Minutes 2011
Minutes of February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th February, 2011 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Barrett,
- Councillor Barry,
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor Cawley,
- Councillor Fleming,
- Councillor Gormley,
- Councillor Healy McGowan,
- Councillor Henry,
- Councillor Keaney,
- Councillor Leonard,
- Councillor Lundy,
- Councillor MacManus,
- Councillor McGarry,
- Councillor McGrath,
- Councillor McLoughlin,
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor Murray,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Ms P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
- Ms P. Hamilton, Acting Head of Finance
- Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Mr F. O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer
- Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr D. Willis, Housing Investigations Officer
- Ms F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
- Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Leonard presided.
1. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 24TH JANUARY, 2011:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Adjourned Special Meeting held on the 24th January, 2011”
2. MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 17TH JANUARY, 2011:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Adjourned Special Meeting held on the 17th January, 2011”
3. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 10TH JANUARY, 2011:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the January Ordinary Meeting held on the 10th January, 2011”
4. MINUTES OF THE BUDGET MEETING HELD ON 17TH DECEMBER, 2010:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Annual Budget Meeting held on the 17th December, 2010”
5. TAKING IN CHARGE ROADS UNDER SECTION 11(1) OF THE ROADS ACT, 1993:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993
(a)
| Road Number | Location and Terminal Points |
|---|---|
| L-45028-0 | Road situate in the housing estate of “Ard Ashling” in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. |
| L-61084-0 | Road situate in the housing estate of “Silverdales” in the townland of Ballinacarrow, Co. Sligo. |
| L-73154-0 | Road situate in the housing estate of “The Blennicks” in Rosses Point, Co. Sligo” |
(b) “That Sligo County Council take in charge the following developments:
- housing estate known as “Ard Ashling” in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
- housing estate known as “Silverdales” in Ballinacarrow, Co. Sligo.
- housing estate known as “The Blennicks” in Rosses Point, Co. Sligo”
6. TAKING IN CHARGE ESTATE KNOWN AS ‘SEA MOUNT’, STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council take in charge the development known as “Sea Mount Estate” Buenos Aires Drive, Strandhill, Co. Sligo”
7. TO COMMENCE PROCESS OF TAKING IN CHARGE ESTATE KNOWN AS ‘RIVERBANK’, EASKEY, CO. SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as “Riverbank” in Easkey, Co. Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the estate”
8. TO CONSIDER REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTION SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“to note report on Development Contribution Schemes”
9. TO ADOPT THE ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVOIUR STRATEGY 2011-2015:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin
AND AGREED
“To adopt the Anti Social Behaviour Strategy 2011-2015
10. NOMINATE 2 NO. MEMBERS TO BORDER COUNTIES RAIL GROUP:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
11. UPDATE ON LIKELY START DATE OF STRANDHILL SEWERAGE SCHEME:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
12. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF PLAYGROUND FACILITIES AT STRANDHILL:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
13. REQUEST REPORT ON BARNA WASTE COLLECTION:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
14. REQUEST IDA REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND COUNCIL MEETING:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
15. REQUEST VHI NOT TO INCREASE HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To propose that this Council calls on the VHI to reconsider its decision to increase premiums which many Members will be unable to pay”
16. REQUEST DEPARTMENT NOT TO WITHDRAW FUNDING FROM SLIGO AIRPORT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“Regional Airports are central to developing Enterprise, Tourism and Business; I propose that this Council calls on the Minister for Transport to rescind his decision to withdraw funding to those Airports”
17. UPGRADE DEFECTIVE WATER PIPES IN TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“To propose that a survey of water supply pipe works be undertaken in the town of Tubbercurry and funding sought to upgrade any defective pipes”
In response, Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following:
Watermains in the Tubbercurry town area were assessed as part of the Sligo Water Conservation and Network Management Project and a prioritised schedule of mains rehabilitation works for the entire County has been compiled and submitted to the Department. The prioritisation of works is reviewed using updated pipeline service records during each phase of funding approval for mains rehabilitation works. Sections of watermains in Tubbercurry town were included in the rehabilitation report and will be progressed subject to prioritisation and approval of the necessary funding.
18. PROPOSALS REGARDING EASKEY COURTHOUSE:
This item was withdrawn with the agreement of the meeting.
19. REQUEST PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT MAIN STREET, BALLISODARE:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
20. REQUEST LIFE BUOYS ALONG RIVER AT BALLISODARE :
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
21. REQUEST COPY OF ADVERT IN REGARDS TO “SLIGO WAY”:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor Gormley
AND AGREED
“That the Council be provided with a copy of the advertisement seeking quotations for works including the construction of a stone footpath on the mountain at Ballygawley as part of the “Sligo Way”, and that the tenders submitted by the successful and unsuccessful contractors for the construction of same be made available for inspection by Members of the Council”
21. REQEUST REPORT ON START DATE FOR CUMMEEN SEWERAGE SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That the Council be provided with a report indicating when construction work on the Cummeen Sewerage Scheme is expected to commence and when the project is expected to be operational”
22. REQUEST THE PROVISION OF PLAYGROUND IN ROSSES POINT:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
23. REQUEST THE COMPLETION OF WALL TO REAR OF MOUNTAIN VIEW ESTATE, TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“I will ask this Council to complete the construction of the concrete block wall at the rear of mountain view estate in Tubbercurry in the interest of the health and safety of the residents”
In response, Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following:
The boundary to the south east side of Mountain View estate is currently a hedge row. The remaining boundary is a concrete block wall. Authorisation from the registered land owner of the adjacent land is required in order for Sligo County Council Housing Section to build a concrete block wall along the south east corner.
She further stated that no funding was currently available to carry out these works but that the Environment Section of the Council would investigate the illegal dumping at this site.
24. REQUEST IMPOROVEMENT WORKS TO CASHEL GATES JUNCTION ON THE N17:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“With the recently announced funding by the NRA of €450,000 to improve the national primary N17 from Rhue to Cashel Gates, south of Tubbercurry, I will ask if part of this funding can be used to make safe the Cashel Gates junction, or if the NRA can provide special funding for this very dangerous exit onto the main Sligo/Galway road”
In response, Mr T. Kilfeather Director of Services stated the following:
The €450,000 grant for the N17 from Rhue to Cashel is strictly for overlay work on the N17 at this location as part of the NRA’s ongoing program of pavement strengthening works.
A submission was made under National Route Safety Measures to the NRA for improvement works at Cashel Gates, but no funding has been provided in the NRAgrants for 2011.
27. REQUEST THE TAKING IN CHARGE OF ‘PEBBLE BEACH’ ESTATE, ENNISCRONE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
“To ask the County Manager to consider taking in charge ‘Pebble Beach’ estate, lower main street, Enniscrone”
In response, Ms P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services stated the following:
This estate of 12 houses was built as a holiday home development under PL 18130. It is the policy of the Council not to take holiday home developments in charge. The maintenance of the estate is the responsibility of the developer.
28. REQEUST TRAFFIC CALMING ON N59 AT CORBALLA VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
“To ask the Director of Services to indicate when will work commence on traffic calming on N59 in Corballa”
In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:
A grant of €30,000 has been received from the NRA for Traffic Calming in the village of Corballa on the N59.
Our Road Design Office will now prepare a scheme in conjunction with the NRA Inspectorate so as to allow work to proceed in May or June 2011.
29. LOCAL AUTHORITY TENANTS RENTS 2011:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
“To ask the Director of Services for Housing to indicate is there a rent increase on local authority tenants in 2011”
In response, Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following:
Rent for tenants in Local Authority houses in Sligo County Council are calculated in accordance with the Differential Rent Scheme. They are calculated in accordance with income details submitted.
She further stated that in light of the recent budgetary cuts that a person’s rent could be subject to a possible reduction. Any concerned tenants should submit their income details to the Housing Section.
30. REQUSET UPDATE ON SOUTH SLIGO WATER SCHEMES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“To ask the Director of Services for an up-to-date report on the works ongoing on the replacement of a section of the South Sligo watermain in the Monasteraden/Mullaghroe/Gurteen areas for which funding of €1.2 million was notified to this Council in July 2010, also indicate to the Members what works are planned in the coming year for further replacement of defected watermains. As the majority of the watermain in the Bunninadden/Killavil area is laid through lands making it impossible to detect leaks that this Council put plans in place to have it laid along the roadside”
In response, Mr T. Kilfeather Director of Services stated the following:
Following approval of funding from the Department, the Council has replaced a 700 metre section of prioritised watermains in Monasteraden village by direct labour works. The site investigation contract and tender documents for the replacement of a further 8.6 kilometers of water mains on the South Sligo water supply scheme have also been completed and this element of the works is currently at tender stage. It is anticipated that the construction phase of this contract will commence during the second quarter of 2011 and the works will be completed in the current year.
The watermains in the Bunninadden/Killavil area form part of the Phase 2 Mains Rehabilitation works and the Council are currently advancing the site investigations contract for this phase. A construction stage budget for phase 2 has been submitted to the Department for approval.
31. REQUEST REPORT ON COMMENCEMENT OF ROSSESPOINT/CREGG/ BALLINCAR SEWERAGE SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That the Council be provided with a report indicating when construction work on the Rosses Point/Cregg/Ballincar Sewerage Scheme is expected to commence and when the project is expected to be operational”
32. REQEUST UPDATE ON THE UPGRADE OF COOLANEY TO COLLOONEY ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
“Can Sligo County Council state what response they have received with regard to the upgrade of road L2101 Coolaney to Collooney road from local road to regional road status, in light of the dismal allocation by the NRA to County Sligo. This is a very busy road with many dangerous stretches and Coolaney’s huge population growth as a commuter village in recent times and as a recent traffic counter survey revealed over 1000 vehicles using it daily”
In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:
The possibility of putting forward the Coolaney to Collooney Road for upgrading to Regional Road status will be discussed with the inspectorate in the NRA this week. This is necessary so as to determine the parameters required by them i.e. road geometry, levels of traffic, origin and destination consideration etc.
The Council will be kept informed of any developments.
33. NRA FUNDING FOR N59:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
“Can Sligo Council explain the total inadequate level of NRA funding for the N59, which is a primary national route with high traffic volumes and a history of many serious accidents in recent years”
In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:
Funding for N59 in 2011 includes the following:
1. Pavement and Minor Works €1,150,000
2. Safety Measures € 45,000
3. N59 Maintenance etc € 184,000
Total €1,379,000
The explanation as to why more funding has not been provided, while accepting that the above funding is very welcome, must lie in the poor state of the economy generally.
34. RECENT GOVERNMENT BUDGET CUTS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
AND AGREED
“That this Council condemns the Governments’ budgetary strategy which has seen the return of mass emigration and has hit social welfare recipients and those on low incomes the hardest, in a week where many on social welfare and those lucky enough to have a job have seen their salaries and payments cut drastically and that the Council also condemns the lack of any jobs strategy in the recent budget and finance bill”
35. REQUEST FUNDING FOR FOOTPATHS IN COLLOONEY:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
36. REQUEST FUNDING FOR LIGHTING IN BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE:
This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.
38. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE TAXATION ON PETROL/DIESEL:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the incoming Government to reduce taxation on petrol and diesel”
39. LIAISE WITH HSE TO PROVIDE PARKING FACILITIITES AT HOLY FAMILY NATIONAL SCHOOL, TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“Due to the ongoing traffic problems that exist at Holy Family N.S. Tubbercurry on Regional Road 294 due to lack of parking facilities, that the Members from this Council who are on the Regional Health Forum West calls on the HSE who own lands adjoining the school to co-operate with the school authority on this matter by making a portion of the lands they own available for off the road parking facilities in the interest of safety and that the engineering staff and the road safety officer prepare reports in support of this proposal”
In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:
The Engineering and Road Design staff support the effort being made to find the solution to the problems at this school.
A situation similar to one at Drimina, also on the R294 would be very welcome, if land becomes available so that the school can progress the matter.
40. REPAIR OLD N17 AT VILLAGE OF BELLAGHY:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“To request that the old N17 in the village of Bellaghy, South Sligo be repaired from the junction at Road no. 414 to the junction of the new N17 in the middle of Bellaghy ,Charlestown, Co. Sligo”
In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:
Repairs to the road surface of the old N17 here were carried out recently and the Area Engineer will proceed with any further repairs that may become necessary.
26. PLANNING APPLICATIONS PL 09/245 AND PL 10/54:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
“To ask the Director of Services for Environment to look favourably on a Planning Application that would allow a test pilot system which would encompass a septic tank, reed and willow bed which would be of an appropriate size on a site which was subject to 2 no. planning applications 09/425 and 10/54. In light of the current EPA guidelines and the lack of provision in these guidelines, regarding sites which have poor natural percolation/impermeable subsoil and that this pilot would be monitored by Sligo County Council and the EPA”
In response, Mr F. O’Driscoll stated the following:
The matter above is not the subject of a current Planning Application so a response to the substantive matter raised would be as follows:
- In July/August 2010 Environment were contacted in relation to a proposal to install a system as part of a Planning Application which would include reed beds and willows. The applicant was informed that there was no agreed design, installation or maintenance details available in Ireland at present and that the EPA had employed Trinity College to do research in relation to willows. There are currently 10 such research projects underway in Wexford and there are also a number of similar projects planned for Leitrim in 2011. The agent was informed that the willow option would be expensive, needs a large area of land and if they were going to look at this option that they would have contact Trinity College who are leading the research on the EPA’s behalf. Trinity College would need to be involved in any pilot Scheme for this type of treatment system. Roughly the cost of design, installation and the 3 year monitoring of the project is in excess of €25K which has to be borne by the landowner.
Should further works be required as a result of the monitoring of the project these will also have to be borne by the landowner. - The Environment Section has constantly expressed our concerns to the agent and applicant, in relation to the site concerned and informed them that as a minimum the applicant needs to employ a specialist to assess the site and design and certify the installation of a suitable OSWWTS if possible. As stated previously this would need to be a hydro geologist for the original site or Trinity College or an EPA approved specialist in relation to a pilot project for research on willows on another site as the original site is too risky for such a project due to its unusual geology.
- The Environment Section of Sligo County Council have engaged extensively with the Applicants (over 80 calls, meetings, site inspection & and numerous reports and memos) in relation to this site which has been the subject of 2 Planning Applications.
- The Environment Section’s understanding as of last week was the applicant was going to have the site assessor look at alternative sites again to see could a solution be found for any of these sites. As always the staff in Environment will engage positively on any proposals put before us.
37. REQUEST THE INCOMING GOVERNMENT TO END EU/IMF FINANCE DEAL:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on the incoming Government to repudiate the deal done by the Fianna Fail/Green Coalition with the EU/IMF which has robbed this Country of its economic sovereignty and which will cause our people unknown financial suffering for years to come.Any new deal to be put in place must ensure that bondholders accept full responsibility for their financial gambling i.e. this Country will not accept responsibility for non-sovereign debt and also include the winding-up of Anglo Irish Bank”
41. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Josie McDonagh on the death of her brother, Seamus Clerkin”
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Durkin on the death of her brother, John Ryan”
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Siobhan O’Dowd on the death of her Mother, Mary”
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Joseph White on the death of his Son, Daithi”
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Kathleen Richardson on the death of her Son, Aidan”
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Paul Richardson and Therese Walsh on the death of their brother, Aidan”
42. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
None.
43. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That the list of Conferences circulated for February at this meeting was unanimously approved”
Councillor M. Gormley referred to correspondence (i), letter dated 13th January, 2011 from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding Tubbercurry Garda Station and asked that a letter would issue to the Chief Superintendent seeking clarification that Garda numbers had been increased in the Tubbercurry Station to 7.
Councillor M. Gormley also expressed disappointment at correspondence (k), letter dated 14th January, 2011 from the National Roads Authority regarding the N17 Tubbercurry By-pass and EIS/CPO documentation.
44. CORRESPONDENCE:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“to note correspondence circulated with the Agenda”
45. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
The Cathaoirleach, Councilllor J. Leonard wished all the candidates well in the upcoming general election.
END OF MEETING:
The meeting ended at 12.30 pm.
Meeting Date 07/02/2011