Minutes 2017

Minutes of December Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 4th December, 2017 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 Maguire,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • 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
  • Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr. Seán Martin, A/Senior Architect
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Asstistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor S. Kilgannon, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Lundy and Councillor MacSharry.

 

CLOSING CEREMONY FOR E.V.C. (EUROPEAN VOLUNTEERING CAPITAL) 2017:

The Cathaoirleach extended his thanks to all those involved in the outstanding closing ceremony for E.V.C. 2017 and to Minister Charlie Flanagan for attending the event.

For those who had not attended the Ceremony, the Cathaoirleach encouraged them to go to City Hall between 5.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. before the following Friday evening as the spectacular light show was continuing hourly until then. 

This vote of thanks was seconded by Councillor M. Casserly who thanked all those who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to make it a success, particularly the musicians who performed in City Hall.

 

1.  MINUTES OF COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE MEETING – 5TH MAY, 2017:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of County Sligo Placenames Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 5th May 2017”.

 

2.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 6TH NOVEMBER, 2017:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 6th November, 2017”.

 

3.  CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL HOUSING AT COLLOONEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Chief Executive’s Report on the proposal to construct 15 Social Housing dwellings and all associated site works and drainage at Collooney, County Sligo, in accordance with Sections 179 (3) and 179 (4)of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended)”.

Members welcomed this development and, in reply to a query from Councillor T. Healy, Mr. Gavin confirmed that H.S.E. Clients from both Cloonamahon and Ballincar would be facilitated in the development.

 

4.  CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL HOUSING AT ROSSES POINT ROAD, CARTRON, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Chief Executive’s Report on the proposal to construct 14 Social Housing dwellings and all associated site works and drainage at Rosses Point Road, Cartron, Sligo in accordance with Sections 179 (3) and 179 (4) of Part XI of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended)”.

In reply to a query from Councillor H. Keaney, the Director of Services advised the Meeting that the timeframe for construction was the third quarter of 2018.

 

5.  LEASE OF PROPERTY IN COLLOONEY TO ST. NATHY’S DIOCESAN TRUST:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the proposed lease of property adjacent to the National School at Collooney, Sligo to St. Nathy’s Diocesan Trust, c/o Bishop’s House, Edmondstown, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon”.

Councillor Healy asked that the Council would also work closely with the Board of Management regarding this matter.

 

6.  PART 8 OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS – SLIGO CEMETERY EXTENSION 2017:

Proposed by Councillor C. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“To approved in accordance with Part 8 Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended) Sligo Cemetery Extension 2017”.

 

7.  DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE PUBLIC ROADS – CASTLEGROVE, BALLYMOTE:

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

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 numberLocation and terminal points
L-16048-0 Road situate in the development known as Castlegrove, Ballymote, Co. Sligo in the townland of Carrownanty.

 

8.  ASSISTANCE TO FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION – 15 CLEVERAGH ROAD, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee,in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme for the acquisition of a dwelling at No.15 Cleveragh Road, Sligo.”

 

9.  CLIMATE CHANGE – IMPACT AT LOCAL LEVEL:

The Chief Executive gave a presentation on this topic and also referred to Councillor Maguire’s notice of motion which, with the Cathaoirleach’s agreement, was also taken at this time.

The presentation was delivered with the following headings:

  • Notice of Motion 23 – Councillor Maguire
  • Transport Adaptation Plan
  • Presentation Overview
  • Language
  • Adaptation Plans – implementation of actions
  • Totality of relationships
  • Local Government capacity
  • Local Government – future role
  • Local Government – future structure
  • Chargers – locations and categories
  • Addressing carbon emissions
  • Coastal erosion.

The Chief Executive concluded his presentation by advising that climate change will impact on every facet of a Local Authority’s functions. While the Local Authority Sector is positioning itself to address the issue, significant behavioural change is required.

 

23.  REDUCTION OF CARBON EMISSIONS, ADOPTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF CARBON NEUTRAL PRACTICES:

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

AND AGREED

“Given the recent findings of climate change being the ultimate cause of flooding experienced in Carraroe, Ballyfree and Ransboro in December 2015, and the recent extraordinary storms experienced throughout the country.  

Given that the pattern of rainfall occurrence and increase in intensity of individual events are predicted to occur in the north west as a result of climate change at greater frequency than before.

This Council will write to Ministers for the Environment, Transport and Agriculture seeking that they take all available measures to reduce carbon emissions, adopt renewable energy sources and encourage carbon neutral practices where possible. 

This would ensure Ireland no longer needs to look for derogations from our EU responsibilities and will avoid potential punitive fines in future.”

 

10.  ADOPTION OF PLACENAMES COMMITTEE PROPOSALS:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt placename proposals recommended by the County Sligo Placenames Committee”.

 

11.  DRAFT GREEN FORT CONSERVATION PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Draft Green Fort Conservation Plan”.

 

12.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT – OCTOBER 2017:

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

AND AGREED

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

In reply to queries raised, the Chief Executive advised the Members that he would ask Mr. Gavin to revert to them in relation to the inclusion of incubation units in the Cranmore Regeneration project.

 

13.  AMENDMENT OF STANDING ORDERS RE. HOUR OF MEETING:

The Members of the Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District had not had an opportunity to discuss this matter to date.  It was, therefore, agreed to defer this item to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

14.  DATE FOR JANUARY 2018 MEETING:

It was agreed to hold the next Ordinary Meeting on Monday, 15th January, 2018 at 11.00 a.m.

 

15.  APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO THE ASSESSMENT PANEL FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS SCHEME:

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

“That Councillor P. Taylor is appointed to the Assessment Panel for the Contributions to the Arts Scheme”.

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

“That Councillor M. Gormley is appointed to the Assessment Panel for the Contributions to the Arts Scheme”.

As there were two nominations for this appointment, the Cathaoirleach called a vote which resulted as follows:

For Councillor Taylor: Councillor Kilgannon and Councillor Mulvey (2)

For Councillor Gormley:  Councillor Bree, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacManus and Councillor O’Boyle (7)

Absent: Councillor Baker, Councillor Henry, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Queenan and Councillor Taylor (9)

 

Following the vote, the Cathaoirleach deemed Councillor Gormley appointed to the Assessment Panel for the Contributions to the Arts Scheme. 

 

16.  GREENSTAR – ADMINISTRATION CHARGES:

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

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council write to Greenstar and ask for a breakdown of the monthly administration charge and how it compares to other counties also why did it change its schedule without informing customers.”

Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services outlined the reply which had been received from the Company. 

Councillor O’Boyle thanked Mr. Kilfeather for the details provided.  It was noted, however, that the information sought regarding the breakdown of the administration charge was not provided by the Company.

 

17.  PROPOSED CHANGES TO WASTE PERMITS:

At the request of Councillor MacManus, and with the agreement of the Members, the following motion was deferred to the January Agenda:

“That Sligo County Council calls for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed changes to the waste permits regarding designated charging structures as proposed by the Government, as the new system for waste charging will lead to higher collection bills for householders. Further, that this Council calls upon the Minister for the Environment to establish a feasibility study of greater public ownership and the possible re-municipalisation of household waste collection.”

 

18.  LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council, with regards to the local improvement scheme (LIS)  to give priority to people who live on roads, 1, People with disability, 2, roads with occupied Homes, 3, roads with no Homes in to farms.”

The Director of Services gave a detailed report to the Meeting and concluded by advising the Members that every effort was made to distribute the offers of L.I.S. Schemes to eligible applicants in a fair manner taking into account the above list of criteria.  However, given the short timescale, schemes had to be prioritised where eligibility was straightforward and schemes that were most suitable for completion at the time of year.

Members welcomed the work which had been carried out in 2017 and said it was of a very high standard.

 

19.  HOUSING GRANTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on Housing Grants for the elderly and the disabled.”

Mr. Murphy referred to the report which had been furnished to the Members in October setting out the details. 

An update was also provided to the Members by the S.E.O. that the Department, at the Council’s request, had increased the allocation for the three Schemes to €1,350,000.  That was in line with the Council’s budget provision for 2017 where 80% of this allocation or €1,080,000 was funded by the Department with the remaining 20% or €270,000 funded by the Council.

Mr. Murphy advised the meeting that the Council is already committed to funding 223 applications under the Schemes in 2017 and had over 250 applications on hand.

 

20.  PROGRESS OF LEADER PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on the progress of the Leader Programme.”

Ms. Clarke, Director of Services delivered a report setting out the details of the LEADER programme 2014-2020.

In reply to queries raised, the Director of Services advised the meeting of the many aspects of the Programme and the works carried out for approved projects. 

Having regard to concerns expressed, the Chief Executive added that some of the frustration may have come from the time lag in the handover to the local authority.  Sligo was ‘ahead of the curve’ and projects were coming on stream. 

Following a discussion, Councillor Clarke thanked those involved for debating the issue and said it had been beneficial to receive the report.

 

21.  MEETING WITH MINISTER HARRIS AND THE IRISH SOCIETY FOR COLITIS AND CROHN’S DISEASE:

Councillor O’Boyle indicated that he wished to withdraw this motion from the agenda as the matter had been dealt with.

 

22.  DETAILS OF COMPENSATION CLAIMS PAID BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be provided giving details of all the compensation claims paid by Sligo County Council, or its insurers, since January 2016, the report to include the reason for each claim, the location it related to and the size of the claim awarded; the report to also include a breakdown of legal costs resulting from the claims.”

Mr. Gavin advised the Meeting that some information had been compiled but the full report was not available at this time.

It was agreed to defer this item to the January Agenda to allow for completion of the report.

 

24.  2018 – THE YEAR OF SLIGO GAOL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor Clarke

AND AGREED

“As 2018 marks the 200th anniversary of Sligo Gaol I am calling on Sligo County Council to support Friends of Sligo Gaol in designating 2018 as "The Year of Sligo Gaol".

Director of Services Dorothy Clarke advised the meeting that ‘Sligo County Council welcomes the proposal to designate 2018 as ‘The Year of Sligo Gaol’.  As we approach the bicentenary of Sligo it is appropriate that we mark this event and promote the significance of Sligo Gaol and the role that it has played in the history of Sligo and the Northwest over the last 200 years.  2018 also marks the 100th anniversary of the arrest and imprisonment of Michael Collins in Sligo Gaol in April 1918. While there are no resources currently available to undertake a scoping study, the Council will work with Friends of Sligo Gaol to examine potential funding sources that may be available to progress the study in 2018.  Once the scoping study is complete the Sligo Gaol Conservation Plan Steering Group and Sligo County Council will examine the recommendations. 

 

25.  UPDATE ON CFRAM STUDY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the CFRAM study carried out on the Owenmore river and to get clarification on what funding streams have been applied for future works on the river.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported to the Meeting on the up to date situation with the Consultants being well advanced in their work on the Owenmore part of the brief and it was hoped to be in receipt of the first draft of the report in the coming weeks.

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 1.00 p.m. and resumed at 2.00 p.m.

 

26.  CASUAL TRADING BYE-LAWS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review the existing Casual Trading bye-laws for both Sligo Town and County with the intention of amalgamating both the Borough Casual Trading Bye-Laws (2014) and the County Casual Trading Bye-Laws (2003).

Further, that any newly proposed draft Sligo County Casual Trading Bye-Laws going out to public consultation would also facilitate farmers’ markets in public spaces, pop-up food and\or drinks carts at publicly owned recreational & leisure areas and free standing stalls etc. at selected urban, rural and coastal locations that would enhance the Town & County as an integral element of the Wild Atlantic Way.

That the Council would endeavour to have such new Casual Trading Bye-Laws in situ by mid-2018”.

The Members were advised by Mr. Kilfeather that Sligo County Council is to commence working on a review of the Casual Trading Bye-Laws during the first quarter of 2018. 

It is intended that the new Bye-Laws will take into account the changing requirements of the general public and be cognisant of encouraging tourism where possible.  As part of the review there will be consultation between various departments within Sligo County Council and also with the public.

It is hoped that we will have the new Casual Trading Bye-Laws in place for the commencement of the Summer season 2018.

 

27.  ENGAGEMENT WITH BALLISODARE COMMUNITY COUNCIL:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council collaborates with the recently reformed Ballisodare Community Council in addressing a number of issues in the village including (a) problem of derelict properties; (b) provision of a pedestrian crossing in the village; (c) better access to the river; (d) traffic speed control on approach roads; (e) provision of a bottle bank, and (f) provision of a proper bus stop.”

Mr. Kilfeather said that Sligo County Council had been engaging extensively directly with and in response to representations made on behalf of Ballisodare Community Council in recent times and would continue to do so as was done with all Community Groups.

Examples of the engagement with the Ballisodare Community were then outlined to the Meeting.

The Chief Executive advised that the level of engagement is indicative of the type of positive engagement Sligo County Council has with all local communities. 

 

30.  OCCUPATIONAL FIRST AID TRAINING – PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS:

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

“That Sligo County Council writes to Ministers for Health, Education and Children to put into consideration compulsory Occupational First Aid Training in both primary and secondary schools throughout Ireland for all Teachers and Special Needs Assistants who are physically able.  In consideration with recent statistics 15 people a day are dying from sudden death syndrome and 125 people a year die from choking.”

Following a discussion on this motion where concerns were expressed about its mandatory nature, it was agreed to remove the word “compulsory”. 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council writes to Ministers for Health, Education and Children to put into consideration Occupational First Aid Training in both primary and secondary schools throughout Ireland for all Teachers and Special Needs Assistants who are physically able.  In consideration with recent statistics 15 people a day are dying from sudden death syndrome and 125 people a year die from choking.”

 

31.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF FLOWERHILL ESTATE, BUNNINADDEN:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for the up-to-date position and timeframe on the taking in charge of Flowerhill Estate, Bunninadden”.

Director of Services, Ms. D. Clarke, advised the Meeting that a resolution to commence the process of taking in charge the estate would be put before the Members early in 2018.

 

32.  EMPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL THERAPISTS AT CREGG HOUSE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health to urgently call on the HSE to employ a second Speech Therapist and also a Behaviour Therapist to be employed at Cregg House.  There is a Speech Therapist allocated to the school and Cregg House. She will be retiring soon and one person cannot deal with so many clients especially when they have intellectual disabilities. There is an urgent need for a Speech Therapist for ages 0 to 18 in St. Cecilias School and Cregg. Presently the Speech Therapist has over 200 clients on her books. The Behavioural Therapist is about to leave and is not due to be replaced.”

 

33.  REPORT ON HOUSING SITUATION:

At the request of Councillor Clarke, it was agreed to defer the following motion to the January 2018 agenda:

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on Sligo's housing situation”.

 

34.  PROVISION OF A FODDER AID PACKAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“Due the shortage of fodder facing many farmers in the West of Ireland this Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Food, & Marine Michael Creed T.D. to put a Fodder Aid package in place as a matter of urgency”.

 

35.  STRANDHILL WATER TREATMENT PLANT:

With the agreement of the Members, the following motion as submitted by Councillor S. Maguire was deferred to the January (Ordinary Meeting) agenda:

“I welcome the news that Irish Water have signed the contracts to update the water treatment plant in Strandhill. This is a vital investment in the development of Strandhill and is long overdue.

This motion seeks that the Council confirm whether this opportunity has been taken to re-fit the existing plant?  The cost would be the lowest possible because the contractor would already be onsite, and it would add again to capacity and avoid having to retro fit the plant in the future.

The Council might also confirm what the plans are for the temporary plant which was put in place during development of Ocean links in the village?”

 

36.  PAYMENT OF COMMERCIAL RATES BY WIND FARMS:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that the Council executive was aware that the Carrane Hill Wind Farm has been operating since 2006; and noting that the Council executive did not seek the payment of commercial rates from the Wind Farm operator until recently; this meeting requests the Chief Executive to provide a report explaining why efforts were not made by the Council executive to levy rates on the Wind Farm in the 10 year period since it first became operational;

and further, noting that the Council executive was aware that the Dunneill Wind Farm (Kingsmountain2) has been operating since 2010; and noting that the Council executive did not seek the payment of commercial rates from the Wind Farm operator until recently; this meeting requests the Chief Executive to provide a report explaining why efforts were not made by the Council executive to levy rates on the Wind Farm in the 6 year period since it first became operational.”

As the issue had been raised at the recent Sligo Municipal District meeting, the Chief Executive enquired as to the objective in raising it again and what it was that the Councillor wished to achieve.  He stated that the issue had its genesis some 13 years previously when the planning application was made and he was satisfied that the correct process was followed at that time.  Once the issue was brought to his attention, the matter was rectified.  He stated that his focus is to ensure the issue does not arise again rather than using scarce resources investigating what happened some 13 years ago.

The Head of Finance reported that “We would have sought valuations from the Valuation office following the grant of Planning Permission and we had not received those valuations until Jan 2017”.

Following further discussions, the Cathaoirleach said that it was time to move on.

 

37.  MEETINGS WITH MR. P. LEMASS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, PLANNING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T Healy

To ask the Chief Executive to provide a report (a) indicating the time, date and venue of each meeting in 2015, 2016 and 2017 where Mr Paul Lemass, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, gave a commitment to remit the previously withdrawn €750,000 local government fund allocation to the Council; (b) indicating if minutes were taken of the meetings (c) indicating the names of other officials and councillors who were present at the meetings.”

The Chief Executive advised the Meeting that, when the motion had been received, he had written to Mr. Lemass copying it to him and requesting a copy of the Minutes of the meeting he had attended. A reply had been received after 5.00 p.m. on Friday, 1st December, where Mr. Lemass had copied a number of documents of meetings held between Sligo County Council and the Department regarding the Financial Plan, but excluding a note of the meeting of 7th September, 2016. Members were advised that a copy of the documentation would be circulated.

The Chief Executive further advised the meeting that he had received a commitment from Mr Lemass that the €750,000 would be remitted to the Council when they got the financial plan submitted.  He said this commitment was given at a meeting on September 7th 2016.  He said the Secretary General of the Department and Mr Pat Gallagher of the CCMA had attended the meeting in addition to himself and Mr Lemass.

The Chief Executive also claimed that Councillor Keaney had told him that he had been given a similar commitment.  

Councillor Keaney said the claim was outrageous. He said he was not leaving the Chamber until it was agreed that at a meeting he attended with Mr. Lemass in June, 2015 that there was no commitment given in relation to the €750,000.  He asked the Chief Executive to withdraw it.

Following further exchanges,

It was proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That the meeting would stand adjourned for five minutes to discuss this matter further”.

 

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:

The meeting adjourned at 3.20 p.m. and resumed at 3.35 p.m.

 

37.  MEETINGS WITH MR. P. LEMASS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, PLANNING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CONTINUED):

On resumption the Cathaoirleach said he was asking the Chief Executive if he accepted Councillor Keaney’s interpretation of the meeting of June, 2015. 

In response the Chief Executive said he could only stand over meeting and commitments that he was given and he accepted the word of Councillor Keaney.

The Cathaoirleach suggested that the matter would be brought back to the Corporate Policy Group early in 2018. Further, that the respective political parties would seek a meeting with Mr. Lemass to answer their queries.

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

AND AGREED

“Ask Mr. Lemass to meet with a Deputation from the Councillors”.

 

38.  DRAFT NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council, the Chief Executive and the Senior Planner to prepare a report on the draft National Planning Framework (NPF)”.

Ms. Clarke reported that a briefing for Councillors on the Draft National Planning Framework had been held on 31st October, 2017.  A report on the Draft National Planning Framework had been circulated to all Members prior to the meeting which summarised the content of the N.P.F. and outlined the main provisions with regard to Sligo and the north west.

The Chief Executive noted that there is an issue of importance of Sligo as a regional capital.  The submission the North West Regional Authority made on behalf of all counties in the north west and border area also re-emphasised that fact.  Other adjoining counties were on board with making Sligo the regional capital.

Further queries by Councillor Clarke were clarified with the Chief Executive noting that all areas have to be together in a regional spatial and economic strategy and this was what was being sought by the Members.  The submission that was made from Sligo County Council and the wider group reflected the dissatisfaction that Councillor Clarke had expressed, and he believed they were all at one on that issue.

 

39.  SAFETY MEASURES AT RAILWAY BRIDGE ON ROAD R290 BETWEEN COLLOONEY AND BALLISODARE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the concerns of cyclists and pedestrians  at the railway  bridge on the R290 between Collooney and Ballisodare and to put in safety measures to address this.”

Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported that the railway bridge between Ballisodare and Collooney on the R290 is of limited width.  Sligo County Council’s Roads Department would monitor traffic movements at the location with a view to coming up with possible solutions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Healy welcomed the report from the Director of Services.

 

40.  SAFETY ISSUES IN BALLINTOGHER VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address a number of safety issues in Ballintogher and to seek funding to address the concerns of the village residents.”

Sligo County Council had engaged with local community groups in Ballintogher in recent weeks and had replaced damaged footpaths which were a safety concern.  The Council had also made an application for funding under the Low cost safety Scheme (2018) for €20,000 for traffic calming measures in Ballintogher village, the Director of Services advised the Members.

 

41.  PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN BALLISODARE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to make funding available for a Pedestrian crossing in Ballisodare a survey carried out recently indicated the need for one to address the safety concern in the village.”

Mr. Kilfeather advised the meeting that the N59 through Ballisodare is a National Secondary road and, as such, funding for such a crossing would be subject to T.I.I. approval under H.D. 17.

 

42.  PROVISION OF NEW BURIAL GROUND AT COURT ABBEY:

With the approval of the Members, the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Lundy was deferred to the January (Ordinary Meeting) Agenda:

“To ask Sligo County Council if a suitable location has been identified for a new Burial Ground at Court Abbey, Lavagh as the present Cemetery is almost full”.

 

43.  ASSISTANCE WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY FODDER SHORTAGE:

With the approval of the Members, the following motion as submitted by Councillor J. Lundy was also deferred to the January (Ordinary Meeting) Agenda:

“Due to the very wet weather small Farmers in Sligo and the north west are facing into a fodder shortage this winter.  I will ask this Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture to provide financial supports to these Farmers to help them purchase the necessary feed stuff for their livestock”.

 

44.  PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVED ACCOMMODATION FOR GARDAI IN TUBBERCURRY GARDA STATION:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, T.D., and the Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochána, Aidan Glacken, for a detailed report and timeframe on proposals for improved accommodation for the Gardaí at Tubbercurry Garda Station”.

 

45.  COMMUNITY SAFETY FEATURES IN FUTURE HOUSING CAPITAL PROGRAMMES:

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

AND AGREED

“That all future Housing Capital Programme schemes submitted to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government would include a small budget for community safety features such as CCTV etc.”

Mr. Murphy indicated that the Department could be contacted in this regard.  In recent Schemes they had not provided the sum sought, however, they could be requested to do so in ongoing applications.

The Chief Executive said there had been issues with the original design of older estates that provided for poor passive surveillance.  Those issues are being addressed in design improvements.  A request for CCTV will be included as a request to the Department but it was hoped that, with the improved designs, it will eliminate the need for CCTV in the first place. 

Councillor MacManus thanked the Chief Executive and Mr. Murphy and for their replies.

 

46.  EQUAL STATUS ACT/WORKPLACE RELATIONS COMMISSION:

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

“Recognising that the Equal Status Act was expanded in January 2016 to prohibit discrimination against people in receipt of HAP or other social payments being provided with accommodation, to ask has Sligo County Council been made aware of any such instances and to indicate would action they would take if a credible complaint was made in this regards.”

Mr. Murphy reported that complaints in this regard are dealt with by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) if not resolved between the parties.

Before  making a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in regard to perceived discrimination, a person must first send a notification in writing to the respondent (person/company against whom you are considering the complaint). This notification must contain specific information concerning the alleged discrimination and must be received by the respondent within two months after the occurrence of the event in question; A person may use the Equal Status Form ES1. The ES1 form should be sent directly to the respondent, and not to the WRC.

The Respondent is not obliged to respond to this notification, but may use Form ES2 to do so, if they wish. It should be noted that if the respondent does not reply, or if they provide false or misleading information, an Adjudication Officer may, if appropriate, take account of this when he or she is deciding your case.

If a person has not received a reply from the respondent within one month, or if a person is not satisfied with a reply that they  have received, they can then make a complaint to the WRC using the online Complaint Form. A copy of the notification and response should be sent with the complaint form to the WRC. The time limit for making a complaint is within six months of the incident being complained about (or six months from the last incident, if there have been similar incidents). This may be extended in certain circumstances.

On receipt of a valid complaint, the WRC will forward a copy to the respondent. The case file will then be allocated to an Adjudication Officer, and an Adjudication Hearing will be arranged; the time, date and venue of which will be notified to the parties involved. The adjudication officer will inquire into the complaint and will provide the parties with an opportunity to be heard by him/her, and to present any relevant evidence. He or she will then make a decision in relation to the complaint, in accordance with the legislation, and will give each party a copy of that decision in writing.

 

28.  UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENTS WITH “IRELAND WEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE” IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on developments with the Ireland West International Trade Centre in Providence, Rhode Island. The monies contributed to the centre since it opened, the number of businesses referred to it and number of businesses that have been successful in getting into the US market.”

Mr John Reilly Head of Enterprise gave a detailed report regarding the Ireland West International Trade Centre which is a joint initiative by a number of Western Local Authorities aimed at providing a soft landing space for businesses in the USA; for the general promotion and development of this region’s enterprise and economy and for the forging of linkages where relevant opportunities present.    

Mr. Reilly said that an agreement has been entered into with a company in Providence, Rhode Island whereby meetings are organised for our clients from this region with parties of potential interest in Rhode Island and farther afield.  As part of the agreement, that company occupies an office on the ground floor of a building that is leased in Providence by the participating Councils for the purpose of promoting client product from this region.  The Council’s full-year financial contribution, which has been paid in respect of 2017, is €20,000 (Sligo Co. Co. did not make a financial contribution previously).  In addition, clients participating on the programme are eligible for the usual range of LEO training supports including small export grants available to businesses travelling to any overseas destination for business purposes.  The export grants generally constitute 50% of costs such as travel, accommodation and exhibition fees and are capped at €2,500 in any calendar year.

The progress to date was outlined in Mr. Reilly’s report and further instances which specifically related to Sligo were notified to the Members.

The Chief Executive stated that he was very happy to see this notice of motion on the agenda.  This is giving an indication of the manner in which the Council are thinking ‘outside the box’ to develop and enhance the economic development of the region.

Councillor Henry said he welcomed the development, stating that people may not be aware of the importance of the facility.  Businesses that are interested should be encouraged to contact the Local Enterprise Office.

 

29.  BALLYMOTE CASTLE:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the OPW asking for details on the opening of Ballymote Castle to the public and to outline any issues they have identified with the site.”

 

47.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Padraic Marren and family of Doobeg, Bunninadden on the death of his wife, Lucy.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Henry of Ballymote Road, Tubbercurry on the death of her father, Michael James Kirrane.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Quigley and family of Oldrock, Ballymote on the death of her mother, Margaret Golden.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Brennan of Stoneparks, Ballymote on the death of her brother, George Crossley.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Niland of Drimbane, Curry on the death of his father, Tom.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to David Golden of Sligo County Council’s Area Office in Tubbercurry on the death of his grandmother, Margaret.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Geraldine Mousa of Kevinsfort, Sligo on the death of her mother, Dorothy O’Grady.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michelle Smyth of Ballydoogan, Sligo on the death of her father, Tom Devaney.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Dorey of Ballysumaghan on the death of her father, John Cummins.

 

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

 

48.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. Marty Duffy of Kilglass on his retirement from refereeing.  Marty has refereed at the highest level and refereed an All-Ireland Final”.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Shamrock Gaels Under 21 Team on their success in the recent U21 B Championship Final.  Congratulations to the Panel and their management team of Donal Tuohy, Brian Boyd, Frank Quinn and Liam O’Connell”.

 

49.  CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“To note and approve the Conferences and Training list previously circulated.”

 

50.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members agreed to note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.

 

51.  CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:

This item was noted by the Members.

 

52.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading. 

 

53.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

No matter raised under this heading

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the Meeting concluded at 4.15 p.m.

 

  


Meeting Date 04/12/2017