Minutes 2012
Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 1st October, 2012 at 11.00 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 McGarry,
- Councillor McGrath,
- Councillor McLoughlin,
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Ms 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, Meetings Administrator
- Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.
SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS:
With the agreement of the meeting the Cathaoirleach suspended Standing Orders to allow members to express their sympathy to the Gillespie family on the tragic death of Eugene Gillespie.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Gillespie Family on the death of Eugene Gillespie.”
The members complimented the life of Eugene Gillespie and his role in the Sligo community.
1. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary September Meeting held on 3rd September, 2012.”
2. MINUTES CPG MEETING HELD ON 2ND JULY, 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 July, 2012.”
3. MNUTES OF THE SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON 18TH JUNE, 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 18th June, 2012.”
4. NOTE CIRCULAR FIN 11/2012:
Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To note Circular Fin 11/2012 LGF General Purpose Allocations 2012.”
5. INTERREG VA PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“To consider the position paper on the proposed role of Local Authority Led Cross Border Groups in the Interreg VA Programme.”
6. LANDS IN COLLOONEY:
With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.
7. SEWERAGE SYSTEM AT KNOCKBEG, COLLOONEY:
With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.
8. COMMUNITY ALERT COMMITTEES:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
AND AGREED
“To call on Minister Pill Hogan to allocate funding through the leader companies to help set up Community Alert Committees around the county.”
9. JUNCTIONS OF ROADS 19 AND 20 WITH N59:
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“That this Council take measures to improve sight distance at junctions of Roads 19 and 20 with the N59, in the interest of public safety.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The improvement of sight distances at junctions of roads 19 and 20 with the N59 is being included in the list of proposals for consideration under Low Cost Accident Scheme 2013, and will be dependent upon cooperation from relevant landowners.
10. ROAD 26, N59:
With the agreement of the meeting Councillor Barrett withdrew this Item and stated that she will raise at the area meeting.
11. OPENING HOURS IN TEACH LAIGHNE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“Disappointed at the reduction in opening hours for the Motor Tax and Finance departments at Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry that this council gets a commitment from management there will be no further reductions in hours and that a full service will be restored in the near future to ensure that the people of Tubbercurry and South Sligo are provided with adequate services.”
In response, Ms M. Leydon Head of Finance, stated the following;
The main concern regarding the Tubbercurry offices was keeping them open for the full week as providing staff for cover was especially difficult over the summer months. Online Motor Tax services are available, as is the postal method and the motor tax office inSligoremains open throughout the week. This situation will be reviewed at the end of the year.
12. TAKING IN CHARGE FAIRWAYS ESTATE, TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“I will ask Sligo County Council what works have to be undertaken to complete Fairways Estate, Ballymote Road, Tubbercurry, so that the Council can commence the process of taking in charge Fairways Estate, Tubbercurry.”
In response, Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following;
The following works have to be carried out before the Council can commence the process of Taking in Charge “The Fairways” development in Tubbercurry.
Internal Roads and footpaths - Completion of all roads and footpaths.
Water Supply - Completion of inspection of potable water supply pumping station, inlet works and pipe work for the entire development.
Wastewater Services - Remedial measures to the foul water pumping stations. Completion of remedial measures to the sewer pipe network.
Landscaping - Provision of landscaping, shrubs, trees etc.,
Recreational scheme - Provision of play area within the development
Miscellaneous - Removal of builders material from gap site
The Council has lodged a claim against the Bond and this process is ongoing.
Councillor Barry asked that, with the agreement of the members, his motion be taken at this time.
31. TAKING IN CHARGE NEWTOWN ESTATE, GRANGE:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
“To ask Sligo County Council to commence the ‘Taking in Charge’ of the Newtown estate in Grange Village.”
In response, Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following;
The Newtown Estate is a development of 14 houses which was granted planning permission on 13th August, 1999.
An application to have the development taken in charge was lodged by the residents with the Council on 7th November 2011. The development has now been inspected by Council staff and a number of matters have to be addressed to include interalia
- Remedial works to public lighting, services, and fire hydrants.
- Provision of stop sign and road markings.
- Provision of gullies.
- Provision of marker plates.
- Identification of certain service pipes.
- Repairs to footpaths.
Quotations have been sought for the remedial works to the public lighting (awaiting reply). Remedial works will be carried out to the sewer network in October.
It is hoped that the other matters will be addressed over the next 3 months. Funding for same is from the Bond provision.
The County Manager, Mr Kearns advised the members that a report was being prepared regarding the cost implications of taking in charge estates. It was agreed to place this matter on the agenda for the November meeting and the County Manager agreed to seek the view of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, on this matter for the November meeting.
It was agreed to take Items 13, 14, 15 and 21 together.
13. HOME ECONOMICS AT ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“To seek a meeting with the Minister of Education to discuss the recent recommendations of the report on the structure of the initial teacher education; that recommends that Home Economics teacher education be relocated from St Angela's College, Sligo to NUI Galway.”
14. HOME ECONOMICS AT ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Education,
Ruairí Quinn, not to implement the recommendation of the HLA to relocate the Home Economics Teacher Education to NUI Galway.”
15. HOME ECONOMICS AT ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That this Council request the Minister for Education, Mr Ruairi Quinn to retain St. Angela’s college in its present role.”
21. HOME ECONOMICS AT ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons
AND AGREED
“To call on the Minister for Education not to proceed with proposal to relocate the Home Economics Teacher Section from St. Angela’s College to NUI Galway.”
Following a discussion by the members it was also;
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREE
“To call on the Minister, as a matter of urgency, to meet with Dr. Ann Taheny to discuss the future of St. Angela’s College and furthermore, to appeal to him not to implement the recommendation to relocate Home Economics Teaching to Galway.”
16. BRIDGE AT RATHGRANN, COOLANEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask Sligo County Council to examine the Bridge on Road 311 at Rathgrann Coolaney.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The Area Engineer will inspect the bridge/culvert and do a report. The road number referred to appears to be L-6108-0 –Road 314. It is a culvert under the road.
There was a road repair carried out here recently at a depression in the road surface beside the culvert.
17. CAMBER ON ROAD AT CARROWLEAM, COOLANEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
“To ask Sligo County Council to repair the camber on the road at Carrowleam Coolaney.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated that the Area Engineer will inspect the road and contact Cllr. Mulvey about this matter.
18. HOME HELP SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“Recognising that the Home Help service is a fundamental part of delivering health services at community level; and aware that significant cuts in the service will affect the most vulnerable in society; this Council calls on the Government and the Minister for Health to reverse the planned cut backs in the Home Help Service; and further we call on the Government to adhere to the commitments given in the Programme for Government, to develop and invest in home and community care services.”
19. WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT, SLIGO TOWN:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“That the County Manager presents a report to the Council
- indicating when work on the proposed replacement of the water main infrastructure in O’Connell Street,Sligo, and other parts of the urban area is expected to commence;
- what the estimated financial contribution from the County Council will be for the project; and
- that an explanation be provided regarding the ongoing delay in the tendering process for the contract.”
In response, the County Manager Mr H. Kearns stated the following;
Due to the original contractor pulling out the project has to be re-tendered. The Council have informed the department that they cannot proceed with this job as they do not have the local contribution and that the only circumstance in which the job can proceed is if the department provide 100% funding.
Following a discussion by the members the Director of Services for Infrastructure clarified that when the main contractor pulled out of the job the next closest tender for the project was considerably higher in price.
Even though it is understood that all assets and liabilities will be turned over to Irish Water; it would be Sligo County Council signing the contract for this project and in light of the current financial situation signing the contract could not be justified.
It was agreed to takes Items 20 and 27 together.
20. IRISH RAIL TRAVEL TIMES:
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
“To compliment Irish Rail on the safety measures taken to improve level crossings and also to encourage the people of Sligo to go on the Irish Rail website and make their comments known as to the best possible times for travel.”
27. SLIGO/DUBLIN RAIL SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That this Council conveys its deep concern to Iarnród Eireann with regard to the “suggested alterations” in the Sligo/Dublin rail service and in particular the affect the suggested alterations will have on commuters from Collooney, Ballymote, Boyle and Carrick-on- Shannon; and further the council requests Iarnród Eireann to consider providing an early bird morning service from Longford to Sligo.”
22. AN POST LETTER BOXES:
With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.
The Cathaoirleach agreed to include a Notice of Motion from Councillor Clarke which was omitted from the agenda in error. The motion to be taken as Item 22(a).
22(a). SOLAR WARNING SIGNS ON THE N4:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
“To call on Sligo County Council to relocate the automatic solar warning signs, now in use on the N4 at Ardloy, Castlebaldwin when the Road Realignment is complete and relocate to the very dangerous corner known locally as ‘McMunn’s Corner’, Beltra on the N59.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The NRA funded the provision of the speed warning signs on the N4 at Ardloy. They will not be required when the N4 Realignment Ardloy Scheme is completed.
The re-use of these signs will be agreed with the NRA at the time and the N59 at McMunns Corner will be considered as an option.
23. HIGH SPEED BROADBAND:
Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“The Government has told us that every home in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband by 2016 under the New Era Programme for government. I ask, that we as a Council request a timeline specific to Sligo for the roll out of these services.”
At 1.05pm the Leas-Cathaoirleach takes the chair.
24. SWIMMING POOL AT SLIGO YACHT CLUB:
Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“To ask the Council to prepare a report on the condition of the swimming pool at Sligo Yacht Club and furthermore that we as a Council seek to ban fishing from the back wall of the swimming pool in order to protect swimmers particularly during the summer months.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The condition of the outdoor swimming pool is poor. Some repairs were carried out by Sligo County Council in recent years. However a lot of funds would be required to upgrade the facility to a reasonable standard.
Some fishermen use this area for fishing during the year. An outright ban on fishing in the area may not be practical and difficult to enforce.
Perhaps a sign could be erected to request anglers to refrain from fishing in the vicinity of the pool when swimmers are present.
In response, Councillor McGarry asked if some funding could be sourced to upgrade the facility.
The Cathaoirleach resumed the Chair at 1.15pm
25. AID FOR FUNERAL EXPENSES:
Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council asks the Government to increase the Grant Aid available to families who have experienced bereavement and are not financially capable of covering the funeral expenses.”
26. CLOONAMAHON CENTRE, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“Concerned at the lack of clarity from the HSE as to what the future holds for the residents and staff of the Cloonamahon Centre, Collooney and the proposal to have it close by 2018 I am proposing that this Council seek a comprehensive report from the HSE as to;
- Where are service users going to be accommodated?
- What part will the Cloonamahon Centre play in the future of health services in the region?”
28. SUICIDE AND BULLYING:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Health to introduce legislation to help deal with suicide, to criminalize provocation and bullying, and call on the Minister for Education to introduce a primary school program to educate students on suicide and bullying.”
29. ABORTION LEGISLATION:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“In keeping with the will of the Irish people as emphatically expressed in the referendum of November, 1983 Sligo County Council opposes any form of legislation of abortion in any circumstances.”
At the outset Councillor Bree proposed an amendment to this motion and following a brief discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“That the following words be added to Councillor Baker and Lundy’s motion: ‘other that in accordance with Article 40.3.3 of the constitution.’ The amended motion would then read: ‘In keeping with the will of the Irish people as emphatically expressed in the referendum of November, 1983 Sligo County Council opposes any form of legislation of abortion in any circumstances other that in accordance with Article 40.3.3 of the constitution.’
30. JUNCTION OF ROAD 433 AND THE N17:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“To call on Sligo County Council to improve sight distance at junction of Road 433 and the N17 at Castleoye in the interest of road safety.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
Improved sightlines along N17 would be desirable at this junction. Land Acquisition would be required to achieve this.
There are no funds available at present to carry out this work. The scheme will be considered for a future application for funding under a National Primary Safety Measures Grant.
32. HEG AND HOUSEHOLD CHARGE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“I will ask Sligo County Council to continue to pay out student college grants as linking the household charge to student grants is unacceptable.”
In response, Ms D. Clarke Director of Services stated the following;
To clarify, all new grants for Higher Education are being processed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Renewal of existing grants will be continued by the local authority and no clause exists to prohibit the renewal of these grants for non-payment of the household charge.
Ms Clarke did encourage those availing of the HEGs to pay the household charge if they have not already done so.
33. STRAY HORSES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“Stray horses have been creating traffic hazards in the South Sligo area and a general nuisance. I propose that Sligo County Council consider the making of Bye-Laws or Regulations to assist the identification of owners in the interest of public safety.”
In response, Mr T. Kilfeather Director of Services stated the following;
The rules on identification of horses are the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture. Considerable problems have been seen nationally with stray horses and there has been a lot of co-operation between the Department and Local Authorities on the issue. The rules on equine identification have been tightened up considerably in the last couple of years by the introduction of the European Communities (Equine) Regulations 2011. Among other things it makes it an offence for a person to have an equine over 6 months in their possession which is not identified by means of a horse passport and a microchip. However the bulk of the stray horses involved in incidents are not identified at all and this makes tracing back to an owner virtually impossible. Sligo County Council and the Gardai have been involved in a number of incidents involving stray horses in the last number of months and will continue to co-operate in efforts to deal with the problem.
Sligo County Council has also written to Irish Rail regarding persistent problems on the old rail line in Tubbercurry. There have been a number of incidents here in the last few months and the line needs to be secured to prevent illegal grazing and dumping of stray horses on it.
34. CONNACHT GOLD ACHONRY STORE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To propose that this Council supports the calls of the local community to Connaught Gold Ltd to review reported proposals to cease operations at the Achonry Store, formerly Achonry Co Op Ltd., Lavagh.”
Councillor Mullaney asks the Cathaoirleach for direction as he is a member of the Board of Connacht Gold and therefore would a conflict of interest exist. The Cathaoirleach advised Councillor Mullaney to leave the meeting while this issue was being discussed.
35. POLE ON OLD UNION ROAD, BALLISODARE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
“That this Council provide a light on existing pole on Old Union Road, Ballisodare.”
In response, Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The provision of new public lights is being curtailed at present due to the capital cost and the future maintenance costs that would be incurred.
Councillor Barrett asks Mr O’Toole for a costing on the light.
36. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Frizzell on the death of her mother, Nuala Brehony.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Concepta Lavin on the death of her mother, Elizabeth McDonagh.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Shiel and family on the death of her husband, Joe Shiel.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eithne Williams on the death of her mother, Elizabeth McDonagh.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martina Brennan on the death of her mother, Agnes Henry.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Christina Murphy on the death of her son, Tomas Murphy.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Murphy on the death of his brother, Tomas Murphy.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jack Walsh on the death of his brother, Vincent Walsh.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Katerina McDonnell on the death of her husband, Michael McDonnell.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Marian Stenson on the death of her brother, John Stenson.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridgie Johnson on the death of her brother, John Stenson.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kate Brennan on the death of her mother, Mary Connolly.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martina Brennan on the death of her mother, Agnes Henry.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Shiel and family on the death of her husband, Joe Shiel.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brendan Kenny on the death of his brother, Kieran Kenny.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Gurrie on the death of his brother, Des Gurrie.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Amanda Davidson on the death of her mother, Helen Davidson.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann McHugh on the death of her mother, Margaret Cullen.”
37. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Seamus McDonagh and the Geevagh Senior Ladies Team on winning the 2012 Senior County Championship.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Desmond and Aine Leonard on winning Gold in the World Cadet and Junior WAKO Kickboxing Championships in Slovakia recently.”
38. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That the list of Conferences circulated for October at this meeting, are unanimously approved.”
39. CORRESPONDENCE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin
AND AGREED
“To note the correspondence circulated with the Agenda.”
40. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
None
41. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Cathaoirleach informed the members that Team Sligo were unable to address the October meeting. The members agreed to invite them to the Ordinary January meeting for a presentation.
END OF MEETING:
The meeting ended at 2.10pm
Meeting Date 01/10/2012