Minutes 2010

Minutes of February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 1st February 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 Healy McGowan,
  • Councillor Henry,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor Murray,
  • 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 F. O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms. M. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner
  • Ms. M. O’Hara, Executive Planner
  • Ms. A. Quinn-Hyland, Health and Safety Advisor
  • 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 and the people of Sligo on their fundraising efforts for the people of Haiti recently devastated by an Earthquake.

He also paid tribute to the Council’s LAMA Representatives, Councillor J. Devins and Councillor M. Barrett on helping to secure this year’s Conference to be held in Sligo.

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager informed the meeting that an investigation into 13 no. allegations of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour made by a number of staff members against Councillor Declan Bree has taken place and that there is a legal obligation on every Employer under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, to manage and conduct work activities in such a way as to ensure the Safety, Health and Welfare at work of employees and to prevent any improper conduct or behaviour likely to put the safety, health or welfare at work of employees at risk.

The independent investigation set about establishing the facts of the case and to make appropriate recommendations.  The investigation concluded that bullying had occurred in respect of three staff members and that the other staff members were subjected to inappropriate behaviour which undermined their right to dignity at work. 
The County Manager also stated the recommendations from the report were as follows:

  1. Firstly, I have instructed the complainants not to engage with Councillor Bree in any manner pending an acceptable resolution of the matters at issue.  Councillor Bree has also been informed of this instruction.
  2. Secondly, That the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council be provided with proper training to detect and enforce the Code of Conduct for Councillors
  3. Thirdly, that a Standards Board for Ireland be established to promote and maintain standards of conduct for Elected Representatives of all Local Authorities and to investigate complaints for breaches.

The County Manager also brought to the Members attention a letter received from SIPTU- the Union representing senior technical staff of the Council and its recommendation that their members were also to have no contact with Councillor Bree.

As a result of the above recommendations, the County Manager informed Members that due to the number of staff affected and who now would not be in attendance at Council Meetings, it would not always be possible to directly answer Members Queries.  He stated that Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act he as County Manager would answer queries to the best of his ability.

Councillor D. Bree stated that he had highlighted at a Borough Council meeting in November 2008 a proposal by the Borough Council to contribute €1.3m to a development which included a proposed bridge across the Garavogue river.  This project was part of a private Developer’s project and he felt it was totally inappropriate for the Council to be making such a contribution to a private Developer.  As a result of his comments, some Members of Staff had taken issue with his remarks and an investigation into bullying had taken place.  He stated that in his opinion the Investigation was flawed as the County Manager had met the Investigating persons prior to any appointment being made by the Council.  He further stated that he had no intention of apologising on the issue.

In response, the County Manager insisted that this issue was about a Bullying Investigation and not about a Bridge.  He stated that the Council and indeed the Department of the Environment in its submission on the Sligo and Environs Development Plan had agreed that the proposed Bridge would enhance the town, linking Quay Street with Connaughton road and providing a right of way in Perpetuity.  This he and his Colleague felt presented good value for money.

He further stated that he had met both Ms Margaret Considine of Equity Consulting and Patrick J. Cahill, Solicitor to assure himself that these people were capable of carrying out an Independent Investigation and who were appointed on the recommendation of the Local Government Management Services Board. 

He concluded by saying that Bullying was a most insidious and complex issue and had serious psychological effects on people and in most, if not all cases, the Perpetrator never acknowledges any responsibility.  He asked Members that this inappropriate behaviour should not be allowed to continue and appealed to all Members in this regard.

1. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 11TH JANUARY, 2010:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the January Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the 11th January, 2010”.

2. MINUTES OF THE BUDGET MEETING HELD ON 18TH DECEMBER, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Council held on the 18th December, 2009”

3. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 30TH NOVEMBER, 2009:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on the 30th November 2009”

4. MINUTES OF THE DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING HELD ON 16TH NOVEMBER, 2009:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Dromore West Electoral Area Meeting held on the16th November, 2009”

5. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 1TH APRIL, 2009:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on the 1st April, 2009”

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

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

AND AGREED

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

7. PART 8 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF COASTAL PROTECTION WORKS IN STRANDHILL:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 (Article 81) of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 (as amended by the Planning and Development Regulations, 2006) the proposed construction of coastal protection works for the Strandhill Waste Water Treatment Works at Killaspugbrone, Strandhill, Co. Sligo”

Councillor S. MacManus asked if a study on extending the rock armour could be carried out on the area adjacent to the Caravan Park

8. CHARLESTOWN/ BELLAGHY LOCAL AREA PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“Having considered Draft Local Area Plan for Charlestown-Bellaghy and the Manager’s Report dated December, 2009, it appears to the members of the Planning Authority that the Draft Plan should be amended or modified in accordance with the Manager’s Report and in accordance with resolutions passed at this meeting and that the proposed amendment or modification would, if made, be a material alteration of the draft concerned. It is hereby resolved in accordance with the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2007 that the proposed amendments be put on public display for a period of not less than four weeks and that submissions and observations be invited from the public for further consideration by the Planning Authority”

9. ENNISCRONE LOCAL AREA PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“That all objectives of the Enniscrone Local Area Plan, including zoning objectives be maintained unchanged and that the only amendment of the Local Area Plan relates to the extension of its life by three years, to 2013. It is further resolved that the Local Area Plan amendment process commence without delay”

A general discussion took place on this item and Members Queries were answered in relation to Department funding not been affected if agreement was not reached.  The County Manager stated that this was an issue for Members of the County Council as set out under the Roads Act but any decision on National and Regional Roads would have to be approved by the NRA. 

The Meeting agreed to a 5 minute Adjournment for Members to discuss same.  On resumption it was,


10. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL/SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL ROADS AGREEMENT:

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

“That Sligo County Council agree to enter into an agreement with Sligo Borough Council for the Maintenance and Construction by the Borough Council of the National and Regional Roads in the Borough of Sligo as detailed in the agreement circulated to members with the Agenda for the February Ordinary Meeting”

As agreement could not be reached, the Cathaoirleach called for a vote:

For:  Bree, Cawley, Devins, Lyons, MacManus, McLoughlin

Against: Baker, Barrett, Barry, Fleming, Healy McGowan, Henry, Keaney, Leonard, McGrath, Mullaney, Murray, Queenan.

Abstentions: Clarke, Collery, Gormley, Mulvey

As the result was 6 for, 12 against and 4 abstentions, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

11. JOINT MEETING OF SLIGO/OMAGH COUNCILS:

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager informed Members that a joint meeting of Sligo/Omagh Councils would be held in March/April 2010.

12. PROJECTS FUNDED BY FÁILTE IRELAND:

This item was withdrawn with the agreement of the Meeting.

13. WELCOME SPECIAL OLYMPICS FUNDING:

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

AND AGREED

“To welcome the funding allocation of €6m by the EU Parliament to the European Special Olympics”

It was agreed that Items 14, 16, 17, 24 and 33 be taken at this time.

14. SEEK FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT FOR DAMAGED ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the atrocious weather conditions that has prevailed over the past few weeks and the damage caused to local and regional roads that this Council calls on the Ministers for the Environment and Transport to make emergency funding available immediately”

16. SEEK FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT FOR DAMAGED ROADS:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To call on the Government to provide emergency funding to repair Local and Regional roads in County Sligo”

17. SEEK FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT FOR DAMAGED ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to recent inclement weather and the damage caused to our roads by same that this Council call on the Department of the Environment to provide extra funding for repair and maintenance in 2010”

24. SEEK FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT FOR DAMAGED ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“In the light of the rapid deterioration in the condition of regional and county roads, that special funding be requested from the Minister for the Environment and Transport to be spent at the discretion of Area Engineers in consultation with Local Councillors, to enable the completion of agreed roads programme”

33. SEEK FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT FOR DAMAGED ROADS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey to allocate extra funding to prioritise works on damaged roads due to recent adverse weather conditions”

In response to the above motions, Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer stated the following,

The recent cold weather lasted for approximately one month from December 18th until January 15th.  The cold weather was unusual in its length and severity and was the most severe since at least 1963.  Sligo County Council dedicated considerable resources in attempting to keep main roads open, in keeping towns clear and as far as possible to maintain access to rural communities.    It is estimated that the total cost of the effort for the county area is approximately €810,000.  This includes €250,000 for National Roads and €560,000 for regional roads and local roads.  The severe weather has resulted in varying amounts of damage to parts of our road network. Repair work required includes local reconstruction and overlay, surface rehabilitation and pothole repairs. 

Council area staff is currently carrying out emergency repairs, which consist mainly of pothole repairs, to the worst affected areas pending more permanent works.  The cost of works carried out to date is estimated at €270,000.  The Council’s roads staff has surveyed the damaged areas in order to identify the repairs required and an overall estimated cost.  A preliminary schedule of repairs has been prepared and costs estimated.
Excluding costs incurred to date the estimated cost of repair for National Roads is €600,000 and the estimated cost for regional and local roads is €2.75m. Details of these costs have been sent to the National Roads Authority and Department of Transport. 

These estimates have attempted to quantify the worst affected areas.  In addition there are extensive areas where pothole damage has occurred and will require ongoing monitoring and repair work over a longer period and it is difficult to quantify and cost this work at this stage.  Damage at other locations on the network is only becoming evident as time progresses and at this stage it is not possible to put an estimate on future costs that may arise as a result of the network continuing to deteriorate.  Roads will therefore require ongoing monitoring and the estimate of repair costs may require to be updated.

Following further discussion, the Cathaoirleach thanked staff and senior engineering staff for meeting with Members at a local level to outline roads damage and thanked Mr Brennan for his report.

It was then,

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to reject the public claims by Minister Gormley that there has being no reduction in funding to Local Government over the past two years”

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

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

“To call on this Council to consider the provision of crash barrier on the N16 at Drumkilsellagh Colgagh, between the turn off for Kilsellagh and the bridge on left hand side heading for Sligo”

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

The location will be examined by the Area Engineer and an estimate for the work will be prepared for consideration.

18. PROVIDE SAFETY BARRIER AT DRUMISKABOLE, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“That this Council take immediate measures to provide safety barriers on stretch of road at Drumiskabole”

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

A submission has been made to the Department of Transport for the provision and erection of crash barriers here in the current year and it is hoped that work will proceed later in the year.

19. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC LIGHTING IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

“To ask the Director of Services to indicate who is responsible for upgrading and maintenance of public lighting in the County”

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

Public Lighting now comes under the remit of Airtricity and an amount is usually allowed for under Discretionary Improvement Grant for Non-National Roads. In recent years this has been used to provide public lighting over new footpath construction.

20. REDUCE SPEED LIMIT ON N59 THROUGH CORBALLA VILLAGE:

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

“To ask the Director of Services when will the speed limit be reduced on N59 through Corballa village - its 7 years since the process commenced”

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

The matter of a reduced speed limit in Corballa is with the NRA and I have been given a commitment by the Inspector that this matter will be dealt with in the very near future.

21. ISSUE LICENCES TO HORSE RIDERS ON STREEDAGH BEACH:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“To ask the Director of Services to issue licences to horse riders on Streedagh back beach”

In response, Mr F. O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer stated the following:

Activities on Streedagh back beach are currently regulated by Beach Bye-Laws introduced in 2007. These were drafted following consultation with the Environment SPC and a period of public consultation. Under these bye-laws horses are only permitted on the beach during certain times as listed below:

MONTHS: JANUARY – APRIL; OCTOBER - DECEMBER
  • Days:  Monday – Friday (inclusive)
  • Times:  Any time of the day.
  • Days: Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
  • Times:  9. 00 p.m. to 10.00 a.m. (i.e. after 9.00 p.m. in the evening and before 10.00 a.m. in the morning.)
MONTHS:  MAY - SEPTEMBER
  • Days: Monday – Sunday (inclusive)
  • Times: - 10.00 p.m. to 10.00 a.m. (i.e. after 10.00 p.m. in the evening and before 10.00 a.m. in the morning).

The introduction of a licensing system for horse riders would not be possible under the existing bye-laws and would require the drafting of new bye-laws. The process for this is laid down in legislation and would take in the region of 6 months to complete. Any changes would have to balance the requirements of the horse riders with the need to ensure the safety of all beach users and the protection of the fragile dune system at Streedagh. Complaints have been received from members of the public about the conduct of some horse riders on the beach particularly in the area patrolled by the lifeguards in the bathing season. Any proposed changes would have to ensure that the safety of bathers is given the highest priority.

22. GRITTING OF R294 TUBBERCURRY TO LOUGH TALT:

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

“To request that Regional Road R294 Tubbercurry to Lough Talt would be included in the gritting programme for the County on a regular basis”

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

The R294 is gritted on a fairly regular basis out as far as St. Attracta’s College. Adequate funding does not exist to treat the remaining part of R294 out to the County boundary.

23. SEEK CLARITY FROM GOVERNMENT AND H.S.E. REGARDING SERVICES AT SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

“To seek positive clarification from the Minister for Health and the HSE on the future provision of services at Sligo General Hospital including, A&E, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Cancer care, inclusive of follow up routine mammogram’s”


25. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT AND H.S.E. TO REVIEW GP’S CONTRACTS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health and the head of the HSE calling on them to review GP'S (General Practice Doctors) contracts and call on them to introduce cluster type contracts to 3 or 5 doctors, (or amalgamate existing contracts) who can cross check diagnosis and that will guarantee local evening and weekend doctor cover” 

26. REPAIR ROADS IN SOUTH SLIGO:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

28. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO HOLD ENQUIRY INTO BANKING CRISIS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council expresses its disapproval of the decision of the Fianna Fail/Green Government not to hold a full public inquiry into the banking crisis in this state. In the interests of full public scrutiny and to build trust, any investigation into why the present banking scandal developed should be held in public to permit a full and open examination of the role played by senior bank management, the government and the banking regulators. Consequently, this Council calls on the Government to reconsider its position and initiate a public inquiry in line with the overwhelming wishes of the general public who have to bear the financial costs of this debacle”

29. IMPROVE SAFETY AT ROAD JUNCTIONS AT KILFREE AND ACHONRY, CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray (a) and Councillor M. Fleming (b)

“That this Council carry out works at the following junctions in the interest of safety

  1. The junction of County Road 500/R293 Kilfree
  2. The junction of County Road 454/N17 at Achonry”

 

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

 

  1. The improvement of this junction at Kilfree requires land acquisition and the raising of levels along the Local Road. An estimate can be prepared for your consideration prior to the adoption of the 2010 Road Works Scheme. 
  2. The junction with N17 at Achonry has been surveyed and a design for its improvement by the introduction of a right turning lane has been prepared. However, this is an expensive scheme which is unlikely to be funded.

 

 

30. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO REVERSE WAGE CUTS OF PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council extends its solidarity and support to the Members of IMPACT and the other trade unions representing the staff of the Council who are undertaking industrial action in response to the Government decision to cut the rates of pay of public servants and their threats to make further cuts in pay, pension benefits and jobs, and further, recognising that

  1. a third of public service workers earn less than €40,000 a year;
  2. every public servant already suffered a pay cut – averaging 7.5% in 2009,
  3. the economic crisis was not caused by public spending or public servants; this Council calls on the Government to reverse the unfair and unnecessary wage cuts.”

 

 

31. POLLUTION ON SHORELINE AT AUGHAMORE:

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

“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report regarding the causes of the pollution of Lough Gill and its shoreline at Aughamore, and that the Council be advised of the measures the Council has taken to clean up the contaminated area and further that the Council be advised as to what action, legal or otherwise, has been taken against those responsible for the pollution under the Water Pollution Acts.”

In response, Mr H. Kearns, County Manager outlined that no report was available on this matter at present but he would provide Members with a report in due course.

32. POLLUTION AT DORRIANS STRAND, STRANDHILL:

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

“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report regarding the cause of the pollution at Strandhill/Dorrians Strand, and that the Council be advised of the measures the Council has taken to ensure that the area is cleared of pollutants and further that the Council be advised as to what action, legal or otherwise, has been taken against those responsible for the pollution.”

In response, Mr H. Kearns, County Manager outlined that no report was available on this matter at present but he would provide Members with a report in due course.

34. WATER SERVICES COSTS DUE TO RECENT FREEZING WEATHER CONDITIONS:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

35. UPDATE REGARDING SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

“What progress has been made to secure approval from the Department for the upgrade of the sewerage treatment plant in Tubbercurry?”

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

The upgrade of Tubbercurry Wastewater Treatment Plant is included in a bundled DBO Contract including Strandhill, Grange, Ballinafad, Carney and Gurteen. The planning and procurement phases of the scheme have been completed and a preferred bidder has been selected.  Sligo County Council are currently awaiting the granting of loan approval from the Department to meet the Council’s contribution to the cost of the scheme. We are in regular contact with the Department on the matter of loan approval and this particular scheme has been highlighted as a priority for this Council.  The scheme has been included in the 2009 Needs Assessment report to advance as part of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 - 2012. It is anticipated that this new investment programme will be published by the Department in the coming weeks.

36. PROVIDE PAEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN COOLANEY VILLAGE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a pedestrian crossing in the center of Coolaney village in the interest of safety at the entrance to playground/football pitch/community park”

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

The Road Design office can prepare a design for a pedestrian crossing here but funding this year in particular may be very restricted.  This location will require expensive build outs due to the overall width of the road and the scheme will therefore be costly as a whole.  The estimate will be ready for your consideration prior to the adoption of Road Works Scheme 2010.

37. PROGRESS REPORT ON ROCKFIELD MANOR ESTATE,  COOLANEY:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council, on behalf of the residents of Rockfield Manor Coolaney, I am seeking an up to date progress report of the ongoing works of this Estate, i.e. lighting/sewage/adequate water supply/green area”

In response, Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following:

The following matters have still to be addressed by the Developer of Rockfield Manor:

  1. Road restoration in respect of a small area, following the carrying out of remedial measures to the sewer network.
  2. Path around Green area to be completed in accordance with Planning Permission
  3. Financial Contributions to residents association in lieu of the provision of a play area.
  4. There were issues regarding freezing of water pipes in the estate during the recent cold spell.  This matter is currently being investigated by the Council.
  5. The green area is also the subject of complaints.  Some works to same were carried out by the developer and the effectiveness of same will be monitored by the Council during the year.
  6. Finally there is also an issue regarding installation of 2 lights on the public road, which has recently come to the attention of the Planning Authority. This is being followed up at present.

The Council has been extremely patient in dealing with this Developer and in the absence of a firm date for completion, and as soon as the position in relation to both the public lighting and the water pipes is clarified, I intent to write to the surety to draw down funds from it to complete the development to our satisfaction. The surety is already on notice in this regard.

27. TAKE IN CHARGE OF ‘CASTLEBURN ESTATE’ BALLYMOTE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update on the Taking in Charge of ‘Castleburn Estate’, Ballymote”

In response, Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following:

An application to take this estate in charge was lodged with the Council on 9/07/09. Certain certification required in relation to the application is still outstanding.  Notwithstanding the above, Enforcement Notices were served on the Developer in July 2009 in relation to outstanding works, which the Council required the Developer to carry out. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the Developer for failure to comply with the Enforcement Notices.  The cases were fixed for Ballymote District Court on 12/01/10.  Their Solicitor requested an adjournment for 3 months in order to complete the outstanding issues and comply with the Enforcement Notices.  The judge consented to the adjournment to 9/03/10.

38. PROGRESS ROADWORKS AT CULFADDA VILLAGE AND CLOONACOOL NATIONAL SCHOOL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray (a) and Councillor M. Fleming (b)

“To ask the Director for Infrastructural Services for detailed reports as to when works will be carried out to

 

  1. the section of road in Culfadda Village that has subsided
  2. the collapsed culvert outside Cloonacool N.S”

 

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

 

  1. In Culfadda Village it will be necessary to erect a retaining wall to prevent any further subsidence. The cost of this could be €15,000 to €20,000. There is no indication that the Developer of the site is in a position to carry out this work.  It is recommended that because €20,000 is unavailable to us at present that the section of road be left cordoned off for the time being. The road width is reduced by about one metre which is manageable.
  2. Some repair work was carried out last year on this culvert and there is a traffic control system in place which is working well.  It is hoped to combine the completion of this work with other work later in the Spring time, all of which may entail a short road closure, hopefully at a time that will least affect Cloonacool N.S.

 

 

39. LISADELL HOUSE:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

40. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Ginn on the death of her Mother, Mary Coleman”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Frances Durkin on the death of her mother, Frances Durkin”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to John Wynne on the death of his brother, Gerry”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy Hunt on the death of his wife, Margaret”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Rafferty on the death of her sister Kay Whitaker”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerry & Breege McGarry on the death of Breege’s Mother, Annie Mitchell”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernard Harte on the death of his Uncle Padraic Collery”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to J.T. Higgins on the death of his Father, John”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Edward Williams on the death of his Mother, Edith”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr & Mrs Padraic Corcoran on the death her mother, Mrs Brown”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Gus & Geraldine Gilligan on the death of their brother Martin”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to David Garvey & extended Family on the death of his father, Liam”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat Gallagher on the death of his mother, Mary”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Anne Marie Lacken on the death of her father Packie Kearins”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Phil Howley on the death of her brother, Benin Kennedy”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret McGuire on the death of her mother, Margaret Hunt”

“that a vote of sympathy be extneded to John Wynne on the death of his brother, Gerry”

41. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of Congratulations be extended to Mary Coleman on the occasion of her 100th Birthday”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of Congratulations be extended to St. Mary’s Collge, Ballisodare on winning the U16 All Ireland Basketball Title”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of Congratulations be extended to the Coolaney Pioneers on winning the Senior Novelty Act in the Connaught Pioneers Talent Show”

42. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

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

43. CORRESPONDENCE:

Councillor P. McGrath welcomed correspondence (s) from the NRA in relation to a meeting with them and asked that a further letter issue outlining the county roads to be discussed at the meeting.

44. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

There were no matters arising.

45. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator outlined a request from Sligo County Development Board to give a presentation to Members on Broadband.  It was agreed that this would take place at the March Meeting at 2pm for approximately 15 minutes.


The meeting ended at 4pm.


Meeting Date 01/02/2010