Minutes 2008

Minutes of July Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th July 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
  • Mr B. Gavin, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr T. Brennan, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms A. Smyth, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Acting Head of Finance
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. Moylan, Acting Senior Planner
  • Ms E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr D. Harrison, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr M. Carty, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms P. Bergin, Executive Scientist
  • Ms K. McTiernan, Administrative Officer
  • Ms D. McDonagh, Acting Administrative Officer
  • Ms J. Burns, Acting Administrative Officer
  • Ms S. Malone, Assistant Staff Officer
  • Ms L. Conlon, Clerical Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Devins presided.

1. MINUTES OF THE JUNE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON THE 9TH JUNE 2008; 

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the June Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 9th June 2008”.

2. SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT DISPOSAL OF 0.451 ACRES OF LAND AT MOUNTAIN ROAD TUBBERCURRY; 

The County Manager, Mr Hubert Kearns advised that as the VEC were meeting in the coming week to discuss matters relating to property owned by them in this area and as work on the Local Area Plan for Tubbercurry was ongoing it was proposed to withdraw this Item.  Following a discussion it was agreed members would be provided with an up to date report at the September meeting of the Council when the item would be again considered. 


3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S ARTS GRANTS AND BURSARIES 2008 (ROUND 2);

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

AND AGREED

“To approve recommendations for Sligo County Council’s Arts Grants and Bursaries 2008 (Round 2)”.

4. GRANT RECIPIENTS AND PRIZE WINNERS OF THE 2008 SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL LOCAL TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION;

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To approve the grant recipients and prize winners of the 2008 Sligo County Council Local Tidy Towns Competition”.

5. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL POLICY ON DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTION FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY, SPORTS, RECREATIONAL, TOURISM AND CULTURAL FACILITIES 2008;

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Sligo County Council Policy on Development Contribution Funding for Community, Sports, Recreational, Tourism and Cultural Facilities”.

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council honour its commitment given by this Council in 2007 for funding for St. Johns Community Park, Carraroe”.

It was agreed that the list of current applications for funding be circulated to Councillors.

6. BORROWING A SUM NOT EXCEEDING €8M BY WAY OF TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT;

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

AND AGREED

“To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €8m by way of a temporary overdraft for the half year ending 31st December 2008”.  

7. RAISING OF A LOAN OF €6.4M FOR THE SLIGO MUSEUM AND EXTENSION TO THE MODEL ARTS AND NILAND GALLERY;

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

AND AGREED

“To note progress to date and to seek approval to the raising of a loan of €6.4M for the Sligo Museum and Extension to the Model Arts and Niland Gallery”.

8. JOINT LOCAL AREA PLAN FOR CHARLESTOWN/BELLAGHY; 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council jointly prepare a Local Area Plan for Charlestown and Bellaghy with Mayo County Council in accordance with section 18(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2001”.

9.  SLIGO AND ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN; 

A number of members queried the procedure and particular concern was expressed regarding the members ability to raise issues contained in the first managers report again during the process.  Mr D. Breen, DOS advised the meeting that there would be ample opportunity for members to raise any issue contained in the first manager’s report at later stages in the process.

The meeting agreed to discuss the fixing of a date for a special meeting on the review of the Sligo and Environs Development Plan at its September Meeting. 

Following a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That having considered the County Manager’s Report dated 18th June, 2008 under Section 11 (4) of the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 – 2006, which was submitted to the members by the Planning Authority, and having considered the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which the Development Plan relates, it is hereby directed that the County Manager proceed to prepare the Draft Development Plan for the Sligo and Environs area in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 – 2006”.

10. TAKING IN CHARGE OF ROS BEOLAIN, ROSSES POINT, CO. SLIGO; 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the process of taking in charge the development known as “Ros Beolain”, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo, by initiating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development”.

11. REVISED POLICY ON TAKING IN CHARGE OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; 

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To note revised policy on Taking-in-Charge of Residential Developments”.

12. NOMINATE THREE MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY SLIGO LEADER PARTNERSHIP; 

The following ten members formed a group and nominated Councillor G. Mullaney to be a member of the Board of County Sligo Leader Partnership ; Councillors Fleming, Conmy, Henry, Barrett, Murray, Mullaney, McGrath, Leonard, McLoughlin and Fox.

Councillor Mullaney was appointed without a vote in accordance with schedule 10 (section 18) of the Local Government Act 2001.

It was then;

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

AND AGREED

“To nominate Councillor A. Higgins to the Board of County Sligo Leader Partnership”.

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

AND AGREED

“To nominate Councillor J. Lundy to the Board of County Sligo Leader Partnership”.

13.HEALTH MEDICAL FACILITY AT BALLYBRENNAN, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO;

This Item was withdrawn with the agreement of the meeting.

14. BAD BEND BETWEEN SEAFIELD AND KELLYSTOWN ON THE R292; 

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

“To ask the County Manager what provisions do Sligo County Council intend to put in place for the safety of pedestrians and motorists in relation to the bad bend between Seafield and Kellystown on the R292”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll stated the following;

There are no proposals in Road Works Scheme 2008 to improve bend on Regional Road R292 between Seafield and Kellystown.  However an inspection will be undertaken by Area Engineer to ascertain what improvements can be undertaken to signage and road-markings to approaches of bend.  Any further improvements can be considered under Discretionary Improvement Grant Scheme 2009.

15. PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY;

It was agreed that items 15, 24, 26 and 30 be taken at this time;

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

“To ask the County Manager; for a report on the private housing grants for older people and people with a disability ie how many applications have been received?  Is there a back log in applications?  How many applications have not been approved funding? Length of time it takes to process applications?”.

24. PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

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

"That this Council expresses its disappointment at the allocation of €491,790 provided by the Dept for Grant Schemes for older people and people with a disability and calls on the Minister to immediately increase the allocation to enable applications be processed and approved”

26. PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

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

"That this Council expresses its shock and disappointment at the Government decision to cut back the allocation for the Council's Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes and Housing Adoption Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, and further the Council calls on the Government and the Department of the Environment to immediately provide the necessary funding to allow the Council to grant aid applicants who are deemed eligible for assistance under the various Housing Grant Schemes."

30. PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY;

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

“That I will ask the County Manager to make a statement regarding the funding available for essential repair grants and disabled persons grants and to call on the Department of the Environment to provide additional funding to meet the needs of present and future applicants in the County”.

In Response Ms D. Clarke, DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council has been allocated a total of €491,790 for 2008, i.e. €245,895 in respect of the DPG/ERG Schemes and €245,895 for the new Grants Schemes, €131,144 of which is to be provided from this Authority’s own resources.  This reflects a total capital allocation of only €360,646.  In this regard, I would like to draw your attention to the current position in relation to grant commitments in this Council as follows:

Grants Paid in 2008Number of GrantsValue of Grants
Disabled Persons Grant 44 €163,324
Essential Repairs Grant 16 €90,611
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a disability 2 €7,724
Housing Aid for Older People Grant 7 €30,871
Mobility Aids Grant 3 €10,783
Total paid in 2008 72 €303,313
Grants Approved but not yet Claimed (Commitments)
GrantNumber of GrantsValue of Grants
Disabled Persons Grant 65  €241,843
Essential Repair Grant  18  €47,696
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a disability  16  €99,647
Housing Aid for Older People Grant  21  €130,959
Mobility Aids Grant  3  €16,280
Total current Commitments  123  €536,425
Grants Processed but not yet approved 93  €584,465
Number of Grant Applications on Hand -  not yet processed  59  N/A

 
It generally takes about 3 months to process a grant application, however, delays in processing applications can occur for any of the following reasons:

  • Clarifications required by the Council in respect of medical conditions/home ownership, income details, etc.
  • Delays in applicant submitting supporting documentation.
  • Backlog of applications to be inspected by Clerk of Works.
  • Difficulty in Clerk of Works contActing applicants in relation to arranging inspections.

Whilst every effort is made to process applications as efficiently as possible, it is inevitable that delays often occur.

Sligo County Council included a total expenditure figure of €1,700,000 in its Annual Budget under the heading of Grants for 2008.  This figure was based on existing commitments and having regard to increases in maximum grants and additional expenditure arising from the transfer of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme from the HSE to the local authority sector.

The Council has endeavoured to deal with grant applications without delay due to the vulnerability of the persons availing of the scheme and it now appears that not only is there a major short-fall in meeting the commitments on hand but, furthermore, this Authority is not in a position to process any more applications in the current year.  It is hoped that additional funding may become available from the Department towards the end of the year and the Council will review its position at that time.

Councillors expressed their disappointment at the lack of funding available for grants.

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“To seek a meeting with the Minister for Environment, Mr John Gormley TD to request him to provide additional funding to meet the needs of present and future applications under essential repairs and disabled persons grant scheme”.

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

“That Sligo County Council consider raising a loan to finance grant applications for older persons grants, disability grants and mobility grants, should the Minister for the Environment fail to provide additional funding for those schemes,  €1M over 20 years and €8,000 per Annum”.

Following a discussion it was agreed to defer this resolution to the September Ordinary Meeting.

16. UP TO DATE REPORT ON THE WATER QUALITY OF WATER PROVIDED TO GLENVIEW PARK, GRANGE; 

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

“That this Council be given an up to date report on the water quality of the water provided by a private well to the houses at Glenview Park in Grange, which serves over 50 people and provides over 10 m cubed per day to residents.  Therefore it is covered under water directives. Also that the residents association of Glenview Park be provided with the results of all previous tests that were carried out on the water over the past two years by the Council.  Further that this Council be provided with a report on the planned improvements that were advised by the Council that will bring water quality up to standard and thereby lift the boil water notice that has been issued to all residents of the estate”.

In Response Ms P. Bergin Executive Scientist stated the following;

A boiling notice was issued on the Glenview Private Water Supply in August 2007 on foot of sampling carried by Sligo County Council, and subsequent recommendation by the HSE. On foot of this Sligo County Council directed the developer to carry out remedial works. As a result the developer carried out remedial works on the supply and installed disinfection treatment. Subsequent tests showed 78% compliance with Drinking water standards.

The most recent sample taken on the 25 June 08 shows full compliance with drinking water standards, however in accordance with HSE recommendations and to ensure continued protection of the public health of all consumers on this supply, the boil water notice must remain in place until issues with regard to the on-going management and maintenance of this supply are resolved.

The developer must demonstrate to Sligo County Council that he has a satisfactory on-going operation and maintenance programme in place for this supply. This will include the installation of an automated dial out alarm to alert the Water Supplier of any problems with the water treatment system. An alternative, is for the developer to investigate the feasibility of connecting to the Public Water Supply. To date no application has been made to the Council in this regard.

The Environment Section have been in recent contact with the developer in an effort to resolve this situation.

Finally, copies of all sampling carried out on this supply can be made available to the residents association on request.

17. UNFINISHED HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS; 

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

“That as the house market is currently retracting that this Council take steps to ensure that unfinished housing developments are monitored so that planning conditions are adhered to and that all steps are to be taken to ensure that the estates are finished in accordance with the planning granted.  Further that this Council will not take ownership of houses that are been delivered under part 5 of the planning act until conditions of planning have been complied with”.

In Response Mr J. Murphy SEO stated the following;

The Council have systems in place to monitor housing developments.  All appropriate steps are taken to ensure that developments are finished to a standard for taking in charge.  The revised Taking in Charge policy endorsed here today will strengthen the Councils hand in dealing with this issue. 

In Response Ms M. McConnell SEO stated the following;

When snagging is carried out by the Housing Section in relation to units which are been delivered through Part V of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, all aspects of the house itself, its garden and driveway and the services within the estate which relate to the house are snagged to ensure that a satisfactory standard is reached to allow the handover to take place.  In schemes where phased development is taking place the housing section will liaise with the developer to ensure that all planning conditions regarding roads, footpaths, public lighting etc. as they relate to the part v units be adequately complied with to allow comfortable occupation of the houses.  The housing section will work in co-operation with the planning enforcement section, as necessary, to that this standard is adhered to.

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council will not take ownership of houses that are delivered under part 5 of the Planning Act until such time as the Officials of the Council are satisfied that the conditions of planning permission have been substantially complied with”.

18. BROADBAND IN COUNTY SLIGO; 

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

“To highlight to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the need for the provision of broadband in County Sligo, I request the Director of Services to give a report on the progress to date and funding available”.

In Response Ms A. Smith Acting Director of Services stated the following;

The Group Broadband Scheme operated nationally from 2004-2006 and saw the roll out of Broadband in County Sligo in the following areas: Ballygawley, Collooney, Strandhill and Rosses Point.  The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) has also been rolled out in Sligo. 

Gaps however do exist in service provision and The Dept of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are engaged in procurement process for the selection of a candidate to meet the Departments requirement for the delivery of broadband to the un-served areas of the county.  The Dept anticipate that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed shortly to rollout the National Broadband Scheme which will address the areas where no service is currently provided and is unlikely to be provided in the future.
Councillor M. Gormley asked that a reminder be sent to Eircom regarding broadband in County Sligo. 

19. PRIVATIISING THE CARPARK AREAS IN BALLYMOTE, COLLOONEY AND BALLISODARE TRAIN STATIONS;

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

AND AGREED

“I am calling on Iarnród Éireann to clarify their position in relation to privatising the carpark areas at Ballymote, Collooney and Ballisodare train stations”.

20. ERECTION OF A PLAQUE HONOURING THE MUSICIANS OF THE CASTLEBALDWIN AREA;  

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

“To ask the Director of Services for Community and Enterprise for a €1000 funding towards the erection of a plaque honouring the musicians of the Castlebaldwin area in the village of Castlebaldwin”.

In Response Ms A. Smith Acting Director of Services stated the following;

Sligo County Council is aware that South Sligo is renowned for its talent of traditional Irish musicians and teachers and that they play a significant role in the future promotion of our traditional culture.  Funding will be considered from within the Directorate through the Community and Voluntary Grants Scheme/Arts Office on submission of further information including details of the musicians to be honoured, evidence of local consultation, details of the design, format and location of plaque.

21. CAR PARK TO THE REAR OF SLIGO RAILWAY STATION; 

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

“Two years ago Sligo County Council passed a motion calling on Sligo Local Authorities and Irish Rail to investigate the possibility of a car park to the rear of Sligo railway station in the area known as the Station Masters field.  Due to the increased number of trains from Sligo to Dublin daily this car park is a must for passengers using the train who travel to the station using their own cars”.

In Response Mr D. Breen DOS stated the following;

Discussions have commenced with Iarnród Éireann to investigate the possibility of a car park to the rear of Sligo Railway Station. 

22. IMPROVED CAR PARKING FACILITIES FOR OUT PATIENTS AND FOR VISITORS AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL; 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Health Service Executive and Sligo General Hospital to provide improved carparking facilities for out patients and for the people wishing to visit friends and relations in the hospital”.

23. TO INSTALL ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR COLLECTORS ON ALL NEW LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSES; 

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo Local Authorities to consider, due to the rising energy costs, installing roof mounted solar collectors on all new local authority houses.  Solar collectors can help reduce heating bills by up to 70% per annum”.

In Response Ms D. Clarke, DOS, stated the following;

Roof mounted solar collectors is one of a number of renewable energy mechanisms currently being considered for use by Sligo County Council in new local authority dwellings. Typically, solar collectors can achieve a 60% reduction in domestic hot water energy costs and 12% reduction in domestic heating energy costs. The performance of solar collectors is very much dependent on their orientation with the sun, south to south east facing roofs being the most effective. As dwellings vary in their orientation the use of solar collectors will not have optimum gain on all sites and in such instances should not be considered.  

Under the new Part L (Conservation of fuel and Energy) of the building regulations, which takes effect from the 1st July 2008, all newly planned domestic dwellings must comply with the following:

  1. A 40% reduction in primary energy consumption.
  2. A 40% reduction in C02 emissions.
  3. A minimum of 10% of fuel consumption must be derived from a renewable energy source.

In order to comply with Part L, Sligo County Council will be implementing a number of construction changes in new dwellings including increasing fabric insulation, improved fabric sealing, low e-glazing, and energy saving light bulbs. The renewable energy mechanisms being considered are solar collectors, heat exchangers, geo-thermal heating systems and wood pellet boilers.

25. REQUEST FOR MINISTER JIMMY DEVINS AND DEPUTY SCANLON TO MEET A DEPUTATION FROM SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE SLIGO CANCER CARE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE;

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

“That Sligo County Council request Minister Jimmy Devins and Deputy Eamon Scanlon to ask the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health and Children to meet a deputation from Sligo County Council and the Sligo Cancer Care Campaign Committee regarding the removal of the cancer care services in Sligo General Hospital as a matter of urgency”.

Following a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

That the motion be amended to read;-

“That Sligo County Council, concerned at the refusal of Mary Harney, Professor Brendan Drumm and Professor Tom Keane, to respond to submissions from the Management of Sligo General Hospital which outline practical and realistic proposals for the retention and improvement of the Breast Cancer services in Sligo and the North West, hereby requests Minister Jimmy Devins and Deputy Eamon Scanlon to ask the Taoiseach and the Minster for Health and Children to meet, as a matter of urgency, a deputation from the Sligo Cancer Campaign Committee which would include the Mayor of Sligo and the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council”.

27. INSTALLATION OF METER ON A PERSONS PROPERTY;

It was agreed that items 27 & 34 be taken at this time;

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

“To ask the Director of Services what criteria Sligo County Council and Veolia use when they decide to install a meter on a person’s property”.

34. REPORT ON INSTALLATION OF METERS;

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

“That the Council be provided with a report as to why householders with large lawns are been metered where it clear that this ground is not been used for any other purpose”.

In response Ms K. McTiernan, AO stated the following;

The criteria for installation of a meter  for the purposes of measuring water consumption on any property are determined by Sligo County Council in implementing DEHLG policy and are as follows  :

For the installation of a meter the property must be, in the first instance non-domestic or have a non-domestic element .

In urban areas sometimes a meter is installed in private property for ease of access and/or ease of reading
Again in urban areas there are many buildings that have multiple occupants/tenants and owners.   Obviously it doesn’t make sense to have a meter on the public road if there are many different consumers availing of the supply, as each customer’s consumption has to be individually identified.
In these instances it is necessary to meter individual consumers on their premises.  In rural areas where the location of the actual supply pipe to the farmhouse or to the cattle- trough is known but the precise location of the  connection point to the council main may not be known it is necessary to install the meter on the actual supply at point of consumption.

Another example in rural areas is where GWS Schemes have been taken in charge down the years In many instances watermains of various diameters have been laid in and through private lands.  Some of these mains have domestic/agricultural and some purely agricultural connections.  These have to be metered on private lands.

In addition all premises that have in excess of 1 acre land attached are subject to metering.   It is assumed that will exclude all domestic gardens around dwelling houses.  The 1 acre rule does not apply if there is any commercial activity on it.   For example Bed and Breakfast premises and commercial holidays are liable for payment of charges.

If customers have access to sources of water supply other than Council mains they can easily prove that to us. This has happened on a number of occasions and we have accepted the evidence presented to us.  However, the meter will remain in place to check the usage.

In DEHLG Circular L10/02 dated 12th July 2002 and entitled ““Re; Water Services pricing Policy Implementation Non-Domestic Metering-Notes for Guidance”all Local Authorities were advised that a Sanitary Authority may ” enter a house, building or lands, to, through or into which water is supplied by them, to measure the quantity of water supplied or consumed”

28. FEASIBILITY OF BRINGING GAS SPURLINE FROM NORTH MAYO TO WEST SLIGO; 

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

“To ask the Director of Services for Community and Enterprise to carry out a study to look at the feasibility of bringing a gas spurline from North Mayo to West Sligo”.

In response Mr Hubert Kearns, County Manager stated that it is an important point for economic development to have a good supply of reasonably priced fuel.  Bord Gáis have a commercial mandate and can only supply where it is cost effective.  There is not significant paying customers to extend the gas line.  The Department of Energy are investigating the possibility of extending pipe line by conducting a feasibility study.

Councillor Queenan asked that a report in relation to this matter be prepared for the September Meeting.

29. TO CALL ON THE MINSTER FOR TRANSPORT TO TAKE A SYMPATHETIC VIEW ON PEOPLE UNABLE TO PASS DRIVING TEST:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on the Minister for Transport to take a sympathetic view on people who are unable to pass their driving test and are not entitled to drive their own vehicle without being accompanied by a full licence driver”.

31. HEDGE TRIMMING AT DANGEROUS JUNCTIONS ON ALL ROADS IN BALLYMOTE AREA; 

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

“To ask the Director of Services for Infrastructure to urgently carry out grass and hedge trimming at dangerous junctions on all roads in the Ballymote Area”.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, stated the following;

The improvement of sightlines at junctions of public roads will continue to be undertaken as a matter of urgency under maintenance programme of public roads in the Ballymote Area.

32. LISBON TREATY; 

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising that the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box is sovereign, and recognising that if all member states of the EU do not ratify the Lisbon Treaty it does not pass into law, and further recognising that the people of Ireland exercised their rights as citizens to reject the Lisbon Treaty, this Council rejects the calls from Europe to re-run the Lisbon Treaty referendum, and we call on the EU Commission, the EU Council of Ministers, the EU Parliament and the authorities in the other EU states to accept and respect the verdict of the Irish people, as they accepted the will of the French and Dutch people following their decision to reject the EU Constitution.”

33. PROCESSING & DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE SLUDGE FROM FINISKLIN AND OTHER PUBLIC SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS IN THE COUNTY; 

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

“That the Council be provided with a report regarding the processing and disposal of the sewage sludge from the Finisklin and other public sewerage treatment plants in the county, the report to include details of the annual volume of sewage involved, the location of each Sligo farm referred to in Council documentation released to Open Focus as suitable for the landspreading of the sewage and all other farms over which the sewage is to be disposed of, the cost of transportation to the various farms and the  charge it is proposed to make for the service, whether distinctive or any public safety signs will be erected on lands to indicate to neighbouring landholders, residents and members of the public that the lands are being used as spreadgrounds for human sewage sludge and the period within which the sewage is to be applied, if there is to be provision allowing for objections to the spreading of sewage on lands or on any particular farm and if, as a public health safeguard, details indicating that the use of the lands as spreadgrounds will be entered on the folio of the respective lands, and a copy of the advice which the Council requested and obtained from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland concerning the use of human sewage sludge in agriculture.”

In response D. Harrison, SEE, stated the following;

This detailed report regarding the processing and disposal of sewage sludge in County Sligo could not be completed within the timeframe for the July meeting, however it will be available for the next meeting of the Council in September.

In the interim I can comment as follows in relation to the treatment of sewage sludge and the subsequent disposal of biosolids from the Sludge Hub Centre, which is currently being constructed as part of the Sligo Main Drainage Wastewater Treatment Plant in Finisklin. This sludge treatment facility is required to produce a Class A standard pasteurised Biosolids product in accordance with the Code of Good Practice for the Use of Biosolids in Agriculture as published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The biosolids reuse strategy to be employed by the contractor operating this plant is required to comply with the recommendations of the County Sligo Sludge Management Plan. Where this biosolids product is to be applied to agricultural land the requirements of the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 2001 must be adhered to.

It was agreed to include this item on the agenda for the September Meeting.

35. LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME 2008; 

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

“To ask the Director of Services for confirmation of funding available for local improvements scheme in 2008 and when will those schemes commence”.

In Response Mr T. Carroll SE stated the following;

A total allocation of €507,000 was received from the department of Transport and National Roads Division towards the upgrade of non public roads in County Sligo in 2008.  In excess of 24 No projects will be undertaken in the current year.  These projects are included in Roadworks Programme and substantial progress has been made in completing this programme to date.

After a discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on Minister O’Cuiv to provide Clar funding under the Local Improvements Scheme”.

36. REPORT IN RELATION TO WATER IN GURTEEN AREA; 

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

“That this Council be provided with a report as to why the water in the Gurteen Area is discoloured and an odour coming from it. What proposals are the Council taking to remedy the problem, also what progress is been made to have the Lough Talt water extended to the Gurteen area”.

In Response Mr D. Harrison SEE 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 water source for this scheme is Lough Gara. The issue of colour and odour from this water supply is a seasonal problem which is related to the source and is due to the degradation of organic matter in the lake. Roscommon County Council are trying to address this matter on an ongoing basis with appropriate modifications to the existing water treatment process.

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 issue of supplying the south Sligo area from the Lough Talt Water Supply Scheme is currently being assessed as part of the preliminary report phase of this scheme. It is anticipated that the preliminary report will be completed later this year. 

37. VOTES OF SYMPATHY; 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eileen McManamy and family on the death of her husband, Noel”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eileen McManamy on the death of her husband, Noel”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy Regan on the death of his sister, Bridie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Anne Killoran on the death of her sister, Bridie Regan”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eileen Carbarry on the death of her husband, James”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen McDermott and family on the death of her husband, Peter”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Seamus Collery on the death of his wife, Breedge”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Padraig Curneen on the death of his wife, Vivneen”.

43.  ADDITIONAL ITEMS CIRCULATED AT MEETING:

  • The Forthcoming Conference List


The Meeting ended at 5.35pm.


Meeting Date 07/07/2008