Minutes 2009

Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 9th February, 2009 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
Ms R. McNulty, Director of Services
Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
Mr J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services
Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
Mr F. Moylan, Acting Senior Planner
Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
Mr F. O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
Ms M. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner
Mr M. Carty, Senior Executive Engineer
Ms. M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
Ms Geraldine Timlin, Project Officer
Ms F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor D. Healy McGowan presided.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillors M. Gormley/S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Standing Orders be suspended to consider the following emergency motion:

“Concerned at attempts to undermine existing wage levels, and to radically reverse the terms and conditions of workers in both the public and the private sector, and concerned at attempts to reduce and reverse the advances made in relation to the provision of public services and at attempts to manipulate public opinion into accepting that an assault on state benefits is necessary,

And further recognising that workers in the public sector are not in any way responsible for creating the current economic crisis.

This Council condemns the Government’s proposal to impose pay cuts/pension levies on public sector workers and calls on the Government to immediately reverse its decision”

It was agreed to suspend standing orders for a half an hour to discuss this.

Following a lengthy discussion by Members, it was further

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

AND AGREED

“I wish to propose an amendment to the motion by Councillor Bree to add that no Member of Seanad Éireann or Dáil Éireann are paid a state pension while serving as National Politicians”.

1. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 12TH JANUARY, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the January Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 12th January, 2009”.

2. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 5TH JANUARY, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on 5th January, 2009”.

3. MINUTES OF THE BUDGET MEETING HELD ON THE 15TH DECEMBER, 2009:

Councillor S. MacManus asked that an amendment be made to the budget minutes of 15th December, 2008 regarding two items:

a motion proposed by Councillor M. Fleming to allocate €5,000 to Archives and Genealogy, - Councillors Bree, Leonard and MacManus to be recorded as Abstaining not Dissenting.
a motion proposed by Councillor P. Conmy to allocate €2,000 to St. Patrick’s day parade, Enniscrone, - Councillor Bree to be recorded as Abstaining not Dissenting”.

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Budget Meeting held on the 15th December, 2008, as amended by the above”

4. PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGULATIONS 2001 CONSTRUCTION OF DWELLING HOUSE, P.E.T. SYSTEM AT BELVILLE, DROMORE WEST, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council 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) proceed with the construction of dwelling house, P.E.T. system, raised percolation area, access onto public road and all associated site development works at Belville, Dromore West, Co. Sligo”

5. TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the estate known as “Brookfield Close”, Riverstown, Co. Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the estate”

6. PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF STRANDHILL LOCAL AREA PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“That all objectives of the Strandhill Local Area Plan, including zoning objectives be maintained unchanged and that the only amendment of the LAP relate to the extension of its life by three years, to 2012. It is further resolved that the LAP amendment process commence without delay”

7. APPROVE DRAFT BURIAL GROUND POLICY (2006-2010) REVISED 2008:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Draft Burial Ground Policy (2006-2010) Revised 2008.

Members expressed their concerns over the lack of burial plots in various graveyards around the County. Members’ queries were answered in relation to same.

It was agreed to take Items 8 and 36 together.

8. WELCOME BREAST CHECK TO SLIGO:

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

“Welcome Breast Check to the North West of Ireland and that Tubbercurry is its First Roll Out”

36. CANCER SERVICES AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:

Following a discussion it was

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on Mr Tony O’Brien to confirm that Breast Check has been rolled out and a timescale on its complete rollout to the entire County of Sligo”

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

“That this Council asks Deputy Eamon Scanlon and Deputy Jimmy Devins to set up a Deputation to the Taoiseach to discuss the Cancer Services in Sligo General Hospital.

Following a discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillors P. Conmy/S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That the Medical Experts from Sligo General Hospital who held a meeting with the Minister for Health and Professor Keane, issue a statement regarding the findings of the meeting”.

9. CONTRACT FOR GRANGE/STRANDHILL/TUBBERCURRY NEW SEWERAGE SCHEMES:

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

AND AGREED

“Request the Minister for the Environment to allow Sligo County Council to sign the contract now for the Grange/Strandhill/Tubbercurry new Sewage Schemes – works worth ten million euros”

10. PLANS FOR MONASTERADEN VILLAGE:

Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

“What are Sligo County Council’s Plans for the Village of Monastraden”

In response Ms. Rita McNulty, Director of Services stated the following:

Sligo County Council no longer has responsibility for the Urban and Village Renewal Programme, this programme is now administered by the Sligo Leader Partnership Company.

Sligo County Council’s Community and Enterprise Department works with local committees to ensure ongoing maintenance and development of many burial grounds in the County.

Currently, proposals are at preliminary stage to extend the existing burial ground in the vicinity of the existing graveyard at Monasteraden. Monasteraden burial ground retains significant heritage merit and any proposed extension will be in accordance with the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 2004.

The Community and Enterprise Department also administers the annual Community and Voluntary Grant scheme, the Tidy Towns Competition and the Pride of Place Award, local community groups can apply for funding under these grant schemes.

In the area of tourism the Community and Enterprise Department is working with Fáilte Ireland and other stakeholders to develop small infrastructure, in this context, walking trail opportunities in the Lough Gara area can be explored.

11. ROAD JUNCTION 547 BE UPGARDED AT RAGWOOD:

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

“That road junction 547 to R193 in Ragwood be upgraded in the interest of public safety”

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

The junction at CR 547 and regional Road R293 in Ragwood will be inspected by local Area Engineer. Any improvement to this junction can be considered by

Members when draft roadworks scheme is being proposed at local area meeting.

The Cathaoirleach Councillor J. Devins resumed the chair.

It was agreed that item 29 be taken at this time.

29. REQUEST MINISTER FOR FINANCE REGARDS MORTGAGES:

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

AND AGREED

“The Minister for Finance in his efforts to protect the Financial Institutions of this State should require those Banks to deal sympathetically with their Customers who have Mortgages, by negotiating reduced payments on those loans for a period of at least 5 years.

12. WATER PRESSURE AT TAVERANE, CLOONLOO:

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

“That I be provided with an up to date report on the Water Pressure at Taverane, Cloonloo

In response, Mr Donal Harrison, A/Senior Engineer stated the following:

‘This is an issue inherited from the Cloonloo GWS and has recently become a problem locally. To resolve the problem it is intended to alter the pipework downstream of Clooloo pump house so that the affected houses are then fed directly off the pumped supply. It is hoped to have this work carried out within the next 4 to 6 weeks.’

13. PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN BALLYMOTE:

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

“I am calling on Sligo County Council to provide a minimum of three pedestrian crossings in Ballymote town for the year 2009”

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

An application has been made by the Roads Department of Sligo County Council to the Department of Transport Non-national roads division for funding of 1 no. pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Ballymote under Low Cost Accident Scheme 2009.

Funding has been provided of €40,000 from the Department of Transport for this purpose in the current year.

It was agreed that Items 14 and 15 by taken together.

14. PROVIDE FUNDING TO TUBBERCURRY WEESTERN DRAMA FESTIVAL:

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

“That Sligo Council’s Art Department provide €1000 to Tubbbercurry Western Drama Festival Committee towards the cost of running their 66th Annual Drama Festival

15. PROVIDE FUNDING TO TUBBERCURRY WESTERN DRAMA FESTIVAL:

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

“To request Sligo County Council through Community and Enterprise - Arts Office to provide funding of €1,000 to the Western Drama Festival Committee to stage the 66th Annual Drama Festival in St. Bridget’s Hall, Tubbercurry from the 6th -14th March, 2009.

In response to both items, Ms. Rita McNulty, Director of Services stated the following:

Sligo Arts Department would be in a position to make provision in its budget to the Western Drama Festival in the amount of €1,000, to support the event which takes place in St Brigid’s Hall Tubbercurry in March annually.

16. PROVIDE COMMUNITY SPORTING FACILITIES AT BALLINODE/HAZELWOOD AVE:

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

“With the recent grant of PP to NW Livestock for 700 units, Sligo County Council in tandem with Sligo Borough Council draw up a plan for community sporting facilities in the Ballinode/Hazelwood Ave? In addition to this, Sligo County Council ring fence a portion of development levies from this development for the construction of said facilities”

In response, Mr Frank Moylan, A/Senior Planner stated the following:

On 6th January, 2009, Sligo County Council made a decision to grant planning permission subject to 43 conditions for a residential development comprising 791 dwelling units at Hazelwood / Ballinode. Condition No. 43 of the decision requires the payment of a contribution of €5,017,580 towards expenditure that was and/or that is proposed to be incurred by the planning authority in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area. A total of 36% of this amount is ring fenced for the provision of amenity, open spaces/parks and urban renewal in accordance with the Development Contribution Scheme adopted by Sligo County Council.

It should be noted, however, that this decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

After further discussion, it was

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council will work with Sligo Borough Council and the local community in developing a sporting and recreational plan for the area”

17. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO LIAISE WITH STATE AGENCIES REGARDS EMPLOYMENT:

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

AND AGREED

“I am calling on the government to ensure a consolidated approach by the state agencies in addressing the urgent requirement in maintaining employment in all sectors of the manufacturing industry

18. TRAFFIC CALMING IN STONEPARK, BALLYMOTE:

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

“I am calling on Sligo County Council and the Gardai to meet with Park Committee Members and Residents in the general area of Stonepark, Ballymote in relation to the provision of traffic calming measures.

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

Under the Road Traffic Act 2004 the enforcement of speed limits is vested in An Garda Siochana. The Area Engineer, Ballymote will continue to co-operate with An Garda Siochana, Ballymote in assisting them in that role.

It was agreed that items 32 and 33 be taken at this time.

32. TRAFFIC USING DRUM ROAD, RATHCORMACK:

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

To request Sligo County Council to carry out a traffic count on traffic using the Drum Road, Rathcormack. This traffic study is necessary because traffic travelling from Manorhamilton on the N16 to Sligo and then on to Bundoran on the N15 are using the Drum Road as a short cut causing a serious increase in traffic particularly heavy goods traffic resulting in this road requiring repairs on a more frequent basis.

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

Local Road L3405/L3406 has been classified as a local primary road from previous traffic counts. It is a primary link for traffic connecting national primary route N16 to national primary route N15.

A number of enterprise or commercial units are also located on this route at Rathcormack which generate a certain amount of commercial traffic.

This route has benefited from upgrade under successive multi-annual restoration programmes and is currently in a satisfactory condition.

33. NATIONAL BROADBAND SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council welcomes the decision by the Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan to invest €233M under the National Broadband Scheme to help deliver broadband to areas where to market has failed to provide services, this will also result in the creation of new jobs”

19. PROVIDE TAP AT ROSSES POINT CEMETARY:

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

“That Sligo County Council provide a water connection with tap at the entrance to Rosses Point Cemetery for the convenience of local people using the graveyard”

In response, Mr Michael Carty, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:

Agreement to introduce a water connection at the location is subject to;

Identification of a budget which will facilitate the necessary works, including road opening licence and associated civil works, water connection fee including materials. An estimate for this site is approx. €3000.
Agreement with the Burial Ground Committee regarding responsibility for the resulting on-going water charges, approx €100 annually at present. This may result in a financial burden arising to Sligo County Council, for which no specific allocation has been provided. Burial Grounds seeking to meet this financial burden from existing grants from Sligo County Council will impact on other works currently carried out using the grant.

No consultation has occurred to date between the Burial Ground committee and Sligo County Council regarding this latest proposal. Burials grounds which have water connections have been the subject of vandalism and water usage abuse, which may result in significant cost arising from water charges having to be met locally.

Finally, introduction of water charges places additional responsibilities and financial burden which may be possibly be achieved through alternative sustainable practices, such as natural water harvesting on site. This option would minimise the need for a dedicated water connection. This option may satisfy the request for convenience of local people using the graveyard.

Sligo County Council have no proposals, at present, to provide a water connection with tap at the entrance to Rosses Point Burial Ground. Recommend discussions pursued at local level with Sligo County Council to achieve an optimum solution.

Following further discussion it was

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council provide the necessary funding and to install a tap in Rosses Point Cemetary for the use of those visiting the graves of their loved ones”

20. GURTEEN/BALLYMOTE ROAD – R293

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

“Due to the rapid deterioration of a section of the Gurteen/Ballymote road R293 and the constant emergency repairs that have to be carried out on a weekly basis to keep it passable, I am requesting that funding is made available in this years Road Work Scheme to have this section upgraded”

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

This section of Regional Road R293 can be considered for improvement under Road Restoration Maintenance Programme 2009 when being drafted at local area meeting.

21. 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF YEATS INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL:

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

“To ask the County Manager what proposals the Council has to mark the 50th anniversary of the Yeats International Summer School.”

In response, Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following:

Sligo County Library is arranging an exhibition on the history of the Yeats Summer school along with a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the death of W B Yeats. This exhibition will be targeted to open in Sligo in June 2009.

22. VEOLIA CONTRACTS:

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

“Recognising:

that Veolia is a leading partner in the consortium contracted to build a light railway system linking Israel to illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem
that the Irish Government and the U.N. does not recognise Israel’s annexation and occupation of East Jerusalem and have repeatedly stated their views that the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank contravene international law.
that Veolia’s involvement in the project is in contravention of the U.N.’s stated demand that Israel’s settlement activities and occupation should not be supported;
This Council calls on the County Manager not to sign or renew any contracts with Veolia.”

In response, the County Manager informed the meeting that advice would be sought from the Department of Finance on the matter.

23. COASTAL PROTECTION WORKS @ ENNISCRONE SEWERAGE PLANT:

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

“To ask the Director of Services to allocate funding for Coastal Protection Works outside new sewerage plant at Enniscrone”

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

A submission has been made by Sligo County Council to the Department of Fisheries and Food under the National Coastal Protection Programme for funding towards coastal protection works at Bellawaddy River Outfall. This submission was made in November, 2008. To date there has been no notification of grants from the Department for 2009.

24. WATER METER CHARGES:

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

“To ask the Director of Services to review the policy where the Council insists on charging the property owner the standing charge for water meter even though there is evidence that no water is been consumed on the property”

In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following:

Sligo County Council is required to recover the cost of providing water services to the non-domestic sector. This is in accordance with National and EU policy on the application of the polluter pays principle. The standing charge on a non-domestic connection covers the cost of providing, reading, maintaining and replacing the water meter as necessary.

In the event that a customer is not consuming any water from a non-domestic connection and wishes to have this service discontinued, the Council will disconnect the service free of charge and no standing charge will apply thereafter.

25. THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION REPRESENTATION AND VOTING RIGHTS IN SEANAD ÉIREANN:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

26. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

“To request that this Council explore the possibility of County Sligo becoming the first County on the Island of Ireland to become self sufficient in energy supply”

In response Ms. R. McNulty Director of Services stated the following:

The County Development Plan 2005 - 2011 contains objectives which include the facilitation of measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses and to encourage the production of energy from renewable sources. Objectives also include the facilitation of sensitive wind farm developments in suitable locations and the encouragement and facilitation of other forms of renewable energy production, conversion and capture, including hydro-power, wave-generated energy, biomass, solar technology and energy-efficient building design/servicing.

The Draft Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010 – 2016 contains energy policies supporting national and international initiatives for limiting emissions of greenhouse gasses and encouraging the development of renewable energy sources.

The Sligo Local Authorities have set up a Climate Change team to develop a Climate Change Strategy for both Local Authorities. The Climate Change Strategy will include the identification of measures to reduce carbon emissions from Local Authority activities, and to identify areas where we can have a positive influence in the wider community.

27. CONNOLLY PARK, TUBBERCURRY:

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

“To ask that the remaining residents in private accommodation in Connolly Park, Tubbercurry are fully compensated for their houses and land as phase 3 of the re-development of Connolly park, Tubbercurry is awaiting approval”

In response Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following:

Throughout 2008 an amount of preparation work was carried out with regard to progressing with the final phase of Connolly Park redevelopment and the possible purchase of the remaining private houses to allow the final phase to proceed. In December 2008, a submission was forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for approval to proceed with the purchase of the remaining privately owned properties (13) in the Connolly Park Estate so that the redevelopment of the scheme can be completed.

A response is awaited from the Department to allow this element of the last phase progress.

Sligo County Council cannot enter into negotiations regarding the purchase of the privately owned properties until approval is received from the DoEHLG regarding same. If and when funds are made available for the purchase of the private properties in the Connolly Park Estate, the Council will endeavour to compensate the owners as generously as possible within the constrains as might be set by the Department.

28. INCLUDE GORTERSLIN, RATHSCANLON, QUARRYFIELD, GORTYGARA IN ROADS PROGRAMME 2009:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

30. REQUEST MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE REGARDS REPS 4:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

31. REPORT ON HOUSING GRANTS FOR ELDERLY:

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

“That the Director of Services for Housing gives us the up-to-date report on grant applications for older people, mobility grant applications and housing adaptation grant applications for people with disabilities. How many applications are now on hand, has all applications been inspected, will all applicants applying for the mobility grant be approved for funding this year and what is the position on people now applying for grant assistance?”

In response, Ms. D Clarke Director of Services stated the following:

Number of applications on hand not inspected:

There are a total of 141 Housing Adaptation Grants on Hand Not Yet Inspected
22 Housing Adaptation Grants for People With a Disability,
21 Mobility Aids Grants
98 Housing Aid Grants for Older People
The estimated value of the grant applications on hand is 738772.00

Number of applications inspected, costed not yet approved:

There are a total of 55 Housing Adaptation Grants on Hand Not Yet Inspected
16 Housing Adaptation Grants for People With a Disability,
11 Mobility Aids Grants
28 Housing Aid Grants for Older People
The value of the applications costed not yet approved is 275794.00

Number of applications approved and applicant notified, monies committed:

There are a total of 55 Housing Adaptation Grants on Hand Not Yet Inspected
23 Housing Adaptation Grants for People With a Disability,
4 Mobility Aids Grants

31 Housing Aid Grants for Older People
The value of the applications committed is 427800.00

Will all applicants applying for the mobility grant be approved for funding this year?

In 2008 Sligo County Council agreed to set aside 25% of the total Housing Adaptation Grants Allocation for 2009, to cover such works as identified under the Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme.
Sligo County Council has not yet as been notified of its grant allocation for 2009, so it is not possible to state if all applications for mobility aids grant received will be approved.

What is the position on people now applying for grant assistance?

The overall cost of grant categories outlined above is €1,442,366.00
If all applications received to date are processed and applicants claim grant payments, it is unlikely that any new grant applications would be approved this year. However, in the event that applicants do not claim the grant allocated to them, the funding will be allocated to applicants currently applying for grant assistance.

A general discussion took place and it was then agreed to discuss the item at the next SPC4 Meeting and a report to be prepared for the March Meeting.

After further discussion, it was

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Housing, Minister Michael Finneran to provide €1 million in funding to cover Grant Applications on hand”.

34. DANGEROUS TREES IN DRUMCLIFFE ELECTORAL AREA:

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

“I call on Sligo County Council to have all dangerous trees in the Drumcliffe Electoral Area cut down as a matter of urgency”

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

Notices have been issued from all area offices under Section 70 of Roads Act 1993 to landowners where trees or hedges have been identified as hazards to road users.

It is an offence not to comply with this notice and failure to do so may lead to possible prosecution in the courts.

35. UPGRADING OF R278 THROUGH CALRY VILLAGE:

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

“I call on Sligo County Council to provide an up to date report indicating when works is expected to commence on the upgrading of the R278 through Calry Village.

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

Improvement works to Regional Road R278 in Calry may be considered in the context of Roadworks Programme 2009 when being drafted at local area meeting.

37. CONSTRUCT PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON THE INNER RELIEF ROAD:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

38. JUNCTION OF ROAD 44 WITH N59 AT CARROWMORAN, TEMPLEBOY:

It was agreed to defer this item to the next Dromore West Area Meeting.

39. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MONIES:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

40. ST. JOSEPH’S PRIVATE HOSPITAL, GARDEN HILL:

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

And AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to call on the Mount Carmel Medical Group to rescind their recent decision to close down the Medical Wing of St. Josephs Private Hospital, Garden Hill”

41. VOTES OF SYMPATHY;

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Durkin on the death of her husband, Patrick”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary McVann on the death of her husband, Michael”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Johnston on the death of his Wife, Kathleen”

42. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Mr Liam Scollan on his appointment as Chairman to the Board of Ireland West Airport Knock”

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Gearoid and Claire Surlis and the Staff of Supervalu, Tubbercurry on being awarded at the National Hygiene and Food Safety Awards in Carlow recently”

43. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors D. Healy McGowan, A. Higgins, S. Kilgannon, P. Barry, J. Queenan, P. McGrath, I. Fox, J. Sherlock, A. Colleary, M. Baker, D. Bree, M. Gormley and S. MacManus be nominated to attend the Conference entitled Ireland and its People in the Sligo Park Hotel from 5th-6th March, 2009”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors J. Queenan, J. Lundy, M. Baker, P. Barry, S. Kilgannon and A. Higgins be nominated to attend the conference entitled Understanding Hospital Radio – The Irish National War Memorial in the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin from 27th – 28th February, 2009”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Devins be nominated to attend the Sligo/Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Association Banquet in Chicago, US from 12th – 19th March, 2009”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors J. Queenan, J. Lundy and M. Baker be nominated to attend the Association of City and County Councils’ Annual Conference in Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny from 2nd – 3rd April, 2009”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillors S. Kilgannon, P. Barry, A. Higgins and J. Sherlock be nominated to attend the Conference entitled Ireland’s Water, What is the real cost in Adare, Co. Limerick from 19th – 20th February, 2009”

44. CORRESPONDENCE:

Additional Reports circulated to Members included:

Report by Mr J. Murphy, SEO in relation to Development Contributions as at 31st December, 2008.
Report by Ms. R. McNulty, Director of Services in relation to Sligo Live 2008 and Plans for Sligo Live 2009.
Report by Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services in relation to the 2009 NRA National Roads Allocations and Department of Transport Non National Roads Allocations-detailing grant allocations for the current year and comparative figures for 2008.

45. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

There were no matters arising.

46. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach brought to the attention of the Meeting a letter from the IFA - Irish Farmers Association requesting an opportunity to address the next Council Meeting. This was agreed.

The Meeting ended at 5.20 pm.

Meeting Date 09/02/2009