Minutes 2010

Minutes of May Special Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 31st May, 2010 at 11am in Council Chamber, Riverside, Sligo.

MEMBERS PRESENT

Councillor Baker,
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 McGarry,
Councillor McGrath,
Councillor McLoughlin,
Councillor Mullaney,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor O’Grady
Councillor Queenan

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager
Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services
Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
Ms. P. R. Gallagher, A/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. M. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner
Mr. S. Ward, Acting Senior Executive Planner
Ms. M. O’Hara, Executive Planner
Ms. L. McConville, Executive Planner
Ms. S. Ryan, Heritage Officer
Ms. F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
Mr. F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

LEAS CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Leas Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the slaughter of International Human Rights Activists by the Israeli Military and further we request our Government to sever all diplomatic relations with the Israeli Regime”

It was agreed by the meeting that standing orders be suspended to discuss the above motion.

1. TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED DRAFT SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

Ms. M. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner outlined to the meeting the following:

Stages completed to date

Pre-draft consultation - 17 April to 12 June 2009; 64 submissions received.

First Manager’s Report – submitted to the Members on 31 August 2009

NOTE: there is a degree of flexibility regarding deadlines and the duration of certain stages in the review process. However, the minimum prescribed duration of public consultation must be adhered to, as well as two specific dates: the start and end dates of the review. The current CDP will expire on 15 April 2011. A new CDP should be operational on or before that date.

Proposed Draft CDP 2011-2017 consists of: (6 separate documents in total)

1. The Draft CDP Main Document includes strategic and general policies and objectives. It is prepared by the DPU/Planning Section in consultation with all relevant sections of the County Council.
2. The Draft Mini-Plans include general and specific policies, objectives and zoning maps relating to 30 villages.
3. The Draft Record of Protected Structures includes proposed deletions and additions to the current Record of Protected Structures.
4. The Housing and Retail Strategies adopted as part of SEDP 2010-2016 are also to be part of the CDP 2011-2017. It is not necessary to put them on public display again, as they were adopted by the Council at the same time as the SEDP.
5. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA)
These are processes that run in parallel with the preparation of the Draft Plan. The outputs are:
- a Draft Environmental Report (4) that must be put on public display alongside the Draft SEDP and associated documents,
- a Draft Appropriate Assessment Screening Report (5) relating to the potential impact of the Draft Plan provisions on designated Natura 2000 sites.
6. Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)
This is a new requirement, introduced in November 2009 with the publication of OPW/DoEHLG’s the Planning System and Flood risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities. While the OPW appears to expect detailed investigations to be undertaken at local level, it has not yet made available the county flood risk maps required in order to carry out a proper SFRA.

Preparation of the CDP 2011-2017 – revised target dates

By 21 May 2010 – the Manager submits the Proposed Draft CDP 2011-2017 to the Members for consideration.
31 May 2010 – the Members approve the Draft CDP for publication, with or without modifications.
By end of June 2010 – notices are published in the main local newspapers announcing the availability of the Draft CDP 2010-2017 for public debate; submissions are invited; public consultation will extend over minimum 10 weeks.
By end of October 2010 – the Second Manager’s Report on comments and observations on the Draft CDP is submitted to the Members for consideration.
By mid-November 2010 – Members adopt CDP or amend the Draft Plan; proposed amendments must go on public display.
December 2010 – notices are published in the local newspapers announcing that proposed amendments to the Draft CDP are available for comments; submissions are invited; public consultation will take 4 weeks.
February 2011 – the Third Manager’s Report is submitted to the Members.
By 15 March 2011 – the Members formally adopt/make the new Sligo County Development Plan 2011-2017.

What is NEW in the Plan:

Core Strategy

SEA Alternatives
Flood Risk Management section
24 additional Mini-Plans
180 proposed additions to the RPS, 6 proposed deletions.

Core Strategy

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 amends Section 10 of the Principal Act by introducing the requirement of a “core strategy that shall show that the development objectives in the development plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with national and regional development objectives set out in the National Spatial Strategy and regional planning guidelines”.

The Core Strategy provides relevant information to demonstrate consistency with NSS and RPGs in terms of:

growth locations – outlined in the Spatial Development Framework (Section 3.2)
population distribution – outlined in the Settlement Structure (Section 3.3)
land use zoning – outlined in the Development Land Requirements (Section 3.4) and Mini-Plans (Sections 14 to 43)

The Draft RPGs for the Border Region set out population targets and corresponding housing land requirements for the whole County and for the Gateway.

Departmental Circular SP 4/09 of 1 October 2009 indicates to City and County Managers that RPG population targets and housing land requirements will set the context for the subsequent review of city and county development plans.

Our response to Draft RPGs and departmental guidance:

Distribute future County population growth into 30 settlements, according to their place in the settlement hierarchy and infrastructural endowments.

A departmental letter to the Cathaoirleach, date 4 February 2010, indicates the options available in dealing with over-provision of zoned land, which are:

changing the zoning to something more suited to future requirements
phasing the development beyond the plan period.

“Whatever options are selected, the amount of land identified for housing development in the Core Strategy of development plans made after the adoption of the 2010 RPGs must be consistent with the RPGs.”

Our response to departmental letter:

Option 1 - changes in zoning from residential to community uses or buffer zone, in the case of over-zoned settlements.

Significant vacancy in Sligo identified in Census 2006 and mentioned in the RPGs

Our approach to the problem of vacancy:

three-year moratorium on multiple housing development in affected settlements
vacancy monitoring project – annual survey of vacant housing in the County.

Mini-plans

Public consultation will take place during summer in all electoral areas. Villages will probably be grouped in three or four for each consultation event. The events will be notified in the press, on the website and by letters to community groups. (One day per week a planner will be available at the counter in Sligo to answer queries on mini-plans.)

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager thanked the Planners for their efforts in preparing this Draft Plan and informed the meeting it was up to the Members to discuss and review same.

A general discussion by the Members followed and queries were answered by Ms. Davidescu.

It was then,

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

AND AGREED

“That the Draft County Development Plan 2011-2017 be published as presented for public consultation and that area meetings to consider the plan and in particular the relevant Mini Plans be arranged”

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

Having considered the proposed Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2011-2017, dated the 20th May 2010, and associated Environmental Report, prepared by the County Manager in accordance with section 11(5) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, it is hereby resolved :-

To approve the Draft Plan as submitted by the County Manager and that public notice be given of the preparation of the Draft Plan and that written submissions or observations be invited from the public for the further consideration of this Planning Authority before the making of the Plan in accordance with the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2007”

2. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO REVERSE DECISION ON CENTRALISATION OF MEDICAL CARDS:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

3. REQUEST COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION BE EXEMPT FROM WATER CHARGES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“To ask the County Manager that community non-profit organisations be exempt from water charges and further more, that no community centre be cut off from water and be dealt with on a fair and case by case basis”

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

The basis of the Government “Water pricing Policy” is that the costs of providing water and wastewater services to the non- domestic sector must be recovered from that sector.

The implementation of a charging policy such as proposed by the Motion would mean that farmers, hospitals, hotels and others would have to pay on behalf of the Community Centres.

Any community centre or indeed any customer that engages positively with the Council or its Agents in relation to their account will not find itself having supply cut-off.

In general terms the cost of the services on a Community Centre should not be excessive. If it is there is likely to be a problem with either a leakage issue or else inefficient usage.

We are very happy to work with our customers, to offer advice on means of reducing consumption of water and where there is a problem with leakage and where the customer has dealt with the leakage issue we are always disposed to reviewing the account having regard to the leakage issue.

4. REQUEST BUS ÉIREANN TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT WHERE SERVICES ARE DISCONNECTED:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

5. REVOKE DECISION RE: MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ROADS IN THE BOROUGH OF SLIGO:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

6. PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORKS ON PEARSE ROAD IN 2010/2011:

Proposed by D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor I. Henry

“To ask the County Manager what programme of works are intended by this Council to take place on Pearse Road in 2010/2011”

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

The road design department is currently preparing plans for traffic calming and cycleways on the Pearse Road from Markievicz Park to the Garda Station. It is envisaged that a public consultation will be held on this scheme in July. €70,000 has been allocated from the Low Cost Accident Scheme to develop Traffic Calming on the Pearse Road. This money will be used to develop elements of this design during the current year.

7. REQUEST THE COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS AT STRANDHILL WASTE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY:

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

“In light of the fact that the Department have now released €37million towards 6 no. schemes in Sligo to include the Strandhill, Grange and Tubbercurry bundle, when can be see works to commence in Strandhill and furthermore, to stress the utmost priority be given to the Strandhill Project”

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

The upgrade of Strandhill Wastewater Treatment Plant is included in a bundled DBO Contract including Tubbercurry, Grange, Ballinafad, Carney and Gurteen. The planning and procurement phases of the scheme have been completed and a preferred bidder has been selected.

The scheme has been included in the new Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012 as published by the Department recently. The Council are currently awaiting clarification from the Department in relation to the new funding arrangements for the project. We will maintain regular contact with the Department on the matter in order to progress this particular scheme which has been highlighted as a priority for this Council.

8. REQUEST REPORT ON HEAD SHOPS:

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

“To call on the County Manager to prepare a report on Head Shops in Sligo

What bye laws are at the Council’s disposal and discretion in this regard
Has the Council received any applications for the change of use for the premises been used for the sale of those products
What action does this Council intend taking to allay the fears and concerns of the public, parents and family members
To inform and call on the relevant Government Departments to take the necessary action needed, as a matter of some urgency”

Councillor M. Clarke indicated that this item had since being dealt with through National Legislation and was no longer relevant to the Agenda.

9. SUPPORT FINDINGS OF REGIONAL ASSESMBLY REPORT ON REGIONAL AIRPORTS:

Proposed by Councillor I. Henry
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council supports the findings of the BMW Regional Assembly Report on the importance of regional airports; acknowledging that Sligo Airport is an essential part of local and regional infrastructure and that the airport is run in an extremely efficient manner and the most cost effective in the country. I also call on the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey that Sligo Airport remain open”

10. CONDITIONS OF PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MAST AT TULLYNAGRACKEN SOUTH, CARRAROE, SLIGO:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council for a report on compliance to date with planning conditions pertaining to permission granted for Telecommunications Mast at Tullynagracken South, Carraroe, Sligo: Reference No. 04/804”

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

Planning permission for the erection of a 36 metre free standing communications structure, carrying antennae and communication dishes, with associated ground mounted equipment cabinets to form part of the ESB’s communication system and to share with other license operators within a 2.4m high palisade compound at ESB’s existing Sligo 110v substation at Tullynagracken South, Carrowroe, Co Sligo was granted by An Bord Pleanála on 23/02/2005 (PL 04/804 refers). Condition no1 specified that the permission was for a period of 5 years only. This permission has now expired.

Planning permission for (a) retention of the existing 36m high free-standing birdcage communication structure carrying antennae and communication dishes with associated ground mounted equipment cabinets within an existing 2.4m high palisade compound and (b) attaching of 10 no 1.3m antennae and 10 no x 0.6m dishes to allow for future third party co-location at ESB’s existing Sligo 110v substation at Tullynagracken South Carrowroe, Co Sligo was granted by the Council on 06/05/2010 (PL 10/27 refers) .

This permission is for a period of 5 years from 6/05/2010. Condition no 4 requires the submission of a landscaping scheme, for the written agreement of the Planning Authority by 5/08/10. Condition no 5 requires the deposit of a bond of €15,000. The developer has been written to and asked to:

submit a landscaping scheme by 05/08/2010 and;
Deposit the sum of €15,000 by 19/06/2010.

11. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO PUT IN PLACE JOB STRATEGY:

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

AND AGREED

“Given that over 433,000 people are currently on the live register of unemployed, Sligo County Council calls on the Government to immediately put in place a job creation/retention strategy to tackle this blight on the lives of our people. This strategy must include not only job creation and retention but also the associated issues of All-Ireland economic development, re-education/re-training and the stimulating of consumer spending”

12. REQUEST THE US GOVERNMENT TO STOP EXTRADITION OF SEAN GARLAND:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council requests the United States Government to stop the extradition proceedings against Sean Garland, former President of the Workers Party”

13. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO FILL VACANCIES IN RIVERSTOWN & BALLYFARNON GARDA STATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Minister for Justice when the vacancies in the Garda Stations of Riverstown & Ballyfarnon are expected to be filled”

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke,
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Justice and the Government to end the moratorium on the recruitment of Gardai”

14. PROPOSALS FOR COUNCIL SITE AT TOBERBRIDE, COLLOONEY, CO SLIGO:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council what proposal they have for their site at Toberbride, Collooney”

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

Sligo County Council owns land at Knockbeg, Collooney. The site in question is zoned for residential development. At present there are no firm proposals for the development of housing for this site. However, all sites in the ownership of the Council that are suitably zoned will be considered for housing development under the current Traveller Accommodation Programme if there is demand for housing in the areas the sites are located and if they are deemed suitable.

Following discussion, it was,

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council enter into dialogue with Voluntary Housing Agencies with a view to delivering OPD’s at site at Collooney owned by Sligo County Council”

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be prepared on possible housing usage for the Council owned lands adjacent to the GAA field in Collooney

and presented to Members before, September, 2010. Such report should take cognizance of the proposals put forward by CounciLlors for the Ballymore Area, especially Councillor M. Baker”

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

AND AGREED

“That Officials from Sligo County Council from Housing and Community and Enterprise sections enter into public consultation with the Community in Collooney as to the use of Council owned lands in the area”

15. COUNCIL OWNED LANDS AT LISNALURG, CO SLIGO:

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

“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report relating to the purchase of 83 acres of land at Lisnalurg, including the reason for purchasing the lands, the amount of monies borrowed to purchase the lands, the subsequent reason for recommending the sale of 49 acres of the lands and the reason for failing to use the proceeds of the sale to reduce the loans and interest payable, and the details of the accrued interest paid on the outstanding loans to date”

In response, Mr H. Kearns County Manager outlined that these lands were purchased for approximately €11million and some of the land was subsequently sold for approximately €9 million. These lands were purchased for the purpose of social and affordable housing and public/private partnership initiative, the lands are serviced. There is current loan of €5.1million with repayments of between €80,000-€100,000 per annum. The accrued interest and principal on the remaining loan is €5,179,264 at the end of 2009. Advance amount being €3,809,214 and Interest €1,370,050. The Department has recently informed the Council that they no longer intend financing loans between 7-10 years old. This matter along with other loans will have to be revisited as the current housing market crisis will not allow for any development on these lands in the short term. The Council will have to decide whether they can afford the financing of these type of loans or let the lands into a central land bank. It was agreed that Members be circulated with written clarity on figures. The County manager also stated that he would be bringing a report on this and other Council lands to the June Meeting of the Council.

16. PROVISION OF ALLOTMENTS:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“That this Council be provided with an up date on the motion passed last year on the viability of the Council providing vegetable allotments on land that is owned by the Council”

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

The allotments issue is one that would require significant financial and manpower commitments which, regrettably are not at our disposal at this time. Some Dublin Local Authorities were contacted regarding the issue and they say that the allotment model that works particularly well is one where the community take full responsibility for its development and day to day management. One Local Authority advises communities on the best type of allotment design but have no other involvement. There are a wide number of issues that need to be considered for any group considering such a project such as:

Financing and securing a suitable site,
Leasing arrangements of land and subsequent leasing of plots to users
Developing a site design
Acquiring adequate insurance cover
Ensuring access for users and machinery, ie garden rotavators, rollers, etc.
Securing each individual allotment and agreeing plot sizes
Provision of Car Park Facilities,
Ensuring that the development complies with the proper planning and sustainable development of an area (consultation with the Planning Dept would be necessary once a site has been identified)
Securing a water connection to each plot.
Securing ESB connections.
Ensuring that the site is safe and secure at all times to prevent theft of machinery, tools and produce.
Provision of storage sheds for gardening equipment,
Health and Safety issues for users and visitors to the allotments.

There are also a range of administration requirements that would need to be considered:

Rent collection for allotments and procedures for dealing with defaulters,
Annual renewal of allotment leases – it is recommended that lease of plots be of a 11 month duration to avoid future legal issues with regard to automatic entitlement to ownership of a plot.
Policies regarding the prioritisation of applicants for allotment spaces.
Anti-social behaviour management (damage to property, stealing of produce and growing of illegal plants such as cannabis)
Resolution of disputes including variations in soil quality of allotments.

One Local Authority that was contacted stated that if possible an allotment development should be located as close as possible to residential areas where access is convenient to users and to ensure regular use of the allotments. It is recommended that local farmers are approached for possible leasing of land for use as allotments and that any allotments would be managed by the group using them. There are allotments available for lease at Annaghmore outside CoLlooney.

17. VOLUNTEERS TO HELP FIREFIGHTERS:

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

“In view of the numerous forest and bog fires in recent weeks, I will ask if any scheme is in place to train volunteers to help the already over-stretched fire fighters and fire service”

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

Every available resource is considered when a fire occurs. The deployment of trained “volunteers” is a valuable resource and has been used by the fire service in Sligo over the last few years. Such assistance is provided by Civil Defence who provide auxiliary Fire Service training to volunteers on a regular basis.

The situation in which these “volunteers” are deployed must match the level of training and equipment available to them and hence careful consideration is given to their deployment. Local communities are very supportive in our efforts to extinguish fires and through a recent fire awareness advertisement campaign it is hoped to reduce the number of such fires.

18. SIGNAGE AT LISHEEN, ACLARE, CO. SLIGO:

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

“To request the Council to erect 2 no. ‘Slow Down’ signs at Lisheen, Aclare on road no.405 Aclare to Swinford in the interest of road safety”

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

19. TUBBERCURRY SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT:

This matter is currently being examined by the Tubbercurry Area Engineer who will revert back to you shortly.

Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator stated that this item had previously being dealt with at the Adjourned Ordinary meeting of 24th May, 2010 and was inadvertently on the Agenda.

20. PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT ROUNDABOUT IN COLLOONEY:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide funding for a pedestrian crossing at the first roundabout in Collooney, towards the Teeling Centre”

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

This location was the subject of works carried out in 2008 whereby enhanced pedestrian facilities were provide: - i.e. large signs have been installed, coloured paving has been laid etc. It is not proposed to carry out any further work here at this time.

21. QUERYING INTRODUCTION OF WATER CHARGES ON PRIVATE HOMES:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

22. PROPOSED 2010 WORKS ON R297 REALIGNMENT AT EASKEY:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

23. SOUTH SLIGO WATER SUPPLY SCHEME:

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

“Due to the on going disruption to the South Sligo Water Supply Scheme in the Monasteraden/Cloonloo/ Gurteen areas (most recent on 3rd May) what proposals have the Council got to address this ongoing problem”

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

The water in the Gurteen, Monasteraden and Cloonloo areas of south Sligo is supplied by Roscommon County Council from the North Roscommon Water Supply Scheme. The recent disruptions to the South Sligo Water Supply have primarily been as a result of bursts on the rising main from the county boundary to the storage reservoir near Monasteraden.

In order to address this issue the Council have submitted a mains Rehabilitation Strategy report to the Department to request funding under the Sligo Water Conservation Project - Stage 3 Mains Rehabilitation. In the interim we have carried out modifications to the pumping arrangements and pressure management on this supply to minimise the potential for further bursts and we will continue to monitor this supply on an ongoing basis.

24. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

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

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to The Kerins Family on the death of their Mother, Phyllis.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Charlotte Martin on the death of her husband, Alfie.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Cosgrove on the death of his father, Michéal.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Daly on the death of her husband John Francis.”

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

AND AGREED

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

25. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

None.

26. CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

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

27. CORRESPONDENCE:

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

AND AGREED

“to note correspondence circulated with the Agenda”

28. MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

29. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The following report prepared by Ms. R. McNulty, Director of Services regarding Development Contribution Funding was circulated to Members:

The Development Contribution Funding for Community, Sports, Recreational, Tourism & Cultural Facilities Scheme 2008 was considered by the Council at its meeting of October 2008 and the members approved funding for 11 communities/voluntary groups. In April 2009 an additional project was approved by members.

This scheme is a small fund which provides top-up funding for Community, Sports, Recreation, Tourist and Cultural Facilities. As agreed, the Community, Sports, Recreational, Tourism & Cultural Facilities allocation from the Development Contribution Scheme will apply the following % breakdown to the relevant categories:

Tourism projects - 30%
Cultural Facilities and Community, Sports & Recreation Facilities (including play areas) 70%

It was agreed at the October 2008 Council meeting that applications which were assessed for funding but not granted funds during 2009 would be re-assessed. To date there have been no allocations under this scheme.

The following is a list of projects approved for funding:

Funding Proposed

Community Facilities – Ballinalack €70,000
St John’s Community Park, Carraroe €50,000
Geevagh – Community Facilities €40,000
Easkey Community Centre €37,000
Ballymote Community Parks €50,000
Keash Hall €15,000
Dromore West Community Centre €10,000
Cloonacool Community Park €25,000
Morrison Cottage, Riverstown €15,000
Ballisodare Sports Facilities €25,000
Rosses Point – Community Facilities €50,000
Strandhill Community Facilities €80,000

At 31st December, 2008 there was an over-expenditure of €429,080 in the funding stream designated to finance projects under the Development Contribution Scheme for Community, Sports, Recreational, Tourism & Cultural Facilities. The income into this funding stream for the period from 1st January, 2009 to 31st March, 2010 is €169,876.

The existing negative balance of €429,080 plus the total of €467,000 allocated to the 12 projects in 2008/9 will have to be cleared before there would be any scope to open the scheme to new projects/proposals. As no current funding is available under this part of the Development Contribution Scheme, it will take considerable time before funds become available to pay out the 12 grants approved by the Council, following their re-assessment.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 5.00pm.

Meeting Date 31/05/2010