Minutes 2016

Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 3rd October, 2016 at 11.00 a.m. 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 MacManus,
  • Councillor MacSharry
  • Councillor, Mulvey
  • Councillor, O’Boyle
  • Councillor, O’Grady,
  • Councillor Taylor.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Patricia Guckian, A/Head of Finance
  • Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
  • Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Mr. Donal Tinney, County Library
  • Ms. Pauline Brennan, Senior Executive Librarian
  • Mr. Seán Martin, A/Senior Architect
  • Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. John Owens, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Mr. Keith Lyons, Clerical Officer
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Hubert Keaney, presided.

 

1.  SECTION 140 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – COUNCIL LIBRARIES:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Members to the Meeting.

Councillor T. Healy outlined the background to the submission of the Section 140 motion by the Members. 

In reply to a query raised by Councillor Healy, the Chief Executive advised the Members that a range of matters had been discussed at the recent meeting with the Minister.

In reply to Councillor Healy’s comments relating to a proposal to increase the Local Property Tax by 15% discussed at the recent Special Meeting, the Cathaoirleach advised the Members that there had been no demand or request at the meeting with the Minister to do so.  Councillor Keaney undertook, in the light of the change of circumstances where acute services were being affected, that he would come back to the County Council Members with a proposal in relation to the Local Property Tax and this was all that had been said at that Meeting with the Minister. 

Councillor Keaney added that, as Cathaoirleach, he decided to meet with Members and put the proposal to them to raise the Local Property Tax.  One condition was that the money raised would be ring fenced

for capital and economic projects within the county and this was the proposal he had put to the Members during the previous week.

Over the weekend that the matter of the Libraries had been raised and this is where the proposal had come from the Department.  If the Local Property Tax had been increased by the suggested 15% as a sign of goodwill, the Department would have relaxed the requirement for the Council to produce a surplus in the next three years. 

It was proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“We, the members of Sligo County Council, pursuant to Section 140 of the Local Government Act 2001, hereby instruct the Chief Executive of Sligo County Council to ensure that all the Council Libraries in the county remain open during normal opening hours.”

A discussion ensued with queries raised by Members being clarified by the Chief Executive and the Cathaoirleach. 

During this discussion, the Cathaoirleach advised Members that a reply had just been received from the Department that may influence the discussion.

Mr. Hayes confirmed, in reply to a query from Councillor Bree, that he had made a submission to the Department.  He had been in discussions with them during the previous week, apart from the meeting with the Minister and had also made the submission referred to last week. The correspondence just received indicated that the Department are prepared to sanction the six posts referred to in the submission, i.e.

  • Assistant Librarian - 2 permanent posts, 
  • Senior Library Assistant - 2 permanent posts and
  • Branch Librarian - 2 temporary 6 month contracts for 20 hours per week.

At the request of the Members, the Chief Executive then read the content of the three page letter to the Meeting.

Members welcomed this positive development in the situation, compliment the staff affected and outlined the concerns they had held.

Mr. Hayes, in reply, thanked the Members for their support and expressed his appreciation for their comments relating to the Library Staff who had endeavoured to provide the service over the past number of years. 

The Chief Executive wished to acknowledge the co-operation and collaboration of the Cathaoirleach, particularly during the last week

or so where a lot of work had gone on behind the scenes.  It had not been possible to get to this point without a large amount of discussions.  The role played by the Cathaoirleach had to be acknowledged.

The finances of Sligo County Council are in a serious and precarious position and that is why we have the strong targets that are in the Financial Plan.  In reply to a query as to whether the Financial Plan was workable, the Chief Executive indicated that his reply would be ‘yes’ but that targets can only be met at the expense of services.  This can be seen from measures taken to date including the closure of the Council’s Laboratory, Cash Desk in City Hall, Housing Public Offices hours being reduced, Motor Tax hours being reduced and reduction in number of outdoor staff.  All of these had taken place before the current issue had arisen.

The Chief Executive said he wished to remind Members that the next matter before them will be the 2017 Budget where, post adjustment, the target for 2017 is a revised surplus of €3.663 million and this will challenge the Council.

In relation to references to crises in Housing and outdoor staff numbers, a further submission is being made in relation to Housing with one already having been made in relation to outdoor staff.  The Meeting was advised that the Chief Executive had previously arranged to engage with the Unions and Library Staff the next day as to how the service could be provided until the six staff are recruited.  It may be necessary to implement ongoing rolling closures until they are recruited.

In reply to a query from Councillor O’Grady as to whether a panel is in place at the moment, the Chief Executive advised the Meeting that, as the embargo is in place for some years, any panels that had been formed in the past are long since expired.

Mr. T. Kilfeather further clarified the situation in relation to the retention of the twelve temporary outdoor staff recruited to carry out works under “severe weather” funding and replied to points raised by various Members.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the Department’s response and thanked the Library staff who have been working under difficult circumstances for a number of years.  Councillor Keaney thanked the Executive for negotiations over the past number of weeks which had been difficult

The Chief Executive asked that the message would go out loud and clear that, while in process of recruiting, there will be rolling closures but the recruitment process will start immediately.

With the agreement of the Meeting, Councillor T. Healy requested that the following resolution be deferred:

“We, the members of Sligo County Council, pursuant to Section 140 of the Local Government Act 2001, hereby instruct the Chief Executive of Sligo County Council to ensure that all the Council Libraries in the county remain open during normal opening hours.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF SPC3 MEETING HELD ON 10TH MAY, 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of SPC 3 Meeting (Planning, Community & Economic Development, Arts & Culture) held at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday 10th May 2016”.

 

3.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2016:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th September, 2016”.

 

4.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 20TH JUNE, 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of the Meetings of Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District held on 20th June, 2016”.

 

5.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE HELD ON 3RD FEBRUARY AND 4TH MAY, 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of Meetings of Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee held on 3rd February, 2016 and 4th May, 2016”.

 

6.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT – AUGUST 2016:

Councillor D. Bree referred to a query raised by him at the September Meeting.  In the June Monthly Management Report there had been a reference to “Assistance given by the Local Enterprise Office to Local Festivals and Events”. 

Ms. D. Clarke confirmed that she had clarified it was not grant assistance but by way of their taking part in training and mentoring.

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

 

7.  REPORT ON TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATES:

The Report as previously circulated to the Members was noted.

Queries raised by the Members in relation to aspects of the Scheme were clarified by Mr. T. Kilfeather, Mr. J. Owens and Mr. F. Moylan. 

It was noted that when the County Council take in charge the open spaces within an estate, the residents are required to maintain them. 

A query was raised regarding the Council taking in charge an element of the infrastructure within an Estate.  Mr. Moylan confirmed that the preference is always to take the entire Estate in charge. 

Clarification was given that grass cutting by the local authority takes place in public Estates only. 

Some Members referred to the ownership of the open spaces.  Mr. Moylan and Mr. Owens confirmed that there is no transfer of ownership in the “Taking in charge” process.  The open spaces remain in the ownership of the Developer.  If residents wish to acquire it, they have to contact the Developer. 

 

8.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF “BAYVIEW” ESTATE, ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To commence the process of taking in charge the Estate known as “Bayview”, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo”.

9.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF “THE PARKLANDS” AND “PARKLANDS CRESCENT” DEVELOPMENTS, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“To commence the process of taking in charge the developments known as “The Parklands” and the “Parklands Crescent” at Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo”.

 

35.  UPDATE ON TAKING IN CHARGE OF DROMORE ESTATE, CASTLEBALDWIN:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the taking in charge of Dromroe Estate, Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo”.

Ms. D. Clarke advised the Members that there has been no application to take in charge the Dromroe housing estate but the Special Resolution Fund for unfinished estates was used in the past year to bring the condition of the estate up to a reasonable standard.  

Councillor Mulvey indicated that there is a health and safety issue there at present with 33 houses in the Estate and no street lighting there. 

In reply, Mr. Moylan indicated that the Council has served a “warning letter” on the new owners of the development specifically relating to public lighting.  The Council is following the process available to them.  If the new owners do not comply with the warning letter, it is then a matter of going to Court to get an order for them to do so.

 

37.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF “BROOKLAWNS”, FIRST SEA ROAD,

SLIGO:

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

“That Sligo County Council commences the taking in charge of Brooklawns, First Sea Road, Sligo”.

The Members were advised that there has been no application to take in charge the Brooklawns Estate.  This is a completed development comprising 59 town houses, 48 apartments and a crèche facility served by an on-site sewage pumping station.  It is not the policy of Sligo County Council to take in charge developments incorporating apartments and non-residential elements. 

 

10.  PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT SOCIAL HOUSING DWELLINGS – KNAPPAGH ROAD, KNAPPAGHBEG, SLIGO:

AND

ROAD SAFETY MEASURES AT SCOIL URSULA, STRANDHILL ROAD:

The Members received a Presentation on the proposed Social Housing development of 28 houses at Knappagh Road, Sligo from Mr. S. Martin.

The Presentation included slides with the views from the site location, maps, drawings and traffic statistics.

In welcoming the proposal for social housing, concerns were expressed by Members on behalf of the residents of the Thornhill area and outlined difficulties they are experiencing at present. 

It was agreed by the Members to deal with Items 20 and 36 on the Agenda at this time.

Mr. Kilfeather presented a report on the traffic management issues at Scoil Ursula and Strandhill Road.

In recent years Sligo County Council has sought to enhance safety in this area through a variety of engineering measures such as:

  • Provision of pedestrian safety barriers and school exits
  • the provision of road markings,
  • the provision of a dedicated pedestrian crossing and the subsequent upgrading of the pedestrian crossing from a zebra crossing to a fully controlled pelican crossing
  • set-down area for school buses
  • the provision of a radar speed sign (driver feedback sign) on the inbound approach to the school

The Council also continue to provide a school warden during school drop-off and collection times.

As noted earlier, the Council’s Roads Department will continue to play an active role in seeking to improve road safety standards at Scoil Ursula. Dialogue will take place with relevant stakeholders.  However it is not possible at this stage to be prescriptive as to what further measures can be implemented”.   

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon

Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“Due to the proposed Social Housing Development of 28 houses at Knappagh Road we request the Roads Department of Sligo County

Council to put in place traffic calming measures on this stretch of road from the railway bridge to the junction with Larkhill Road and to carry out a full assessment of traffic on this stretch of road. 

All these measures are very necessary for health and safety reasons”.

Following further discussion on this matter, it was then

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, having considered the Chief

Executive’s Report, in accordance with the Local Government

(Planning and Development) Act 2000 (as amended), Part XI, Section 179; and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), Part 8 (Article 81) as amended, proceed with the construction of 28 no. social housing dwellings and all associated drainage and site works at Knappagh Road, Knappagh Beg, Sligo.”

 

11.  DATES FOR MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS TO CONSIDER DRAFT BUDGETARY PLAN:

It was agreed to hold the Municipal District Meetings to consider the draft Budgetary Plan as follows:

Wednesday, 9th November – Sligo M.D. – 10.00 a.m. in City Hall and Wednesday, 9th November – Ballymote-Tobercurry M.D. – 3 p.m. in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry.

 

12.  DATE FOR 2017 BUDGET MEETING:

It was agreed to hold the Budget Meeting for Sligo County Council at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 21st November, 2016.

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 1.30 p.m. and resumed at 2.30 p.m.

 

STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – WILD ATLANTIC WAY:

In relation to the following motion:

“Seeks a report as to the strategic infrastructure and environmental assessment undertaken regarding the development of the Wild Atlantic Way”.

Councillor Maguire indicated that, having had an opportunity to examine the information provided to the Members, a new motion will be submitted for the November Council Meeting Agenda.

 

14.  COMPLETION OF WORKS AT CONNOLLY PARK, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“What is the up-to-date position on completion of works at Connolly Park, Tubbercurry?”

Mr. J. Murphy reported that there have been further discussions with the Department in relation to Connolly Park. It is now proposed to get a Q.S. to cost the work required to refurbish houses 43 to 46 (4 no.) inclusive. This will allow the Department to evaluate and determine whether it is more cost effective to carry out remedial works to these four houses or whether the houses should be knocked and replaced by the building of a number of new houses.

At the same time it is also proposed to get a Q.S. to cost the work required to refurbish houses 15 and 19 (owned by the Council) in the block of houses 15 to 20, with a view to refurbishing same under the Long Term Vacant/Derelict Social Housing Units Programme.

Finally, the Council are also seeking to progress the building of further houses in Connolly Park. Any funding from the Department will be dependent on the Council demonstrating that there is a housing need in this area.

Councillor Gormley welcomed the report and noted the dialogue between the Department and Sligo County Council staff. 

In supporting the motion, Councillor Lundy asked that consideration might be given to applications from children of families originally reared in Connolly Park and hoped that they might get an opportunity to return in any new phase that might be built.

 

15.  GALWAY – EUROPEAN CITY OF CULTURE 2020:

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

“I will ask what can the entire county of Sligo do to benefit business wise and tourism wise from the great success of our neighbouring county Galway, city of Galway, being designated “European City of Culture, 2020”.

Ms. D. Clarke advised the Meeting of the background to the successful bid by Galway City Council for the designation and advised Members that, given the interest of Galway in the regional approach and the relations established to date, it is intended that this opportunity will be maximised as much as possible by Sligo leading up to and during 2020.

 

16.  UPGRADING OF R294 FROM DRUMMARTIN TO JUNCTION OF ROAD 406 AT GORTERSLUIN:

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

“The R294 is the regional road in South Sligo that connects Boyle in Co. Roscommon with Ballina in Co. Mayo, via Tubbercurry.   I will ask if funding is available in 2016 to upgrade the section of the R294 from Drummartin to the junction of road 406 at Gortersluin.”

Mr. T. Kilfeather advised the Members that approximately 3.5km of the R294 in this location (Lough Talt) has been overlaid and strengthened in recent years.  Further works were also carried out at Falduff near Tubbercurry this year.  Unfortunately, the overall funding available for Regional Road overlays is relatively limited and has to be spread across the network.  However, this section of road will be considered for inclusion in a future schedule of the Ballymote/Tubbercurry Municipal District Works.

It was suggested by the Members, and agreed, that it would increase the possibility of attracting funding for the R294 if this Council liaised with Mayo County Council and Roscommon County Council to prepare and submit a proposal.  The Members recalled that a joint submission had been made some years ago to the Department, and believe there could be merit in the Councils working together to seek funding for this important regional road.

 

17.  RESTORATION OF MEDICAL CARDS TO SENIOR CITIZENS:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Government to restore full medical cards to all our senior  citizens over 70, irrespective of their income, in the upcoming budget”

 

REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT OF “IMPROVEMENT IN LIEU” SCHEME:

The Members noted that the following motion, submitted by Councillor M. Baker, had been withdrawn:

“To call on the Minister for the Environment to reinstate the improvement in lieu Scheme to help low income earners to improve their housing accommodation”.

 

19.  BALLYMOTE COMMUNITY LIBRARY – LEASE FOR BUILDING:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide the following details on the building currently leased for the use of Ballymote Community Library: The annual cost of the leasing, the length of the lease and when it is up for review or reconsideration”.

Ms. D. Clarke advised the Members that the annual cost of the leasing is €46,125.00.  The lease is for 25 years from April 2010 with a rent review/reconsideration every 5 years and a 13th year break option.

 

21.  TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON R286 (BALLINODE TO CLOGHEREVAGH):

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

AND AGREED

“To request the roads department of Sligo County Council to install traffic calming measures along the regional road no 286 from Ballinode to Clogherevagh which is a residential area and passes by Calry/St Joseph’s pitch /playground and also on the loop road L7428 to St Angela’s College.  A reduction of the speed limit from 80kph to 50 kph on L 7428 from the junction with R286 to the College”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather advised the Meeting that, in recent years, Sligo County Council has provided road improvements including footpaths and traffic calming measures along sections of the R286 from Ballinode to the Calry/St Joseph’s pitch/playground and indeed has extended the speed limit to beyond the football pitch.

Over the coming months and, as resources permit, the Roads Department will carry out a series of traffic measurements both in the vicinity of the Calry/St. Josephs G. A. A. club and along the L7428 to St. Angela’s.  The output from these surveys will be used to determine whether or not additional traffic calming measures are necessary and what form such measures might take at the subject locations. 

Councillor Kilgannon welcomed the report and noted that St. Angela’s College is in use all year ‘round due to their accommodation also being rented during College holidays.

 

22.  ROAD MARKINGS ON MARKIEVICZ ROAD AND CONNAUGHTON ROAD, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To receive an update on why the road markings were changed on Markievicz Road and Connaughton Road.”

In conjunction with the ongoing street refurbishment works on Markievicz Road, the Council’s Roads Department have amended the road layout along Markievicz Road, The Slip and Lower Connaughton Road.  The new road layout will ensure a greater free flow of traffic through this area, particularly during morning and evening peaks.  At this early stage, there is much evidence that the new layout has brought about a decrease in queuing times for motorists approaching from the N15/N16 and Ballinode directions.

In reply to a query regarding Emergency Services vehicles having difficulties crossing the city, the Chief Executive confirmed that this is always going to be the case.  However, they generally get the co-operation of Motorists.

 

23.  DECLARATORY WITNESS ON HOUSING APPLICATION FORMS:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To ask if Peace Commissioners can be included as a declaratory witness for housing application form enquiring about property/ financial interest/Income /Maintenance and Custody/Access.”

Mr. J. Murphy reported that the document requesting information in relation to Property/Financial Interest/Income/Maintenance and Custody/Access is an affidavit. The law provides that an Affidavit must be signed in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths. It cannot therefore be signed by a Peace Commissioner.

A Commissioner for Oaths, who is also a Peace Commissioner, can also sign the form but it would be in their capacity as a Commissioner for Oaths.

Mr. B. Gavin undertook to examine the situation in other local authorities in this regard.

 

24.  PROVISION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNEMPLOYED:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Ministers for Social Protection and Education to refocus on providing opportunities for getting people back to work or into educational and training rather than putting barriers in front of people”.

 

25.  EXTENSION OF FOOTPATH ON MOUNTAIN ROAD, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Council to extend the footpath from Bailey’s Nursing Home out to the speed limit signs on the Mountain road, Tubbercurry”.

Mr. Kilfeather advised the Members that these works can be considered in future works programmes.  However, there is very limited funding available for new footpaths with most emphasis placed on maintenance of existing pavements.

 

26.  SALE BY G.A.A. OF BROADCASTING RIGHTS FOR GAELIC GAMES:

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

AND AGREED

"I propose that Sligo County Council call on the GAA to reverse their policy of selling the exclusive broadcasting rights of Gaelic Games to subscription viewing channels and to return to the long held position of the GAA that ensured all Televised Championship Gaelic Games are shown on terrestrial Free to Air channels for all to see.

The viewership difference between comparable fixtures on Sky and when TV3 had the exclusive rights are close to 400,00O. These 400,000 viewers really want to watch their national sports and are excluded as they cannot afford to subscribe to Sky. The average GAA fixture on TV3 attracted 289,000 viewers while Sky viewership was 10 times less, in the mid twenty thousands.
This exclusion from watching their national sports is especially hard for all those in hospitals, care homes, the elderly across rural Ireland, those with mobility issues, those in poor health, those on shift work and all those families who through limited financial means or other circumstances are unable to attend GAA fixtures but would love to watch their county teams.

The people that built and sustain the GAA through selfless volunteerism are being excluded
If the GAA do not reverse this policy we will then call on the Minister for Communications to begin the process under the Broadcasting Act 2009 to designate all Gaelic Games as being Free to Air given their special resonance and distinct cultural significance and importance for the people of Ireland. Currently, only the Hurling and Football All-Ireland Final are designated as Free to Air."

 

27.  EUROPEAN COMMISSION RULING RE. STATE AID TO “APPLE”:

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

“That this Council abhors the Government decision to appeal the European Commission’s ruling that Ireland provided unlawful State aid to Apple and calls for the appeal to be dropped immediately; and we also call on the Government to develop a plan to invest the €13bn owed to the Irish State in resolving the social crises in housing, health and education and to form part of a major programme of public investment, including in the green energy and technology sectors, creating tens of thousands of decent jobs.”

Following a discussion on the motion, the Cathaoirleach called for a vote on the motion which resulted as follows:

FOR: Councillor Bree, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacManus and Councillor O’Boyle (6)

AGAINST:    Councillor Henry, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Mulvey and Councillor Taylor (6)

ABSENT:  Councillor Baker, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor O’Grady and Councillor Queenan (6)

The Cathaoirleach then used his casting vote against the motion and deemed the motion lost.

 

28.  RATES OF PAYMENT OF JOB SEEKERS’ ALLOWANCE:

With the agreement of the Members, the following motion submitted by Councillor D. Bree was deferred to the Agenda of the November meeting:

“That this Council calls on the Government and the Minister for Social Protection to reinstate full rates of payment for those claimants aged 18 to 26 in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance.”

 

29.  EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR SPREADING OF SLURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, to extend the deadline for the spreading of slurry”.

 

30.  SALE OF LAND AT FINISKLIN:

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

“To call on the CEO of Sligo County Council to ring fence the proposed €200,000 from the disposal sale of land at Finisklin and that this money would be used to address the ongoing concerns with library services  within the county”.

The Chief Executive confirmed that this item will be on the Agenda of the Ordinary Meeting in November.

Ms. P. Guckian advised the Members of the process that must be followed and how funds must be treated following the disposal of an asset. 

Mr. Hayes noted that the Council is working very much in relation to the Financial Plan and will examine how these funds can be used in the context of the Plan.

 

31.  WASTE WATER RELATED LOANS:

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

“To call on the CEO of Sligo County Council to write to the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government to address a solution to the waste water related loans either in the short or long term as there is an annual loss of revenue to Sligo County Council of €567,490”.

Mr. C. Hayes, Chief Executive, confirmed that this issue impacts on all local authorities in the country.  There have been six reports on acute financial matters facing the sector.  The Chief Executive advised the Members that he has already raised this in discussions and correspondence with the Department in relation to the Financial Plan and the Council’s financial situation.

Acute financial matters that are impacting on the sector are being worked through by the C.C.M.A.’s Finance Committee with the Department, including this matter.  There have been certain changes in relation to rates.  The most significant one relates to Irish Water infrastructure no longer being rateable.  The Council has been compensated in 2014 and 2015. 

 

32.  SLIGO HARBOUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report on the work and activities of the Sligo Harbour Advisory Committee be provided to the Council and that the minutes of the meetings of the Advisory Committee be circulated to Councillors.”

Ms. D. Clarke advised the Meeting that

  • Sligo County Council’s Advisory Committee was established in the Council’s taking over of the Harbour from the Sligo Harbour Commissioners in 2006 comprising of a number of elected members of Sligo County Council, together with external stakeholders and interested parties and representatives involved in Harbour business activity.

    The last meeting of the Harbour Advisory Committee took place on the 25th May 2015 with one scheduled meeting of the Committee to take place annually.
  • Ms Clarke advised the meeting that 2015 - 2016 was a busy year for Harbour shipping activities with an increase in the number of ships and an increase in tonnage using the Harbour.
  • In July of 2016 the management and operation of the Harbour was outsourced due to the retirement of the Harbour Master late 2015. 

    Triur Construction Ltd was appointed to manage operations in the Harbour under a service level agreement. They commenced these activities in July 2016 and the management and security of the cargo ships and shipping channel & operations of the leisure pontoon is their main brief.
  • The areas of Harbour Lands & Property leases and forward planning matters are ongoing issues that are dealt with on a weekly /monthly basis by Land Asset Management and the Planning Dept.
  • The 2016 meeting of the Advisory Committee is due to take place before the end of 2016. It is envisaged that after the minutes have been approved at the next board meeting they will be circulated to Council Members.

Councillor Bree sought clarification in relation to the holding of one meeting on an annual basis, the outsourcing of the management and operation of the Harbour and disposal of assets.

The Chief Executive outlined that the “Harbour Advisory Committee” is just that – an advisory committee.  The Harbour Master had retired at very short notice and arrangements were put in place for the continued operation of the Harbour.  A meeting of the Committee will be held before the end of the year.  Unfortunately, no meeting had been arranged prior to the retirement of the Harbour Master. 

Mr. Hayes confirmed that the disposal of assets is a matter for the Council.  There are certain principles and practices that must be met regarding funds from the disposal of assets.

Ms. D. Clarke noted that the meeting in May 2015 was the first meeting of the new Council.  External members and stakeholders from the Harbour are also on the Committee.  The Director of Services undertook to examine the draft Minutes of the May 2015 where it was recorded the Committee should meet at least once per annum.  It has not been possible to schedule a meeting but it is proposed to do so before the end of the year.

 

33.  ADDITIONAL OUTDOOR STAFF:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to confirm if Sligo County Council has applied for additional Staff under any new Schemes or has identified any possibility of keeping the twelve additional outdoor staff”.

The Members were advised by Mr. Kilfeather that, in general terms, the question of replacement of staff leaving the Council is dictated by the 5 Year Financial Plan.   A small number of the 12 temporary Roads staff taken on will remain in employment of Sligo County Council’s Roads Department for a further number of weeks as they started later. We would also hope that finalisation of a national agreement in respect of permanent outdoor staff numbers employed under the Sligo Local Authority with Irish Water will see a small number of temporary outdoor staff made permanent and this would benefit outdoor Roads staff numbers.

Discussions with Unions locally on this matter have taken place in last two weeks but an agreement still has to be finalised.

Looking towards 2017 and the expectation that Local and Regional road funding will return to ‘normal’ levels which would be in the region of 2/3 of this year’s Programme, a case could be considered to seek approval for recruitment of temporary outdoor staff from March 2017 to October 2017.

In reply to queries raised by Members, Mr. Kilfeather reiterated that the 18th November is the cut off for the employment of the twelve staff.  The best option available to the Council is to go to the Department at the end of January/early February next year to look for staff for the 2017 season, again on a temporary basis. 

In reply to further queries from Members, the Director of Services advised the Meeting that when the Department was contacted in 2016, they responded favourably within a few days.  It would be preferred that the Council would have some of the staff on a permanent basis but it has to deal with what is in place.  The matter of working on projects from November to February must be examined, e.g. flooding, drainage type works and the Councillors’ cul-de-sac programme.  These works are generally carried out by the Council’s own staff but it is not known who is going to bridge the gap between now and January/early February. 

 

34.  REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE ON R296:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to erect signage on R296 to alert traffic leaving Ballymote towards Bunninadden-Tubbercurry to slow down as the Residents of “Castlegrove” are experiencing safety concerns”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather advised the Meeting that the Ballymote Area Engineer will investigate this traffic safety matter and revert back to Councillor Mulvey on any proposals.

 

38.  UPDATE ON WORKS AT ROAD L-7311 – LOWER ROSSES, ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To request an update on works to be carried out on Road L-7311 at Lower Rosses”.

The Director of Services now that the Council’s Annual Road Works Programme is substantially complete, the focus over the coming months will be on drainage improvement works.  The L-7311 is included on a schedule of drainage works within the Sligo Municipal District and it is anticipated that works at this location will take place towards the latter part of October 2016.

 

39.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Caroline Collery (Sligo County Council Employee) on the death of her sister, Olivia Cregg.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernard Duffy of Bullaun, Geevagh on the death of his wife, Mary.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Antoinette McTiernan of Ballygawley on the death of her husband, Colm.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dympna Rooney of Glencar Lower, Glencar, Co. Leitrim on the death of her son, Mark.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Muldoon of Tullavilla, Cloonacool, Tubbercurry on the death of her mother, Rita Kelly.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Catherine Raftery of “Grallagh”, Strandhill Road on the death of her husband, Vincent”.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Martyn Snr. of Knappagh Road on the death of his son, Joseph.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Corcoran of Sligo Airport on the death of his brother, Paul (formerly of Kilnamonagh, Collooney).

 

The Chief Executive, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Staff, wished to be associated with these expressions of sympathy.

 

40.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to St. Nathy’s Ladies Team on winning the County Final”.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Tourlestrane Senior Team Captain James Leonard and Joint Managers, Eamon O’Hara and Gerry McGowan and Club Chairman, Brendan Leonard, on Tourlestrane winning the County Senior Championship Final on Sunday, 2nd October, 2016. 

Congratulations to all, including the local Supporters of Tourlestrane”.

 

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to St. Molaise Gaels on winning the Intermediate Championship Final at Markievicz Park on Sunday, 2nd October”.

The Chief Executive, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Staff, wished to be associated with these votes of congratulations.

 

41.  CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“That the list of Conferences, as circulated with the Agenda, be approved”.

 

42.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

43.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Councillor Gormley expressed her disappointment at the reply received from the Minister for Transport in relation to the Council’s correspondence regarding Class 3 roads. 

It was noted that the Minister had been in Sligo recently but Members were not accorded the opportunity to meet with him. 

Members expressed their disappointment that their request for a meeting could not be facilitated, and they resolved that a further request would be forwarded to you to meet with a deputation in relation to funding for Class 3 roads.

It was proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

“To note correspondence circulated with the Agenda for the Meeting”.

 

44.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

45.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 4.25 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 03/10/2016