Minutes 2011

Minutes of December Monthly Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th December 2011


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barrett,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • 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, CountyManager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms. P.R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. F. MacNabb, Meeting Administrator
  • Ms. M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
     

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.

1.   MINUTES OF NOVEMBER ORDINARY MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

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


2.   MINUTES OF SPC 1 SEPTEMBER MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of SPC No 1 (Economic Development and Planning Policy) meeting held on 15th September, 2011.”


3.   MINUTES OF SPC 1 MARCH MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of SPC No 1 (Economic Development and Planning Policy) meeting held on 24th March, 2011.”
 

4.  MINUTES OF SPC 1 NOVEMBER MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of SPC No 1 (Economic Development and Planning Policy) meeting held on 25th November, 2010.”
 

5.  MINUTES OF SPC 4 MAY MEETING:

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

AND AGREED 

“To confirm the minutes of SPC No 4 (Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development) meeting held on 23rd May, 2011.”
 

6.  MINUTES OF SPC 4 MARCH MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of SPC No 4 (Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development) meeting held on 25th March, 2011.”
 

7.  MINUTES OF SPC 4 DECEMBER MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of SPC No 4 (Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development) meeting held on 16th December, 2010.”
 

8.  MINUTES OF SPC 4 JULY MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of SPC No 4 (Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development) meeting held on 28th July, 2010.”
 

9.  FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry 

AND AGREED

“To note National Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PRFA).”
 

10. (a) TAKING IN CHARGE GRATTAN COURT BALLYMOTE:

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

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.

Road Number    Location and Terminal Points  
L-61028-0 Road situate in the housing development known as “Coney Lane” in the townland of Coney Stonepark, Ballisodare.

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

  • Housing development known as “Coney Lane” in the townland of Coney Stonepark, Ballisodare.
     

10. (b) TAKING IN CHARGE HIGHWOOD PARK, COLLOONEY:

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

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.

Road Number     Location and Terminal Points
L-76099-0 Road situate in the housing estate of “HighwoodPark” in the townland of Collooney.

(b) ThatSligoCounty Council take in charge the following development:

  • Housing estate of “HighwoodPark” in the townland of Collooney.
     

10. (c) TAKING IN CHARGE ASHBROOK, COLLOONEY:

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

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.

Road Number      Location and Terminal Points
L-36071-0 Road situate in the housing estate of “Ashbrook” in the townland of Collooney.

(b) ThatSligoCounty Council take in charge the following development:

  • Housing estate of “Ashbrook” in the townland of Collooney.
     

10. (d) TAKING IN CHARGE GRATTAN COURT, BALLYMOTE:

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

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.

Road Number     Location and Terminal Points
L-16045-0 Road situate in the housing estate of “Grattan Court” in the townland of Ballymote.

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

  • Housing estate of “Grattan Court” in the townland of Ballymote.
     

11.  BEN WRAFTER PRESENTATION:

Mr Ben Wrafter, Chairman of Atlantic Ocean Energy Alliance delivered a presentation to the members.

The Cathaoirleach, on behalf of himself and the members thanked Mr Wrafter for his very informative presentation.

Following a discussion by the members it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council joins the Atlantic Ocean Energy Alliance with other Western counties to take advantage of the potential benefits to the West coast of Ireland in relation to offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy and that provision be made in the Council’s annual budget to make a contribution to this proposed Alliance.”
 

12.  CULVERT AT PULLAHEENEY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“That the Council take measures to make safe a culvert on the road at Pullaheeney (opposite Mrs Brown’s House)”.

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

The culvert has been made safe by the Area Engineer recently.
 

13.  BEACH BYE-LAWS:

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

“To call on the County Manager to review the Beach Bye-Laws for the County”.

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

Amending beach bye-laws would be very labour intensive and the Council would have to look at resources available to carry out this work.

Councillor Leonard suggested that this could be referred back to the area meetings and proposals put forward on this basis.
 

14.  ROADS RESTORATION MAINTENANCE:

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

“Recognising that Sligo County Council pays the highest resurfacing costs in the country for the resurfacing of roads under the Roads Restoration Maintenance Programme; and noting that Sligo County Council paid an average of €10.87 per square metre in 2010 for the resurfacing of Regional Roads while Clare County Council paid an average of €3.78 per square metre; and noting that Sligo County Council paid an average of €11.53 per square metre in 2010 for the resurfacing of Local Roads while Cavan County Council paid an average of €2.72 per square metre; and noting that the Department of Transport by way of Circular letter of the 11th February 2011, has set maximum costs of €4.50 and €5.50 per square metre for surface dressing for local and regional roads respectively; and further noting with concern that the Circular states that where these rates are exceeded a Council’s grant will be reduced by an amount equal to the excess cost; this Council calls on the County Manger to comply with the requirements as set out in the Department Circular.”

In response theCountyManager, Mr H. Kearns stated the following;

For the Restoration Maintenance Programme 2010 the roads to be improved were listed and the proposed expenditure on each road was shown on the Draft Road Works Scheme which was discussed and agreed with the Councillors at local Area Meetings and adopted at the full council meeting.  There appeared to be no objections to the works we proposed and certainly no Councillor sought to change the Draft programme when it came before the full Council.

Road works done in the Tubbercurry, Ballymote and Enniscrone areas were repaired well above the standard set by the Minister.

In response to further queries by the members Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following;

  • Due to their poor condition it was identified during the preparation of the draft road works scheme that a single surface dressing was not adequate or suitable for some of the roads.  It could be argued that a single surface dressing on some of the roads would be a waste of money.  The unit costs referred to in the Motion reflected the cost of bringing the road surface up to a good standard.
  • All works carried out under the Restoration Maintenance Grant in 2011 consisted of surface dressing works only and unit costs for 2011 should be consistent with other Counties and the Department Circular.

Following further discussion and as agreement could not be reached, the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Bree and Clarke

Against: Barrett, Barry, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, McLoughlin, Mulvey, Murray and Queenan.

Abstain: D. Cawley, M. Gormley and J. Lundy.

As the result was 2 For, 9 Against and 3 Abstentions, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

It was then;

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

AND AGREED

“To pass a vote of confidence in all our engineering staff and Director of Services and Management.”
 

The meeting agreed to take a deferred motion from Councillor A. McLoughlin at this time as it had been omitted from the agenda in error.
 

14. (a)  TRAFFIC CALMING AT RANSBORO NS:

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

AND AGREED

“To request Sligo County Council to provide traffic calming measures at Ransboro National School, in the interest of safety.”

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

The Area Engineer is examining the location from the point of view of its proximity to a bend, possible enhanced signage, road markings etc.

It was agreed to take Items 16, 21 and 23 together.
 

16.  SEPTIC TANKS:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government Mr Phil Hogan that;

  1. The registration charge of €50 on septic tanks is a once off charge.
  2. If upgrading or replacement is needed that the funding is provided to have the necessary works carried out.
  3. That there are no inspection charges.”
     

 21.  FEES ON SEPTIC TANKS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J.Lundy

“To ask theCounty Manager to update on what directive he has received from the Department of Environment for fees on septic tanks.”

The County Manager, Mr. H. Kearns stated that the €50.00 registration fee is a once off fee and he is currently not aware of any grant scheme to cover costs of upgrading septic tanks.
 

23.  SEPTIC TANKS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That this Council oppose the recently published legislation on rural septic tanks, because of it’s unfairness to rural dwellers and farmers.”
 

Before breaking for the lunch the Cathaoirleach asked the members to consider changing the date of the January Ordinary meeting, due to the Council offices been closed for the Christmas break. The members agreed to hold the January Ordinary meeting on Monday 16th January, 2012.
 

The meeting resumed at 2.30pm.
 

15.  TAKING IN CHARGE CASTLE VIEW, CREGG:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to take in charge Castle View, Cregg,Sligo.”

In response Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer Stated the following;

The above development has been completed to the satisfaction of the Council. 

It is recommended that the Council commence the process of taking in charge this estate by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving this estate.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the estate known as ‘Castle View’, in Cregg, Co.Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993, to declare public the road serving the estate.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the estate known as ‘Ashwoods’, at Geevagh, Co. Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993, to declare public the road serving the estate.
 

17.  ROAD L5501, BRANCHFIELD TO CLOONAMAHON:

As Councillor McGrath was absent this Item was deferred.
 

18.  MILL VIEW ESTATE, DROMORE WEST:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“To Call on Sligo County Council to paint the houses and walls in Mill View Estate, Dromore West.”

In response Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services

Stated the following;

Sligo County Council currently owns 14 out of 20 properties in Mill View Estate, Dromore West, Co Sligo.  Under the Housing Maintenance/ Environmental Improvements Programme 2011, it is the intention of the Housing Section of Sligo County Council to paint the boundary walls only in this estate and powerwash the houses owned by Sligo County Council. Sligo County Council does not have the funding to externally paint the houses. This work will be completed during favourable weather conditions.
 

19.  GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that three more employees have been moved out of the Department offices in Tubbercurry and, recognizing the vital importance of these offices they have to the economy of Tubbercurry and the South Sligo area this Council calls again on Minister for Small Business, Deputy John Perry who made a firm commitment before the general election that these offices would be retained and the facility expanded upon, to immediately take the necessary steps to ensure they are retained.”
 

20.  CUTS IN CHILDREN'S ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minster and the Tánaiste not to make any cuts in the children's allowance payments in the forthcoming budget.”
 

22.  MEETING WITH MINISTER:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Cathaoirleach to set up a cross party deputation to meet the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan regarding the serious financial situation of Sligo County Council.”
 

24.  JUNCTION AT ST. ATTRACTA'S, TUBBERCURRY:

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

“I will ask that this Council provide a “Yellow Box “junction at St. Attracta’s Second Level Community School, Ballyara, Tubbercurry on the Ballina Road R294 in the interest of safety for students, teachers, parents staff and bus drivers.”

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

It is proposed that the Area Engineer, will examine traffic movements at St. Attracta’s Community School at peak times so as to recommend an improvement if required, for consideration.
 

25.  GARDA STATIONS AND COURT HOUSES: 

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the Minister for Justice to seek assurances from him that all existing Garda Stations and Court Houses in Co. Sligo will remain open.”
 

26.  TRAFFIC FLOWS ON HUGHES BRIDGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

“That Sligo County Council provide a report on the options available to improve existing traffic flows onHughesBridge, in the short term and to eliminate potential traffic hazards. Particularly, it is vital that southbound flows turning right onto the quays are investigated, as there are existing difficulties therein.”

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

It is acknowledged that traffic congestion occurs alongHughesBridge, mainly during morning and evening peak hours.  The greatest impact is on traffic heading in a North-South direction and this is largely due to the significant number of vehicles turning right from Hughes Bridgein to Ballast Quay.  Fundamentally however the traffic congestion is due to the insufficient width ofHughesBridgeand its approach roads.  Sligo County Council in conjunction with the National Roads Authority (NRA) are developing a scheme to widen Hughes Bridge and to provide additional lanes to the north of the Bridge.  At present there is no certainty in terms of timelines for the provision of this scheme.  Documentation is currently with the NRA and the Council awaits a response regarding same.  

In the absence of this scheme, Sligo County Council will commit to carrying out some investigatory surveys and traffic counts to determine what short term solutions, if any, are available.  It is felt however that short term solutions are unlikely to provide much relief.  

Mr Kilfeather added that the Council should have a response from the NRA by the end of January, 2012.

Councillor M. Lyons took the Chair as Leas Cathaoirleach.
 

27.  CANCER SERVICES:

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

AND AGREED

“Concerned at the refusal of the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly T.D., to meet with a deputation from the Save Our Cancer Services NW to discuss the re-opening of the Breast Cancer Service in Sligo General Hospital; and recognising the pressing need to have the service restored; this Council calls on the Minister for Health to reverse his decision and to meet with the deputation from the Save Our Cancer Services committee without undue delay; and further this Council calls on Government Oireachtas members from the area to make the necessary representations to ensure that the meeting with the Minister takes place.”
 

28.  PUBLIC LIGHTING CONTRACT:

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

“That the Council resolves to ask the County Manager if it has been brought to his attention that the contract to maintain all public lighting in the Connaught region, including county Sligo is currently held by Airtricity Utility Solutions; and to ask the Manager if it has been brought to his attention that this the contract recently went out to tender and a company called Electric Skyline were named as preferred bidder; and to ask the Manager if he is aware that should the new contract be awarded to Electric Skyline, workers currently employed on the contract with Airtricity Utility Solutions have a right (under the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertaking) Regulations, 2003 (“TUPE”) to transfer across to the new contractor; and to ask the Manager if he is aware that Electric Skyline have informed the workers trade union (Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union TEEU) that they have no obligation and no intention to honour the legislation; and to ask the Manager how a contract of this scale could potentially be awarded by local authorities including Sligo County Council, to a contractor who does not appear to understand or is unwilling to comply with the basic laws in relation to employment, namely TUPE; and to ask the County Manager in light of this information if Sligo County Council intends to proceed with the contract.”

In response theCountyManager, Mr H. Kearns stated the following;

The five Connacht local authorities of Galway County Council, Leitrim County Council, Mayo County Council, Roscommon County Council and Sligo County Council agreed to jointly tender the maintenance and associated services for Public Lighting with the purpose of generating savings in this area. The tender process was managed by Mayo County Council on behalf of the five local authorities.

Tenders for this supply were invited by public advertisement on etenders.ie and the OJEU with a closing date of the 5th September 2011. 

A tender assessment board met on the 21st of September 2011 to assess the tenders.  Two tenders, Airtricity and Electric Skyline were asked to attend a post-tender clarification meeting.  The clarifications meetings took place with the board on the 4th October 2011.

The tender assessment board subsequently recommended the acceptance of the most economically advantageous tender; that of Electric Skyline.

The unsuccessful tender, Airtricty wrote to all the Local Authorities stating that they had grave concerns in relation to the manner in which the procurement process was conducted. Inter Alia they quoted the European Communities (Protection of Employees Entitlement in the transfer of Undertakings) 2003 Regulations and alleged that the failure of the successful tender to engage with them on these matters was a potential infringement of the regulations.

They also queried compliance by the successful tender with a number of issues relating to EPA Waste Licences and other matters.

Mayo County Council on behalf of the five local authorities took legal advice on these matters.

The advice received was that the procurement process was robust and correct and that the tendering process had been carried out in accordance with proper procedure and it was in order for the Local Authorities to award the contract to the winning tender, Electric Skyline.

The unsuccessful tender retained the option at all times of making an application to the courts in respect of any of the matters that were of concern to them in respect of the contract. Correspondence issued on behalf of the unsuccessful tender on 14th November to Mayo County Council suggested that they would not be making an application to the courts but that they would - “monitor the performance of the contract and should it become aware of a breach it will issue proceedings and seek a declaration of ineffectiveness.”

Sligo County Council has accepted the tender with Electric Skyline for the maintenance of public lighting and associated services taking effect on December 1st 2011 for a period of 12 months, renewable for 3 years and with a three months termination clause.

Our reason for doing this is because we believe there is the potential to make significant savings in the cost of maintaining our public lighting infrastructure.
 

29.  PWDI FUNDING:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising that over the past decade the PwDI  (People with Disabilities in Ireland) has been accepted by statutory and non statutory organisations and agencies as being the acknowledged expert voice of people with disabilities in Ireland, this Council expresses its dismay at the government decision to withdraw all funding from the organisation; and recognising that PwDI is the umbrella organisation which brings people together locally and nationally to work on common issues that affect all people with disabilities, this Council calls on the government to reconsider its decision and to reinstate the funding without further delay.”
 

30.  WINCH AT POLLNAYBHE:

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

“That this Council provide funding for a winch at Pollnaybhe Pier to enable fishermen to bring boxes of fish from their boats in a safeenvironment.”

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

The Council has no funding for the purchasing and installation of a winch at Pollnadiva Pier/Harbour at present. The matter can be considered again in 2012.

Councillor Barrett expressed her disappointment at this report and asked could an estimate be sought for obtaining a wench and associated works. Mr. O’Toole confirmed that an estimate would be got for same.
 

31.  REPORT ON PLANNING NO 10/235:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on Planning No 10/235 and the Council's decision to give permission for a third route, exempt planning  to Powercon Ltd.

  1. Was the proper planning procedures followed?  Were there EIS and archaeological excavations carried out?
  2. Was there consultations with the National Parks and wildlife Service?   
  3. Was there consultations with the EPA?
  4. Was there consultations with the North western Fisheries Board ?
  5. Was there consultations with the indigenous People of area?
  6. How Many thousands of tons of Blanket Bog peat will be displaced?”

In response, Ms. P.R. Gallagher, A/Director of Services, stated the following:

Under planning reference number PL10/235, Sligo County Council have granted permission  for the construction of 3 no. wind turbines with 64 metre hub heights, rotor diameter 71m, 4.5m access roads, upgrading of existing roads, hard standings and all associated infrastructure.  The application was accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement and a Natura Impact Statement was also submitted.  The following bodies were consulted during the application process:

  • An Taisce
  • Development Applications Unit (DoEHLG) – NPWS and Archaeology divisions
  • Irish Aviation Authority
  • Inland Fisheries Ireland
  • Local Airports

The 3 no. turbines are to be located within a forestry plantation in the townland of Cloonkeelaun.   Sligo County Council has received written complaints from members of the public concerning the alleged unauthorised construction of an access road to this forestry plantation at Cloonkeelaun.   The roadway which is the subject of the complaints did not form any part of the site or development approved under PL10/235 and is therefore not covered by this planning permission.

No planning permission has been sought or granted for the roadway in question nor has a statutory declaration regarding exempted development for the roadway been sought or issued.  However, Section 17 of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 does provide a planning exemption for the construction, maintenance or improvement of a road where the road serves forests and woodlands.  Therefore this roadway may or may not require planning permission – this cannot be determined until the full facts of the case are known.

The complaint has been investigated and a roadway is in the process of being constructed.  The Enforcement Section has issued a warning letter to the developer concerning the alleged unauthorised construction of a road and is awaiting a response from the developer in this regard.
 

32.  VAT INCREASE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor Cawley

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Minister for Small Business, Mr John Perry TD, after nine months in power, to outline his plans to help businesses to survive in the light of this 2% rise in VAT;  what is the Minister doing to give some hope to small indigenous businesses.”
 

33.  NPPR PAYMENTS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to call on the Minister for Housing to introduce an easy payment plan for the NPPR or second home tax, as many owners are heavily mortgaged and would find it easier financially if they could pay by direct debit or a payment plan over a 12 month period.”
 

34.  TUBBERCURRY SEWERAGE SCHEME:

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

“That we, the members of Sligo County Council be given an up-to-date report on when the upgrade of the Tubbercurry Sewerage will commence.”

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

The upgrade of Tubbercurry Wastewater Treatment Plant was included in a DBO Bundled Contract, including Strandhill, Grange, Ballinafad, Carney and Gurteen. The planning and procurement 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 in order to progress this scheme. We are currently awaiting formal correspondence from the Department in this regard. It is also noted that the Environmental Protection Agency are currently assessing the wastewater discharge licence application for the Tubbercurry WWTP scheme and it is anticipated that a licence will issue early in 2012.
 

35.  RIVERSTOWN WATER SUPPLY:

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

“To ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure to report to this Council in relation to Riverstown water supply and in particular to the apparently high levels of chlorine in the water.”

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

Riverstown public water supply operates from a ground water source located in Bellarush townland. On average 380 cubic meters of water is pumped daily to a storage reservoir in Carrowreagh serving a domestic population of approx 700 people, in addition to a number of non-domestic customers. The overall pipeline network on the scheme is almost 21km in length.

Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant in the treatment of drinking water supplies. The HSE has recommended that residual chlorine values recorded by the Environmental laboratory in Sligo County Council has recommended that residual chlorine levels on the water distribution network should be maintained at levels between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/l in order to protect public health. All residual chlorine values recorded by the Environmental laboratory on the Riverstown water supply scheme during 2011 were below the maximum level recommended by the HSE. There were no microbiological parameters detected on the scheme during this period. Five chlorine residual sample taken a various locations on the scheme on the 29th November, 2011 were all found to be within range of 0.2 to 0.4 mg/l.

It should be noted that local changes to residual chlorine levels in the water supply. Although within the recommended ranges, can be noticeable to the consumer in terms of taste and odour. The Council will continue to monitor chlorine levels on the Riverstown public water supply to ensure it is maintained within the recommended limits and in the interests of public health.
 

36.  SOCIAL EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES:

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

“To ask theCountyManagerto examine the possibility of using workers employed under various Social Employment Schemes to carry out work such as opening of culverts, cleaning gullies, etc, in light of the reduction to Council Outdoor Staff.”

Following a discussion by the members Councillor Baker agreed to withdraw this motion in favour of a motion put forward by councillor Barrett.

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on the Minister for Environment to replace outdoor staff who have retired or who had to resign because of ill health.”
 

37.  TRAFFIC ON N59, BALLISODARE:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council to improve the visibility for traffic exiting on to the N59 at Stone Hall Ballisodare.”

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

The junction with the N59 at Stone Hall will be examined by the Area Engineer so as to recommend an improvement for consideration.
 

38.  VACANT COUNCIL HOUSES, COOLANEY:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council what plans they have for the 2 vacant council houses on the Green Road, Coolaney.”

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

These houses are to be demolished as part of the planned maintenance programme 2012.  Both of these houses are unsuitable for habituation as they have issues with pyrite.  Pyrite damage is caused when the hardcore material (stone under the concrete slab) swells causing subsequent upward and sideways expansion which “lifts” internal walls, floors, causes doors to stick and cracks to develop.

The process which causes the swelling is a chemical reaction however can be summarised as follows:

  1. Pyrite containing hardcore material is placed under your ground floor concrete slab
  2. When the hardcore is subjected to oxygen and moisture it oxidizes causing sulphuric acid to be produced.
  3. The acid reacts with limestone found in the hardcore.
  4. The chemical reaction forms gypsum within the stone layers which causes swelling under huge pressures.
  5. These pressures lift the concrete slab, internal partitions, pushes out walls etc causing cracking and other damage.
     

39.  CLEARING DRAINS AT KNOCKADOO:

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

“That this Council calls on Coillte to clear drains on their property along Road 5 linking with Road 4 at Knockadoo to prevent flooding of farmers land.”

It is proposed to make contact with the local forester, if necessary write to An Coillte to ask that these drains be cleared, where this is required.
 

40.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Molloy on the death of her mother, Kitty Moran.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Richard Coleman on the death of his mother, Celia Coleman.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended toMarie Dohertyon the death of her father, Mattie Brennan.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy Hunt on the death of his brother, Padraic Hunt.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended toMarie Dohertyon the death of her father, Mattie Brennan.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Kelly on the death of her husband, Ted Kelly.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brendan Gaffney on the death of his mother, Betty Gaffney.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tess O’Grady on the death of her husband, Joe “Grady.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Leo Mulvaney on the death of his father, Seamus Mulvaney.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Gilmartin on the death of his mother, Ellen Gilmartin.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Agnes McGoldrick on the death of her mother, Teresa McGoldrick.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Conboy on the death of his wife, Mary Conboy.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended toMarie Dohertyon the death of her father, Mattie Brennan.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Brennan on the death of his father, Mattie Brennan.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Enda Kenny, TD on the death of his mother, Eithne Kenny.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Molloy on the death of her mother, Kitty Moran.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom Collins on the death of his brother, Pat Collins.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Agnes McGoldrick on the death of her mother, Teresa McGoldrick.”
 

41.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

None
 

42.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

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

43.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To note correspondence circulated with the Agenda.”
 

44.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
 

45.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

It was agreed to nominate a delegation to meet the Minister for Environment once a meeting had been arranged.
 

The meeting ended at 4.50pm

 


Meeting Date 05/12/2011