Minutes 2017

Minutes of February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 6th February, 2017 at 10.00 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 Queenan,
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. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
Ms. Pauline Brennan, Senior Executive Librarian
Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Patrick Gannon, Assistant Librarian
Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
Ms. Karen Gallagher, I.S. Technical Support Officer
Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor H. Keaney, presided.

“SPIRIT OF SLIGO” EVENT TO LAUNCH THE “EUROPEAN VOLUNTEERING CAPITAL 2017”:

At the outset, the Cathaoirleach said he wished to thank everyone involved in the Civic Reception and “Spirit of Sligo” Gala Celebration held on 27^th January in I.T. Sligo. The evening was fantastic showcase event for Sligo.

1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 9^TH JANUARY, 2017:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 9^th January, 2017”

2. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY M.D. HELD ON 9^TH NOVEMBER, 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 9th November, 2016”.

3. MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY M.D. MEETING HELD ON 28^TH NOVEMBER, 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 28th November, 2016”

4. SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 14 RUSHEEN CRESCENT, CALTRAGH:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at 14 Rusheen Crescent, Caltragh, Sligo to Ms. Fiona Couch”.

5. SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 6 GREEN ROAD, COOLANEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at 6 Green Road, Coolaney, Co. Sligo to Ms. Christine McGlinchey”.

6. SECTION 6 – ASSISTANCE TO SOPHIA HOUSING ASSOCIATION – DWELLING AT CULLAGHBEG, DRUMCLIFFE:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to Sophia Housing Association Ltd,in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme in the value of €291,211 for the purchase of a dwelling at Cullaghbeg, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo”.

7. PRESENTATION BY “METAL MARINERS”:

The “Metal Mariners” group were represented by Mr. Bryan Armstrong and Mr. John Buckley.

They described their group as one of local, life-long Sailors and Boaters who are engaging the Sligo community in all water sports, boat building and sailing. In turn, this will help promote Sligo to the world of water sports.

Details were provided to the Meeting regarding “Visitor Moorings” and the necessity, benefits, timeline and costing for same.

The Cathaoirleach then indicated that, due to the content, Item 26 on the Agenda would be dealt with at this time.

26. MOORING OF SMALL BOATS AT QUAY STREET SLIPWAY:

Councillor MacSharry advised the Members that there was a slight variation to the wording of his motion on the Agenda. The words “to another part of the estuary “were being replaced by “and preserve it by record”.

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council Engineering and Heritage staff, in conjunction with the Department of Arts and Heritage, assess the possibility of moving the wreck of the ‘Malbeck’ from the slipway at Quay Street, and preserve it by record, to allow use for mooring small boats at the slipway at Quay wall".

8. BRIEFING ON REGIONAL ASSEMBLY AND NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK:

Mr. David Minton, Director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly was welcomed to the Meeting by the Cathaoirleach and Councillor Kilgannon (Cathaoirleach of the Assembly) on behalf of the Members.

Mr. Minton outlined details from their publication “Crafting a Vision for Regional Development – Framework for Dialogue on new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies”.

The National Planning Framework was launched on 2^nd February by the Taoiseach and Minister Coveney with regional launches and an Executive Consultation planned in the coming weeks.

The Chief Executive referred to an element of the presentation “Reflecting on the past legacy of under investment” and said the importance of the “National Planning Framework” could not be over-emphasised. Its significance will be considered over the coming months in relation to Consideration relation to the preparation of the County Development Plan. Sligo is strategically positioned to provide the necessary counter balance in the north west. This should be the Council’s focus in the consideration of the National Planning Framework now going out for public consultation.

Members outlined various points arising from the Presentation and Mr. Minton clarified some issues further. In particular, he highlighted that it is more expensive to do business in this region than in Dublin or south of the country. When deciding on a location, businesses examine sites, people, broadband and gas being a key component for some industries. All of this is being included in the regional submission.

9. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT – DECEMBER 2016:

Councillor S. MacManus enquired about the Tubbercurry, Grange, Strandhill and Ballinafad DBO Scheme. Mr. Kilfeather clarified the most up to date situation in this regard and the envisaged timeline for commencement of the works.

Councillor D. Bree referred to the second Chief Executive’s Report for the County Development Plan and enquired when it would be prepared.

Ms. Clarke confirmed that preparation of same is under way and, as there had been quite a lot of submissions received, it should be finalised within the next two months.

The Members then agreed to note the Monthly Management Report for December 2016”.

10. TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR 12 MONTHS FROM 1ST APRIL, 2017 TO 31ST MARCH, 2018:

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

“To approve the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €13.5m by way of temporary overdraft for the 12 months from 1^st April 2017 to 31^st March 2018”.

This resolution was agreed with Councillors Bree, Healy, MacManus and O’Boyle abstaining.

11. BUDGET OF SLIGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT LTD.:

The Head of Enterprise referred to details of his report previously circulated to the Members and replied to queries raised by Members.

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

AND AGREED

“To note the budget of Sligo Business Improvement District Ltd. for its second year of operation and to set the annual BID multiplier.”

12. DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC ROADS – “MEADOWBANK”, STRADUFF, GEEVAGH AND “BAYVIEW”, ROSSES POINT:

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

AND AGREED

That Sligo County Council, being satisfied of their general public utility, declares the Roads named below to be Public Roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.”

Road Number	Location and Terminal Points
L-11026-0	Road situate in the housing development known as “Meadowbank” in the townland of Straduff, Geevagh.
L-7314-0	Road situate in the housing development of “Bayview” in Rosses Point.

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that, due to their content, items 17 and 31 would also be taken at this time.

13. NATIONAL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

17. ENNISCRONE LIBRARY SERVICES

31. STAFFING AND OPENING HOURS OF SLIGO COUNTY LIBRARIES:

17) “Ask County Librarian to confirm that the Enniscrone library services will be maintained after August 17 when the present staff retires.”

31) “To call on the CEO of Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to sanction the recruitment of Staff to replace the retired Staff in the libraries to ensure that all the Council libraries in the county remain open during normal opening hours”.

Ms. D. Clarke and Ms. P. Brennan outlined the background to this new national system, details of which had been circulated in their Report to the Members.

Ms. Clarke advised the Meeting that, during 2017 the retirement of three staff (one full-time and two part-time Branch Librarians) is due to take place at various stages throughout the year.

The replacement of staff to fill the vacancies left by those who retire will be part of the discussion with the Department and the Unions in relation to the review of the Council’s Financial Plan.

A meeting has already been sought with the Department Officials in relation to the review of the Financial Plan.

In reply to further queries raised by Members, the Chief Executive reiterated that all of these situations feed into the targets under the Financial Plan. As soon as it is possible, the Executive will meet with the Department’s representatives and go through all of these issues.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on Minister Coveney to abide by the Public Libraries Act, 1947, Section 16 which states the following – There may be paid to the council, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas and in accordance with regulations made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, grants of such amounts as the Minister may sanction to enable the Council to provide financial aid to local authorities for the improvement of their library services. As far as I can see this section allows the Minister to allocate funding to the Council for library services and recognises how vital libraries are to communities”.

14. TAKING IN CHARGE – “BEECHWOOD COURT”, BALLYTIVNAN:

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

AND AGREED

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

15. TAKING IN CHARGE – “LAR EASA COVE”, STRANDHILL:

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

AND AGREED

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

16. DEVELOPMENT OF SITE AT KNOCKNACULLEN, DROMORE WEST FOR HOUSING WAITING LIST:

This motion, submitted by Councillor M. Clarke was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“To call on Sligo County Council to immediately develop the Council’s site at Knocknacullen, Dromore West, to provide houses for people on the Council’s housing waiting list”.

18. NORTHWEST REGIONAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL TASK FORCE PRESENTATION RE. ALCOHOL ABUSE:

Following a discussion on this motion, Members asked that Councillor Clarke might reword it as they would have a difficulty agreeing to certain aspects of same. Councillor Clarke asked that vote would be taken

on the existing wording:

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

“Following a Presentation by Sean O’Connor - Northwest Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (NWRDATF) Co-ordinator, made to the Meeting of County Sligo Joint Policing Committee on 16^th December 2016,in An Chroí South Sligo Enterprise Centre, Tubbercurry. I call on Sligo county council to discuss the issue of alcohol abuse, lobby the Government, to have all alcohol addictive drug product removed from Shops and supermarkets, to train and provide qualifications for people to safely retail alcohol. and to revitalise the traditional Irish Pub industry.”

The vote resulted as follows:

FOR: Councillor Casserly and Councillor Clarke (2)

AGAINST: Councillor Baker, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Henry, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Mulvey and Councillor Taylor (8)

ABSTAINED: Councillor Bree, Councillor Healy, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacManus, Councillor O’Boyle and Councillor O’Grady (7)

The Cathaoirleach deemed the motion lost.

Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Kilgannon and Councillor O’Grady put forward the following motion:

“That Sligo County Council call on the Government, in the fight against alcohol abuse in Society, to provide extra funding for Detox Units, support group Hostels, together with counselling and addiction services for aftercare treatment of people addicted to alcohol”.

It was agreed that this motion would be added to the 6^th March (Ordinary Meeting) Agenda.

19. REVIEW OF HOME CARE PACKAGE FOR OLDER PERSONS:

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

AND AGREED

“To request Sligo County Council to call on the Minister for Health Simon Harris TD and the HSE to urgently review the current home care package for older persons. The current scheme is totally inadequate and is causing serious hardship for families.”

20. ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE NORTH WEST:

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

AND AGREED

“I propose that Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Employment, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, seeking assurances that County Sligo will be high on the list for new jobs in 2017 as Sligo is the key centre of economic growth in the North West.”

REINTRODUCTION OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES:

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

“I propose that Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for the Environment to provide adequate funding for the maintenance of our County Roads network and, as a matter of urgency, a ring fenced allocation for the re-introduction of local improvement schemes.”

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – ANNUAL DECLARATION:

The Cathaoirleach advised the Members that he had been notified by Ms. Janet McNamara, Ethics Registrar as follows

“To comply with Section 174 (b) of the Local Government Act, 2001 it is being brought to the attention of the Members of Sligo County Council that a notice, together with the prescribed form, was forwarded to the Members on 27^th January, 2017 informing them of the requirement imposed on them under Section 171 to prepare and furnish an Annual Declaration.

Due date for completion and return of the Annual Declaration is 28^th February, 2017”.

The Members noted the above.

22. MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS – SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for the most recent figures on the number of mortgage applications received and granted by the Council.”

The Meeting was advised by Mr. J. Murphy that 22 applications were received in 2016 and 13 applications were approved.

23. E.N.T. WAITING LISTS IN SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the E.N.T. Consultant in Sligo General Hospital and the Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D., for an explanation on the reasons why Patients have to wait more than two years for the procedure to have tonsils removed.”

The Cathaoirleach advised Members that he would deal with items 24, 36, 38 and 40 on the Agenda at this time.

24. PROVISION OF CAMERAS TO MONITOR ILLEGAL DUMPING;

36. & 38. ILLEGAL DUMPING AT LAY-BY IN BALLINACARROW

40. LITTER WARDEN FOR COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council, to seek and provide funds for the purchase of covert cameras to clamp down on illegal dumping which is now at unacceptable level in the county.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council monitors the illegal dumping in the Ballinacarrow area due to continuous occurrences.”

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the ongoing dumping that is taking place on the lay-by at Ballinacarrow that the council erect a camera at this location”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry

AND AGREED

“That the vacant position of Litter Warden for County Sligo be filled as soon as possible.”

Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the Meeting that it is accepted that illegal dumping is a significant issue. The vacant position of one Litter Warden is causing us significant difficulties, despite the efforts of the Council’s Waste Enforcement Officers and support from Area Offices.

The purchase of covert cameras is being pursued currently and their use and deployment will be considered for locations that are giving rise to problems with illegal dumping. Departmental approval is being sought to advertise the post of Litter Warden and competition will be held at the earliest date possible.

The Chief Executive confirmed that, while there are black spots in the county, this matter is being pursued in a number of ways by Sligo County Council. Further to the discussion, the Cathaoirleach added the Members’ gratitude to all the voluntary groups that carry out clean ups of their areas.

25. RURAL HOUSING:

This motion, submitted by Councillor M. Clarke was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“To call on Sligo County Council to consider the difficulties that rural communities are experiencing with regard to developing of housing in rural areas as has been outlined in a letter to Director of Services and to ensure that the County Development Plan addresses those issues.”

27. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES – THE LUNGY:

This motion, submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

"That Sligo County Council assess the need for traffic calming measures including signage at the Lungy, Sligo".

28. N4 SCHEME WORK PROGRAMME FOR 2017:

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

AND AGREED

"Following notification of funding allocations for 2017 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland I call on the Director of Services of Sligo County Council to prepare a Report for members setting out the planned work programme for 2017 for the N4 Scheme and to set out the remaining steps to allow this Scheme proceed to construction ".

Mr. Kilfeather furnished the Members with a detailed report outlining the planned work programme for 2017. It was noted by the Members that the only barrier to proceeding to construction is funding.

The Chief Executive confirmed that funding has been received from T.I.I. as each stage progressed and their plan is to be reviewed later this year.

29. GOVERNMENT COMMITMENTS FOR CREDIT UNIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council noting the important Statement of Principle in the Programme for Partnership Government relating to Credit Unions now calls on the Taoiseach and Finance Minister to make a statement setting out a work programme on how it will implement its commitments for Credit Unions

No.1 - To secure Credit Union funding for Social Housing.

No. 2 - A full Review of Credit Union Lending Limits.

No. 3 - provision of Mortgages by Credit Unions.”

It was further agreed that a copy of this resolution would be circulated to each local authority.

30. MOTOR INSURANCE PREMIUMS:

This motion, submitted by Councillor S. Kilgannon was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“Sligo County Council calls on Government to move to implement a series of recommendations to tackle spiralling motor insurance premiums that have risen by a minimum of 51% since January 2011.”

32. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES – R284 IN GEEVAGH VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To seek an-update on behalf of {GLAD} Geevagh Local Area Development Committee on a notice of motion I submitted in November 2015 asking Sligo County Council to put traffic calming measures in place along R284 Geevagh Village”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather advised the Meeting that Sligo County Council applied to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the 2017 Safety Improvement Works on Regional Roads and Local Roads Programme for Geevagh and a grant of €20,000 has been allocated.

A detailed design will be prepared and the work will be carried out later in 2017.

33. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING – WINE STREET, SLIGO:

This motion, submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“To ask Sligo County Council to seek funding for a pedestrian crossing in Wine Street Sligo town as I have been contacted by business people in Sligo in relation to the adding of a safe crossing location in Wine Street. Businesses in this area feel its absence is impacting negatively on trading in this location.

There also appears to be a lack of clear road markings at the main junction to Tesco car-park and this is a safety issue also for pedestrians.”

34. INCLUSION OF “LIBRE” SENSORS (FOR GLUCOSE READINGS) IN THE LONG TERM ILLNESS SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, T.D. to seek the addition of freestyle libre sensors for glucose testing to be put on to the Long Term Illness Scheme.

This unit consists of a sensor which automatically measures and continuously stores glucose readings day and night via a painless 1 second scan even through clothing. Children with type 1 diabetes have to check their blood sugars numerous times a day and if they are unwell they could have to check hourly including during the night so this involves waking a sleeping child to prick their finger and draw blood. The sensor eliminates this as blood sugars can be checked with a simple scan. The sensor lasts for 2 weeks at a cost of €60.

This price can makes this invaluable product unaffordable for some families and this is why I am seeking to have it to be put on to the Long Term Illness Scheme.”

35. REGIONAL VETERINARY LABORATORY AT DUNALLY:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine Michael Creed and this Government for their commitment that the Regional Veterinary Laboratory at Dunally will be retained”.

DEFERRAL OF ITEMS TO MARCH AGENDA:

The Cathaoirleach indicated that he intended to complete the main business of the Meeting at 3.15 p.m. to allow Councillor MacManus to address this, his final Meeting as an Elected Member.

Members were asked to highlight items that required to be dealt with urgently and defer the remainder to the March Agenda.

This was agreed by the Members.

37. LIGHT RAILWAY NETWORK LINKING NORTHERN IRELAND WITH SLIGO AND DONEGAL:

This motion, submitted by Councillor D. Bree was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“That Sligo County Council supports the proposal to construct a light railway network linking Northern Ireland with Sligo and Donegal; and further the Council agrees to host a meeting of representatives of the relevant local authorities to consider ways to advance the project.”

39. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES (BARRACK ROAD AND KNOCKBEG ROAD, COLLOONEY):

This motion, submitted by Councillor T. Healy was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“To call on Sligo County Council to put traffic calming measures in place on the Barrack road and the Knockbeg road to address the concerns of residents in Collooney regarding speeding.”

41. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

This motion, submitted by Councillor M. Casserly was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“Sligo County Council calls on the state Legal Aid Board to end the unjust system whereby victims of domestic violence are subjected to financial obligations when seeking justice.”

42. “NEAREST SCHOOL” RULE FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORT:

This motion, submitted by Councillor T. Healy was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

"That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister of State for Education and Skills outlining the concerns of members in relation to the operation of the nearest school rule for the purposes of school transport and the effect on children here in Sligo."

43. TRAFFIC CALMING ON N59 ROAD AT BALLYSADARE BRIDGE:

This motion, submitted by Councillor S. Kilgannon was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“To request Sligo County Council Roads Department, in the interest of Health and Safety, to construct traffic calming on the N59 Road on the approach to the roundabout on the old N4 road at Ballysadare bridge.”

49. TAKING IN CHARGE – DRUM ROAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, RATHCORMAC:

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

“Call on Sligo County Council to proceed with taking in charge housing development at Drum Road, Rathcormac, Sligo (Ref. Ann Collins).”

Members were advised by Ms. D. Clarke that road repairs were completed on this development by the Roads Section to bring it to a standard suitable for taking in charge. However, the public lighting supply has to be changed over to the electricity supplier for Sligo County Council (i.e. Airtricity). This is progressing and we hope to recommend to Elected Members to take this development in charge later this year.

Ms. Clarke agreed to revert to the Members with a specific timeframe.

52. EXTENSION OF CONTRACTS FOR OUTDOOR STAFF:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services can consideration be given to extending the contracts of the outdoor staff given that our 2017 Road allocations are now in place”?

The Chief Executive advised the Members that this is a part of the negotiations requested with the Department. A reduction of 42% had been sought by the Department. This meeting is necessary to discuss these very issues.

In reply to a query from Councillor K. Henry, the Director of Services confirmed that the Engineering areas have to be revised to reflect the Municipal Districts. This work is ongoing at present and the new areas will be reflected in 2017.

44. TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATES – KNOXVILLE MANOR ESTATE, BELLAGHY, CHARLESTOWN:

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

AND AGREED

“I will ask for a report on when Knoxville Manor Estate, Bellaghy, Charlestown, Co. Sligo will be taken in charge by Sligo County Council”.

Ms. Clarke reported that remedial works to Knoxville Manor estate were completed recently using Special Resolution Fund monies and the estate is now considered to be in good condition. It is envisaged that we will be in a position to recommend to the Council to take this development in charge later this year.

45. BUSINESS ADVERTISING SIGNS ON N17:

This motion, submitted by Councillor J. Lundy was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“In the interest of business and economic development in County Sligo, I will ask what is the Council’s/National Roads Authority (T.I.I.) Policy on business advertising signs already erected along the National Primary road, the N17”.

46. NAMA PROPERTIES LEASED TO SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

This motion, submitted by Councillor D. Bree was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report on the 111 properties offered to the Council by NAMA, including details as to when the properties were offered, the location of the properties, details of correspondence between the Council and NAMA and an explanation as to why only 4 of the properties have been leased by the Council.”

47. ORGAN OPT-OUT SYSTEM:

This motion, submitted by Councillor S. Maguire was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“That this Council write to the Minister for Health advocating that we adopt an organ opt out system similar to that recently introduced in France.”.

48. SURVEY OF ROUNDABOUT AT STRANDHILL/

PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING:

This motion, submitted by Councillor S. Maguire was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“That Sligo County Council will conduct a survey of the roundabout at Strandhill to establish a safer crossing system for pedestrians.”

50. ROSSES POINT PIER AND PONTOON PROJECT:

This motion, submitted by Councillor D. Bree was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“That the Council be provided with a progress report on the proposed Rosses Point Pier and Pontoon project particularly with regard to the application for grant aid to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.”

51. TRANSFER OF LANDS TO HOLY FAMILY N.S., TUBBERCURRY:

This motion, submitted by Councillor M. Gormley was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“That the Director of Services contacts the Council’s Solicitor requesting that he give priority to the transfer of the lands to Holy Family N.S Tubbercurry to allow progress be made on the much needed set down area and parking facilities”.

53. TOWN AND VILLAGE RENEWAL SCHEME 2017 AND REVITALISING RURAL IRELAND SCHEME:

This motion, submitted by Councillor J. Lundy was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“To ask for a report on (a) the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2017 and (b) the Revitalising Rural Ireland Scheme”.

54. REVIEW OF COMMUNITY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN THE NORTH WEST REGION:

This motion, submitted by Councillor M. Baker was deferred to the Agenda of the March Ordinary Meeting:

“Calling on the H.S.E. to instigate an immediate review of the Community Occupational Therapy services in the north west region. The current inexcusable delays being experienced by frail elderly patients in the community setting is truly shocking and leading to an extra burden on the hospital sector due to unnecessary admissions and attendances at Emergency Rooms”.