Minutes 2012

Minutes of June Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 11th June, 2012 at 11 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


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 McGrath,
  • 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 P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms D. Finnerty, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms P. Guckian, Financial Management Accountant
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Harrison,  Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms D. McDonagh, Administrative Officer
  • Ms O. Campbell, Acting Housing Officer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
     

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.

 

1.  MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 14TH MAY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary May Meeting held on 14th May, 2012.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 2ND MAY 2012:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Adjourned Special Meeting held on 2nd May, 2012.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF DROMORE WEST MEETING HELD ON 20TH FEBRUARY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Dromore West Electoral Area Meeting held on 20th February, 2012.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF DROMORE WEST MEETING HELD ON 23RD JANUARY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Dromore West Electoral Area Meeting held on 23rd January, 2012.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF DROMORE WEST MEETING HELD ON 12TH SEPTEMBER, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Dromore West Electoral Area Meeting held on 12th September, 2011.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF CPG MEETIN HELD ON 2ND APRIL, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 2nd April, 2012.”

 

7.  SECTION 183 – LANDS AT KILLASPUGBRONE, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To transfer Land between Sligo County Council and Strandhill Community Park Ltd. Lands at Killaspugbrone, Barony of Carbury, Strandhill, Co Sligo. Which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 4th April 2012 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.”

 

8.  SECTION 183 – LANDS AT RATHMADDER, GURTEEN:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Rathmadder, Gurteen, Co. Sligo to Patricia McDonagh.”

 

9.  APPOINT CHAIR TO SPC3:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker

Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Jerry Lundy as Chairperson of Strategic Policy Committee 3 – Transportation and Infrastructural Policy following the resignation of Councillor Patsy Barry.”

 

10.  FUNDING TO TIDY TOWNS, BURIAL GROUNDS, COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS, HERITAGE AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“To approve proposals for funding to Tidy Towns, Burial Grounds, Community and Voluntary groups, Heritage and Arts organisations under programme for 2012.”

The members proceeded to have a discussion over the proposed cuts to the various groups.

In response to a query on funding to the The Model, County Manager Mr H. Kearns stated that this grant covers 2 areas; general costs incurred in the caretaking of the art collection and in curating and maintaining the collection.

Following further discussion a number of resolutions were proposed and the meeting agreed to deal with them in the order they were received by the Meeting Administrator.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the recommendations be amended and that the original budgeted amount of grant assistance for 2012 be paid to the County Fleadh Cheoil; to the Ballintogher Traditional Festival; the South Sligo Summer School; the Coleman Traditional Festival; the Choral Festival; Feis Shligigh; Feis Cheoil and the James Morrison Weekend.”

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

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus and O’Grady.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

As the result was 9 for and 12 against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the recommendations be amended and that the original budgeted amount of grant assistance for 2012 be provided for Community and Voluntary Groups.”

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

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus and O’Grady.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

As the result was 9 for and 12 against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the recommendations be amended and that the original budgeted amount of grant assistance for 2012 be provided for Tidy Towns groups.”

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

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus and O’Grady.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

As the result was 9 for and 12 against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“That the funding in Programme F05 proposed for The Model Niland Centre is reduced by €20,000 (i.e to €100,000) and that this sum of €20,000 is divided so that Tidy Towns and Community and Voluntary Groups in Programme F04 will each receive an increase of €10,000 on the amount currently proposed.”

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

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus and O’Grady.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

Abstain: Devins.

As the result was 8 for, 12 against and 1 abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

After further discussion the Cathaoirleach called for a vote on Item 10 with an amendment to the wording of the resolution.

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“To approve proposals for funding to Tidy Towns, Burial Grounds, Community and Voluntary groups, Heritage and Arts organisations under programme for 2012, in accordance with report circulated.”

For: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

Against: Baker, Barry, Bree, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus and O’Grady.

As the result was 12 for and 9 against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.

 

11.  SECTION 6, HOUSING ACT 1992 – SOPHIA HOUSING ASSOCIATION:

Ms Finnerty, A/Director of Services stated the following;

In line with the approval of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Sophia Housing Association Ltd, in partnership with Sligo County Council, is progressing with the social housing sheltered project at Marist Convent, Tubbercurry, with an expected completion date of Autumn, 2012.

The units will be managed by Sophia Housing Association and the selection process for occupation of the units will be commencing shortly.  All applicants must be assessed and qualify for social Housing Support. 

Councillor V. Cawley raised some issues in relation to this project and the Cathaoirleach advised that this Item could be discussed further at the next Housing SPC meeting. Ms Finnerty stated that there would be another SPC meeting in July and all issues, including those raised by Councillor Cawley would be discussed at this meeting.

It was therefore;

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations made thereunder, provision of assistance to Sophia Housing Association Ltd in the sum of €9,193,734 i.e. Capital Assistance scheme in the amount of €3,576,088, Capital Loan and Subsidy scheme in the amount of €5,190,146 and Communal Facility in the amount of €427,500.”

 

12.  TAKING IN CHARGE ‘CLOCH OIR’, CARNEY:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the estate known as “Cloch Oir”, Carney, Co. Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the estate.”

 

13.  TAKING IN CHARGE ‘ARDAUN’, MONASTERADEN:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

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

At this point the Manager, Mr Kearns pointed out to the members that the process of taking in charge estates results in further costs for the County Council and with the current financial constraints this policy may have to be reviewed further down the line.

 

14.  REPAIR WORKS AT ENNISCRONE PIER:

The Cathaoirleach asked, with the agreement of the members, that this Item be deferred until after lunch.

 

15.  RURAL WATER ALLOCATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To note the Rural Water Allocations for 2012.”

 

16.  PRESENTATION BY ALAN MCHUGH, EIRGRID:

Alan McHugh, Project Manager, Grid West Project for EirGrid made a presentation to the members on what the project entails and stated that this was just the beginning of the consultation phase.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr McHugh for his presentation and wished him success in the project.

 

18.  WORKING WITH TIDY TOWNS COMMITTEES:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

“To call on this Council to work closely with all the Tidy Towns committees and voluntary groups over the coming months, to ensure that we achieve the most effective cleanup of our roadsides this spring time and throughout the rest of the year; and in a effort to help promote this objective and increase the public awareness of the County's anti litter policy, that the Council use an anti litter slogan in all its advertising in the future.”

Following a discussion by the members and in response to some of their queries Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, stated the following;

It is unlikely that we will be in a position to work as closely with the various Tidy Towns Committees in 2012 as in the past, due to reductions in funding and in the workforce. However, the Area Engineers will endeavour to do their best to assist. The Communications office will be consulted on raising public awareness of the Council’s anti-litter policy. The issue of bins in Strandhill and at other locations is being considered at the moment due to significant abuses of this facility.  A balance is being sought to deal with the issue but with reduction in funding there will inevitably be a reduction in services.
 

It was agreed to take Item 14 at this time.

 

14.  GRANT FOR REPAIRS TO ENNISCRONE PIER:

“To consider offer of Grant (€48,750 maximum) from Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine towards repair works at Enniscrone Pier and requirement for matched Council Funding.”

Mr Kilfeather stated the following in relation to this item;

  • €17,000 in match funding has to be provided by the Council for this project.
  • The Council has asked the Department for 100% funding or to carry out works to the value of the grant but these requests have been refused.
  • The Council have told the Department that they will accept the grant for the moment to keep their options open.

Mr. Kilfeather suggests that the members approve the over-expenditure to allow this project to proceed.

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

“That Sligo County Council approve over expenditure of €65,000 to proceed with the works on Enniscrone Pier.”

Following further discussion the members agreed to defer this Item until the July meeting.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.20pm

 

17.  PRSENTATION BY THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY:

A presentation was made by Dr. Geraldine McCarthy, Psychiatrist of Later Life HSE and Mr Des Mulligan, Regional Manager, Western Region The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

The Cathaoirleach, on behalf of the Council thanked Dr. McCarthy and Mr Mulligan for their presentation and for their work to help those in the community who suffer from the various forms of dementia.

 

19.  NAMA PROPERTIES:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

20.  LANDS IN COLLOONEY:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

21.  ILLEGAL DUMPING BETWEEN GREEN ROAD AND TOBERNALT BAY:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“To ask the County Manager what preventive actions Sligo County Council has taken to stop the ongoing illegal dumping between the green Road and Tobernalt Bay.”

In response Mr F. O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

Sligo County Council employs a Litter Warden, based in the Environmental Services Section.   The Litter Wardens main duty is the enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 as amended.   This legislation covers all illegal dumping offences on public property or on private lands visible from a public place.   Routine inspections are carried out on a twice weekly basis in this area and if evidence is retrieved from illegal dumping, appropriate enforcement procedures are followed, which may result in the issuing of on-the-spot fines or court proceedings.

A general clean-up of this area is planned in the summer by the Sligo-Strandhill area office and it is hoped that further signage will be erected warning illegal dumping offenders of fines/court proceedings under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, as amended.

The Litter Warden will continue to investigate this area twice weekly by way of routine patrols and will investigate should any incidents be reported to him directly.

Councillor MacManus asked that this report be circulated to the members.

 

24.  NPPR AND HOUSEHOLDS CHARGE EXEMPTIONS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“This Council agrees that any house, which does not comply with standards required by regulations now in force for letting for social housing or private sector rented accommodation, be eligible for exemption from NPPR and the Household Charge, and that certification confirming this exemption be available to the owners of such houses from their Local Authority.”

At 3.05pm the Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor Matt Lyons takes the chair.

In relation to properties being ‘habitable’ the County Manager states that being habitable generally means that the property is connected to electricity; it is a rule of thumb although there are sometimes other issues to take into account. Also, it is up to the property owners to document the condition of houses.

 

25.  ‘SET YOUR SPIRIT FREE’ LOGO:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“Recognising the collaboration of bodies involved in the tourism industry for the development of a Sligo Brand.  Sligo County Council support the roll-out of Sligo- Sets your Spirit Free and consent to adopting the brand on all SCC headed paper and for use on the website. This will be in addition to the crest of the local authority and not to replace it.” 

In response Ms D. Finnerty, A/Director of Services stated the following;

The logo ‘Sligo–Sets your Spirit Free’ can be incorporated in correspondence without incurring costs on re-design and re-order of stationery. The facility exists to insert the logo directly from staff computers, and will this will ensure it can be implemented with immediate effect. Staff currently use this facility to insert section contact numbers on the headed paper template, and this practice can also be adopted to include the new logo as suggested.

 

26.  UPDATE ON TUBBERCURRY, STRANDHILL AND GRANGE BUNDLE:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“To ask the Director of Services for an update of progress on the Waste Water Treatment Plants at Grange, Strandhill and Tubbercurry, known as a bundle.”

In response Mr D. Harrison, A/Senior Engineer, stated the following;

The proposed upgrade of Grange, Strandhill and Tubbercurry wastewater treatment plants was bundled into one DBO Contract in order to deliver better value for money. The planning and procurement phases for this scheme were completed and a preferred bidder was selected. The project has been included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 in the major schemes category with a budget cost of €10.8M.

In April 2011 the Department offered the Council a more attractive funding arrangement for the scheme. The Council has submitted all of the documentation requested by the Department and we are awaiting formal correspondence from the Department in this regard.

Mr Kilfeather also added that as the deadline for the commencement of contracts had passed the Council are waiting to hear from the department in the next week or two on whether the works can proceed under the old contract terms.

 

27.  SCHEDULE OF PROPERTIES:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“To ask the Director of Services to bring a schedule of properties before this Council with a view to discussing the sale of the most beneficial of same to this Council.”

In response Mr Kilfeather stated that this schedule is currently been put together and will be brought before the Council as soon as it is complete.

 

28.  GREEN AREA AT WOODBROOK HEIGHTS, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“To ask Sligo County Council to make safe the dangerous wall adjacent to green area at Woodbrook Heights, Ballisodare.”

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

The wall adjacent to the green area of Woodbrook Heights will be examined by the Area Engineer from a Safety view point to assess works necessary and to prepare an estimate of cost for consideration.

However, funds are very low for any such work at present.

 

29.  ROAD 306, STONEHALL, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“To ask Sligo County Council to examine the rain water problem on Road 306 at Stonehall, Ballisodare.”

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

The area engineer will examine the area and if appropriate rectify problem subject to funding.

 

30.  TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR FINANCIAL APPRAISAL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“To ask the County Manager why the terms of reference for the Financial Appraisal were put in place without the elected Council being consulted.”

The County Manager, Mr H. Kearns stated that the terms of reference were drawn up in consultation with the department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Mr Kearns also pointed out that at the Special Meeting held last month the members had been informed they could make submissions or arrange a meeting with the consultants, Grant Thornton.
 

At 3.45pm the Cathaoirleach resumed the Chair.

 

31.  DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the County Manager provide the Council with a report indicating the reason or reasons why Sligo County Council did not seek any form of security from developers for the phased payments of Development Contributions in respect of (a) the development at Lissadell Park, Cullaghmore 04/699; (b) the development at the Hawthorns, Carraroe 04/1072; (c) the development at Dorrins Strand, Strandhill 05/296; (d) the development at the Mill, Ballisodare 03/808; (e) the commercial and residential development in Ballisodare 04/1504.”

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

The Council has never sought any security from developers for the phased payments of contributions. It has always been of the view that sufficient security was provided by the fact that a developer would not be able to sell the property without payment of the development contributions. In retrospect, it has been the right decision.  I am not aware of any loss to the Council as a result of not seeking such Security.

In the past developers have on occasion offered the Council a site/sites within the development in lieu of a bond, as security for the completion of the development. The site(s) would be valued to ensure that it matched the monetary value of the Bond.

If the Council had insisted in developers lodging security to ensure the payment of development contributions it is likely that the security offered would be a site(s) or even a house (s) or apartment(s) within a development. The Council would now be left with a number of site/houses, apartments all greatly reduced in value with many of the sites at agricultural land values. In the current economic climate, the sale by the Council of any such sites, houses or apartments would not realise the value of the security originally offered.  The Council would in all likelihood not be able to recover the very significant shortfall from the developer, and would therefore incur significant losses.

Finally, from enquiries I made when this issue was last raised by Councillor Bree, some 3 years ago, no other Local Authority has ever sought the giving of security in respect of development contributions.

 

32.  WATER SUPPLY IN CARROWREAGH KNOX:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“Water consumers in the Carrowreagh Knox area are experiencing ongoing problems with the water supply due to major leaks. What proposals have this council got to carry out improvement to the supply to eliminate the hardship these people are going through? ”

In response Mr D. Harrison, A/Senior Engineer stated the following;

Disruptions to the water supply in the Carrowreagh Knox area have been caused by bursts on an old polyethylene pipe. This section of water main has been included in the phase 2 mains rehabilitation proposals submitted to the Department and it will be replaced as part of these works. Site investigation works have been completed for this phase and we are currently awaiting construction stage budgetary approval from the Department.

In the interim we have installed a pressure reducing valve on this pipeline in order to manage pressure and minimise the potential for further bursts and we will continue to monitor this supply on an ongoing basis.

 

33.  CHERRY TREE PARK, RIVERSTOWN:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“To ask Sligo County Council for an updated report on a housing estate at Cherry Tree Park in Riverstown.”

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

Planning permission for a development of 33 houses (Cherry Tree Park) was granted by the Council on 17th April 2002 – PL 00/566 refers.

Sligo County Council issued an Enforcement Notice to the developer on the 16th September 2010 in order to secure the completion of the development to its satisfaction. The developer did not comply with this notice. Legal proceedings were initiated and same concluded on the 14th February 2012, when the developer was convicted and fined in the District Court for failure to comply with the Enforcement Notice.

A number of matters still remain to be addressed including

  • Compliance with a number of prior to commencement conditions.
  • Repairs to road surface and footpaths.
  • Provision of marker posts and plates.
  • Remedial works in respect of public lighting.
  • There are also issues with the pumping station. A notice under the Water Services Act 2007 in relation to same has been served on the developer requiring the carrying out of certain works.

Condition No. 14 (d) required the setting up of an estate management company, which would be responsible for the maintenance of the estate. Purchasers of each dwelling house are required by condition to become members of the Management Company with the intention being that the Management Company would take over responsibility for the estate including the pumping station.

The Council are continuing to liaise with both the developer and residents (via Councillor Baker) with a view to resolving the outstanding issues.

A bond submitted to comply with the conditions of planning has expired.

 

34.  CHECK DEER FOR TB:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Simon Coveney, to carry out spot checks for TB on deer, as the occurrence of TB has notably increased over the past year.”

 

35.  SAND BANK AT MULLAGHMORE HARBOUR:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“Noting that a new sand bank has appeared at the entrance to Mullaghmore Harbour (near the pontoon) which is causing significant problems for boat users, this Council asks that a plan to permanently remove the sand bank be prepared, and when completed that an application be made to the relevant government department for grant aid to implement the agreed plan.”

Councillor Devins also raised the issue of boats and jet skies being a danger to swimmers at Mullaghmore.

Mr Kilfeather stated that he would refer back to Councillor Devins on this matter.

 

36.  TRAFFIC CALMING ON CHARLESTOWN ROAD, TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“That traffic calming measures be put in place on the Charlestown Road out of Tubbercurry.”

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

This section of the N17 on the Charlestown road in Tubbercurry was the subject of extensive improvements a few years ago and is within the 60km/hr speed limit zone.  The control of speed is primarily a matter for An Garda Siochana.  No funding exists for any further traffic calming measures here.

 

37.  SAND DUNES AT ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

“To ask the Council to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that the sand dunes in Rosses Point are made as safe as possible and that there is adequate signage to make the public aware off the dangers of walking and playing in the area off the sand dunes.”

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

The existing area close to the entrance down onto the second beach will be examined and any disturbance to the signage that was erected along the roped off area will be rectified.

There is a duty of care on everyone using the beach or walking through the dunes, to take measures to ensure that their own safety and the safety of their families are maximized.

 

38.  TAKING IN CHARGE CLOCH OIR, CARNEY:

This item was dealt with as a Headed Item.

 

39.  GURTEEN CROSS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

“Due to the numerous representations I have received and the ongoing dangers existing at Gurteen Cross; that this Council make it a priority location and, that proposals are drawn up and a submission made to the NRA for funding for the provision of traffic lights.”

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

This location has been funded twice by the NRA’s safety department and is unlikely to receive further funding in these difficult times.  However, the location can be discussed again with the NRA Inspector.

 

22.  SIGNS ON N59 AT JUNCTION WITH ROAD 1:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“That this Council take immediate measures to improve sight distance and to provide directional signs on the N59 at Junction with Road 1 in the interest of safety.”

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

The junction between Road 1 and the N59 will be examined by the Area Engineer to assess the need for directional signs in the interest of safety.

 

23.  CRASH BARRIERS ON N17 AT CARROWNTAVY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“That this Council provide crash barriers in the interest of safety on the N17 at Carrowntavy, east of Templehouse Junction.”

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

This location, resulting from your previous representations has been examined by the Area Engineer and our design office has been asked to prepare a proposal under the Low Cost Accident Prevention Scheme for consideration and submission for funding in 2013, if such exists then.

 

40.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maura Henry on the death of her husband, Liam Henry.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Frances Wetherald on the death of her brother, Paul McDonagh.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kevin Brett on the death of his mother, Mary Brett.”

 

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

AND AGREED

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

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kevin Brett on the death of his mother, Mary Brett.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Seamus Duffy on the death of his wife, Maureen Duffy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

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

 

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

AND AGREED

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

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paddy McIntyre on the death of his wife, Agnes McIntyre.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maura Henry on the death of her husband, Liam Henry.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Murphy on the death of her brother-in-law, Paddy Murphy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Declan Noone on the death of his mother, Kathleen Noone.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat Noone on the death of his mother, Kathleen Noone.”

 

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

AND AGREED

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

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernie Murphy on the death of her husband, Paddy Murphy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary and Attracta Madden on the death of their mother, Bridie Madden.”

 

41.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Adrian Marren on the ‘Man of the Match’ performance at the Connacht semi-final GAA match in Salthill, against Galway, where he scored 2-6 on the day.”

 

42.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That the list of Conferences circulated for June at this meeting are unanimously approved.”

 

43.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the Agenda.”

 

44.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

There were no matters arising.

 

45.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

None

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 4.45pm

 

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 11/06/2012