Minutes 2012
Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 3rd December, 2012 at 11.00 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Barrett,
- Councillor Barry,
- Councillor Bree,
- 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 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 D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
- Ms P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
- Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Mr D. Harrison, A/Senior Engineer
- Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
- Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
APOLOGIES:
- Councillor David Cawley
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.
1. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 5TH NOVEMBER, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary November Meeting held on 5th November, 2012.”
2. MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 1ST OCTOBER, 2012:
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 1st October, 2012.
3. MINUTES OF DROMORE WEST AREA MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Dromore West Electoral Area Meeting held on 5th June, 2012.”
4. MINUTES OF SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 10th September, 2012.”
5. MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE AREA MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Ballymote Electoral Area meeting held on 19th July, 2012.”
6. DRAFT ANNUAL RESTORATION PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“To approve the Draft Multi Annual Restoration Programme 2013-2016.”
7. SECTION 183 – BALYGAWLEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Ballygawley, Co. Sligo to Mr. Anthony McKeon.”
8. 2011 AUDIT REPORT:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To consider the Statutory Audit Report on the accounts of Sligo County Council for the year ended 31st December, 2011.”
Following a discussion by the members and in response to a query Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance stated that the Revenue Account cannot absorb further bad debt provision.
The County Manager, Mr Kearns responded to a query on national procurement stating that small local businesses would lose out as a consequence of national procurement policy.
Following further discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“Having considered the contents of the Local Government Auditors Report for the year ending 31st December, 2010 and recognising the grave financial crisis the Council finds itself in, the elected members of Sligo County Council request the Minister for the Environment to meet as a matter of urgency with an all party delegation of councillors to consider the critical financial position of the Council and to seek the advice and assistance of the Department of the Environment and Local Government in terms of resolving the crisis.”
9. LANDS IN COLLOONEY:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
10. KNOCKBEG SEWERAGE SYSTEM:
Councillor McGrath indicates that with the agreement of the meeting he will defer this motion to the Ballymote area meeting.
11. NARPS:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
"Some time ago NAMA established a new company – Nama Asset Residential Property Services Ltd – to identify and acquire from debtors, properties suitable for social housing. This Council now asks the CountyManager to provide a report of the engagement between Sligo County Council and Nama Asset Residential Property Services Ltd in relation to securing such housing units in CountySligo to provide homes for those on Sligo County Councils housing list. Such report should indicate the number of housing units, if any, identified as suitable for social housing in CountySligo; when it is likely that such units would be allocated to those in need of housing and full details of correspondence relating to this matter."
In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Housing Agency have been working with NAMA to identify suitable vacant properties attached to loans managed by NAMA and to secure the properties identified for social housing.
Where demand exists in an area, NAMA will arrange to secure as many suitable properties possible for social housing. The majority of properties can and may remain in the ownership of the original borrowers. Any remaining properties will be controlled by receivers appointed by NAMA. Once demand is confirmed, NAMA will make contact with relevant property owners/receivers to determine if properties are still available. The majority of suitable properties will be secured through leasing arrangements with owners/receivers. The local authority can lease properties directly or alternatively an Approved Housing Body (AHB) may be involved in either leasing directly or in purchasing through purchasing and availability agreement.
As a result of a review by NAMA of the issues involved in progressing properties, NAMA established a special purpose vehicle called the National Asset Residential Property Service Ltd. (NARPS Ltd) whose purpose it is to acquire properties from developers or receivers in NAMAs portfolio of loans and to make these available to local authorities and AHBs by way of long term lease. It has allowed the process to move more quickly.
Nationally, 2,000 properties were assessed from a first list of NAMA properties. Excess of 1,200 properties for which a demand has been identified by the local authority. Many are in the process of negotiation with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for acquisition or leasing.
An additional list has now been provided by NAMA to the Housing Agency which includes 45 properties in Sligo. The Housing Agency has confirmed that they are working through this list at present and will be in contact with us in a matter of weeks. Negotiations are in the early stages of discussion with the Department and NAMA and we are awaiting contact from the Housing Agency in relation to this. No correspondence has been received to date about this from the Housing Agency, NAMA or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government about this.
Following a discussion by the members and in response to queries Ms Clarke stated the following;
- 45 properties have been identified in the Sligo areas of SligoTown, Carney, Collooney and Ballisodare.
- The Council will respond to the Housing Agency and the availability of housing will depend on the demand in these areas.
- There are no specific figures as correspondence in early stages and copies of correspondence to date will be circulated to the members.
12. ST VINCENT DE PAUL:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to invite members of the National Executive of St Vincent de Paul to address the council on the effect the government’s austerity programs and the recession, is having on the people of Sligo.
The Cathaoirleach advised that there were a number of groups waiting to address the Council and St Vincent de Paul will be added to that list.
13. IRISH WATER:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“That this Council notes the intention of the government to seize and turn over to its newly established centralised utility, Irish Water, ownership or control of Sligo's entire sanitary services operations, including all lakes and other sources from which the county's raw water is drawn, the county's water treatment plants, it’s public water distribution network, water towers, and metering stations, as well as all sewerage processing plants, associated sewerage pipe infrastructure and other works, the said operations, the property of the people, and a core provision of the council's functions, having a value in the order of hundreds of millions of euros, and crucial to the county's social and economic wellbeing and development, believes that the removal of the ownership or control of the services from the people and the council as planned or envisioned by the government, would have ruinous consequences for the county, result in relatively poor local service, strip the council of vital income and purpose, make for uncontrollable increases in charges, a situation as already evidenced in the kind and scale of increases which the Energy Regulator, who is to have ultimate responsibility for water and sewerage service charges, has allowed in respect of electricity and gas supplies, and the prospect of privatisation. We elected members of the Council, therefore, now make known our concerns at the government's proposed plan or aims in regard to the future of the sanitary services, will immediately seek the opinion of senior counsel as to our powers as representatives of the people in the matter, and, further, will solicit the views of sectors set to be affected by the government’s proposed action, these being farming, industry, service and commercial interests, health, schools, community centers and, not least households.”
In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated that one specific aspect of the legislation being developed is that water assets will not be transferred to private ownership and he adds that seeking senior counsel may be premature as the entity Irish Water is in its very early stages.
Following a discussion by the members and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.
For: Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.
Against: Barrett, V. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Lyons, McGrath, Mullaney and Mulvey.
Abstain: None
As the result was 9 For, 8 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.
14. CLASS 3 ROADS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Minister for the Environment to give the same status to households who live on Class 3 roads as the households who live in unfinished estates and exclude them from the household charge and the property charge.”
Following a discussion by the members and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.
For: Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady & Queenan.
Against: Barrett, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Lyons, McGrath, Mullaney, Mulvey & Murray.
Abstain: None
As the result was 10 For, 10 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach used her casting vote. The Cathaoirleach voted against the motion and therefore declared the motion defeated.
Following further discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That this Council demands a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar and that a deputation of councillors would be selected here today to join with members of the executive to meet with the Minister for funding for Class 2 and 3 roads.”
The meeting agreed to await the Minister’s response before selecting a delegation.
15. LOUGH TALT WATER SUPPLY SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“To ask the Director of Services for the up-to-date position on the upgrading of the Water Treatment Plant at Lough Talt and to indicate when work will commence on this long awaited project.”
In response Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer stated the following;
The Lough Talt Water Supply Scheme is listed for upgrade on the current Water Services Investment Programme as published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Work is ongoing in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department in order to progress the Water Abstraction Order for the scheme. Further ecological and hydrological studies are required to mid-2013 in order to complete the Natura Impact Statement for the project.
Pending approval of the Water Abstraction Order and the Natura Impact Statement in 2013 it is anticipated that the procurement phase for the new water treatment plant will be advanced in 2014.
It was agreed to circulate a copy of this report to the members.
16. STUDENT REGISTRATION CHARGE:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“In light of the impact on the local economy of further financial costs to students and families, Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn not to increase the Student Contribution Charge at a time when many families are struggling to pay the current fee of €2,250 per year. This Council further calls on Minister Quinn to protect the student maintenance grant at a time when many families rely on this financial assistance to put their family members through college.”
It was agreed to take Item 34 at this time.
34. STUDENT GRANTS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to condemn this government’s treatment of the students of Sligo with regard to the processing of their grants.”
17. HOUSING STAFF:
This item was withdrawn by Councillor Queenan.
18. SLIGO HOSPITAL BUDGET:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
19. ‘BREAST CHECK’ IN SLIGO:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
20. SOCIAL WELFARE APPEALS:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred
21. DELAY IN SOCIAL WELFARE APPEALS:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. to fast track the delay in processing Social Welfare appeals.”
22. CONNOLLY PARY, TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“As Parts 1 and 2 of the Regeneration Programme of Connolly Park is complete consisting of 20 houses, that this Council calls on the Department of the Environment to allocate funding to have the estate completed.”
In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;
- The report prepared is quite lengthy so Ms Clarke gives a brief overview of the main points.
- The Council has highlighted the completion of ConnollyPark as a priority as the current state is not sustainable.
- There is also the issue of a low demand for housing in Tubbercurry which does not make a compelling case for the completion of this estate.
- The Council did meet with the department in November and on foot of this, plans would include making the estate more presentable and the purchase of a number of houses to allow their demolition.
- This proposal is currently being prepared and will be submitted to the department by the end of the year.
At this point the Cathaoirleach advises the meeting that the Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Mulvey will chair the meeting for the afternoon and asks the members, with their agreement to deal with Item Number 45 at this time. The meeting agreed.
45. FESTIVAL CALENDER OF EVENTS:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“As, many festivals and events are funded either partially or fully by Sligo County Council and in light of the fact that some of these events collide on the same dates, that a calendar of events be compiled at the beginning of the year and those organisers that don’t co-ordinate and contribute to the events calendar will not receive funding in the future.”
23. FOOTPATH IN CHURCH VIEW, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“I, Councillor Thomas Collery would like to ask Sligo County Council to provide funding for 50 meters of footpath at Church View, Collooney, Co. Sligo.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
No funding has been provided in 2012 for footpath repair or replacement. It is unlikely that 2013 will be any different.
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.05pm.
The Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor Dara Mulvey chaired the meeting for the afternoon.
24. EIRCOM POLES REMOVAL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“I, Councillor Thomas Collery would like to ask Sligo County Council to contact Eircom to come up with a satisfactory price for the removal of poles outside of peoples’ houses.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
Depending on particular circumstances the removal of a pole costs between €2,500 and €4,000 plus inspection charges. This price line is not likely to change.
Following further discussion it was;
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“To request an Eircom Representative to attend a meeting of Sligo County Council.”
25. RELEASE OF MARIAN PRICE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls for the release of Marian Price on health and humanitarian grounds and requests an explanation for the incarceration of Marian Price from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland and First and Deputy First Ministers in Northern Ireland.”
36. MODEL NILAND GALLERY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“Noting that the elected members of the County Council at the Council meeting held on the 16th of January 2012 decided that the Council be provided with a comprehensive report on funding, grant aid and assets donated by the County Council to the Model Niland Gallery since January 2007, including details of when the funding was approved and the source of the funding; and concerned that the County Manager has not provided the information to date; this Council calls on the County Manager to provide the information without further delay.”
The County Manager, Mr Kearns advised the members that currently staff are working on a number of requests for information but due to staff shortages in certain areas these reports are not complete. The Manager informed the members that the report pertaining to this item should be ready for the January meeting.
27. CLASS 3 ROADS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Minister for Transport to increase funding for county roads in 2013 and that he make available a special allocation for Class 3 roads.”
The meeting agreed to take Item 31 at this time.
31. CLASS 2 AND 3 ROADS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That this Council request the Department of Transport to reinstate funding for Class 2 and Class 3 roads due to the ongoing deterioration of these roads.”
28. WATER GRATE ON ROAD 4, COOLANEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask Sligo County Council to fit a water grate along Road 4 at Carrownacleigha Coolaney.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The Area Engineer is examining the need for a gulley here to see if anything can be done with very limited finances.
29. STONE WALL ON ROAD 6, COOLANEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“To ask Sligo County Council to examine Road 6 at Cultibar, Coolaney with the possibility of removing the old stone wall and hedging and erecting a new fence to improve visibility for motorists using this road.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
This location along Road 6 at Cuiltibar is being examined by the Area Engineer, but no significant funding is available or anticipated.
30. MARINA AT ROSSES POINT:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
32. UPDATE ON N17 COLLOONEY – CHARLESTOWN:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“To ask the Director of Services for Infrastructure for the up-to-date report on the N17 Collooney-Charlestown scheme.”
In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following;
The Realignment of the N17 Road from Collooney to Charlestown is split into three major schemes. The progress of each scheme is as follows.
N17 Collooney – Tobercurry By-pass
This project consists of realigning the Northern part of the N17 scheme and the preferred route was adopted in 2001. Work has been ongoing on this scheme on an intermittent basis since 2006. The N17 Collooney – Tobercurry Road scheme is currently progressing through Phase 4 of the Project Management Guidelines 2010. Work includes the preparation of the Preliminary Design Report (PDR), the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Drawings. Publication of CPO and EIS will be subject to approval and funding from the NRA. A request for funding to continue the design and planning of this scheme in 2013 has been made to the NRA. Notification will be given by the NRA in early 2013 on whether this application has been successful. The Project is currently stalled.
N17 Tobercurry By-pass
This project is currently being progressed through Phase 4 of the Project Management Guidelines 2010. The Preliminary Design Report (PDR), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) drawings were revised and sent to the NRA in mid 2011 for approval to publish and progress through the Planning process.
Correspondence received in August 2011 from the NRA stated that due to funding constraints they are not in a position to currently give approval to publish the scheme and progress this Project. No further work can be carried out on this Project until approval and funding is received from the NRA. The Project is currently suspended.
N17 Knock Bypass – Tubbercurry By-pass
This scheme will extend from the townland of Rathscanlon near Tubbercurry to the townland of Shanaghmoyle on the Knock bypass in Co. Mayo. The project will incorporate the preferred route for the N17 Charlestown bypass (Lurga Upper to Drumbaun). A preferred route for that part of the Scheme from Lurga Upper to the Knock By-Pass has not been advanced by Mayo Co Co. The scheme is currently suspended.
The meeting agreed to take Items 42 & 51 at this time.
42. N17 WORKS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“To welcome the significant investment this year on the Atlantic Corridor by the NRA; I propose that this council requests the Minister for Transport to provide the funds necessary to continue major improvement works on National Primary Route N17 in 2013.”
51. THORNHILL BRIDGE, BALLINACARROW:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
“To ask Sligo County Council what consultation has taken place with the NRA for emergency funding to improve safety at Thornhill Bridge outside Ballinacarrow on the N17. In light of the recent tragedy and other serious accidents at this location, have Sligo County Council engineering staff a plan agreed with the NRA to make safe this dangerous location .”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The NRA have requested that an assessment be carried out in relation to the most recent fatal accident and the possible causes of other accidents here also.
A joint inspection with the Gardai is also being carried out and a full report will be sent to the NRA for consideration.
33. UPDATE ON SEWERAGE PLANT FOR TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
“To ask the Director of Services what is the position on the upgrade of the sewerage treatment plant at Tubbercurry and what action can this Council take to stop the raw sewer coming up on the back road.”
In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services 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, however no contract was signed. The project is in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 in the major schemes category and the department has requested a review of the scheme in the context of compliance requirements with recent environmental legislation and the overall scope of the project. This review is substantially complete and will now be submitted to the department for approval.
In relation to localized surcharging of the combined sewer during heavy rainfall events, the proposed new scheme includes the upgrade of the sewer capacity at this location and will address this issue.
Following a discussion by the members and in response to their queries Mr. Kilfeather replied;
- A few issues with the review included seeking a legal opinion and a technical review of the scheme due to changes in environmental legislation and technology and alterations in population and economic development predictions.
- The Council hope to meet with the department within the next few months.
- The consultants working on the scheme have suggested decreasing the capacity of the plants.
- Matched funding is currently an issue for all schemes being developed by this Council and the department have been made aware of this issue.
35. COMMERCIAL RATE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“To call on the Council to substantially reduce the commercial rate to help stop struggling businesses closing down.”
Members agreed that the commercial rate would be discussed at the Budget Meeting to be held in 2 weeks.
36. WIND AND WAVE POWER:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to explore the potential of developing its own energy supply to power the 6000 street lights, by wind or wave power with or without a commercial partner.”
37. SAVITA HALAPPANAVAR:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“That this Council extends its deepest sympathy to the husband and extended family of the late Savita Halappanavar; and further this Council supports the call for a public sworn inquiry into Ms Halappanavar's tragic death; and in addition this Council calls on the government and the Oireachtas to introduce, without further delay, the necessary legislation to give effect to the 1992 ‘X’ case judgment of the Supreme Court, in accordance with Article 40.3.3° of the Constitution.”
Following a discussion by the members and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.
For: Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus and O’Grady.
Against: Fleming and Keaney.
Abstain: Baker, Barrett, Barry, Collery, Lundy, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.
As the result was 7 For, 2 Against and 9 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.
38. REPAYMENTS ON LOANS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“That the Council be advised of (a) the annual repayments on the €15million loan which was approved by the Council on the 5th of July 2010; (b) the term of the loan (c) the interest rate on the loan: (d) the name of the agency providing the loan; and further the Council be advised of (e) the annual repayments on the €7.5 million loan which was approved by the Council on the 5th November 2012; (f) the term of the loan; (g) the interest rate on the loan: and (h) the name of the agency providing the loan.”
The County manager, Mr. Kearns advised the members that this report is being worked on and a response will be provided to the members.
39. GATEWAY INNOVATION FUND:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“Noting that at the Council meeting of the 3rd September 2012 the elected members of the Council directed that the County Manager provide the Council with a report (a) indicating the properties purchased; (b) the cost of each property; (c) the plans prepared; and (d) the cost of said plans; by the County Council which was proposed to be funded by the Gateway Innovation Fund; and concerned that the County Manager has not provided the information to date; this Council calls on the County Manager to provide the information without further delay.”
40. SLIGO CITY WATER MAINS SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“That Sligo County Council notes that a grant to the sum of €4.2 million was allocated in February of this year (2012) by the Department of the Environment to Sligo County Council to carry out works including those in O’Connell St, Sligo as part of the Sligo City Water Mains Rehabilitation scheme; notes also that the County Manager wrote to the Department of the Environment in March outlining the Councils difficulties in funding its 10% contribution towards the scheme;
And further, noting the response of the Minister for the Environment Deputy Phil Hogan in the Dáil in October that there is no scope for his Department to provide 100% funding for this scheme;
This Council now asks the County Manager to provide a report to this Council on the status of this grant offer, if Sligo County Council will have to decline this grant, if this funding will now have to be returned to the Department and what are the Manager’s proposals for having these important and necessary improvements to Sligo's water mains carried out.”
In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following;
Due to the Councils inability to provide the necessary local financial contribution we advised the Department in late September 2012 that we would not be in a position to progress the Scheme at this time. We have had no formal response from the Department. The Grant offer from the Department remains in place.
We have become aware in recent months that a number of other Local Authorities are facing the same difficulties as Sligo County Council in delivering Schemes under the WSIP and have also written to the Department seeking 100% funding for Schemes.
In our correspondence with the Department it has been pointed out that the Irish Water entity will, in the longer term, be the vehicle through which major Capital Schemes such as the Sligo City Water Mains Rehabilitation scheme will be delivered and financed. In advance of the establishment of the new Irish Water entity the Department were advising Councils that the expectation would be that Schemes progressing from 2012 onwards will eventually be taken over by the new Body.
With the legislation to establish Irish Water imminent we propose to review the situation early in the New Year with both the Department and the newly established National Transition Office that is currently been set up to assist and prepare Local Authorities for the movement to Irish Water.
Sligo County Council are anxious to see this Scheme delivered as soon as possible.
41. COASTAL WORKS IN STRANDHILL:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“To ask the County Manager what steps are been taken to ensure that Sligo County Council is able to provide matching funding to enable this Council to draw down the grant of €290,000 recently announced by Junior Minister Brian Hayes to carry out costal protection works at Strandhill.”
In response Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following;
On 21st November Sligo County Council received written confirmation from the OPW of the offer of funding of €290,000 for the advancement and construction of the Strandhill Coastal Erosion Scheme.
The €290,000 funding offer reflects the estimated cost of completion of the detailed design with some modelling assessment under the habitats Directive and tender documentation production and the construction phase as per Sligo County Council’s formal submission to the OPW on 30th July 2012.
It has been indicated to us that subject to the final project cost reflection our initial estimate of €290,000 that the matched financial contribution required from the Council towards the project will be €10,000.
The Draft 2013 Budget to be presented to the Council on December 17th will have a modest provision for matched funding for projects such as the Strandhill Coastal Erosion Scheme.
Progressing the scheme will be governed by the awaited An Bord Pleanala decision in relation to the scheme. It is anticipated that such a decision will be received in the next 12 months.
43. LIS SCHEMES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“Over many years LIS schemes have been a major benefit to rural dwellers. I wish to propose that this Council request the Minister for Transport to allocate funding in 2013 to improve Non County Roads servicing 2 or more dwellings.”
44. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“In anticipation of severe weather conditions as forecast, can I request confirmation of emergency phone numbers to be publicised for benefit of the general public.”
46. DATA FOR HOUSEHOLD CHARGE:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
47. RURAL CRIME:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
48. SPEED LIMIT IN CLOONACOOL:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“I will ask Sligo County Council to take on board the concerns of the residents of Cloonacool village in relation to road safety in the village and the danger caused by excessive traffic speed through Cloonacool.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
The concerns of residents in Cloonacool regarding danger caused by the speed of traffic are noted. However, it is up to An Garda Siochana to enforce the 50km/hr speed limit that exists there.
49. CLAR PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to re-open the CLAR Programme in 2013, to assist rural communities throughout Co. Sligo.”
50. PRESENTATION ON CCTV TECHNOLOGY:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“Because of the huge increase in burglaries and criminal behaviour over recent months in Co. Sligo, I will ask that this Council invite the security company ‘Safetown.ie’ to make a presentation at our January meeting on the latest CCTV technology.”
52. ROAD SAFETY AT CORHOWNAGH CHURCH, BALLISODARE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
“To ask Sligo County Council to address the concerns of Ballisodare residents on the road safety issues at CorhownaghChurch, Ballisodare on the N59.”
In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;
This location at CorhownaghChurch has been examined by our Road Design Department and is being given further attention as a result of the recent accident where a lady was knocked down and injured.
The NRA Safety Measures Inspector will then be consulted to ensure the location receives consideration.
53. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerry Dunne on the death of his brother, JP Dunne.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ian Henry on the death of his father, Francis Henry.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom Vizard on the death of his mother, Margaret Vizard.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Connelly on the death of her brother, Nathy Stenson.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sean Feely on the death of his wife, Sheila Feely.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Rita Kirrane on the death of her husband, Dennis Kirrane.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael David Lynch on the death of his father, David Lynch.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Violet Lindsay on the death of her husband, Jimmy Lindsay.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nora McGrath on the death of her father, Patrick McGrath.”
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Vincent Devaney on the death of his brother Gerry Devaney.”
54. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
None
55. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That the list of conferences circulated for November and December at this meeting, are unanimously approved.”
56. CORRESPONDENCE:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“To note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.
57. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
None
58. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Meeting Administrator bought the members attention to an item of correspondence from Mr. Jonathan Goodwin requesting to use the Sligo County Council Crest.
The members had no objections and it was;
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“To grant a request from Mr Jonathan Goodwin to use the Sligo County Council Crest as outlined in letter dated 5th November, 2012.”
END OF MEETING
The meeting ended at 4.10pm.
Meeting Date 03/12/2012