Minutes 2011

Minutes of July Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th July, 2011 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker, 
  • Councillor Barrett, 
  • Councillor Barry, 
  • Councillor Bree, 
  • Councillor V. Cawley, 
  • Councillor Clarke, 
  • Councillor Collery, 
  • Councillor Devins, 
  • Councillor Fleming, 
  • Councillor Gormley, 
  • Councillor Healy McGowan, 
  • 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.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms. P.R. Gallagher, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. J. Clancy, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer 
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. J. Walshe, Administrative Officer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. M. McGovern, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.

1. MINUTES OF THE JUNE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON THE 13TH JUNE, 2011:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the June Ordinary Meeting held on the 13th June, 2011.”

2. TAKING IN CHARGE ‘RIVERBANK’, EASKEY:

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

AND AGREED

“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.

Road Number  Location and Terminal Points 
 L-24016-0  Road situate in the housing estate of ‘Riverbank’, Easkey, Co. Sligo.

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

  • Development known as ‘Riverbank’, Easkey, Co. Sligo”

3. SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT CARROWROE, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor A. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Carrowroe, County Sligo to Regina Gallagher, 47 St. John’s Terrace, Sligo.”

4. SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF LAND IN TOWNLAND OF TIRATICK:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal by way of lease of 0.119H.A of land in the townland of Tiratick, Electoral District of Ballintogher East and Barony of Tirerrill to Ballintogher Amenity Development.”

5. PART 8 – N4 REALIGNMENT ARDLOY:

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

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 N4 Realignment Ardloy.”

6. NOTE PROPOSALFOR DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMASS ELECTRICITY GENERATING STATION ON LANDS AT FINISKLIN:

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

AND AGREED

“To note proposal to consent to Carbon Sole Group and Industries Ltd to examine the potential for the development of a biomass electricity generating station on lands at Finisklin, part of former land fill site and to pursue planning including connection to the national grid.”

7. NOTE SOCIAL HOUSING INVESTMENT PROGRAMME FOR 2011:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Social Housing Investment Programme for 2011.”

8. NOTE AUDIT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2010:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Audit Committee Annual Report 2010.”

9. NOTE SLIGO COUNTY JPC ANNUAL REPORT 2010:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“To note the Sligo County Council Joint Policing Committee Annual Report 2010.”

10. TAKING IN CHARGE OCEAN LINKS, STRANDHILL:

"That Sligo County Council begins the process of taking in charge Ocean Links, Strandhill, Co. Sligo."

It was agreed by the members to defer this motion.

11. DERELICTION ORDER ON FORMER DUNMAEVE HOTEL, BALLISODARE:

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

“To call on the Director of Services for Planning to raise a Dereliction Order on the former Dunmaeve Hotel in Ballisodare.”

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

Sligo County Council served a Notice of intention to place this property on the Derelict Sites Register in 2006. The owners at that time agreed to board up the windows and to paint the ground floor hoardings.

This work was carried out. The hoardings now again needs painting, and the building itself is very dilapidated. The owners were written to on 9th May 2011 and asked to carry out remedial works. A reminder issued on 9th June 2011.

The property was further inspected on 1st July 2011 and it was noted that no works had been carried out. It has now been placed on the Derelict Sites Register.

12. UPDATE ON BALLYGAWLEY WATER SCHEME:

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

“I Councillor Thomas Collery would like to ask Sligo County Council to give an update as to when the Sligo County Council are taking over the Ballygawley Water Scheme.”

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

An application for the take over of Ballygawley group water scheme has been received by the Council. We have been working closely with the scheme committee to address outstanding financial and administration issues during the past year and we will continue to provide assistance in this regard. The takeover of the scheme will be subject to the satisfactory resolution of these issues by Ballygawley group water scheme.

It was agreed to take items 13 and 20 together.

13. ISSUES REGARDING TOWER HILL ESTATE, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

“To call on Sligo County Council to clarify a number of issues regarding Tower Hill Estate, Ballymote:

  1. Has Sligo County Council any part to play in housing five traveller families in this estate.
  2. There are two vacant houses which are owned by Sligo County Council. What plans have Sligo County Council to issue these houses and when? 
  3. Have Sligo County Council any plans to take over the estate?
  4. Can Sligo County Council provide an extra camera in the estate to link up with existing cameras for the bottle banks?

I am asking Sligo County Council to provide fencing around the Bottle Bank area.”

In response to Part 3 of this motion Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following:

The position in relation to Item 3 is as follows:
This development is practically completed, and the Developer has been asked to submit an application to have it Taken in Charge.

Any such application will be considered its own merits, and with due regard for the reports which will have to be obtained from the Councils Water Services, Road, Fire and Enforcement Sections.

In response to Parts 1 and 2 of this motion Mr. J. Clancy, A/Director of Services stated the following:

1. The Council is aware that a number of traveller families are living in private rented accommodation in Tower Hill Estate. There has not been any Council involvement in these accommodation arrangements.

2. The Council owns four houses in this estate, one is currently vacant and requires repairs before being reallocated, a second Council owned house is not occupied by the tenant and arrangements are currently underway for the Council to re-establish possession.

In response to Parts 4 and 5 of this motion Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following:

4. Sligo County Council supplied and fitted 1 No. Digital Recorder and 1 No. External Camera for use in the Tower Hill Estate. This was a goodwill gesture on behalf of Sligo County Council for allowing us to continue using this site for our Bottle Banks and also to help the residents of Towerhill Estate control any anti-social behaviour which may be causing problems in the estate. This camera is totally independent of Sligo County Council’s CCTV system.
The Council are not in a position to supply any further cameras

5. Fencing has already been erected at this site as has been done at our other sites around the county. As far as we are concerned this site is finished and no additional fencing is required here.

20. HOUSE NO. 36, TOWER HILL ESTATE, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide a full report regarding the Long Term lease on House Number 36 in Tower Hill Estate, Ballymote.”

In response Mr. J. Clancy, A/Director of Services stated the following:

Long term leasing was introduced by the Department as a proposal to further extend the sources of supply of social housing. The leasing arrangements are intended to provide authorities with a new delivery mechanism for the provision of social housing.

In overall terms it is essential that the use of the leasing option complies fully with the sustainable communities’ philosophy at the heart of Government housing policy, as outlined in the DoEH&LG’s Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities publication. Leasing proposals must ensure that accommodation is in a location and of a type that can appropriately meet the needs of persons on local authority housing lists.

This application for long term leasing at Number 36 Tower Hill was submitted to Sligo County Council under the leasing scheme on the 19th March 2010 and in provision with the requirements it was deemed that there was a house need in this area for a 4 bed-roomed property. Information on this application was outstanding for some time as the second stage documentation is quiet detailed and exact. However Sligo County Council are currently in the process of allocating this property to a family on the house list.

Councillor MacManus asked that the reports for Items 13 and 20 be circulated to all the members.

Following further discussion it was:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council make contact with the section of the HSE responsible for Rent Supplement Allowance to raise concerns regarding; at recent Council meetings.”

14. DEPARTMENT OFFICES IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the economic importance of the offices of the Department of Community, Equality, and Gaeltacht Affairs to Tubbercurry and the South Sligo region, which employs 100 people and noting the firm commitment made by Minister for State John Perry T.D prior to the general election that not alone would the offices be maintained but that there would be an expansion to the facility this Council calls on Minister Perry and the other Oireachtas representatives from Sligo to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Department offices are retained as promised in Tubbercurry.”

15. RETURN WEST SLIGO TO THE JURISDICTIONOF BALLINA GARDA STATION:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council, to call on the Minister for Justice to return West Sligo to the Jurisdiction of the Ballina Garda Station.”

16. GARDA RECRUITMENT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

“To call on the Minister to end the moratorium on Garda recruitment or resign.”

Following a brief discussion Councillor Clarke agreed to reword his motion.

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Justice to end the moratorium on Garda recruitment.”

It was agreed to take items 17 and 22 together.

17. COASTAL EROSION AT STRANDHILL:

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

“That Sligo County Council examines the feasibility of erecting a storm barrier wall to the south of the walkway towards Shelly Valley at Strandhill beach to stop costal erosion. This survey to be done in conjunction with an application to the relevant government departments for funding, including emergency support.”

22. COASTAL EROSION AT STRANDHILL:

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

“That the Council, as a matter of urgency, seeks the necessary financial assistance to carry out very necessary remedial works following the severe coastal erosion of the sand dunes south of the promenade in Strandhill.”

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

Sligo County Council is aware of the dune erosion at the southern end of the coastal path towards the Shelly Valley. Barriers rerouting pedestrians have been put in place along with signage. The beach has been surveyed in the area. The beach level has been drawn down (lowered) in the area at the foot of the high dune and the protective cobble berm has washed away, rendering the soft dunes more vulnerable and allowing larger waves to attack the base of the dune.

Sligo County Council is monitoring the situation and it is hoped that the beach sand will return to this area as it appears to be doing in other areas of the shore at the moment.

An increase in beach level will help protect the dunes. This beach is well known for its dynamic behavior, with thousands of tones of beach sand regularly being swept off shore in storms, being stored in sand bars and returning slowly to the beach in calmer periods.

Sligo County Council intend to protect the end of the existing path structure from sea attack later in the summer with limited rock armour work and to consider sustainable options for the future. Monitoring is the current expert advice.

Sligo County Council intend applying for grant aid to fund the remedial work and to examine the problem and assess if any solution other that the do-nothing scenario is appropriate south of the end of the coastal path.

18. OLDROCK BRIDGE ON REGIONAL ROAD 296:

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

“A section of the water mains is attached to Oldrock Bridge on Regional Road 296 resulting in it freezing last Christmas leaving a number of households without water for a number of weeks. What steps have this Council taken or going to take to ensure that this will not occur again?”

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

The Council has inspected public water mains which are attached to bridge structures throughout the county in the context of the adverse weather conditions last Christmas. We are finalising a schedule of improvement works which will be implemented prior to the winter season.

19. FUNDING FOR HOUSING GRANTS:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin

“That Sligo County Council ring-fence sufficient funding annually to ensure that all applications for Housing Adaptation/Mobility Aid Grants, where the works are deemed necessary to keep an eligible applicant out of a hospital or nursing home, can be processed as soon as possible within that year.”

In response Mr. J. Clancy, A/Director of Services stated the following:

Sligo County Council endeavours, in as far as possible, to prioritise grant applications so as to obtain the maximum benefit from the funds available. Regard is had to the level of disability of the applicant based on the medical information submitted on behalf of the applicant.

It was further agreed by the members that this would be discussed at the next SPC 4 meeting and that a report would be prepared for the September meeting.

21. CANCER SERVICES AT SLIGO GENERAL:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council expresses its deep dismay at the government failure to date to have the breast cancer service restored to Sligo General Hospital, and further the Council calls on the Fine Gael and Labour Party Oireachtas members from the constituency to honour the commitments they made to the people of Sligo/North Leitrim regarding the restoration of the Breast Cancer service to Sligo General Hospital.”

Following a discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To write to Dr. James Reilly, Minister for health, and invite him to address a meeting of the Council to provide information in relation to the restoration of cancer services and in the decision to keep it under review; to ask –

  • How the decision will be reviewed?
  • Terms of reference of review?
  • When will review commence?
  • Who will carry out the review?
  • Will the findings of the review be made public?

23. TREES ON THE NORTH EDGE OF LADIES BRAE ROAD:

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

“That this Council call on Coillte to ensure that no further trees are planted on the North Edge of Ladies Brae Road at section where view has been restored.”

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

It is proposed to write to Coillte Teoranta to ask for written confirmation that they will not replant the area in question, thereby preserving the view.

24. DANGEROUS BEND ON ROAD 10 AT BALLINLIG, BELTRA:

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

“That this Council erect an appropriate sign at dangerous bend on Road 10 at junction with Road 10F at Ballinlig, Beltra.”

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

The Area Engineer will examine this location so as to erect appropriate signs.

25. CALTRA AND CAHANALLY GROUP WATER SCHEME:

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

“That this council consider taking in charge the

  1. Caltra Group Water Scheme in Culleens and 
  2. The Cahanally Group Water Scheme Dromore West.”

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

The Council will consider the taking in charge of Caltra and Cannaghanally group water schemes subject to the completion of the necessary financial and administration procedures as required by the Department.

26. DETAILS ON TENDERS FOR PLANT AND SUPPLY OF MATERIALS:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council confirms that details of all tenders received by the Council, including tenders for Plant, JCB’s and for the supply of materials will be made available for inspection by councillors.”

27. SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“If the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan T.D. plans to introduce a Septic Tank Inspection Programme in rural Ireland, I will ask this council to seek clarification from the Minister regarding,

  1. Who is expected to pay for these inspections?
  2. Who is expected to pay for any up-grade or replacement of septic tanks.”

28. JUNCTION OF R294/407, DRUMMARTIN TO ACLARE ROAD:

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

“I will ask the Director of Services for Community and Enterprise if funding can be provided for the enhancement of the junction of the R294/407 Drummartin to Aclare Road near Castlerock new National School in association with Aclare Development Council and Ox Mountain Development Association.”

In response Mr. J. Clancy, A/Director of Services stated the following:

Sligo County Council, through the Community and Enterprise and Arts department has no funding allocation for junction improvement at the R294/407 intersection. Sligo County Council will contact local development groups to investigate future funding opportunities.
Any future landscaping improvements at the junction will be subject to safety review by the Area Engineer, in accordance with Health and Safety procedures. Any existing access routes will be maintained.

29. CARROWMORE VISITOR CENTRE SIGNAGE:

Proposed by Councillor A. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“Given the importance of the Carrowmore Visitor Centre as a major tourist attraction, to request Sligo Council to address the lack of road signage for the facility, particularly on the major road arteries, and to introduce traffic calming measures at the Centre in the interests of public safety.”

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

The NRA are addressing signage on our National Routes and the N4 is being considered at present. The Carrowmore Visitor Centre will form part of those deliberations.

In relation to traffic calming measures at the Centre, it is proposed to ask the OPW to augment the works they have already carried out there.

30. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

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

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Winnie Haran on the death of her son, Michael Haran.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Haran on the death of his brother, Michael Haran.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe O’Hara on the death of his son John O’Hara.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jane Dwyer on the death of her husband, Noel Dwyer.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Philomena Dwyer on the death of her son, Noel Dwyer.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jane Dwyer on the death of her husband, Noel Dwyer.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Caroline Cuffe and family on the death of her husband, Joe Cuffe.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary McGoldrick on the death of her father, P.J. Brodrick.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Edmund Brennan on the death of his brother-in-law, Peter Winders.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sharon McCormack on the death of her grandmother, Margaret Murray.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Lorretta Brennan on the death of her mother, Kathleen Clarke.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Humphrey Barry on the death of his mother, Eileen Barry.”

31. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Ballymote Fleadh Committee on the success of the Connacht Fleadh in Ballymote.”

Proposed by Councillor A. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Joseph Cullen on the achievement of winning a Gold Medal at the recent Special Olympics in Greece.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Garda Bernie McGowan Mulderig on achieving the Silver Scott medal for Bravery.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Management and Staff of Castlerock NS on the official opening of the new primary school.”

32. CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

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

33. CORRESPONDENCE:

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

AND AGREED

“To note correspondence circulated with the Agenda.”

34. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

There were no matters arising.

35. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

None.


The meeting ended at 2.30pm


Meeting Date 04/07/2011