Minutes 2013

Minutes of February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th February, 2013 at 11 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms P. R. Gallagher, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms O. Campbell, A/Administrative Officer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.

 

At the outset Councillor Matt Lyons proposed a vote of sympathy to the Henry family on the death of Mollsie Henry, wife of former Councillor, Mr Peter Henry, mother of Senator Imelda Henry and aunt of current Councillor Mr Pat McGrath.

 

The meeting also proposed the following votes of sympathy – To Mr Niall Delaney, Ocean FM on the death of his mother, Maureen,

To Councillor Hubert Keaney on the death of his aunt Rita Keaney,

To the wife and family of the late Mr Sean Fallon,

To Mrs Caroline Collery, member of staff on the death of her father, Vincent Kilcawley,

To the wife and family of  the late Mr Brian Gillespie,

To the wife and family of the late Detective Garda Aidan Donohue.

All members asked to be associated with the votes of sympathy.

 

Councillor McGrath, on behalf of the Henry family thanked the meeting for their expression of sympathy.

 

It was then;

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To pass a vote of sympathy to the Henry family on the death of Mollsie Henry and to adjourn the meeting for 10 minutes as a mark of respect.

 

The meeting stood adjourned at 11.20am for 10 minutes.

 

1.  MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY JANUARY MEETING HELD ON 14TH JANUARY 2013:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary January Meeting held on 14th January. 2013.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 14TH JANUARY, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Special Meeting held on 14th January. 2013.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 3RD DECEMBER 2012:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 3rd December, 2012.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 29TH NOVEMBER 2012:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Special Meeting held on 29th November, 2012.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 4TH OCTOBER, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 4th October, 2012.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 15TH JUNE, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 15th June, 2012.”

 

7.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 30TH MARCH, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 30th March, 2012.”

 

8.  PRESENTATION BY LIAM SCOLLAN, CHAIRMAN IRELAND WEST KNOCK AIRPORT:

Liam Scollan, Chairman of Ireland West Knock Airport delivered a presentation to the members on the current position and possible future developments at Knock Airport. Mr Scollan was accompanied by Fergal Broder, Director on Board of Ireland West Knock Airport and Lotus Automation Sligo. Both Mr Scollan and Mr Broder responded to questions from the members and thanked the Council for the opportunity to address them. The Cathaoirleach thanked both for their presentation adding that Sligo County Council would continue to support Knock Airport in whatever capacity it could.

 

9.  COLLOONEY ALLOTMENTS:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

10.  N4 REALIGNMENT:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on progress on the completion of planning documents for the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Realignment Scheme and furthermore, to call on the NRA to allow this scheme to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for planning approval in early 2013.”

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

  • Under the National Roads Authority (NRA) Project Management Guidelines 2010 there are 7 different phases/steps to progress a Road scheme from inception to construction and completion of the scheme. Approval and funding is required at various stages from the NRA in order to proceed with a scheme.
  • The N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin scheme is currently progressing through Phases 3 and 4 of the Project Management Guidelines 2010. This includes work on the preparation of the following documents, the Preliminary Design Report (PDR), the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Drawings. Funding was received from the NRA to continue design and planning work in-house during 2012.
  • Prior to Christmas draft copies of the above Documents were forwarded to the NRA for their comment.  These Statutory Documents will be revised and final draft documents will be forwarded to the NRA for approval to publish and progress through the Planning Process by the end of March 2013.  Funding of €300,000 was received from the NRA at the end of January to continue this work in 2013. This allocation will also allow for the project to progress through the Planning phase if approval is forthcoming from the NRA. 
  • After final draft Documents have been forwarded to the NRA in March 2013 it will take a number of months for the NRA to review the complete scheme.  It is essential that approval to publish the Scheme is given after this review.  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.

The members had some further queries and in response Mr. Kilfeather advised;

  • Preliminary documentation had not been submitted before.
  • Uncertain as to the length of this phase as it depends on how long the NRA will look at the scheme and if approval can be obtained. There will probably be an Oral Hearing and CPO for lands. But all does depend on funding.
  • The current plans will remain viable for 2-3 years.

 

11.  WATER SERVICES BILL:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council views, with grave concern the publication on 11th January 2013 of the Water Services Bill 2013, which removes water services from democratic accountability as a function of local government and, ultimately, from public control through the process of privatisation.

We deplore the proposed draconian powers designed to impose water meters on all homes and to extract a further payment from already hard-pressed citizens and families. Consequently, we call on the Government not to proceed with the Water Services Bill 2013 and to retain water services as a function of local government.

We further call on the Government to undertake comprehensive measures to address the need for water conservation, co-ordination of services and to address the outstanding issue of local government funding on the basis of fair taxation and ability to pay.”

The County Manager, Mr Kearns informs the members that the Water Services Bill has been introduced and includes for the transfer of all assets to Irish Water. There is no indication that Local Authorities will get anything in return for these assets. There are pilot metering projects taking place in the Fingal, Laois and Kerry local authority areas and Sligo will be asked to carry out a survey in the future, for which the Council will receive funding.

Following further discussion by the members Mr Kilfeather advised the members that Sligo did put in a bid for the location of a second transitional office but was unsuccessful. In response to a query from Councillor M. Clarke Mr Kilfeather stated that until actual legislation is in place the remit is too broad to seek Senior Counsel advise.

 

12.  SEPTIC TANKS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

“To ask the Director of Services to outline when will inspections of septic tanks commence;   

  1. Is there a permit needed by anyone emptying their own tank?
  2. Can it be emptied at any time of year? 
  3. Does a contractor need a permit and at what cost? 
  4. Will staff be trained to carry out inspections?”

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

Sligo County Council has not been officially notified of the date of commencement of the septic tank inspections. At a working group meeting with the EPA prior to Christmas, they highlighted that the inspections are probably due to commence in mid 2013.The EPA is drawing up a national inspection plan which will detail where the inspections are due to be carried out within each County and the number required per annum.

In response to the specific queries raised in the Notice of Motion;

  1. Waste collection companies which de-sludge septic tanks on a commercial basis require a waste collection permit. A farmer can land-spread sludge from his own onsite wastewater treatment system on his own land without a waste collection permit. The land-spreading must be carried out in accordance with the Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture Regulations and the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations 2010 (S.I. No 610 of 2010). These are technical regulations which impose specific requirements. A nutrient management plan is required and livestock must be excluded from the land-spread area for a period of 6 months. The owner of a rural dwelling house with no land available to land-spread the sludge from their onsite wastewater treatment system will have to engage a waste disposal contractor with a current, valid, waste collection permit to de-sludge their septic tank/onsite wastewater treatment system.
  2. The septic tank can be emptied at any time of the year if the sludge is being brought to a sludge hub (like Finisklin WWTP), but if the intention is to land spread then compliance with The Good Agricultural Practice Regulations 2010 which stipulate periods of the year when land-spreading is prohibited is required. In County Sligo, the prohibited period is 15th October to 15thJanuary. The Regulations further specify that fertilisers shall not be applied to land in any of the following circumstances;
    • The land is waterlogged
    • The land is flooded or likely to flood
    • The land is snow covered or frozen
    • Heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours
    • On steeply sloping land and taking into consideration such factors as proximity to waters, soil condition, ground cover and rainfall, there is a significant risk of causing water pollution.
    • Land-spreading buffer zones are also set out in the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations 2010 prohibiting land-spreading within proximity to watercourses i.e. rivers, lakes, raw water abstraction points for public water supply schemes and private wells.
  3. A waste disposal contractor does require a permit for the collection and disposal of waste sludge from onsite wastewater treatment systems. An application for a permit must be made to National Waste Collection Permit Office which is managed by Offaly County Council. The cost of the application fee for a single region permit is €1,000 and for a multi region permit is €1,000/region up to a maximum charge of €5,000 for all regions. There are also associated costs involved in complying with the conditions of the waste collection permit.
  4. The EPA/Dept of Environment are finalizing a training course for staff that will be involved in carrying out the inspections to ensure there is a consistent and standard inspection process throughout the Country. A pilot training course is due to be held in Dublin during the first week of February 2013. On finalisation, the training course is likely to be held in regional training centres for local authority staff who will undertake the inspections.

Following further discussion by the members Mr. O’Driscoll advised that anyone with a septic tank, including sporting clubs and community organisations must register it. Currently one member of staff from Sligo County Council is being trained to carry out inspections, which will possibly be before the end of 2013.

 

13.  MOBILE PHONE REGULATOR:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

14.  LOCAL AUTHORITY RENTS:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That the members of Sligo County Council by resolution request the County Manager to refrain from increasing the rent payable by local authority tenants as a result of the imposition of the government’s property tax (Home Tax).”

In response, Ms O. Campbell, A/Administrative Office stated the following;

In relation to the imposition of the property tax on Local Authority dwellings the Council has not yet been advised by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government as to when or how this matter will be put in place.  The Department has advised that the process for same is still under consideration by them and when a decision has been taken as to how it is to be implemented, all local authorities will be notified accordingly.

In the mean time due to the imminent introduction of new Regulations which had been expected in any event to commence Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, to put in place the new Rent Schemes, the council does not at this point propose to revise the current rent charges on LA dwellings.  It is expected that the Department will be notifying all LAs in the near future with regard to the Regulations (and the new Rent Schemes) but it is not clear at this stage if this process will incorporate the imposition of the property tax or not.

Following further discussion by the members Ms. Campbell added that neither the County or Borough Council are due to have a rent review in 2013 as, if a national scheme was introduced that would mean 2 rent reviews in the same year which would not be viable.

 

15.  TUBBERCURRY BYPASS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the NRA to approve the publication of the EIS and CPO documents for the Bypass of Tubbercurry which was submitted to them in 2011, in order to allow it progress to the next stage of the planning process.”

At 3.00pm the Cathaoirleach excused herself from the meeting and the Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor Dara Mulvey took the chair.

 

16.  CENTRAL MANAGEMENT CHARGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“Noting that Sligo County Council imposed a ‘Central Management Charge’ of €673,389 on Sligo Borough Council as part of the Urban Demand figure for 2013, this Council calls on the County Manager to explain why such a significant charge was imposed in the current year while no ‘Central Management Charge’ was imposed last year or in previous years.”

Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance stated that every year at the Budget Meeting of Sligo Borough Council a memo has been issued from the Head of Finance to the Members of the Council setting out details of the costs contributing to the County Demand charge for that year.  In that Memo it has been stated that the amount being charged had not contained the full cost of providing services on behalf of the Borough.

The County Manager, Mr Kearns added that when responsibility for water services was transferred central government did not compensate the county councils for taking on the cost of the urban element of water services. The figure provided for in the 2013 Budget was a more realistic reflection of costs incurred by the county council for services provided in the Borough area. This was also one of the recommendations in the Grant Thornton report issued earlier in 2012.

 

17.  MUSEUM PROJECT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“Noting that the Council adopted the following motion at its meeting in January 2012, “Taking into consideration that a sum of €2.92 million was allocated by the Department of the Environment under the ACCESS Programme for the development of a new museum, and further noting from the Auditors Report that the County Council provided a sum of €4.37million towards the Museum, it is hereby resolved that this Council be provided with a comprehensive report on the progress of the Museum project including details of all funding spent on the project, when the spending was approved and the source of the funding.”;  this Council calls on the County Manager to provide the said report without further delay.”

The County Manager, Mr Kearns stated that there are a number of reports outstanding and it is hoped to clear these in the coming weeks. The report relating to this item is not as far on as others but it is hoped to provide it to the members by the end of February.

 

18.  KILLBRIDE AND CLOONKEELANE ROAD REPAIR:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

19.  SUMMERHILL ESTATE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“Due to the high level of anti-social behaviour in Summerhill Estate, Mountain Road, Tubbercurry, I will ask the Director of Services for Housing to address all issues of concern to the residents of Summerhill Estate as soon as possible.”

Councillor Lundy and Councillor Gormley understand that since this Item was put down a meeting has taken place between residents, Gardaí and Sligo County Council with a view to resolving the situation.

Ms Campbell, A/Administrative Officer stated the following;

The Housing Investigation Officer met with members Sligo County Council and with members of the Residence Association on the Wednesday 31st January 2013. There were a number of issues discussed in relation to resident misbehaviour and other issues on the estate and the HIO will examine these issues with the assistance of the Gardai.  The HIO has agreed with the Residence Association that he will meet and review matters with them every two month subject to resources / availability. A Residence Association is currently in place on this estate and they have given an undertaking to actively work in conjunction with Sligo County Council and understand the current financial restraints which the Council is working under.

 

20.  FUNDING FOR N17 AND N59:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

“I welcome the allocation of €7,771,979 from the NRA for Sligo County Council and the funding of €4,800,00 for works at Farranyharpey to Ballygreighan Realignment on the N59,and also the funding of €42,000.00 for safety works on the N59.What funding has been sought for the next phase of realignment works on the N59 for 2014? I welcome the amount of €200,000 allocated for the N17 Collooney to Tubbercurry section. Will some of this allocation be used for  improvement works at Thornhill Bridge at Ballinacarrow?”

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

Sligo County Council in 2013 has received €4,800,000 for the completion of 3.5km realignment of the N59 Farranyharpey to Ballygreighan scheme.  The County Council will be concentrating its efforts on the completion of the scheme in 2013.  Appraisal of the remaining sections of the N59 which require upgrade will continue with a view to developing future improvement schemes on the N59.  However, given the funding situation, it is unlikely that any future schemes will commence for several years.

The €200,000.00 allocation towards the N17 is for the completion of the preliminary design of the Collooney to Tubbercurry major scheme.  Sligo County Council and the NRA are currently examining the N17 in the vicinity of Thornhill Bridge with a view to developing an appropriate low cost safety scheme for that area.

 

21.  REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROAD FUNDING:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“I welcome the additional allocation of €8,547,821 for Regional and Local Roads from the Department of Transport. What portion of this funding will be under the Enniscrone Area Office which covers the Dromore/Coolaney/ Ballinacarrow area?” 

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

It is proposed to hold Area Roads Meetings within the next month at which you will all be asked to approve the Draft Road Works Scheme, 2013. The funding for each area is under a number of headings which will be detailed at the said Area Roads Meetings.

 

22.  PUBLIC LIGHTS AT BLEACHGREEN, COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

“To ask Sligo County Council for funding for 2 public lights to be fitted at Bleachgreen, Collooney from Quigleys Shop to the Coolaney junction as a matter of urgency for pedestrians and cyclists.”

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

This can be considered at the Area Roads meetings also. The road category is Regional Road R290. There are no funds under Discretionary Improvement Grant for extra Public Lighting, however.

Following a brief discussion Mr O’Toole indicated that this issue could go back to the Area Meeting under the Low Cost Accident Scheme.

 

23.  GURTEEN VIEW ESTATE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“That this Council provide;

  1. Ramps in Gurteen View Estate in the interest of safety
  2. That the speed limit signs on the Tubbercurry Road out of Gurteen be extended past the Gurteen View Estate.”

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

  1. Due to a curtailment in funding generally it is not proposed to install ramps in Gurteen View Estate. This is the type of work covered by Discretionary Improvement Grants some years ago.
  2. These speed limits are currently with Department of Transport and we await approval.

 

It was agreed to takes Items 24 and 26 together.

 

24.  FLEADH CHEOIL NA HÉIREANN:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To congratulate the Fred Finn Branch CCE  on the successful application to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and propose that funding be allocated in the Council Estimates for 2014.”

 

26.  FUNDING FLEADH CHEOIL NA HÉIREANN:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That this Council welcomes the decision of the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann to award Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2014 to Sligo; congratulates all those associated with the successful application, and further confirms that Sligo County Council will allocate financial assistance to Comhaltas in Sligo to assist the organisation in covering the significant costs of hosting the event.”

 

25.  COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council welcomes the proposed extension of the Community Employment Programme and encourages community organisations to apply for sponsorship of projects.”

 

27.  SLIGO PORT:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

28.  LISRUADH ESTATE, BALLINFAD:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

29.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

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

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

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

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

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

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Leonard on the death of his uncle, Martin Feely.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jas Feely on the death of his uncle, Martin Feely.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Marian Toolan and family on the death of her husband, Joseph Toolan.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy Cassidy on the death of his mother, Helen Coleman.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

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

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary T. Mannion on the death of her brother, Patrick Caulfield.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Caroline Collery on the death of her father, Vincent Kilcawley.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Niall Delaney on the death of his mother, Maureen Delaney.”

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Myra Fallon on the death of her husband, Sean Fallon.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter Henry on the death of his wife, Mollsie Henry.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Hubert Keaney on the death of his aunt, Rita Keaney.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to The Gillespie Family on the death of Brian Gillespie.”

 

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the wife and family of Detective Garda Aidan Donohue on his death recently.”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Niall Delaney on the death of his mother, Maureen Delaney.”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to The Gillespie Family on the death of Brian Gillespie.”

 

30.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

None

 

31.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

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

 

32.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry

Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.”

 

33.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

None

 

34.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach indicated that there were a number of resolutions regarding members attending overseas events as part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To agree to the attendance of the Cathaoirleach at the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in 2013 in the United States of America.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To agree to the attendance of Councillor Gerry Murray to a function hosted by the Sligo Association of New York in the United States to honour his contribution to Irish cultural heritage.”

 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To agree to the attendance of Councillor Michael Fleming at the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in 2013 in the United States of America.”

Councillor Gormley asked if a report had been prepared on the condition of the bridge in Culfadda, which she raised at the previous meeting. In response, Mr O’Toole stated that the Bridge Reconstruction Department has been asked by the Area Engineer to examine Culfadda Bridge to access the scope of repairs necessary.

Councillor Clarke asked Mr MacNabb, the Meetings Administrator, for an update on presentations to the Council. Mr. MacNabb advised the members that some groups had responded to the Council’s request and he would expect to hear more in the coming weeks. Mr McNabb stated that he would update the members via email regarding same.

 

END OF MEETING

The meeting ended at 2.30pm.

 

  


Meeting Date 04/02/2013