Minutes 2011
Minutes of November Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th November, 2011 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor D. Cawley,
- 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 McLoughlin,
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor Murray,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Ms.Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance
- Ms. P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
- Mr. T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Mr. D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
- Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr F. O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer
- Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. D. Cawley, Executive Engineer
- Mr. K. Colreavy, Administrative Officer
- Ms. M. McGovern, Clerical Officer.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.
At the outset the Cathaoirleach welcomed students from IT Sligo to the meeting, as guests under the Open Local Government Programme.
The County Manager also welcomed the students and he highlighted the importance of young people taking an interest in local government.
1. MINUTES OF OCTOBER ORDINARY MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the October Ordinary Meeting held on the 3rd October, 2011.”
2. MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“To approve the Minutes of Tubbercurry Electoral Area Committee Meeting held on 10th June 2011.”
3. DATE FOR ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING:
The members agreed to hold the Annual Budget meeting on the 19th December, 2011 at 10am.
Following a discussion by the members it was;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“Recognising that the Local Government Audit Service Report on Financial Management reporting in local authorities recommends that financial management reports be provided to the elected Council at least quarterly, and further recognising that each local authority in accordance with the EU/IMF Financial Support Programme, is required to report on its financial position on a quarterly basis to the Department of the Environment in a prescribed format, this Council resolves that a copy of the said quarterly report in the same prescribed format be provided to the elected members of the Council each quarter.”
4. REVENUE ACCOUNT POSITION:
With regard to Item 4 it was;
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“To note the Revenue Account position for Quarter 3 2011 up to 30th September and the notification from Irish Public Bodies Insurance.”
5. PART 8 - WWTP AT BALLINTOGHER:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 the proposed construction of a Waste Water Treatment Plant at Ballintogher, Co. Sligo.”
It was agreed to take Item 15 with this Item.
6. WINTER SERVICE PLAN:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To note Draft Sligo County Council Winter Service Plan 2011/2012.”
15. GRITAND SALT SUPPLIES FOR THE WINTER PERIOD:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“As we approach the winter months, I will ask the Council to ensure that adequate supplies of grit, salt and transport are readily available to cope with extreme weather conditions as we have witnessed over the last two winters, and to ensure that local communities have access to these supplies to use on roads in their own areas”.
In response to queries by members Mr. T. Brennan, Senior Engineer stated
That the Winter Service Plan document is a working document and is subject to review.
With regard to salt supplies the NRA is procuring salt nationally.
The additional salt barn, under construction at Union Quarry, will double the council’s salt storage capacity.
7. HAWK'S WELL PRESENTATION:
Marie O’Byrne, Director of the Hawk’s Well Theatre delivered a presentation to the members.
The Cathaoirleach thanked Ms O’ Byrne for her presentation and stressed the importance of maintaining a strong programme of events in the Hawk’s Well. He also wished her success in her term as director of the theatre.
The Cathaoirleach drew members’ attention to an item of correspondence regarding Barry O’Leary, CEO of the IDA addressing the Council. A date of the 21st December, 2011 had been suggested by Mr O’Leary’s office. Following a discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council agrees to hold a special meeting to be addressed by Mr Barry O’Leary (IDA) on December 21st, 2011.
8. BYE-LAWS FOR ROAD 79 AROUND EASKEY CASTLE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
“To ask the Director of Services to commence the process of developing bye-laws on Road 79 and around Easkey Castle to restrict car and caravan parking in the location.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:
There is an ongoing problem here with unauthorised parking and vandalism. There is no objection to approaching the problem from the point of view of considering bye-laws.
9. INCLUSION ON HOUSING WAITING LIST:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask the Director of Services for Housing to explain how someone outside the county can get their name included on Sligo County Council housing waiting list.”
In response, Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:
A person who wishes to be apply for Housing in a local Housing Authority area but who currently resides outside of that area can make an application to the Housing Authority if they can demonstrate that they have a local connection to the area that they wish to apply to. A local connection can be established if the applicant or a member of the household;
- Has lived in the area for a continuous 5 year period previously.
- Is employed in the area or within 15 km of the area.
- Is in full-time education, or attending specialist medical care in the area.
Has relatives living in the area for 2 years or longer. (as outlined in the D/Environment guidelines on new Housing Assessment procedures – April 2011.)
A housing authority may also decide at its discretion to accept a household who does not meet this criterion. However, if they do accept that application, the applicant cannot select preference areas outside of the functional area of the authority of application.
10. RAMPS ON PIER ROAD, ENNISCRONE:
With the agreement of the meeting Councillor Queenan withdrew this Item.
11. CLASS 3 ROADS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out a programme of restoration of Class 3 roads over the next three years, from the block grant allocated from the Department”.
In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:
It is proposed to carry out a survey of Class 3 roads, in consultation with the elected members, so as to be ready for any funding that may come at some time in the future; but such is unlikely at present.
At 12.30pm the County Manager had to leave the meeting and Mr. T. Kilfeather deputised.
12. GURTEEN CROSS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
“Due to the ongoing dangers that exist at Gurteen Cross, that this Council examine what immediate action can be taken to improve sight vision.
That funding be sought for the installation of traffic lights at this junction”.
In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:
The feasibility of eliminating parking along the R294 adjacent to the Coleman Centre thereby improving sight distance toward Tubbercurry is being examined.
The view of the NRA Inspector will be sought via the use of traffic lights here.
It was agreed to take Items 16 and 38 at this time.
16. COLLOONEY ALLOTMENT GROUP:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
“That Sligo County Council agree to grant, under Section 183 Local Government Act 2001, a long term lease to the Collooney Allotment group on a plot of land owned by this Council adjacent to the junction of the N4/N17. This plot which is currently rented from Sligo County Council for a 11 month period by the Collooney Allotment group should be granted for a nominal annual rent”.
38. PROVISION OF GARDEN ALLOTMENTS:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That a report be presented to Sligo County Council members for consideration on the feasibility of Sligo County Council providing garden allotments through the County”.
In response Ms.Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:
Item 16 - The site referred to above in Collooney is currently leased on a short term letting basis to a private individual (Thomas Healy).
The site comprises 2.2acres and is currently zoned residential. It was acquired through the Part V mechanism and as such has to be retained for housing purposes. The Director of Services stated that the land was required by the Council for the Social Housing Investment Programme or the Traveller Accommodation programme. It is not the intention of the Council to renew the lease when it falls due for renewal on the 31st December 2011.
Item 38 – The Land Asset Management Office Sligo County Council have a schedule of all lands in the county. The allocation of lands for allotments would be subject to approval by the County Manager subject to consultation with the Management Team to ensure any such allotment project would not interfere with strategic current or future development proposals. Enquiries are welcome from communities for the development of allotments on council lands by contacting the Land Asset Management Office, Harbour Office, Sligo.
Following a discussion by the members Ms Clarke stated that the Council can enquire with NAMA over other suitable sites in Collooney for an allotment.
Mr. Kilfeather asked the members that the Council seek legal advice on the issue of using land acquired through the Part V process for purposes other than social and affordable housing development.
On the issue of planning Ms. P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services stated that the land is currently zoned for housing and to grant planning permission for use as an allotment land would have to be re-zoned and a planning application submitted to the Council.
Following further discussion and as agreement could not be reached on Item 16 the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.
For: Baker, Bree, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Clarke, Collery, Devins, Gormley, Lundy, Lyons, MacManus, McLoughlin, Mulvey, Queenan.
Against: Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Mullaney, Murray.
As the result was 14 for and 5 against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.
It was also;
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That this Council seeks legal advice on the long term lease of land under Part 5 to Collooney Allotment Group.”
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That the Minister for the Environment be requested to clarify the conditions whereby lands in Council ownership can be made available for allotments and community gardens usage, which is currently zoned for development; and further request that guidelines be brought forward to allow lands be allowed to be used for this purpose.”
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.30pm
15. GRIT AND SALT SUPPLIES FOR THE WINTER PERIOD:
This item had been taken earlier in the meeting but a report had not been read out. Mr S. O’Toole stated the following:
It is intended that adequate supplies of grit, salt and transport will be available in the event of another bad winter, against the background of reduced resources and more stringent working practices i.e. adherence of Organisation of Working Time Act 2007 etc.
Local communities will, as far as reasonably practicable, be provided with deposits of grit to deal with particular situations themselves.
17. REPAIR WORKS ON LOCAL R406:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“I will ask Sligo Co. Council to have urgent drainage works and road repair works carried out on local road 406, at Carrowloban, Aclare, as soon as possible, and to have this busy road included in the 2012 roads programme for restoration improvements works”.
In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:
The surface on this road is satisfactory except for a short distance which will be repaired. Drainage work, if not already done, will be carried out soon.
This road is not however, included in the Restoration Improvement Program for 2012.
It was agreed to take Items 18 and 29 together.
18. INSPECTIONS ON HIGH RISE BUILDINGS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report of the inspections on high rise buildings in the County, in the light of the Priory Hall situation to allay any fears that the Sligo public may have. (a) What is the inspection regime; (b) How many buildings have been inspected; (c) What buildings are of concern”.
In response Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:
Sligo Local Authorities do not have records of buildings with relevance to their height. The height of each building is assessed on an individual basis in relation to fire safety requirements.
What is the inspection regime?
The Fire Services inspection Programme concentrates mainly on buildings of public assembly which by their nature contain the highest concentration of people per m2 of floor area.
Buildings of this type are inspected where notice has been given to the Fire Authority, where an application is made under Section 24 of the Fire Services Act 1981 &and 2003 for;
The grant or renewal of licence under the Licensing Acts 1833 to 1981.
The grant or renewal of a certificate of registration under the Registration of Clubs Acts, 1904 to 1981.
A licence in respect of premises under the Public Dance Halls Act 1935.
A certificate in respect of premises under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 to 1979.
The Fire Authority will generally inspect the premises, advise the applicant / owner of any fire safety deficiencies arising from the inspection and if required shall re-inspect when the works are completed. The Fire authority will give evidence or make recommendations to the Courts in respect of the applications made.
Every effort is made to investigate complaints made in writing by members of the public where adequate information is provided in relation to the nature of the complaint and where the details of the owner of the property and details of complainant is provided.
Buildings which seek a licence or renewal of a licence to store explosives / explosive substances are inspected as required by the Department.
During Performance Inspections of nightclubs and bars are also carried out at various stages of the year when there is increased activity such as Rag Week for IT students.
Our operational side also carry out inspections in each of the four brigade station areas to develop risk cards for the fire service so that they are aware of hazards before arrival in the event of a fire outbreak and to provide the owners with advice on reducing the risk of any hazards in or around their property. This has begun to be revisited this year with relevance to building types identified within the Major Emergency Plan.
How many buildings have been inspected?
There are in the region of 80 – 100 licence applications made every year with roughly 30% of these requiring a second inspection as part of the licencing process. In the region of 120 inspections in total for licence application purposes. Fire Prevention Inspections in addition to the 120 mentioned above would be in the region of 30 per year on average.
The four brigades in Sligo Borough and County also respond to approximately just under 1000 calls per year and there are many follow up consultations and procedures regarding fire safety from these callouts.
What buildings are of concern?
In terms of fire safety, buildings accommodating large number of persons such as the licensed premises, high hazard industrial buildings. Buildings with sleeping risk would probably be considered a high life risk – residential (institutional) hospitals and nursing homes and other residential buildings (blocks of apartments, hotels, hostels and large guesthouses).
These building types would be identified within the Risk category of the Major Emergency Plan.
29. BUILDING CONTROL DEPARTMENT:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To call on this Council to prepare a proposal document for the Department of the Environment on the establishment of a building control department within the Council structure so as to ensure that in the future there is proper and regular onsite inspection of all building work carried out in this country”.
In response, Ms. P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services stated the following;
Sligo County Council does have a Building Control Section and if more resources were available more inspections could be carried out. However, if a member of the public brought an issue to the attention of the Building Control section it would be investigated.
19. VACANT HOUSES IN COUNTY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. T. Collery
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on Housing, (a) How many local authority houses have not reallocated and why? (b) Three vacant houses in St. Farnan’s Drive, Dromore West, three vacant houses in Archers’ Cottages, Easkey, and so on. (c) Has there been a policy change with regard to transfers, where a tenant has occupied a house for a two year period. (d) What assistance can be given to applicants who have difficulty with the detailed housing application?”
In response Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:
There are currently houses vacant as follows:
| Vacant – Description | Number | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Available for letting | 14 | 6 no. of these have only become available for letting this week. Of the remaining 8 some of these have been allocated but not accepted or alternatively there is no matching demand due to location or house type i.e. Ballymote, Tubbercurry Geevagh. |
| Energy Efficiency/Retrofitting Programme | 29 | DoE funded together with ICR contribution. Will be available by end of 2011 |
| Vacant with pre-letting works to be carried out | 28 | Regrettably the 2011 Maintenance budget is fully expended. No works can be carried out to these units until new budgets become available. The council has requested additional funding from the DoE under EE circular but has been refused same |
| For disposal | 8 | In areas where the council will not be in a position to allocated due to location / condition etc and are at various stages of process of disposal. |
| For demolition | 5 | 2 no in Collooney and 3 no in Connolly Pk. Unfit for habitation |
| Site for TAP | 1 | |
| Total | 85 |
The number of “14 houses ready for allocation” are made up of the following:
8 no. houses that are proving difficult to let as they are in areas where applicants continually refuse the offers of accommodation or alternatively there are no suitable family composition on housing list for house type i.e. Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Geevagh.
6 no. houses that have only become available for letting this week.
Breakdown of areas where vacant houses are situated are as follows:
2 in Collooney, 1 in Ballisodare, 4 in Coolaney, 1 in Beltra, 11 in Ballymote, 2 in Riverstown, 5 in Geevagh, 2 in Ballinacarrow, 1 in Ballygawley, 2 in Keash, 5 in Gurteen, 5 in Bunninadden, 1 in Monasteraden, 3 in Culfadda, 1 in Aclare, 3 in Cloonacool, 4 in Dromore West, 3 in Easkey, 4 in Enniscrone, 24 in Tubbercurry, 1 in Ballinfull.
The policy change regarding transfers was circulated via email on 5th August 2011, see response issued as follows:
As you are aware Housing funding is impacted upon in the current difficult economicenvironment. Maintenance funding is reduced in the current year while demands arising from increased reliance on public housing are increasing. The maintenance budget is fully expended at this time and the priority for the Council from a maintenance point of view is to deal with emergency repair requests and limit the number of voids arising.
Housing transfers in particular place a very significant demand on limited maintenance resources. In order to best manage the limited resources available it has been decided regrettably that housing transfers cannot be facilitated in the manner as heretofore. Transfers can often mean investment in two units that may not otherwise arise and funding that could be available to bring void units into operation is not available for that purpose.
This decision is taken in order to make more optimal use of scarce resources which is directly beneficial to those most in need of housing. Therefore, going forward, transfers will only be considered where there are no cost implications to the County Council and where any cost implication arises a request for transfer will be refused.
All applicants requesting a transfer received as and from 1st September 2011 will be advised accordingly.
This position will be kept under review subject to sources of funding becoming available.
Should housing applicants have any queries regarding any aspect of the housing application or the documents required therein, they may contact the office either in person or by phone to have their query clarified.
It was agreed to take Item 13 at this time.
13. STREET LIGHTING AT BROOKFIELD ESTATE, CLIFFONEY:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons
“That the problem of street lighting at the Brookfield housing estate in Cliffoney be investigated by the Sligo County Council staff to establish who has responsibility for the development with the objective of getting the lighting restored as soon as possible as there are major health and safety issues as a result of the street lighting being switched off for the past six months”.
In response, Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following;
Brookfield is a development of 19 houses in Cliffoney, which was constructed by Kinlough Developments Ltd. This development has not been to-date been taken in charge by the Council. The Council were advised on 26th July, 2011 that the company were in receivership and that Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Ltd has been appointed receiver. It is not clear however whether the receiver has responsibility for this development. Clarification has been sought in this regard.
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the estate known as ‘Knockmuldowney Park’ in Ballisodare, Co. Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the estate.”
Mr Murphy would have no reservations on taking this estate in charge as it has been completed satisfactorily.
20. INTEREST ON ARREARS CHARGED ON LOANS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council call on the Government to compel the banks operating in this state to reduce the rate of interest on arrears’ (or penalty interest) charged on loans advanced, to ensure that this interest does not exceed the banks % margin over and above the cost of funds to the bank funding the loan. Should legislation be required to do this, then such legislation should be prioritised”.
21. CULVERY AT PULLAHEENEY:
As Councillor Barrett was absent this Item was deferred.
22. CLEARING WATER TABLES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
“Due to the constant rainfall I am calling on the engineering staff of this Council to ensure that the water tables are cleared to prevent water lodging on roads.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:
The practice of clearing water tables will continue to be carried out by Area Staff in so far as reduced human resources and reduced funding will allow. Any areas of particular concern will receive priority however.
23. COMMUNITY WELFARE SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“Call on the Minister for Social Protection to give a commitment to leave the community welfare service in rural areas”.
24. VEC OFFICES AT QUAY STREET:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“To ask the Minister for Education to ensure that the VEC offices at Quay Street, Sligo, remain an integral part of VEC structure going forward”.
25. BEACH BYE-LAWS:
As Councillors Barry and Devins were absent this item was deferred.
26. RESURFACING COSTS:
With the agreement of the meeting Councillor Bree deferred this Item.
27. DEADMAN’S POINT, ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“That necessary repairs/maintenance works be carried out on the outdoor swimming pool at Deadman’s Point, Rosses Point.”
In response, Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated that a report on this Item would be circulated to the members.
28. FLOODING ISSUES:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley
“In the light of the recent high rain fall and flooding throughout the country, could we have an outline report on the Council’s plan for such an event and on any proposed preventative measures being taken, and the identification of high risk areas. Also what level of communication is there between other service providers, e.g. OPW, fisheries board, civil defence, etc.”
In response, Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following:
The OPW are currently undertaking a country wide survey of the river basin districts and flood risk assessments. This study will be carried out until 2015 and will highlight high risk areas and assess response to flooding in these areas. It will also lead to the adoption of a ‘Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan’ by local authorities in 2015.
Ms. P.R. Gallagher, A/Director of Services also stated the preliminary reports that have been completed are based predominately on input from local authorities. Maps from these reports can be provided to the members and their input can be taking into consideration with the progression of the study.
30. TRAFFIC CALMING AT RANSBORO NS:
As Councillor McLoughlin was absent from the meeting this Item was deferred.
31. HOUSING GRANTS:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“I will ask the housing section of Sligo County Council if they expect funding to be granted before the end of this year for housing grants for older people and people with disabilities, and will applications be accepted again when funding is granted from the Department”.
In response Ms.Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:
Sligo County Council Housing Section received additional exchequer funding from the Department on the 20th October amounting to a figure of €56,000.00. Sligo County Council will match fund this figure with €14,000.00 allowing a total addition of €70,000.00 for grants.
However, this funding is only available until the year end and as Sligo County Council has a number of applications already on file which have been inspected these application will be dealt with first. As the funding received from the Department still does not cover the amount of applications on hand in the Housing Section, this section is not in a position to accept new applications.
32. UNFINISHED HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council contact the Department of the Environment to enquire what action it intends to take in the short term to protect the properties adjacent to unfinished housing developments, which are being affected by flooding and issues of health and safety and security relating to these unfinished housing developments”.
In response, Ms. P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services stated the following;
Sligo County Council will investigate any such complaints and will seek to have the matter resolved in the first instance with the developers concerned and failing that thereafter will seek funding (if available, from the Department) where there are any public safety concerns.
33. ROAD AT RANAGHANBEG, BALLINACARROW:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask Sligo County Council to strengthen the soft margin along roadside at Ranaghanbeg, Ballinacarrow, Co Sligo”.
In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:
This soft margin at Ranaghanbeg is being examined by the Area Engineer at present, to assess the amount of work involved, for consideration.
34. FOOTBRIDGE ON ROAD 4, COOLANEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the proposed footbridge on Road 4 at the new town centre, Coolaney”.
In response, Ms. P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services stated the following;
Legal proceedings have been initiated by the Council against the developer in respect of his failure to provide a footbridge at this location, as required under PL 01/217 (Enf 1054).
This case is listed for hearing at Sligo District Court on 6th December, 2011.
35. PUBLIC LIGHTING ON BALLYMOTE ROAD, TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“That provision is made in the 2012 roads programme to extend the public lighting on the Ballymote Road out of Tubbercurry (R294) to the end of the existing footpath”.
In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:
This matter can be discussed at the next Tubbercurry Area Meeting, and I am aware of a number of other similar proposals.
The amount of funds available for this type of work at present is very small and not likely to increase.
The Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor Lyons took the Chair for the next Item which was a motion from the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Fleming.
36. TIDAL, WIND AND WAVE ENERGY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To propose that this Council actively support the National Plan for development of Tidal, Wind and Wave Energy Technology along the West Coast to acquire energy security for the region, and maximize the benefits accruing to the economy of our nation.” The Cathaoirleach suggested that Mr Ben Rafter, Chairman of Atlantic Ocean Energy Alliance, be invited to address the Council.
The Cathaoirleach resumed the chair.
37. CUTS TO FREE GAS/ELECTRICITY UNITS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“Recognising that older people die each winter in Ireland because they cannot afford to keep themselves warm: and further recognising that lives could be saved if the Government reversed its decision to cut their electricity and gas units; Sligo County Council resolves to support the Age Action Ireland campaign and calls on the Government to reverse the cuts to the free gas/electricity units available under the Household Benefits Package, given the increased hardship it will cause for older people on low incomes”.
39. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Geraldine O’Connor on the death of her brother, Dermot O’Grady.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Kilgannon on the death of her brother, John Gethins.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Gallagher on the death of her husband, Alo Gallagher.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Marian O’Grady on the death of her husband, Dermot O’Grady.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to William Melvin on the death of his mother, Kathleen Melvin.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pauline Collis on the death of her sister-in-law, Bridget Collis.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom O’Hara on the death of his sister, Mary Tereasa O’Hara.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs M Hanley on the death of her son, John Reid.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Henry on the death of her daughter, Kathleen Henry.
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Henry on the death of his sister, Kathleen Henry.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Francis Henry on the death of his sister, Kathleen Henry.”
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Liam Flynn on the death of his brother, Joe Flynn.”
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brendan Flynn on the death of his brother, Joe Flynn.”
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kitty Gallagher on the death of her brother, Joe Flynn.”
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to The Haran Family on the death of Eddie Haran.”
41. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to The Chairman, Manager and Players of Sligo Rovers on winning the FAI Ford Cup.”
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Banada Development Agency on coming Runner-Up in the All Ireland Pride of Place Awards in Gorey, Co. wexford last weekend.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Coolaney-Mullinabreena GAA on winning the Intermediate GAA Final on October 15th 2011.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr Michael Haran on his upcoming retirement as General Services Supervisor with Sligo County Council after 34 years of service.”
43. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That the list of Conferences circulated for November at this meeting was unanimously approved.”
45. CORRESPONDENCE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To note correspondence circulated with the Agenda.”
36. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
38. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
None
The meeting ended at 4.30pm
Meeting Date 07/11/2011