Minutes 2008

Minutes of the December Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 1st December 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 Leonard,
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 K. Colreavy, Acting Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Devins presided.

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council suspend standing orders to discuss the cancer services in Sligo where a bus was on its way from the area to Galway and to Galway and had to return with Patients to Sligo without receiving their treatment and call on the Government TD’s to act as a matter of urgency”

It was agreed by the meeting that standing orders be suspended for 25 minutes to discuss the cancer care services in Sligo”.

1. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON THE 3RD NOVEMBER 2008;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of the November Ordinary Meeting held on the 3rd November 2008”

2. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON THE 20TH OCTOBER 2008;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Special Meeting held on the 20th October 2008”.

3. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 9TH OCTOBER 2008;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on the 9th October 2008”.

4. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON THE 4TH SEPTEMBER 2008;

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on the 4th September 2008”.

5. MINUTES OF THE SPC4 MEETING HELD ON THE 19TH JUNE 2008;

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Spc4 Meeting held on the 19th June 2008”.

6. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS, 2001 (AS AMENDED), THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RESERVOIR IN THE TOWNLAND OF KILKILLOGE, CLIFFONY NORTH (CARBURY BY), CO. SLIGO;

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

AND AGREED

To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 (as amended), the proposed construction of a new reservoir in the townland of Kilkilloge, Cliffony North(Carbury By), Co. Sligo.

7. TAKING IN CHARGE OF OLD WOOD, BALLINPHULL, CLIFFONEY, CO. SLIGO;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge of estate known as “Old Wood”Ballinphull, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo by initiating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development”.

8. SEEK APPROVAL TO BORROWING A SUM NOT EXCEEDING €8M BY WAY OF TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR THE 6 MONTHS TO 30TH JUNE 2009;

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“That 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, Sligo County Council hereby authorize the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €8m by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 30th June, 2009”

9. APPOINT 13 ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE COUNCILS JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE;

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

AND AGREED

That Councillors P. McGrath, G. Murray, M. Barrett, P. Conmy and J. Leonard be nominated to the Councils Joint Policing Committee.

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

AND AGREED

That Councillors D. Healy McGowan, Albert Higgins, J. Queenan, A. Colleary and S. Kilgannon be nominated to the Councils Joint Policing Committee.

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

AND AGREED

That Councillor S. MacManus be nominated to the Councils Joint Policing Committee.

Proposed by Councillor MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

That Councillor M. Gormley be nominated to the Councils Joint Policing Committee.

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

AND AGREED

That Councillor V. Cawley be nominated to the Councils Joint Policing Committee.

It was agreed that Item 24 would be taken at this time.

24. PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAYS AT LISSADELL;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with section 14 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, amend the current County Development Plan to include in it a provision for the preservation of the public rights of way along routes outlined on the map attached hereto and marked A.B. B.C. BD, BE”.

Mr. J. Murphy SEO outlined Section 14 of the Planning and Development Act in relation to the public rights of way.

10. TAKING IN CHARGE OF OCEAN LINKS ESTATE, STRANDHILL;

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

“To ask that Sligo County Council begin the process to Take in Charge the estate Ocean Links in Strandhill”.

In Response Mr J. Murphy SEO stated the following;

This development consisting of 71 houses at Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill, Co. Sligo is practically completed with a small number of houses remaining to be finished. There is considerable site works required to bring this development to a satisfactory standard where it can be considered for taking in charge. The Council has initiated legal proceedings against the developer in respect of his failure to satisfactorily complete this development. The case was adjourned on a number of occasions and was listed for further hearing at Sligo District Court on 27th November, 2008. At the hearing, the Solicitor for the developer asked for the case to be adjourned as funds had now been made available to his client to complete the development (letter from Bank was given to the judge). The solicitor for the Council opposed the adjournment and requested that the case be heard due to the concerns of the residents and the number of adjournments that had already been given. The judge, however, granted the adjournment to the hearing of Sligo District Court on 12/02/09. In granting the adjournment he advised the developer’s solicitor that he required a substantial amount of work to be completed by that time. The matter will be kept under review. It is therefore not proposed to begin the taking in charge process at this stage.

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

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

“In light of all the serious accidents that have taken place on our roads I would ask what provisions do Sligo County Council intend to put in place to combat speed on the Holy Well Road, the Carrowroe Cuilbeg Road 287 and the R292 from Ballydrehid to Ransboro, and further more I would ask that Sligo County Council liaise with Sligo Gardai and work together to help combat speed in our County”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Local Road CR296 from Borough boundary to Holy Well, Aughamore has a special speed limit of 60 K.P.H. On leaving Borough boundary a sign indicates a series of bends for 2KM has been erected by the Roads Department, Sligo County Council. A chicane of bends has been highlighted by the erection of series of chevron signs erected under a Low Cost Accident Reduction Scheme. Roads Department has also undertaken a programme of verge trimming along full length of road recently improving safety for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The enforcement of special speed limit is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

The Carrowroe / Cuilbeg road is designated Regional Road R287. This section of route has a special speed limit of 60 K.P.H. It is proposed to erect a series of repeater signs indicating this special speed limit as soon as signs have been received. The enforcement of this special speed limit is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

The section of public road from Ballydrehid to Ransboro is designated Regional Road R292. A special speed limit of 60K.P.H. applies on this route. Discrete sections of this route have been improved under the Discretionary Improvement Grant over the recent years. Special signs indicating possible pony trekking have been erected on sections of this route. The construction of mini roundabout at Ransboro has also contributed to safety of road users at Ransboro cross. School signs also highlight location of Ransboro National School. The enforcement of this special speed limit is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 of the Road Safety Authority includes for a formal structure for liaison and co-ordination between Local Authorities and An Garda Síochána.

Under the Collision Prevention Programme bi-monthly meetings take place between Roads Departments Sligo County Council and the Garda Traffic Corps. The issue of enforcement of speed limits on public road network in County Sligo is permanently on agenda for these meetings.

County Manager Mr H Kearns stated that signage can beexpensive to erect and maintain and if there are too many signs motorists tend to ignore them.

12. ROLL OUT OF BREASTCHECK IN SLIGO;

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

“Sligo County Council calls on the Chief Executive of Breast Check, Mr O’Brien to give a definite date for the role out of breast check in Sligo, if Mr O’Brien refuses to name the date before the 1st December 2008, this Council calls on Mr O’Brien, Chief Executive of breast check to resign due to his failure to deliver breast check to the people of Sligo”.

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

“Motion 12 be amended as follows delete the word “Mr O’Brien, Chief Executive of Breast Check to resign and replace with, “The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, Deputies Scanlon and Devins to resign”.

As a decision could not be reached the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For: Barrett, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Henry, Loenard, Murray

Against: Baker, Barry, Colleary, Devins, Healy McGowan, Higgins, Kilgannon, Lundy, Queenan

Abstained. Bree, Cawley and Gormley
This motion was defeated.

After a discussion it was

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

AND AGREED

“That the words “to resign due to his failure to deliver breast check to the people of Sligo” be deleted and replaced with the following text “and on Ms Mary Harney, Minister for Health, to resign from their respective positions due to their failure to deliver breast check to the people of Sligo”, the amended motion would read

“Sligo County Council calls on the Chief Executive of Breast Check, Mr O’Brien to give a definite date for the role out of breast check in Sligo, if Mr O’Brien refuses to name the date before the 1st February 2009, this Council calls on Mr O’Brien, Chief Executive of breast check and on Ms Mary Harney, Minister for Health, to resign from their respective positions due to their failure to deliver breast check to the people of Sligo”.

13. REPORT ON ALL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND BUDGETS;

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

“That this Council receives a full report on all capital projects and budgets that have been affected by the instruction received from the Department for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in July 2008 to set aside old loan approvals for capital works where no funding had been drawn down on foot of these approvals, which also stated that Authorities who wished to renew such applications for borrowing sanction were requested to reapply to the Department specifying any new requirements

In Response Ms M. Leydon Head of Finance stated the following;

Referring to letter dated 24th July 2008, received 28th July 2008 regarding borrowings by Local Authorities and the General Government Balance (GGB)

Instruction:

Set aside and revoke loan approvals for borrowings which have been issued to authorities prior to 1 January 2008 where no drawdown’s have been made, and require Authorities to obtain the Department s early agreement to profiles of:1) Loans already sanctioned in 2008.
2) Loans sanctioned in previous years on which partial drawdown’s have already been made.

The only Loan approval set-aside from this instruction where no borrowings had taken place was in relation to the Voluntary Housing Scheme at Strandhill, which has been delayed and is still in process of redesign. The application for renewing these borrowings will occur when we are in a position to proceed with the project. No other Capital works or projects have been affected by this instruction as there are no other Ministerial approved borrowings that have not progressed. In relation to loan approvals where partial drawdown’s have been made, there is approval on borrowings for Advance Land from June 2006 to a remaining value of €3,956,541 for which we prepared a profile of drawdown’s for the years 2008 – 2010 and submitted this to the Department on the requested date 15th August 2008.

It was agreed that a copy of this report be circulated to each member.

14. HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN OF STRANDHILL NATIONAL SCHOOL;

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

“To ask the County Manager, what provisions do Sligo County Council intend to put in place for the health and safety of the children of Strandhill National School regards the access of the school”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

This area is within a 50KM/H speed limit zone. Two road ramps have been provided along the front of the school which slows down traffic in the area. There is severe traffic congestion at the school during opening and closing times. There appears to be no problem at other times.

A pick up / set down area at the school together with traffic management is required to facilitate school traffic. Sligo County Council prepared designs for a pick up / set down area in front of the school and met the School Principal, Parents Associations Representatives and Councillors with a view to assisting them in solving the problem.

The provision of the pick up / set down facility is the responsibility of the school. Sligo County Council has no funds at present to do any further works in the area.

15. THE MEADOWS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN ENNISCRONE;

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

“That this Council be given a report on what steps are been taken by Sligo County Council to have outstanding works carried out on “The Meadows” housing development at Enniscrone, in line with planning permission granted”

In Response Mr J. Murphy SEO stated the following;

The development consisting of 56 houses at Enniscrone, Co. Sligo is practically completed. There is, however, considerable site works required to bring this development to a satisfactorily standard. The Council has initiated legal proceedings against the developer in respect of his failure to satisfactorily complete this development. This case was adjourned on a number of occasions and was listed for further hearing at Ballymote District Court on 25th November, 2008. At the hearing the District Judge was advised by the Solicitor acting for the developer that a Receiver had been appointed on the previous Friday and that he had received no instruction in the matter from the Receiver. The solicitor for the Council opposed the adjournment and requested that the case be heard due to the concerns of the residents and the number of adjournments that had already been given. The Judge, however, granted the adjournment to the next sitting of Ballymote District Court on 13/01/09. In granting the adjournment he stated that “as a matter of fairness, the Receiver, the Directors of Lynott Developments Ltd and their Solicitor should have an opportunity to discuss the case”. Notwithstanding the above, the Council has written to his Surety seeking to draw down the bond.

16. UPGRADING OF THE NATIONAL PRIMARY ROUTE N16:

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

“Now that the report of Peter Quinn consultancy on the need for up grading of the N16/A4 primary route is now complete and presented to Sligo County Council and the other local authorities along the route, I will ask at the November Meeting of the Council what can this Council do to progress further the Glencar – Sligo portion of the N16”.

In Response Mr T. Kilfeather DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council adopted a preferred route for an upgraded N16 in November 1996. The route was approved by the NRA in 1999.

An application has recently been made to the NRA for funding in 2009 to progress the scheme through a review of the 1996 route selection report given that it is 12 years since the route selection was carried out it no longer complies with NRA requirements in terms of environmental studies carried out, peer review, cost benefit analysis and business case report which must be prepared for all schemes before they can proceed to preliminary design stage. Consequently an update to the report would now be appropriate.

County Manager Mr H Kearns stated that while this was a very important route, there was little prospect of funding under existing mechanisms. In the region of €400m has been committed by the Irish Government into Cross Border Roads Projects, and the N16/A4 deserved an allocation from this funding. He suggested an all-party Delegation to meet Ministers from North and South.

17. GRANT AID FARMERS AND BUSINESSES FOR RAIN WATER HARVESTING;

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“In January 2008 this Council passed a motion calling on the Departments of Environment and Agriculture to grant aid farmers and businesses for rain water harvesting. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government funded two pilot projects into the collection storage and use of rainwater, with the results of the pilot projects, Sligo County Council calls on the Environment Department to make the results of the pilot projects available to this Local Authority and what are their plans for a grant scheme for rainwater harvesting”.

18. URGENT IMPROVEMENTS WORKS, ROAD RE-ALIGNMENT WORKS AND ROAD SIGNAGE ON ROAD NUMBER 443 FROM TUBBERCURRY TO CLOONACOOL;

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

“To ask this council to carry out urgent road improvements works, road re-alignment works and road signage on road number 443 from Tubbercurry to Cloonacool in the interest of road safety”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Improvements to the Tubbercurry to Cloonacool road can be included in your proposals for consideration at the Tubbercurry Area Meeting prior to the formulation of the Road Works Scheme for 2009. Resurfacing of same would take place as soon as weather permitted.

19. PUBLIC LIGHTS AT THE CAR PARK OF ST. ATTRACTAS CHURCH, TOURLESTRANE;

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

“To request the installation of two public lights at the car park of St. Attracta’s Church, Tourlestrane to ensure safety”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

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

However, a quotation can be sought from ESB to provide lighting at Tourlestrane Carpark for consideration in 2009.

20. WESTERN RAIL LINE FROM COLLOONEY TO TUBBERCURRY AND ON TO ATHENRY;

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

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to contact Iarnrod Eireann and the Department of Transport to start work on the western rail line from Collooney to Tubbercurry and on to Athenry immediately to create employment and safety on our roads”.

21. SUBSIDISE INTERNAL CAPITAL RECEIPTS;

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Minister for Housing to subsidise internal capital receipts in order to maintain essential works carried out annually by the housing section of Sligo County Council”.

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

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

“To request the N.R.A to allocate funding to carry out Improvement Works on primary route N. 17 at Carrowrile Cross roads, and provision of additional road markings in the interest of road safety”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Carrowrile Cross roads will be examined from the point of view of improving road markings and this work will be carried out if deemed necessary. No further improvement works are proposed in the immediate future, however.

23. FOOTPATHS ON RDS 1 AND 4 AT NEW SHOP UNIT/RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX IN THE VILLAGE OF COOLANEY AND WIDEN BRIDGE ON ROCKFIELD ROAD;

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

“That this Council;

Provide footpaths on Roads 1 and 4 at new shop unit/residential complex in the village of Coolaney.
Widen bridge on Rockfield Road adjacent to this area”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The provision of footpaths and the widening of the bridge in this area are all part of proposals for which planning permissions have been granted. The matter is been followed up by the Enforcement Department at present.

25. POLLING BOOTH AT BALLISODARE VILLAGE:

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

“To ask the Director of Services, Ms D. Clarke to ensure that a polling booth be opened in Ballisodare village to accommodate voters who voted in Ballisodare in the 2007 elections and who are now registered to vote in Collooney”.

In Response Ms M. McConnell SEO stated the following;

Every effort will be made to accommodate the voters from Ballisodare who will now be voting in the Ballymote Electoral Area by looking to place an additional place in Ballisodare school.

26. PRIORITISE THE ROLLOUT OF THE NATIONAL BROADBAND SCHEME;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Communications, Mr Eamon Ryan to prioritise the rollout of the national broadband scheme”.

27. NATURAL GAS BROUGHT TO SLIGO;

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

“In regard to the review of the corrib gas project, which commenced last week and taking cognisance of the fact that Sligo is the only Gateway City without natural gas, I call on Sligo County Council to redouble its efforts to use this opportunity to ensure that Natural Gas is brought to Sligo”.

In response Ms. R. McNulty, DoS stated that Sligo County Council would continue to monitor developments in this area.

28. LETTER BOX AT JOHN DAVEY’S NEW DEVELOPMENT SITUATED AT HAZELWOOD, CALRY;

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“I will ask Sligo County Manager to call on An Post to install a letter box at John Davey’s new development situated at Hazelwood, Calry, Co. Sligo”.

29. CALRY VILLAGE;

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

“To ask Sligo County Council;

What is the current status of Calry Village.
To make the village safe by implementing road markings, tread ramps and signage at entrance and exit to Calry Village in the interest of road safety.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

Calry is a “Village” with a Church, a hall and a number of houses along Regional Road R278. The school is located off a local road.

There are a number of road signs erected on the approaches to the village e.g. (Caution Residential Area Reduce Speed and Caution Children Crossing). Contractors have been engaged to lay additional road markings on the R278 on the approaches to the Village. Mr Carroll to seek clarification regarding the “village” status.

30. INCREASE ALLOCATION OF FUNDING FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF COUNTY AND REGIONAL ROADS IN THE NORTH SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE AREA;

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

“I will ask Sligo County Council to call on the Government and Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey to increase the allocation of funding for the maintenance of County and Regional roads in the North Sligo Drumcliffe area”.

It was agreed to amend this motion to include roads in the whole of the County.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

The Department of Transport allocate funding for the maintenance of Regional and Local Roads under a number of grant schemes.

Discretionary Maintenance Grant:

This is used for routine maintenance of Regional roads such as, pothole repairs, verge maintenance, and signage maintenance. The 2008 grant for the County was €830,000. The grant is divided out in proportion to the length of each Regional road in the County area.

Restoration Maintenance Grant:

This is used for surface dressing Non-National Roads. The 2008 grant for the County was €2,386,000.

Restoration Improvement Grant:

This is used to strengthen / shape roads using bitumen macadam or stone. The 2008 allocation for the County was €7,034,000.

The maintenance of local roads e.g. pothole repairs / sign maintenance / verge maintenance and Councillors proposals is paid out of the County Councils own resources and will be up for discussion at the Council estimates meeting shortly.

31. WATER SUPPLY TO GURTEEN;

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

“Due to the on going problem that exists with the water supply to Gurteen and the surrounding areas in terms of water quality and frequent bursts I request that this Council be provided with the up-to-date position on the Lough Talt Scheme, when its expected it will be extended to Gurteen and the surrounding areas when the deficient pipe work will be replaced. I further request that this Council seek a meeting with officials of Roscommon County Council together with the public representatives from this area to establish their proposals to have the water supply improved in the Gurteen and surrounding areas”

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

The water in the Gurteen area of south Sligo is supplied by Roscommon County Council from the North Roscommon Water Supply Scheme.

The Lough Talt Water Supply Scheme and the North Roscommon Water Supply Scheme are both listed for upgrade on the current Water Services Investment Programme as published by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government.

The Preliminary Report for the Lough Talt Water Supply Scheme recommends that the project be advanced in four phases, namely; water treatment plant; intake works; network improvements; south Sligo interconnector. Pending DEHLG approval of the Preliminary Report and the necessary finances, it is proposed to commence the statutory procedures required to advance Phase 1 of the project to procurement and construction phases.

The Preliminary Report for the upgrade of the North Roscommon Water Supply Scheme is currently being finalized and it includes for the continued provision of a water supply to the south Sligo area.

32. REVIEW THE DRASTIC CUTS TO EDUCATION, WHICH AFFECT CLASS SIZES, TEACHER NUMBERS, SCHOOL TRANSPORT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ETC

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

AND AGREED

“If the Irish Constitution states that all children be cherished equally, that I propose that the Ministers for Finance and Education be requested to review the drastic cuts to education, which affect class sizes, teacher numbers, school transport, health and safety etc”.

33. VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT SCHEME AT CURRY;

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

“Under a village enhancement scheme it was proposed to place all cables underground in the village of Curry during 2005/2006, are there any plans to carry out this work in 2008/09”.

In Response Mr R. McNulty DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council approved the Development Contribution Funding Scheme for Community, Sports, Recreational, Tourism and Cultural Facilities in September 2008. There are no proposals as part of this scheme to fund undergrounding of existing overhead utility cables in Curry Village. Please note previous improvement works undertaken at Curry Village were conducted under the village and Urban Enhancement scheme, which has concluded. Funding may present in the forthcoming Rural Development Programme operated by Sligo Leader Partnership Company.

34. TEMPORARY CONTRACTS AND DECREASE IN FUNDING THAT WILL RESULT FROM 5% CUT BACK FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT;

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

“Budget cutbacks will affect this Local Authority severely in 2009, I am seeking information on;

Exact umber of contracts or temporary positions being terminated, estimated savings as a result.
Estimated decrease in funding that will result from 5% cut back from Local Government Fund and services most likely to be affected

In Response Ms M. McConnell SEO stated the following;

The Government has required Local Authorities to provide for a saving of 3% on payroll costs in 2009 – in financial terms this amounts to approximately €1.2 million for Sligo Local Authorities (€958k of which refers to County Council) – initial proposal towards achieving payroll savings are:

Non – recruitment of staff arising from resignations, retirements, Maternity leave, career breaks, term time leave etc.

Non recruitment of contract staff/permanent staff and summer students.

Reduction of overtime

To date fifteen employees (County and Borough) have been notified that their contracts will not be extended on expiry.

This will account for savings of approx in €390k, the staffing situation remains under review.

(There is sixty contract staff employed by Sligo County Council including Sligo Borough Council.

Budgetary restrictions have made it necessary for all Local Authorities to monitor and prioritise the delivery of service. Every effort will me made to minimise the impact of these cut backs on the delivery of essential services.

County Manager Mr H. Kearns stated that in the current economic climate, the likelihood is that there will be further cuts and we will be working with staff to ensure we continue to deliver our services in an efficient manner.

35. CLARIFY POSITION ON DEIS SCHOOLS REGARDING PUPIL/TEACHER RATIO;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Education Mr Batt O’Keeffe to clarify the position on DEIS schools in the rural areas that the pupil/teacher ratio is the same as Deis schools in urban areas”

36.LIST OF PERSONS/FIRMS PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO THE COUNCIL I.E SOLICITORS, VALUERS, CONSULTANTS ETC;

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

“That the Council be provided with a list of persons/firms providing professional services to the Council i.e. solicitors, valuers, consultants etc., and that details of payments to each for the years 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 be provided to the Council.”

In response Mr T. Kilfeather, DOS stated that this was a significant body of work which would take some time and use of resources to collate, giving the current staffing constraints.

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“To amend Motion Number 36 that the last line reads 2007/2008 and all future years”.

37. PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE IN BALLYMOTE TO INCLUDE, LIBRARY, COUNCIL OFFICE AND NEW HEALTH CENTRE;

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

"To ask the County Manager what progress has been made in regard to the Council’s proposal to develop a Public Services Centre in Ballymote to include, Library, Council offices and new Health Centre, and to ask when is it expected that the matter will be finalised"

In Response Mrs. M. McConnell SEO stated the following;

Over the past number of months Sligo County Council have viewed a number of possible locations for a Public Services Centre including the library, Council Officers and new health centre in Ballymote. Meetings have been held with the HSE to finalise space requirements for a temporary facility. The suitability of all facilities have been assessed. The preferred option of Sligo County Councils is to pursue the development of a Public Services Centre in Ballymote. To this end numerous meetings have been held with the HSE and discussions are at an advanced stage. We are currently awaiting a final decision from the HSE before further progress can be made.

38. ENFORCEMENT CASES;

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

"To ask the County Manager (a) what are the names of the 55 development companies/cases which the Council is currently taking legal action against in respect of Enforcement cases (b) what are the names of the development companies which the Council has commenced legal proceedings against (c) when were these cases first mentioned in Court and on how many occasions was each case adjourned (d) who sought the adjournments (e) did the Council Solicitor oppose/object to the adjournments."

In Response Mr J. Murphy SEO stated that he had supplied to the Councillor the relevant details in relation to the names of the 47 developers, who the Council were currently taking planning enforcement action against, the date the cases were first mentioned in Court and the number of occasions each case was adjourned. (a, b,and c of motion). He also read a letter received from the Councils solicitor in relation to d and e of the motion.

County Manager, Mr H. Kearns stated that Sligo County Council Enforcement Staff perform a very good job within very difficult constraints and that ultimately it was a decision for the Judge in each individual case. Mr Kearns also noted that recovery of costs was also an issue in this regard as in many cases the County Council had been awarded no costs.

39.RESTORATION OF COUNTY ROADS AFTER WATER WORKS:

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

“What guarantees are entered into with sub contractor’s carrying out work for Sligo County Council water department to ensure that the County roads are restored to their condition prior to the roads being dug up”.

In response Mr D. Harrison Acting Senior Engineer stated the following

Contract Documents issued by the Water Services Section of Sligo County Council require the provision of a Performance Bond by the Contractor prior to contract signing. The purpose of the Performance Bond is to ensure that all works carried out by the Contractor, including permanent road restoration, are completed in accordance with the Contract Specifications.

40. TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT HUGHES BRIDGE, SLIGO TOWN:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

41. ROAD REPAIRS TO R508 AT RHUE, TUBBERCURRY-CARROWNAGOBBLE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley and Councillor A. Colleary

“To request the Council to carry out road repair works on Road 508 Rhue, Tubbercurry to Carrownagobble, Tubbercurry in the interest of road safety”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

County Road R508 from Rhue to Carrownagappul can be included in your proposal fro consideration at an area meeting prior to the adoption of Road Works Scheme 2009.

42. VOTES OF SYMPATHY;

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Rita Brennan on the death of her Husband, Jack”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr Joe Morahan on the death of his sister, Breege”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ms Ann Keaveney on the death of her sister, Breege”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Nora Millar on the death of her Mother, Margaret”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Bernie Kirrane, on the death of her Brother, Gerry Campbell”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Eileen Kelly, on the death of her Sister, Sr Martine Higgins”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Breege Colleran, on the death of her Aunt, Ann Jones”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr Tom Flatley on the death of his Mother, Kathleen.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr Terry Harte on the death of his Mother, Kathleen”

43. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Western Drama Festival of St Bridget’s Hall, Tubbercurry and the Phoenix Players, Tubbercurry on hosting the All-Ireland One-Act Drama Festival”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mrs Noreen Stack, Enniscrone, Co Sligo on receiving an Award for 30 years Volunteer Service to Water Safety”

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mrs Ciara Dick, Carranree, Dromard, Co Sligo on receiving an Award for 10 years Volunteer Service to Water Safety at Aughris”

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mrs Tiasha Kelly, Seafort, Dromard, Co Sligo on receiving an Award for 10 years Volunteer Service to Water Safety at Aughris”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Master Cian McBride, Coolbeg, Drumcliffe, Co Sligo on winning a gold medal in the Boys U-12 race in the AAI Inter County Championships at Tullamore”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Eastern Harps GAA Club on reaching the Connaught Club Final, 2008”

44. CONFERENCES

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

AND AGREED

“That the Cathaoirleach accept an invitation on behalf of Sligo County Council to visit Dubai to meet business associates and dignitaries to help improve business relationships between Ireland and Dubai”

45. CORRESPONDENCE

Councillor G. Mullaney noted response received from the Minister for Agriculture dated 5th November, 2008 regarding the deadline for the Farm Waste Management Scheme.

47. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor M. Fleming asked the meeting that consideration be given to no increase of Water Charges in the Estimates for 2009.

Councillor M. Gormley expressed her disappointment at lack of response requesting extra Gardai for Tubbercurry and requested that a letter be written again.

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

AND AGREED

“That the January Ordinary Meeting of the Council be set for the second Monday”

The Meeting ended at 6.15pm.

Meeting Date 01/12/2008