Minutes 2014

Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 13th October, 2014 at 11.00am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

• Councillor Baker,
• Councillor Bree,
• Councillor Casserly,
• Councillor Clarke,
• Councillor Gormley,
• Councillor Healy,
• Councillor Keaney,
• Councillor Kilgannon,
• Councillor Lundy,
• Councillor Maguire,  
• Councillor MacManus,
• Councillor Mac Sharry,
• Councillor Mulvey,
• Councillor O’Boyle,
• Councillor O’Grady,
• Councillor Queenan,
• Councillor Scanlon and
• Councillor Taylor.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

• Mr Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive (CE)
• Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services (DOS)
• Ms Marie Leydon, Head of Finance (HOF)
• Mr Bartley Gavin, Acting/Director of Services (A/DOS)
• Mr Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer (SEE)
• Mr Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
• Mr John Moran, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
• Mr Kevin Colreavy, Meeting Administrator
• Ms Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer (CO)

 

1.  MINUTES OF PROCEDURES COMMITTEE MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Procedures Committee Meeting, held on 29th July, 2014.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF SEPT MEETING HELD ON 8TH SEPTEMBER, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor T. Mac Sharry

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the September Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council, held on 8th September, 2014.”

 

3.  TAKING IN CHARGE – SLIBH MÓR, CARNEY

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of ‘taking in charge’ the development known as ‘Sliabh Mór,’ at Carney, Co. Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development.”

 

4.  OUGHAM BAWN, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility

1. declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.
    
   

   Road Number	Location and Terminal Points
   L-45029-0	Road situate in the housing estate known as “Ougham Bawn” Tubbercurry

   
    
2. that Sligo County Council take in charge the following;
   
   The Housing estate known as ‘Ougham Bawn’, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.

 

5.  CHURCH VIEW AND HIGHFIELD ESTATE:

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

AND AGREED

That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility

1. declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.
    
   

   Road Number	Location and Terminal Points
   L-81044-0	Road situate in the housing development known as ‘Church View’ in the townland of Gurteen.
   L-45028-0	Road situate in the housing development known as ‘Highfield Estate’ in the townland of Rathscanlon in Tubbercurry.

   
    
2. that Sligo County Council take in charge the following;
   
   The housing development known as ‘Church View’, Gurteen, Co. Sligo
   
   The housing development known as ‘Highfield Estate’, Rathscanlon, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.”

 

6.  SECTION 183 – IT SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To approve the disposal of lands at, Ballytivnan, Sligo, located in the vicinity of St. John’s Hospital and Junction at Ash lane to the Institute of Technology Sligo, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001.”

 

7.  SPC SCHEME:

Councillor Bree puts forward a motion which reads as follows:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“That in the interest of good governance, proper monitoring and openness and transparency the existing four SPCs be retained and that the title of SPC 1 be amended to read ‘Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning Policy’, and that the draft Strategic Policy Scheme be suitable amended so as to ensure that Council representation and sectoral interests are properly represented on each SPC.”

The members discussed the draft scheme and the merits of maintaining 4 SPCs In response to comments from Members, the CE Mr Hayes stated that the proposed scheme enhanced both the powers of members and the democratic representation in the Council Chamber. Mr Hayes confirmed that the adoption of  the Draft Strategic Policy Scheme was a reserved function, and he was recommending the draft scheme as presented, in the context of the Council’s human and financial resources and its new organisational structure.

Mr. Moran, SEO gives the members an overview of the notes and guidelines followed when putting together the draft SPC Scheme.

 

The CE, Mr Hayes clarified the following for the members;

• The SPCs will be required to meet at least 4 times a year.
• It is a reserved function to agree the final scheme the executive role is solely advisory.
• There would be additional costs in setting up a fourth SPC. The CE estimates approximately €10,000 per annum.

 

The members ask for a 5 minute adjournment to consider their options. The Cathaoirleach adjourns the meeting for 5 minutes.

 

Upon resumption of the meeting Councillor Kilgannon indicated that they would be willing to agree the SPC Scheme as presented once the executive gives a commitment that the €10,000 projected savings would be ring-fenced for use for Housing Grants for the Elderly and Disabled.

Mr Hayes confirms that these savings could be used for Housing Grants and he indicated that the 3 SPCs could run much more efficiently than 4.

As agreement could not be reached on Councillor Bree’s motion the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Bree, Casserly, Clarke, Gormley, Healy, Mac Manus and O’Boyle.

Against: Baker, Keaney, Kilgannon, Lundy, Maguire, Mac Sharry, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan, Scanlon and Taylor.

As the vote was 7 For and 11 Against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

It was then;

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To consider and adopt the Draft Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2014 – 2019.”

 

8.  STANDING ORDERS FOR COUNTY COUNCIL:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Standing Orders for Sligo County Council.”

 

9.  MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS STANDING ORDERS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To note the Draft Standing Orders for the Municipal Districts of County Sligo”

 

10.  MINUTES OF SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of the final Meeting of Sligo Borough Council held on 1st May, 2014.”

 

11.  MANAGEMENT REPORTS:

The members discussed the August Monthly Management Reports.

 

12.  BUDGET MEETING:

The meeting discussed a date for the Annual Budget meeting which has to be held on or between 1st November and 24th November.

Monday 24th November, 2014 at 10.00am in County Hall was agreed for Budget meeting.

 

13.  SLIGO SPORT AND RECREATION PARTNERSHIP:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor T. Mac Sharry

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Paul Taylor, Dara Mulvey and Marie Casserly to the Board of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.”

 

14.  CRANMORE STEERING COMMITTEE:

This Item had been referred to the Sligo Municipal District meeting. However, the Municipal District meeting sought clarification from the General Council on the eight members who expressed an interest in the committee.

The Meeting Administrator, Mr Colreavy read out the eight names from the Minutes of the Municipal District meeting, It was then;

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

AND AGREED

“To ratify the appointment of Councillors Bree, Casserly, Healy, Keaney, O’Boyle, O’Grady, Mac Sharry and Mac Manus to the Cranmore Steering Committee.”

 

15.  AGE FRIENDLY ALLIANCE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor T. Mac Sharry

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Rosaleen O’Grady and S. Kilgannon to the Sligo Age Friendly Alliance.”

 

16.  OPW PRESENTATION:

To set a date to consider a presentation by OPW on Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Project.

The members agreed to a presentation by the OPW at the November Ordinary meeting.

 

17.  FLEADH REPORT:

Mr Gavin, A/DOS delivered a report on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann; the main statistics being;

• Extensive programme of events over 9 days, many of which were free.
• Fleadh 2014 had the largest number of Fleadh competitors and it was the first Fleadh where competitions were held over 3 days to accommodate numbers.
• Influx of more than 300,000 visitors across all ages 16-45.
• 22% of visitors came from abroad with 72% of these coming especially for the Fleadh.
• Cash injection into local economy estimated at approximately €40m.
• Unprecedented support from business sector, arts and community groups.
• Very positive feedback from Comhaltas, businesses and visitors.
• Areas have been identified where improvements will be made for next year.

The members paid tribute to all those involved in organising the Fleadh. Members of the organising committee, Michael Brennan and Martin Enright, were present in the chamber and were also thanked and commended for their work.

Mr. Gavin thanked the members for their comments and in response to queries he stated that;

• The Fleadh budget was just over €900,000 with an additional €295,000 from PEACE III leading to an overall budget of €1.2m.
• There are still monies to be drawn down from various public bodies but the final cost will come in close enough to budget.

The CE Mr Hayes stated that the outstanding success of the Fleadh showed what could be achieved when people worked together.  The event had served as a ‘Clarion Call’ to the many community groups,  Tidy Towns Committee, volunteers and members of Council staff, who made an enormous contribution to Fleadh 2014.

 

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.00pm

 

18.  BUENOS AIRES COURT:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

19.  SLIGO FIRE SERVICE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“To ask for a detailed report on the current operational capacity of the Fire Service in County Sligo, with specific regard to current personnel numbers, existing crew number guidelines and any proposed changes within the service.”

In response Mr Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

The Fire Service Structure in Sligo consists of

1. Headquarters Staff based in Sligo and
2. Fire Stations at Sligo, Ballymote, Tubbercurry and Enniscrone.

The Stations at Ballymote, Tubbercurry and Enniscrone are staffed by retained Firefighters while Sligo has full time and retained fire fighters. Details of staffing are as follows:-

Station	Approved Crew Guidelines	Current staffing Complement
Sligo	22	19
Ballymote	9	8
Tubbercurry	9	8
Enniscrone	9	8

 

In total there are 6 vacancies in Brigade staffing levels. These 6 vacancies are made up of 2 Sub Officer positions, 1 Firefighter/Driver position and 3 Retained Firefighter positions.

The Council is in the process of setting up panels for retained Firefighters for all four Brigades and application for same closed on Friday last,10th October.

All non entry vacancies in the Fire Service are filled in the first instance by confined competition i.e. Sub-Officer positions identified above. Sanction has been sought from the Department to fill these positions.

Proposed changes to Fire Services nationally are to be delivered in the context of "Keeping Communities Safe" which is the output from a review in 2012 of fire services and fire safety in the country, and which has been adopted as Government policy.

Keeping Communities Safe":

• Deals with key issues including reform of service delivery structures, the roles of fire services for society, identifies strategies and sets standards for effectiveness and quality assurance processes
• Sets out the approach, standards and expectations for fireservices delivered by LA's inIreland and
• Sets challenging outcomes targets to be achieved by the end of the implementation period in Dec 2015.

Fire Services are currently provided by 37 statutorily designated fire authorities structured around the principal local authorities with 30 service delivery units for those 37 fire authorities. In this new strategy a reduction is proposed from the current 30 to 21 based on developing and extending a "shared services approach which provides services for population groups of 120,000 to 200,000.The proposed 21 Fire Services Model will be made up of 14 single fire authorities and 7 others delivered on a shared service basis. Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim together will be one of these 7 units.

There are discussions ongoing with Roscommon and Leitrim on this shared services model at senior management level. Communications with Trade Unions will take place when required. No draft plan is in place yet. What is envisaged for Sligo/Roscommon/Leitrim model of operations in broad terms is a shared services approach to non front lines services e.g training, inspections, health and safety, safety advise processing of payments etc. There will be no changes in terms of front line fire operation services, where, how and by whom delivered.

It is envisaged that the new model for delivering Fire Services will be reflected in a Service Development/Action Plan prepared by Fire Services Management. This is also known as Section 26 Plan. It is envisaged that the Draft Plan will be presented to the Environment SPC outlining the background  and  content  of  the  document and the associated proposed changes in fire authority policy as a consequence Having been approved or amended by the SPC the Plan is then to be presented to a full meeting of the County Council for adoption and subsequently is to be sent to the Minister.

The "Keeping Communities Safe" Document can be viewed on line in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government website.

 

20.  CATTLE PRICES:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

21.  ROAD MAINTENANCE:

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

“I will ask Sligo County Council to put in place a plan for the county to :-

1. Eliminate impediments to traffic and danger to pedestrians arising from overhanging tree limbs, brambles and other vegetation encroaching on our roads.
2. Achieve proper routine and scheduled maintenance of all roadside drainage systems/water tables annually.”

In response Mr O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

Trees, brambles etc are dealt with as far as funds allow. Any specific case of a dangerous tree should be made known to the Area Engineer for investigation.

Roadside drainage programmes are totally dependent on human resources and funding, and would be a matter for consideration by the Municipal District Committee in the context of the 2015 budget and the Schedule of Municipal District works.

Mr O’Toole added that a lack of funding and a decreasing workforce were having a significant effect on works on County and Local Roads.

 

22.  RURAL IRELAND:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government and the Minister in charge of Community, Rural Affairs and Agriculture to help save rural Ireland from devastation.”

The members discussed the motion and in response the CE Mr Hayes advised that the focus should be on taking advantage of our assets and realising the enormous potential of initiatives such as the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, the development of Greenways, facilitating and encouraging rural enterprise and tourism. M Hayes that this agenda could be advanced through the Strategic Policy Committee. 

 

23.  PASSPORT OFFICE IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the loss of the Department jobs and the Aurivo jobs in Tubbercurry, I will again call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to consider the establishment of a third passport office to cover the West/North West of Ireland, and that this passport office be located in Tubbercurry.”

 

24.  RURAL BROADBAND:

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

AND AGREED

“As broadband is a necessity in rural areas this Council calls on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to indicate when high speed broadband will be rolled out to the 42 rural locations in Co Sligo which was announced by this Government in April of this year.”

 

The Cathaoirleach indicated that he would deal with Councillor Gormley’s remaining 2 motions at this time.

 

33.  REGIONAL ROAD R296:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on Irish Rail to improve sightlines at junction of road from railway station Ballymote to Regional Road 296 by removing hedge along regional road and (b) calls on Sligo County Council to improve junction exiting from Ballymote Community Nursing Home in the interest of road safety.”

In response to part b of the motion Mr. O’Toole, SEE stated that the road into Ballymote Community Nursing Home is not in the charge of Sligo County Council.

 

37.  TUBBERCURRY TREATMENT PLANT:

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

“To ask the Director of Services what is the position on the upgrade of the sewerage treatment plant for Tubbercurry? When is it expected work will commence.”

Mr. Kilfeather indicated this motion would be forwarded to Irish Water, although he was aware that members  were awaiting a response on a number of resolutions. Mr. Kilfeather had no further update on the sewage scheme other than to say that he would be hopeful to see movement on this scheme in 2015.

 

25.  TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN BALLINACARROW:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the safety issue on the N17 at Ballinacarrow Village at the traffic lights.”

Mr. O’Toole indicated that the Area Engineer is addressing issues relating to the pedestrian lights at Ballinacarrow.

 

26.  BUS ÉIREANN GARAGE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive to open discussions with Bus Éireann with a view to relocating the Bus Garage on Lord Edward street to a more suitable location, to improve traffic flow and for health and safety reasons.”

Mr. O’Toole indicated that it is proposed to contact Bus Éireann to outline your concerns regarding the location of their facility at Lord Edward Street.

At this point Councillor Clarke comments that if this Council is to proceed in delivering and enacting major policies should motions such as this one be dealt with at the Municipal District meetings.

Other members agreed and Councillor Kilgannon indicated that he did not mind where his motions were heard but that some action would be taken on foot of them.

 

27.  ROSSES POINT OUTDOOR POOL:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council to allocate funds for major repairs to Rosses Point outdoor Swimming Pool and to request that this work would be completed for the 2015 Summer season for health and safety reasons.”

In response Mr. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

The question of funding for major repairs at Rosses Point Swimming Pool is a matter for consideration by the Municipal District Committee in the context of the 2015 Budget and the Schedule of Municipal District Works.

 

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Queenan refers back to Councillor Clarke’s comments on dealing with certain motions at the Municipal District meetings. A discussion took place, and the Cathaoirleach advised that items of local interest should be placed on the agenda and discussed at a meeting of the relevant Municipal District.

 

28.  CARRICKNAGAT TO COLLOONEY FOOTPATH:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

“To ask Sligo County Council what plans, if any, they have to repair and restore the footpath from Carricknagat to Collooney.”

In response Mr. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

No funds exist for footpath restoration from Carricknagat to Collooney. This is a matter for consideration by the Municipal District Committee in the context of the 2015 budget and the Schedule of Municipal District works.

 

29.  COACH PARKING AREA:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

“That Sligo County Council executive would explore the possibility of providing a dedicated Coach parking area within walking distance and close proximity to Sligo town centre.”

In response Mr. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

At present there are a number of dedicated Coach Parking spaces available along Markievicz Road and adjacent to the Mercy Primary School on Pearse Road. Markievicz Road can accommodate a maximum of 5 No. coaches and is frequently at capacity. Pearse Road, although having been identified by a number of Coach Operators as being an appropriate location for dedicated Coach Parking, has proven unsatisfactory.

In light of the fact that Sligo City is advantageously located along the Wild Atlantic Way route, it is vital that a dedicated Coach Parking facility is developed in order to maximize the opportunity presented by the excellent tourism initiative. Accordingly the Council will commence the process of identifying a suitable location for a dedicated Coach Parking facility close to the City Centre and will revert to Members thereon as early as possible.

 

30.  NAMA PROPERTIES FOR SOCIAL HOUSING:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

“To ask the CEO if Sligo County Council has been offered any of the thousands of housing properties which NAMA claim are available to local authorities from its portfolio.

If any such properties have been offered by NAMA to Sligo County Council can this Council be informed of quantity of offer, property type (i.e. house, apartment etc) and if this Council has any plans to avail of such offer, including details of location.

If no such offer of housing properties has been received from NAMA is it the intention of Sligo County Council to pursue such properties in an effort to ease the current housing waiting list?”

In response, Mr Gavin, A/DOS stated the following;

There has been some correspondence with the Housing Agency (HA), as the intermediary authority, regarding the possibility of utilising NAMA units for the purposes of provision of social housing.

A list of areas indicating potential availability of up to 46 properties was advised to Sligo to identify if a demand existed.  The areas indicated were Sligo Town, Carney and Collooney and Tubbercurry.  The council responded on this to say that it had a demand in Sligo town, Carney and Collooney but not Tubbercurry.  The council indicated that House type, size, condition, tenure mix were all factors that needed to be considered and requested more information in this regard.

The locations identified were

• Units at the Clarion Hotel – deemed unsuitable
• Lisnalurg, Bundoran Road
• Carney
• Small no of units in Collooney – confirmed a demand
• Abbey Street
• Wolfe Tone Street
• Caltragh
• Rathedmond

The LA has confirmed to the Housing Agency that it has a demand in these areas and would be interested in progressing these units.  NAMA have been advised of this by the Housing Agency, as is their role. There is very little information available at this time in terms of size of units, exact house no and location etc from NAMA as the HA explained that NAMA is subject to data protection constraints on behalf of debtors. We acknowledged that progress has been slow with progressing these units by NAMA due to the fact that NAMA will prioritise larger schemes for resolving over locations with just 1 or 2 units.  Despite the fact we have confirmed to the HA that that there is a demand in these areas there has been no feedback from NAMA to the HA or the local authority when they will be available to us or a time line.

To clarify Mr. Gavin advised that units deemed unsuitable could be due to lack of amenity areas or no parking facilities.

 

31.  LEGAL SERVICES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“To ask the Chief Executive Officer when he intends to provide the Council with the report it sought in January of this year in respect of the legal services provided by the Councils solicitor and other law agency providers.”

The response given to Councillor Bree related to the procurement of legal services. Councillor Bree clarified that his motion was relating to a breakdown of legal services expenditure for 2012 and 2013 and agreed to defer the motion to the next meeting while a response was being prepared.

 

32.  T2 – T12 ROAD:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“That the Council be provided with an up to date report on the proposed T2-T12 road linking the junction of Mail Coach Road/Connolly Street with the junction of Burton Street/Pearse Road; the report to include details of the most recent submission made to the Department seeking funding for the project.”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010-2016 intra-urban road link Objective T2.12, which links the junction of Burton Street/Pearse Road to the junction of Mail Coach Road /Connolly Street, is an integral part of the traffic management plan for Sligo City.  This plan is to encourage a circular/ring route around the city centre rather than using core commercial city centre streets.

This enables the creation of a pedestrian-priority area inside the circular/ring route.  The circular route is defined by Wine Street and Stephen Street to the north, Bridge Street and Teeling Street to the east, Temple Street to the south and Adelaide Street to the west and is indicated on recently installed city centre signage as the 'City Loop'.

The aim is to promote greater pedestrian activity throughout Sligo's city centre.  The enhancement of the pedestrian environment improves the enjoyment of Sligo city centre for residents and visitors and is crucial to support the commercial development of the city centre.

The provision of this link road will facilitate these objectives and will also relieve traffic from adjoining streets in particular Old Market Street and Connolly Street which are currently being used as part of the 'City Loop'.  This link road will also provide an additional east-west connection south of the city centre.  This will also greatly relieve traffic from the residential areas of St. Brigid's Place and Pilkington Terrace (Vernon Street).

The total length of this road scheme is approximately 140m.  Approximately 104m of this roadway was built as part of a private development. Please see attached drawing 'Rl216 Connolly Street/Burton Street link Road. 

Non-National Road Schemes such as this normally attract funding under the Department of Transport - Specific Improvement Grant Scheme (SIG).  However the DOT has wound down this scheme in recent years and since 2013 is not seeking applications for new projects.  Funding is only being made available for completion of schemes under construction and for minor bridge refurbishment works.

However on foot of an SIG application made in 2012 Sligo County Council received a grant of €250,000 in 2013 towards this scheme. This grant was used to acquire the section of the road which was built as part of the private development as indicated on the attached map.  This section is now part of the public road network.

In order to complete the scheme it will be necessary to acquire the remaining lands and for the rest of the road to be designed and constructed.  Due to the Department of Transport Specific Improvement Grant Scheme having been suspended it will first be necessary to identify funding to complete the scheme.

In response to further queries from the members Mr. Kilfeather stated that he did not have an estimated cost for remainder of scheme. The Council has no control on remainder of properties as priority was placed on using grant to purchase the section of road.

 

34.  BLOCK GRANT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on our C.E.O, and the officials of this Council to contact the Department to have the ‘Block Grant’ top up restored to 2009 levels so that funds will be available to clear the back log of applications of the Disabled and Older Peoples Grants, to ensure funds are available for class three roads and to be in a position to replace outdoor staff that retire and to recruit more outdoor staff.”

 

35.  HOUSING CRISIS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That this Council, aware of and recognising the growing housing crises in Sligo and in the country generally; calls on the government, as a matter of urgency to prioritise and  introduce realistic proposals so as to provide adequate shelter and housing for the growing number of people seeking accommodation.”

 

36.  PROSTITUTION LAWS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“This Council recognizes that the trafficking, exploitation and abuse of women and girls is taking place in Sligo and throughout the country within and as a direct result of prostitution. This Council understands prostitution to be a form of men's violence against women that affects individuals, communities, and society as a whole and that human trafficking for sexual exploitation is a modern form of slavery and an abuse of human rights.

I request that Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Justice and Equality to implement the Justice Committees unanimous recommendations to introduce laws which make it an offence to pay for sex and is seeking such laws. This legislation must criminalise the demand for paid sex, decriminalize the seller and provide social supports for those wishing to exit prostitution. This Council recognises the need for this legislation to be enacted in this jurisdiction and will convey its views to the Minister for
Justice and Equality.”

 

38.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gabrielle Davey on the death of her aunt, Nora Hall.”

 

39.  VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be Tubbercurry GAA Team and Management on winning the County Final after a 23 year gap.”

 

40.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

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

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Jerry Lundy attend the 15th Anniversary of the town twinning between Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo and Viarmes, France from the 16th to 20th October, 2014.”

 

41.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.”

 

42.  MATTERS ARISING:

None

 

43.  AOB:

None

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 4.10pm

 

 

Download Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting - 13th October 2014 (PDF) - 96 kbs  

 

  

Meeting Date 13/10/2014