Minutes 2019

Minutes of Adjourned May Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Wednesday, 8th May, 2019 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Acting Chief Executive
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Marian O’Callaghan,A/Senior Architect
  • Mr. Mícéal McGinty, Senior Executive Architect
  • Ms. Donna Gilmartin, Clerical Officer
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Martin Baker, presided. 

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Casserly.

 

1.  MINUTES OF S.P.C. 3 MEETING HELD ON 10TH DECEMBER, 2018:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of S.P.C. 3 Meeting held on 10th December, 2018.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO M.D. HELD ON 18TH FEBRUARY, 2019:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Meeting of Sligo Municipal District Meeting held on 18th February, 2019.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 1ST APRIL, 2019:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 1st April, 2019.”

 

4.  FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ARISING FROM

THE DEATH OF COUNCILLOR MARGARET GORMLEY, R.I.P.:

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

AND AGREED

“To defer consideration of Item 4 on the Agenda.”

 

5.  SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – PROPERTY AT 9 GELDOF DRIVE, CRANMORE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at 9 Geldof Drive, Cranmore, Sligo to Mr. Terence Downes.”

 

6.  SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – PROPERTY AT 10 RUSHEEN CRESCENT, CALTRAGH, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at 10 Rusheen Crescent, Caltragh, Sligo to Ms. Nicola Heaney.”

 

7.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATE KNOWN AS “NEPHIN DRIVE”, ENNISCRONE:

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

AND AGREED

“To consider report in relation to commencing the process of taking in charge the estate known as ‘Nephin Drive’, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.”

 

8.  DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC ROADS – “COPPER RIVER”, BALLINODE, SLIGO  AND “SANDYCOVE”, STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

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

Road NumberLocation and Terminal Points
L-90130-0 The road serving development known as “Copper River”, Ballinode, Sligo
L-75056-0 The road serving development known as “Sandycove”, Strandhill, Co. Sligo.”  

 

9.  SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – PROPERTY AT LUGDOON, TEMPLEBOY (FOLIO SL2082L – HOUSE):

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at Lugdoon, Templeboy, Co. Sligo (Folio SL2082L - House) to Ms. Geraldine O’Hara.”

 

10.  SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – PROPERTY AT LUGDOON, TEMPLEBOY (FOLIO SL649L – GARDEN):

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at Lugdoon, Templeboy, Co. Sligo (Folio SL649L - Garden) to Ms. Ann McGowan.”

 

11.  SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – PROPERTY AT 6 CLOONDARA, BALLISODARE:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the disposal of property at 6 Cloondara, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo to Ms. Irene Colton.”

 

12.  SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – PROPERTY AT BUNNAMUCK, KNOCKBRACK, KEASH, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwellinghouse and lands in the townland of Bunnamuck at Knockbrack, Keash, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Ms. Geraldine Flatley.”

 

13.  REPORT ON THE REVISIONS TO THE FINANCIAL PLAN:

Ms. Clarke referred to the report which had been circulated to the Members by the Chief Executive.  Copies were also available at the meeting for the Members. 

Comparisons were made between the situation Sligo had been in five years ago and the Sligo of today.  There was now a commitment from the Department to work in a partnership approach.  This would enable Sligo to grow as a Regional Growth Centre.  One key element would be the utilisation of the Council’s land bank.  This had also been a key recognition in the report completed by KPMG in 2018.  A meeting had been arranged to take place in the following week with the Land Development Agency. Much more work and research had yet to be done and, when completed, this would be brought back before the full Council.  The members were also advised that the management of expectations would be important. 

It was noted that the process being pursued was only at an embryonic stage, and that the new Council would be considering the new, evolving Financial Plan.

 

14.  AUTHORISATION OF OVER-EXPENDITURE:

The Head of Finance referred to items 14 and 15 on the Meeting Agenda as the approval of the Council was being sought for the over-expenditure of €2,275,730 as had been reflected within the 2018 Annual Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December, 2018.  A report and table summarising the details had been issued to the Members with the Agenda.

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

AND AGREED

“To authorise over expenditure of €2,275,730 reported in the 2018 Annual Financial Statement in accordance with section 104 (7) of the Local Government Act 2001.”

The following Members asked that they would be recorded as dissenting from this resolution – Councillor Bree, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacManus and Councillor O’Boyle.

 

15.  ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 2018:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Annual Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December, 2018.”

 

16.  SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2018:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt Sligo County Council’s Annual Report 2018.”

 

17.  REPORT ON INVESTIGATION BY THE STANDARDS IN PUBLIC OFFICE COMMISSION:

The Cathaoirleach informed the Meeting that this item would be taken at a later stage in the Meeting.

 

18.  LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (L.C.D.C.) ANNUAL REPORT 2018:

The Cathaoirleach deferred consideration of this item until a later stage in the Meeting.

 

19.  LOCAL AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR REPORT 2017:

Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor Kilgannon

AND AGREED

To note the Local Authority Performance Indicator Report 2017

 

20.  PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Report re. upcoming Public Consultation on Climate Adaptation Plan.”

 

21.  SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S SCHEME OF PRIORITY FOR AFFORDABLE DWELLING PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS:

Mr. Murphy SEO referred to the detailed report which had been circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.  This report had set out the legislative provisions which were put in place for affordable dwelling purchase arrangements. 

In accordance with the legislation, all housing authorities, including those with no immediate plans to deliver affordable housing options, had to make a Scheme of Priority before 18th June, 2019.

Following a discussion where several Members highlighted the importance of provision of such accommodation, it was

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements.”

 

22.  DATE FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

AND AGREED

“To set 7th June, 2019 as the date for the Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council.”

 

23.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR MARCH 2019:

The Members agreed to note the Monthly Management Report for March 2019.

 

27.  COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SCHEME:

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

“The Community Involvement Scheme (C.I.S.) for public roads is ‘sold out’ in south Sligo.  I will ask the Council to apply to the Department for an extra €500,000 of funding to carry out all the C.I.S. applications on the reserve list at the moment, as the public are very pleased with the quality of work being carried out by the Engineer and Staff of the Area Office in Tubbercurry.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported thatthe Community Involvement Scheme (C.I.S.) grant for 2019 is fully allocated. We have a number of additional applications wishing to do schemes in 2019. We will request an additional grant from the Dept of Transport and we will send them the reserve list of applications received to date for their consideration. We hope that the CIS grant will continue in 2020 in any event.

The Cathaoirleach and Members acknowledged the role that Mr. Kilfeather and his staff had in the delivery of the work, together with the existing Roads Programme.

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

AND AGREED

“The Community Involvement Scheme (C.I.S.) for public roads is ‘sold out’ in south Sligo.  I will ask the Council to apply to the Department for an extra €500,000 of funding to carry out all the C.I.S. applications on the reserve list at the moment, as the public are very pleased with the quality of work being carried out by the Engineer and Staff of the Area Office in Tubbercurry.”

Councillor T. Healy asked that he would be recorded as abstaining.

 

28.  PROVISION OF A 50 BED MODULAR UNIT AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, outlining the urgent need for capital funding for the provision of a 50 bed Modular Unit at Sligo University Hospital.”

 

31.  MINI-PLAN FOR REGENERATION OF HIGH STREET, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council Executive in consultation with business and residential stakeholders in the area devise a regeneration mini-plan for High Street, Sligo."

Councillor MacSharry outlined the background to his listing of the motion on the agenda.  In reply, the Acting Chief Executive provided the meeting with a detailed report regarding the situation in High Street.  Several suggestions were put forward for possible options and solutions to the difficulties in the area.  

Councillor Bree said he agreed with Ms. Clarke’s comments regarding the National Building Agency having been commissioned by Sligo Borough Council in 2005 to prepare a Masterplan for the urban block delineated by High Street, Market Street, Castle Street, Teeling Street and Old Market Street.  This had been referred to as the ‘Courthouse Block Urban Design Framework Plan’. 

Members noted that there was merit in revisiting the plan.  A large block of the properties in the area were under the control of N.A.M.A.  If incentives were introduced, as had been suggested in Ms. Clarke’s report, this might allow the plan to be progressed in the future.

 

TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATES IN ENNISCRONE:

The Cathaoirleach informed the Members that, as Items 32 and 41 on the Agenda referred to the taking in charge of the same estate in Enniscrone; he would take both items at this time.

 

32.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF ‘THE STRAND’ ESTATE IN ENNISCRONE

AND

41.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF ‘CASTLE COVE’  ESTATE IN ENNISCRONE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services when they intend to commence the process of taking in charge ‘The Strand’, Enniscrone.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on the taking in charge of Castle Cove Estate, Enniscrone.”

Ms. Clarke reported that Sligo County Council has not received an application by the Developer or a request from the majority of the homeowners to take in charge ‘The Strand’ or any other part of the Castle Cove Estate in Enniscrone.  However, this Estate was built as a holiday home development and it is the policy of the Council not to take these developments in charge.  There should be a management company in place to take care of all the maintenance and upkeep of the public areas including roads, footpaths, public lighting and open areas.

 

34.  TRAFFIC MEASURES AT JUNCTION OF R293 AND N17 AT CLARKE’S BRIDGE, BALLINABOLL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would work with T.I.I. to examine traffic build up and solutions at the junction of R293 and N17 at Clarke’s Bridge, Ballinaboll.”

The Members were informed by Mr. Kilfeather that the Road Design Section had looked at this junction previously.  The problem was the number of vehicles in the morning peak hour coming from Ballymote on the R293 turning right onto the N17 towards Sligo.  A number of solutions being examined were set out. The Members were advised that unfortunately, for the moment, all that could be done at the junction was maintain sightlines and the condition of the road in as safe a condition as possible.  There would be delays coming out of the R293 in the morning peak as a result of the volumes but there was very little that can be done without the realignment of the N17.

 

35.  FUNDING FOR SLIGO AIRPORT AND OPERATION OF RESCUE 118 SERVICE:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Finance to ensure that Sligo Airport is sufficiently funded to operate and that the Rescue 118 service in Strandhill would not lose its Sligo base".

 

36.  HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES ON CYCLE LANES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council outdoor staff would cut back the hedge and briars on the main Sligo to Rosses Point road at Old Cartron in the interests of health & safety for cyclists".

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that Sligo County Council would include this in the hedge cutting programme in the interests of Health & Safety.

In welcoming the report, Councillor MacSharry asked that the matter would be prioritised.

 

37.  REQUEST FOR REINTRODUCTION OF DECENTRALISATION PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the huge increase in the population of the greater Dublin area, Sligo County Council calls on the Government to give serious consideration to reintroducing the Decentralisation Programme in 2019 as this would give an economic boost to Sligo city and county”.

 

ITEMS 17 AND 24 ON THE AGENDA:

Councillor MacManus sought clarification from the Cathaoirleach as to when these items would be dealt with.  The Cathaoirleach confirmed that these items would be taken later in the meeting. 

 

38.  IMPLEMENTATION OF LABOUR COURT RECOMMENDATION – COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SUPERVISORS’ OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform,Paschal Donohoe T.D., to implement the Labour Court recommendation in 2008 in favour of the Community Employment Supervisors re: their occupational pension scheme”.

 

39.  WORKS ON R287 AT CUILBEG, CARRAROE:

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

AND AGREED

“To request a report on funding to complete set-back and footpath on R287 road at Cuilbeg, Carraroe”.

Mr. Kilfeather advised the Meeting that there was no specific grant available to the Roads Department to progress this Scheme at Carraroe. All funding opportunities that become available would be examined.

 

40.  REFERENDUM FOR RETENTION OF WATER SUPPLY IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council expresses its dismay at the decision of Fine Gael and Fianna T.D.’s to postpone consideration of draft legislation proposing that a referendum be held to ensure that water supply is retained in public ownership and management; and further this Council calls for the referendum to take place at the soonest possible time.”

 

42.  SHORTAGE OF HOMECARE HOURS:

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

AND AGREED

“Given that there is a severe shortage of homecare hours provided to people who require support to keep people in their homes, I call on this Council to contact John Hayes, H.S.E. and the Minister for Health, Mr. Harris, to address this serious issue as a matter of urgency.”

Several Members concurred with the points raised by Councillor Clarke, noting the difficulties arising as a result of the shortage of homecare hours.

 

ITEMS 58 AND 59

As Councillor Taylor had to attend another appointment in the afternoon, the Cathaoirleach informed the Members that he would deal with Items 58 and 59 at this point in the meeting.

 

58.  FACILITATION OF REMOTE WORKING:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to encourage public employers i.e. Government Bodies to allow their employees to work remotely, on a full or part-time basis.”

 

59.  SUPPORT FOR BEEF PLAN MOVEMENT:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to support the Beef Plan Movement.”

 

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS TO DISCUSS APPLICATION BY TAMBORAN RESOURCES FOR FRACKING:

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that, following a request from Councillor Healy, he was suspending Standing Orders to allow an issue to be raised in relation to Fracking.

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Irish Government outlining their concerns regarding the latest application by Tamboran Resources for fracking in large areas to the west of Lough Erne and to the south of the lower Lough Erne and should be opposed as fracking is now outlawed in the Republic of Ireland.”

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 12.30 p.m. and resumed at 1.00 p.m.

 

24.  PLEBISCITE RE. INISHCRONE/ENNISCRONE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“To call on Sligo County Council to set a date in May 2019 to hold a plebiscite of the qualified electors in respect of changing the official name of the non-municipal town of Inishcrone from,

  1. ‘Inishcrone, to ‘Enniscrone’ in English and from
  2. ‘Inis Crabhann’ to ‘Inis Eiscir Abhann’ in Irish

in light of the fact that the Local Government Act 2019 and all ancillary legislation to hold a plebiscite has now been enacted.”

A report had been furnished to the Members outlining the background and current situation relating to the holding of the Plebiscite as had been requested.  The report concluded that plebiscite process should be deferred pending the enactment of new legislation.  Mr. Moran, SEO, confirmed that, to date, the Regulations have not been finalised.

Following a discussion, the following resolution was

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey and Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“Ask Sligo County Council to set 13th September, 2019 as the date to hold a Plebiscite in respect of changing the official name of the non-municipal town of Inishcrone to Enniscrone.”

The Members further added that, should the Regulations not be received in sufficient time before September, the content of the resolution might have to be reviewed.  The Returning Officer would have to have the correct Electoral Roll and to be facilitated in accommodating whatever changes occurred.

 

INVESTIGATION BY THE STANDARDS IN PUBLIC OFFICE COMMISSION:

Further to the report circulated by the Director of Services, Councillor Queenan outlined the background to the issue and offered his apologies to the Cathaoirleach, Councillors, Chief Executive and staff for any negative impact it had on the Council. Councillor Queenan left the Chamber at 1.15 p.m. to allow the Members to discuss the matter further. A discussion followed where Members referred to the seriousness of the report and its implications.

In reply to a query from Councillor Bree as to whether the Executive had sought legal advice on the matter, Mr. Moran reported that this was a matter for the Members.  Therefore, the Executive had not sought legal advice.

At 1.20 p.m. the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Members adjourned to discuss the situation.  The Meeting resumed at 1.30 p.m. and it was then

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

AND AGREED

“That the findings of the SIPO Report be accepted and that this Council records a motion of censure of Councillor Queenan for his behaviour which has brought this Council into disrepute.”

Councillor Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting from the resolution.

In concluding consideration of the matter, the Cathaoirleach said there were lessons to be learned by Councillors and thanked the Members for their consideration of the report.

 

43.  TENANT PURCHASE SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a brief report on the Tenant Purchase Scheme, how many Tenants bought out their house, how many that applied were not eligible that applied, how many applied.”

Mr. Murphy reported as follows:

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government introduced the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 on the 1st of January 2016 to enable Council tenants to purchase their homes.   The scheme operates under Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. The information requested is as follows:

  • As of 29th April, 2019 - 115 applications were received, 54 of which were deemed ineligible.
  • Sligo County Council has sold 10 properties under the Tenant Purchase Scheme to date with 7 of those completing in 2018 and 3 to date in 2019.
  • The remaining applicants are at various stages of the application process.  

 

44.  TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES IN MARREN PARK, BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide traffic calming measures in Marren Park, Ballymote between the School and new Health Centre.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that it was proposed to provide new road markings and improved signage along this road.  This would improve traffic safety along the road.

 

45.  UPDATE ON PROVISION OF A BUS SHELTER ON N17 AT CURRY VILLAGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council if there is any update on the provision of a bus shelter for bus users along the N17 road at Curry village.”

Mr. Kilfeather informed the meeting that there had been correspondence with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to identifying our priorities for bus shelters throughout the county.  There was limited funding through the NTA and the demand for bus shelters exceeded the funding available.

 

46.  REPAIRS TO ROAD SURFACE AT HOLBORN STREET, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to repair Holborn Street road.”

The upgrade of footpaths along Holborn Street from its junction with Connaughton Road to its junction with Stephen Street was included in the 2019 roads programme.  Road resurfacing works along the same section were included in the 2020 road works programme, Mr. Kilfeather advised the Members.

 

47.  REPORT ON MOTHER AND BABY HOMES:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on Katherine Zappone to release the full report into Mother and Baby homes.”

 

48.  RECRUITMENT FREEZE IN H.S.E.:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would write to the Minister for Health and the H.S.E. outlining its strong opposition at the recently announced recruitment freeze across the service.”

 

49.  PROVISION OF BUS SERVICE FOR RESIDENTS OF MAIL COACH ROAD / ST. BRIGID’S PLACE AND ST. JOSEPH’S TERRACE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council contact Bus Éireann seeking the provision of a bus service for the residents of Mail Coach Road, St. Brigid's Place and St. Joseph's Terrace.”

Members were advised that the National Transport Authority are the responsible agency for dealing with the provision of Bus Services.  Sligo County Council will write to the N.T.A. asking them to consider this request.

 

50.  REPLACEMENT OF POST BOX AT THE MAIL COACH ROAD - ST. JOSEPH’S TERRACE JUNCTION:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council contact An Post requesting that they replace the Post Box at the Mail Coach Road-St. Joseph's Terrace junction.”

 

51.  UPGRADING OF FOOTPATH AT ABBEY STREET, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commences a programme to upgrade the footpath at Abbey Street.”    

Mr. Kilfeather advised the meeting that Abbey Street formed part of the “Core City Streets” in the Public Realm Strategy.  The design, implementation and funding for upgrade works at Abbey Street would be considered under this strategy.    

 

52.  SLIGO – ENNISKILLEN GREENWAY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be provided indicating: (1) the length of the proposed 72 kilometre Sligo-Enniskillen greenway which has been completed to date; and (2) the estimated total cost of the project and the level of capital funding provided to date.”

Following the setting out of the background to the resolution by Councillor Bree, the Acting Chief Executive provided Members with a detailed report setting out the progress to date and estimated cost. 

Councillor Bree thanked Ms. Clarke for the comprehensive report and noted that progress would depend on the funding application.  It was hoped that the necessary resources would be made available.

 

53.  QUEEN MAEVE’S CAIRN:

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

AND AGREED

“Further to the recent correspondence received from the O.P.W. (8 February, 2019) regarding Queen Maeve’s Cairn, can the Executive detail what actions have been taken since to progress the matter of protecting the Cairn.”

The Acting Chief Executive advised Members that the responsibility for the ongoing preservation, protection and management of the Monument was a matter for the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with the Office of Public Works.  Sligo County Council’s role in that regard was to facilitate and support the actions proposed by the Office of Public Works and the Department to secure the long term protection and appropriate management of Queen Maeve’s Cairn.

Councillor MacManus welcomed the Acting Chief Executive’s report and asked that Sligo County Council would move on this matter.  He further asked that the new Council Members would be kept informed and the matter would be kept under review.

 

54.  REVIEW OF EMERGENCY ACCESSIBILITY TO STRANDHILL BEACH:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will review emergency accessibility to the beach in Strandhill.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that Sligo County Council would organise to clear back the stones from the slipway at the beach in Strandhill in the coming weeks.

In welcoming the report, Councillor Maguire said that with tragedies having occurred there in the past, it was vitally important that access would be as open as possible.  This was supported by Councillor O’Grady who further highlighted that Rescue Helicopter R118 had been called out in recent times.  That was the only service that could access the shoreline at the time.

 

55.  REVIEW OF CROSSING FROM THE RUGBY CLUB IN STRANDHILL TO ENTRANCE OF THE QUEEN MAEVE WALKING PATH:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will review the crossing from the Rugby Club in Strandhill to the entrance of the Queen Maeve walking path for pedestrian safety.”

Mr. Kilfeather advised the Meeting that there was an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing from the Car Park at Sligo Rugby Club to the Knocknarea trail walk. The crossing is within a 50kph zone and has two number VAS signs and two number pedestrian crossing signs on the approaches.

In reply to a further query from Councillor Maguire as to whether Pedestrians had a ‘right of way’ on this crossing, the Director of Services confirmed that he would examine what could be done in this regard.  It was possible that signage could be erected informing Pedestrians that they did not have the ‘right of way’ at this location.

 

56.  TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON CAIRNS ROAD/ PEARSE ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will review speeding/traffic calming measures on Cairns Road and Pearse Road.”

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that Sligo County Council would review the speeds along this section of road.

 

25.  TRAFFIC CONTROLS IN FINISKLIN, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will review and implement any traffic and pedestrian controls to improve road safety at Lidl, Finisklin.  The junction near the Ursuline College, the new store and traffic going to and from the industrial estate is causing traffic problems.”

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that Sligo County Council would review the matter at this location.

 

29.  REVIEW OF CARERS ASSESSMENT PROCESS:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will ask the Minister to review the Carers Assessment Process.”

 

30.  MENTAL HEALTH AMENDMENT ACT:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire

Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will call on the Government to ensure that the Mental Health Act Amendment is brought forward as soon as possible.”

 

57.  MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP WORKS AT WATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Irish Water what plans are in place regarding maintenance and upkeep of grounds surrounding Treatment Plants.  This work was previously carried out by Sligo County Council’s Caretakers in conjunction with local Community Groups.”

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that a reply had been received from Irish Water indicating that they would be happy to discuss boundary treatment standards at Irish Water Assets with Sligo Local Authority in the public interest.

 

60.  CONSTRUCTION AND PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOMES BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

AND AGREED

“Three years since the commitment to provide ‘affordable, quality and accessible housing for our people as a priority’ as part of the Programme for Partnership Government of Fine Gael, the Independent Alliance and Independent TDs and given that both the ESRI and the Housing Agency have recently expressed serious concerns about the lack of affordable housing;

That this Council calls on the Department of Housing to begin an accelerated programme of funding so as to allow Sligo County Council the facility to construct and provide Affordable Homes to those families caught in the private rental sector and unable to purchase a home in the open market.”

 

61.  COMMUNITY FACILITY AT CENTRE BLOCK IN ABBEYQUARTER SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for a progress report relating to the proposed Community Facility located at the centre-block in Abbeyquarter as part of the Cranmore and Sligo East Regeneration Plan.”

Mr. Micéal McGinty, Senior Executive Architect,  reported that the Community Centre Project, which encompasses works to Devins Drive, a Children’s Play Area, Outdoor Sports facilities, walkway through the Centre Block Site and a new Community Building, has been granted Stage 2 approval by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.  Currently the Cranmore Regeneration Project Office is procuring a Design Team to evaluate the design and project budget with a view to submitting a Part VIII application in Q3 2019.

 

62.  CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATH ON ROAD R292 LINKING STRANDHILL VILLAGE WITH DORRIN’S STRAND ESTATE AND QUEEN MEAVE’S TRAIL:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask what progress has been made to identify possible grant aid/funding sources to allow the Council to construct a pedestrian footpath or footpaths on the R292 linking Strandhill village with the Dorrins Strand estate and the Queen Meave Trail.”

Mr. Kilfeather informed the Members that the Roads Section had considered the request for the construction of a footpath at this location.  There was already a hard shoulder, public lighting and cycleway at the location.  There were also a large number of private entrances accessing this section of roadway. Construction of a footpath at this location would require a complete redesign of the road cross-section, possible installation of a new drainage system and considerable accommodation works due to the number of private access points onto the road.

The Council was also receiving similar requests for construction of new footpaths at several other locations throughout the county.  There was no specific funding scheme for the construction of new footpaths such as this.  It is likely that Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport would refer the Council to its annual Discretionary Grant to fund such works.

Due to the volume of works in Roads Department at the time, and limited resources, little if any progress had been made so far in the development of the requested scheme.

 

63.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the McGarraghy Family of Castletown, Drumcliff on the death of their father, Hugh.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Tighe family , Keenaghan, Ballymote on the recent passing of  Geraldine.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Lavin family , Creevagh, Ballyfarnon on the recent passing of Rita.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Clarke of Shreevagh, Castlebaldwin on the death of his wife, Nancy.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peadar Hickey of Larkhill Road, Sligo on the death of his wife, May.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nuala Campbell of Campbell Court, Sligo on the death of her sister, Pearl.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the wife and family of Josie McMoreland, Ballinorly, Calry.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pauline Flannery of Tullyhill, Rathcormac on the death of her mother, Eileen Kelly.

 

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jackie Lowe and family on the death of his wife, Attracta.

 

64.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND RESOLVED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Valley Rovers, Geevagh on recent success in Connacht Cup

 

65.  CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

66.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

67.  CORRESPONDENCE:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the items of correspondence received.”

 

68.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

69.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Cathaoirleach referred to the retirement of Councillor Keaney and Councillor Lundy and noted this would be their final County Council Meeting as Members.

All Members present paid tribute to both Members and outlined the many projects they had been involved in and interest they pursued on behalf of their Constituents.

Councillor Keaney and Councillor Lundy thanked their colleagues for their kind words and wished the newly Elected Council the best in their endeavours.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 3.35 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 08/05/2019