Minutes 2013
Minutes of Adjourned April Ordinary Meeting held on 22nd April 2013 at 11 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- 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 Lyons,
- Councillor MacManus,
- Councillor McGarry,
- Councillor McGrath,
- 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
- Mr. T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Mr. F. O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
- Mr. S. O’Toole. Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. P. Doyle, Project Manager
- Mr. J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr. F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
- Mr. D. Kelly, IS Analyst Developer
- Ms. M. Boylan, Staff Officer
- Ms. A. Savage, Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
- The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.
APOLOGIES:
Apologies were noted from Councillors D. Cawley and A. McLoughlin.
1. MINUTES OF THE ORD MARCH MEETING HELD ON 4TH MARCH 2013:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary March Meeting held on 4th March, 2013.”
2. MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 4TH FEBRUARY 2013:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 4th February, 2013.”
3. SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF LAND TO MS. FLORENCE CASEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“Notice is hereby given to officially dispose of land at Rathlee, Easkey, Co. Sligo which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 8th April, 2013 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001”.
4. SECTION 183 DISPOSAL OF A DWELLING TO MR. ANDY MILLS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a swelling at Bearlough, Rathmullen, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Mr. Andy Mills”.
5. ADOPTION OF NORTH WEST REGIONAL HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 2013-2018:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“To adopt the North West Regional Homelessness Action Plan 2013 - 2018”.
6. TO NOTE CAPITAL ALLOCATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To note allocations as follows:-
- Capital Allocation for Social Housing Investment Programme 2013
- Capital Allocation for Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability 2013.”
7. SPECIAL SPEED LIMIT ON N4:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the process to implement an 80km/hour special speed limit on the N4 between Doorly and Castlebaldwin”.
8. IPB GATHERING IRELAND FUND 2013:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To agree the I.P.B. Gathering Ireland Fund 2013 for the Local Community Fund and Flagship Events and to agree to the use of Sligo County Council’s crest by Committees in acknowledging support from Sligo County Council.”
9. 4CNW BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To note the update on the EC Supported 4CNW Business Support Programme.”
10. FIX DATE FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To hold the Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council on 24th June, 2013 at 12 noon”.
12. COLLOONEY ALLOTMENT GROUP:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
13. CLOONKEELANE - KILLBRIDE ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to repair damages done to Cloonkeelane - Killbride Road.”
The following report was read to the meeting:
The Area Engineer is examining the repairs required within the context of the low level of funding available and in the context of recent developments in the area.
14. HOUSEHOLD CHARGE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
“I, Councillor Thomas Collery would like to ask Sligo County Council could they give a rough estimate of funding from the household charge that Sligo County Council will receive and also to ask Sligo County Council as to how the people are going to benefit from it”.
The following report was read to the meeting by the Head of Finance:
“The Household charge was introduced in 2012 at €100 per house as an interim measure. The Household Charge is now replaced by the new Local Property Tax (LPT). The LPT will become operational on 1 July 2013 resulting in a half year LPT charge in 2013. A full year charge will apply from 2014 onwards and the LPT is administered by the Revenue Commissioners. The Revenue Commissioners will take responsibility for the collection of outstanding 2012 Household Charges from 1 July 2013.
The receipts from the Household charge in 2012 provided for the General-Purpose Grant allocation from the Local Government Fund for Sligo County Council and in 2012 the original allocation was €13,553,783. This was then reduced in July 2012 based on relative household charge compliance at that time.
The General-Purpose Grant allocation from the Local Government Fund for the year 2013 is €13,584,307.
The Household Charge/Local Property Tax being the Local Government Funding from 2012 onwards goes towards paying for essential local services: local roads; maintenance of public water supplies; public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting. These facilities benefit everyone.
The compliance rate for Household charge to date for Sligo is in excess of 78% and we wish to thank all of the House Owners who have complied with making their payment”.
The Members requested that the report be forwarded to them.
15. BALLYGAWLEY GROUP WATER SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“I, Councillor Thomas Collery would like to ask Sligo County Council for an update on the Ballygawley Group Water Scheme”.
The following report was read to the meeting:
“A proposal for the takeover of Ballygawley Group Water scheme subject to the submission of all necessary documentation was approved by the Council at the September 2012 meeting. Outstanding administration issues are now substantially complete and pending finalization of same it is anticipated that a takeover date will be agreed shortly”.
16. CLASS 2 & 3 ROADS AND LIS SCHEMES:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask the Director of Services what percent of monies from the 2013 roadworks schemes will be spent on Class 2 and 3 roads and LIS Schemes in the County.”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“The Roadworks Scheme for 2013 has been presented and adopted at the five Area Roads Meetings and at todays County Council meeting. The reduction in overall grant funding has been noted and budgets cannot be overspent.
However, each Area Engineer will do his utmost to maintain Class 2 and 3 local roads as best he can in these very difficult circumstances.
In relation to Local Improvement Schemes no funding is available”
11. PRESENTATION BY TEAM SLIGO:
A presentation was delivered to the members on Team Sligo Tourism by Mr. Paul Keyes and Ms. Ann Higgins of Team Sligo. Mr. Keyes and Ms. Higgins responded to questions from the members.
The Cathaoirleach thanked Team Sligo for their presentation.
It was decided to take items 17, 24 and 40 together.
17. IMPROVEMENTS WORKS IN LIEU/ HOUSING AID FOR ELDERLY AND MOBILITY GRANTS:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask the Director of Services for Housing
- how much funding is available for improvement works in lieu schemes and for the construction of rural cottages and
- when will the applications for housing aid for elderly and mobility grants be accepted”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“In relation to the Social Housing Investment Programme 2013 which was recently received from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in the sum of €4,314,463m. Of the amount provided €50,679 has been allocated for extensions/adaptations in stock/improvement works in lieu schemes.
The allocation for grants schemes has also been received from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in the sum of €276,983.80, of which €55,396.76 is to be provided from our own resources.
The allocation notified is a combined allocation in respect of Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council.
It is proposed to re-open applications for Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for people with a disability and Mobility Grant Schemes for one month from 15th April, 2013.
24. GRANT SCHEMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That this Council expresses its disappointment at the huge cut back in funding by the Department for grant schemes for older people and people with disabilities and calls on the Minister for housing, Jan O’Sullivan, to immediately increase the allocation to enable the Council grant aid eligible applicants”.
40. HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS FOR OLD PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That the Council deplores the decision of the Government and the Labour Minister of State for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan, to impose savage cuts in the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Schemes; and further this Council now calls on the Minister and the Government to reverse the cutbacks and to provide adequate finances to fund the Housing Grants Schemes for the current year”.
A general discussion ensued and disappointment and anger was expressed. It was agreed to submit a letter to Minister O’Sullivan asking her to review this decision.
18. TALKS ON PAY CUTS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That this Council congratulates the Association of Garda Sergeants and Superintendents (AGSI) and the Garda Representative Association (GRA) on their courageous decision to withdraw from the talks on pay cuts; and further the Council supports and endorses the decision of the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance (which also includes nurses, fire fighters, prison officer and ambulance personnel) in their declared total opposition to any measures emerging from those talks which would seek to reduce the income of its members.”
19. TUBBERCURRY GARDA STATION:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter and the Chief Superintendent of an Garda Siochana Michael Clancy to provide extra manpower to Tubbercurry Garda Station as was promised when the boundaries were changed also due to the recent closure of Aclare Station”
20. SEPTIC TANK INSPECTIONS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on the cost to the council of each septic tank inspection”
The following report was read to the meeting:
It is a difficult task to attribute a cost to the Local Authority for each inspection.
The National Inspection Plan has just recently been published in February 2013 and the training course for inspectors is due to be rolled out shortly which will be attended by Sligo County Council personnel. The inspections are due to commence in July 2013. There is no charge on the house owner for the inspection itself.
The cost to the Council could be broken down into:
- Time allocated for the inspection
- Associated travel costs for each inspection.
- Any associated equipment that may need to be purchased such as dyes etc
- Administration costs associated with the inspections and follow up with the householder and maintenance of the septic tank register.
- Further follow up inspections may also be needed if remedial works are required in order to comply with the national regulations.
At this stage it is too early to attach a specific cost and the full details of what an inspection actually entails will be clearer when staff complete the inspection training course.
As with all sections within the Council the Environment Section has to carry out its functions and duties in the context of reducing budgets and staff numbers. The expectation will be that to the greatest extent possible that the Section will endeavour to carry out this new set of tasks within available budgets. This may impact negatively on other areas of work.
21. AVENA APARTMENTS IN BALLISODARE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on the Avena Apartments in Ballisodare, The Minister has stated that any development which has no economic future or potential of being occupied should be demolished. Can I ask what is the councils view on what can be done or when can we expect to see the apartments demolished”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“The Council understands that there is currently ongoing discussions between the developer of Avena Mills and its funders in relation to this site. The outcome is awaited”
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED:
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Housing with the Department of Environment to highlight the concerns of the Council regarding unoccupied, near derelict developments – especially the Avena Apartments in Ballisodare”
22. FUNDING FOR CLASS 3 ROADS:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
23. R290 AT CARRICKNAGAT, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to undertake works at road R290 at Carricknagat, Collooney to take away the surface water lodging along this busy road”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“The Area Engineer will examine the R290 at Carricknagat where some water remains on the road in times of prolonged wet periods.
Some drainage works may be possible within the confines of a very tight budget”
25. RENOVATION OF OLD/RUNDOWN BUILDINGS IN TUBBERCURRY:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
26. EU LATE PAYMENTS:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask the Manager what effect the transposition of the EU late payments directives into Irish law will have on our financial position at Sligo County Council”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“SI 2012 European Communities Late Payment in Commercial Transactions Regulations 2012 is a new regulation which came into effect on 16th March, 2013.
Where Prompt Payment Penalty Interest is due on an invoice, compensation costs are also due to suppliers.
The Regulations apply to commercial transactions in both the public and private sectors. The interest rate chargeable for late payment is the European Central Bank main refinancing rate plus 8 percentage points unless otherwise agreed.
The minimum compensation charge is €40.
This requirement puts a further strain on our difficult financial and cash flow position”
27. POLLING BOOTH STOKANE NATIONAL SCHOOL:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
28. ILLEGAL MONEY LENDING:
Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“As illegal money-lending is having a devastating effect on vulnerable families and individuals in our towns, the members request that the Department of Justice and Department of Social Protection conduct a review of the sanctions that exist against illegal money-lenders and issue guidance to Senior Gardai and officials to prioritise this issue for investigation and prosecution”
29. POST BOX IN CULFADDA VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on An Post to provide a post box at a suitable location in the village of Culfadda”.
30. VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN MINISTER COVENEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor MacManus
“To call on Sligo County Council to express its dissatisfaction with the Government’s handling of the C.A.P. negotiations by passing this motion of no confidence in Minister for Agriculture Mr. Coveney and his Government”
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
“That this Council calls on Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to include a redistribution of direct funds from CAP proposals to support disadvantaged farmers and enable them to increase production”
It was proposed by Councillor S. MacManus, seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney and agreed to suspend Standing Orders in order to consider the motions submitted by Councillors Mullaney and MacManus.
As agreement was not reached on Councillor Clarke’s motion following discussion the Cathaoirleach called a vote.
FOR: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, O’Grady
AGAINST: Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Mullaney and Mulvey
ABSTENTION: V. Cawley
As the result was 9 for, 5 Against and 1 Abstention, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
At this stage, Councillor Mullaney’s proposal was agreed
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney to allocate emergency funding to farmers in the North West to assist them in dealing with the current fodder crisis”
31. SIGNAGE PROMENADE STRANDHILL:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
32. SIGNAGE FOR STRANDHILL N.S.:
Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To ask that the proper signage be erected for Strandhill National School”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“It is proposed to ensure that the statutory school warning signs are erected on either side of Strandhill National School”
It was further agreed that a finger post sign for the school would be positioned at the Church.
33. ESB PAY AS YOU GO METERS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To call on the Director of Services for Housing to expedite the decision time to grant permission to Local Authority Tenants to use ESB pay as you go meters”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“Sligo County Council deals with any requests to changeover to pay as you go meters as quickly as possible. A letter to the tenants is usually issued immediately after receipt of this request. A standard letter is issued to the tenant(s) allowing the change to “Pay as you go meters”, on foot of permission being given by a member of the technical office who ensures that records are as accurate as possible. Sligo County Council in the majority of cases has no issue in facilitating such a change over as it allows the tenants a more affordable method of payment of their electricity bill. Tenants are advised that the Council will not be responsible for any payment relating to the change over”.
34. TRANSFER OF CLIFFONEY GARDA BARRACKS:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Government, Minister Hayes in particular, to offer the former Garda Barracks in Cliffoney to the local community first as promised at the time of the closure”.
A short discussion took place and Councillor Keaney indicated to the meeting that he was pretty sure that the building would be delivered back to the Community.
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council write to the Minister regarding the transfer of Cliffoney Barracks to the local community and request the Minister to advise on timelines for same”.
35. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“As a possible plan to deal with Anti Social Behaviour I am proposing that the Director of Services for Housing convene reps of various Agencies to formulate a programme aimed at positive development of communities particularly Local Authority Housing Estates”
The following report was read to the meeting:
“Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council adopted the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2011 to 2015 in February 2011. The purpose of the Strategy is to assist the council in the management of its housing stock, to control and enforce its tenancies, to secure and protect the interests of its tenants and to help contribute to a sustainable community to allow all housing tenures to live together peaceably. The Strategy sets out a framework for dealing with issues of nuisance and anti-social behaviour. The council as part of this strategy will investigate and endeavour to resolve complaints adopting a multi-agency approach in liaising with Gardai, HSE, Joint Policing committees and RAPID as necessary to identify areas of high incidence and work together to solve the problems.
As part of the councils response on a day to day basis to situations involving ASB and nuisance behaviour in housing estates, an inter-agency approach is used by consulting with the Gardai, HSE and other agencies and non-governmental organisations as necessary. This approach has proven successful in resolving difficulties that have arisen. The council also engage with Focus Ireland and Simon to assist with the prevention of issues in vulnerable households, and have links with resident associations and community groups in order to look at community development responses to problems. This is the case in both SCC and SBC housing estates.
It must also be recognised that tenants and communities themselves have a responsibility in this matter. In the current climate of diminishing resources neither the council nor the other statutory agencies will be able to deal with every issue of a nuisance or anti social behaviour nature which arises. Many of these instances are pure bad behaviour and lack of respect to others, lack of responsibility and lack of supervision of youths. It must be stressed that all residents have a responsibility themselves to ensure that their community is a pleasant and safe place to live in”.
36. SOPHIA HOUSING UNITS TUBBERCURRY:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
38. ADDITIONAL GARDAI TUBBERCURRY:
With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.
39. REVERSAL OF CUTS TO ELECTRICITY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on Minister Joan Burton to reverse the cuts to electricity/gas allowance, fuel allowance and the heating period which have been implemented since she became Minister for Social Protection”.
41. NCT TESTING:
With the permission of the meeting this item was deferred.
42. SLIGO MUSEUM/MODEL AND NILAND GALLERY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“Noting that Sligo County Council borrowed a sum of €6.4million in July 2008 for the development of a new Sligo Museum and for an extension to the Model and Niland Galley; and noting that €1.7million of the €6.4 million was provided for the Model extension; this Council requests the County Manager to provide a report indicating what the balance of €4.7million was used for”.
37. FENCING RIVER IN BALLISODARE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D Mulvey
AND AGREED
“Following the drowning of seven year old James Casey Butler, from Forrest Hill in Midleton, Co. Cork after he fell into the Owenacurra river in Cork, can Sligo County Council provide a report as to when the fencing be put in place on the banks of the river in the village of Ballisodare. Locals have expressed concerns that this accident is a tragedy waiting to happen in Ballisodare”.
A discussion took place and Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services indicated that the Council cannot fence the land as it is privately owned. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the landowner requesting him to do some work here in the future. Mr. Kilfeather agreed to revisit the case of citing a lifebuoy in the area.
43. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Teresa McGettrick on the death of her brother, Sylvester Mulholland.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Geraldine McDonagh on the death of her father, John Keaveney”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to James O’Gara on the death of his brother, John”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Padraig Finn on the death of his brother, Michael”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Joe Queenan on the death of his brother, Michael”.
44. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Kieran O’Dowd of Gurteen, Co. Sligo on being elected President of Macra Na Feirme”
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Kieran O’Dowd of Gurteen, Co. Sligo on the occasion of his Election as National President of Macra Na Feirme”
45. CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That the list of conferences circulated for February at this meeting, are unanimously approved.”
MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
Councillor Bree expressed his disappointment that a report had not been presented to the Members as requested by him at the March meeting regarding subsidising the Borough Council. Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services indicated that the report will issue in due course.
The meeting ended at 5.10 p.m..
Meeting Date 22/04/2013