Minutes 2010

Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th October, 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 Lundy, 
• Councillor Lyons, 
• Councillor MacManus, 
• Councillor McGarry, 
• Councillor McGrath, 
• Councillor McLoughlin, 
• Councillor Mullaney, 
• Councillor Mulvey, 
• Councillor O’Grady, 
• Councillor Queenan

IN ATTENDANCE:

• Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
• Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
• Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
• Ms P. R. Gallagher, A/Director of Services
• Ms D. Finnerty, A/Director of Services
• Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
• Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
• Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
• Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
• Mr. J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer
• Ms S. Ryan, Heritage Officer
• Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
• Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

• The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Leonard presided.

1.  MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2010:

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the September Ordinary Meeting held on the 6th September, 2010.”

2.  MINUTES OF THE TUBBERCURRY SPECIAL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 31ST AUGUST, 2010:

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Tubbercurry Special Electoral Area Meeting held on the 31st August, 2010.”

3.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/  STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 5TH JULY, 2010:

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 5th July, 2010.”

4.  MINUTES OF THE TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 20TH MAY, 2010: 

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on the 20th May, 2010.”

5.  MINUTES OF SPC1 MEETING HELD ON 19TH MAY, 2010:

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 1 (Economic Development and Planning Policy) held on the 19th May, 2010.”

6.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/  STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 17TH MAY, 2010:

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 17th May, 2010.”

7.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/  STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 6TH APRIL, 2010:

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on the 6th April, 2010.”

8.SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY AT KILKILLOGUE, MULLAGHMORE, CLIFFONEY, CO. SLIGO:

AND AGREED

“To approve pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 the disposal of property at Kilkillogue, Mullaghmore, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo to Martin and Mary Boyce.”

9.  SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY AT BALLINGTOGHER AND TUBBERCURRY:

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 the disposal of 1.153 hectares of land at Ballintogher, and 0.223 hectares of land at Tubbercurry to Housing and Sustainable Communities Ltd. {see terms of sale * in disposal report}” 

Councillor D. Bree Dissented.

10.  SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY AT COOLANEY:

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 the disposal of .6175 hectares of land at Coolaney to Housing and Sustainable Communities Ltd. {see terms of sale * in disposal report}”

Councillor D. Bree Dissented.

11. (a) DECLARE PUBLIC ROADS:

This Item was agreed at the September meeting and was included on the October meeting to correct a technicality on acreage. 

AND AGREED

(a).  That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the roads named below to be Public Roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.(previously circulated)

Road Number	Location
L-36036-0	Road serving the development of 5 houses known as Mullanes Road at Cuilbeg, Carraroe.
L-35061-0	Road serving the development of 7 houses known as Carews Estate in Strandhill
L-76165-0	Road situate in the housing estate of ‘Cluain Carn’ in the townland of Abbeytown, Ballisodare

(b) COMMENCE PROCESS OF TAKING IN CHARGE 5 HOUSES AT MULLANES ROAD, CUILBEG, CARRAROE, 7 HOUSES AT CAREWS ESTATE, STRANDHILL & ‘CLUAIN CARN’ ESTATE ABBEYTOWN, BALLISODARE:  

(b).  That Sligo County Council take in charge the following developments:

• 5 no. houses situate at Mullanes Road, Cuilbeg, Carraroe
• 7 no. houses situate at Carews Estate, Strandhill
• Housing estate known as “Cluain Carn” in the townland of Abbeytown, Ballisodare

25.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF GRATTAN COURT ESTATE, BALLYMOTE:

It was agreed to take Items 25 and 41 at this time.

“To ask Sligo county Council for an update on the taking in charge of Grattan Court Estate, Ballymote”

In response, Mr. J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

An application to have the above estate taken in charge was lodged with the Council in late July 2010 and is currently being assessed. The Council will write to the developer as soon as this assessment is complete to advise of any outstanding works that need to be carried out. A request to initiate the process of taking the estate in charge will be placed on a future agenda of the Council subject to the satisfactory completion of any such works.

41.  TAKING IN CHARGE KNOCKMULDOWNEY HOUSING ESTATE, BALLISODARE:

“To ask Sligo County Council to take in charge Knockmuldowney Housing Estate in Ballisodare, Co. Sligo”

In response, Mr. J. Owens, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

The developer of this estate has been asked to submit an application to have it taken in charge. Discussions are ongoing and an application is awaited.

12.  TO APPROVE BORROWING SUM NOT EXCEEDING €5M:

AND AGREED

“To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €5m by way of temporary overdraft for the 6 months to 31st March 2011 in accordance with section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001.”

13.  TO APPROVE OVER EXPENDITURE IN RELATION TO PAYMENTS UNDER THE HOUSING AID FOR THE ELDERLY, MOBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY GRANTS:

This item was withdrawn with the agreement of the meeting.

14.  ADOPT THE DRAFT MULTI ANNUAL ROADWORKS RESTORATION IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES 2011 – 2013:

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Multi Annual Roadworks Restoration Improvement Schemes 2011-2013.”

15.  ADOPT DRAFT PROPOSALS FOR FOOTPATH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME, 2010:

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Proposals for Footpath Enhancement Programme, 2010.”

16.  TO CONSIDER AND ADOPT THE DRAFT PLACE NAMES POLICY FOR SLIGO LOCAL AUTHORITIES:

It was agreed to refer this Item back to SPC1 Economic Development and Planning Policy, for clarification.

17.  CONSIDER AND NOTE THE DRAFT SLIGO GAOL CONSERVATION PLAN 2010:

AND AGREED

“To consider and note the Draft Sligo Gaol Conservation Plan 2010 for public consultation.”

18.  NOTE ANNUAL REPORT 2009 OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:

AND AGREED

“To note the Annual Report 2009 of the Audit Committee.”

19.  FIX BUDGET MEETING DATE:

AND AGREED

“To fix a date for the 2011 Budget Meeting as the 17th December, 2010 at 11am, County Hall.”

20.  PRESENTATION BY WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:

It was agreed to take this item at 12.30pm

21.  TO REVOKE THE COUNCIL’S DECISION IN RELATION TO NATIONAL & REGIONAL ROADS IN THE BOROUGH OF SLIGO:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

22.  PROVIDE POLLING STATION IN BALLISODARE:

“To ask Sligo County Council to ensure that a Polling Station be provided in Ballisodare to facilitate voters who, prior to 2009 Local Elections voted in Ballisodare but who are now registered to vote in Collooney.”

In response Mr. F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator stated that the court services had been contacted in relation to this issue. The Council would liaise with the Court Service and report back to the members.

23.  BALLYMOTE BRANCH OF COMHALTAS CEOLTOIRI EIREANN:

AND AGREED

“That this Council congratulates the Ballymote Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann on being awarded the honour of hosting Fleadh Cheoil Chonnacht 2011, and further recognising the importance of the Provincial Fleadh Cheoil, this Council confirms its intention to provide grant aid for the event which is to take place in Ballymote , June 28th to July 3rd 2011”

It was agreed to takes Items 24 and 27 together.

24. & 27. FUNDING FOR 2011 CONNAUGHT FLEADH IN BALLYMOTE:

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide funding in the sum of €7,000 for the 2011 Connaught Fleadh which is to be held in Ballymote ”

AND AGREED

“To request funding from the Council for the Connaught Fleadh Cheol to be held in Ballymote in 2011”

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

When the Arts Department is preparing the 2011 budget, every effort will be made to allocate a sum to the Connaught Fleadh out of the overall grants budget. It will be necessary to balance this with the likelihood that other organisations (including the five existing Comhaltas events) will receive another 10% cut for 2011 in line with the Council’s overall requirement to cut expenditure by a minimum of 10%.

26.  REQUEST UPDATE ON LONG TERM PLANS FOR HSE FACILITIES IN BALLYMOTE:

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council and the HSE for an update regarding long term plans for HSE Facilities in Ballymote.”

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

I have written to the HSE requesting an update on what their long term plans are for Ballymote. As soon as we get a response it will be forwarded on to you. 

28. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO HOLD INDEPENDENT PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO COLLAPSE OF IRISH ECONOMY:

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to demand the Government to hold an Independent Public Inquiry into the collapse of the Irish Economy and the role of the Financial Regulator, the Central Bank, the Minister for Finance and the Inquiry would examine all related matters for the years from 2005 to 2009 and make ‘Findings’ and ‘Recommendations’ ”

Following a discussion by the members they supported the sentiment but a tribunal would be another waste of public money.

29.  SUPPORT CITYWIDE DRUGS CRISIS CAMPAIGN:

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council supports the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign against cuts in funding to regional drugs taskforces and calls for the Government to allocate the money from the Criminal Assets Bureau to Regional and local Drugs Task Forces to assist in the provision of services in their communities.”

30.  REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT EXISTING SERVICES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO THE COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR:

AND AGREED

“That this Council, concerned at the ongoing imposition of regressive policies by the Government, including the termination of the Sustainable Communities Fund and the significant cut-backs in assistance to voluntary and community organisations; appeals to the Government to protect existing services and provide adequate resources to the community and voluntary sector in both urban and rural areas across the country”

31.  REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE & NATURAL RESOURCES TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO REMOVE SAND BANK AT MULLAGHMORE HARBOUR:

AND AGREED

“Recognising that the sand bank at the entrance to Mullaghmore Harbour (near the pontoon) is causing significant problems for boat users, this Council calls on the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to provide the Council with the necessary funding to permanently remove the sand bank from the entrance.”

In response Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager, stated that funding has been sought from the department but there was no indication of whether the funds would become available.

The meeting was subsequently informed that confirmation of an allocation of €90,000 funding had been received.

32.  REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FUNDING IN 2011 UNDER THE SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENT GRANT:

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Transport to provide funding in 2011 under the Specific Improvement Grant for

1. The realignment of bridge structure and completion of works on R.R 294 Cuilpruglish, Mullaghroe and;
2. Improvements to Knockrawer Bridge on R.R 294”

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

An application for funding for Improvement works at Cuilpruglish Bridge, Mullaghroe and Knockrawer Bridge under the Specific Improvement Grant have been made to the NRA for 2011.

We will not know what funding is allocated for these schemes (if any) until the 2011 Road Works grants are announced in January/February 2011.

33.  REQUEST APPROVAL FROM GOVERNMENT TO EMPLOY OUTDOOR STAFF:

AND AGREED

“That this Council seek approval from the Government to employ outdoor staff as numbers have decreased drastically over the past few years due to the embargo placed on recruitment, this together with health and safety regulations is resulting in men not been available to carry out essential day to day works.”

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

There has been a reduction in the number of roads outdoor staff in recent years as staff who have retired have not been replaced.

The following table shows the numbers employed in the roads section at present in each area and the number of recent retirements. In addition 4 number staff have retired from the Machinery Yard.

Area	Number Employed	No. of Recent Retirements in Areas
Ballymote	18	4
Enniscrone	22	1
Sligo/Strandhill	7	1
Sligo/Drumcliff	15 (incl 3 seconded to other sections)	1
Tubbercurry	17	6
Total	79	13

The above figures include staff who act as temporary drivers and staff seconded to other areas of the Council temporarily.

Compliance with Health and Safety standards requires additional staff to that engaged on jobs in the past. We have received Department approval during last 12 months to fill vacancies at General Services Supervisor level, on an acting basis, because of Health and Safety implications. However, staff numbers will have to reflect the amount of road grants available in the future.

34.  WESTERN RAIL CORRIDER:

AND AGREED

“That this Council supports the opening of the Western Rail Corridor and requests the Minister for Transport to honour his commitment by funding Stage 2, Athenry to Tuam.”

It was agreed to take the Western Development Commission presentation at this time.

Presentation was given by Paul Keyes and Joanne Grehan from the Western Development Commission.

Following the presentation and a discussion by the Members it was;

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to ensure that adequate funding is provided in 2011 and subsequent years to allow the Western Development Commission to continue to carry out the valuable work which it has been doing in the region over a number of years.”

Meeting Adjourned for lunch at 1pm.

37.  ESTATE OFFICER POSITION:

“To ask the County Manager to have the position of Estate Officer restored and a person appointed to enable Him/Her to liaise with tenants and residents committees.”

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

The position of Estate Officer was a contract position and was in place until the end of July 2009. Due to financial cutbacks and the staffing embargo and restrictions on public service numbers this contract post was not renewed when the contract of the former holder expired.

Some of the duties dealt with by the Estate officer were assigned to existing employees within Housing. Every effort is made by staff in the Housing Section to liaise with tenants and residents and requests for attendance at meetings of committees and groups has been facilitated.

It is acknowledged that the duties of liaison staff are important and at present the Housing Section is reviewing how this service could be enhanced by any redeployment opportunities. The members will be kept informed of any changes to this effect.

42.  REQUEST FUNDING FOR ROUNDABOUT AT JUNCTION OF MCKIMS SHOP, COLLOONEY:

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide funding for a roundabout at the junction of McKims Shop in Collooney, Co. Sligo.”

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

There are plans to provide a mini roundabout at this location in the Collooney Town Draft Traffic Management Plan. 

There is no funding to construct this at present.

43.  LANDSLIDE AT LOUGH TALT:

“A landslide occurred at Lough Talt, Aclare recently which has blocked the walkway around the lake; I will ask that the Council, Failte Ireland and Leader come together to open the walkway as soon as possible in the interest of Tourism and Recreation in the South Sligo area.”

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

Sligo County Council is aware of the landslide which occurred recently and has blocked the existing walking trail along the shoreline at Lough Talt. The location of the blockage is contained within the privately owned lands which are not the responsibility of Sligo County Council.

Sligo County Council is co-operating with the local community through the Ox Mountain Development Company, Failte Ireland and Sligo Leader Partnership Company Ltd. In pursuit of a resolution.

44.  FUNDING TO UPGRADE OR CONSTRUCT NEW WALKS IN THE COUNTY:

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

No application has been made to the Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for funding to upgrade or construct new walks in Co. Sligo.

Previous application made successfully by Sligo County Council relate to three projects in 2008 under Fáilte Ireland Infrastructure Fund under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

The three projects completed were as follows:

1. Enniscrone Coastal Walk 
2. Rosses Point Coastal Walk 
3. Iconic Dartry Range Walk 

Arising from the success of the walks achieved to date, further proposals are being pursued to build on and extend these routes. 

In 2007, Sligo County Council successfully delivered the following projects under the 2007 Fáilte Ireland Infrastructure Fund.

1. Strandhill Car Park -Tranche 1 and 2
2. Rosses Point Promenade
3. Drumcliffe Car Park 

Funding support from the Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (CRAGA) in 2009 delivered improvements to The Sligo Way, with trail upgrades at Slish Wood, Union Wood, Coolaney and Lough Easkey.  On-going trail improvements continue on the National Trails Office Waymarked Routes; i) Sligo Way and ii) Miners Way and a Historical Trail in co-operation with Sligo Leader Partnership Company Ltd, Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland and local community groups.

45.  SPEED LIMIT ON N59 THROUGH CORBALLA VILLAGE FROM TUFFY’S SHOP TO MUDDY BURNS PUB:

“To ask the Director of Services for an update from the NRA regarding the reduction of speed limit on N59 through Corballa Village from Tuffy’s shop to Muddy Burns pub and what funding is in place to carry out works.”

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

A letter was received from the NRA dated 11th August, 2010 – the contents are set out below.

“The proposal to introduce a 50kph speed limit on the N59 at Corballa together with 60kph speed limits on the approaches would not be appropriate as the extent of development at this location is not consistent with the proposed 50kph limit. It is, however, recommended that Sligo County Council submit an alternative proposal for a new 60kph speed limit from approximately 15m on the Ballina side of the Bonniconlon junction to approximately 15m on the Sligo side of the Enniscrone junction, a distance of approximately 0.95km.

A revised proposal including a map, speed limit alteration form and draft bye-laws should be prepared and submitted to the Authority for approval.”

We are arranging to submit the information requested to the NRA. There is no funding in place for this work.

It was agreed by the meeting that the matter be discussed further at the next Dromore West committee meeting.

46.  AN POST FACILITIES AT DAVEY’S SHOP, HAZELWOOD:

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request An Post to provide Postal facilities at Davey’s Shop in Hazelwood.”

38.  PARKING CHARGES AT COLLOONEY TRAIN STATION:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

“To call on Sligo County Council to remove parking charges from Collooney train station and to state that No Parking Charges will be introduced to Ballisodare, Collooney, Ballinacarrow, Coolaney, Dromore West, Easkey, Enniscrone or any small town or village in County Sligo.”

As there was no Seconder the motion failed.

50.  REQUEST IARNROD EIREANN TO PROVIDE PARKING METERS THAT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS AND NOTES AT THEIR STATIONS:

AND AGREED

“To call on Iarnrod Eireann to provide parking meters that accept credit cards and notes at their stations in the County in light of the introduction of parking charges at railway stations.”

35.  CLASS II AND CLASS III ROADS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“Class II and Class III roads are showing various degrees of deterioration in the County as a direct result of lack of funding. I propose that a survey be carried out in each engineering area and a request for emergency funding be forwarded to the Minister for Transport based on the Area Engineers’ Report”

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

There are a number of class II and Class III roads that would benefit from surfacing and strengthening if funds were available.  However, they will be maintained in a reasonable manner in the meantime by filling potholes etc as they arise.

The Department of Transport and CLAR used to allocate a grant for class II and class II roads in the past but this has not been allocated in recent years.  An additional grant would be welcome for these roads.

36.  PAYMENTS DUE TO FARMERS UNDER VARIOUS SCHEMES:

AND AGREED

“Farmers Income are very much dependent on EU Payments, those include Disadvantages Area Scheme, Area Aid and Agri Environment Options Scheme; I propose that the Minister for Agriculture honour all payments due to Farmers at the earliest date and clarify the proposals for Agri Environment Options Scheme and that Farmers are not penalised for genuine discrepancies on claims for Area Aid submitted during the past five years.”

39.  UPDATE ON BURIAL GROUND FOR GRANGE:

“To call on this Council for an update on their efforts to secure a burial ground for Grange.”

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

Sligo County Council is currently working to achieve resolution to the existing condition of near capacity for new burial ground plots at Ahamlish Burial Ground, Grange.

Sligo County Council purchased land, known locally as Lang’s Hill, which meets the needs of a new burial ground. The land is currently zoned ‘community facilities’ in the Grange Local Area Plan (LAP) and allows for a burial ground at this site. This land is tested (trial holes) and is an environmentally suitable site. 

Sligo County Council has identified Ahamlish as priority in the Burial Ground Policy’s Works Programme 2006-2010.

Additional undertakings have been pursued following representation. These include:

1. Meeting with interested parties/landowners with available lands.
2. Pursuit of private land for sale from Estate Agents.
3. Carrying out site investigation works on available lands.
4. Meeting with Ahamlish Burial Ground Committee to clarify and maximise existing land/plots within existing burial ground.
5. Meeting with Grange and Cliffoney parish Councils to clarify responsibilities and identify site opportunities.

Sligo County Council continues to seek resolution locally in co-operation with interested stakeholders.

40.  REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO CUT SALARIES OF TOP CIVIL SERVANTS IN FORTHCOMING BUDGET:

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Government to ensure that the first cost cutting programme in the forthcoming budget should be to reduce the salaries of all top civil servants and top management in all state and semi state bodies by up to 50% in order to bring them inline with similar levels of remuneration right across Europe.”

The Cathaoirleach Councillor J. Leonard dissented.

47.  PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN STRANDHILL:

“To provide pedestrian crossings on the main road and Airport Road Strandhill to allow safe access to the football grounds.”

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

The Roads Dept. will undertake an assessment of the area in question taking into account all relevant local factors and traffic factors at these locations.  The assessment will allow for an informed decision to be made as to whether crossings are indeed necessary and if so which type of crossings are most appropriate.  Should a crossing(s) be deemed necessary at this location, construction of same would be subject to availability of funding.

48.  REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO FORM TASK FORCETO ADDRESS JOB CREATION IN SLIGO:

AND AGREED

“To call on the Government to work with local agencies to form a Task Force as a matter of urgency to address the issue of job creation in the Sligo area.”

49.  SIGNAGE IN THE COUNTY:

“To call on the Council to remove old and unsightly road signage throughout the County.”

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

A survey of signs will be carried out and any old/unsightly road signage will be removed or replaced.

51.  UPDATE ON BALLINFAD SEWERAGE SCHEME:

“To call on the Director of Service for Infrastructure to provide an update on Ballinafad Sewerage Scheme.”

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

The upgrade of Ballinafad Wastewater Treatment Plant is included in a bundled DBO contract including Strandhill, Grange, Tubbercurry, Carney and Gurteen. The planning and procurement phases for this project were completed and a preferred bidder was selected.

The Council have also advised that significant savings can be made on the cost of this project by re-tendering in the current market. The up to date position with the project is that there is ongoing correspondence with the previously selected preferred bidder and pending a satisfactory conclusion to this process it is proposed to re-tender the project.

52.  DAMAGED WALL ON ROAD NO. 308, COOLANEY TO COLLOONEY ROAD:

“That Sligo County Council would immediately carry out repair works to the damaged wall located on the Collooney side of the Railway Bridge located on Road No. 308, Coolaney to Collooney Road in the interests of safety.”

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

This wall was reconstructed by a FAS scheme a number of years ago. There is a stream inside the wall. Approximately 30m of the wall is damaged. A fence/barrier will be erected there shortly at the damaged sections of the wall for safety purposes.

53.  SAFETY MEASURES ON THE N17 AT THORNHILL BRIDGE, BALLINACARROW:

“That Sligo County Council would urgently put in place safety measures on the N17 Road at Thornhill Bridge, Ballinacarrow in light of the number of serious accidents which occur at this location; that the Council would erect a number of warning signs and lights to clearly portray the hazardous nature of this location, in the interests of the safety of all those who use this road, and in light of the high traffic volumes on this route.”

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

The N17 road is a busy road with a high volume of traffic. This bridge is located on a slight bend and is relatively narrow for large trucks meeting on the bridge. The bridge parapets are beside the carriageway. We will look at erecting additional signage to warn motorists to slow down approaching the bridge.

54.  LAND OWNED BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL IN COOLANEY VILLAGE:

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would enter into meaningful discussion with Housing and Sustainable Communities Ltd, to ascertain if it is possible that land owned by Sligo County Council in Coolaney Village, and handed over to this group, can be obtained by the Coolaney Community for the purposes of providing a Business Park in Coolaney Village. That the Council would work in partnership with the Community and with the Housing and Sustainable Communities Ltd in light of the reduced demand for housing units, and the greater demand for job creation and innovation, and given its close and strategic location beside the Western Rail Corridor, which will be in the pipeline for completion from Claremorris to Collooney in the coming years”

55.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Brian Farrell on the death of his mother, Kathleen Farrell.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Paddy & Rosaleen Cosgrave on the death of Mary Dolan.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Eugene Walsh on the death of his cousin, Ita Fallon.”

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to The Maguire Family on the death of Margaret Maguire.”

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Henry on the death of her mother, Mary Ellen Feehily.”

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Rita Flannery on the death of her husband, Sean Flannery.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael McDonagh on the death of his Mother, Kathleen McDonagh.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Agnes Morley on the death of her sister, Mary Moriarty”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to T. J. Grady on the death of his aunt, Bernadine Fleming.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Kay Burke on the death of her sister, Susanna Leech.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Pauline McGoldrick on the death of her husband, Brendan McGoldrick.”

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Hugh McCann on the death of his mother, Anne Dolan.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Billy Joe Kilgannon on the death of his sister, Angela Cox.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Teresa Doherty on the death  of her brother, PJ Barrett.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Denis Feehily on the death of his mother, Mary Ellen Feehily.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Morrison on the death of her mother, Teresa O’Donnell.”

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Connolly and Councillor Declan Bree on the death of Coleman Connolly.

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Rita Flannery & Family on the death of her husband, Sean Flannery.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Tracy Ginty on the death of her mother, Kathleen McDonagh.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat & Lizzie McManus on the death of their daughter, Carol McManus.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Marion Mahedy on the death of her mother, Mary Ellen Feehily.”

56.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

AND AGREED

“that a vote of congratulations be extended to the Coolaney/Mullinabreena Minor Gaelic team on winning the Minor A Championship County Final”

AND AGREED

“that a vote of congratulations be extended to John Bruen, Manager of Eastern Harps Senior Football Teram on winning the Senior County Final” 

57.  CONFERENCES:

AND AGREED

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

58.  CORRESPONDENCE:

AND AGREED

“to note correspondence circulated with the Agenda”

Councillor S. MacManus requested that a follow up letter be sent to Imperial War Museum, England in relation to Na Fianna Eireann Banner.

Councillor M. Barrett requested the Cathaoirleach to circulate to the Members correspondence regarding Easkey Court House.

Councillor M. Gormley sought clarification on the up to date status regarding Ballymote Court House.

59.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

There were no matters arising.

60.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

None

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 3.10pm.

Meeting Date 04/10/2010