Minutes 2015

Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 5th October, 2015 at 11 am 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,
  • Councillor Taylor.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Ms. Emer Concannon, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr. Gary Salter, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Mr. Gabriel Browne, Administrative Officer
  • Mr. John O’Hara, Assistant Architect
  • Ms. Karen Gallagher, I.S. Technical Support Officer
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady presided.

 

1.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2015:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th September, 2015”.

 

2.  MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 14TH SEPTEMBER, 2015:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 14th September, 2015”.

 

3.  MINUTES OF STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE 3 MEETING HELD ON 16TH JUNE, 2015:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 3 (Planning, Community, Economic Development, Arts and Culture) Meeting held on 7th September, 2015”.

 

4.  MINUTES OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MEETING HELD ON 18TH MAY, 2015:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 18th May, 2015.

 

5.  MINUTES OF THE AGM OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MEETING HELD ON 22ND JUNE, 2015:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District held on Monday, 22nd June, 2015”.

 

6.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO  HELD ON 29TH JUNE, 2015:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 29th June, 2015.

 

7.  SECTION 183 – LANDS AT MULLAGHROE, GURTEEN:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of lands at Mullaghroe, Gurteen, Co. Sligo to Ann McLoughlin.

 

8.  SECTION 183 – LEASING OF COLLOONEY COURTHOUSE BUILDING:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the leasing of Collooney Courthouse to Collooney Village Redevelopment Ltd”.

 

9.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF “THE ROCK”, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

10.  PRESENTATION BY SLIGO COMBINED RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS GROUP:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, welcomed the Sligo Combined Residents’ Associations Group to the meeting.   With the agreement of the Meeting, it was decided to take item 26 on the agenda at this point as it also related to community grants.

 

26.  GRANTS ALLOCATED TO RESIDENTS BY SLIGO LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN 2014:

Mr. Jim O’Sullivan, at the outset, advised the meeting that he was representing 20 Residents’ Associations under the umbrella of a combined committee. 

A letter from the Convenors of this Group had been forwarded to the Members prior to the meeting and a copy of Mr. O’Sullivan’s presentation was circulated at the meeting.

A discussion followed with Members thanking Mr. O’Sullivan and his group for attending the meeting and highlighting a number of issues in their wide ranging submission.  Members also outlined the difficulties they encountered in providing sufficient funding for the large number of groups involved, particularly following the merger of Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council. 

Councillor S. MacManus said he concurred with the  request by the group that “a senior member of the local authority be charged with the duty of Residents Associations Liaison Officer”.

Ms. Clarke, Director of Services, said that she also wished to acknowledge the community endeavours that take place throughout the county.  Ms. Clarke added that there is no specific grant scheme allocation for Residents’ Associations for grass cutting or maintenance of open spaces. 

It was proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the Council resolves

  1. that grants allocated to residents associations by the Sligo local authorities in 2014, be maintained, at a minimum, at the same level in the current year; and that the required additional finance be taken from the funding provided in Programme FO4 - Community Grants; and
  2. that applications now be accepted from residents associations which received grant aid from the Sligo local authorities in 2014 and were late in submitting applications in the current year due to the changes in the grants system.”

In reply to the matters raised in this motion, Ms. Clarke reported as follows:

  1. In 2014 the grants allocation for Residents Associations was:
    1. Sligo County Council     Nil
    2. Sligo Borough Council   €37,700 

Under the Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme 2015, it was agreed to set aside €100,000 in Programme F04 to be distributed by way of an open call for applications for funding from the large number of community and voluntary groups active in the county.

Funding was distributed under three distinct headings as follows:

  1. Community and Voluntary General Grants
  2. Tidy Towns Grants
  3. Burial Ground Grants

The funding provided in the Budget for 2015 under Prog Group F04 included a total amount of €135,000.  This was broken down as follows:-

  • €100,000 for Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme
  • €30,000 for Christmas Lights for Sligo Chamber of Commerce
  • €5,000 for Sligo’s entries into Pride of Place

All of this funding has now been committed. There is no funding left or available to distribute to Residents Associations

  1. There is no funding available to consider late applications.

Mr. Hayes, Chief Executive, advised the meeting that Sligo County Council values the relationship between the local authority and Volunteer groups, Residents’ Associations and Tidy Towns Committees

This difficulty  was caused in part by the  transition to new local government structures and the abolition of Sligo Borough Council.  Residents Association6s  in the old “Borough” could access grant assistance through Sligo Borough Council.  The same facility did not apply in the county area.  Once merged, the Council was going to have a difficulty in extending what had been available in the Borough to the whole county.

At that time, Mr. Hayes’ suggestion and advice was to refer it back to the relevant Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) so that the SPC would look at the limited potential of the funding that was available to the Council. 

Mr. Hayes noted Mr. O’Sullivan’s acknowledgement that the Council is operating in stringent financial times.  Sligo County Council is not in a position to extend what was available under Sligo Borough Council to the county.  The SPC would look at a policy to share funding out equitably for these types of projects throughout the county.  The difficulty Mr. Hayes identified with the motion proposed to restore funding, if agreed, was that this would bring in an inequitable situation.  It would then be necessary to identify where funding will come from and where the cuts will be made to supply that funding source. 

In relation to the appointment of a Liaison Officer, the Chief Executive advised the meeting that, following the merger of the Borough and County Councils, it is necessary for the County Council to look at how they prioritise issues in the main urban area.  The advice he was giving was that this matter should be referred back to the SPC, brought back to the County Council and approved by the Council Members, following any amendments they felt were necessary.

Councillor Bree asked for further clarification in relation to the sum of €30,000 referred to by Ms. Clarke as having been set aside for Sligo Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas lights.  Members agreed that this figure had been discussed during the Budget 2015 Meeting.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the adoption of the budget is a reserved function of the County Council.  There had been a provision of €135,000, as outlined by Ms. Clarke above, included in that code in the budget.

It was proposed by :

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND RESOLVED:

“That Members allocate €500 from their Councillors’ allowance to those Residents’ Associations who already applied”.

The Chief Executive, referring to this proposal, said that if this was agreed giving the Members an additional sum of €9,000 this still did not address the points raised earlier.  This will not apply to all Residents’ Associations throughout the county.  The sum of €9,000 would not be sufficient for this.

A further discussion followed with Members outlining the situation in different areas of the city and county.

A vote was then taken on the motion

“That Members allocate €500 from their Councillors’ allowance to those Residents’ Associations who already applied”.

which resulted as follows -

For (9)

Councillor Bree, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor O’Boyle, Councillor O’Grady and Councillor Scanlon.

Against (9)

Councillor Baker, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Lundy, Councillor MacManus, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor Queenan and Councillor Taylor

The Cathaoirleach, using her casting vote, agreed with the resolution which was then carried.

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

AND AGREED:

“The issue of funding for Community Grants for 2016 be reverted back to the relevant SPC for review”.

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

“That the Council resolves

  1. that grants allocated to residents associations by the Sligo local authorities in 2014, be maintained, at a minimum, at the same level in the current year; and that the required additional finance be taken from the funding provided in Programme FO4 - Community Grants; and
  2. that applications now be accepted from residents associations which received grant aid from the Sligo local authorities in 2014 and were late in submitting applications in the current year due to the changes in the grants system.”

A vote was taken on this motion which resulted as follows:

For (8)

Councillor Bree, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor MacManus, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor O’Boyle and Councillor O’Grady.

Against (8)

Councillor Baker, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor Queenan, Councillor Scanlon and Councillor Taylor.

Abstained (2)

Councillor Casserly and Councillor Clarke.

The Cathaoirleach, using her casting vote, voted against the resolution which was then deemed to be lost.

 

11.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR AUGUST 2015:

Councillor S. MacManus sought and received clarification from Ms. M. Whelan in relation to item 2 on the Monthly Management Report – “Performance of local authority revenue collection levels”.  Ms. Whelan confirmed that the various budget holders were constantly monitoring the situation and ensuring the limits were adhered to.

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

“To note the Monthly Management Report for August 2015”

 

12.  FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ON THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN REGIONAL ASSEMBLY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Councillor E. Scanlon fills a casual vacancy on the Northern and Western Regional Assembly following the resignation of Councillor Martin Baker”.

 

13.  APPOINTMENT TO THE CRANMORE STEERING COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Gino O’Boyle to the Cranmore Steering Committee following the death of Councillor Seamus O’Boyle, RIP”.

 

14.  APPOINTMENT TO THE JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Gino O’Boyle to the Joint Policing Committee following the death of Councillor Seamus O’Boyle, RIP”.

 

15.  APPOINTMENT TO SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S PROCEDURES COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Gino O’Boyle to Sligo County Council’s Procedures Committee following the death of Councillor Seamus O’Boyle, RIP”.

 

16.  DRAFT COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN:

Ms. Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer, referred to the report  circulated to the Members and advised the Meeting that a third Heritage Plan for County Sligo has now been prepared.  This Plan - the draft County Sligo Heritage Plan 2016-2020 - is strategic in nature and seeks to coordinate and support heritage activity within the county that will safeguard heritage, strengthen communities and support jobs.

Within Ms. Ryan’s report, the following areas had been outlined:

  1. The Plan Process,
  2. Strategic links and partnerships,
  3. The aim of the County Sligo Heritage Forum.  This was     identified in the draft plan as ‘To inspire our community to know, value and care for Sligo’s unique heritage and to increase awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of our heritage for all.’

    The Heritage Forum has adopted five strategic themes in the draft Plan which are proposed to be implemented through 43 actions.

    The themes are as follows:
    • Raise awareness of Sligo’s heritage
    • Promote the conservation and management of Sligo’s heritage
    • Increase understanding of the value of Sligo’s heritage
    • Promote community participation in heritage plans and projects
    • Record the heritage of Sligo and disseminate existing data.
        
  4. Link to County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 
  5. Implementing the Plan
  6. Resourcing the Plan

Following consideration of the Draft County Sligo Heritage Plan 2016-2020 by Sligo County Council,

It was

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the placing of the Draft Plan on public consultation (Stage 2) from the 12th October 2015 – 6th November 2015”.

Submissions on the draft plan will be considered by County Sligo Heritage Forum at their next meeting in November 2015 and amendments will be made to the draft plan as appropriate.  Following which the final Draft County Sligo Heritage Plan 2016-2020 will be presented to Sligo County Council for consideration prior to adoption (December 2015).

 

17.  REPORT ON ACCESSIBILITY AND THE BARCELONA DECLARATION:

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services, referred to the report which had been circulated to the Members prior to the Meeting.  This report was a cross departmental initiative  and outlined works undertaken over the last number of years.  There had been significant changes in disability legislation and policy in recent years and these have had implications for Local Authorities in relation to all plans, projects, and actions undertaken by the local authority.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, said that he noted the points  raised by Members.  Having regard to the workloads recently, it has not been possible to produce an annual report.  The works carried out over a four to five year period were collated into one report.  Mr. Kilfeather further advised the Meeting that he felt these are some of the gaps in services that are now visible with fewer resources, and this was a very pressing difficulty for the Council.

Mr. Kilfeather asked that, however, if there are particular issues that Members wished to draw to his attention they should do so and he will endeavour to have them dealt with.

In relation to an enquiry relating to the Council’s Disability Consultative Committee,  Mr. Kilfeather said he would welcome it being re-established and agreed with the point made that the County Council have not been communicating in the manner that is required.

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services, advised the meeting that it is hoped to move on the establishment of this Committee as soon as possible.  It is, at present, included in the 2016 Work Programme.  This Committee may be either a sub-committee of the SPC or can be an independent committee.

In relation to the query raised as to the name of the current Access Officer (with the roles of Enquiry and Liaison Officer also), Mr. Kilfeather advised the Members that, at present, the duties are carried out by Mr. Paul Hardiman.

It was proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“Recognising the importance of the role and work of a Disability Consultative Committee this Council resolves to call on the Council executive to establish a Disability Consultative Committee without further delay”.

The Chief Executive sought clarification that the agreement was for the proposal as set out in the report that the Disability Consultative Committee would be re-established in 2016 as a sub-committee of the SPC.  This was agreed by the Members.

 

18.  TIDY TOWNS AWARD 2015:

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services, referred to the results of the National Tidy Towns Competition for Sligo

  • Coolaney (309) – Silver Medal and County Award Winner
  • Ballintogher (292) – County Award Commended
  • Riverstown (297) – County Award Highly Commended
  • Enniscrone (277) – Endeavour Award
  • Sligo (273) – Value Water Award and Waste Prevention Award

The Cathaoirleach and Members added their congratulations to all groups involved in this Competition and recognised the work undertaken by these groups.

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting was adjourned for lunch at 1.00 p.m. and resumed at 2.00 p.m.

 

19.  PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF SLIGO WILD ATLANTIC WAY FOOD TRAIL:

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services, outlined the background on this proposal.

The Só Sligo Wild Atlantic Food Trail is a newly established food development group.  In April of this year an opportunity arose to apply for a Fáilte Ireland European Destinations of Excellence competition and the theme was Tourism and Local Gastronomy.  Sligo County Council’s Local Enterprise Office provided the group with mentoring to prepare the application and Sligo was selected as one of the top four locations nationally. 

In August 2015, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued a call for applications under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund to pilot a small number of innovative initiatives.  Support of up to 60% is being offered to projects that can deliver and spend before year end.  One of the areas listed for potential funding was food/drink festivals or trails.  Sligo County Council identified the Só Sligo Wild Atlantic Food Trail group as a potential applicant for funding.

The funding package proposal was outlined as follows:

Total cost of the project €39,422
Funding sought of 60% €23,653
Matching funding:  Sligo County Council €10,000
Só Sligo Wild Atlantic Food Trail €5,769

 

Ms. Clarke confirmed that the application had been submitted on 11th September, 2015 and a decision on the outcome of the application is awaited.  

Members welcomed the Report and expressed the opinion that the benefits of the Wild Atlantic Way route are beginning to become very evident now.

 

20.  TO SET DATE FOR SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S BUDGET 2016 MEETING:

It was agreed by the Members to hold the Sligo County Council Budget Meeting at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 23rd November.

 

21.  TO SET DATES FOR HOLDING MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS TO CONSIDER THE DRAFT BUDGETARY PLAN:

It was agreed by the Members to hold the Municipal District meetings to consider the draft budgetary plan as follows:

Sligo Municipal District – 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 9th November

Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District – 3.00 p.m. on Thursday, 12th November.

 

22.  REPORT ON MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S SIX YEAR CAPITAL PLAN – 2016-2021:

N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin – Proposed Road Development:

Ms. E. Concannon, Acting Senior Engineer advised the Members in relation to this project under the following headings:

  • Scheme overview
  • Land acquisition
  • N. R. A. Project Management Guidelines
  • Planning and Compulsory Purchase Order
  • Current status 2015
  • Commitments 2016
  • Infrastructure Capital Investment 2016-2021
  • Possible timeframes.

 

The proposed development will provide a new 14.71 km., Type 2 dual carriageway road and associated works between the existing dual carriageway at Collooney and the end of the Curlews bypass, just east of Castlebaldwin.

The benefits of the scheme were outlined to the Members.  Other areas highlighted by Ms. Concannon were:

  • Junction strategy on mainline
  • Structures
  • Road closures/extinguishments and
  • Accident data 1996-2012.

 

Photographs were displayed of

  • Existing N4 network at Doorly townland
  • Existing N4 network at Lackagh townland
  • Existing N4 network at Drumfin townland
  • Existing N4 network at Carrownagark and Carrowkeel townlands
  • Existing N4 north of Castlebaldwin.
  • Example of Type 2 Dual carriageway (N4 – Dromod-Roosky bypass).

 

Details of the road development cross section (mainline) were set out, together with land acquisition details.

In relation  to the N. R. A.’s Project Management Guidelines, this was identified as the Framework for the phased approach to the development and delivery of Major National Roads schemes in Ireland.

There are seven phases in these Guidelines which were set out as follows:

Phase 1 – Scheme concept and Feasibility Studies

Phase 2 – Route selection

Phase 3 – Design

Phase 4 – Environmental Impact Assessment and the Statutory Process

Phase 5 – Advanced works and construction documents preparation, Tender award

Phase 6 – Construction and implementation

Phase 7 – Handover, Review and Closeout.

Ms. Concannon advised the Meeting that this project is at Phase 5 stage (Advanced works and construction documents preparation, Tender award).

In closing, Ms. Concannon advised the Members that the estimated overall cost of this project is €100m and, when developed, will be the biggest infrastructural project to be undertaken in Sligo in modern times.

 

Eastern Garavoge Bridge Project

Mr. T. Brennan, S.E., outlined to the Members the situation in relation to this bridge project.

An objective to provide a bridge across the Garavoge River on the eastern side of the City at this location has been in the Borough of Sligo  Development Plan since 1973;

The Environmental Impact Statement and Compulsory Purchase Order for the scheme were published and submitted to An Bord Pleanala in December 2007 and January 2008.

An Bord Pleanala approved the proposed development and Compulsory Purchase Order on 26th June, 2009. The scheme does not require the acquisition of any houses.

Mr. Brennan reported under the following headings

  • The strategic importance of the bridge to the development of roads   infrastructure in Sligo and linking communities on eastern side,
  • Benefit of the bridge to linking communities on the eastern side of the city
  • Importance of the bridge to Cranmore Regeneration
  • Importance of the bridge to the Retail Strategy for the Sligo and Environs area
  • Current status of the scheme

Mr. Brennan noted that the inclusion of the Eastern Garavoge Bridge and approach roads in the new National Transport Development Plan confirms that the scheme is seen nationally, as well as locally, as an essential project in meeting the objectives required for Sligo to achieve its development potential.  It was his opinion that this project will greatly increase overall confidence in Sligo’s ability to grow and its ability to attract funding for other projects such as Cleveragh Regional Park Development, Cranmore Regeneration, business development, for the improvement of educational institutions, health services, etc.  It will help Sligo to compete with growth centres elsewhere in Ireland in the competition for new industry and jobs.  It conclusion, Mr. Brennan, indicated that it will help Sligo to improve living standards and to provide jobs for its residents and to curtail job losses.

 

23.  REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL PLAN:

The Chief Executive referred to the letter from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government which was circulated to the Members.

Mr. Hayes referred to the Council’s position of working from a €23 million deficit towards an increased anticipated cumulative surplus of €12.3 million over the lifetime of the Financial Plan.  By any standards, this is a very serious turnaround and Mr. Hayes stressed that this is an ambitious target.  Changes which have occurred during the past two years were identified by Mr. Hayes including 33% less Staff, the merger of Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council, the integration of the Local Enterprise Office and the Irish Water transition project.  Sligo County Council is now a radically different organisation to what it was at the start of that process.  It will be radically different again at the end of the Financial Plan. 

Among the further changes there will be a 42% reduction in Staff, all of the acting positions will have been addressed and the potential for an incentivised career break. 

There will be a significant re-focus as to the main priority areas.  An internal Team will be set up to focus on the city’s traffic management, tourism, BIDS, Tidy Towns, Residents Associations, Arts and Culture, etc.  Mr. Hayes advised that he is endeavouring to keep Teach Laighne open in an innovative manner, given the reduction in Staffing levels.  This will have a serious impact on services and they have to be re-organised, including the rationalisation of the Area Office structure.  Additional outsourcing can be anticipated as the workforce continues to deplete, options surrounding the Environmental Services laboratory are to be examined and Machinery Yard changes can be expected.  Changes have been made in the Council’s printing process to save in the region of €100,000 per annum on printing costs. 

Mr. Hayes had re-iterated in discussions with the Department that, in his opinion, Sligo County Council does not have an over-Staffing problem, it has a financial problem.

In referring to the Council’s Deputation meeting with the Department representatives in June, based on the Financial Plan  submitted in April, the Department came back with an additional €5 million surplus request.  That in itself led to additional pressure to reduce Staff further.  The options given were to reduce Staff by a further 20, increase income by €1 million per annum or a combination of both.

It was emphasised that if the County Council would be bearing some further pain at least Sligo should see some benefit.  Mr. Hayes said that he had been put under significant pressure in relation to the Engineering Staff.  In submitting the latest version of the Plan, rather than succumb to pressure to jettison additional Staff, he suggested using the engineering expertise we have for the benefit of Sligo.

In this regard, the Government’s Capital Plan for 2016-2021 has now been adopted with the inclusion of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin road project and the Eastern Garavoge Bridge project.  This will allow the Council to reduce the revenue payroll sum by using some of our existing Technical and Engineering Staff for site supervision and Resident Engineering functions on these capital projects.  If the Council had gone down the other route of jettisoning Staff, they then would have had to buy in that expertise.  The Western Distributor Road is also included in the Council’s Financial Plan and it is intended to engage Technical Staff in that project also.

To deliver on the social housing plan, it is also intended to use the Council’s own Technical and Engineering Staff.  Delivering on much needed capital projects will take people off the social housing list and also reduce the Council’s exposure to loans that are in place for some of the lands.

The Council’s proposals regarding the use of Staff for capital projects is finding favour with the Department and is a move from their original position of a declaration of a staff surplus.

In quoting from the correspondence, the Chief Executive referred to the plan including an income from Local Property Tax of €9.99 million each year to 2019.  The Department cannot give an absolute guarantee of the inclusion of €9.9 million beyond 2016. 

As noted in the correspondence, the Department had requested Mr. Hayes to arrange to meet with them to conclude discussions and to set out a mutually agreeable process to ensure appropriate adherence to the plan as well as on-going monitoring and, where required, review of the plan.

A number of Members welcomed the correspondence from the Department and expressed the hope that it will lead to the stabilisation of  Sligo County Council’s finances.

Queries were raised in relation to Staffing numbers, particularly of outdoor Staff, health and safety issues, the acting allowance and the sum of €750,000 which the Department had previously taken back from the Council. 

In relation to Health and Safety, the recent tragic accident in Sligo reinforces the need for proper Health and Safety.  The Members were informed that it is an area that cannot be compromised.   

In relation to the query about acting allowances, the Management Team is engaging with the Staff and their Unions in relation to acting allowances and the reallocation of work.

Regarding the €750,000 withdrawn by the Department in relation to 2014, the Chief Executive confirmed that this is still very much on his agenda and that he will continue to pursue the issue.

In relation to Staff numbers, there will be a reduction of 42% of Staff on peak Staff numbers in 2008.  This would have an effect on any organisation, public or private.  The Council will not be in a position to do what was done in the past and will have to look at innovative ways to do the work.

A detailed analysis has been commenced on the costs associated with the Council’s Machinery Yard, e.g. looking at the costs of  providing, maintaining and servicing an owned fleet as distinct from short term hire of plant, long term leasing and issues with costs of fuel, etc.

Having adopted the position that the Council have to cut Staff, Outdoor Staff recruitment would not be approved by the Department for the foreseeable future.  It will be a number of years yet before we will be allowed to recruit and will have to find different ways of dealing with those gaps.

In relation to Teach Laighne, the Chief Executive referred to the loss of Administrative, Technical and Engineering Staff.  While the Council want to be as welcoming and open to the public as possible, it is necessary to examine innovative ways of dealing with transactions with the public to absorb the numbers of Staff we are losing, e.g. encourage people to go on line for their Motor Tax transactions.

The Area Offices will require savings in the area of Staff.  The work will remain the same but there must be savings on the basis of the ongoing contraction of Staff numbers of 42% since the peak in 2008.  The Council, therefore, cannot continue to operate in the same manner. 

Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services, added that within the period of the Financial Plan, recruitment will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, e.g. Fire Services and Health and Safety. He  agreed with the comments made by the some Members about the excellent work carried out by the outdoor Staff and the Council being judged by that work.  With the Staff numbers declining, the Council have to do their work in a safe manner.  New means of carrying out the work will have to be examined if we do not have the staff or expertise.

The Cathaoirleach agreed with the comments of other Members and welcomed that the correspondence had finally been received from the Department. 

In conclusion, the Chief Executive indicated that the next stage is to organise a meeting in the short term with the Department.  Mr. Hayes also wished to compliment the Staff.  A 33% reduction in numbers had been remarkable and he said the Staff have engaged fully with the Management Team to try and resolve the issues.

 

24.  LECTURERS IN ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE:

With the permission of the Meeting, this item was removed from the Clár.

 

COMMERCIAL RATES ON CHILCARE AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES:

With the permission of the Meeting, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the November meeting.

 

27.  CHILDCARE FACILITY AT ACLARE:

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

AND AGREED:

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Education and Minister for Children to immediately appoint a qualified Childcare Professional to the Childcare facility at Aclare in south Sligo – known as “Magic Moments” so that the building can be reopened for the new school year”.

 

28.  SOCIAL WELFARE CHRISTMAS BONUS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Government to immediately re-instate the full Christmas bonus to Pensioners and those on long term Social Welfare in the October Budget 2015”.

 

29.  EIRCODE POSTCODE SYSTEM:

With the permission of the Meeting, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the November meeting.

 

30.  ROAD AT LOWER ST. BRIDGET’S PLACE:

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

“To ask for an update on proposals to make the road at Lower St Bridget’s Place, Sligo, one-way as previously agreed at time of the Remedial Works Scheme in this estate”.

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported to the meeting as follows:

“We are conscious that this matter has been on the Council Agenda on a number of occasions in the distant past, particularly around the time that the Remedial Works Scheme was being progressed in and around St. Brigid’s Place.  Views may have been formed at that time as to the most appropriate or preferred direction of flow should a one-way system be put in place.  However given that traffic patterns/traffic volumes may have changed in the interim, it is considered best that a full review be conducted of traffic flows in this area.  The Roads Dept. will undertake to carry out this review in the coming months further to which we would propose to meet with various stakeholders including the residents of St. Brigid’s Place, Emergency Services (particularly the Fire & Ambulance Services) before coming forward with the most appropriate and suitable traffic management plan for this area”.

Councillor MacManus, in reply, thanked Mr. Kilfeather for his report and outlined the concerns about this area, particularly the volumes of traffic at school times and the parking of vehicles on one side of this road.  Noting that a review would be carried out by the Roads Department, it was agreed that a report would be brought to the Members in the coming months.

 

31.  DAMAGE TO SAND DUNES AT STRANDHILL BEACH:

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

“To request that Sligo County Council prepare a report on what measures are required and can be undertaken to address both the abuse by some members of the public and the environmental impact on the sand dunes adjacent to the new slipway leading to Strandhill beach. That, if necessary, application be made to the relevant Government Department to secure funding to address the erosion problems caused to the dunes over the past number of years”. 

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported as follows:

“It is assumed that this notice of motion relates to the widening path being forged up the northern side of the ‘Big Dune’.  Here dune grasses are being killed by regular and repeated foot fall as people climb this face of the dune and expose an ever widening area of the underlying sand.

Sligo County Council would intend to fence off the path of exposed sand, following consultation with the other involved parties, so as to encourage the re-colonisation of dune grasses in this location and use signage to re-direct the public along the shoreline. It is hope that this will be accomplished this year if resources permit, otherwise an application will be made to OPW in 2016 for funding”.

Councillor MacManus, in reply, welcomed the report and agreed that an application should be made for funding, if required.

 

32.  REQUEST TO TAKE IN CHARGE LAR EASA COVE ESTATE, STRANDHILL:

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

“That Sligo County Council Take in Charge Lar Easa Cove, Strandhill.”

Mr. J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer reported as follows:

“An application to have the above estate taken in charge was lodged with the Council on 30th September 2015 by a majority of the house owners.  An inspection will now be carried out by the Council to ascertain the full extent of works (to include estimated costings) which will be required to be carried out to complete the development to a satisfactory standard.

A full report will be prepared and circulated to the members for the November Meeting.  Accordingly to facilitate this, I am to request that consideration of the Motion be deferred until November 2015. Notwithstanding the above, it would appear, having regard to Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, that the Council in this instance may be required to comply with Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 and commence the process of taking this estate in charge”.

It was agreed to defer this item to the Agenda of the November meeting.

 

33.  COURT ABBEY CEMETERY:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“What plans have been put in place by Sligo County. Council to extend Court Abbey Cemetery as it is nearing capacity?”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported as follows:

“Court Abbey cemetery has very few remaining plots.  Unfortunately due to archaeology in the surrounding area, the extension of this cemetery to adjoining sites is not possible.

Sligo County Council is currently exploring other possibilities/ sites in the Lavagh area with regard to the development of a new cemetery. 

Survey/design works is ongoing at a possible alternative site. The development of a cemetery in the area will be subject to the necessary funds being available to Sligo County Council.”

Councillor Scanlon requested that, if not already ongoing, discussions would take place with a landowner whom he was aware is willing to provide a site in the area for this Cemetery. 

 

34.  ACCESS TO OFFICES AT CITY HALL:

With the permission of the meeting, this item was deferred to the agenda of the November Meeting.

 

35.  RESTORATION OF GOVERNMENT TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE:

With the permission of the meeting, this item was deferred to the agenda of the November Meeting.

 

36.  CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE GREENFORT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“That the Council resolves that a portion of the matching funds provided in the annual budget be made available in the event of grant aid being allocated by the Heritage Council or other bodies for a Conservation Plan for the Greenfort.”

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services, reported as follows:

“The Green Fort is a significant heritage site of National importance within the heart of Sligo.  Accordingly, Sligo County Council recognises the heritage value of the site and is committed to realising the appropriate presentation and interpretation of the Green Fort in a manner that will conserve and protect the site, engage the local community and visitors, and engender pride in a unique heritage asset.

The preparation of a Conservation Plan for the Green Fort is dependent on identifying and securing adequate resources (Staff and funding).  It is anticipated that an indicative budget of €8-10k would be required to deliver a Conservation Plan using external consultants. 

Accordingly, the Council will endeavour, subject to the draft financial plan, to allocate a portion of the matching funds provided within the upcoming annual budget for the preparation of the Green Fort Conservation Plan in the event of a successful grant application for same”. 

Councillor D. Bree, in reply, thanked Ms. Clarke for the positive response to the motion.

 

37.  PRIMARY CARE CENTRE IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“Following on from correspondence from the HSE in a letter dated 19th January 2015 where they have committed to providing a modern Primary Care Centre in Tubbercurry  that we request the up-to-date position on the provision of this all important facility ”

 

38.  CONTRACTORS EMPLOYED BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“That the Council be provided with a breakdown of the contractors employed by the Council during the period 1st January 2014 to the 31st of December 2014, the work or works in lieu for which they were contracted and the amounts paid to those contractors.”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, confirmed that this report was being compiled.  Due to the amount of work involved in preparing the report, it would be presented to the Members as soon as possible.  The Members agreed to this proposal.

 

39.  APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING AID FOR OLDER PEOPLE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“That we be provided with a report as to

  1. The number of applicants that have applied  under Housing Aid for Older People.
  2. The number inspected.
  3. The number approved.
  4. The number notified.

Ms. M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, reported as follows:

“The Budget for Private House Grants in 2015 is €531,063 made up of €424,850 (80% allocated by the Department) and €106,213 (20% funded by SCC). 

The total paid out to date in 2015 out of the 2015 allocation is €164,653.  In addition a sum of €665,191 is committed/approved to date bringing the total paid out to date plus committed to €829,844.  In addition there is a sum of €249,826 of Housing aid for Older people costed and not yet approved bringing the total value of grants paid and committed to €1,079,670.

The Council has been in communication with the Department of the Environment Community and Local Government (DoE) who have advised that funding will be available to meet the requirements of the Council in excess of the allocated budget if required.  But currently the DoE are basing their further allocations on drawdowns of which only €165,000 has been claimed to date by Sligo based on works completed per demands of approved applicants.

This is affecting the opportunity of the council to secure additional funding.

Message needs to go out to all approved applicants that they must proceed with their works and advise the Council accordingly so that we can claim monies and pay out.  We are also in the process of writing out to all approved applicants to remind them of same.

The scheme remains open and applications for all grant categories are being accepted and will be processed accordingly.

In relation to the specific queries raised in the motion under the heading of Housing Aid for Older People, the following are the figures:

  1. The number of applicants that have applied to date- 143
  2. The number inspected - 83
  3. The number approved – 50
  4. The number notified – 50”

 

LEAS CATHAOIRLEACH:

At 4.20 p.m., the Leas Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Taylor took the Chair.

  

APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING AID FOR OLDER PEOPLE (CTD.):

Mr. B. Gavin, A/Director of Services, further outlined details in relation to the works being carried out by the Staff in the Council’s Housing Section and noted that there has been a reduction of seven Staff in that Section in recent times.  This required a substantial effort from the Staff to process the applications.

Members added their thanks to the Staff in the Housing Section for the work they are carrying out on the volume of applications under the circumstances.

 

40.  ROSSES POINT HARBOUR:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“Noting that An Bord Pleanala has approved planning permission for the proposed extension of the existing slipway, and the construction of a pontoon and access ramp in addition to a small walkway and dinghy mooring system at Rosses Point harbour; this Council resolves that an application for grant aid for the development be submitted under the Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure Programme for 2016, and further the Council requests the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to approve grant aid for this much needed project.”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported as follows:

“Planning Permission was received from An Bord Pleanala for a Scheme at Rosses Point in early August. The approved Scheme consists of a proposed extension of the existing slipway, and the construction of a pontoon and access ramp in addition to a small walkway and dinghy mooring system.

It would be our intention when the Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure Programme for 2016 Invites applications for funding to once  again prioritise the Rosses Point Scheme, as we did in 2015, and at that stage seek funding for detailed design, tender process and construction. We would be confident that with Planning permission now secured that the Scheme would be fully  deliverable under the terms of a 2016 Grant allocation”.

Councillor D. Bree thanked Mr. Kilfeather for this positive report.

 

CATHAOIRLEACH

Councillor O’Grady, resumed the Chair at 4.25 p.m.

 

41. & 44.  GOVERNMENT PLAN FOR RURAL IRELAND:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“Sligo County Council welcomes the Government Plan for Rural Ireland, however, this Council calls on Government to make 30 million available each year for the next 6 years for Rural towns and villages”.

It was agreed by the meeting to also take Councillor Clarke’s motion, item number 44, at this time.

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

“To call on this Council to provide a report on the newly announced 30 million Euro scheme, how much will this Council receive and how will it be rolled out”.

Mr. Hayes advised the meeting that there was very little the Council could report on this matter.  Sligo County Council’s Management welcomed the money received and this will be a start.

 

42.  JUNCTION ALONG OLD SLIGO TO BOYLE ROAD AT BALLINAFAD:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

“To Call on Sligo County Council to make safe the junction for Residents along the old Sligo to Boyle road at Ballinafad”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather reported as follows:

“This location will be investigated by the Area Engineer so as to assess the problem and possible solutions”.

 

43.  BEEF DATA AND GENOMICS SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, and the Department of Agriculture (1)to scrap the  Beef Data and Genomics Scheme and replace it with a workable suckler cow scheme (2)to meet with his counterparts in northern Ireland and England to open up livestock exports (3)to end the practice of retrospective penalties, and to introduce fair farm inspections (4)to provide a report on the corrections system and to return it to the system heretofore which was fast and efficient (5)to resign as Minster for Justice and concentrate on Agriculture”.

 

45.  STATISTICS ON COUNCIL HOUSING:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

“Given that there is a national homeless scandal, I call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report,(a) how many houses will this council build in 2016 ? (b) How many houses will this council buy in 2016?”

Ms. M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, reported as follows:

“The Department of Environment Community and Local Government have notified the Council of its Overall Targets under the Social Housing Strategy 2015 to 2017 for delivery under Current and Capital of a target of 301 units to the value of €20.2m to be delivered in the 3 year period 2015 – 2017. 

This breaks down as 101 units under the Capital Programme for 2015 – 2017, and 200 units under the Current Programme for 2015 – 2017.

The Capital Programme (101 units) consists of the following elements:

  • Local Authority Construction Programme
  • Acquisitions
  • Part V acquisitions
  • Void units returned to use
  • Capital Assistance Scheme units delivered in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies

The Current Programme (200 units) consists of the following elements:

  • Rental Accommodation Scheme
  • Leasing of units directly by Local authorities/ Approved Housing Body arrangements

Therefore each individual year is to be considered in the context of the 3 year programme and the emphasis is on units delivered. 

Units projected to be delivered in 2015:

Under Capital

16 Acquisitions

18 CAS through AHBs

39 voids

Total 73

Under Current

3 Leasing

4 AHB

RAS 50

Total 57

Overall Total 130

Units projected to be delivered in 2016:

Under Capital

25 proposed Acquisitions to be delivered

Rural

16 CAS through AHBs

30 voids estimated but will depend on varying criteria of DoE and funding

Total 72

Under Current

2 Leasing

5 AHB

RAS 40

Total 47

Overall Total 119   (249 total 2015/2016)

Also it is proposed that the new 22 units Housing scheme at Fr Flanagan Tce will commence on site in the first half of 2016.  The Council is at advance discussion stage with the Department of the Environment Community & Local Government as regards the design of the proposed 28 unit scheme at Knappagh Rd, Sligo, which may receive approval to commence on site by end of 2016”.

 

46.  REGIONAL ROAD 296 AT CLOONKEAVY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

“That this Council make an application for funding to have works carried out on the Regional Road 296 at Cloonkeavy where the road is subsiding”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported as follows:

“It is proposed to carry out repairs to the affected areas in the coming month. No specific improvement grants are available at present but should this grant category be revived in the coming year/years an application to rectify/amend this bog rampart will be submitted to the Department for consideration”.

 

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:

The Members agreed to suspend Standing Orders to allow the business to continue after 5.00 p.m. until all items on the Agenda were dealt with.

 

47.  CUMANN NA MBAN – LINDA KEARNS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

“On the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Cumann na mBan, and in recognition of those women who served, who played a vital role in securing the independence of the State, that a building, street or other be named Cumann na mBan “Linda Kearns” in recognition”.

Councillor Clarke welcomed this proposal and advised the meeting that, as a relative of the late Linda Kearns, the family also welcomed it.

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services, recommended that this matter be referred to the Placenames Committee which will be established soon.  This was agreed by the Members.

 

48.  MERGER OF CORK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCILS:

With the permission of the Meeting, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the November meeting.

 

49.  COUNTY COUNCIL HOUSING STOCK:

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

“Currently there are 121 County Council houses unoccupied throughout the County.  How will these be allocated?  When will these properties be allocated to people?  As the homelessness crisis worsens action must be taken by the Council to ensure that those seeking accommodation in our County have their accommodation needs meet without further delay.

It is my understanding that some of these 121 unoccupied properties need repair works to be carried out.   Would it be possible for these house to be allocated to people who has express a wish for accommodation and have undertaken to carry out repairs and maintenance on the property themselves.  Perhaps an agreement can be meet in relation to the cost of these repairs if they are carried out by tenant, i.e. grant allocation for essential repairs, reduction in rent over a period of time or outsource the repair works to independent contractors”.

Ms. M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, reported as follows:

“As of 1st October, 2015, the total stock owned by SCC 2,173.   Of that stock figure there are 104 units unoccupied (that have potential to be occupied in the future) which can be broken down into a variety of categorisations as follows: 

  • 9 ready for allocation and not yet tenanted but to be tenanted shortly
  • 28 in main Funded Voids Programme
  • 7 in Cranmore Funded Voids programme
  • 4 Acquisitions with works to be carried out
  • 3 in Capital Extension/Adaptations programme for specific households

Total vacant stock in above categorisations: 51

This leaves a net figure of 53 units of stock which are vacant.  Of this 53 circa 20, are in hard to let areas where there is limited or no demand.  Hence these units are not been made ready for occupation. The remaining circa 33 are in a mix of areas where demand does exist, and which have become vacant in recent times, and can be made available for letting subject to resources.  

As regards the vacant units in hard to let areas...

The  Choice Based Lettings Scheme  was piloted at end of 2014 to address the issue of vacant stock in low demand areas. We advertised the vacant properties in hard to let areas to all applicants on the housing list . Following assessment of the applications, expressions of interest were received for a number of locations. A number of house are/are to be successfully allocated from this pilot whereas a further number which experienced an initial interest were subsequently rejected. It broke down approx 50/50 between acceptance and rejection in the final outcome.

It is proposed to run a further phase of CBL in the new year following the allocating of all currently emerging stock from the voids programmes.

There are a number of other issues which impact on the number of vacant council stock. 

Refusals - Over the past full year of 2014 one third of all offers were refused.  This adds to the to the time taken for stock to be re-occupied, causes units to be vacant longer and adds to the work load.

Transfers – Vacant stock is being added to by way of transfers.  Each time we grant a transfer we create a vacant unit.  For 2014 on a county wide basis there was a total of 26 households offered accommodation by way of a transfer and there were 2 house swaps. To date for 2015 there have been 24 households offered accommodation by way of a transfer and 2 house swaps.  This lead to the creation of 56 vacancies between these two times lines.

Tenant choice - Vacancies arise for various family or household situations arising for eg 10 units were vacated in the last 2 months, for reasons beyond the control of the council.

It is inevitable that there will always be a level of vacancy in stock of this magnitude with the volume of activity that takes place and the Lag associated with turnaround, but the onus on the Council is to ensure that any lag is minimised.

Regarding allocating houses with no pre-letting works or incomplete re-letting works, the Housing section is not in favour of this approach. In its role as Landlord the Council has an obligation and a responsibility to ensure that the house is prepared and let to a proper standard as is applicable in the Private Rented Standards Code.  The standard of finish of houses now let by SCC is high and at handover and pretenancy courses the protocol of commissioning and acknowledging the finish and fit out of the house is carried out so that the tenant understands and accepts the responsibility bestowed on it in maintaining the house to that standard. In particular it is essential that the Council is in control of re-letting works of Electrical Installations, Heating systems and other H & S considerations to the appropriate standard to be fair and consistent with all tenancies.  And also to limit any potential liability to the Council as might arise through poor workmanship arsing from uncomissioned and unsupervised works.  The experiences of the council on this issue are that while intending well the potential tenant may undertake this approach but invariably may find out when commencing works that it may not be equipped or have the capacity to compete the works.  This may result in the Council having to go back in at a later time which can lead to inefficient use of resources and a more costly approach overall”.

In noting the large number of offer “refusals”, Members asked that if they were in a position to assist the Housing Office with their local knowledge, they would be glad to do so.

 

50.  SLIGO GREENWAY PROPOSAL:

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

“Following the news that the Sligo Greenway Co-op now has permission from the landowner, Irish Rail to pursue the objective of a greenway from Collooney to the county border at Bellaghy, on the closed since 1963 railway line and following the announcement that the Government is releasing €30 million for special projects to help rejuvenate rural towns and villages, I propose that Sligo county council should propose that a project such as the Sligo Greenway Co-Op plan for a greenway from Collooney to Bellaghy on the county border with Mayo which will benefit a number of rural towns and villages such as Ballisodare, Collooney, Coolaney, Tubbercurry, Curry and Bellaghy  along the route; that the council executive should write to the Minister responsible for rural re-generation Minister Ann Phelan highlighting this shovel ready project which the landowner Irish Rail agrees with and which this council supports, as an ideal project to receive funding immediately”.

Following a discussion regarding the proposal, an amendment to the motion was

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

“AMENDMENT

That the following text be deleted from the motion:

I propose that Sligo County Council should propose that a project such as the Sligo Greenway Co-Op plan for a greenway from Collooney to Bellaghy on the county border with Mayo which will benefit a number of rural towns and villages such as Ballisodare, Collooney, Coolaney, Tubbercurry, Curry and Bellaghy along the route; that the council executive should write to the Minister responsible for rural re-generation Minister Ann Phelan highlighting this shovel ready project which the landowner Irish Rail agrees with and which this council supports,  as an ideal project to receive funding immediately.

and be replaced with the following text:

“and recognising that Sligo County Council in its County Development Plan seeks to promote the development of the Western Rail Corridor as a strategic transport corridor linking Sligo and the North-West with Mayo, Galway and Limerick and further supports the development of a footway and cycleway (greenway) alongside the disused railway line from Claremorris to Collooney, subject to compliance with the requirements of the Habitat’s Directive, insofar as such route does not compromise the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor; this Council resolves that the Council executive should write to the Minister responsible for rural re-generation Minister Ann Phelan to seek funding for the development of a greenway alongside the railway line”.

The amended motion would read:

“Following the news that the Sligo Greenway Co-op now has permission from the landowner, Irish Rail to pursue the objective of a greenway from Collooney to the county border at Bellaghy, on the closed since 1963 railway line and following the announcement that the Government is releasing €30 million for special projects to help rejuvenate rural towns and village and and recognising that Sligo County Council in its County Development Plan seeks to promote the development of the Western Rail Corridor as a strategic transport corridor linking Sligo and the North-West with Mayo, Galway and Limerick and further supports the development of a footway and cycleway (greenway) alongside the disused railway line from Claremorris to Collooney, subject to compliance with the requirements of the Habitat’s Directive, insofar as such route does not compromise the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor; this Council resolves that the Council executive should write to the Minister responsible for rural re-generation Minister Ann Phelan to seek funding for the development of a greenway alongside the railway line”.

It was drawn to the attention of the Members that two groups involved in this proposal – “Sligo Greenway Co-Op” and “West on Track” were scheduled to attend the Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District Meeting on 19th October.  Members then requested that the groups would be invited to make their presentation to the full Council instead at the November Meeting of the full Council. 

The Chief Executive agreed to invite both groups to the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held on 2nd November.

 

51.  SPEAKING TIME AT COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“That speaking time both on proposing and discussing a motion in this chamber be kept to 3 minutes maximum to ensure the efficient running of Council meetings as is the norm in numerous council chambers throughout the country”.

A discussion followed on this proposal and Members indicated that it was their opinion this is already dealt with under Standing Orders.  Number 29 states that “Except with the permission of the Cathaoirleach no Councillor shall address the Council for more than five minutes”.

With the permission of the Meeting, Councillor Casserly then withdrew this motion.

 

52.  TOWN TWINNING BETWEEN TUBBERCURRY AND VIARMES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council supports the Town Twinning Programme between Tubbercurry and Viarmes (France) which is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this October and is of huge cultural and economic benefit to Tubbercurry and south Sligo”.

 

53.  ROAD 721 FROM KEASH TO CULFADDA:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

 “To call on Sligo County Council to carry out repairs along the road 721 from Keash to Culfadda due to subsidence".

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported as follows:

“No fund currently exists for the upgrade of CR 483 Knockbrack but this road will be considered for funding as part of the schedule of works for the Ballymote / Tubbercurry Municipal District 2016 subject to the necessary funding being available”.

 

54.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Donal Fallon on the death of his father, Patsy.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerard Phillips and family on the death of his father, Tommy.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Anita Davey and family on the death of her husband, John P.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mickey Kilcoyne on the death of his wife, Betty.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerry Connolly and family on the death of his brother-in-law, P. J. O’Dwyer.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerard Lee and family on the death of his mother, Mary.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Kerins on the death of her sister, Caroline Pilkington.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the family of the late Ann Power, Strandhill Road.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Conboy on the death of her mother, Vera.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brendan and Rose Balfe on the death of their daughter, Sandra.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to George Cuffe on the death of his father, Ronnie.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martina Kearns on the death of her cousin, Ann Keating (daughter of the late Linda Kearns, Politician and Nurse)”.

 

55.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the President, Staff and Students of I.T. Sligo on being the best Third Level Institution in the country when it comes to its Students getting jobs.  That’s according to the most recent Sunday Times Survey of Third Level Institutions”.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Coolaney Tidy Towns Committee on their recent success in the National Awards and by extending their marks from 302 to 309 this year”.

 

56.  CONFERENCES AND TRAINING:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“That the list of conferences circulated for October to December (as notified to Sligo County Council at 29th September) at this meeting, are unanimously agreed.”

 

57. PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES AND TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.”

 

58.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Councillor Scanlon enquired if further correspondence had been received from ComReg following the Council’s request that a representative attend a Meeting of Sligo County Council.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the only reply to date was that of the 22nd September which had been circulated to the Members.  This letter indicated that the Council’s request had been brought to the attention of the Commission and their office would be in contact with Sligo County Council shortly.  The Members noted this and are awaiting this further reply.

 

59.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

Under this heading, Councillor Gormley enquired as to the current situation at the junction at Ballymote Railway Station. 

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, undertook to get an update and revert to the Members.

 

60.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that a request had been received from I. T. Sligo to facilitate a group of their Students.  These Students would like to attend, in the public area, the Ordinary Council Meeting in November.

The Members noted this request.

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 6.00 p.m.

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 05/10/2015