Minutes 2020

Minutes of March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 2nd March, 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Baker,
Councillor Bree,
Councillor Casserly,
Councillor Clarke,
Councillor Connolly,
Councillor Fox,
Councillor Gilroy,
Councillor Healy,
Councillor MacManus,
Councillor Mullaney,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor O’Boyle,
Councillor O’Grady,
Councillor Taylor and
Councillor Walsh.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
Mr. Dónal Tinney, County Librarian
Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH:

Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor G. O’Boyle, presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Maguire and Councillor Queenan.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO THE LATE JOHN SHERLOCK:

At the opening of the Meeting it was

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be adjourned as a mark of respect to former Cathaoirleach and Member of Sligo County Council, the late John Sherlock.”

Councillor Baker recalled having been elected in 2004, the same year that John Sherlock regained his seat on the Council. John had been a true and loyal friend, and his work as a public representative was evident in Ballisodare and surrounding areas. On the football field, he had won four titles in a row with Ballisodare and St. Pat’s. Whenever issues had to be teased out, it was always John people went to and he had always kept in contact. Councillor Baker added that it had been a sad time for him in recent months with the loss of his two running mates in Joe Shannon and John Sherlock. He concluded by extending his sympathies to John’s wife, Breege, and their family.

In supporting the adjournment, Councillor Mullaney conveyed his sympathies to the Sherlock family on their loss. He had known him since they were both elected in 2004. While they had been from different parties, he had been a great colleague with whom you could always have a discussion about a problem. He was also a great family man. His passing was a loss of both a loyal friend and somebody you could rely on in the Council Chamber.

Councillor Bree supported the proposal to adjourn the meeting and extended his sympathy to the family of John Sherlock. He had stood for election in 1991 and had been elected on his first attempt. At the following election in 1999 he had been unlucky to lose his seat by only 25 votes and regained his seat again in 2004. In 1995, he had served as Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council. He had a deep sense of commitment and particularly to the people of Ballisodare. Two words came to mind when he thought of John Sherlock – decent and respectful.

Councillor Healy added his sympathies to those already extended to the family of the late John Sherlock. They had worked together behind the scenes prior to Councillor Healy’s election to Sligo County Council. They had also worked together on a shared bog and he recalled many enjoyable conversations there. John had a great interest in the works on the N4, and maintained a strong interest in his local community when he left the Council Chamber

Councillor Gilroy who said John Sherlock had proudly represented his area. He recounted John’s enormous contribution to community games and his particular interest in athletics and football with Ballisosare/St Pat’s. He was also a successful role model for the people of his area and Councillor Gilroy outlined his various successes down the years. He shared an extract from a piece John had written on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Community Games entitled ‘Passing the baton’ and extended his sympathies to John’s wife, Breege, and their family.

Councillor Walsh recalled meeting John with his own father during the Elections of 2004 in the Ballymote area. He had been a very hard working Councillor for the people of Collooney and Ballisodare and he added his sympathies to John’s wife, family and brother Vincent in Ballygawley.

Sympathies were extended to the family by Councillor Casserly who referred to him as a family man, community man and Councillor. She concurred with all the kind words that had been said already about him. He had affected everyone he met and his passing was a huge loss to his family and community.

Councillor Mulvey asked to be associated with the words spoken about the late John Sherlock. He was always friendly when you met him and he added his sympathies to those already expressed. He had been very welcoming and a great mentor for people getting into politics. He always gave of his time and if he could give advice, he would. The huge turnout at his funeral gave testament to how high he was held by his community.

Councillor Taylor asked to be associated with the sympathies expressed and referred to the regard John had been held in the Chamber and as a Councillor. He had also been held in high regard in the G.A.A. and had been both a great player and supporter.

Councillor MacManus added his sympathies and supported the adjournment as a mark of respect.

Councillor Clarke noted that he had replaced him and then handed over to Councillor Healy when the areas changed. John had been held in high regard in west Sligo. He then also extended his sympathies to John’s family.

Councillor O’Grady associated herself with the sympathies expressed to John’s family and supported the adjournment of the meeting. She highlighted the fact that he had kept in touch with all the Councillors, even after he had left the Council.

Councillor Fox said that, having known John over a number of years, he wished to offer his condolences. John had always been a true gentleman and always had a word for everyone.

While he had not known him personally, Councillor Connolly also expressed his sympathies to John’s family.

The Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor O’Boyle said 'John gave exemplary service throughout his career in public life, and over his term as Cathaoirleach he was universally respected for his professionalism and fairness. His experience and wisdom were a great resource to Sligo County Council during his time as a public representative.

He was first elected to Sligo County Council in 1991 representing the Ballymote electoral area, and had the honour of being elected Cathaoirleach in 1995. He served on many committees during his service with the Council, and was always supportive of voluntary groups or local associations trying to enhance their communities.

John's friendly and outgoing nature made him popular with fellow Councillors and staff. He was always 'talking up' Sligo and believed in the county and its people. People who served with John have been recalling his warm and generous nature, and the valued contribution he made to the major issues discussed in the Council Chamber.’

The Chief Executive said that, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Executive, he wished to join with the Members in their expressions of sympathy and in passing on his condolences to Breege and the Sherlock family.

DATE FOR ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council would take place at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 9th March, 2020.”

APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLOR CHRIS MACMANUS AS AN M.E.P.:

The Leas-Cathaoirleach indicated that Councillor MacManus had sought his permission to address the meeting and he had agreed to this request.

Councillor MacManus referred to a vacancy which had arisen in the European Parliament. He had been requested to fill the vacancy and the appointment had been published in the ‘Iris Oifigiúil’. He said he wished to thank the members and staff of Sligo County Council. Over the years he had learned the importance of building positive relationships. There was a shared commonality that all wanted what was best for the community and for County Sligo. The people of Sligo had elected him on four occasions and this had continued for a period of almost 20 years. He noted that his successor would be selected in the following weeks and he wished them well. He hoped that they would be allowed to continue the work of the numerous committees the Council Members had appointed him to and to which he had invested much time and energy.

Councillor MacManus said it was an honour to be given the platform to serve the people of the 13 counties in his region. Sligo, however, would always hold a special soft spot for him. In then speaking to the Executive and staff, he said his door would be easily pushed and said it was a bittersweet day for him. As Councillors, public representatives were at their closest to their communities and his decision to leave was not one taken lightly. However, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He concluded by quoting Mahatma Gandhi who once had said “The future depends on what you to today”. He said he was saying ‘Adieu’ but not goodbye.

In the tributes that followed, Councillor Healy congratulated his friend and colleague on taking over from former M.E.P. Matt Carthy and said it was a great day for his parents and colleagues. It was well known how important it was to have a strong voice at all levels and that, when policies were being agreed in Brussels, to make sure Ireland’s voice was heard. While Councillors had gone on to be T.D.s in the past, a Councillor going on to be an M.E.P. was a new era in politics and a new era for the MacManus family in Irish politics.

Councillor Bree joined in paying tribute to Councillor MacManus who had been elected to represent the Sligo-Strandhill area. It had been a privilege to work alongside Chris in political campaigns. Chris had been a lifelong member of the Republican Party and Sinn Féin and it was, therefore, fitting that he would replace Matt Carthy, T.D. The transition would not be easy as he would be covering a very large area but he had no doubt that his work and experience in Sligo at the coalface of Local Government would serve him well. Councillor Bree also wished to congratulate his parents, Seán and Helen, who must be very proud of his appointment.

Councillor O’Grady congratulated Chris and wished him the best of luck in his new role as an M.E.P. and noted that they had been appointed on the same day in 1999 to Sligo Borough Council, serving in the West Ward. They had a great working relationship as she also had with his father, former Councillor Seán MacManus. He would be missed in the Council Chamber and his terrific contributions. He always made a sincere and excellent contribution. This was a great opportunity and she also congratulated his parents, Seán and Helen. Councillor O’Grady was sure they would be very proud as she was aware of the support and help they had given Chris. She looked forward to visiting him during his tenure in Brussels.

Councillor Walsh joined in the tributes and in congratulating him on his appointment said he had found Councillor MacManus to be very honourable and hard working. He said he would be a loss to the county, except possibly at Budget Meeting time. M.E.P. Marian Harkin was the last M.E.P. from Sligo and he wished him the best of luck in that role.

Further tributes were paid by Councillor Mullaney who said he had only worked with Councillor MacManus for about eight months but had served on Sligo County Council with his father for about ten years. Both of them were genuine, hard working and called a spade a spade. He also referred to the threat from ‘Brexit’ being underestimated and said he knew Councillor MacManus would give it his full attention. He then wished him well in his new career.

Councillor Baker said he also wished to be associated with the tributes and, while Sligo County Council was losing him, it was a huge honour for Councillor MacManus and his family. Down the years, they had soldiered through thick and thin. It was also a huge honour for Sligo and he knew that Councillor MacManus would always remain in touch with them. He would also work to the very best of his ability. Councillor Baker had known Matt Carthy, T. D., while he was an M.E.P., through his work on the Border Regional Authority. He concluded by saying Councillor MacManus was well capable, he congratulated him and said he was delighted for the MacManus family.

Councillor Mulvey said he wished to join in the vote of congratulations and wished Councillor MacManus the best of luck and good health on his elevation to his role as an M.E.P. He was a dedicated public representative and had been re-elected so many times and this was evidence of his popularity. He was very friendly and courteous and a great community man. It was Councillor Mulvey’s hope that he would keep in touch with the Members of Sligo County Council who would feel the loss, but on a personal level he was delighted for the MacManus family.

Councillor Gilroy added his good wishes noting that the MacManus family had given a lifetime of local representation. He said he had met with Matt Carthy when an M.E.P. through his work with the N.W.R.A. where Councillors and M.E.P.s kept in touch. It was his hope that he might have an opportunity to visit Chris in Brussels, possibly during ‘Regions Week’ and assured him that the Members would be keeping in touch with him.

Further good wishes were extended by Councillor Casserly, noting that his parents must be so proud. it was a huge honour to be appointed an M.E.P. and wished him and his family well.

Councillor Fox joined in the good wishes to Chris and the MacManus family. He agreed that it must be a very proud time for Seán and Helen, his parents. He wished Chris all the very best in this hugely important position.

Councillor Connolly congratulated Councillor MacManus on his new role in the E.U. As a newly elected Councillor, he was grateful for the words of advice Councillor MacManus had given him and this had come to mind on many occasions since. He ended by wishing Chris and his family the very best.

Councillor Taylor said Councillor MacManus would be missed in the Council Chamber but was sure he would work hard for the region and he was a very genuine man and had great qualities. He noted that it was a proud time for the MacManus family.

Councillor Clarke said he would repeat what he had already said publicly in the aftermath of the announcement, that it was a great result for Sinn Féin and the MacManus family. He had an ability to deliver for the north west but would also be greatly missed.

The Leas-Cathaoirleach expressed his congratulations to Chris and said that, at the next Council Meeting, it would be the first time in 25 years that there would not be a MacManus in the Chamber. He wished him the best of luck and extended his congratulations to Chris, Helen and Seán.

The Chief Executive said he had taken the opportunity in previous days to congratulate Councillor MacManus and wish him the best. He had first met him when he had invited the Members of Sligo Borough Council in to meet with him at the start of his tenure. This was a time when the relationship between the Members and Executive was difficult. When he had then replaced his father on Sligo County Council, he had come to him to try and get his views on what his visions for Sligo were and how to advance those issues. Now, to achieve things he had never achieved, he will have to do the thing he has never done. He wished Councillor MacManus well in his new role and said the offices were open for him and expected to be pushing in his door equally.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Johnston of Oakfield Crescent (formerly staff of Sligo County Council) on the death of her mother, Peg Flynn.”

The Chief Executive said that on his own behalf, and on behalf of the Executive, he wished to be associated with this Vote of Sympathy.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Regan of Clooneen, Drumcliffe on the death of his brother, James.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen O’Sullivan of Larkhill Road, Sligo on the death of her brother, Bill McDermott.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Daithi Gormley of Ropefield, Ballinacarrow on the death of his Grandmother, Bridie.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Helen O’Connor of Newtownholmes Road, Sligo on the death of her husband, Brendan.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Una Brennan of Mount Temple, Grange on the death of her husband, Hugh.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Adelene Kerr of Treacy Avenue, Sligo on the death of her father, Frank.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Liam Mitchell of Cloughcor, Ballinfull on the death of his mother, Annie Bea.”