Minutes 2013

Minutes of March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 4th March, 2013 at 11 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 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 T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Mr. D. Kelly, IS Analyst Developer
  • Ms A. Savage, Staff Officer

 

CATHOAIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.

 

At the outset of the meeting Councillor Gerard Mullaney proposed a vote of sympathy to Dermot and Laura McCormack on the death of their son, Declan.

 

The meeting also proposed the following votes of sympathy - 

To Martin and Carmel Kelly on the death of their son, Owen.

To Mary Henry on the death of her late father John Gorman.

To Una Faul on the death of her late husband John.

To Deirdre Gillespie on the death of her late mother Christina.

To Christian Mitchell on the death of his late father Rev. Canon Alfie Mitchell.

 

1.  MINUTES OF THE ORD FEBRUARY MEETING HELD ON 4TH FEBRUARY 2013:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey 

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary February Meeting held on 4th February. 2013.”

 

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

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 14th January, 2013.”

The meeting agreed that a report on the meeting of 16th January, 2013 referred to in the CPG minutes be given to the full Council.

 

3.  MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE ELECTORAL AREA ON 8TH NOVEMBER 2012:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting held on 8th November, 2012.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE ELECTORAL AREA ON 12TH NOVEMBER 2012:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley 

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 12th November, 2012.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF S.P.C.1 MEETING HELD ON 12TH NOVEMBER 2012:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry 

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the SPC1 – Economic Development and Planning Policy Meeting held on 13th December, 2012.

 

6.  SECTION 183

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Knocknaskeagh, Gurteen, Co. Sligo to Mrs. Mary Reale”.

 

7.  TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney 

“To approve to borrowing a sum not exceeding €8.5 by way of temporary overdraft for the 12 months from 1st April, 2013 to 31st March, 2014”.  

Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance stated the following:

The approval of the members is sought to borrowing by way of temporary overdraft a sum not exceeding €8.5m for the 12 months ending on 31st March 2014, in accordance with Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001.

We continue to operate within an overdraft situation due to the difficulties in balancing our budget from the reduction of Income over the past 4 years, and the difficulties in the collection of Rates.

The Revenue Account Deficit at 31st December 2011 was €12.9m and as expected the deficit in 2012 was €2.45m, which would mean a borrowing requirement of €15.4m.  We received a €7.5m in November 2012 to fund the deficit on the Revenue Account and now the associated borrowings by way of temporary overdraft required for the Revenue Account is €7.9m. Accordingly the 2012 cumulative Revenue Account deficit along with other ongoing requirements on a temporary basis such as Higher Education Grants and other advance payments require a temporary overdraft of €8.5m.

We are seeking the Members approval for the increase in the overdraft facility to €8.5 million for the 12 months ending 31st March 2014.  Should the Members approve this item an application for Ministerial sanction will be lodged with the Department of Local Government and Environment.

As agreement was not reached following discussion the Cathaoirleach called a vote.

FOR: Barrett, Barry, V. Cawley, Collery, Devins, Healy McGowan, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan

AGAINST:  Bree

ABSTENTION:  Clarke, Gormley, MacManus

As the result was 16 for, 1 Against and 3 Abstentions, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

8.  EU/IMF QUARTERLY:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney 

AND AGREED

“To note the EU/IMF Quarterly Reports for Sligo County Council for the period ended 31st December, 2012”

 

22.  N4 REALIGNMENT:

It was agreed at Councillor McGarry’s request to take item Number 22 at this stage also.

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney 

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council acknowledges the recent death of a motorist on the notorious 11 km stretch of the N4, we extend our sympathy to the family of the deceased and once again we ask the Minister for Transport to give us a detailed timeline as to when and what works are to be carried out on this road”.

Councillor McGarry expressed dismay on reading a letter that had been circulated to the Councillors from the NRA indicating that there are insufficient funds to allow publication of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin scheme and the scheme will be suspended once the final documents are ready.  He called on Deputy Perry to revisit this issue and not accept the decision to suspend works until a review in 2016.

A number of Councillors spoke on the matter and voiced their disappointment and concern at the letter.  They urged the local representatives in Dail Eireann to put pressure on to see the scheme through.  The N4 Action Committee had campaigned for years for this upgrade and it was now at a crucial stage.  It was important that the project would not be shelved. 

Councillor Mullaney proposed the Council look for a meeting with the NRA and this was seconded by Councillor Collery. Councillor MacManus also supported this proposal and suggested a meeting with Minister Varadkar.

It was noted that work on the N17 has also been suspended and it was suggested that it too should be included for discussion by the deputation.

The County Manager indicated that this was a very important issue for the County.  He agreed with a deputation.  In the interests of our community we have to press on.  It’s very disappointing to our staff.  Visitors coming in cannot be impressed.  We are simply asking for the planning process to continue and get the money at some stage.  The project should be ready and waiting.  He felt there was a strong case for a special speed limit and it was decided to place this item on the agenda for the April meeting.

 

9.  ROAD WORKS SCHEME 2013:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons 

AND AGREED

“To approve the Road Work Scheme for the year ending 31st December, 2013”.

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To seek a delegation from this Council to meet the NRA in relation to the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin to Collooney”.

 

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council asks the Government TDs and Senators representing Sligo/North Leitrim to facilitate meetings between representatives of this Council and all local Oireachtas members with the NRA, Minister for Finance and Minister for Transport to discuss the upgrading of the N4 and N17 as a matter of urgency.

 

10.  PRESENTATION BY OPW:

A presentation was delivered to the members on the Western Catchment based Risk Assessment and Management Study by Mr. Donal Harrison, and Mr. Jonathan Cooper of the WESTERN CFRAM PROJECT TEAM.  Both Mr. Harrison and Mr. Cooper together with Ms. Rosemarie Lawlor responded to questions from the members. The Cathaoirleach thanked the team members for their presentation.

 

11.  COLLOONEY ALLOTMENTS:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

12.  MOBILE PHONE USERS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“To call on Minister for Communications to ensure that the Communication Regulator protect mobile phone users in the county.”

A general discussion took place on the poor phone coverage throughout the County.  Councillor Devins suggested writing to Vodafone to enquire what plans they have to update their service in the County.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council request the Minister for Communications, the Communications Regulator to ensure mobile phone license holders provide adequate mobile phone coverage in County Sligo”.

 

13.  CLOONKEELANE/KILLBRIDE ROAD:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

14.  SLIGO PORT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree 

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on Sligo Port. It has been over a year since Sligo County council passed a motion calling on the Council to ask Sligo Institute of Technology to produce an economic strategic report and an environmental study on the 70 acre site. Since then An Bord Pleanála has given the green light to the dredging of the port. Can the report include;

  1. An executive Overview.
  2. What management team has responsibly for the port.
  3. Is there any report from the Port management.
  4. Is there a current application with the Department to dredge the port.
  5. Has the council sought to involve the private sector in the management of the port.
  6. What income has the port generated in 2012 and what has the Port Cost the Council in 2012.”

 

Ms. P. R. Gallagher stated the following:

The Council through the harbour office manages the operation of Sligo Port and within the directorate of Cranmore regeneration, Sligo Harbour and land asset management.  The work comprises all aspects of the harbour operation and management of the associated property portfolio.

Sligo Harbour consistently and over time is affected by build up of silt.  This was traditionally managed by occasional dredging with the recovered material being deposited to land.  Current environmental designation of the area restricts such deposition on shore. 

A report has recently been completed relating to port siltation and its alleviation and which also includes an economic study.  It is considered that there is an immediate need to undertake limited maintenance dredging and a longer term need to undertake significant capital dredging.  Capital dredging is required to position the harbour to attract new business and increase harbour viability.  Continued building up of silt will impact on the capacity of the port to function.  Both maintenance dredging and capital dredging will require significant investment.

An application for a licence for capital and maintenance dredging has been made to the Department of the Environment.

The harbour office is in regular communications with port users.  The 2012 Budget income and expenditure figures are €251,000 and €266,111.  The harbour office intends to engage with Sligo Institute of Technology towards how the college may make input.

Councillor Clarke requested the report be circulated to the Councillors  The meeting agreed to circulate the report.

 

15.  TAKING IN CHARGE:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery 

AND AGREED

“To call on the Director of Services for Infrastructure, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, to begin the process of taking in charge Lisruadh Housing Estate in Ballinfad.”

Joe Murphy, SEO stated the following.

There is an outstanding issue to be resolved in this development. It relates to further works to be carried out to a number of patch reinstatements on the footpath. The Council is prepared to commence the process of Taking in Charge this development when the Area Engineer confirms that said works have been carried out to his satisfaction.

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery 

AND AGREED

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

 

16.  SHARED OWNERSHIP:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy 

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the government to introduce legislation to address the acute financial situation of people who entered into “Shared Ownership” agreements with Local Authorities at the height of the property boom and now find themselves in negative equity due to falling house prices.

Such new legislation should in particular cover situations such as when those in “Shared Ownership” schemes move to purchase the equity owned by the local authority in their home and then frequently find that the cost of purchase of this part is greater than the market value of the entire house”.

 

17.  HOLY FAMILY N.S. TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming 

AND AGREED

“Recognising the health and safety issue that exists at Holy Family N.S. Tubbercurry due to lack of parking set down area and the fact that the HSE own land adjacent to the school which they are prepared to transfer to the Department of Education for a nominal fee of €100 but the Department were unwilling to enter into negotiations this Council now calls on the HSE to transfer the lands at the nominal fee or on a long term lease to the board of management of the school”.

 

18.  RE-ALIGNMENT AND UPGRADE OF N16:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming 

AND AGREED

“I ask this Council to consider the designing of a re-alignment and upgrade of the N16 along the existing route”.

Mr. Tom Kilfeather read the following report:

“The existing N16 National Primary Route in County Sligo extends from the junction with the N4/N15 near Hughes Bridge to the County Leitrim boundary and has an overall length of approximately 10.2km. Most of this route is subject to a 100kph speed limit.

The route can be divided into two relatively contrasting sections. The 2km section from N15 near Hughes bridge along Ash Lane past Sligo Institute of Technology as far as the Abbot Roundabout is subject to a 50kph speed limit and can be classified as urban in nature. The remaining 8.2km of the route is of a more rural nature with sporadic roadside housing development, particularly in the section closer to town.

In order to realign this route, a Route Selection Report was prepared in 1995/96 and eight route options were examined. All routes had a common alignment at the eastern end due to the topography and sensitive landscape.  A Preferred route was adopted by Sligo County Council in November, 1996 and approved by the NRA in 1999. The route is included for upgrading in Sligo County Development Plan 2011-2017.

The proposed scheme consists of 7.1 km of standard single carriageway to extend from the townland of Gortnagrelly at the Sligo/Leitrim county boundary to the existing N15 at Teesan. Progression of this scheme through the planning phases has been suspended and no funding by the NRA has been made available for design or planning since the route was originally adopted.

As the Constraints study and Route Selection for this scheme was carried out in the mid to late 1990ts prior to the publishing of the NRA Guidelines on Project Management, design standards and mandatory processes have changed, these would have to be revisited if the scheme got funding in the near future.

As part of the NRAs minor work programme, funding was requested late last year to realign two sections of the N16 route.  No funding has been received to date”

The meeting requested that these two realignment schemes be resubmitted to the NRA.

 

It was agreed to take items 19 and 30 together.

 

I9.  TRAFFIC CALMING, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry 

AND AGREED

“To ask the County Manager what are the future plans for traffic calming at the roundabout on the entrance to Strandhill village”.

 

30.  TRAFFIC CALMING, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady 

AND AGREED

“To ask for a report on when the permanent works in relation to the improved layout of the roundabout at the junction of Burmah Road (R277) and Top Road (R292) in Strandhill will be carried out.”

Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following:

Surveys of all Low Cost Accident Schemes will be carried out in March. The design of the R292/R277 roundabout type junction at the top end of the Burma Road will have drawings available at the end of April and construction is planned for late May to early June 2013.

 

20.  COASTAL PROTECTION STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry 

AND AGREED

“To ask the County Manager if there are any plans for further coastal protection on the easterly side of Strandhill beach.

Mr. T. Kilfeather read the following report:

Sligo County Council plans for 2013 in relation to coastal protection issues at Strandhill are :

  • the proposed works at the south end of the coastal path for which we are awaiting approval from An Bord Pleanala and
  • minor maintenance measures at the end of the ETW protection works, if deemed appropriate, following further monitoring  and subject to limited resources.

 

21.  NATIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus 

AND AGREED

“Recognising the recent admission by Minister Hogan that the National Spatial Strategy which designated Sligo’s status as a gateway city is to be scrapped, Sligo County Council asks the Minister what alternative strategy has he formulated to encourage the directment of investment and infrastructure into our city.  We also ask that we as a Council be involved in the formulation of this strategy”.

 

23.  DISTRESSED MORTGAGES:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming 

AND AGREED

“The Taoiseach has recently admitted he is not happy with the banks “level of resolution in dealing with distressed mortgages”.  Given that 180,000 residential mortgages are currently in arrears and recognizing that the banks have been given strategies to deal with same, Sligo County Council asks the Government what sanctions if any will be imposed on banks who do not follow the Government’s guidelines for dealing with these issues”.

 

It was agreed to take items numbers 24 and 35 together

 

24.  RURAL TRANSPORT NETWORK:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government and the Minister for Transport not to scrap or downgrade the rural transport network in any way, as it is a vital service to rural communities who have no other means of transport”.

 

35.  RURAL TRANSPORT NETWORK:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the excellent work of Sligo Leader Partnership Company in the operation and delivery of the Rural Transport Programme in County Sligo this council calls on the Minister for Transport to retain the Programme in County Sligo and that it remain in the operation of Sligo Leader Partnership Company”

 

25.  BOROUGH SUBSIDY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus 

“Noting that the County Manager, at the February 2013 monthly meeting of the County Council stated that the County Council had not charged the Borough Council the full cost of services provided to it and indicated that the County Council had been subsidising the Borough Council to the tune of approximately €700,000 per annum; this Council requests the Manager to provide (a) a written report outlining the statutory authority he had to provide the subsidy (b) copies of the relevant Manager’s

Orders relating to the decision to provide the subsidy to the Borough Council”.

Following lengthy discussion on the matter Councillor Leonard proposed that the meeting move on to the next item.  This was seconded by Councillor Barrett.  Further discussion took place following which Councillor Bree sought clarification as to whether his motion was agreed.  The Cathaoirleach informed him that it was agreed.

 

26.  PROPERTY TAX:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus 

“That this Council abhors the Government proposal to impose a tax on the family home and calls on Fine Gael and Labour to withdraw the proposed penal tax”.

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

FOR: Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, Queenan.

AGAINST:  Barrett, Barry, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, Mullaney, Mulvey

ABSTENTION:  V. Cawley, O’Grady

As the result was 7 for, 9 Against and 2 Abstentions, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

 

27.  ALLOTMENTS STRANDHILL N.S.:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan 

AND AGREED

“To ask that Sligo County Council consider renting, on an annual basis, a proportion of the lands owned by Sligo County Council at the rear of Strandhill NS for use as allotments.”

Mr. F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator read the following report:

The lands in question were purchased in 1986 for housing development by Sligo County Council and are presently zoned in the Strandhill Local Area Plan 2003-2012 for Residential Use.

The Council from time to time receives requests for use of lands in its ownership. Each request is viewed and considered taking into account the Councils objectives as set down in the development plan and protection of the Council’s interests in terms of its ownership. On occasion a short term lease can be granted while the implementation of the Development Plan objective is being pursued. The Council is prepared to look at a short term lease in respect of this property. However short term leases sometimes are not favoured for allotments as those involved seek more security in terms of the tenure in which they would hold the property.

Councillor MacManus welcomed the report and stressed that the people were willing to deal on an annual basis.

 

PROPOSAL TO END MEETING AT 5 P.M.:

At this stage in the proceedings, the Cathaoirleach proposed that the meeting would finish at 5 p.m. and this was agreed by all.

 

ITEM NUMBER 25 RE-VISITED:

The Cathaoirleach went back to Item Number 25 and read from Standing Orders.  A debate followed as to whether Councillor Bree’s motion or Councillor Leonard’s motion was agreed.  Following the debate the Cathaoirleach ruled that Councillor Bree’s motion was agreed.

 

DEFERRED MOTIONS:

With the permission of the meeting the following items were deferred to the April meeting –

Numbers 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38 and 39.

 

DEFERRED MOTIONS:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dermot and Laura McCormack on the death of their son, Declan.”

 

40.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Carmel and Martin Kelly on the death of their son, Owen”.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Mary Henry on the death of her father, John Gorman”.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Una Faul on the death of her husband, John.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Deirdre Gillespie on the death of her mother, Christina McDermott”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Christian Mitchell on the death of his father, Rev. Canon Alfie Mitchell”

 

41.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Eimear Mulvey and Conal McCormack on winning the Sligo Lions Association Jigs and Reels Competition 2013”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Councillor Gerry Murray on the occasion of the Sligo Association of New York in the US honouring his contribution to Irish cultural heritage”

 

42. CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

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

 

45.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor Hubert Keaney enquired if Sligo County Council were making any proposals in relation to fracking. In reply, Ms. P. R. Gallagher indicated that the Council would not be making proposals in this regard.

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 5.10 p.m.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 04/03/2013