Minutes 2019

Minutes of December Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 2nd December, 2019 At 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Connolly,
  • Councillor Fox,
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor MacSharry,
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor,
  • Councillor Walsh.

 

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 Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, A/Senior Architect
  • Mr. Micéal McGinty Temp/Senior Executive Architect
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Mr. Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Ms. Donna Gilmartin, Clerical Officer
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor MacSharry, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Baker, Councillor Gilroy and Councillor O’Boyle.

 

1.  MINUTES OF AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING:

Councillor MacManus asked that, as no Member of the Audit Committee was a Member of Sligo County Council, the wording of the resolution would read “To note” rather than “To confirm”.  This was agreed by the Members.

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Audit Committee meeting held on 17th September, 2019”

 

2.  MINUTES OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP MEETINGS:

On receiving confirmation that the minutes of meeting held on 9th October 2019 had been adopted by the CPG, Councillor Bree noted reference was made to discussions regarding preparation of the Council’s Budget for 2020 - A discussion had taken place regarding Rates and Councillor Bree felt information provided was misleading and inaccurate.

The Chief Executive advised that minutes of the meeting were a synopsis of what was said and decisions taken, that there was full discussion on Rates at the meeting and that minutes were just that and were not a full transcription of what was said.

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Corporate Policy Group Meetings held on

  1. 25th September 2019 and
  2. 9th October 2019.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor C. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Meetings of the Borough District of Sligo held on

  1. 16th September, 2019 and
  2. 23rd October, 2019 (to consider draft 2020 Budgetary Plan)”

 

4.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Meetings of the Sligo-Drumcliff held on

  1. 16th September, 2019 and
  2. 23rd October, 2019 (to consider draft 2020 Budgetary Plan)”

 

5.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 4TH NOVEMBER, 2019:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th November, 2019.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 11TH NOVEMBER, 2019:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 11th November, 2019.”

 

7.  SECTION 183 – PROPERTY AT 106 GARAVOGUE VILLAS, SLIGO TO CONOR O’BRIEN & IRENE MCCORMACK:

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

AND AGREED

To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwelling house and its property at 106 Garavogue Villas, Sligo to Conor O’Brien and Irene McCormack 

 

8.  CONSTRUCTION OF WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL GARDEN AT CLEVERAGH, SLIGO:

Councillor Clarke asked for details re. costing and how the Memorial Garden would be funded. 

Mr. Gavin reported that it would be funded through a contribution from Peace funding and fundraising by “Lest Sligo forgets”.  The cost was estimated at €120,000.  Peace funding would be about €20,000 and there was a commitment to raise €40,000.  Matching funding of €60,000 would then be required from Sligo County Council.

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 179 (3)(b)(v) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) the construction of a World War 1 Memorial Garden Cleveragh Regional Park at Cleveragh, Sligo.”

 

9.  UPDATE ON PROPOSED REFURBISHMENT WORKS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE PROJECT IN CRANMORE:

Mr. Gavin referred to the report he had circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.

Details of the following Schemes had been included:

  • Building and Energy Efficiency Works – Phase 1, Pilot Project,
  • Community Centre Project and
  • Devins Drive/Cranmore Road junction, Pedestrian Safety Upgrade Works.

Councillor MacManus noted, in particular, that a Part 8 Planning Notice was to be advertised on 3rd December.  This was the beginning of the building of a state of the art multi Agency facility.  In this regard, he enquired what Agencies might have indicated they would be willing to be part of using the facility.  Further queries were put forward regarding funding and whether the sum was sufficient to deliver the facility. 

The funding, as set out in the report, was further clarified by Mr. Gavin and Mr. McGinty. There was a shortfall in the region of €500,000 for the Scheme and Sligo County Council would continue to pursue funding opportunities. 

The Cathaoirleach complimented Mr. Gavin and Mr. McGinty for their reports and welcomed the confirmation that pedestrian safety upgrade works at Devins Drive/Cranmore Road junction were due to be completed in the following days.

 

10.  AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 2018:

Proposed by Councillor C. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To note the report of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee/Statutory Audit Report for year ending 31st December 2018.”

 

11.  NOAC LOCAL AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR REPORT 2018:

Councillor MacManus raised a number of queries arising from the recent report as follows:

  • Funding for maintenance of the local authority’s Housing stock,
  • Period of time houses were empty once vacated,
  • Increase in percentage of long term Homeless,
  • Areas covered by licensed Waste Operators
  • Figures for Litter Pollution
  • Figures for increase in Visitor numbers to Sligo Libraries.

Mr. Gavin responded to the first three areas under the Housing remit.  It was confirmed that the sums available for Housing maintenance were totally inadequate and was being used to deal with emergency maintenance only.  Despite seeking a modest increase in the Budget, local authorities were subject to the same regulations as other Landlords and there was, therefore, an onus on Sligo County Council to maintain their properties.  The aim was to expand a planned maintenance programme. 

Mr. Kilfeather referred to the proposal previously put forward by Councillor MacManus to bring waste collection back to the local authority.  A commitment had been given at that time that the Executive would seek to get information from some other counties.  That would be done in the first quarter of 2020.  The commitment previously given would be followed up on early in 2020.

In relation to illegal dumping, the Council’s strength was the Eircodes project.  Sligo was the local authority that had led out on the initiative and Councils in Dublin, Cork and Galway were also checking out that strategy.  Discussions were ongoing in this regard with the Data Protection Commissioner.  It was hoped to make progress in this area in 2020.

Ms. Clarke confirmed in relation to the Library Service that that the trend was an increase in numbers and it was hoped that it would continue in that direction.  Sligo County Council was limited in terms of how that could be done in the space available.  This was not just for the exchange of books with an increase in a number of programmes and activities, e.g. Right to Read, Commemoration activities etc.  It was hoped to reach the target set of 30,000.  Within the confines of the existing building in Sligo, that would be difficult but activities would help to increase numbers. 

Councillor Healy sought further clarification if Sligo County Council had contacted the Department to seek further funding for the maintenance of Housing stock and whether the Department was aware of the insufficient funds.  Mr. Gavin replied that the County Council took every opportunity to source as much money from the Department as was available, both in terms of capital and maintenance. 

In concluding the discussion, the Chief Executive said that the Department had examined the Council’s finances in forensic detail in recent years and were aware of the situation.

 

DATE FOR ORDINARY MEETING – JANUARY 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“That the next Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council would be held on Monday, 13th January, 2020 at 10. 00 a.m.”

 

13.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT – OCTOBER 2019:

Appointments in Chief Executive’s Diary:

The Chief Executive responded to queries from Councillor MacManus in relation to engagements with Strandhill Golf Club and in relation to William Bourke Cochrane.

Letter to Sligo County Council Tenants:

Councillor Bree referred to a letter having been issued in previous days to all Council Tenants proposing to introduce a differential Rent Review.  He noted from a copy of the correspondence that documentation had to be returned no later than Monday, 9th December.  Failure to do so would result in the Tenant being placed on a rent of €105 per week from 27th April, 2020.  He stated that the making and revocation of the Scheme was a Reserved Function and that the elected Council had unanimously decided that rents would not exceed €75 per week in any case.  He stated that the Council Executive had acted beyond their legal powers and had no legal authority to threaten to increase the rents.

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

“Noting that the making and revocation of a Differential Rent Scheme providing for the manner in which rents in respect of council dwellings shall be determined, is a reserved function of the elected councillors; and further noting that the Executive of the Council on the 25th of November, 2019, issued a letter to tenants which included a warning that rent would be increased to €105 per week with effect from April 27th 2020, if tenants failed to return completed review forms and relevant documentation; and aware that the Council Executive has no statutory or legal authority to increase or threaten to increase the rent of tenants to €105 per week; and further aware the Council Executive acted beyond its legal powers by issuing such a letter; this Council hereby instructs the Council Executive to immediately issue a new letter to tenants withdrawing the reference to households being placed on rent of €105 a week and apologising to tenants for causing them unnecessary stress.”

Councillor MacManus added that letters had been received by tenants while the Councillors were in the budgetary process.  He believed that this was bad timing to say the least and was disrespectful of the reserved function of adopting a budget as the Members saw fit.  A new Differential Rent Scheme should be brought before the Housing S.P.C. and this was undermining its role.

The Cathaoirleach stated that Members had received complaints from a number of people who were distressed over the letters and he asked if the Members wished him to take the motion at this time.

Mr. Gavin said that what he was taking to be the issue was that the matter dealt with in the letter was a Reserved Function, where his advice was that it was an Executive Function.  Being an Executive Function, then the matter covered in the letter was fully Intra vires in terms of process.

The Chief Executive said it was his information that is was an Executive function, it came before the Council Members in the context of the Budget and the proposal was included.  He further stated that Councillor Bree was expressing his opinion as a fact.

Following further discussion, the Cathaoirleach decided to defer the matter to later in the meeting to allow for a clarification of the issue.

Easkey Community Council

Councillor Clarke thanked the Chief Executive for taking a personal involvement in this issue. Reference was made to the number of Directors on the Community Council.  People from Easkey had again attended at County Hall that morning to protest against recent developments.  People had entered into mediation on his recommendation and in good faith Mediation was set aside and Easkey Community Council were going ahead with business as usual and ignoring the vast majority of people in Easkey.  He said this was a retrograde step and asked if the Chief Executive for his views on the matter.

The Chief Executive said he became aware of the issue shortly before the decision was made to limit new applicants to 25.  He had written to Easkey Community Council and it was his intention to meet them again.  A letter had also been sent to the other side to advise them that he would be in contact with Easkey Community Council.  In the meantime, he would prefer to engage directly with Easkey Community Council.  It was hoped this would be in the next couple of weeks. 

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

 

STATEMENT BY CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach referred to recent references in the media to harassment and bullying, and stated that ‘anything outside the scope of the normal cut and thrust of political discourse that could be interpreted as bullying, intimidation or bullying will not be tolerated.’

 

ITEMS 14 AND 16

As Councillor Queenan was not in the Chamber at this time, the Cathaoirleach said he would take these items on his return.

 

15.  LAND IN SLIGO HARBOUR AREA:

Councillor MacManus had listed the following motion on the Agenda:

“That the County Council list all the lands/plots in the Sligo harbour area that were transferred from Sligo Harbour Commission to Sligo County Council in 2006 or had at any stage been previously owned by the Harbour Commission.

Further, to detail whether such lands are currently subject to leasehold or freehold; who the current leasee or freeholder is; the commencement and length of the lease or the year and value of the sale.”

He said it was his understanding that not all information was to hand and asked that this item would again be deferred to the January Ordinary meeting agenda.

 

FUNDING FOR REPAIRS TO FOOTPATHS ALONG R293 AT DERROON, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to allocate funding for upgrade repairs to the existing footpath in the interest of pedestrian safety along R293 at Derroon, Ballymote leading into Ballymote town.”

Mr. Kilfeather informed the Meeting that no funding was currently available to carry out footpath reinstatement, but on the allocation of funding for such works this footpath will be considered for repairs.

 

14.  REDUCTION OF V.A.T. RATE FOR TOURISM SECTOR:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Finance to reduce the V.A.T. rate to 9 per cent on Tourism for the 2020 season.” 

 

16.  COMPENSATION REGARDING PYRITE DEFECTS:

Councillor Queenan asked that, with the Cathaoirleach’s consent, this matter would be deferred to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda and this was agreed:

“To call on the Minister for Environment to include houses in County Sligo for compensation regarding pyrite defects in their property.”

 

18.  GUIDELINES FOR ADVERTISING SIGNAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“Is there a minimum distance or guidelines in place to avoid advertising signs being erected close to entrances/roundabouts/junctions etc. on National Primary Roads to limit road safety implications?”

The Meeting was informed by Mr. Kilfeather that all advertising signs on National roads require either full Planning Permission or a permit from the local authority.  Any signs that are given permission are required to meet National Guidelines and Sligo County Council’s Advertising signs policy document.

The distance from junctions and the safety of a particular sign would be taken into account in any decision to grant permission.  Each location would be site specific.

In thanking the Director, Councillor Casserly said she had been contacted by concerned residents on Bundoran Road.  At junctions on this route, visibility was impaired.  Signage was also not removed by Event Organisers and some of them, years old, were to be found in hedges and ditches.  In the past Sligo County Council staff had removed some signs and, while noting that Community Groups needed to advertise, signs should be removed once the event was over.   

 

19.  ACCESS FOR RESIDENTS IN UNION WOOD:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report regarding a second access for the residents that live in Union wood in Collooney in times of flooding.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported to the Meeting that any alternative access would be via lands owned by Coillte as there is no alternative public access. The Area Engineer will engage with Coillte to explore the possibility of using this road as an emergency access route when flooding occurs.

 

20.  RESPITE SERVICES COVERING THE SLIGO/LEITRIM AREA:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health to put funding in place to bring the five day respite services to a seven day service as the weekend services are important for the Client and family that need it in Tullaghan which covered the Sligo/Leitrim area.”

 

21.  WORKS AT SLIGO CEMETERY:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council Engineering staff would assess the need for resurfacing/moss removal works at Sligo Cemetery in the interests of Health and Safety."

The meeting was advised that Sligo County Council would assess the condition of the footpaths and revert back to Councillor MacSharry with a report.  However, there was no budget available to carry out any surfacing works.

Councillor O’Grady, in supporting the resolution, said a number of matters had been brought to her attention including a damaged entrance gate, problems associated with illegal dumping in the cemetery and requests for a pedestrian crossing.  Also, she enquired whether the Council would be setting up a Cemetery Committee. 

Mr. Kilfeather stated that waste was being dumped in the cemetery and Council staff were then expected to deal with it.  Any Community involvement would be appreciated with this problem and also in the form of a Cemetery Committee, if established.  The extent of involvement by Sligo County Council with Cemeteries was far beyond most local authorities.  Resources were scarce and there were a lot of demands in that area.  Any assistance or discussions would be welcomed.  In relation to the provision of a Pedestrian Crossing, again funding was the problem.  He would, however, ask his staff to examine this area. 

The Cathaoirleach added his compliments and congratulations for the work carried out on the extension to Sligo Cemetery which, he said, had been extremely well done.  There had also been great engagement with the local community and Churches.

 

22.  REVISION OF BOUNDARIES FOR SLIGO MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Local Government requesting the part of the estate at Kevinsfort Heath and the houses on the Strandhill road currently in the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal area be included in the Borough District of Sligo."

A brief discussion followed regarding possible timescales for a revision to the boundaries.

 

23.  STORAGE OF G.A.A. EQUIPMENT AT MITCHELL CURLEY PARK:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor C. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council considers allowing St. Marys G.A.A access to the compound at Mitchell Curley Park with a view to storing the necessary equipment for Gaelic Games.”

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that Sligo County Council would engage with St. Mary’s G.A.A. in relation to storage of their equipment on Mitchell Curley Park.

Councillor O’Grady warmly welcomed the response and said this area was so well maintained by Lucy Brennan and the staff in the Parks Department.

 

DIFFERENTIAL RENT SCHEME:

The Cathaoirleach informed the Meeting that the Chief Executive had an update for the meeting following earlier discussions on this matter.

The Chief Executive confirmed that, while there was a provision in the legislation which had been enacted, the particular section referred to had not been commenced.   Reference was made to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy Eoin Ó’Broin of 1st March, 2017 Therefore, he confirmed that the Council Executive had not exceeded their function.

Councillor Bree maintained his position that the Executive acted outside its remit and outside its powers.  He asked that his motion be taken and there would be recognition of the legislation that was there.

The Chief Executive, in reply, said that as the Section had not commenced it was clear that the Executive had not exceeded its powers. 

The Cathaoirleach said he would allow the Members to discuss the matter and would revert to it later in the meeting.

 

24.  BUENOS AYRES COURT, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor C. MacManus

“That Sligo County Council review the conditions of planning put in place for Buenos Ayres Court, Strandhill mindful of safety issues of the residents.”

The meeting was advised that the relevant planning permission was over 20 years old and there were no open enforcement files in respect of non compliance with any of the conditions of the permission.  There was also no provision for a planning authority to review the conditions imposed on a planning permission, other than in the context of a new planning application for the subject site.

Councillor O’Grady said this was a health and safety issue and said it was between Strandhill Golf Club and the Management Company of Buenos Ayres Court.  It had been a condition of the planning permission that safety measures would be put in place because of its proximity to the Golf Course.  Ms. Clarke replied that it would have been a condition of planning permission 20 years ago.  However, the Management Company now in place was a different Company to that time.  This was something that the Golf Club and Management Company would have to sort out themselves as would happen with any two neighbours.

The Chief Executive said he had discussed it as part of his meeting with Strandhill Golf Club.  He stated that he had not meant to mislead.

The Cathaoirleach said he had also done some work on the matter and had raised it with the Golf Club, having been requested to do so by Mr. Flynn, the new Secretary of the Management Company.

Ms. Clarke confirmed that there was no problem in providing advice or assistance if it would help.  One of the parties would have to take responsibility – either the Golf Club or the Management Company. 

Councillor O’Grady welcomed the confirmation from Ms. Clarke that a staff member would attend and said that would be invaluable.  The Chief Executive noted that it would be appropriate for a Planner to attend.   Councillor O’Grady said the support would be appreciated to reach some resolution for safety.

 

25.  HELICOPTER PAD AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor C. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council requests an update on the upgrading of the Helicopter Pad at Sligo University Hospital.”

 

26.  SLIGO LEADER:

At the request of Councillor Clarke who had listed this motion on the Agenda, this item was to be dealt with at the end of the Meeting:

“Given the importance of Sligo Leader as an economic driver for this county, I believe the performance of the board of Sligo Leader has been dismal.  Their performance in the national rating has fallen to the bottom. Can this Council and the people of County Sligo continue to have any confidence in this Board?  I now call for a report from the Board of Leader, I call for the board to take responsibility.  This was flagged in 2018, action is required now this cannot be ignored any longer in my opinion.”

 

27.  TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT AT CIRCULAR ROAD, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to undertake an immediate traffic assessment at Circular Road via Summerhill and provide a report on same in light of safety concerns”.

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that Sligo County Council would assess the traffic issues and revert back to Councillor Walsh with a report.

Councillor Walsh welcomed the report and noted that the School route was being used as a by-road to make up time.  The School Management was happy for the barrier to be closed, particularly in light of developments at Summerhill.  It was hoped that the important safety concerns were going to be address.

 

28.  REVIEW OF COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan and Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to set a date for a review of the County Development Plan.”

Ms. Clarke reported that all County Development Plans follow a six year review cycle which meant that a Planning Authority was required to commence the formal review process not later than four years after the making of a Development Plan in order to facilitate the completion of the two year review process.  The current Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023 was adopted on 28th August, 2017.  Accordingly, the formal review was scheduled to commence sometime in the first half of 2021.

Ms. Clarke responded to queries from Councillor Clarke, CouncillorQueenan and CouncillorTaylor.  It was outlined, as had been done at a previous meeting, that once the R.S.E.S. had been adopted by the Regional Associations (assumed to be by Quarter one of 2020), the onus was on all local authorities to ensure they complied with what was in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (R.S.E.S.) and National Planning Framework (N.P.F.)  This was different to a full review of the County Development Plan. 

Councillor Clarke and Councillor Taylor, in thanking Ms. Clarke for the clarification, noting that they had a duty to the people who had those issues. 

Ms. Clarke said she wished to clarify further that the review of the County Development Plan was a statutory process.  This review referred to earlier was the one they had known was coming on stream.  It had been envisaged that this would have taken place before this time.  That was why the end of 2019 had been indicated previously.  Once the R.S.E.S. was adopted, hopefully early in 2020, it would then be possible to start the variation process and meetings could take place with the Members. 

In noting that the Members were anxious to set a date for the meeting, Ms. Clarke said it was necessary to know the R.S.E.S. had been adopted before there could be a formal meeting.  The Planning Office had a lot of work in 2020 and this would take a substantial amount of time.  This included the review of the Local Area Plan for Sligo and Environs.  Following that, the Local Area Plans for Tubbercurry and Enniscrone were also in the pipeline.  Councillor Clarke thanked the Director of Services for the information and asked that the item would be listed again on the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda.  This was agreed by the Cathaoirleach and Members.

 

29.  ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS AT BALLYFREE, CARRAROE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to address road safety concerns at Ballyfree, Carraroe and provide footpath and public lighting from the Ballyfree Bridge up to the nearby halting site.”

The provision of a footpath at this location would be extensive with land acquisition, public lighting and surface water drainage required.  The existing railway bridge would not allow for the construction of a footpath due to its narrow width.  There is no funding available for this work at present, Mr. Kilfeather advised the Members. 

 

30.  PROVISION OF TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that €1,436,000 was allocated by the Department to Sligo Council in 2019 for the provision of Traveller accommodation; and further noting that only €446,000 of the funding was drawn down by the Council (as of 19th November); this meeting requests the Chief Executive to provide a report on the matter, the report to include details of the projects submitted to the Department when the application for funding was submitted to the Department.” 

Mr. Murphy reported as follows:

The figures quoted above relate to a response given by the Department to a Parliamentary Question on 19th November, 2019.

The Council sought funding on 8th February, 2019 for 6 projects in response to a request from the Department on 7th January, 2019. An allocation of €1,435,913 was provided by the Department on 28th March, 2019.

The 6 Projects are as follows:

  • Upgrade of electrical meters in Halting Sites.
  • Fire Safety Improvement Works on Halting Sites.
  • Two Traveller Units in Collooney - part of a 15 house development.
  • Bungalow at Ballinode,Sligo - adaptations and extensions.
  • Refurbishment of a 6 Bay Halting Site at Glenview, Ash Lane Sligo.
  • Fire Safety Works and Disability Works to Bay 4 at Ballyfree Halting Site.

The Council subsequently sought funding for an additional five projects as follows:

  • Bay 7 Void Ballyfree.
  • Conversion of Community Facility at Glenview Halting Site.
  • Fire Safety Works to Bays 1,2 and 8 Ballyfree Halting Site.
  • Alma Terrace Halting Site-remedial works to 4 Bays.
  • Extension to Bay 6 at Ballyfree Halting Site.-Stage 3 approved 14th August, 2019.

Sums drawn down to date  -   €479,647.45.

Claims with the Department  -  €325,877.93

Claims to be lodged with the Dept by 12th December, 2019 (Closing date) € 618,395.26 - Best estimate as certificates from Contractors have to be submitted to the Council.

Total €1,423,920.64.

Glenview is to complete in early 2020 and the balance of the allocation in the sum of €311,650.09 will be claimed following completion.  Members are to note that funding can only be drawn down when the expenditure is incurred.

The Schemes above are all active Schemes with the exception of Extension to Bay 6 at Ballyfree Halting Site, which is at the Planning Stages.

Councillor Bree thanked Mr. Murphy for the report and noted that the bulk of the funding would be utilised by the end of the year.  He also extended his thanks to Mr. Murphy and his staff on their work.

The Chief Executive thanked Councillor Bree for his comments and he added his own thanks to Mr. Gavin and the Housing staff for the manner in which a very difficult issue had been recently resolved.

 

31.  FAIRGREEN RECREATIONAL PARK,  TEMPLE STREET, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

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

Mr. Kilfeather replied as follows - the Fairgreen was closed some time ago due to vandalism of the Astro Turf pitch. A costing will be prepared for remedial works required to leave the Astro Turf Pitch safe for use again. However there are no funds available in the budget for any significant works.

Sligo County Council will engage with local community groups to see if any mechanism can be agreed to open/close the Fairgreen to avoid any anti-social behaviour taking place. Sligo County Council does not have the necessary resources to provide this service. Funding of €30,500 was received through the Sports Capital Programme for the provision of a Cycleway. It is hoped to progress with the implementation of this in 2020 subject to adequate resources.

Councillor Bree thanked the Director of Services for his reply and said it was positive that Sligo County Council was getting additional funding.

 

32.  ACCESS TO MEDICINES FOR IRISH PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that Irish people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are waiting for medicines that people in other European countries already have access to: and further noting that in Ireland the process of making medicine available to patients can take on average 348 days after it being authorised by the European Commission; this Council calls on the Minister for Health and the government to take the necessary steps to ensure that Irish people with MS can get access to medicines as soon as they are authorised by the European Commission.”

 

33.  UPGRADING OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS AT GRANGE, STRANDHILL, TUBBERCURRY AND BALLINAFAD:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for a report on the upgrading of the wastewater treatment plants at Grange, Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad.”

Mr. Kilfeather provided the Meeting with the following update received from Irish Water:

Update on the project is as follows :

STRANDHILL

Construction Works are substantially complete. The new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is being commissioned currently and will undergo a testing phase in January 2020.

TUBBERCURRY

Construction Works are substantially complete.

The WWTP is commissioned and is in operation. A testing phase is underway and is due for completion 13th Dec 2019.

GRANGE

Construction Works are complete.

The WWTP is commissioned and is in operation. The testing phase was passed.

BALLINAFAD

Construction Works are complete.

The WWTP is commissioned and is in operation. The testing phase was passed.

Councillor MacManus thanked the Director of Services for the report and was glad to hear that Schemes were on line and welcomed the new facilities.  He also pointed out that Residents in Strandhill had concerns that this would now be used as leverage to allow more development. 

The Director of Services referred to points raised by Councillor MacManus in relation to Strandhill.  He said, to take a step back, when the Scheme was being designed Irish Water were looking for a population equivalent that Sligo County Council felt was too low.  It was anticipated that there would be a demand for expansion in the Strandhill area going forward.  The village was subject to seasonal spikes in population by thousands.  He further added that all the plants were constructed in such a way that additional units could be added on quite easily if and when desired.

Councillor MacManus responded that there was no appetite in Strandhill for much further development.

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 12.15 p.m. and resumed at 1.00 p.m.

 

LETTER TO COUNCIL TENANTS:

When the Meeting resumed, the Cathaoirleach thanked Councillor Bree for allowing time over lunch recess to discuss his resolution and noted that there was an amended motion now to be put forward. 

Councillor Bree informed the meeting that the Executive said it was an Executive Function while his view was that it was a Reserved Function.   If it was an Executive Function, what occurred was that the Chief Executive or Senior Staff made and signed an Executive Order.  A Reserved Order was the Councillors’ adopted motion.  To his knowledge, no Executive Order had been made increasing the rent from €75 to €105.  To bring the matter to a satisfactory resolution, he had agreed to amend the motion.

It was then

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

AND AGREED

“This Council hereby requests the Council Executive to immediately issue a new letter to tenants withdrawing the reference to households being placed on rent of €105 a week and apologising to tenants for causing them unnecessary stress.”

 

34.  GUIDELINES FOR BROADBAND ROLLOUT:

Councillor Taylor and Councillor Clarke set out the difficulties encountered across the county due to this matter.

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to ask Minister Canney have the guidelines for the first broadband rollout been adhered to.”

Councillor Maguire said a query had been raised previously by Members regarding manpower and training for the physical implementation of Broadband around the country and enquired whether this had been followed up on or was there any further information in relation to it.

The Chief Executive said he would investigate this matter and revert.  He did not recall there being an issue of training in relation to roll out of broadband. 

 

35.  PLANNING APPLICATIONS ALONG PROPOSED ROUTES FOR N17 REALIGNMENT:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for clarification in relation to the frozen zone/corridor to planning applications due to the works being carried out for the realignment of the N17.”

Councillor Taylor said that the new N17 route was to be welcomed and he wanted to make that very clear.  He then enquired whether the corridor needed to be as broad as it was.  While he understood what was being done, he found it difficult to see how the N17 was going to go the Ballymote side of the original road and railway.

Mr. Kilfeather reported that all Planning Applications received within the ‘Constraints Study Area’ of the N17 Knock to Collooney Road Upgrade are currently being referred to the Sligo National Roads Project Office (SNRPO).

All applications are being assessed on a ‘case-by-case’ basis for their potential to be impacted upon by feasible route option design’s (which will occur within the current ‘Constraints Study Area’). The SNRPO would strongly encourage engagement with the office prior to the consideration of Planning Applications within the ‘Constraints Study Area’ (Contact information is available at http://www.sligococo.ie/n17kcaec).

The SNRPO will endeavour to expedite the option design process as far as is reasonably practicable. In this regard, it is hoped that the first iteration of feasible route option designs will be available in Quarter 3 of 2020; this will allow the aforementioned Constraints Study Area to be reduced in terms of effects on Planning Applications.

The process of option design and selection will be iterative and dynamic in nature, continuously evolving, until the selection of a Preferred Route. It is expected that the Preferred Route will be selected in Quarter 4 of 2021.

Mr. Kilfeather added that what was impractical would be eliminated and this was a process that had to be gone through.  The staff was aware of impact on people with applications for planning permission.  Sligo County Council had to follow a process but would eliminate areas as quickly as possible by September 2020.  It should be possible to free up a significant area by that time.

Councillor Connolly added his support to the motion and thanked the Director of Services for the report. He said the quicker this could be done, the better as it was causing a lot of concern.  There was a fear that it would stagnate the area and people would move elsewhere.

Councillor Clarke thanked Councillor Taylor for putting this item on the Agenda.  It was affecting a lot of people.  The Director of Services was correct in what he said.  There was a cost to Applicants and as the area was being reduced, that financial loss to them would be taken into consideration.

In concluding the discussion, Councillor Taylor thanked Mr. Kilfeather and Members for their support.  Council Officials and Staff had been very helpful in speaking with people with those issues and to the Elected Members. 

 

36.  REQUEST FOR RE-INTRODUCTION OF A ‘LIVING OVER THE SHOP’ SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls upon the Department of Housing and Local Government to re-introduce a ‘Living Over The Shop’ Scheme that will facilitate urban centre building owners and allow them to make effective use of vacant space over commercial outlets. Further, that any such scheme that is assisted by public monies in the form of tax relief, grants or similar would stipulate a designated time period e.g. ten years when the converted space would be used for those who qualify for HAP or other such housing supports.”

 

37.  ROUTE FOR TRAFFIC TRAVELLING FROM CARRICK-ON-SHANNON TO BALLYMOTE:

As Councillor Mullaney was not present at this time, the Cathaoirleach said he would take Item 37 later in the Meeting:

“To call on the Director of Services for Infrastructure to investigate the most suitable route for traffic travelling west on the N4 from Carrick-on-Shannon to access Ballymote and provide the necessary upgrade.”

 

38.  REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES IN MARREN PARK, BALLYMOTE:

As Councillor Mullaney was not present at this time, the Cathaoirleach said he would take Item 37 later in the Meeting:

“To call on the Director of Services for Infrastructure to provide traffic calming measures in Marren Park, Ballymote between the School and the Health Centre.”

 

39.  ENFORCEMENT OF STANDARDS IN RENTAL ACCOMMODATION:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising the role of Local authorities as being responsible for enforcing minimum standards in rental accommodation to ask:

  1. The number of properties in County Sligo registered with the Residential Tenancies Board; For this to further stipulate the number that are private rental and those that are social rental housing [Approved Housing Bodies etc.]
  2. The number of inspections carried out by Sligo County Council in 2016-18;
  3. The number of dwellings inspected not meeting regulatory requirements in 2016-2018;
  4. The number of notices served on landlords for improvements to be carried out in 2016-2018;
  5. The estimated number of private rental accommodation throughout County Sligo;
  6. To ask has the Council a planned proactive programme of identifying and inspecting private rented accommodation that are not registered with the RTB, specifically those that are operating on a ‘cash-only’ basis?”
  1. Murphy reported as follows:
  2. The number of properties in County Sligo registered with the Residential Tenancies Board; For this to further stipulate the number that are private rental and those that are social rental housing [Approved Housing Bodies etc.]

 

A total of 5,547 properties have been registered, as per the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) website as at 29/11/2019. The specific information in relation to the number of private rental and those that are social rental housing [Approved Housing Bodies etc.] has been sought from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

  • The number of inspections carried out by Sligo County Council in 2016- 2018;
    Total 1,999.
  • The number of dwellings inspected not meeting regulatory requirements in 2016-2018;
    Total 1,872.
  • The number of notices served on landlords for improvements to be carried out in 2016-2018;
    Total 750
  • The estimated number of private rental accommodation throughout County Sligo;

As advised earlier, there are 5,547 properties registered with Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). There is also likely to be a number of others which are being rented but are not registered with Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)-no estimate on this figure.

  • To ask has the Council a planned proactive programme of identifying and inspecting private rented accommodation that are not registered with the RTB, specifically those that are operating on a ‘cash-only’ basis?
  • As Councillor Mullaney had not returned to the Meeting, the Cathaoirleach said he would defer consideration of Items 37 and 38 on the Agenda to the January Ordinary Meeting.
  • Councillor Walsh said there was an issue with the telephone and e-mail system and a difficulty with attachments that were being issued from the Council Offices. The Chief Executive confirmed that I.T. staff would examine the situation referred to.
  • The Cathaoirleach extended a welcome to Students of the Local Government Programme in I. T. Sligo who were attending in the Public Gallery.

The Council has a planned programme in place with regard to inspection of HAP and RAS properties. The Council also targets blocks of apartments and also properties that it considers might pose a risk. The Council will investigate complaints which come to its notice.

The Council does not have a planned programme in place with regard to identifying and inspecting private rented accommodation that are not registered with the RTB. The Council does not have the staff to police this area of activity

The RTB is the statutory body responsible for the operation of a national registration system for all residential tenancies and for all tenancies provided in the Approved Housing Sector.

It is a landlord’s legal responsibility to register their tenancy. Failure to register can result in a criminal conviction.

Councillor MacManus commended the staff in the Housing Section for the number of inspections they had carried out, 500 properties having been inspected represented 10% of registered properties.  This was very efficient in determining the premises that were not meeting the requirements.   This motion was not meant as an attack on Landlords but doing his job to protect Tenants. 

 

40.  FUNDING TO ENABLE HIRING OF ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR DEVELOPMENT OF VITAL PROJECTS IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request funding from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to enable the hiring of more staff across departments to allow works to continue to develop vital projects in County Sligo.”

 

41.  USE OF FREE TRAVEL PASS ON H.S.E. DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Transport and the Minister for Health to work together to change the criteria for H.S.E. service users in the CH01 area regarding the provision of a door-to-door service so that H.S.E. service users can use their free Travel Passes.  This specific transport service is deemed a closed service for H.S.E. service users, Free Travel Passes are not accepted to date.”

 

42.  EASKEY SEWERAGE SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo county council to write to Irish water to develop a new sewerage system for Easkey one that will extend to 20 houses at Fortland.”

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that this matter had been referred to Irish Water.

 

43.  SUPPORT FOR RESTORATION OF CALRY COMMUNITY HALL:

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to support the Calry Development Association for the restoration of the local community hall which is currently closed leaving the community with no meeting venue for various voluntary groups in the area and to make application for funding to support the refurbishment of the hall.”

 

44.  EXTENSION OF SCOPE OF FREE TRAVEL PASSES:

As Councillor Baker was unable to attend the Meeting, the Cathaoirleach deferred this item to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

“To call on Minister McGrath, in the interests of equality and fairness, to extend the scope of free travel pass for users of local link services to include passengers with special needs”

As Councillor Gilroy was unable to attend the Meeting, the Cathaoirleach deferred consideration of Items 45, 46 and 47 to the January Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

45  “To call on Sligo County Council to issue guidelines on how best to apply for funding on roads which are partially Public Roads and Partially Private Roads as the former is applied for under an CIS Scheme and the Latter is applied for under an LIS Scheme.

This has on a number of occasions led to additional paperwork and confusion for applicants and council staff. A possible alternative would be to apply an average and use the scheme that has the greatest amount of road in a particular application.”

46  “To call for a report from Sligo County Council on what improvement works are planned and when works will be carried out on the Clooneen Road Rathcormac.”

47  “To call for a report from Sligo County Council on safety at the Crossroads junction of the N15 and the roads to Carns School and Milk Harbour, and to report on what suggested safety measures can be put in place to make this junction safer for those accessing the School and the amenity of Milk Harbour.”

 

48.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret and Stephen O’Connell of Ballygawley on the death of Margaret’s mother, Rose McDonagh.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Connie Anderson of Sooey on the death of her mother, Rosita Burke.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter Regan of Ballymote Road, Tubbercurry on the death of his mother, Myra.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Richard Goulden and family of Rathnarrow, Ballinacarrow on the death of his wife, Shirley.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Josie McHugh of Cullaghbeg, Drumcliff on the death of her husband, Peter.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Alan Haran of Ballymullderry, Ballinfull on the death of his mother, Bernie.”

 

49.  VOTES  OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Catherine Gallagher of Grogagh, Grange on being elected National President of the Irish Shows Association.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Under 16 Sligo Team and Management on winning the Manning Cup for the second year in a row, a fantastic achievement and a bright future ahead for Sligo G.A.A.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Sligo Food Trail and Gurteen Community on the fantastic achievement of Gurteen Community reaching the finals of the National Pride of Place Awards and for Sligo Food Trail to win first runner up in the Community Tourism Category out of 31 other entries, north and south of the border.”

 

50.  CONFERENCES/TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the list of Conferences and Training Seminars as circulated with the Agenda.”

 

51.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members noted the Summary of Proceedings of Conferences on file at the Meeting.

 

52.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Councillor MacManus referred to Item i) of the correspondence received (Letter dated 12th November, 2019 from the Office of Public Works re. Queen Maeve’s Cairn on Knocknarea) and noted the contents as being very positive.

 

53.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading. 

 

54.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 1.45 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 02/12/2019