED; 

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

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for the Environment to allocate the funding necessary to Sligo County Council so that commercial water charges will not be increased for 2009”.

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“To request the County Manager when drafting estimates for 2009, that there is no increase in charges for commercial water to farmers and small businesses”.

In Response Mr T. Kilfeather, DOS stated that since the estimates are only being drafted up, he could not say what water rates for 2009 would be set at. 

50. RECONSIDER PROPOSALS AS OUTLINED IN BUDGET; 

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Finance to reconsider his proposals as outlined in Budget 2009 particularly in relation to Health Education, Farming and Employment to protect people on lower incomes in our society”.

51. PUBLIC WATER AND METERING SERVICES; 

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

"That the Council be provided with a report outlining the number and nature of complaints received over the past two years by (1) the County Council and (2) Veolia, in connection with the provision of public water and metering services to (a) non-domestic and (b) domestic water users in (i) rural and (ii) urban areas of the county."

In Response Mr T. Kilfeather DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council would not be in a position to meet the request as set out.

It is recognised and accepted that a large volume of queries were received in relation to the installation of the meters, particularly in the early stages of the project. The queries would relate to anything from the location of the meter, the amount of the invoice, or issues surrounding possible leakages. Another consideration is that the vast majority of these queries would have been dealt with immediately on the phone which would not be recorded for subsequent follow-up.

While a number of these queries could be perceived as ‘complaints’ it would not be possible, in the circumstances outlined above, to compile a record of ‘complaints’ in the manner requested.

A further category of complaint requested relates to ‘Domestic Water users’. As Members are aware meters have not being installed for domestic only properties and therefore no queries or complaints should have been received in this regard.

In the case of Veolia all customer interactions are recorded on a transaction data base which would cover every transaction and interaction on all customer accounts, which now exceed 6,000 in total, including complaints along side matters such as information requests, request for changes of address or telephone number, assistance in reading meters, responses to request regarding where and how to pay, request’s with regard to leakages etc. We understand from Veolia that in excess of 30,000 transactions as I have just defined above have been recorded. It would not be practicable to go through every transaction to try to identify so called complaints. 

Veolia to be contacted again to decipher if complaints are recorded separately. 

52. CUMMEEN DRAINAGE SCHEME; 

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

“That the Council be provided with a report indicating when work is expected to commence on the proposed Cummeen Drainage Scheme and when it is expected that the scheme will be operational.”

In Response Mr D. Harrison A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

Cummeen Drainage Scheme is currently at an advanced stage of design, Part 8 planning has been approved and Tender Drawings have been prepared. 

At present Sligo County Council is awaiting approval of the Design Review Report from the DEHLG.

On receipt of that approval Cummeen Drainage Scheme can proceed to the procurement and construction phases which should take approximately 18 months.

All of the above is totally contingent on the DEHLG approval of the Design Review Report and the construction stage budget and the granting of loan approval to meet the Councils contribution to the cost of the scheme.  

53. RECONSIDER THE DECISION TO CLOSE DOWN THE KAZELAIN PROJECT; 

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

AND AGREED

"Recognising the significant benefits which the Kazelain project has provided for young ex-offenders, this Council calls on the Minister for Justice and the Government to reconsider the decision to close down the project.

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That in recognizing the benefit that has been received by the residents of Kazelain from living in a supportive environment, at a time needed to help them reintegrate into society, that this Council calls on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to advise us of his proposals to provide an alternative supportive structure that will provide that support and a time line for its provision in the event of Kazelain closing”.

54. REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS POLES ALONG ROADS IN THE COUNTY; 

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

“To seek a report on progress made with Eircom for the removal of dangerous poles along roads in the county”

In Response Mr S. O’Toole A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

Every effort has been made to have Eircom Personnel attend a County Council meeting to discuss this matter, so far without success. 

Work was undertaken by Sligo County Council in identifying dangerous poles and we are currently updating these records as some poles have been relocated through efforts of our Enforcement Section.  The County Manager intends making a financial provision in the 2009 draft budget to progress this matter further. 

Councillor Gormley asked that a copy of the County Councils survey on dangerous poles be forwarded to Eircom. 

55. INTERNAL CAPITAL RECEIPTS;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

56. IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON PRIMARY ROUTE N.17 AT CARROWRILE CROSS ROADS;

This Item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

57. VOTES OF SYMPATHY; 

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

AND AGREED

“That  a vote of sympathy be extended to Councillor Joe Queenan on the death of his uncle, Fr Tom Kenny”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to James McAndrew on the death of his mother, Molly”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jim Harte on the death of his wife, Mary Teresa”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brendan Mulvaney on the death of his mother, Madeline”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Councillor Martin Baker on the death of his uncle, Tommie”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Katie McCoy on the death of her mother, Elizabeth Gormley”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Keeley on the death of her mother, Frances Flannery”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brendan McLoughlin on the death of his sister, Kathleen Kelly”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maura McGovern on the death of her husband, Seamus”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Delores Gormley and family on the death of her Grandfather, Joseph”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Frank Flanagan on the death of his brother, Seamus”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dorothy Maye on the death of her uncle, Tom O’Hara”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dorothy Durcan on the death of her brother, Tom O’Hara”.

59. CONFERENCES; 

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Queenan and M. Baker be nominated to attend the Irish War Conference in Dublin”.


The Meeting ended at 6.15pm.

 


Meeting Date 03/11/2008