Minutes 2018

Minutes of December Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Henry,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Kilgannon,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan
  • Councillor Taylor.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Geraldine Flanagan, Clerical Officer
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Martin Baker, presided. 

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Casserly, Councillor Healy, Councillor Lundy and Councillor MacSharry.

The Members were advised by the Cathaoirleach that the Chief Executive was at a prior engagement but would attend the meeting in the afternoon.  Item 16 would be dealt with at that time.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF CRANMORE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group Meetings held on:

  • Tuesday 18th July 2017
  • Tuesday 21st November 2017
  • Tuesday 27th February 2018
  • Thursday 14th June 2018.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF S.P.C. 3 MEETING HELD ON 25TH APRIL, 2018:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of S.P.C. 3 (Planning, Community and Economic Development, Arts and Culture) held on 25th April, 2018.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE- TOBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETING HELD ON 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2018:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District Meeting held on 17th September, 2018.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 5TH NOVEMBER, 2018:

Proposed by Councillor C. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th November, 2018.”

 

5.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS “COPPER RIVER”, BALLINODE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

6.  DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC ROADS – “DORRIN’S STRAND”, STRANDHILL AND “LISSADELL PARK”, CARNEY, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993

Road NumberLocation and Terminal Points
L75055-0, L75055-1, L75055-2, L75055-3, L75055-4 Roads situate in the housing development known as “Dorrins Strand”, Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
L33043-0, L33043-1, L33043-2, L33043-3, L33043-4, L33043-5 Roads situate in the development known as “Lissadell Park”, Carney, Co. Sligo.”

 

7.  SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – DISPOSAL OF FREEHOLD INTEREST IN 8 ABBEYVILLE PARK, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of freehold interest in 8 Abbeyville Park, Sligo to John Ryan.”

 

8.  SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – DISPOSAL OF FREEHOLD INTEREST IN COTTAGE 1246 AND PLOT AT SHANNON EIGHTER, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of freehold interest in Cottage 1246 and plot at Shannon Eighter, Sligo to Patrick and Maura Togher.”

 

9.  SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – DISPOSAL OF DWELLING HOUSE AT CLOGHOGE UPPER, CASTLEBALDWIN:

Proposed by Councillor C. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

AND AGREED

“To approve, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwelling house at Cloghoge Upper, Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo to Patrick Lyttle.”

 

10.  SECTION 183 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT MEADOWBROOK, BALLYCUMMIN, EASKEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Meadowbrook, Ballycummin, Easkey, Co. Sligo to Tracey Stenson.”

 

11.  DEVELOPMENT AT 31-34 JOE MCDONNELL DRIVE, CRANMORE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To proceed with the proposed development to demolish 4 terraced houses address Numbers 31 -34 Joe Mc Donnell Drive, and the construction of 4 new detached houses orientated to overlook new pedestrian and cycle way access to Joe McDonnell Drive, Cranmore from Chapel Hill, together with all associated site works at the Joe McDonnell Drive Cranmore and Chapel Hill, Abbey Quarter South and Knocknaganny, Barony of Carbury, Sligo. In accordance with chief executive’s report in accordance with Sections 179(3) and 179(4) of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).”

 

12.  APPOINTMENT OF MR. AIDAN DOYLE TO S.P.C. 3 (BUSINESS SECTOR):

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Mr. Aidan Doyle to fill casual vacancy on S.P.C. 3 (Business Sector) on the resignation of Mr. Conor McCarthy.”

 

13.  APPOINTMENT OF ELECTED MEMBER TO S.P.C. 3 

The Cathaoirleach agreed, at the request of the Members, to defer this item to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

14.  REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE/STATUTORY AUDIT REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 2017: 

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

AND AGREED

“To note the report of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee/Statutory Audit Report for year ending 31st December, 2017.”

 

15. DRAFT DISABILITY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2019-2022:

Councillor Bree, Chair of Sligo County Council’s Disability Consultative Committee, outlined the steps undertaken to reach this stage of the process.  This Plan was a significant document setting out the programme of actions.  Councukkir Henry and Councillor Maguire were also Members of the Committee which meets on a quarterly basis and was set up to advise the local authority on projects and actions.  A review had been undertaken; an update brought to the S.P.C. and, if adopted by the Members at the meeting, would proceed to public consultation.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council adopt the Draft ‘Sligo County Council Disability Implementation Plan 2019-2022’ and proceed with public consultation on the draft plan.”

 

18.  JANUARY ORDINARY MEETING:

The Members agreed to hold the Ordinary Meeting on Monday, 14th January, 2019 at 10.00 a.m.

 

19.  VACANT APARTMENT COMPLEX ON THE MALL, SLIGO:

Councillor O’Boyle requested that this item would be withdrawn from the Agenda and the Cathaoirleach agreed to the request.

 

20.  REQUEST FOR THE REINTRODUCTION OF DECENTRALIASTION PROGRAMME IN 2019:

The Cathaoirleach agreed to the deferral of the item, submitted by Councillor Lundy requesting the reintroduction of the Decentralisation Programme, to the January (Ordinary Meeting) Agenda.

 

21.  BOIL WATER NOTICE ON LOUGH TALT:

The Cathaoirleach agreed to defer the notice of motion, as listed by Councillor Lundy, to the January (Ordinary Meeting) Agenda.

 

22.  DOG WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR THE CARTRON BAY/POINT AREA:

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

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council put a dog waste disposal system in place in the Cartron Bay/Point area.”

Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, advised the meeting that

In 2017 and 2018, funding was provided under the A.L.A.G. (Anti Litter Anti Graffiti) Grant Scheme to Tidy Town Groups for the installation of dog waste disposal systems in Strandhill and Rosses Point.  Maintenance of these systems i.e. disposal of contents to a public bin in the area and replenishing of bags as required, is carried out by the Tidy Towns Group in the area.  When the 2019 Grant Scheme has been advertised, Cartron Bay/Point area are advised to submit an application, where consideration will be given for the provision of this system to cater for dog walkers in the area.’

 

23.  VACANT COUNCIL PROPERTIES:

Councillor O’Boyle requested that this item would be withdrawn from the Agenda and the Cathaoirleach noted the request.

 

24.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF ‘KNOXVILLE MANOR’ ESTATE:

As Councillor Lundy was absent, the Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this item to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

25.  ‘STAYING ALIVE AT 1.5’ CYCLING SAFETY SIGNS:

As Councillor Casserly was not in attendance, the Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this item to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

28.  CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME FOR CLIFFONEY HEALTH CENTRE AND CARRIGANS DAY CARE CENTRE:

As Councillor Healy was unable to attend the Meeting, the Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this item to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

29.  &  56.  INADEQUATE FUNDING FOR HOME CARE SUPPORT

AND MEDICAL ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS BEFORE DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL:

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that, as the content of items 29 and 56 on the Agenda related to similar matters, he would take both items at that time.

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

AND AGREED

“To request Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health and the HSE regarding the gross inadequate funding of home care support. Many elderly people find they have no cover at weekends and bank holidays.

This is not acceptable inadequate home care may in many cases result in people going into long term care.”

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

AND AGREED

“That the H.S.E. ensures that Patients are medically assessed before being discharged from Hospital and that a Care Plan is in place before discharge.”

In support of both resolutions, Members outlined the difficulties they were aware of in regard to the above matters, particularly in relation to the allocation of Home Help hours.

 

26.  COASTAL EROSION AT STRANDHILL BEACH:

Proposed by Councillor C. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To ask what efforts Sligo County Council and the OPW are making to prevent ongoing coastal erosion at Strandhill beach from the Treatment Plant to the ‘Shelly Valley’ area.”

The Members were provided with a detailed report by Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services.  It was noted in the report that the shoreline from the southern boundary of the caravan park and the sewage treatment plant (currently being replaced) was essentially a soft dune system fronted by a cobble storm berm.  Following the details of all aspects of the works required, the Members were informed that Sligo County Council and the Office of Public Works had no plans to carry out coastal protection works in the area.  However, dune management was intended and managed retreat was likely and, if necessary, the securing of the effluent treatment works if that became necessary in the future.

In response to queries from Members Mr. Kilfeather advised that future developments were referenced in the Development Plan, which also outlined details of the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Sligo County Council.  This was the first formal recognition of its impact on infrastructure and planning.  This would be brought before the Council sometime in 2019.  In reply to a query from Councillor Keaney as to whether some areas would not be allowed to develop further, Mr. Kilfeather said it was not known at that time how far the Strategy would go.

 

27.  USE OF ‘KAZELAIN’ PROPERTY IN FINISKLIN FOR SOCIAL HOUSING:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to ascertain who has responsibility for the ‘Kazelain’ property in Finisklin. And further, if under the ownership or responsibility of a public body can it be utilised for social housing?”

Mr. Murphy, S.E.O. advised the Meeting that the Council is actively exploring a number of options and is also in discussions with an Approved Housing Body to see if it can be used for social housing. It would not be suitable for housing families in its existing condition.

Following further queries on the matter, Mr. Murphy confirmed that the property is still in the name of Finisklin Housing Association, but Sligo County Council would be responsible for it.

 

32.  REQUEST FOR AN IMPOSITION OF A CAP ON THE INTEREST MONEYLENDERS CAN CHARGE:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Finance, Mr.Paschal Donohoe to impose a cap on interest moneylenders can charge.  The doorstep lenders are legally allowed to charge 287% to people who are desperate for cash.”

 

33.  &  34.  PUBLIC LIGHTING ADJACENT TO ROCKFIELD NATIONAL SCHOOL, COOLANEY:

As both items 33 and 34 related to lighting at Rockfield National School, the Cathaoirleach took the motions together.

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

“That Sligo County Council carry out a survey and prepare a costing for the provision of public lighting adjacent to Rockfield N.S. and that the necessary funding be provided in the interest of safety.”

 

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

“That Sligo County Council install public lighting adjacent to Rockfield National School, Coolaney.”

Mr. Kilfeather advised the Meeting that Public lighting already exists along the Rockfield–Coolaney road. Sligo County Council does not install public lighting within private playgrounds but should the school/community wish to install additional light/playground upgrade they can apply for a Clár grant in 2019 which permits/ funds such works.

 

35.  UPGRADING OF FOOTPATHS AND ROADS AT ROSEHILL, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“I request an update on upgrading of footpaths and roads at Rosehill, Sligo.”

Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the Members that significant footpath upgrade works were undertaken within Rosehill Estate during 2012.  Notwithstanding this, the Roads Department will undertake to review the condition of footpaths within Rosehill during the early part of 2019.  Should any sections of defective footpath be identified, same can be considered for repair in the context of the 2019 Roadworks Programme.

 

36.  REVIEW OF THE SCHOOL TRANSPORT SYSTEM:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister John Halligan and the Government to carry out a root and branch review of the school transport system and to deal with the thousands of appeals before the Department which has serious consequences on Rural Ireland.”

 

SPECIAL MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

Following agreement by the Members, Councillor Clarke proposed that a Special Meeting would be held early in 2019 to discuss rural issues.  In particular difficulties encountered in rural areas in the areas of agriculture policy, school transport infrastructure, employment and rural development should be discussed. 

The Cathaoirleach and other Members supported the proposal and it was further suggested that the local T.D.s should be invited to attend and possibly to liaise with other local Councils and ask them to attend. It was agreed that a date and arrangements would be finalised early in the new year.

 

37.  BEEF GENOMICS PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and the Government to provide real concrete measures to sustain the Beef industry, to scrap Beef Genomics Programme, to provide a real Beef Environmental Efficiency (BEEP) Scheme in 2019 that would deliver a €200 payment per suckler cow so that the damage that has been done can be reversed.”

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUNDING FOR COUNTY SLIGO ENTERPRISE FUND:

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that he had just received a notification of funding of almost €2 million for the County Sligo Enterprise Fund, and Members welcomed the announcement.

 

38. UPGRADING OF CLARION ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“To request Sligo County Council Roads Department to put in place funding for upgrading of the Clarion Road in 2019.”

The Director of Services, Mr. T. Kilfeather informed the Members that it is considered that the widening/upgrading of Clarion Road would cost well in excess of €180,000, this figure being exclusive of land acquisition costs.  Works would comprise road widening, drainage and ducting, new boundary wall construction, public lighting upgrade, footpath installation works, accommodation works and road construction/resurfacing.  Works of this extent would fall outside the scope of normal pavement restoration / rehabilitation programmes and therefore would have to be the subject of specific application to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.  In accordance with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s Memorandum on Grants for Regional and Local Roads Projects, applications for capital projects such as this will only be considered where applicant can demonstrate that the works will have a significant and quantifiable economic impact, as regards employment, industry, tourism and urban regeneration.

Councillor Kilgannon welcomed that an application for funding was being submitted.  

 

39.  WORKS ON ‘FAIRWAYS ESTATE’TUBBERCURRY:

At the request of Councillor Gormley, and with the approval of the Cathaoirleach, this matter was deferred to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

40.  PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM - PROPOSAL TO HOLD A REFERENDUM TO AMEND ARTICLE 28 OF THE CONSTITUTION:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council supports the proposal to hold a Referendum to amend Article 28 of the Constitution so as to ensure that government shall be collectively responsible for the protection, management and maintenance of the public water system and to ensure in the public interest that this resource remains in public ownership and management; and further this Council calls for the Referendum to take place on the 24th May 2019 in conjunction with the Local Government and European Parliament elections.”

 

41.  VACANT SITES LEVY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive to provide a detailed outline of where the Council stands in respect of the Vacant Sites Levy covering in particular: (a) the status of the sites currently listed on the Vacant Site Register and whether the levy will be imposed on these sites and how much income that is expected to generate; (b) whether there are more sites being considered for inclusion on the list and if so how many and what would be the value of the levy from these sites.”

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services advised the Meeting that there are currently 18 sites entered on the Vacant Site Register. To date,

An Bord Pleanála has informed Sligo County Council that 2 of these site entries have been the subject of an appeal.

The Vacant Site Levy for 2019 will be applied to all 18 sites currently on the Register unless the aforementioned appeals to An Bord Pleanála are successful, in which case the sites will be removed from the Register.

The levy for 2019 will be applied at a rate of 7% of the market value of the site and will be payable in 2020. The market value of these sites has yet to be determined and therefore it is not yet possible to estimate the levies payable. Sligo County Council will be procuring site valuations in 2019, after which the levies will be determined. Again the estimated market value of each site may be the subject of an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

It is proposed to add another 18 sites to the Register before the end of 2018. ‘Proposed Entry’ notices have been issued to the owners of these sites and there is now a period of 4 weeks to allow for submissions to be made on behalf of site owners. After this 4 week period, decisions will be made by Sligo County Council on whether or not to enter the sites in the Register. These decisions may be the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. Again, any sites added to the Register will be subject to market value determination and Vacant Site Levy calculation in 2019.

The planning section will continue to monitor and investigate other sites next year and sites may be added or removed from the Register as appropriate.

In reply to a query from Councillor Bree, the Director of Services confirmed that it was the intention to secure the services of a Valuer, and provision had been made for this  in the 2019 Budget.

 

42.  CALL FOR CAP ON RENTS:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls for a cap on rents due to rising costs.”

 

43.  CONDEMNATION OF SAUDI ARABIAN BLOCKADES:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Government to condemn Saudi Arabia for the blockades resulting in a manmade famine which is leaving 11 million children needing humanitarian assistance.”

 

44.  SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S GRAVEYARD AND CEMETERY REGULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review and update where necessary its Graveyard and Cemetery Regulations as soon as practicable and publish it to the public and online”.

The Directorate will give consideration to including this in our work programme for 2019, subject to available resources, if the Motion is agreed by the Council. However, some guidance on what specific issues might require to be addressed would be helpful as we had no plans heretofore to carry out this exercise, Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the Members.

 

45.  SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON MOUNTAIN ROAD, TUBBERCURRY:

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

“When will the works be carried out on the Mountain Road, Tubbercurry under the Safety Improvement Works where it is proposed to extend the footpath?”

The Members were pleased to note that the works referred to in the motion had commenced in previous days.

 

46.  COMMEMORATIVE EVENT TO MARK THE CENTENARY OF THE FIRST DÁIL:

The Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this matter, as listed by Councillor Lundy, to the Ordinary Meeting Agenda in January.

 

47.  PREPARATION OF HANDBOOK FOR NEW COUNCILLORS:

The Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this item, submitted by Councillor Maguire, to the Ordinary Meeting Agenda in January.

 

48.  COMMUNITY GARDEN:

The Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this item, listed by Councillor Maguire, to the Ordinary Meeting Agenda in January.

 

49.  UPGRADING OF MEDICAL HEALTH CENTRE AT DRUMCLIFF:

This matter, as listed by Councillor Maguire, was deferred to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

  

50.  AN POST’S “ADDRESS PAL” SERVICE:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on An Post to withdraw its current marketing campaign in relation to address https://addresspal.anpost.ie  which encourages people to shop on line particularly from sites in the U.K. and U.S.A. and to ask the relevant Minister to look into the practice of An Post using postal drops to market this campaign which seriously damages local family run businesses in our county.”

Following a discussion on the campaign and how it was affecting small businesses, the Cathaoirleach complimented Councillor Keaney for his promotion of the “Big Switch” Campaign which encouraged people to switch some of their spending to local, family run businesses.

 

51.  PROVISION OF NEW COMMUNITY FACILITY IN CRANMORE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on the provision of a new Community facility in Cranmore as envisaged in the Regeneration Masterplan. To include proposed timeline, budgets secured to date and finances still required etc.”

 

52.  CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE I – COUNCIL HOUSING SCHEME AT CARROWBUNNAUN:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be provided outlining the progress in regard to the construction of Phase 1 of the proposed Council housing scheme at Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill."   

Mr. Gavin, Director of Services, presented a report to the Members relating to this development.  In conclusion, the Meeting was informed that having regard to the details outlined, there wasno lack of commitment to the Carrowbunnaun site.  The Council were concentrating resources where delivery could be achieved easiest and earliest and where the need was high.

 

53.  INCLUSION OF BANADA/TOURLESTRANE IN 2019 TOWN AND VILLAGE RENEWAL SCHEME:

The Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this matter to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda as Councillor Lundy was not in attendance.

 

54.  UPDATE ON PROVISION OF CARDIAC CATH LAB FOR SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

“To write to the Minister for Health requesting an update on provision of Cardiac Cath Lab at Sligo University Hospital”.

 

55.  REQUEST FOR UPDATE OF PROVISION OF CAPITAL FUNDING FOR EXTRA BEDS AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

“To request from the Minister for Health an update on the provision of Capital Funding for extra beds at Sligo University Hospital”.

 

30.  PLANNING REGULATIONS FOR ‘AIRBNB’:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services for Planning to outline the Planning Regulations for Airbnb.”  

Ms. Clarke, Director of Services provided the Members with details of the relevant legislation in place since the first Circular relating to short term lettings was issued in December 2016 (PL 12/2016). 

On 25th October, 2018 the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government announced his intention to introduce new regulations in respect of short term lettings.  It was proposed that the new regulatory regime would be in place by June 2019.

In noting the contents of the report, Councillor Queenan said that for providers of Tourist accommodation, June would be too late for clarification for the 2019 summer season.  He asked that the Senior Planner might get the Regulations out as soon as possible to see the impact it may have on B&B. businesses in the area and this was agreed.

 

31.  2019 FUNDING FOR ROADS R297 AND R110 IN KINANLEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to allocate funding in 2019 Roads Budget on R297 and Road 110 Kinanley.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that it is proposed to provide funding in 2019 under the Multi-Annual Restoration Improvement grant for surfacing sections of R297 at Adervoher and Leaffoney and on Road L-2605-0 (Road 110) at Scurmore/Dooneen.

The draft 2019 Schedule of Municipal Works will be presented to the Councillors in early 2019 for approval.

Councillor Queenan welcomed the contents of the report.

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 12.40 p.m. and resumed at 1.15 p.m.

 

16.  K.P.M.G. FINAL STRATEGIC ADVICE REPORT:

The Chief Executive asked Members if they had any questions in relation to the KPMG Final Strategic advice Report which had been circulated and placed on the Extranet.

Councillor Keaney said he was dissatisfied on a number of grounds, mainly the lack of consultation with members, the cost of the report, and the level of repetition in the text.

Councillor Kilgannon said that the report would be useful for discussions with the Department concerning the Council’s finances.

Councillor Bree said it was extraordinary that the Council spent so much money on the report.  It did not contain any new, realistic proposal and had not proven to be value for money.  There had been some improvements since 2013 but there was no quick fix for the Council’s deficit of €21 million, the highest cumulative deficit in the country. 

Councillor Queenan referred to the shortfall in rate collection and complimented the Finance staff working in the area who he said were on top of their brief. 

The Chief Executive noted that in relation to consultation, the matter had been brought before the Council’s Corporate Policy Group at the end of August. 

He advised that in relation to rates, there had been a 77% collection rate in 2017.  In 2018, it was heading in the region of 80%, and it was intended to continue progress made over recent years.

The Chief Executive noted that, in contrast to some of the local debate and publicity concerning our finances which made it difficult for the Council Executive to negotiate with the Department, the Council now had a report from a Company with a national and international reputation which backed up the Council’s position.

He believed the Financial Plan was not relevant in the current context and in the era of growth Sligo was in and all the funding announcements that had taken place in the previous few weeks. In this context, the K.P.M.G. report was extraordinarily helpful. 

The core difficulty for the Council was the conflicting requirement of the Department to re-trench in accordance with the Financial Plan and separately to expand in light of our designation as a growth centre under the National Planning Framework.  The K.P.M.G. document was important in assisting the Council to go beyond the Financial Plan that Sligo County Council had been dealing with over the last few years.

Councillor Clarke indicated that there was no alternative but to commission the report.  This was an independent way of confirming to the Department the Council’s position.  The Staff working in the area of revenue collection were also commended by Councillor Clarke for the sympathetic way they were dealing with businesses.

Councillor Bree said he had made a proposal at the Budget Meeting that the Council would collect rates on buildings that were vacant and that a portion could be refunded.  Under Law the Council were obliged to collect from all commercial premises.  Members had been told it could not be done in Sligo and that it was impossible.  On the basis of that information, Councillor Bree said, his proposal was opposed.  The towns of Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Grange and Enniscrone were not included in his proposal.  It was intended to act as an incentive for the owners to rent the premises out.   Following the Budget Meeting, he had heard that Leitrim County Council had introduced that measure.  It was suggested that the Chief Executives from Leitrim and Clare County Councils would be invited to a Council Meeting to explain how they had achieved this.

In response, the Chief Executive advised that the Finance staff had knowledge of what could be achieved from their experience on the ground, knowledge of the Ratepayers and examination of individual accounts.  While he acknowledged the legislative provision, he was satisfied that there was no justification for an additional €1 million receipts from Rates.

In referring to the expertise and knowledge of staff, he was satisfied that Ratepayers were dealt with appropriately and the increase in the percentage collection was due to their efforts.

He also expressed concern as to the mixed messages he was receiving.  On the one hand, he was being asked to increase the Rates receipts by €1 million without the increase being substantiated while on the other, Councillor Bree consistently proposes a 15% reduction in the Local Property Tax which would take approximately €800,000 out of the finances of the Council.

Councillor O’Grady reiterated that no matter what services were provided, Bodies had to get independent people to do a report and have a look at it and what could be done better.  While it might have seemed like a lot of money to get a report in place, it could strengthen the Council’s position. 

Councillor Gormley said that when the Council went back to the Department they would recognise the difficulties we had faced and what had been achieved in recent years.

Councillor Taylor said that while he had concerns over the issues of consultation and cost, the report was now a tool that the Council could use to move forward.  Councillor Taylor commended the Revenue Collectors for helping people work through any problems they faced to get them moving again.

In response to a query from Councillor Queenan and Councillor MacManus, the Chief Executive confirmed that any proposal to dispose of assets must be brought before the Members.

Councillor Bree queried the status the K.P.M.G. Report, the Cathaoirleach confirmed that it was for the Members’ information.

 

17.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2018:

Proposed by Councillor C. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To note the Monthly Management Report for October 2018.”

 

57.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martina and Bobby Shannon and Family of Cartron Estate, Sligo on the death of their daughter, Deárbhla.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sinéad Quigley (Sligo County Council Staff) on the death of her grandmother, Annie Finan.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Farren Family of Emlagh, Riverstown on the death of their mother, Kitty.

 

58.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Members extended their thanks to the Staff involved in some recent changes in the Engineering area and welcomed developments commencing in the Cartron, North Sligo and Knappagh Road areas. 

 

59.  CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

60.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES/TRAINING:

The Members noted the summary of proceedings of Conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.

 

61.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members noted the items of correspondence received.

 

62.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

63.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

A)  LAUNCH OF ‘LANDING SPACE’ IN EMBANKMENT HOUSE

Councillor Bree referred to the recent official opening of the premises known as the “Landing space” in Embankment House, Rockwood Parade in Sligo town by Minister Sean Canney.  While representatives from the I.D.A. and I.T. had been asked to address at the Opening, he enquired whether the Cathaoirleach or a representative had been asked. 

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that he was not able to attend and the Mayor was also unavailable.  However, Councillor Maguire had been in attendance. 

 Councillor Bree confirmed that all Members had been invited but his query was in relation to a representative of Sligo County Council being invited to speak at the Event. The Chief Executive said that he was not close to the arrangements but would ensure that they would be mindful of these concerns for  future events.

Councillor Bree noted in relation to arrangements for a recent event  in the ‘The Model’ that the office of the Cathaoirleach was not respected.  

The Chief Executive confirmed that the Event in ‘The Model’ had been organised by the Office of the Taoiseach.

Councillor O’Grady agreed that there were protocols in place that should be forwarded to that office.  The Model was supported hugely by Sligo County Council.  Councillor Keaney added that  in such circumstances the first person to speak should be the Cathaoirleach

The Chief Executive advised that it was the Taoiseach’s office and Department that made all the arrangements, it was agreed to contact them to outline the issues and concerns raised.

 

B)  SPECIAL MEETING ON RURAL MATTERS:

Councillor Clarke suggested setting up a sub-committee with a view to discussing the structure of the Meeting.  It could be held in February and the T.D.s invited to attend.  This could be discussed again at the January Meeting.

 

C)  LAUNCH OF PLAN IN IRELAND WEST AIRPORT, KNOCK:

Some Members expressed their disappointment that Members of Sligo County Council were not named at the recent Event in Ireland West Airport Knock. 

Councillor Taylor, Leas-Cathaoirleach said that he had welcomed the opening of the Discovery Centre in the Airport.  A lot of people involved in tourism in south and west Sligo had not received an invitation to the Event, they were aggrieved and they wished that to be noted. 

Ms. Clarke, Director of Services, confirmed that this was a matter for I.W.A.K. who had sent an invitation to Sligo County Council.  The work carried out by Sligo and Mayo County Council was acknowledged in Peter Hynes’ address.  It had been the Minister who had acknowledged the Mayo County Council Members.  Seven local authorities had been invited, as well as the Western Development Commission and the Airport Board itself.  If one Cathaoirleach had been requested to speak, all seven would have had to be asked.  It was also, therefore, not possible to extend an invitation to all businesses throughout the region.

 

REQUEST FOR CIVIC RECEPTION FOR TUBBERCURRY LADIES TEAM:

Councillor Gormley referred to a vote of congratulations having recently been extended to the Tourlestrane Ladies Football Team, All Ireland Finalists, and asked that they would be accorded a Civic Reception.

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that it was his intention, early in the New Year, to consider hosting a reception for a number of teams that had achieved success in recent times.

 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH FOR STAFF AND ELECTED MEMBERS:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their cooperation in working through a busy meeting agenda.

The Meeting was advised that a Christmas lunch for Staff and Councillors was being held in County Hall on Friday, 21st December, 2018.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the Meeting concluded at 2.45 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 03/12/2018