Minutes 2016

Minutes of April Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 4th April, 2016 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 Henry,
Councillor Keaney,
Councillor Kilgannon,
Councillor Lundy,
Councillor Maguire,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor O’Boyle,
Councillor O’Grady,
Councillor Queenan,
Councillor Taylor.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor S. MacManus and Councillor T. MacSharry.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
Mr. Joe Murphy, A/Director of Services
Ms. Patricia Guckian, A/Head of Finance
Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
Mr. Brían Flynn, Senior Resident Engineer
Ms. Olivia Heffernan, Financial Accountant
Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
Mr. Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
Ms. Caroline Conmy, Administrative Officer
Ms. Karen Gallagher, I.S. Technical Support Officer
Mr. Damian Kelly, I.S. Analyst Developer
Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, presided.

33. LOCATION OF NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL:

At the request of the Cathaoirleach, Councillor O’Grady, it was agreed that this item would be taken at the start of the Meeting.

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

AND AGREED

“That the Members of Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Health to reverse the decision to locate the National Children’s Hospital at St James’ Hospital Dublin and to locate the new hospital for all the children of Ireland at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown

The Connolly site offers 145 acres, vast space for expansion, easier access for children of Sligo and extensive parking

The collocation of Connolly hospital and the new Rotunda maternity hospital will result in better clinical outcomes. It will be cheaper and faster to build than on the St James’ site”.

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH:

At 11.15 a.m., Councillor Paul Taylor, Leas-Cathaoirleach took the Chair.

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 18^TH JANUARY, 2016:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of Meeting of Sligo Municipal District held on 18^th January, 2016”.

2. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 7^TH MARCH, 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7^th March, 2016”.

3. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF HELD ON 14^TH MARCH, 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 14^th March, 2016”.

4. PRESENTATION BY “FRIENDS OF SLIGO GAOL”:

Ms. Tamlyn McHugh, together with Ciarán McHugh and Daniel Scannell, on behalf of the “Friends of Sligo Gaol” gave a Presentation to the Members.

The Meeting was advised that “The Friends of Sligo Gaol are a non profit community group committed to working in partnership with Sligo County Council and other stakeholders to achieve our aims and support the ongoing conservation work of the Gaol building complex”.

Members welcomed the interesting and informative presentation, commended the group on their work, and committed to support them in achieving their aims.

5. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT – FEBRUARY 2016:

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

“To note the Monthly Management Report for February 2016”.

Councillor Bree referred to motions agreed at the March meeting in relation to 2015 Budget headings for (F04) Community, Sport and Recreational Development and (F05) Operation of Arts Programme regarding the detail in the replies.

Following clarification of the information requested, it was confirmed that the responses would be included in the May Report.

The Members then agreed to note the February 2016 Monthly Management Report.

6. ESTABLISHMENT OF DISABILITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

Mr. J. Moran, S.E.O. referred to the Report which had been circulated previously to the Members.

It was proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To adopt the report circulated on the Establishment of the Disability Consultative Committee”.

It was confirmed that the Council was not restricted to having only one elected representative on this Committee. It was agreed that Councillor D. Bree, Councillor K. Henry and Councillor S. Maguire would, therefore, be the Council’s nominees.

7. REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE (PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 121 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001):

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the report of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee, prepared in accordance with Section 121 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

8. ANNUAL REPORT OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S AUDIT COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the annual report of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee, prepared in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Local Government (Audit Committee) Regulations, 2014”.

9. ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S AUDIT COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee Annual Work Programme”.

10. APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ARIGNA ENTERPRISE FUND LIMITED:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Dara Mulvey to the Board of Directors of Arigna Enterprise Fund Limited”.

11. ROAD WORKS SCHEME 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Schedule of Ballymote/Tubbercurry Municipal District Works for 2016 for Roads, Transportation and Infrastructure and the Schedule of the Sligo Municipal District Works for 2016 for Roads, Transportation and Infrastructure”.

Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services, advised the Meeting that some detail had been omitted on page 18 of the report for the Sligo Municipal District area. An additional sum of €60,000 is available for works in this area.

12. “PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST” – REORGANISATION OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

The Chief Executive gave a presentation to the Members regarding the “Sligo Urban area”.

Mr. Hayes discussed the background and context to the issue, highlighted the challenge of achieving the balance between urban and rural service delivery, proposed means of developing the public realm to incorporate key Sligo influences, and identified a number of ‘City Team’ objectives which would enable a re-structured Sligo County Council deal with issues in the urban area. Mr. Hayes noted that while the process of local government re-organisation presented challenges, it also provides an opportunity to enhance the public realm and shape the future of Sligo in the interest of the common good.

In response to queries, the meeting was advised that:

Other local authorities are also giving consideration as to how they, as a predominantly rural organisation, restructure and position themselves to provide services in an appropriate and balanced manner to both the urban and rural areas.
A cross-Directorate team, chaired by the Chief Executive, was established to implement the policies as adopted by the Council.
Policies such as the Urban Design Plan, signage etc. would come back before the Council for consideration as would Part 8 proposals for schemes such as the enhancement of O’Connell Street.
The provision of the Coach Park on Markievicz Road is due for completion in June 2016.
While the Harbour area was not included specifically in the presentation, it is included in the work of the cross-Directorate team.
An Urban Design Planner would be engaged to formulate the draft urban design policy.
A review of the Centre Block proposal would be undertaken in the context of the Retail Strategy that is currently under review as part of the Development Plan process.

13. APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF SLIGO VOLUNTEER CENTRE:

Proposed by Councillor Clarke
Seconded by Councillor Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Casserly be appointed to the Board of Sligo Volunteer Centre, following the resignation of Councillor J. Queenan”.

14. FILLING OF VACANCY ON REGIONAL HEALTH FORUM WEST:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Keith Henry to fill the casual vacancy on the Regional Health Forum West following the election of Eamon Scanlon to Dáil Éireann”.

15. FILLING OF VACANCY ON JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Keith Henry to the Joint Policing Committee following the election of Eamon Scanlon to Dáil Éireann”.

16. FILLING OF VACANCY ON SPC1 (HOUSING AND CORPORATE):

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Keith Henry to the Strategic Policy Committee - S.P.C.1 (Housing and Corporate) following the election of Eamon Scanlon to Dáil Éireann”.

17. FILLING OF VACANCY ON NORTHERN AND WESTERN REGIONAL ASSEMBLY:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Keith Henry to fill the casual vacancy on the Northern and Western Regional Assembly following the election of Eamon Scanlon to Dáil Éireann”.

18. FILLING OF VACANCY ON SLIGO GAOL CONSERVATION PLAN STEERING GROUP:

Proposed by Councillor Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor Gormley

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Keith Henry to the Sligo Gaol Conservation Plan Steering Group following the election of Eamon Scanlon to Dáil Éireann”.

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 1.05 p.m. and resumed at 2.10 p.m.

19. COMMERCIAL RATES ON EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES:

“To ask Sligo County Councilto remove the burden of commercial rates from early childhood care and educational facilities in Co. Sligo, as is the case with all other educational premises, both public and private throughout the country.”

With the agreement of the Meeting, this item was withdrawn by Councillor Lundy.

20. FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR GREENWAY:

"That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe requesting funding for the feasibility study of the disused rail route as a greenway from Collooney to Bellaghy in County Sligo.”

With the agreement of the Meeting, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the May Meeting.

21. VEOLIA CONTRACT WITH SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“Ask the County Manager when is Veolia contract completed with Sligo County Council”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather advised Members that the contract that was in place between Sligo County Council and Veolia novated to Irish Water with effect from 1^st January, 2014. The contract would have been scheduled to cease on 1^st October, 2017”.

22. CARERS ALLOWANCE:

"That Sligo County Council call on the Government to immediately increase the Carers allowance substantially considering carers save the state Billions".

With the agreement of the Meeting, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the May Meeting.

23. TRAFFIC FLOW AT CLEVERAGH/PEARSE ROAD JUNCTION:

"That Sligo County Council engineering staff review the Traffic flow at the Cleveragh/Pearse Road junction as motorists are experiencing significant delays exiting from Cleveragh".

With the agreement of the Meeting, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the May Meeting.

24. FUNDING FOR SLIGO LEADER PARTNERSHIP:

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

“Ask Director of Services to investigate when funding will be available to Sligo Leader Partnership”.

Ms. Clarke outlined the background to the situation and agreed with Members’ concerns about groups who wish to avail of funding. Sligo County Council is awaiting notification from the Department, which may take a number of weeks.

25. AUDIT OF MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Department of Communications to conduct an independent nation-wide Audit on mobile phone coverage in the country and grade what standard of coverage is in place in all regions particularly in Rural County Sligo”.

26. HOUSING STOCK – SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

“To call on this Council to provide an update report to the following motion which was considered at the October monthly meeting

“Given that there is a national homeless scandal, I call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report,

how many houses will this council build in 2016 ?
How many houses will this council buy in 2016?”

Mr. J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services, advised the meeting of the numbers of houses which will be available or due to commence construction 2016. These locations included homes in Fr. O’Flanagan Terrace and Culleens together with new developments in Strandhill and Knappagh Road.

Further details are awaited from the Department to indicate the number of houses Sligo County Council can buy in 2016. This is likely to be in the order of 20 plus.

Mr. Murphy confirmed that in region of 60 to 70 houses should be available in the current year.

27. HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT SCHEME:

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

“To call on this Council to provide an updated report to the following motion which was considered at the December monthly meeting

“To call on Sligo County Council to (a) contact the Department with the view to develop a home improvement grant scheme to enable people on low income to bring their private family homes up to an acceptable standard. young families that may need a extra room for over crowding, new roof, windows heating system, (b) to activate the old housing in lieu grants”.

Mr. Murphy advised Members that letters had been sent to the Department on 15^th January and 23^rd March and a response was awaited.

28. LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Department of Environment to restore as soon as possible funding for Local Improvements Schemes.”

It was further agreed that a copy of this resolution would also be forwarded to the four T. D.s recently elected in the Constituency.

29. GRANT AID FOR INSTALLATION OF BURGLAR ALARMS:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the new Ministers for Justice and Finance to consider allocating grant aid towards the installation of burglar alarms in homes”.

30. N4 ROAD SIGNAGE FOR SLIGO LIONS CLUB:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council to work with the local Sligo Lions Club to promote the Lions Club emblem on Sligo City approach signage on the N4 as it appears in other locations”.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the matter would be examined to see how the work of the Sligo Lions Club could be appropriately recognised. The difficulty with the motion as proposed is that it could set a precedent for similar requests from equally worthy organisations resulting in a proliferation of signage. An example was given of an innovative way of recognising the Lions Club in another jurisdiction and the Members were advised of the Council being open to exploring similar opportunities.

31. & 41. EMPLOYMENT OF STAFF BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR ROAD WORKS:

It was agreed to take items 31 and 41 together at this time:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

“I call on the C. E. O. of Sligo County Council to ensure that “permanent” outdoor Staff are hired by the Council, immediately, to repair the badly damaged roads network in the county”.

and

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

“I would like to welcome the approval by the Department of the provision of 12 General Operative posts on a 7 month contract basis to this Council”.

Mr. Murphy, A/D.O.S., outlined the reduction in staff numbers in recent years and also the further predicted reduction during the term of the Financial Plan.

It was confirmed that a General Operatives Panel is in place at present. It is hoped to appoint the twelve temporary staff this month.

Members agreed that the onus is now on the recently elected T.D.s to go to the new Minister for the Environment, when appointed, to seek a review of the Council’s Financial Plan.

32. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON R294 (BALLYMOTE ROAD, TUBBERCURRY):

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

“I will ask that a pedestrian crossing be installed on the R294, Ballymote Road, Tubbercurry between the R. C. Church and the Convent/Sophia Housing Association in the interest of safety for people who have to cross this very busy road”.

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that the location will be inspected by the Area Engineer and will be included in the application for “Low cost accident Schemes 2017”.

It was further noted that this may be addressed when the difficulties with car parking at the nearby school has been resolved.

34. CAR PARK AT SLIGO RAIL STATION:

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

“To ask the Chief Executive for an update on his discussions with Irish rail re. the provision of a car park to the rear of the train station”.

Mr. Kilfeather advised Members that the matter was previously discussed at a meeting of Sligo Municipal District in quarter one of 2015, following which a letter had been sent to Irish Rail requesting consideration of such a proposal. No response has been received to this correspondence.

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

AND AGREED

“To invite the Station Master of Iarnród Éireann, Sligo to a future meeting of Sligo County Council”.

35. & 36. BY-LAWS FOR AND PUBLIC TOILETS AT SHORE FRONT, EASKEY:

It was agreed to deal with items 35 and 46 at this time.

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare an update report on new by-laws for the sea shore front at Easkey and a progress report on the Public Toilets at Easkey”.

and

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“To ask Sligo County Council when will the public toilets in Easkey be fully completed and ready for use and for the council to liaise with the local community groups regarding the maintenance and management of this facility. Currently they are in an incomplete state in advance of the busy Summer season”.

Ms. Clarke, Director of Services, advised the meeting that Easkey Community Council had entered into a six month licence agreement in November 2015 for the short-term letting of the toilet block at Easkey Castle. Under this Agreement, Easkey Community Council assumed responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the toilet block. A review and extension of the Licence Agreement can be considered after the six month period has elapsed if the Community Council still wish to retain responsibility for the management and operation of the toilet block.

Mr. Kilfeather further confirmed that the toilets have now been refurbished and opened by the Community Council. In addition, the Roads Department will consult with Gardai regarding the erection of the appropriate signage to ban overnight parking along the seafront at this location.

36. STAFFING REVIEW AT CREGG HOUSE RESIDENTIAL CENTRE:

It was agreed that items 36 and 43 on the Agenda would be dealt with at this time.

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

AND AGREED

“Concerned at the refusal of HSE Management to comply with a request by HIQA to carry out a staffing review in the Cregg House residential centre; and aware that INMO members have voted in favour of strike action at Cregg; this Council calls on the Minister for Health and the HSE to respond to the HIQA request and ensure that the necessary review is carried out as a matter of urgency.”

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“Could this Council write to HIQA to put pressure on them to do the promised staffing review in Cregg”.

37. BETTER ENERGY COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME:

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

“That the Chief Executive provides the meeting with a report indicating the number of applications submitted by the Council for grant assistance under the Better Energy Communities Programme; the projects for which funds were sought and the level of grant aid received from the Sustainable Energy Authority.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that no applications had been submitted under the Better Energy Communities Programme.

Sligo’s participation in the BEC Programme was discussed at workshops that informed the preparation of the Local Economic Community Plan 2016-2021. It was too late to apply for the 2016 scheme, but there was support for the idea of working towards an application in the future. This was seen as a good way of starting to build local capacity on the road to an energy-efficient and low-carbon future.

The BEC eligibility and other requirements are extensive and exacting and the Programme is highly competitive. Some BEC-funded projects have received Sustainable Energy Awards for outstanding performances in collaboration and community work. The Programme is designed to encourage group retrofits. Participation requires a lead-in to identify, bring together and work up the various essential components. Before applying, the project must be clearly mapped out. The Lead Applicant, Project Coordinator and all participating organisations must be finalised. The in-house team must be thoroughly outlined and all necessary resources must be identified.

Councillor Bree expressed his disappointment that no application had been made under this programme to date; Mr. Kilfeather advised that other funding sources were available, and noted that in the current environment identifying staff to prepare a detailed submission presented a real challenge. A future application for the Better Energy Communities Programme will be considered.

38. TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATES IN BALLINACARROW AND TUBBERCURRY:

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

“To ask that we be provided with the up-to-date position on the taking in charge of;

Owenmore Paddock Estate, Ballinacarrow.
Ox Crescent Estate, Tubbercurry.
Meadowbrook Estate, Tubbercurry.”

Ms. Clarke reported as follows:

Owenmore Paddock Estate - The Council has engaged with the bond holder – Liberty Mutual Insurance – and a complete schedule of works has been agreed, tendered and contractor appointed. The works are currently ongoing on the development. When these works are concluded the estate will be completed to a standard that will allow the Council take the infrastructure in charge. The taking in charge process will commence at that stage.
Ox Crescent Estate - Liberty Mutual Insurance have agreed a schedule of works, issued tenders and appointed a contractor. The works are currently on-going on the development. When these works are concluded the estate will be completed to a standard that will allow the Council take the infrastructure in charge. The taking in charge process will commence at that stage
Meadowbrook Estate - The Council has issued a formal enforcement notice against the developer. A subsequent meeting was held on site with the developer and the outstanding issues were discussed and resolutions proposed. The Developer undertook to carry out some remedial works and prepare a suitable submission to the Council. All matters in the enforcement notice must be addressed satisfactorily prior to the commencement of the formal taking in charge process.

39. TOWN TWINNING:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to explore the possibility of establishing a formal Twinning /Sister City with Chicago-Ridge Illinois”.

Councillor Healy outlined the background to this motion accompanied by a brief video presentation of his recent visit to Chicago;

Councillor Healy asked that this would be dealt with at an early date. An invitation has been extended to the Mayor of Chicago Ridge to attend the Mayor’s Ball in Sligo on 28^th May, 2016.

Mr J Murphy A/Director of Services outlined the background to the Town Twinning Programme, discussed the current twinning arrangements, and advised that this proposal would be referred to the Council’s Procedures Committee.

40. SUGAR AWARENESS DAY – HEALTH PROMOTION CAMPAIGN:

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

AND AGREED

“Call on the Department of Health and the Minister for Health to consider the introduction of a sugar awareness day as part of a national health promotion campaign to inform the public of the high sugar content in many process foods and the possible negative health effects of a high sugar diet”.

The Members agreed that this motion should be circulated to the other Local Authorities.

42. GRANT AID FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS AND TOWN TWINNING:

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

“Noting that the Council in 2015 provided grant aid totalling €2,500 to Cos Cos, the Sligo Intercultural Forum and the Rosses Point Sea Shanty Festival from the Community events/Community and Voluntary Grants Scheme; and further noting that the said organisations have been grant aided this year from the Council’s Contributions to the Arts Scheme; this meeting resolves that the grant aid to Sligo Town Twinning Ltd from this year’s Community events/Community and Voluntary Grants Scheme be increased by a minimum of €2,500.”

Ms. Clarke advised Members that funding under the Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 2016 is by way of open call. For this reason specific applications received in previous years cannot be used for comparison purposes as the same groups may not apply or may not be eligible in a particular year.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the Scheme is 5^th April, 2016 after which applications will be assessed and a report will be submitted to Council. The Scheme as approved does not allow for specific allocations to named groups.

Any application received from Sligo Town Twinning Ltd. will be assessed in accordance with the Scheme.

Councillor Bree undertook to liaise with Sligo Town Twinning Limited to ensure that, if they had not already done so, they would submit their application for funding before the deadline of the next day.

The Chief Executive confirmed to the Members that a sum of €7,500 was included in this year’s Budget under the heading for Town Twinning.

44. SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT CORPUS CHRISTI ESTATE, BANADA:

“That we be provided with a report as to who is responsible for the maintenance and general upkeep of the grounds that the sewerage treatment plant at Corpus Christi Estate is built on”.

With the agreement of the Meeting, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the May Meeting.

45. TAKING IN CHARGE OF CASTLEBURN ESTATE, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“To ask Sligo County Council when Castleburn Estate, Ballymote will be taken into charge by the Council?”

Ms. Clarke reported that the Enforcement Section of the Council have prepared a schedule of works required to be undertaken within the estate and issued formal request to the Bond Holder (Liberty Mutual) for the funds of the bond. Liberty has tendered the works and the tenders received are in excess of the total funds of the bond.

The Council and the nominated contractor are currently in discussions in relation to the scope of works in an attempt to reduce costs. It is envisaged that on conclusion of the negotiations that Liberty Mutual will appoint the contractor and carry out the required works. The issue of taking the estate in charge will be progressed when these works are completed to the satisfaction of the enforcement section.

Councillor Henry sought clarification as to the timeline involved and it is anticipated that this will be within the next two months.

47. ROAD SURFACES IN THE BALLYMOTE AREA:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“To ask Sligo County Council to address the road surfaces on the Five Cross Roads to Templehouse Road, Camross and the Old Sligo Road, Ballymote”.

The Members were advised by Mr. Kilfeather that the section of road at Camross and the old Sligo road will be included in the ongoing pothole repair programme.

Works have commenced on a section of the Five cross roads to Templehouse road and it is proposed to complete the remaining 1800 metres as part of the 3 year multiannual road restoration improvement plan currently being drafted by the Roads Section of Sligo County Council.

48. REQUEST FOR UPDATE ON INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER MAINS:

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

“To ask that we be provided with a report as to when works will commence on the laying of new water mains in the following areas; Bunninadden/Killavil Areas, Curry Area, and the replacement of 5.2km of cast iron watermain in Keash from Ardsallagh to Fennaghroe where 23 houses are still on a boiled notice.”

Mr. Kilfeather advised the Members that a reply is awaited from Irish Water in relation to this motion. However, the Director of Services was aware that contracts had recently been signed. Under the terms of this contract, they will have 40 days to mobilise on site and it is expected that works will be completed by the end of the year.