Minutes 2013
Minutes of June Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 10th June, 2013 at 11.00am 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 D. Cawley,
- 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
- Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
- Mr T. Brennan, Acting Director of Services
- Mr. D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
- Mr J. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
- Ms M. Boylan, Staff Officer
- Ms. A. Savage, Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
- The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.
1. MINUTES OF THE MAY ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 13TH MAY, 2013:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary April Meeting held on 13th May, 2013.”
2. MINUTES OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CPG MEETING HELD ON 8TH APRIL 2013:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 8th April, 2013.”
Councillor Sean MacManus sought clarification in relation to a reference to a “Treasury Management” initiative contained in the minutes. The County Manager stated that a feasibility study and business case was being prepared to examine the possibility of local authorities borrowing from each other. He stated that a change in the law may be required for this and that a report was being prepared, and would be circulated to members when available.
3. MINUTES OF SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 4TH FEBRUARY, 2013:
Proposed by Councillor MacManus
Seconded by Councillor McLoughlin
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 4th February, 2013.”
4. MINUTES OF SLIGO/STRANDHILL ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 25TH FEBRUARY, 2013:
Proposed by Councillor McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor MacManus
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 25th February, 2013.”
5. DISPOSAL OF DWELLING AT CARROWNADARGNEY, GEEVAGH:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Carrownadargney, Geevagh, Co. Sligo to Carmel and Dermot Harte”
6. DECLARE ROADS PUBLIC IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 11(1) OF THE ROADS ACT, 1993:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility
A. Declare that the Roads named below to be Public Roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993
| Road Number | Location and Terminal Points |
|---|---|
| L-130310-0 | Road serving the housing development known as “Brookfort” Riverstown. |
B. That Sligo County Council take in charge the following:
- The housing estate of “Brookfort”, Riverstown.
7. AUTHORISE OVER EXPENDITURE:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“To authorise over expenditure of €3,128,063 reported in the 2012 Annual Financial Statement in accordance with section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001, and to consider the Annual Financial Statement for 2012 in accordance with section 108(5) of the local Government Act 2001”
Ms. M. Leydon stated the following:
The following divisions incurred over-expenditure against budget as outlined below and are within Note 17 of the AFS.
Your approval is sought for this amount.
Although these divisions incurred expenditure above what was provided for in the budget associated Income received in some services was also above budget, thus the resulting impact on the Revenue Account is a deficit for 2012 of €2,455,200.
The main items with associated income over budget are the RAS Programme, Housing Loans, Road Grants and Environmental Services. The Stores costs are absorbed by Machinery yard Income and the administration of Rates figure which includes rates write off for vacant properties is absorbed by the associated accrual above budget for Rates for these properties.
The over-expenditure in A03 for Housing Rents includes a provision for bad debts of just over €50,000. In G02 Operation and Maintenance of Piers and Harbours, figures included in Income of previous years now had to be written off following legal settlement.
Some other small areas of over-expenditure occurred in various divisions from the allocation of salary cost, with corresponding under-expenditure values in different services.
As agreement was not reached following discussion, the Cathaoirleach called a vote
FOR: Barrett, Barry, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Devins, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey, O’Grady.
AGAINST: Bree, MacManus
ABSTENTION: Gormley
As the result was 16 for, 2 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
8. Q1 2013 IMF/EU FINANCIAL RETURNS:
Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To note Q1 2013 IMF/EU Financial Returns”
9. RURAL WATER PROGRAMME, BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATION:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To approve report in respect of Rural Water Programme, Block Grant Allocation, 2013”
10. COLLOONEY ALLOTMENT GROUP:
Councillor G. Mullaney requested that this item be removed from the Agenda
11. STOKANE NATIONAL SCHOOL:
With the permission of the meeting this item was deferred.
12. SUSPENSION OF NCT TESTING:
With the permission of the meeting this item was deferred.
13. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SCHEME
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Following the announcement of funding under the Community Involvement Scheme I am requesting that we be furnished with a detailed report on how the local contribution is to be funded”
The following report was read to the meeting:
The Community Involvement Scheme is a new scheme and it is intended that the schemes that have been approved for funding for Co. Sligo can be developed, so as not to necessitate any monetary cost to this Council.
To achieve this, each scheme will be developed so as to identify the local contribution, viz materials, advance works etc already made in each of the locations concerned.
14. MOUNTAIN VIEW RESIDENTS COMMITTEE:
Proposed by Councillor G. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
“The Mountain View Residents Committee in Tubbercurry have requested support from Sligo County Council to enhance and maintain this council owned estate. I will ask this Council what funding can be provided to them to help continue this great work on a voluntary basis.”
Ms. Clarke reported to the meeting as follows:-
There is no provision made for Environmental Improvements Works on Housing Estates for 2013. Priority is given for emergency repairs. Any changes to the Differential Rent Scheme is not something that can be done without changing the actual Scheme. We will review the position on an ongoing basis and we will contact LEADER to see if they would have a scheme that might benefit our housing estates. We will try and get a Policy to the SPC but it will possibly be the end of the year before we have a suggested plan.
Following discussion the meeting agreed that the motion be brought to the Housing S.P.C. and a report be prepared for the full Council.
15. LEADER PARTNERSHIP FUNDING:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
“To welcome the announcement of funding for Leader Partnership companies by Minister Hogan to promote development by communities in cooperation with Leader and Local Authorities.”
A motion in the names of Councillors Bree, Gormley and MacManus was submitted to the meeting. This motion was ruled out of order. Following discussion Councillor Fleming withdrew his motion and it was agreed that the motion from Councillors Bree, Gormley and MacManus be placed on the agenda for the July meeting.
16. WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“To propose that the provision of a waste water treatment plant at Tobercurry be prioritized by this Council in consideration of funding available from Local property tax and request the Department for the Environment to allocate funding as a matter of urgency.”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“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 requested a review of the scheme in the context of compliance requirements with recent environmental legislation and the overall scope of the project. This Design Review Report has been completed and submitted to the Department. We will progress the statutory planning requirements while we await formal approval from the Department”.
Following a discussion, it was
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That item Number 16 (Motion from Councillor Fleming) be amended to include both Strandhill and Grange as follows
To propose that the provision of waste water treatment plants at Tobercurry, Strandhill and Grange be prioritized by this Council in consideration of funding available from Local property tax and request the Department for the Environment to allocate funding as a matter of urgency.”
At this stage the meeting broke for lunch and resumed at 2.15 p.m. with Councillor D. Mulvey, Leas Cathaoirleach in the Chair.
It was decided to take items 17 and 18 together.
17 & 18 FLUORIDISATION OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“Fluoridisation of public water supplies is of major concern for many people over the years. I am proposing that Sligo County Council review the legal implications and cost of continuing to provide this treatment in the County.”
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“In light of the growing public concerns in relation to the fluoridation of public water supplies, I am asking for a report on present position as pertain to county. What is the law on this subject, what are the arguments for and against, what are the costs involved in adding fluorosilicic acid, is there a need to terminate water fluoridation as a precautionary principle.”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“The decision to fluoridate public water supplies was made by the Irish Government under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960, and it is currently implemented in accordance with the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations 2007 and the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No.2) Regulations, 2007. Sligo County Council is required to carry out this work on behalf of the Health Service Executive and associated operational and capital costs are recouped from the Health Service Executive, e.g. €28,594 recouped for operational costs in 2012.
Sligo County Council is monitored and instructed by the Health Service Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency in relation to the fluoridation of public water supplies and other public health matters in accordance with the regulations”.
A discussion followed and it was
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To propose that the Minister for Health provide a report to Sligo County Council on the merits of adding flourosilicic acid to our public water supplies, and is there a need to terminate fluoridation as a precautionary principle”
19. PAYMENTS TO FARMERS
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to demand the Government to deliver a Financial package to save farmers from going out of Business,
- to introduce a Financial Package to compensate farmers for financial loss accrued this winter
- to pay out immediately the disadvantage area payment
- to seek permission from the EU to pay out the first installment of the single payment Immediately.”
20. ROUNDABOUTS FOR TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor G. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“I will ask Sligo County Council for an up to date progress report on the proposed 2 roundabouts for Tubbercurry, one on the R294 Ballina Road and one on the N17 Charlestown Road, Tubbercurry."
The following report was read to the meeting:
“In 2013, €10,000 was allocated by the NRA to continue the design of the above scheme.
An economic appraisal is currently being undertaken to determine the cost benefit ratio on the scheme. This appraisal will be completed in the coming weeks. On completion of the appraisal and depending on the result, further money will be sought from the NRA to progress the scheme”.
21. CHILD CARE/PRE-SCHOOL/CRECHES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“Noting with alarm that pre-school and crèches in Sligo have not been inspected by the authorities for up to four years, and recognising that official regulations advice that all pre-school services should be inspected at least once a year, this Council calls on the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the existing regulations are enforced as a matter of urgency and further we call for the introduction of much needed reform in respect of the childcare services, particularly with regard to the inspection system, public funding and staff training.”
22. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL – LEGAL SERVICES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That this Council having regard to the Statutory Audit Reports of the Local Government Auditor, resolves that Sligo County Council invite tenders for the provision of legal services to the County Council in accordance with open public procurement guidelines.”
The County Manager agreed to issue a reply to Councillor Bree’s Motion within the next month.
23. MONOGRAMMING SERVICES – SLIGO GENERAL:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That this council calls on the Government to
- provide a report on the prevision of a Mammographer for Sligo General Hospital,
- to call on the Minister For Health to provide the same Monogramming service that Castlebar hospital enjoys, where the Monogramming team based in Galway would come to Sligo General Hospital twice a month until a Mammographer is appointed at Sligo.”
24. KILTURRA CEMETERY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“Due to the dangerous condition of the perimeter wall of Kilturra Cemetery I am calling on the council to carry out immediate repairs to make it safe”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“While very little funding exists this year for maintenance of cemeteries, the Area Engineer is being asked to assess the extent of the problems relating to the perimeter wall at Kilturra Burial Ground”.
25. SIGNAGE ON R297 AT COLAISTE IASCAIGH:
With the permission of the meeting this item was deferred.
26. ROUNDABOUT AT STRANDHILL:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
"To ask for a report on when work will commence on the new permanent roundabout in Strandhill at the junction of the R292 (Top Road) and R277 (Burma Road) and to urge that such works would commence as soon as possible as this junction has reverted to its previous dangerous condition since the removal of the temporary bollards from this roundabout".
The following report was read to the meeting:
“The temporary bollards/barriers were removed due to recent strong winds causing them to move and become dangerously located.
Work on some necessary drainage, kerbing and surface renewal should commence in July, as soon as our own workforce become available”.
At this point the Cathaoirleach returned to Chair the meeting.
27. SUICIDE PREVENTION:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council, alarmed at the steady rise in suicide rates in Ireland in recent years, calls on the Government to increase funding to organisations and services active in suicide prevention and support for families affected by suicide. This Council calls for an All Ireland National Suicide Authority to be set up with the aim of synchronizing the efforts of all anti-suicide organisations and creating clarity and unity in suicide prevention."
28. LOUGH TALT WATER SUPPLY SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“Under the Water Conservation Programme I ask the Director of Services
- Have the council made an application this year to the Department of the Environment for funding to carry out further replacement pipes on the Lough Talt Water Supply Scheme where leaks are occurring on a daily basis also the fact that long sections of the pipe work is still asbestos.
- How many miles of piping on the scheme is asbestos”
- What is the position on the upgrade of the Water Treatment Plant?”
The following report was read to the meeting:
- Sligo County Council have applied for and received approval from the Department for funding of €5.7M towards water mains rehabilitation works on the Lough Talt water supply scheme. We are currently in the process of procuring an Employer’s Representative and it is anticipated that tender documents for the rehabilitation works will be finalized in 2014.
- Approximately 36km of the 520km on the scheme are asbestos cement pipes.
- The Lough Talt water treatment plant is listed for upgrade on the current Water Services Investment Programme as published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ecological and hydrological studies required to progress the Natura Impact Statement and the Water Abstraction Order for the scheme are ongoing in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department. Parallel discussions in relation to a potential interim upgrade of the water treatment plant are also being progressed due to the delays being experienced with ecological issues. We are currently awaiting a response from the Department in this regard”.
29. COUNCIL MORTGAGES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That the County Manager provide a report on the number of households in the County who hold mortgages from the Council, the number of these Council mortgage holders who are in arrears for more than 90 days, and the approach taken by the Council to work with mortgage holders who are experiencing serious difficulties in making their mortgage repayments.”
30. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Noel Mullaney on the death of his wife, Theresa”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Noel Caffrey on the death of his mother, Mary”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. J.P. Duffy on the death of his brother, Michael”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Frank Dwyer on the death of his mother, Teresa”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ms. Sinead Quigley on the death of her father, John”
Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. John Higgins on the death of his brother, Frank”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Kieran McFadden on the death of his father, Francie”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Kieran McGowan on the death of his mother, Rita”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. John Madden on the death of his sister, Christina”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ms. Colette McDonagh on the death of her brother, John”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Winnie Mannion on the death of her husband, Kevin”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. John Madden on the death of his sister, Christina”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Margaret Higgins on the death of her son, Frank”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Edmond Doddy on the death of his brother, Batty”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Maura Walsh on the death of her husband, John Joe”
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Sean Coleman on the death of his sister, Kathleen”
31. VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Rev. Fr. Paul Kivlehan on the occasion of his Ordination to the Priesthood”
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. & Mrs. Walter and Annie Mae Kivlehan on the occasion of the Ordination to the Priesthood of their son, Fr. Paul”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Rev. Fr. Paul Kivlehan on his Ordination to the Priesthood”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Under 13 Table Tennis Team and their Manager, Mr. Alan Taylor of Quarryfield, Bunninadden on winning a Gold Medal in the All Ireland Community Games”
32. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That the list of conferences proposed for June at this meeting are unanimously approved.”
33. CORRESPONDENCE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the HSE to transfer the lands at Holy Family N.S. Tubbercurry to Sligo County Council or to the Board of Management of the school for the nominal charge they were giving it to the Department of Education for or on a long term lease to the Board in the interest of safety”
35. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That the correspondence from Ballyhea Protest Group be forwarded to all Councils for their support.”
DUNMORAN STRAND
Councillor M. Clarke raised the issue of no bins and the toilets being closed at Dunmoran beach on the June Bank Holiday.
MR. LIAM SCOLLAN
Councillor Margaret Gormley and a number of the Councillors spoke on the great loss to Knock Airport as Mr. Liam Scollan announced that his was leaving his Post. They wished him well in his new position.
END OF MEETING
The meeting ended at 5.10 p.m.
Meeting Date 10/06/2013