Minutes 2010

Minutes of January Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 11th January, 2010 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barrett,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Cawley,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Collery,
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Henry,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor Murray,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms. E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms D. Finnerty Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Parkinson, Executive Engineer
  • Ms F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor G. Murray presided.

At the outset, the Cathaoirleach paid tribute to Council Staff for their efforts at maintaining vital water and road services to people during the recent spell of freezing weather conditions. Members also expressed their appreciation to Council Staff and the Communications Office for providing the vital information to the public.

Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services and Mr H. Kearns, County Manager thanked the Members for their tributes.

1. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 7TH DECEMBER, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the December Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 7th December, 2009”.

2. MINUTES OF THE BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING HELD ON 22ND OCTOBER, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting of the Council held on the 22nd October, 2009”

3. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 5TH OCTOBER, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 5th October, 2009”

4. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 6TH JULY, 2009:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 6th July, 2009”

5. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 6TH APRIL, 2009:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 6th April, 2009”

6. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 20TH MARCH, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 20th March, 2009”

7. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 12TH JANUARY, 2009:

Proposed by Councillor I. Henry
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 12th January, 2009”

8. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 3RD NOVEMBER, 2008:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 3rd November, 2008”

9. SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF LAND:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the disposal of Land at Knockaculleen, Dromore West, Co. Sligo, (as marked on attached map {Area A is .0039 HA and Area B is .0070 HA}) to John Leneghan which shall be carried out in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001”

10. SECTORAL REPRESENTATION ON THE STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt sectoral representation membership on the Strategic Policy Committee structure 2009 – 2014”

11. JOINT MEETING OF SLIGO/OMAGH COUNCILS:

The Members asked that a mutally agreeable date towards the end of February, 2010 could be scheduled for a joint meeting of Sligo/Omagh Councils, the Cathaoirleach and the County Manager to liase with their counterparts in Omagh District Council in this regard.

12. PROJECTS FUNDED BY FÁILTE IRELAND:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the Meeting.

13. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE GARDA STATION IN STRANDHILL:

This item was withdrawn with the agreement of the meeting.

14. REQUEST NRA TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON CLOONAMAHON TO CASTLEBALDWIN ROAD ON N4:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the NRA and the Government TDs to provide an update regarding the stretch of road from Cloonamahon to Castlebaldwin and:

 

  1. Have Sligo County Council all the relevant paper work in place?
  2. What year do the Government/NRA intend to carry out the work, if ever?

 

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

It is proposed to upgrade the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin road to a Type 2 Dual Carriageway.  The scheme is 14.4km in total and consists of 12.7km of new road from Doorly to Castlebaldwin as well as 2.7km of online section from Collooney to Doorly.  The EIS studies are currently being updated for the scheme.  Preliminary Design and CPO drawings are also being prepared.  Some delays were incurred as a result of changes to design standards which were introduced in 2009 and also design issues along the retrofit section of the scheme.

Sligo County Council is awaiting the 2010 funding allocation from the NRA to complete the Preliminary Design, Environmental Impact Statement, Compulsory Purchase Drawings and Project Appraisal Documents for the scheme.   Subject to funding it is expected that all deliverables in relation to this scheme will be finalised and forwarded to the NRA by the middle of this year for review. Sligo County Council has received no commitment from the NRA with regard to when this scheme will proceed to construction.

Following further discussion it was

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

AND AGREED

“A deputation from Sligo County Council to meet the Minister for Transport and the NRA in relation to all National Roads in the County”

15. PROVIDE TRAFFIC CALMING AT BARRACK ROAD, COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

“That Sligo County Council would provide traffic calming measures for the Barrack Road in Collooney. Such measures would consist of ramps as required and a pedestrian crossing also on the Barrack Road. Further I request an update on the status of the Collooney Traffic Management Plan, in particular in relation to the commencement of consultations with local residents and business interests about the suggested one-way system."

In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:

The Draft Collooney Traffic Management Plan was put on display in Collooney early last year having been drafted by our Road Design Department. The plan is now on hold due to the financial situation but can be reactivated when funds become foreseeable again. The plan includes all aspects mentioned by Councillor MacManus including a possible one way system. Such a system requires much more consultation, however.  He further stated that the sector at Barrack Road would be examined and a report brought before the Ballymote Electoral Area Committee meeting in the near future.

16. EU FUNDING FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

It was agreed to take items 17, 23, 28, 35, 36, 37, 39 at this time.

17. GRITTING OF ROADS DURING RECENT BAD WEATHER:

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

“In light of the bad weather we had over the Christmas period, I am asking Sligo County Council to review its policy regarding the gritting of roads

 

  1. Have a supply of sand and grit locally at our major towns and villages throughout the County
  2. Have local people on stand-by with Machinery for the spreading of sand and grit in emergency cases”

 

23. GRITTING OF ROADS DURING RECENT BAD WEATHER:

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

“That this Council is provided with a report as to what regional roads in the county are salted during icy conditions and how are they prioritised also that area engineers identify areas where grit can be deposited and used by locals to grit county roads in those areas also that salt bunkers be provided in towns and villages”

28. GRITTING OF ROADS DURING RECENT BAD WEATHER:

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

“To propose that additional funds be sought from the Department of the Environment to replenish stocks of gritting material for the county roads and request that sand be provided at locations where roads become dangerous because of ice or snow, as proven by recent spell of wintry weather”

35. GRITTING OF ROADS DURING RECENT BAD WEATHER:

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

“As a result of the recent very severe frost and snow, the worst in 40 years, I will ask the Council to ensure that adequate supplies of grit, salt and transport are readily available in future to cope with extremely dangerous road conditions”

36. GRITTING OF ROADS DURING RECENT BAD WEATHER:

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

“To call on the Director of Services for Infrastructure to provide material for the gritting of county roads at designated locations”

37. GRITTING OF ROADS DURING RECENT BAD WEATHER:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“To ask Sligo County Council that all secondary roads be gritted with dust immediately after the main roads have done with salt”

39. GRITTING OF ROADS DURING RECENT BAD WEATHER:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“To ask Sligo County Council to distribute bags of salt to the main depot that Council Workers could spread on footpaths in Collooney/Ballisodare and all surrounding villages, so all footpaths can be left safer for people walking on”

In response to those motions, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:

In relation to current cold spell which commenced in mid-December, every effort has been made to deal with the ongoing poor road conditions as best we can.

The priority is to keep our National Routes free from ice and after that to deal with some Regional Roads. We do not get to them all. Sections of the following Regional Roads are on our regular gritting programme:-R286, R287, R290, R284, R293, R294 and R297.

Some parts of these routes are not on the regular programme, e.g. south and west of Gurteen village are not normally done.  The Area Engineers are dealing with as many problems on the local road network as they possibly can.

Our Machinery Yard foreman, the gritter drivers, overseers and all their staff have been working very long hours to keep traffic moving reasonably well.  The Area Engineers have organised for small stock piles of grit to be deposited at a large number of locations especially in the south of the county so that isolated problems can be dealt with. The Area Engineers have responded to as many of the reported individual problems that they can.

Emergency funding is being requested from Department of Transport and NRA to see if it can be provided for this county. The amount required is being calculated at present.

In relation to footpaths in towns and villages, these can only be addressed in some cases. It is hoped that as many property owners as possible can deal with the footpath outside of their own premises. We do not have the resources to deal with clearance of footpaths in a satisfactory way.

As stated above, all our staff are doing the best they can; some 2,800 tonnes of salt has been spread, and about 2,000 tonnes of grit has been deposited or spread also.

The Communications Office is working closely with the local media to keep road users and the general public aware of the situation regarding the condition of the road network and the ongoing gritting programme of the Council. 

We will endeavour to keep traffic moving throughout this period which is the worst and most prolonged since 1963.

In response to Members queries on the legal issue of people/communities spreading grit and clearing footpaths outside their premises, Mr T. Kilfeather indicated that legal advice had been sought but a ruling on the liability from insurance companies has been difficult to get.  He also stated that a review process would inevitably take place for future occurances, following the experience of the recent freezing weather conditions.

24. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT FOR EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR ROADS:

It was agreed to defer Item no. 24 to the February Meeting

Following discussion it was then

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council be provided with a report, plus costings as to the damage caused by the recent artic conditions to local and regional roads in the County for the February Meeting”

It was agreed that items 18, 33 and 38 be taken at this time.

18. WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS DURING RECENT FREEZING WEATHER CONDITIONS:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council for a full report regarding the problems with the water supply encountered in Keenaghan, Corhobber, Cletta and Keash areas of Ballymote and to ask,

 

  1. What measures do we need to take to avoid this happening again
  2. Can the Ballymote Fire Service be used in emergency cases if this happens again?

 

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

Drinking water is supplied to the Keenaghan, Corhobber, Cletta and Keash areas of Ballymote from the Lough Talt water supply scheme via a series of storage reservoirs and water pumping stations. Due to the location of these areas near the end of the water distribution network they are particularly vulnerable when reservoir storage levels fall and consequential network pressures are reduced.

As a result of extreme weather conditions over the Christmas period there was unprecedented demands on the public water supply system due to excessive leakage and wastage on the water distribution network. Reservoir storage levels in many areas throughout the county dropped overnight resulting in serious water shortages for daytime use on Sunday 27th December 2009.

Insufficient water levels in the Rathnakelliga reservoir which services the Keenaghan, Corhobber, Cletta and Keash areas prevented the restoration of the public water supply system to this area until Wednesday 30th December 2009. Emergency water supplies were provided to these areas on Tuesday 29th December 2009.

Sligo County Council will carry out a full review of the water distribution network in these areas to determine if the vulnerability of this supply area can be reduced. The possible use of the Ballymote Fire Service to distribute emergency water supplies will also be considered as part of this review process

33. WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS DURING RECENT FREEZING WEATHER CONDITIONS:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the water mains problem going into houses in Silverdale, Ballinacarrow. The main water pipes are not low enough resulting in them freezing every year”

In response, Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer stated the following:
Silverdale estate in Ballinacarrow is a private housing development which is currently the subject of a taking in charge application. Issues in relation to the construction of water service connections within the development have been noted by the Council. The Council are currently awaiting the submission of completed as-constructed drawings from the developer in order to fully assess the extent of works required prior to taking in charge of services. 

The Council’s Housing section have purchased a number of units within this estate and remedial works have been carried out to 5 no. water service connections in recent days following complaints from tenants.

He also indicated that the planning bond would be held until all planning conditions are met satisfactorily.

38. WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS DURING RECENT FREEZING WEATHER CONDITIONS:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council to notify local radio to let the people be made aware of the time of the water being turned on/off.  The Sooey/Ballygawley and surrounding areas had no water and surrounding areas had no water for up to 5 days”

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

Water supply within the Ballygawley area is provided and managed by the Ballygawley Group Water Scheme. This private scheme is supplied with water from the public water supply system. Water supplies to the Ballygawley GWS from the public supply were not curtailed over the Christmas period. The management of water supplies within the private group scheme network is the responsibility of Ballygawley group water scheme.

Sligo County Council has notified local radio of issues relating to public water supplies throughout the Christmas period and provided updates on water supply curtailments as necessary.

19. DUNE PROTECTION IN STRANDHILL AND ROSSES POINT:

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

“To ask the County Manager what works, if any, will be carried out by the Council in respect of dune protection schemes in Strandhill and Rosses Point in the current year (2010)”

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

A submission was made to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, responsibility now transferred to OPW last year, relating to grant aid for 2010 onwards, that includes Sand dune management at both Rosses Point and Strandhill.

Also at Strandhill, a coastal defensive project relating to the Sewage Treatment Plant will be put before the Members this spring (Part 8 planning) and this also involves dune preservation.  The above submission includes for funding to construct the project.

At Rosses Point a grant aided study commissioned by SCC, is underway to examine the coastal behaviour in the Drumcliff Bay, Rosses Point and Sligo Harbour Entrance area. The study will assess possible changes in the high amenity bathing beaches at Rosses Point and possible consequential impacts on the various dune systems in the area and possible impacts due to intervention works.

20. SEWER CONNECTION TO BALLYMOTE ENTERPRISE COMPANY:

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

“To ask if the Ballymote Enterprise Company has sought permission from the Council to connect the new sewer it has constructed adjacent to the Gurteen Road, to the public sewerage system.”

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

Preliminary discussions took place in December 2008 between representatives of Ballymote Community Enterprise Ltd. and Sligo County Council in relation to the proposed realignment of a section of the public sewer network along the Gurteen road in Ballymote.

A road opening licence was issued to Ballymote Community Enterprise Ltd. in April 2009 requiring the submission of detailed design drawings of the proposed works to Sligo County Council.

A new pipeline was installed along the Gurteen road by Cawley and Scanlon Construction on behalf of Ballymote Community Enterprise Ltd. during September/October 2009. This pipeline was subsequently connected to the existing public sewer network without permission from Sligo County Council or the submission of documentation as required. 

Sligo County Council then engaged with Ballymote Community Enterprise Ltd. in relation to this issue and they disconnected the new sewer from the public sewerage system and reinstated the original sewer which is now operational as before.

21. FOI RQUESTS MADE TO COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

“That a report be provided indicating the number of FOI requests received by the Council in each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, the number of requests refused and granted in each year, the charges imposed on applicants and the reasons provided for refusing requests for information”

A report prepared by Mr K. Colreavy, Freedom of Information Officer was circulated as follows.

The Communications Office administers Freedom of Information requests for Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council. There were 64 FOI applications made to Sligo County Council in the three year period 2007-2009, and the attached table sets out details of the requests made by year and category. There was a substantial increase in the number of requests received in 2009 over the two preceding years.

A schedule of FOI fees is attached. The application fee does not apply in the case of requests for personal information, and can be waived in certain circumstances. Search and retrieval fees can also be charged, which will vary depending on the level of detail of the request.

Of the 64 requests that were received in this period, 39 were granted, 11 were part granted, 11 were refused and 3 decisions are due in January 2010.

The most common reasons for refusing to disclose information are:

  1. Information received in confidence. 
  2. Information could prejudice the effectiveness of an ongoing investigation.
  3. Information could impair the enforcement of, compliance with or administration of any law.

Of the 11 requests refused by the initial decision maker, 4 were subject to internal review, of which 3 of the original decisions were upheld and a fourth was part granted after the internal review.

FOI Requests 2007 – 2009
 20072008 2009
Requests Received 17 16 31
Personal Requests 5 3 5
Non-Personal Requests 12 13 26
Requests Granted 12 12 15
Requests Part-Granted 2 3 6
Requests Refused 3 0 8
Up Front Charges €180.00 €195.00 €390.00
Search and Retrieval Charges  €22.95 €22.95 €67.53

* 3 Requests still outstanding from 2009. Decisions due January 2010

FOI – Upfront, Appeal, Search and Retrieval and Copying Fees
Type of Request/ApplicationStandard FeeReduced Fee
Request for a record under section 7    
 Initial Request - €15 €10
 Internal Appeal – €75 €25
 Appeal to Information Commissioner - €150 €50
 Request under Section 7 for Personal Information  No Charge No Charge

Fees apply in respect of the time spent searching and retrieving records. The rates of these fees are as follows:

  • €20.95 per hour of search and retrieval.
  • €0.04 per sheet for a photocopy.
  • €0.51 for a three and a half inch computer diskette containing copy documents.
  • €10.16 for a CD-ROM containing copy documents.
Deposits

 A deposit is payable where the estimated cost of search and retrieval of records sought is estimated to exceed €50.79.


It was agreed that items 22 and 34 be taken together.

22. CASHEL GATES JUNCTION ON N17:

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

“To request that extra signage be erected on the N17 at junction of local road 430 (Cashel Gates) and also that yellow markings be placed on the road, either side of the junction”

34. CASHEL GATES JUNCTION ON N17:

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

“To request that this Council applies to the N.R.A. for special funding to carry out essential safety works at Cashel Gates at junction N17/430 between Tubbercurry and Curry”

In response to both motions, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:

Special funding was applied for three years ago and a scheme was prepared. However, because of the cost and extent of a suitable scheme no approval is forthcoming.

Our road design department will examine this junction with a view to designing suitable warning signs etc and preparing an estimate for the work.

25. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW INFORMATION STORED ON GARDA PULSE SYSTEM:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Justice, the Garda Commissioner and the Ombudsman, requesting them to carry out review and an audit of the Garda Pulse System”  

26. PUBLIC ACCESS AT BALLISODARE BAY:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to re-open a public right of way accessing Ballisodare Bay, closed under planning permission 05/686”

In response, Ms. P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services stated the following:

In regards to the alleged blocking of a right of way for pedestrians to the Old Abbey and to the foreshore via a pathway constructed through Harrington’s Quarry at Abbeytown, Ballysadare, a site inspection was carried out on 7th January 2010.  It was observed that at a location just past the old graveyard, where the new path commences, 4 no. concrete boulders have been placed so as to narrow the width of the pathway.  The arrangement of the boulders does not impede access by pedestrians along the path.  It was also noted that a stile has been incorporated into the stone wall at this location enabling pedestrians to access the remainder of the pathway.

The boulders were placed along the pathway to restrict use of the path by motorcyclists and quad bikers following complaints by adjoining landowners who feared for the welfare of their animals due to the loud noise from the biking activity. 

Furthermore Harrington’s also took the action on Health and Safety grounds to prevent a potentially serious accident occurring having witnessed on CCTV footage the motorcyclists and quad bikers speeding about through the quarry and associated yards.

27. ‘CYCLE TO WORK’ DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT SCHEME:

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

“The Minister for the Environment has recently introduced a ‘cycle to work’ scheme as part of its green initiative, has Sligo Local Authorities joined this scheme, if not, I would propose that Sligo County Council would participate in this scheme”

In response, Ms. E. Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:

Sligo County Council is committed to the ‘cycle to work’ scheme and will be participating in the scheme in 2010.

29. HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT PAYMENTS:

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

“To request an update on payment of third level education grants and confirmation that payment will be honoured on schedule in 2010”

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

The first instalment of Higher Education Grants for academic year 2009/2010 were paid in October 2009.  The second instalment of Higher Education Grants are currently being processed.  Payment of the grants are subject to monies being made available in advance from the Department of Education and Science.  A request for recoupment of the amount involved has been submitted to the Department of Education and Science.  No confirmation of this has yet been received.

30. PROVIDE CRASH BARRIER ON N16 AT DRUMKILLSELLAGH, COLGAGH:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

31. PROVIDE LIGHTING AT KILLORAN SCHOOL, COOLANEY:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council if an external light can be fitted as soon as possible at Killoran School, Coolaney, as this will now be used as a venue more regularly because the Community Centre is closed due to repair works”

In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:
This situation will be examined by the Area Engineer to see if we can assist, but we do not have funds available for public lighting on anything other than the public roads themselves and the amount is quite limited.


32. EXAMINE JUNCTION AT ST. JOHN’S NATIONAL SCHOOL, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey,
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“To ask if Sligo County Council could examine the junction exiting from St. John’s National School, Ballisodare out onto N59 road. This is a very dangerous junction, its very hard to see traffic coming left and right when exiting out onto N59 road. This is a matter of urgency in the interest of health and safety”

In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:
This junction will be examined by the Area Engineer and design staff to see if something can be done to help.

40. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT PROPOSALS ON PREVENTION OF FAMILY HOME REPOSSESSION:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on the Government to accept the proposals made by the Sligo based "Prevention of Family Home Repossession Group " to the joint Oireachtas Committee in December and to immediately introduce the legislation required”

41. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brian Harte on the death of his mother, Josephine Harte.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Niall Delaney on the death of his father, Christy Delaney.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dermot Burns on the death of his wife, Bernie Burns.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Moira Hunt on the death of her brother, Michael Layng.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Vincent Layng on the death of his brother, Michael Layng.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Willy Frizzelle on the death of his mother, Eileen Frizzelle.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John McIntyre on the death of his nephew, Joseph McLoughlin.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kitty Rutledge on the death of her mother, Mary Rutledge.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Kennedy on the death of his brother, Brian Kennedy.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Teresa Walsh on the death of her brother, Paddy Burns.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Christina Kearns on the death of her aunt, Nora Gildea.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Rose Henry on the death of her mother, Molly Corrigan.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Willie Brennan on the death of his aunt, Dympna Harte.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridie Feehily on the death of her niece, Alma Carr.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Anita Taylor and Family on the death of her husband, Richard Taylor.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to David Rutledge on the death of his mother, Mary Rutledge.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eddie Hannon on the death of his mother, Margaret Hannon.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Bertie McDonagh on the death of his brother, Fr. Oliver McDonagh.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Callaghan on the death of her husband, John Callaghan.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Francis Fowley on the death of his sister, Catherine Fowley.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to William Cunningham on the death of his brother, Joshua Cunningham.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Dolphin on the death of her brother, Thomas Morrison.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tony Doherty on the death of his mother, Bridget Doherty.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Cosgrove and family on the death of her husband, Kevin Cosgrove.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dermot Burns on the death of his wife, Bernie Burns.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Delaney on the death of her husband, Christy Delaney.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Niall Delaney on the death of his father, Christy Delaney.”

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Collins and family on the death of her husband, Tommy Collins.”

42. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

None.

43. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“That the list of Conferences circulated for January at this meeting was unanimously approved”

44. CORRESPONDENCE

Councillor Fleming asked that another request be submitted to Management at Sligo General Hospital seeking a meeting. 

45. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

There were no matters arising.

46. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

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

 

The following report prepared by Ms. Rhona McGrath, Assistant Arts Officer was circulated at the meeting

A report by the Public Art Strategy Group on the future application of the Per Cent for Art Scheme was adopted by Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council and was published in 2002. 

The report made twenty three recommendations in all, and two in relation to the Public Art Steering Group.  Recommendations 7 and 16 are quoted in full below. 

Recommendation 7 (page 15)

“That a Public Art Steering Group is established to assist in the development of future programmes with specific emphasis on the Per Cent for Art Scheme, to make recommendations to the Public Art Office and to appoint selectors and agree the recruitment process (see also Recommendation 16 below).”

Recommendation 16 (page 17)

“That public representatives would sit on the Steering Group and have a say in the nomination of selectors and the recruitment process.  Selection criteria would be agreed between the selectors and the Steering Group.”

Following the adoption of the report, a Steering Group was established with one representative from Sligo County Council, the then Chairman of the Special Policy Committee with responsibility for the arts, and one representative from Sligo Borough Council.

The Steering Group contributed to the development of the Public Art Plan, published in 2004, and the commissions series, Unravelling Developments.  The Steering Group was very useful in supporting the development and successful delivery of the commissions over the past five years.  It was envisaged that a new Steering Group would be established following the Council elections in 2009 which would oversee the next round of commissions.

The final meeting of the Steering Group took place on 4th November 2009 at which the membership of the next Steering Group was discussed.  The minutes record that representation from the County Council, including the Chair of SPC4, and the Borough Council would require a mandate from both Councils.  In relation to the composition of the Public Art Steering Group, the evaluation of the pilot programme , on which the adopted Report was based, found that, “the diverse composition of an independent and voluntary Steering Group was found to be important in supporting the programme, not only in artistic terms but through a variety of viewpoints and expertise.  The contribution of the voluntary members was found to be critical to the success of the programme”.  Based on this finding and the membership of the previous Steering Group, the next Steering Group could be comprised of two public representatives, one artist, one member of the local arts sector, one community representative, one member of the architectural/urban design team of the Borough Council and a representative from the education sector.

The meeting ended at 2.10pm.


Meeting Date 11/01/2010