Minutes 2010

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 6th December 2010 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • 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 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. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr D. Cawley, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms S. Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Ms F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Leonard presided.

 

1. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 1ST NOVEMBER, 2010:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the November Ordinary Meeting held on the 1st November, 2010”

 

2. MINUTES OF THE SPC 1 MEETING HELD ON 15TH DECEMBER, 2010:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 1 (Economic Development & Planning Policy) meeting held on 15th September, 2010”

 

3. SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY AT KNOCKNASKEAGH, GURTEEN, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Knocknaskeagh, Gurteen, Co. Sligo to Eileen Keegan, c/o Peter Connolly, Cloonloo, Via Boyle, Co. Sligo”

4. SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL PROPERTY AT SOOEY, CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Sooey, Co. Sligo to Seamus Codd, Ballygawley, Co. Sligo.

 

5. PART 8- PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AT BUNNANADDEN, CO. SLIGO:

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

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 a new Waste Water Treatment Plant in the townland of Ballynaraw South, Bunnanaddan, Co. Sligo”

 

6. TAKING IN CHARGE 3 NO. HOUSES AT LECARROW, STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council take in charge the development of 3 no. houses at Lecarrow, Strandhill, Co. Sligo

7. TO APPROVE BORROWINGS FROM THE HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY FOR SOFIA HOUSING ASSOCIATION AT THE MARIST CONVENT, TUBBERCURRY, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and subject to the sanction of the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the borrowing in the sum of €5,490,146 of a Loan for 30 years for the purposes of the CLSS element of the Sophia Voluntary Housing Project at the Marist Convent, Tubbercurry”

8. TO ADOPT THE SLIGO GAOL CONSERVATION PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Sligo Gaol Conservation Plan”

9. TO ADOPT THE PLACE NAMES POLICY:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Place Names Policy for Sligo County Council”

It was agreed to add the following text as final paragraph,

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

AND AGREED

“In cases where agreement cannot be reached the final decision will be taken by the elected members of Sligo County Council”

10. ADOPT THE COUNTY SLIGO BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan”

11. WINTER SERVICE PLAN 2010/2011:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Sligo County Council Winter Service Plan 2010/2011”

It was further

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

AND AGREED

“That regional road 296 Ballymote – via Bunninadden to R294 (Bell’s Cross” be included on the County’s regular gritting programme”

12. NOMINATE 2 NO. MEMBERS TO BORDER COUNTIES RAIL GROUP:

This item was deferred to the January Ordinary Meeting with the agreement of the meeting.

13. REMOVE STANDING CHARGE ON WATER METERS:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

14. REQUEST CLÚID HOUSING ASSOCIATION TO UPGRADE HEATING & WINDOWS ON ‘NEPHIN DRIVE’, ENNISCRONE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Clúid to bring Nephin Drive, Enniscrone up to acceptable standard of housing for their Tenants; (a) to have oil central heating fitted in the houses (b) to have all windows and doors checked and repaired (c) to have the sewage system surveyed and repaired”

15. UPDATE ON LIKELY START DATE OF STRANDHILL SEWERAGE SCHEME:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

16. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF PLAYGROUND FACILITIES AT STRANDHILL:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

17. REQUEST NRA TO APPROVE PUBLICATION OF C.P.O. AND E.I.S ON N17 TUBBERCURRY BYPASS:

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

AND AGREED

“As the E.I.S and C.P.O documents are now with the NRA for the past number of months in respect to the N17 Tubbercurry By-Pass, that this Council calls on the NRA to give approval for their publication”

Following further discussion, it was

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on our Dail Deputies, Devins, Scanlon and Perry to support our motion calling on the NRA to have EIS and CPO documents in respect of the n17 Tubbercurry Bypass approved for publication and that they contact the NRA and the Minister for Transport on this matter.

19. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE PAYMENT OF DEVELOPERS BONDS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley to ensure that the banks/financial institutions holding developers bonds pay Sligo County Council and all Councils’ immediately, so that estates can be completed”

21. RETAIN COUNTY COUNCIL SERVICES AT TEACH LAIGHNE, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising the importance of Tubbercurry as centre of economic development in South Sligo on a national primary route in close proximity to Knock Airport, also acknowledging the importance of further developing government services in Tubbercurry, this Council expresses its dismay at the recent proposal to close the Motor Tax and Finance Departments at Teach Laighne and directs that all County Council services in Teach Laighne be retained so as to ensure that the people of Tubbercurry and South Sligo are provided with adequate services”

In response, Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance stated the following:

We have been looking at this proposal in the context of the dire financial situation we find ourselves in for the past 2 years and going forward. As part of the consideration of the Croke Park Agreement efficiencies and recommendations that productivity in the use of resources be greatly increased through revised work practices, innovations and other initiatives, the Tubbercurry Motor Tax and Finance offices were identified as overlapping, in that these services are already available. Access to renewing Motor Tax is available online and available via post and in the Sligo motor tax office in Cleveragh and there are also many alternatives available for finance transactions also. We agree that this office is of great benefit to the people of South Sligo but in these unprecedented and difficult budgetary times we are left with no option but to make cuts on the services we provide and particularly when there are alternatives available

22. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE IMPORTANCE OF AN POST POSTAL SERVICE:

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

AND AGREED

“This Council calls on the Government to recognise the vital role of the postal service in Ireland and its particular importance in rural Ireland as a means of communication, as a vital economic service and as an intrinsic part of the fabric of the community. Reaching every corner of the country and by delivering to every front door An Post is an essential partner in the business and social life of the country. Postmen and women provide an important public service and also function as an integral part of the social fabric of their community, particularly for elderly and isolated citizens for whom they may be the only regular human contact.

Our postal service has a social and economic value which must be properly protected by Government in the legislation to open the postal market to full competition. An Post has a universal service obligation which obliges it to provide a single price service regardless of location, cross subsidising the loss making rural services from profitable urban routes. The legislation must protect against unfair ‘cherry picking’ where competitors will compete only on the profitable urban routes. This will lead to a reduction in income from profitable routes, endangering the viability of rural services which depend on them and collapse the Universal Service Obligation.

As Ireland prepares to liberalise its postal market it is essential that the Government acknowledges this important public service, ensures that the Universal Service Obligation is protected by legislation and does not allow the opening of the market to lead to a reduction in services, wide spread job losses and social dumping as has happened in other countries who have already opened their postal market to competition.”

23. REQUEST GOVERNMNET NOT TO REDUCE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government not to implement a proposed reduction in the National Minimum wage in light of the severe impact this

will have on many low-paid employees”

24. REQUEST EIRCOM TO MAKE SAFE RAISED CONCRETE MANHOLE AT CARROLEAM, COOLANEY

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council contact Eircom with the hope of making safe the raised concrete manhole at Carroleam, Coolaney”

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

This matter will be followed up immediately with Eircom personnel by the Area Engineer with a view to resolving the problem.

25. MAKE SAFE THE EXIT ONTO THE N17 AT WOODSIDE INN:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to make safe the exit onto the N17 at The Woodside Inn, as the surface is too smooth and can be dangerous in wet and icy weather”

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

This location will be examined by the Area Engineer with a view to permanently resolving the problem early in the New Year.

26. REQUEST REDUCTION IN WATER CHARGES RATES IN ESTIMATES:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“To call on Sligo County Council to substantially reduce the water charges rates when preparing the book of estimates”

It was agreed to note the motion and it was further,

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for the Environment to indicate why the Government did not seek the Irish Exemption from Water Charges for Farmers, Schools, Hospitals, etc as is available under the EU Framework Directive”

27. UPDATE ON PLANS SUBMITTED TO DEPT OF ENVIRONMENT REGARDING REGENERATION OF CONNOLLY PARK, TUBBERCURRY:

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

“To request an up to date report on plans submitted to the Department of the Environment requesting funding to progress the regeneration of Connolly Park, Tubbercurry”

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

The Regeneration of Connolly Park has been in the planning and development stages since early 2005. Under Phase 1 and 2, twenty houses were provided. In June 2008, a project brief was submitted to the Department outlining Phase 3 of the Regeneration project. This project brief to date has not been approved due to the current financial situation pertaining to the public finances and the subsequent reduction in capital allocations from central Government.

An allocation this year of €200,000 was earmarked for the project by the Department to complete and finalise Phase 2 however €550,000 worth of works have been submitted to date for drawdown. Discussions are ongoing with the Department in order that this shortfall be met.

Sligo County Council are endeavouring to progress the regeneration of the estate and have consistently emphasised and requested the Department to prioritise Connolly Park for funding to allow it be completed over the next year or so. In order to progress this, a revised project brief was again submitted to the Dept again in August of this year. The overall works for Connolly Park to complete the project will include a house purchase, the demolition of 10 houses and the building of 8 houses together with erecting palisade fencing and landscaping. Total investment required is estimated at €1.3m. The Housing Department is liaising with the Department on an ongoing basis in order to progress this proposal and is currently dealing with a number of queries that the Dept have raised on the proposal within the last couple of weeks.

28. PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SOUTH SLIGO BRANCH OF COMHALTAS:

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

“To propose that ‘Ceoil na Samhna 2011’ organised by South Sligo Branch of Comhaltas would be supported financially by the arts programme of Sligo County Council”

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

It is recommend that Ceoil na Samhna applies for funding under the Arts Grants & Bursaries Scheme 2011 which will be advertised in Spring.

It was agreed that items 29, 32 and 33 be taken together.

29. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY SECTOR:

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

AND AGREED

“To propose that this Council requests the Minister for Finance to restore funding for the community and voluntary sector in proposed 4 year plan and budget for 2011”

32. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY SECTOR:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would call on the Government to reverse its decision to withdraw funding of €1.2million euro that supports the Community & Voluntary Forums throughout the Country, as published in the National Recovery Plan, November 2010”

33. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY SECTOR:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising the important role of Voluntary and Community Fora including the Sligo County Community Forum, this Council condemns the Government proposal to halt funding for the Scheme of Support to Voluntary and Community Fora and calls on the Minister for Housing and Local Services Mr Michael Finneran and the Government to maintain funding for the voluntary and community sector.”

Following a discussion on the motions, it was further

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

AND AGREED

“That the County Manager organise a meeting on this issue of funding for the Community Forum with the Department in Tubbercurry as soon as possible”

30. REQUEST REDUCTION IN COMMERCIAL RATES IN ESTIMATES:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to substantially reduce the commercial rate when preparing the book of estimates”

The meeting agreed to note the motion and to discuss further at the Estimates meeting.

31. EXPRESS REGRET AT GOVERNMENT REGARDING INVOLVEMENT OF EMU AND IMF IN IRELAND’S FINANCIAL MATTERS:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council expresses its deep regret that the Government has, because of its inept handling of our economy, been forced to involve the EMU and IMF in our financial affairs with the resultant loss of sovereignty. Being forced to permit these external bodies interfere in our affairs will result in drastic financial sanctions been imposed on Irish citizens for years"

34. REQUEST NO CHANGE IN FUNDING FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF COUNTY ROADS OR COUNCILLORS PROPOSALS:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

35. REQUEST TAKING IN CHARGE OF COIL NA FARRAIGE, ENNISCRONE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to

  1. take in charge the estate named Coil Na Farraige, Enniscrone.
  2. to confirm that the Council does not hold a development bond on this estate.
  3. to have the street lights repaired in the estate”

 

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

  1. This is a development of 8 no dwelling houses at Frankford, Enniscrone – PL 98/274 refers. It is the policy of the Council to take in charge estates where the development has been completed to its satisfaction and where the developer applies to have same taken in charge by submitting all necessary documentation. No application has been lodged with the Council to have this development taken in charge. It is proposed to carry out on an inspection of this estate shortly following which the developer will be written to and advised of any matters that need to be addressed. He will also be asked to submit an application to have the estate taken in charge
  2. The Council does not hold a bond in respect of this estate.
  3. Repairs to the street lighting are a matter for the developer as the estate is not in charge of the Council.

36. UPDATE ON COLLOONEY SEWAGE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report regarding the current condition of the Collooney Sewage Waste Water Treatment Plant along with any proposals to upgrade it”

In response, Mr H. Kearns, County Manager stated that a report would be prepared and circulated to all Members.

37. PROVIDE GRITTING MATERIAL FOR ALL VILLAGES IN BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

18. PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN CORSSING IN BALLYMOTE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a Pedestrian Crossing between the Church of Ireland and Post Office in Ballymote”

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

This matter can be included in your proposals for consideration at an Area Meeting prior to the adoption of the Road Works Scheme 2011.

20. PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT CALRY CHURCH:

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

“That Sligo County Council begin the process of putting in place a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights on a ramped area of the road at Calry Church. This to protect the safety of children and adults alike, going to school, the local hall and church”

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

This proposal will be examined by the Road Design office in order to commence the process as requested. The matter can then be included in your proposals for consideration at an Area Meeting prior to the adoption of the Road Works Scheme 2011.

38. REQUEST REPORT ON BARNA WASTE COLLECTION:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

39. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor Pat McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to John Perry TD., on the death of his father, Jack”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Annette Caffrey on the death of her mother, Annie”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Perry on the death of his father, Jack”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary O’Connell on the death of her brother, Martin McGowan”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Quigley on the death of her father, Peter”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Paula Hannon on the death of her mother, Pauline”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Teresa Lynch on the death of her brother, Martin Brennan”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat Powell on the death of his sister, Pauline”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Brennan and Family on the death of her husband, Martin”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat and Philomena Wims on the death of Annie Wims”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Una Brennan on the death of her brother, Jim”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Edna Brennan on the death of her brother Jim”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Brennan and Family on the death of her husband, Martin”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Teresa Lynch on the death of her brother, Martin Brennan”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Bill Healy on the death of his brother, Peter”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Kavrina Durcan on the death of her mother, Pauline”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Paul Walsh on the death of his grandmother, Mary Kate Neary”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret ‘Baby’ McDermott on the death of her brother, Jack Perry”

40. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Phoenix Players & Western Drama Group on winning the Pride of Place”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Cloonacool Drama Group on winning 3rd place in the All Ireland One Act Drama Finals in Dundrum, Dublin last night the 5th November, 2010”

41. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

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

42. CORRESPONDENCE:

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

AND AGREED

“to note correspondence circulated with the Agenda”

43. MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

44. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

None

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 1.20 pm.

 

 


Meeting Date 06/12/2010