Minutes 2017

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 3rd July, 2017 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 MacManus,
  • Councillor MacSharry,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, A/Senior Executive Architect
  • Mr. John O’Hara, Land Asset Management
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Nuala Fowley, Clerical Officer
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • Cathaoirleach, Councillor S. Kilgannon, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Maguire. 

 

VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS – MONA MCSHARRY, GRANGE

The Cathaoirleach proposed a vote of congratulations to Mona McSharry from Grange on her success in the European Junior Championships, where she won two gold and one silver medal and set a new Irish record.

The vote of congratulations and proposal to host a Civic Reception for Ms. McSharry was seconded by Councillor H. Keaney and unanimously agreed.

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

AND AGREED

That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Sligo Ladies Gaelic Team on retaining the Connacht Intermediate Title.

Proposed by Councillor M Baker
Seconded by Councillor D Mulvey

AND AGREED

That a vote of congratulations be extended to James McDonagh, on his success at the recent World Open Irish Dancing Championships in Killarney.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF S.P.C. 1 (HOUSING AND CORPORATE SERVICES) HELD ON 13TH MARCH, 2017:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Meeting of S.P.C.1 (Housing and Corporate Services) held on 13th March, 2017”.

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 24TH APRIL, 2017:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 24th April, 2017”.

 

3.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 12TH JUNE, 2017:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 12th June, 2017”.

 

4.  MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 19TH JUNE, 2017:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 19th June, 2017”.

 

5.  MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 19TH JUNE, 2017:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 19th June, 2017”.

 

6.  CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSION, ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS AND DRAINAGE AT 3 BELLANODE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Chief Executive’s Report and recommendation to construct an extension, and associated site works and drainage to 3 Bellanode, Sligo in accordance with Section 179(3) and 179(4) of Part XI of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000 (as amended)”.

 

7.  SECTION 183 – LANDS AT CARROWNATAWY, BALLINACARROW TO MR. LESTER HALL:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of lands at Carrownatawy, Ballinacarrow to Mr. Lester Hall”.

 

8.  SECTION 183 –LANDS AT CARTRON ESTATE, SLIGO TO MR. MATTHEW KEEGAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of lands at Cartron Estate, Sligo, Co. Sligo to Mr. Matthew Keegan”.

 

9.  LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (L.C.D.C.) BIENNIAL REPORT – ACTIVITY OF THE L.C.D.C. FOR 2015 AND 2016:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Biennial Report - Activity of the LCDC for 2015 and 2016”.

 

10.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT – MAY 2017:

In response to a query from Councillor D Bree, Director of Services, Ms. D. Clarke outlined details of a grant award of €28,750 to “Acushla Limited”.  The Director outlined to the Meeting that the process, as set out in the report, is that Promoters submit Expressions of Interest to Sligo LEADER Partnership on an ongoing basis.  These can then proceed to ‘Application Stage’ where they are assessed by the Independent Evaluation Committee and ultimately go for approval by the L.C.D.C. as the Local Assessment Group (L.A.G.).

The Members noted the above details.  In further clarifying the matter, the Chief Executive advised the Members that in considering and approving the proposal, the L.A.G. are trying to promote the area and to attract additional visitors.

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Monthly Management Report for May 2017”.

 

11.  DATE FOR MEETING TO CONSIDER THE THIRD CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT – DRAFT SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2023:

The Members agreed to hold a Special Meeting at 10.00 a.m. on  

Monday, 31st July, 2017 to consider the Third Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received on the proposed amendments to the Draft County Sligo Development Plan 2017-2023 and to adopt the new County Development Plan 2017-2023.

 

12.  AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR OPERATION OF SLIGO B.I.D.:

In response to a query from Councillor MacManus the Head of Enterprise J Reilly clarified details in relation to payroll and social contribution costs.

At the request of Councillor Bree, the Head of Enterprise agreed that it would also be possible to circulate the Profit and Loss details relating to the Accounts to the Members for their information.

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

AND AGREED

“To note audited accounts for the first year of operation of the Sligo B.I.D.”

 

13.  SURVEY OF ROUNDABOUT AT STRANDHILL – SAFER CROSSING SYSTEM FOR PEDESTRIANS:

With the agreement of the Members, the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire was deferred to the September Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

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

 

14.  REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF CLASS 2 & 3 COUNTY ROADS IN CLAR FUNDING:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to Minister Michael Ring asking him to include Class 2 and 3 County roads in the next phase of CLAR funding.”

 

15.  REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT OF APPEALS PROCESS – ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Education requesting him to reinstate the appeals process previously operated by The National Council for Special Education with regard to additional educational supports for children in need.”

 

16.  QUERIES TO SLIGO CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT AND SLIGO J.P.C.:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle

“ I call on Sligo County Council to write to Sligo’s Chief Superintendent to comment on the National issue where it was stated in the Oireachtas committee that dishonest Garda was to blame for the exaggerated recorded figures and how does this relate to the Sligo division.

To ask Chief Superintendent, in relation to 140,000 people that wrongly convictions, how many was in the Sligo Division and what was been done to put the record straight and would there be compensation?

The County Sligo Joint Policing Committee was held on Friday 31st March, 2017 at 10.30am in The Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, attending the County Sligo Joint Policing Committee were; The chief superintendent, two Garda Inspectors and two Garda Sergeants, our Chief executive, one director of service and one Senior executive officer, I have concerns that the County Sligo Joint Policing Committee is a waste of recourses I call on a debate on this issue.”

Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady said that as Chair of the Joint Policing Committee she had stated at the March meeting that the issue was being investigated at national level and she did not consider it appropriate to facilitate a discussion until this process was completed.

Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes said he concurred with this view, and said one of his duties was to advise on particular issues.

Following a discussion on this item, the Cathaoirleach called a vote which resulted as follows:

FOR:  Councillor Baker, Councillor Bree, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor Henry, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor MacManus, Councillor O’Boyle and Councillor Queenan (11)

AGAINST:  Councillor Keaney, Councillor Mulvey and Councillor O’Grady (3)

ABSTAINED:  Councillor Lundy (1)

ABSENT:  Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacSharry and Councillor Taylor (3)

The Cathaoirleach deemed the motion carried.

 

17.  NATIONWIDE BAN ON SMOKY COAL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to Minister Naughten to implement a nationwide ban on smoky coal”.

 

18.  UPDATE ON TAKING IN CHARGE OF LISSADELL PARK, CARNEY:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To receive an update on Taking in Charge of Lissadell Park, Carney”.

Ms. Clarke outlined the outstanding works to be completed in this estate.  The Members noted that, when the repairs have been completed, the formal ‘Taking in Charge’ process will be commenced.

 

19.  REMOVAL OF SHRUBS AT JUNCTION R84 AT OWENBEG:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director of Services to ensure that the newly planted shrubs are removed off ditch at junction R84 Owenbeg as they will create a hazard in the future”.

The Acting Director of Services advised the Meeting that the Enniscrone Area Engineer will contact the owner of the property and request them to remove or set back the shrubs that would inhibit sight lines at this junction.

Mr. Brennan further clarified, in reply to a query from Councillor Bree, that where shrubs or trees on private lands are considered to be dangerous on any road side or junction, it may be possible to request the landowner to remove same.

 

20.  FUNDING FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT RATHLEE N.S.:

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

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director of Services to allocate funding under the CLAR funding to improve traffic calming measure on R297 at Rathlee N.S.”.

The Members were advised by the A/D.O.S., Mr. Brennan, that an application for funding was made under Clár 2017 but the application was unsuccessful. New road markings and signage were provided in 2016.  The Enniscrone Area Engineer will examine the location and suggest further traffic safety measures subject to funding being provided for this location.

 

21.  FUNDING TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY ON N59 AT MUDDY BURNS’:

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

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director of Services to seek funding under the low cost accident scheme to improve safety on N59 at Muddy Burns’.”

The location is currently being surveyed and investigated by the Road Design Department.  A Feasibility Report will be submitted under the HD17 funding stream to the T.I.I., Mr. Brennan advised the Meeting.

 

22.  REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT OF SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL:

With the agreement of the Members, the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. MacSharry was deferred to the September Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

"Sligo County Council calls on the new Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to reinstate Sligo Borough Council".

 

23.  VACANT SITES REGISTER FOR COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for a report on what progress has been made to establish and maintain a Vacant Sites Register for County Sligo. Under the Urban Regeneration & Housing Act 2015, all planning authorities are to have established a register by January 1st 2017.”

The following report from Ms. D. Clarke was noted by the Members:

Sligo County Council has established a Vacant Sites Register in accordance with the requirements of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015. However, there are a number of steps to be taken before any sites can be added to the Register.

Firstly, the planning authority must incorporate the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 into the County Development Plan. This is currently being progressed as part of the preparation of the Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023. The provisions are included as a Proposed Amendment to the Draft Plan (Amendment A-3-2 refers). The inclusion of this amendment would establish the legislative basis to identify specific sites as part of preparation of future Local Area Plans. Initially this will apply to the forthcoming preparation of the Sligo and Environs Local Area Plan and may be expanded to cover other Local Area Plans.

Secondly, the planning authority must carry out significant research and survey work to establish that individual sites meet the criteria to be included on the Register (e.g. that the land has been ‘vacant’ for the preceding 12 months). Some survey work has already been carried out and this will continue as part of the preparation of Local Area Plans.

Subject to the satisfactory completion of the above steps, and compliance with the other obligations of the process, the planning authority will add sites to the Register on an incremental basis.

 

24.  ROAD SIGNAGE ON R293 AT STONEPARK, BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to erect signage on road R293 at Stonepark, Ballymote {NO OVERTAKING - TRAFFIC EMERGING} as a safety measure to alert motorists leaving the Ballymote town that residents are exiting from Castleburn estate and other locations along this very busy road.”

Mr T Brennan A/DOS advised the meeting that ‘A continuous white along this stretch of road would be considered more appropriate to prevent overtaking. Sligo County Council will include these works as part of the road improvement works taking place on this section of road this year.’

 

25.  GRENFELL TOWER TRAGEDY, LONDON:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to offer our Sympathy and our solidarity with the families of those who lost loved ones in the manmade tragedy of Glenfell Tower”.

 

26.  WORKS ON JUNCTION FROM KEASH, BALLYMOTE (L5801) TO R295 (BALLYMOTE TO BOYLE ROAD):

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to make safe the junction for traffic exiting at Keash, Ballymote from L5801 on to R295 the main Ballymote to Boyle road as this is a busy tourist route to the Carrowkeel Tombs motorists exiting on to R295 are having difficulty with poor visibility and sight lines towards Boyle and Ballymote”.

The Members were advised by Mr. T. Brennan that works to improve sightlines at this junction would involve setting back boundary fences. There is no funding available in the current year for works of this nature. This will be included for consideration in the 2018 Low Cost Accident Remedial proposals.

 

27.  USE OF QUARRYFIELD CROSS, BUNNINADDEN AS PICK UP POINT FOR STUDENTS OF ST. ATTRACTA’S SCHOOL:

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

“That Sligo County Council examine Bus Éireann's planned usage and suitability of Quarryfield Cross, Bunninadden as a pick up point from September for children attending St Attracta's School. If issues of concern are found that these be forwarded to Bus Éireann”.

It was noted that a Meeting had been arranged for that day with the local T.D.s seeking their further assistance.

Following further discussion Members agreed that their preference, and that of those affected in the area, would be for the route and service to be retained in its present form.  The motion was then agreed with Councillor M. Gormley abstaining.

 

28.  PROMOTION OF COUNTY SLIGO IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘WILD ATLANTIC WAY’:

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

“That this Council calls on the head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan, and Fáilte Ireland to ensure all accommodation providers and locations in County Sligo are promoted to allow visitors if they so wish explore the entire county of Sligo not just 8km from the coast”.

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

“As County Sligo is a coastal county we will ask this Council to work with Fáilte Ireland to ensure that all accommodation providers in south Sligo are included in the “Wild Atlantic Way” promotions and not just those within 8 km. from the coast”.

Ms. Clarke had prepared a detailed report on this matter and it was agreed that this would be circulated to the Members following the Meeting for their information.

Concerns were also expressed by Councillor D. Mulvey that he had been advised that with effect from the 30th June, Sligo Tourist Offices Facebook and Twitter pages were being handed over to the offices of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’.

Members noted points raised by the Chief Executive where he indicated that meetings are taking place on an ongoing basis with Fáilte Ireland.  The ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ has had a significant benefit and upturn in numbers.  The indication now is that the 8 km. limit will be pushing Tourist business further in to the counties as the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ is now established.  There is also an obligation on owners of attractions to promote from their perspective with great potential in ‘ joined up thinking’ in areas such as marketing and social media.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan, and Fáilte Ireland to ensure all accommodation providers and locations in County Sligo are promoted to allow visitors if they so wish explore the entire county of Sligo not just 8km from the coast”.

 

29.  REQUEST FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE FOR DEPARTMENT OF RURAL AFFAIRS IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“This Council calls on the new Minister for Rural Affairs, Michael Ring, T.D. to set up his Department of Rural Affairs in Tubbercurry, South Sligo, as did his predecessor, Éamon Ó’Cuív, T.D.”

 

30.  REQUEST FOR UPGRADING OF ‘EIR’ BROADBAND CABINET IN BUNNINADDEN:

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

AND AGREED

“Resulting from my motion of November 2016 and follow up in March 2017 calling on Eir to upgrade the cabinet at the rear of the community centre in Bunninadden as there is fibre broadband cable passing through the village have we had a response from Eir as to when this is going to take place”.

The Meetings Administrator outlined the sequence of correspondence forwarded to Eir at both their local and Head Offices.  To date, no reply had been received to this correspondence. 

As a result, in recent weeks, correspondence had been forwarded to  Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, seeking his assistance.  An acknowledgement had been received from the Minister’s Office.

 

31.  DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAIRGREEN RECREATIONAL PARK:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Executive when it is expected that the next phase of the development of the Fairgreen Recreational Park will commence, particularly with regard to the provision of pedestrian and cycle ways within the park; and to ask if there has been any indication if additional funding under the Sports Capital Programme or other sources will be made available for the project”.

The A/D.O.S., Mr. T. Brennan, reported that the commencement of the next phase of Fairgreen Recreational Park is dependent on the receipt of a National Grant. An application was made to the Sports Capital Programme 2017 for pedestrian and cycle ways within the Park. Decisions regarding the Sports Capital Programme 2017 are expected to be made in the Autumn.

Following a discussion on this matter, Councillor C. MacManus asked that the provision of playground facilities for younger children would be examined in tandem with the provision of the cycle areas and footpaths in order to prioritise its use for parents of young children.

In reply to a query from Councillor Healy regarding the provision of a pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the Park, the A/D.O.S. indicated that there are two in close proximity, i.e. at St. John’s Primary School and at the junction near St. Joseph’s Terrace.

 

32.  SLIGO TOWN CENTRE WINE STREET CAR PARK DEVELOPMENT:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive Officer to provide a report to the Council on the review of the status of the proposed Sligo Town Centre Wine Street Car Park Development project, the report to include details as to the ownership of all properties which were included in the original development project.”

Ms. Clarke, D.O.S. reported that a review of the Centre Block Masterplan will be undertaken as part of the preparation of the Sligo and Environs Local Area Plan.  The formal public consultation on this Local Area Plan will commence after the adoption of the County Development Plan.  

The C.P.O. process in respect of Wine Street car park has concluded and these lands are now in the freehold ownership of Sligo County Council.  

In addition, the Chief Executive outlined that the immediate focus is on the County Development Plan.  Once this process has been completed, the next planned stage is work on the Sligo and Environs Local Area plan.  It is proposed to review this project in that context.  A full report will then be prepared on what is proposed.  The Members were further advised that no decision will be made without their involvement.

In relation to the ownership of properties, the Chief Executive advised that several properties in the area had changed ownership in the nine year period.  Members were assured that this will be brought back before the Council as the project evolves.

In reply to Councillor Bree’s expression of disappointment in relation to the timeframes originally furnished to Members , the Chief Executive agreed there had been slippage but this was due to lack of staff and financial resources.  The statutory process surrounding the County Development Plan had to be followed. 

 

33.  SURVEY OF R290 BETWEEN BALLYGAWLEY AND BALLINTOGHER:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to carry a survey of the R290 between Ballygawley and Ballintogher as parts of this road are subsiding and to make funding available to carry out the necessary remedial works.”

Mr. T. Brennan, A/D.O.S advised the meeting that .A localised survey of the R290 in the Townland of Cartrontaylor can be carried out to establish the location and extent of any road subsidence. If remedial measures are necessary funding will be assessed in the context of the 2018 Road Works Scheme.’

 

34.  CLEAN UP OF PROPERTY AT CARTRON ESTATE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the owner of the property adjacent to Cartron Estate and for the Council to take the necessary steps to have the owner address the concerns of residents regarding the untidiness of this property.”

Having sought clarification as to the precise location of the property referred to, Ms. Clarke advised the Members that an inspection of the property will be undertaken and the owner will be requested to carry out the necessary remedial works.

 

35.  UPDATE FROM IRISH WATER RE. WATER MAINS IN FIVEMILEBOURNE, CALRY:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Irish Water for an update report on when work is to start on a water mains in Fivemilebourne, Calry.”

The Meetings Administrator confirmed that this matter had been referred to Irish Water, an acknowledgement was received advising that a report would be submitted.  

 

36.  ARTICLE 9.4 E.U. WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council to make a submission before the 21st August to the River Basin Management Plan to ensure that article 9.4 EU water framework directive is protected.”

The Acting Director of Services reported to the Meeting that Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive of 2000 requires Member States to take account of the principle of recovery of the costs of water services, in accordance with the principle of “polluter pays”. Article 9(4) of the Directive states that Member States are not in breach of the Directive if they decide in accordance with established practices not to apply the provisions of the recovery of costs for a given water-use activity, where this does not compromise the purposes and the achievement of the objectives of the Directive.

There is a provision in the draft River Basin Management Plan (2018-2021), for a national forum to facilitate stakeholder engagement on all water issues, including implementation of the next River Basin Management Plan and to input into the development of water policy.  Interested parties are invited to make written submissions or comments on the draft plan to help inform the development of the final plans no later than 5.30pm on Thursday, 31st August 2017.

A report will be circulated to the Members detailing where the submissions are to be made, together with an extract entitled “Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy – Article 9.

Following a brief discussion, it was

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to make a submission before the 21st August to the River Basin Management Plan to ensure that article 9.4 EU water framework directive is protected.”

Councillor Keaney asked that he be recorded as abstaining from the passing of this resolution.

 

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH:

At 1.20 p.m., the Cathaoirleach vacated the Chair.  The Chair was then taken by Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor K. Henry.

 

37.  ESTABLISHMENT OF T.A.R.A. (TEMPLEBOY/AUGHRIS RURAL ACTION):

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to recognise T.A.R.A. (Templeboy Aughris Rural Action) as a community development group and to work with T.A.R.A. to develop and enhance the parish of Templeboy.  T.A.R.A. held its inaugural meeting on the 21/06/2017 at 8pm in Old School Templeboy”.

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke reported to the Meeting welcoming the establishment of T.A.R.A.

Further suggestions were outlined for the group to follow with the initial one being to register with the Sligo Public Participation Network (P.P.N.) which is the overarching community network in County Sligo.  This would ensure that the group will be in a position to apply for funding from Sligo County Council together with access to information on a variety of funding opportunities, training etc.

Councillor Clarke welcomed the report and confirmed that he will be attending future meetings of the group and would convey the information to them.

 

38.  VERGE TRIMMING ON N17 ROUTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask when will verge trimming and grass cutting take place along the N17, especially between Tubbercurry, Curry and Bellaghy, in the interest of road safety.”

The verge trimming of the National roads in South Sligo namely the N4 / N17 and N59 was ongoing at present.  It was hoped to commence the N17 section on the week commencing in the current week subject to suitable weather conditions, the A/D.O.S. advised the Meeting.

In reply to a query from Councillor P. Taylor, the A/D.O.S. confirmed that it is expected that the same amount of hedge cutting and verge trimming would be carried out this year as had been in the past.  Works would also focus on side roads to concentrate on junctions and sight lines.

 

39.  INSTALLATION OF WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN MULLAGHMORE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on Irish Water to install a proper Waste Water Treatment Plant in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo.”

The Members were advised by the A/D.O.S. that the Mullaghmore Sewerage Scheme is included in Irish Water’s Business Plan to be delivered in the 2017-2021 period. Irish Water is in the process of mobilising a design team to review the options to progress an upgrade to the wastewater treatment scheme for Mullaghmore.

Irish Water will prepare a programme for implementation which will allow for the necessary option reviews, detailed design, consents and licences, land acquisition/wayleaves, site investigations, studies and reports, planning process, procurement and construction.

 

40.  UPDATE ON UPGRADING OF ROSSES POINT WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to ask Irish Water for an update on the proposed upgrade of Rosses Point Waste Water Treatment Plant.”

The Meetings Administrator confirmed that this matter had been referred to Irish Water for their report, an acknowledgement had been received. 

A further reply is awaited and it was agreed that this item would be deferred to the September Meeting Agenda.

 

42.  REVIEW OF REMUNERATION PAID TO LIFEGUARDS:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising the important role of lifeguards employed by local authorities this Council calls for a review and an increase in the level of remuneration paid to lifeguards.”

In reply to points raised by Councillor Bree, the Chief Executive advised the meeting that that remuneration of staff is an executive function.  The issue of pay also has an Industrial Relations context to it.

Councillor Bree noted the Executive’s position and agreed that any review would be on a nationwide basis. 

 

43.  RATIFICATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS’ CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to prioritise ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

It was further agreed by the Members, at the request of Councillor MacManus, that a copy of this resolution would be forwarded to all local authorities for their support.

 

44.  PROVISION OF PUBLIC WIFI IN SLIGO TOWN COMMERCIAL CENTRE AREA:

With the agreement of the Members, the following motion as submitted by Councillor MacManus, was deferred to the September Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

“That a report be provided indicating what, if any, progress has been made to provide free public wifi in the Sligo Town commercial centre area.”

 

45.  PRIORITISATION OF N17 ROUTE:

With the agreement of the Members, the following motion as submitted by Councillor Gormley, was deferred to the September Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

“I am calling on Sligo County Council to make the N17 the number one priority road once the N4 is funded”.

 

46.  PROVISION OF FULL TIME REPLACEMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE AT RIVERSTOWN HEALTH CENTRE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To call on the H.S.E. for a full time replacement for the Public Health Nurse at Riverstown Health Centre”.

 

47.  UPDATE ON CHERRY TREE PARK HOUSING ESTATE:

With the agreement of the Members the following motion, as submitted by Councillor Baker, was deferred to the September Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

“To seek an update on Cherry tree Park Housing Estate, Riverstown, as there are ongoing problems with fumes from treatment system”.

 

48.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eithne Wheeler of Coolaney on the death of her husband, Matt.

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Celine Leydon and family of Breaghwy, Ballinfull on the death of her husband, Michael.

 

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter Dunne of Barn Owl Road, Kevinsfort, Sligo on the death of his wife, Susan.

 

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bill Noone of Cummeen, Strandhill Road, Sligo on the death of his wife, Sheila.

 

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Carmel Dykes of Oakfield Park, Sligo on the death of her brother, Bill Callaghan.

 

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

 

49.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Committee of the ‘Old Fair Day’, Tubbercurry on coming 14th out of 36 in the Top Global Festivals to visit this summer”.

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Christopher O’Donnell from Grange, Co. Sligo on his recent achievements at national and international levels on the running track”.

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to James McDonagh, Grandson of Paddy McDonagh of Riverstown on his recent success”.

 

50.  CONFERENCES AND TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

“That the list of Training/Conferences circulated be noted”.

 

51.  PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES AND TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

52.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.

 

53.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

54.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor Mulvey, on behalf of the Coolaney Committee for the ‘Sligo Camino’, extended their thanks to the Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes, Director of Services Ms. Dorothy Clarke and staff Michael Carty and Ray O’Grady for their assistance in recent weeks.  Due to their prompt action in replacing the section of the walk which had been damaged recently during the gorse fires, the event went ahead.  600 tickets had been sold and it was feared that the event might be cancelled.  The support of Minister Michael Ring in ensuring the works were facilitated was also acknowledged. 

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 1.40 p.m.

 

 


Meeting Date 03/07/2017