Minutes 2012

Minutes of September Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 3rd September, 2012 at 11.00am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor D. Cawley,
  • Councillor V. Cawley,
  • Councillor Collery,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Healy McGowan,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGarry,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor Murray,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan.
     

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Deputy County Manager
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr T. Brennan, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr P. Doyle, Special Project Engineer
  • Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms. M. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner
  • Ms K. McTiernan, Administrative Officer
  • Ms S. Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Mr K. Colreavy, Communications Officer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
     

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor M. Barrett 
  • Councillor G. Mullaney
     

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.

 

1.  MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 9TH AUGUST, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 9th August, 2012.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY JULY MEETING HELD ON 2ND JULY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary July Meeting held on 2nd July, 2012.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF AGM HELD ON 22ND JUNE, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 22nd June, 2012.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 11TH JUNE, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 11th June, 2012.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON 23RD APRIL, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 23rd April, 2012.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON 20TH FEBRUARY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 20th February, 2012.”

 

7.  MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE MEETING HELD ON 10TH MAY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area meeting held on 10th May, 2012.”

Councillor McGrath raised the issue of Proposed Amendment A-17 which requests the zoning of the subject lands for residential use. Councillor McGrath states that there is dispute over the exact location of a ring fort as listed on the Record of Monuments and Places.

Following a discussion by the members Ms. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner outlines the Manager’s Recommendation against Proposed Amendment No. 17. She indicates that the provisions of the County Development Plan with regard to protecting our archaeological heritage would take precedence over policies adopted within the Local Area Plan, particularly in circumstances where there is a conflict between the polices contained within the County Development Plan and a Local Area Plan.

Ms P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services draws the members’ attention to page 5, Submission No. 1 of the Second Manager’s Report which states; “Following the adoption of the Ballymote LAP 2005-2011, pre-planning discussion took place with the O’Dowds in respect of their landholding. They have requested that sufficient land be zoned to accommodate a single dwelling (family home) at this location.

In response to this request, in the Draft Plan, a site measuring circa 0.2 ha (0.5 acres) has been zoned ‘residential’ on the landholding to facilitate the construction of the aforementioned dwelling house.”

Councillor McGrath pointed out that the site recommended in the Second manager’s Report was low lying and following further discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“The site A-17 on the Ballymote Plan be zoned residential for provision of one house.”

Councillor Leonard asked to be recorded as Abstaining from this motion.

It was then;

 

8.  DRAFT BALLYMOTE AREA PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Draft Ballymote Local Area Plan 2012-2018, the Proposed Amendments to the Draft LAP, the accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessment and the Second Managers Report dated 22nd August, 2012 on submissions/observations received on the proposed Amendments, the Members agreed to adopt the Ballymote Local Area Plan 2012-2018 in accordance with the Second Manager’s Report/subject to amendments adopted by the Members at this meeting and taking account of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the statutory obligations of the local authority and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or of any Minister of the Government.

It is hereby resolved in accordance with the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) that the Ballymote Local Area Plan be adopted.”

 

9.  PART 8 – BALLYMOTE CAR PARK:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 (Article 81) of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 (as amended), the proposed car park development at Lord Edward’s Street, Ballymote.”

 

10.  SECTION 183 – GREYFIELD, CULFADDA:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Greyfield, Culfadda, Co. Sligo to Ms. Leah Farrell.”

 

11.  SECTION 183 – LAVALLY, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Lavally, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Mr. Andrew Hegarty.”

 

12.  SECTION 183 – TUBBERTELLY, TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Tubbertelly, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Ms Louise Rumgay.”

 

13.  COMMUNITY HERITAGE GRANT SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To approve proposed allocations under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2012 (Second Call).”

 

14.  OVERDRAFT APPROVAL:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €11m by way of temporary overdraft for the 6 months from 1st Oct 2012 to 31st March 2013.”

Following a discussion and in response to queries from the members Mr. Kilfeather, Deputy Manager stated the following;

  • Ministerial approval is needed for the overdraft.
  • The Council has received advances on the Local Government Fund in 2012 but there is the prospect of this being cut in the last quarter due to shortfall in the collection of the Household Charge.
  • €11m has been calculated as the immediate cash need.

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote on this item.

For: Barry, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Devins, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mulvey, Murray, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Bree.

Abstain: Clarke, Gormley and MacManus.

As the vote was 16 For, 1 Against and 3 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

15.  TAKEOVER OF GROUP WATER SCHEMES:

There was a discussion by the members over the inclusion of the Castleconnor Group Water Scheme on the list of schemes to be taken over.

To clarify, Mr Kilfeather stated that in order for a group water scheme to be taken over by a local authority two thirds of the members of the scheme have to vote in favour of the take over.

Following further discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That consideration of the takeover of the Castleconnor Group Scheme be deferred until such time as the legal difficulties relating to the Scheme are resolved, and pending advice from the Council’s legal advisors.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Bree and Clarke

Against: Barry, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Devins, Fleming, Gormley, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mulvey, Murray, O’Grady and Queenan.

Abstain: MacManus.

As the result was 2 For, 17 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion failed. 

It was then;

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That we hereby approve of the County Manager’s proposal to take over waterworks from the group water schemes listed hereunder, whose members have submitted a formal request in accordance with Section 95 of the Water Services Act, 2007.

Cooga Lisaneena Group Water Scheme

Coolaney Road Group Water Scheme

Emlaghfad Group Water Scheme

Ballintogher No. 3 Group Water Scheme

Gleann/Kinnagrelly Group Water Scheme

Ballygawley Group Water Scheme

Castleconnor Group Water Scheme

Finnod/Castletown Group Water Scheme

Lugawarry/Lugnadiffa Group Water Scheme

Drumfad Group Water Scheme

Cannaghanally Group Water Scheme

The takeover of the schemes is subject to submission of all of the necessary documentation and payment of all outstanding water charges. The relevant take over dates are to be agreed between the County Council and the relevant schemes.”

 

16.  ANNUAL REPORT:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To approve Draft Annual Report 2011.”

 

17.  APPOINT 3 MEMBERS TO SLIGO COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD:

 “To appoint three (3) members to the Sligo County Enterprise Board for a period of 3 years.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To appoint Dara Mulvey to replace Thomas Collery on the Sligo County Enterprise Board.”

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“To propose Councillor Pat McGrath to the Sligo County Enterprise Board.”

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“To nominate Jude Devins on to the Sligo County Enterprise Board.”

 

18.  PRESENTATION BY COMHAIRLE NA NÓG:

Elaine Granahan, Comhairle na nÓg Development Worker gave a presentation to the members accompanied by 3 members of comhairle.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Ms. Granahan and her colleagues for their presentation and commended the students on their participation in Comhairle na nÓg.

 

19.  PRESENTATION BY ALAN GALLAGHER, CONNECT IRELAND:

Alan Gallagher, Business Development Manager with Connect Ireland delivered a presentation to the members on a new government and IDA backed jobs initiative as part of ‘Succeed in Ireland’ programme.

Mr Gallagher was accompanied by John Nugent, Regional Director with IDA.

Again, the Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Gallagher for his presentation stressing the importance of any initiative on job promotion inIreland.

At 1.10pm the meeting broke for lunch.

 

20.  NAMA PROPERTIES:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That Sligo County Council is provided with a full and detailed report on all planning applications since 2005 that were subject to Part 5 and have not yet complied with the planning regulations. And furthermore, what are the eight developments that were included in the 2000 NAMA properties.”

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

The Council is aware of three such planning applications since 2005. One relates to a partially completed development in Ballymote which was granted planning permission on 28th November 2006 – PL 06/377. An agreement is in place to transfer 8 social and 8 affordable units under Part V. The units have not been built. A Receiver has been appointed and discussions are ongoing with him.

Another relates to a partially completed development involving 2 developers in Strandhill, which was granted planning permission on 22nd February, 2001 – PL 05/296. One of the developers has complied with Part V. there is an agreement in place with the second developer but 6 units have still to be built and transferred to the Council. Discussions are ongoing.

The final one relates to a development in Grange, which was granted planning permission on 21st August, 2007 – PL 06/1341 refers, where Part V agreement has still not been reached.

There are also a number of developments which have been granted planning permission subject to Part V but which still have to commence.

Ms Clarke also states that the Housing Department of the Council has not been informed of the list of NAMA properties referred to in Councillor McGarry’s motion.

 

21.  COLLOONEY ALLOTMENT GROUP:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

22.  LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To Call on the Minister for Transport to reinstate the LIS Scheme in the 2013 Road Works Programme.”

It was agreed to takes Items 23 and 43 together.

 

23.  HEG REVIEW:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Education;

 

  1. (a)  Not to include agriculture land as an asset when applying for 3rd Level Grants.
  2. (b)  To show flexibility and common sense regarding the ‘3 mile rule’ for students availing of free transport.”

 

 

43.  HEG REVIEW:

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn not to include assets in his review of the grants systems.”

 

24.  POLLAHEANNY PIER, EASKEY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“To call on Sligo County Council to erect a rock armor protection for the new pier and bridge at Pollaheanny, Easkey.”

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

SCC is not in a position to fund rock armour works at Pullaheeny Harbour.

The recent pier improvement works included rock armouring at the pier/ land interface which should protect the pier structure.

SCC is aware of the potential for storm inundation at the foreshore, from the pier southwards, passed the bridge, to theLeaffoneyRiverbeach outfall and the sporadic blocking of the river with cobble etc. causing river flooding.  SCC has previously applied to the Department/OPW for a grant for this substantial project (estimated cost circa €1m), but has not been successful to date and given the current coastal protection budget nationally, funding in the foreseeable future seems unlikely.

It was agreed to take Items 25 and 40 together.

 

25.  COASTAL EROSION IN STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

“To ask for an update to the application made by Sligo County Council to the OPW for funding in excess of €300,000 to address severe coastal erosion at Strandhill.”

 

40.  COASTAL EROSION IN STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

“That the Council, acknowledging the revised eligibility criteria for coastal erosion applications, appeals to Minister of State Brian Hayes and the Government to provide, as a matter of urgency the necessary grant aid to finance the recommendations as contained in the consultants report on coastal erosion in Strandhill.”

In response, Mr T. Kilfeather, Deputy County Manager stated the following;

Following the visit of Minister Brian Hayes to Strandhill on 23rd April a formal submission for funding was made to the OPW.

In June the OPW wrote to the Council advising of revised eligibility criteria for applications under the Minor Works Scheme for coastal erosion risk management measures.

We were concerned with the revised criteria as it appeared that the Strandhill Scheme would require a Coastal Erosion Study which could be a very significant block of work and would clearly delay the prospect of any physical works at Strandhill considerably.

We engaged with OPW Engineering staff in July and they agreed that these studies would not be insisted upon for a Scheme for Strandhill. OPW however advised us of the need to improve the economic justification for the project in line with their new criteria. A revised submission was made to the OPW on July 31st.

In making the submission to the OPW we emphasised 2 issues. Firstly that we considered the project high priority in terms of coastal management and protection and secondly that due to the difficult financial position of the Council we were requesting that 100% funding would be provided for any Scheme.

An inquiry was made with OPW on August 22nd to determine the status of our submission. We were advised that it was receiving consideration.

Following further discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council contact/write to the Sligo/North Leitrim government Oireachtas members asking them to deliver on funding, €300,000, to address severe coastal erosion at Strandhill.”

 

26.  STRANDHILL CAR PARK:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin

“To ask that the lines on the car park at the promenade in Strandhill be redone and also, that the disabled car spaces be highlighted in blue as in other areas.”

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

The Area Engineer has been asked to prepare an estimate for these works for consideration, against the background of poor levels of funding, generally.

 

27.  FUEL PRICES:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to reduce the price of petrol and diesel as present record high prices are having a negative impact on all motorists, business and households across the country.”

Following a discussion by the members it was also;

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

“That this Council supports the National Road Hauliers call for diesel to be supplied in one colour and a rebate system for farmers to be introduced, and to write to the Minister to act accordingly.”

 

28.  TAKING IN CHARGE OCEAN LINKS, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That Sligo County Council begins the process of Taking in Charge Ocean Links, Strandhill Estate.”

Councillor MacManus stated that this resolution was being withdrawn and another resolution was being submitted.

It was then;

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council takes Ocean Links Estate, Strandhill in charge.”

Ms P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services stated that the Council would begin the process.

 

29.  HOUSE FRONT ALLOCATIONS:

With the agreement of the meeting Councillor Devins asked to withdraw this motion.

 

30.  SLIGO CEMETRY:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

“To call on theCountyManagerto extend the opening hours ofSligoCemetery.”

Councillor McGrath stated that he understands this is a Borough Council issue and that since placing this on the agenda he has learned that the Borough Council have agreed to facilitating pedestrian access to Sligo Cemetery outside of normal Cemetery opening hours on a trial basis. Councillor McGrath thanked the Council for their consideration in this matter.

 

31.  KNOCKBEG SEWERAGE:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

32.  N4 – CASTLEBALDWIN TO COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“To request a meeting, as a matter of urgency, between the NRA, the Oireachtas members and the Ballymote Electoral Area Councillors regarding the lack of progress on the N4 stretch between Castlebaldwin and Collooney.”

 

33.  N4 UPGRADE:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

“To ask that Sligo County Council receives, at its September meeting, a full and comprehensive report in relation to the status of our application to upgrade the N4 between Cloonamahon and Castlebaldwin. Such report must address issues such as:

 

  • What are the current requirements of the NRA in relation to the type of carriage way proposed.
  • Have studies on traffic flow, journey time analysis, accident data analysis etc. been done.
  • When is it expected that public consultation on the scheme will commence.
  • Have the Preliminary Design Report, Environmental Impact Study and Compulsory Purchase Documents for the scheme been completed and submitted to the NRA.
  • Has Sligo County Council submitted a request to the NRA for funding to commence the “Statutory Processes”?
  • All other matters concerning the advancement of this scheme to planning stage.”

 

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

This scheme is being progressed in accordance with the National Roads Authority (NRA) Project Management Guidelines.   Under these Guidelines there are 7 phases to progress a Road scheme. Approval and funding is required at various stages from the NRA in order to proceed with a scheme.

The N4 scheme is currently progressing through Phase 3 and 4 of the Project Management Guidelines 2010. This includes work on the preparation of the Preliminary Design Report (PDR), the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Drawings and other documents. Funding was received from the NRA to continue design and planning work in-house during 2012.

Work progressed during the first months of the year on bringing forward the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin scheme as a single carriageway project.  This was agreed with the NRA towards the end of 2011.  Over these months in order to increase the economic viability of the Project, various studies investigated ways of increasing the Benefit to Cost ratio (BCR). 

BCR determines whether economic benefits resulting from the provision of a scheme outweigh the costs to construct and maintain it. This impacted on programme and the production of Statutory Documents mentioned above, (EIS and the CPO).  It was programmed that these documents would be sent to the NRA for approval to publish in October 2012.  However at the May Steering Committee Meeting the NRA requested a design review of the whole scheme. Junction strategy for a Single Carriageway road was becoming complex and difficult to design at various locations. Concern was raised by the NRA in relation to this strategy. The NRA requested a further design review on this scheme with the possible intention of reverting back to the original scheme, a Type 2 Dual Carriageway with a simple junction strategy.  The Design review has commenced and it is hoped that in 6-8 weeks time the road type to progress and design will be confirmed. Traffic surveys and journey time analysis have been carried out and this data will inform this decision.  Public Consultation will begin in and around this time.

As regards Environmental issues, In order to determine whither an EIS was required for the scheme a screening report (for a single carriageway) was sent to An Bord Pleanála towards the end of February 2012, recommending that an EIS is carried out. A decision from the Bord was received in mid July and directed that an EIS is compiled.  As the scheme is within 12 km of Natura 2000 sites a screening report for “Appropriate Assessment” direction was also forwarded to An Bord Pleanála. A decision from the Bord was received again in mid July directing that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is carried out. These decisions inform the planning procedural direction of the scheme.

It is anticipated that Statutory Documents will be forwarded to the NRA for approval to publish and progress through the Planning Process in the 1st Quarter 2013.  In order to continue to progress this scheme it is essential that approval to publish the Scheme is given by the NRA.  If approved by the NRA the Scheme documents (EIS, CPO) will be forwarded to An Bord Pleanala for Planning Approval. It is likely that An Bord Pleanala will hold an Oral Hearing.   If the scheme is confirmed by An Bord Pleanala, compensation procedures with landowners, which can take a number of years, can commence.  While this is being carried out, Tender Documents necessary to procure a Design/Build Contractor can be prepared.  When the Contractor is procured work can begin on the scheme.  This is all subject to approval and funding from the NRA.

Deputy Manager, Mr Kilfeather also pointed out that delays have been due to the NRA changing the criteria of the scheme from a dual to a single carriageway and back to a dual carriageway again. The Council will be looking to the NRA to have the scheme published as soon as possible. It was agreed that this report be circulated to the members.

 

34.  THE LAURA LYNN HOUSE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children to provide annual financial support for the only Children’s Hospice inIreland, The Laura Lynn House.”

It was agreed to take Items 35 and 38 together.

 

35.  PROSTITUTION LEGISLATION:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That this council supports the call for an amendment to the legislation pertaining to prostitution; by asking the Government to seek a change in the law to protect women from being trafficked into Ireland to work in the sex industry, and calls for the trade to be shut down by closing a loophole in the law thus making it an offence to pay for sex.”

 

38.  HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“I am asking for the support of all members here to call on the Government to introduce legislation criminalising the purchase of sex inIreland, in order to curb prostitution and trafficking off woman for sexual exploitation. The trafficking of woman and girls for sexual exploitation is a modern form of slavery and a form of human rights abuse.”

 

36.  TRAFFIC CALMING ON AIRPORT ROAD, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That in the interest of public safety Sligo County Council would consider providing 2 speed ramps or other traffic calming measures on theAirport Road, Strandhill, adjacent to the Community Park.”

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

No funding exists for works of this kind at present. However, the Area Engineer will examine the area in question so as to prepare a report on his findings for consideration.

 

37.  CARAVAN PARKING AT MULLAGHMORE:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“That Sligo County Council explore the feasibility of the provision of specific caravan parking spaces at Mullaghmore.”

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

The Area Engineer will be asked to explore the feasibility of such a proposal and prepare a report for consideration. However, no funding exists for any such works.

Mr O’Toole did recognise there is a problem with caravans parking at Mullaghmore and the Council would try to identify a solution.

 

39.  GATEWAY INNOVATION FUND:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the County Manager provide the Council with a report

 

  1. (a) indicating the properties purchased;
  2. (b) the cost of each property;
  3. (c) the plans prepared; and
  4. (d) the cost of said plans; by the County Council which was proposed to be funded by the Gateway Innovation Fund.”

 

The members were advised that a report would be circulated in relation to this resolution.

 

41.  NOXIOUS WEEDS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“I will ask Sligo County Council what action can be taken to prevent the growth and spread of noxious weeds along the National Primary and Secondary roads in the county.”

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

As a result of the withdrawal of funding previously allocated for this purpose, action in the current year will be confined to whatever verge cutting we can achieve within the confines of the difficult financial situation.

It was agreed to take Items 42 and 51 together.

 

42.  MULHOLLAND HOUSE, TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That this Council seeks a commitment from the HSE that Mulholland House, respite centre in Tubbercurry will not be closed or downgraded.”

 

51.  MULHOLLAND HOUSE, TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“I will ask Sligo County Council to call on the H.S.E. to ensure that Mulholland House Respite Centre in Tubbercurry remains open for the benefit of the staff, patients and their families.”

It was agreed to take Items 44 and 50 together.

 

44.  FARMING DISASTER:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Agriculture to take steps to avert a disaster in farming.”

 

50.  WET WEATHER CONDITIONS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney T.D. to direct his Department and Teagasc to immediately help farmers who are in difficulty due to the very wet weather conditions this summer.”

Following a discussion by the members it was also;

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture to seek funding from the EU to assist the farming community who are experiencing major fodder shortages due to the poor weather conditions.”

 

45.  COASTAL PROTECTION AT FINNOD, EASKEY:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“To ask theCountyManagerto apply to the Department for funding to carry out coastal protection works at Finod, Easkey.”  

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

This NOM presumably relates to theFinnodRiverdischarge to the sea.

Historically there was a manmade out fall channel and training walls at the river outfall. This has long since been destroyed and the river discharges over and through the cobble storm bank, east of the old structures remains. This cobble can build up and can create a damming effect with consequent rise in river levels.

SCC has applied on several occasions in the past for funding to build a new outfall structure. The last application was in 2010 to the OPW and the estimated cost was €320,000; the application was unsuccessful. Given the current financial situation and the very limited OPW resources and economic appraisal criteria necessary to qualify for funding, it would appear unlikely that such funding will be made available in the short to medium term.

 

46.  COMMUNITY ALERT COMMITTEES:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

47.  ROAD 19 AND 20 JUNCTION ON N59:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

48.  HARD SHOULDER AT BELTRA P.O.:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

49.  BORD GÁIS IRISH WATER:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

Further to matters raised in the Grant Thornton Report and moves to now compel Sligo County Council to transfer ownership of its entire public water and sewerage treatment infrastructure to the government's centralised Bord Gais Irish Water monopoly, I call on the Manager to furnish members of the council with a detailed written report on the following:

  1.    i.        What is the total of the loan and interest charges at present owed by the authority in connection with the provision of its public water, sewerage treatment services and tapped into water sources, including Lough Gill, Lough Easkey, Lough Talt and all other such in the county.
  2.  ii.        What were the annual subsidies or allocations which the government has advanced to the authority towards the cost of supplying water to the domestic sector in each of the last five years?
  3. iii.        What is the annual cost to the council of supplying water for domestic usage in the period 2007 to 2012 inclusive?
  4. iv.        Noting that virtually the whole of the rural water network of the county was set up by local communities through the establishment of group water schemes, aided by what then were substantial sums of money contributed by local farmers, business interests and households, what is the scale of the compensation which the government or the Department of the Environment is proposing to offer in the event the rural water, sewerage treatment and source water provision being removed by the An Bord Gais Irish Water monopoly?
  5.  v.        What are the projected or estimated fees or payments which, if acquired,  An Bord Gais Irish Water monopoly would stand to harvest from charges liable to domestic and commercial users for the provision of water and sewerage treatment services in Sligo in each of the coming five years to 2017?
  6. vi.        What is the capital value of the urban and rural public water and sewerage treatment infrastructure, including lake or other sources from which the raw water is sourced?
  7. vii.        Will the debtors list and all other unpaid user charges relating to the council's existing water and sewerage treatment services and the water and sewerage treatment infrastructure or source water supplies be included in any takeover of the county's public water and sewerage treatment service?

In response Mr Kilfeather stated that this detailed report on issues associated with the establishment and implementation of Irish water could not be completed within the timeframe for the September meeting. However, a report on the available information will be prepared for the next meeting of the Council in October.

It is noted that the department has proposed that a series of meetings will be held in September to inform Local Authorities of the details of the implementation strategy for Irish Water. It is anticipated that the release of this information by the Department will also provide more clarity regarding some of the issues raised in the motion.

 

52.  WALL AT BRUACH NA HAIBHAINN ESTATE, COOLANEY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“To call on Sligo County Council to make safe the wall at Bruach na hAibhainn Estate, Coolaney.”

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

The wall at Bruach na hAibhainn will be examined by the Area Engineer who will prepare a report for consideration.

 

53.  PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

“To ask Sligo County Council that an application be made for funding in 2013 for a pedestrian crossing in Ballisodare.”

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

An application was made in 2010 for funding for this pedestrian crossing under Safety Remedial Measures but did not receive funding. It is proposed to discuss the matter further with the NRA but funding is very unlikely to be given.

 

54.  JUNCTION WHERE CR 500 MEETS REGIONAL ROAD 293:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“That this Council take immediate steps to improve junction at Kilfree on Gurteen/Ballaghderreen Road where County Road 500 meets Regional Road 293.”

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

No improvement works are envisaged at the Kilfree junction this year, as no funding has been allocated to it. It can be considered again next year, but the financial outlook is bleak.

 

55.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

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

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Camilla Morrison on the death of her mother, Maureen Shields.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Winnie O’Gara on the death of her brother, Sean Kane.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

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

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Marren on the death of his wife, Sally Marren.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Brennan on the death of her husband, John James Brennan.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Stephanie Connolly on the death of her father, John James Brennan.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Manley Family on the death of Mary Manley.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

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

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Gallagher on the death of her sister, Ann Flynn.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Noel Davis on the death of his mother, Lucy Davis.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paul and Thomas Haran on the death of their mother, Angela Haran.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sherley and Joan Goulden on the death of their uncle, Allen Mitchell.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gretta O’Shea on the death of her brother, Frank O’Shea.”

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Louisa Cunningham on the death of her husband, Jim Cunningham.”

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Frances and Oisin Kelly on the death of Dinny Kelly.”

 

56.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Darragh Kerins on being part of the four man team who won the Aga Khan Trophy in the RDS, Dublin.”

 

57.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

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

 

58.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the Agenda.”

 

59.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

None

 

60.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach brought the members attention to two letters requesting to address the members – Team Sligo and the INTERREG ‘Driving Change’ project.

Councillor MacManus commented on the frequency of presentations to the Council meetings and asked that they be limited to one presentation per meeting.

Following a brief discussion the members agreed to invite Team Sligo to present at the October meeting and the INTERREG ‘Driving Change’ project to present at the November meeting.

Councillor Gormley voiced her disappointment at the reduction in services at Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry.

 

The meeting ended at 5.10pm

 

 


Meeting Date 03/09/2012