Minutes 2011

Minutes of March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th March, 2011 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 McGarry, 
  • Councillor McGrath, 
  • Councillor Mullaney, 
  • Councillor Mulvey, 
  • Councillor Murray,
  • Councillor Queenan

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 M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Leonard presided.

1. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 7TH FEBRUARY, 2011:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the February Ordinary Meeting held on the 7th February, 2011”

2. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 10TH DECEMBER, 2010:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 10th December, 2010”

3. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 6TH DECEMBER, 2010:

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

AND AGREED

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

4. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 4TH OCTOBER, 2010:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 4th October, 2010”

5. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2010:

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

AND AGREED

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

6. SECTION 183 - DISPOSAL BY WAY OF LEASE OF ‘CONLON HOUSE’, TUBBERCURRY, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal by way of lease of the premises known as “Conlon House”, Humbert Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Foróige National Youth Development Organisation”

7. APPROVE TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR 6 MONTHS TO 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2011:

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

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 of a sum not exceeding €7.5m by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 30th September 2011”

8. APPROVE ROAD WORKS SCHEME, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To approve the Road Works Scheme for year ending, 31st December, 2011”

9. SECTION 85 AGREEMENT WITH GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve a Section 85 Agreement for works on N4 Sligo Collooney DCW Bridges: Ballysadare River and Owenmore River Bridges (SO-N04-005.00 and SO-N04-006.00) between Sligo County Council and Galway County Council”

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

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

AND AGREED

“To nominate Councillor Michael Fleming to the Border Counties Rail Group”

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To nominate Councillor Margaret Gormley to the Border Counties Rail Group”

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

AND AGREED

“To nominate Councillor Gerard Mullaney to the Border Counties Rail Group”

13. REQUEST REPORT ON BARNA WASTE COLLECTION:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

15. PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN BALLISODARE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a pedestrian crossing at Main Street, Ballisodare in the interest of public safety” 

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

There is no funding available for the provision of a pedestrian crossing on the N59 in Ballisodare, in the current year.

16. PROVIDE LIFE BUOYS ALONG THE RIVER AT BALLISODARE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to put in place life buoys along the bank of the river in Ballisodare in the interest of public safety”

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

In areas where there are lifebuoys, considerable vandalism often occurs making the whole exercise somewhat futile.

A Risk Assessment report on Ballisodare was carried out by Irish Water Safety in 2009. It considered 4 areas along the river. 

One of these is through a private Housing Estate, access to the 2nd Area can only be done through private property and there is no public access and the third Area has only very limited public access. 

There is one area, adjacent to the bridge from which there is good access. We will consider the provision of a life buoy at this location.

17. REQUEST THE PROVISION OF PLAYGROUND IN ROSSES POINT:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a playground on a site for a playground in Rosses Point for the people”

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

Sligo County Council has no immediate plans to develop a playground in Rosses Point.  It is understood that the development of a playground by the local community is under consideration and this is welcomed.

She further stated that heretofore, funding was provided by the Department of Health & Children but with the current economic situation the Council were not in a position to dedicate any monies towards it but that the Council would continue to work alongside the local community.

18. REQUEST FUNDING FOR FOOTPATHS IN COLLOONEY:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide funding for 50m long of footpaths for Church View Area in Collooney, Co. Sligo”

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

This has been the subject of previous representations over the last couple of years and the improvement of this footpath is desirable. However, due to the current financial restrictions no work can be carried out this year.

19. REQUEST FUNDING FOR LIGHTING IN BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to allocate funding for 3 no. pole lightings from Callaghan’s Public House on towards Ballygawley Village”

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

Funding for Public Lighting will be low in 2011. However, a quotation will be sought for the work, for consideration in due course.

20. REQUEST FUNDING FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE COMPETING IN ATHENS:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

21. REQUEST FUNDING TO REPAIR SLIPWAY AND PIER AT ROSSES POINT:  

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council seek the necessary funding to allow for the repair and refurbishment of the slipway and the pier at Rosses Point, including the provision of a pontoon and that all improvement works be carried out in consultation with the local community, boat users, fishermen and other interested parties”

22. UPGRADE TUBBERCURRY SEWERAGE TREATMET PLANT:

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

“Resulting from the latest report published by the Environmental Protection Agency naming the Tubbercurry River as been polluted due to the existing sewerage treatment plant, I call on the Director of Services to indicate to this Council when construction work will commence on the long overdue upgrade, how long it will take and when it will be operational”

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

The upgrade of Tubbercurry Wastewater Treatment Plant was included in a bundled DBO Contract including Strandhill, Grange, Ballinafad, Carney and Gurteen. The planning and procurement phases for this Service Land Initiative (SLI) scheme were completed and a preferred bidder was selected. The Council were unable to obtain the necessary loan approval from the Department to fund the 60% local element for this bundled SLI scheme.

The up to date position with the project is that it has now been included in the new Water services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012 in the major schemes category. This scheme has been highlighted as a priority for this Council and there is ongoing communications with the Department and the previously selected preferred bidder in order to progress this scheme. We are currently awaiting formal correspondence from the Department in this regard.

23. REQUEST INCOMING GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR ESSENTIAL ROADWORKS:

Proposed by Councillor M Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

“Due to the appalling condition of regional and county roads and the further decrease in the funding for this year that this Council calls on the incoming Government and the new Minister for Transport to make emergency funds available to allow essential works to be carried out to potholed roads”

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

It is proposed after the adoption of the Roadworks Scheme 2011, to examine the Regional and Local road network with a view to making a submission to theDepartment of Transport for funding to strengthen or repair roads damaged by the recent severe weather conditions.

24. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE WAGES TO 4TH YEAR STUDENT NURSES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the new Government to immediately restore the pay of working 4th year student nurses/midwives to 80% of the minimum of the current staff nurse scale”

25. REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO PUBLISH THE NATIONAL CARERS STRATEGY:

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

AND AGREED

 “That this Council calls on the new Government to publish the National Carers Strategy and to restore the Carers Allowance to its 2010 level”

26. PROVIDE PARKING AREA AT MCCANN’S CROSS, COOLANEY:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a safe Parking area at McCanns Cross, Knockadoo, Coolaney where a number of school children are dropped and collected to catch St Attracta’s school bus”

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

This area at McCann’s Cross, Knockadoo is being examined by the Area Engineer with a view to seeing if anything can be done to alleviate the situation in the context of the difficult economic parameters.

27. ALLEVIATE ROAD/RAINWATER PROBLEM AT THE THATCH PUB, BALLISODARE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to sort out problem of rainwater coming in off road at The Thatch pub , Ballisodare”

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

The drainage problem at “The Thatch” at Ballisodare will be dealt with as part of the 2011 Roadworks Scheme where it is proposed to carry out pavement strengthening along Regional Road R290 at Knoxspark.

28. EXTEND FOOTPATH FROM ROCKFIELD CEMETARY TO ROCKFIELD NATIONAL SCHOOL:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to look into extending footpath from Rockfield Cemetery up to Rockfield National school; this is needed as a matter of safety due to large numbers of pupils attending and due to attend the National school”

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

I have asked the Area Engineer to submit a detailed report in relation to this matter. This will cover the quantity of work involved, and will give an estimated cost of the scheme. While it is recognised that there are safety issues here, there are considerable financial constraints which make the execution of any work in the current year unlikely, however.

29. INITIATE FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING A GREENWAY ALONG BELLAGHY TO COLLOONEY RAIL CORRIDOR:

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

“To propose that Sligo County Council initiate a feasibility study on the provision of a Greenway along the rail corridor from Bellaghy to Collooney”

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

Sligo County Council has no budget in the current year to carry out a feasibility study on the development of a Greenway along the rail corridor from Bellaghy to Collooney.  I believe the local community in Tubbercurry are interested in promoting this project.

The staff in Community & Enterprise will liaise with representatives of the local community involved in this project.  The promoters may need to look at ways that it can be progressed, possible sources of funding, the method by which this could be delivered and possible partners in the project.  The staff of Community & Enterprise can assist in this process.

30. REQUEST UPDATE ON HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS:

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

“To request a report on the allocation of Grants for Older Persons and Housing Adaptation for People with Disabilities”

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

A total allocation of €997,800 inclusive of the Council’s 20% contribution is available for Housing Grants in 2011.

Of this €358,928 has been approved and paid to applicants to date. Approvals have recently issued to a further 45 applicants for grants totalling €310,680.

This means there is a balance available for the remainder of the year of €328.191. However, 115 applications have been costed which amounts to €705,464 and there are a further 60 applications on hand which have not been processed as yet.

31. REPORT ON DUMPING AT CLOONACLEIGHA LAKE AND CLOONCOOSE BOG, SLIGO:

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

“Due to the ongoing litter problem that exists at Cloonacleigha Lake which is a course fishing lake and Clooncoose Bog, two areas that was the subject of a notice of motion last year; what steps did this Council take to (a) Identify who carried out the dumping (b) Was any action taken (c) what proposals are there now to have these unsightly dumps cleaned up?”

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

Sligo County Council’s Litter Warden carries out routine inspections at Cloonacleigha Lake and Clooncoose Bog on a 3 to 4 week basis.

Both sites are investigated each time.  Evidence has been recovered from Clooncoose Bog area and the appropriate enforcement procedures have been followed up, resulting in on-the-spot fines being issued, under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended.  With regards to illegal dumping at Cloonacleigha Lake, limited evidence was recovered, therefore, Sligo County Council were unable to proceed with enforcement procedures under the Litter Pollution Act 1997.

Clean-up of this area could not be carried out by Sligo County Council as it is private property.  A Land Registry search was carried out, however, the bogs in this area are not registered, and therefore, ownership could not be ascertained for these bog plots.  If the Council had this information to hand, we could then consider the issuing of a Section 9 Notice under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended to the owners, requiring them to clean up the site and take the necessary preventative measures to keep the site free from illegal dumping.

32. REMOVE CARAVANS OFF COUNCIL PROPERTY IN EASKEY:

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

“I ask the Director of Services to remove all caravans off council property at Easkey”
In response, Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following:

Sligo County Council will investigate the situation regarding the location of caravans in Easkey and the ownership of the associated lands involved and will report back to Members in due course.

33. REQUEST GOVERNMENT TO REINSTATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ROADS TO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT:

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

AND AGREED

“Call on new Government to reinstate the responsibility for class one, two and three roads to the Minister for the Environment”

34. REDUCE SPEED LIMIT ON COLLOONEY TO CASTLEBALDWIN ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the National Roads Authority to reduce the speed limit on the Collooney to Castlebaldwin Road from 100kmph to 80kmph”

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

Sligo County Council have had ongoing liaison with the NRA regarding the improvement of safety on the existing N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Road. Recent works have included the installation of vehicle activated signs, improved junction definition, signage and markings, removal of trees at bends, maintenance of verges, drainage, road surface improvements etc.
In addition this year the NRA have approved the carrying out of several safety improvement schemes along the route which will include – 

• A review of lining and signing • Improved junction definition and visibility at Drumfin, Carrowkeel andCarrownagark.• Provision of parking bays to assist the Gardai in carrying out speed checks.

The NRA has also provided €1.5m in funding for the realignment of two severe bends at Ardloy and it is intended to commence the Part 8 consultation process for this scheme in the next few weeks.

The NRA has also allocated €670,000 for a surface overlay from Castlebaldwin to Ardloy.

Discussions have also taken place with the NRA regarding the application of a Special Speed Limit of 80kph on this section of the route. However, the NRA are concerned about the effectiveness of such a speed limit in the absence of carrying out engineering initiatives such as those outlined above. The issue of the application of a special speed limit along this route will be kept under review and discussion with the NRA in conjunction with the completion of the works outlined above.

Following discussion it was agreed that a report on the matter would be prepared for the May meeting of the Council. 

Councillor D. Bree asked to be recorded as dissenting for this motion.

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

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That Sligo County Council be given an up to date report on the likely start date of the Strandhill Sewerage Scheme”

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

The upgrade of Strandhill Wastewater Treatment Plant was included in a bundled DBO Contract including Tubbercurry, Grange, Ballinafad, Carney and Gurteen. The planning and procurement phases for this Service Land Initiative (SLI) scheme were completed and a preferred bidder was selected. The Council were unable to obtain the necessary loan approval from the Department to fund the 60% local element for this bundled SLI scheme.

The up to date position with the project is that it has now been included in the new Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012 in the major schemes category. This scheme has been highlighted as a priority for this Council and there is ongoing communications with the Department and the previously selected preferred bidder in order to progress this scheme. We are currently awaiting formal correspondence from the Department in this regard.Councillor McGarry asked that a further update would be provided at the April or May Council Meeting.  This was agreed.

12. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF PLAYGROUND FACILITIES AT STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

“That Sligo County Council be given an up to date report on the provision of Playground facilities at Strandhill”

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

Sligo County Council has no immediate plans to develop a playground in Strandhill.  It is understood that the development of a playground by the local community is under consideration as part of their proposals to develop a range of recreational amenities in the area and this is welcomed.

14. REQUEST IDA REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND COUNCIL MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“I am asking the local IDA Representative to attend a full Council Meeting and explain why no jobs were created in 2010 in Sligo”

35. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Pauline Brett and her family on the death of her husband, Joe” 

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Declan Dwyer on the death of his mother, Esther”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Madden on the death of her mother, Mary Coleman” “that a vote of sympathy be extended to Madeline Hannon on the death of her sister, Kitty Ward”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael & Celia Brennan on the death of Celia’s mother, Mary O’Dowd”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom McHugh on the death of his wife, Eileen”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Kitty Farren on the death of her husband, Phonsie”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Ellen O’Connell on the death of her husband, Jerry ”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernard Harte on the death of his mother, Kathleen”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Kerins on the death of his sister, Breege Gilmartin”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to John Torsney on the death of his sister, Mary Clarke”

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Elaine Kilfeather & family on the death of her husband, Noel”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Isobella Henry on the death of her husband, Pat”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridget McGowan on the death of her husband, Mickey”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom Gannon on the death of his uncle, John Gannon”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Matt Brennan on the death of his wife, Evelyn”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Evelyn Gordon on the death of her brother, Martin McCoy”

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended Gerard Scanlon on the death of his father, Paddy.”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Connolly on the death of her step mother, Bridgie”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Roger Gannon on the death of his mother, Maureen”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Chris Gannon & Family on the death of his mother, Maureen”

36. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of congratulations be extended to Councillor Pat McGrath and Sharon Boles on winning the ‘Jigs & Reels’ competition”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of congratulations be extended to Tony McLoughlin on his election to the Dáil”

37. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

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

38. CORRESPONDENCE:

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

AND AGREED

“to note correspondence circulated with the Agenda”

39. MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

40. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that a Special Co option Meeting to fill the vacancy left by Councillor Tony McLoughlin due to his recent election to Dail Eireann, would be held on Monday 14th March, 2011 at 12.30pm.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 12.30 pm.


Meeting Date 07/03/2011