Minutes 2020

Minutes of Adjourned March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 9th 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 Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor and
  • 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. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
  • Mr. Dónal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Mary Farrell, Assistant Staff Officer
  • Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH:

Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor O’Boyle, presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from the Cathaoirleach, Councillor MacSharry.

 

STUDENTS FROM I.T. SLIGO:

The Leas-Cathaoirleach welcomed Ms. Sinéad Barrins from the Department of Social Sciences in I.T. Sligo and a group of Sociology and Politics Students who were studying the area of Local Government who were attending the meeting.

 

1.  MINUTES OF CRANMORE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP MEETINGS:

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

AND AGREED

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

  1. 27th September, 2018,
  2. 4th April, 2019 and
  3. 16th July, 2019.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF TWINNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 20TH NOVEMBER, 2019:

The Members agreed to note the Minutes of Sligo County Council’s Twinning Committee Meeting held on 20th November, 2019.

 

3.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF  M.D. OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 16TH DECEMBER, 2019:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 16th December, 2019.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 3RD FEBRUARY, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 3rd February, 2020.”

Councillor Healy referred to Item 48 at the February Meeting:

“Sligo County Council calls on the Chief Executive Officer to investigate the whistleblowers report relating to Easkey Community Council.”

He said the Members had since received e-mails in relation to this matter and he sought an update from the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive informed the meeting that the situation had moved on in some respects.  He had some engagement with the groups in Easkey in previous weeks and had thought he would be in a position to report progress.  He had sought to have a further meeting with Easkey Community Council but that had not been arranged to date.  In the meantime, he had received an e-mail from the whistleblower and it was his understanding that the e-mail had been copied to the Members.  There was now a situation where the Members had been requested to put down a Notice of Motion and they had done so requesting that he, as Chief Executive, would investigate the whistleblower’s report. 

The most recent e-mail received by the Members  indicated that the whistleblower was threatening to take Legal Proceedings against the Chief Executive.  This was, therefore, a matter that he needed to take up with the Council’s own Legal Adviser at this point. The Chief Executive added that he did not doubt that there was genuine sincerity in terms of two groups involved advancing issues in Easkey’s interest but it had been complicated by recent developments.

Councillor Healy concluded by asking that the Members would be kept updated and the Chief Executive informed the meeting that he now had to take legal advice and any updates given to the Members would be on the basis of legal advice.

 

5.  DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC ROADS IN STRANDHILL, COLLOONEY AND CORNAGEEHA:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, being satisfied of their general public utility, declare the Roads named below to be Public Roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.

Road numbersLocation and Terminal Points
L-75054-1 The road serving development known as “Waterside Lane Phase II”, Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
L-77091-4 and L-77091-5 The roads serving development known as “Bru na hAbhainn”, Collooney, Co. Sligo
L-92120-0 and L-92120-1 The roads serving development known as “Oak Lawn”, Cornageeha, Sligo.”

 

6.  LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLIC LIGHTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council agrees to the making of an Agreement for the carrying out of the Local Authority Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project as presented to it under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) with Mayo County Council.”

 

7.  SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF A DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING AT LECARROW, DROMORE WEST TO MR. THOMAS DOWD:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a demountable dwelling at Lecarrow, Dromore West, Co. Sligo to Mr. Thomas Dowd.”

 

8.  SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF LAND AT TOBERCURRY TO THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of land at Tobercurry to the OPW, Jonathan Swift St., Trim, Co. Meath.”

 

9.  COMMENCEMENT OF PROCESS OF TAKING IN CHARGE THE ESTATE KNOWN AS ‘CARNS DUKE’, CAIRNS HILL, SLIGO:

Propose d by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To consider report in relation to commencing the process of taking in charge the estate known as “Carns Duke”, Cairns Hill, Sligo.”

 

10.  CONSTRUCTION OF COMMUNITY CENTRE, SPORTS AND PLAY AREA, PEDESTRIAN PATHS, CYCLE WAYS AND LANDSCAPING AT DEVINS DRIVE, CRANMORE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To consider in accordance with Section 179, Part XI of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), proposals to construct a Community Centre, Sports and Play Area, Pedestrian Paths, Cycle Ways and landscaping together with all ancillary site works and upgrade public road at Devins Drive, Cranmore, Abbeyquarter South, Sligo.”

Councillor Casserly enquired if the new Centre would be available to other communities in the area from Tonaphubble Road to Fatima Avenue. Mr. Gavin replied that he did not see any issue there but any of those groups should contact the Regeneration Office or contact the Cranmore Community directly on the matter.

 

11.  SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF DWELLINGHOUSE AND LANDS AT 14 COIS NA H’ABHAINN, GURTEEN TO MR. CON MURRAY:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwellinghouse and lands at 14 Cois na h’Abhainn, Gurteen, Co. Sligo to Mr. Con Murray.”

 

12.  SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF DWELLINGHOUSE AND LANDS AT KINNAGRELLY, COLLOONEY TO MS. MARY QUIGLEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwellinghouse and lands at Kinnagrelly, Collooney, Co. Sligo to Ms. Mary Quigley.”

 

13.  APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF WORKS FOR 2020 FOR ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve for the Municipal District of Ballymote -Tubbercurry, the Municipal District of Sligo Borough and the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff the Schedules of Works for 2020 for Roads, Transportation and Infrastructure.”

 

14.  CREATIVE IRELAND OPEN CALL GRANTS 2020 AND REPORT OF DECADE OF CENTENARIES STEERING GROUP:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To note

  1. Creative Ireland Open Call Grants 2020 and
  2. Report of Decade of Centenaries Steering Group.”

 

15.  RECOMENDATION OF ASSESSMENT PANEL UNDER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS GRANTS SCHEME 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the recommendations of the Assessment Panel under Contributions to the Arts Grant Scheme 2020.”

 

16.  ALLOCATIONS UNDER THE REGIONAL FESTIVAL AND PARTICIPATIVE EVENTS GRANTS SCHEME 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve allocations under the Regional Festival and Participative Events Grants Scheme 2020.”

Councillor Walsh said he welcomed the inclusion of a number of new festivals.  He also noted that a number of festivals had not met the criteria and asked if they had been contacted  and enquired whether there would be an opportunity for them to make an application for any other funding going forward in 2020.

Ms. Clarke replied that the unsuccessful groups had not met the minimum criteria.  The Scheme was funded by Fáilte Ireland but there may be other opportunities for them to apply for the Council’s own Community and Voluntary Grants Scheme.

Councillor Gilroy confirmed that this had been brought up at the Assessment Meeting and it was his understanding that the groups would be informed of the reasons, e.g. insufficient ‘bed nights’ was the reason in some cases.

 

17.  ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNTY SLIGO JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To formally establish the County Sligo Joint Policing Committee.”

 

18.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 2020:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To note the Monthly Management Report for January 2020.”

 

21.  PLANTING OF NATIVE TREE SPECIES ON COUNCIL PROPERTY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive what plans the Council has to increase the planting of native tree species on Council property and to ask when the Council intends to develop a comprehensive tree planting programme/strategy.”

The meeting was informed by Mr. Kilfeather that there was no specific action relating to the planting of native trees on Council property in the County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan nor was there a tree planting programme/strategy.

The Biodiversity Action Plan would be reviewed towards the end of 2020, in line with the County Heritage Plan.  It was a policy/action area that could be considered as part of that review for the future, if agreed. 

The main implementation would be through the Parks Department as they were directly involved on managing and planting Council lands, where feasible.

Councillor Bree asked that, over the course of the next number of months, this would be re-examined and that a tree planting strategy would be developed and brought before the Members.

 

22.  UPDATE ON PROPOSED PUBLIC LIGHTING SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on proposed Public Lighting Scheme as agreed during budget 2020.”

Mr. Kilfeather DOS presented a report to the meeting and informed the Members that the Roads Section had not had an opportunity to consider the matter since the Budget Meeting on 25th November, 2019.

Councillor Walsh, in noting the contents of the report, said it had been agreed that there would be a new lighting scheme.  What were being sought were two or three lights in a cluster in a village and he had a few locations where he had safety concerns He said that the L.E.D. retrofit programme was a national programme and Sligo was not in isolation on it.  The issue he was raising was a number of lights for prioritisation for safety.  He concluded that he would be keeping this matter on the Agenda until it was sorted. 

The Director of Services thanked Councillor Walsh for his comments and said this was the type of information the Executive required.  In his report, the existing cost, the insufficiency of the budget and the number of lights taken in charge had been set out.  In following up on the resolution, some further information would be required; Members were asked to provide details of locations that would help inform and the bringing forward of a Scheme.

Mr. Kilfeather advised caution and said he had serious concerns about the Council’s financial ability in the current year to bring forward any additional lighting. Sligo County Council was significantly overspent in 2019 in relation to public lighting.

The Chief Executive referred to the report and the additional sum of €100,000 which had been provided in the area for 2020.  This had been a significant investment on the part of Sligo County Council.  From the Executive’s point of view, the notice of motion would be implemented but it had to be done in a planned way bringing forward the work programmes on an annual basis. 

Councillor Walsh welcomed the report and said he would re-submit the locations he had referred to previously.

Councillor Mulvey, in supporting the resolution, said that unfortunately there were a lot of rural locations that were without public lighting.

Councillor Casserly and Councillor Gilroy also referred to previous requests for additional public lights in Mullaghmore and the new technologies available to avoid light pollution.

Councillor Healy referred to payments made by people as part of the conditions of their Planning Permission.  This could be in the region of €6,000 to €7,000 and was towards the cost of provision of lights and footpaths. 

A query was raised by Councillor O’Grady as to whether Members could give some of their Councillors’ funding towards the provision of public lighting.  The Director of Services said he had always found the Members to be very willing to look at all options for the use of their funding.  The Executive had always tried to work with the Members on anything relating to roads infrastructure, etc. in this regard.

The Chief Executive added that a number of issues had been raised during the discussion.  He wished it to be made clear that, in terms of energy, there would be considerable savings.  This benefit would arise once the L.E.D. lights were rolled out.  The anticipated cost of the upgrading was €4 million which would have to be borrowed and paid back.  Therefore, the energy savings would go towards the repayment of that loan.  This meant seven or eight years of a payback on that investment.  The cost to Sligo County Council in upgrading the public lighting would be quite considerable and also a major investment in the county.  While he understood that all Councillors were coming under pressure for public lights in their areas, there were limitations in terms of resources and that was the reality.  It was not discrimination but down to a lack of resources. 

The Cathaoirleach asked if Councillor Walsh wished to defer the item but he said he did not wish to defer the item but would be keeping it on the Agenda.

For the information of the Meeting, the Chief Executive referred to item 17 of the Council’s Standing Orders:

The Agenda shall not contain any motion which has been considered within the previous six months or any motion substantially similar to any motion considered within the previous six months.  Any decision on what constitutes a substantially similar motion shall be decided upon by the Cathaoirleach.

 

23.  LITTERING AND ILLEGAL DUMPING AT BOTTLE BANK SITES IN COLLOONEY AND BALLINTOGHER:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to address ongoing littering and illegal dumping around bottle bank sites in Collooney and Ballintogher and to introduce measures to tackle the same.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that all 42 Bottle Bank sites are serviced twice per week by Sligo County Council and Glassco.  There is an increased demand on the bottle bank network during the months of December and January due to the festive season, which tends to create additional littering and illegal dumping at these sites. Investigations were carried out at both Collooney and Ballintogher in January to determine the level of littering/illegal dumping in these areas.  Additional signage has been erected and servicing of both locations has been increased.  Going forward, both sites will be monitored and additional measures will be carried out if necessary i.e. installation of CCTV in order to reduce illegal dumping activity.

Councillor Walsh welcomed the report and, in particular, the recent installation of C.C.T.V. cameras across the county as this measure appeared to be working. Councillor Healy extended his thanks to the Environmental Services Team and noted the great work undertaken by the Caretaker of the Bottle Banks, James McGowan.

In noting the reference to December and January being the busier period, Councillor Healy enquired if it would be possible for the companies to install extra Banks at these times.  He was aware that additional signage was being installed as well as the C.C.T.V. cameras.

 

24.  PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE ADJACENT TO MARKIEVICZ BRIDGE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with an up to date report on the proposed pedestrian footbridge to be erected adjacent to Markievicz Bridge; the report to include details of the most recent submission made to the Department seeking funding for the project.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that this Scheme consists of the provision of a new footbridge to facilitate pedestrian movements adjacent to the existing narrow 17th Century masonry arch bridge (Markievicz Bridge) in Sligo city centre and the carrying out of refurbishment works to the existing bridge structure.  The existing bridge crosses the Garvoge River and is a protected structure.  The Garvoge River is part of the Lough Gill Special Area of Conservation (SAC).  The existing protected structure and Special Area of Conservation makes the planning process for any adjacent new footbridge somewhat complicated and arduous.  The scheme did receive Part 8 Planning approval from Sligo Borough Council approximately 10 years ago.  However due to the presence of the SAC the scheme now requires a Natura Impact Statement to be prepared and submitted to An Bord Pleanála.  An Bord Pleanála approval will then be necessary in order to construct the scheme. A CPO will also be required to acquire land necessary for the scheme construction 

The preliminary design for the scheme has been completed Draft NIS and CPO documents have also been prepared and have been reviewed by the Planning Department and Heritage Sections.  These documents are currently being reviewed and any appropriate amendments will be made. 

An application to DTTAS for €288,000 in funding for 2020 was made last October.  However, the scheme did not receive a 2020 allocation when 2020 funding was announced. 

Mr. Kilfeather added that this project would be kept on the programme for submitting to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.  It was also included in the U.R.D.F. applications for 2020 which would be submitted shortly. 

Councillor Bree thanked the Director of Services for his report and expressed his disappointment that the Department had not approved the funding of €288,000 which had been sought as the scheme had been approved ten years previously.  He noted that a further application for funding was being submitted and asked that a submitted would be made to An Bord Pleanála at an early date which would allow the matter to be revisited later in the year.

 

25.  NAMING OF DEVELOPMENT AFTER LATE MAYOR OF SLIGO, KAY MCGOLDRICK:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council considers naming an appropriate development after the late Mayor Kay McGoldrick and refers this request to the Place Naming Committee.”

Ms. Clarke replied that Sligo County Council established a Placenames Committee in 2015 to consider placenames proposals in line with the Council’s Placename Policy.

It is recommended that the proposal to consider naming an appropriate development after the late Mayor Kay McGoldrick is referred to the Placenames Committee for further consideration.

It is anticipated that a meeting of the Placenames Committee will be convened in March 2020.

Councillor O’Grady welcomed the report and said it was fitting that this was a cross-Party proposal. Mayor McGoldrick had been a Fine Gael Councillor but was somebody who was able to cross the entire political divide and was a great friend to all.  It would be very fitting that her goodness and concern for others would be remembered by the appropriate naming of a place to remember her.

In seconding the resolution, Councillor Fox said that Kay McGoldrick had passed away on 20th January and agreed that a development should be named after her.

 

26.  ENGAGEMENT WITH RESIDENTS OF MAUGHERABOY/ARD-NA-VEIGH/LYNNDALE RE. DEVELOPMENTS AT MAUGHERABOY:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council engage with the residents of the Maugheraboy/Ard-na-Veigh/Lynndale area prior to any development commencing at Maugheraboy due to the concerns of Residents regarding the problems of increased Traffic Flows in the general area.”

Mr. Gavin reported that details of the scheme design were being prepared.  There would be public consultation with residents in advance of putting the Part 8 documents together.  The junction at the Post Office and traffic generally would be key aspects to be provided for in the design, communicated to Residents and their support sought to enable the delivery of additional social housing units.

In welcoming the contents of the report, Councillor O’Grady said the residents of the area would be very pleased that it was a consideration that the Council had in mind before any development commenced.

 

19.  PYRITE DEFECTS IN HOUSES IN COUNTY SLIGO:

With the consent of the Leas-Cathaoirleach, this item as submitted by Councillor J. Queenan was deferred to the April Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

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

 

20.  DATE FOR A REVIEW OF THE SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

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

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 said that what was being undertaken at present was a variation of the County Development Plan to bring it into line with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (R.S.E.S.) which had been adopted by the N.W.R.A. in January.  This submission would be brought back to the Members for consideration and adoption.  This was not a review of the County Development Plan, just a variation.

The Members had been informed, when adopting the Plan in 2017, that it was intended to carry out a variation in September 2019.  The commitment had been given that there would be a mid-term review.  Now they were being advised that it would be July 2020 before there would be a variation and this was relating to Government Agencies.

There was a legal framework and a Statutory Process within which the Council had to operate regarding a County Development Plan.  The actual adoption of the County Development Plan currently in existence had taken place in 2017.  There was a review and a mid-term review process which would commence two years before the end of the Plan which would be in 2021.  That was because it would take the best part of two years to actually engage with Stakeholders, get submissions, etc.  That would be a statutory review of the County Development Plan in its entirety.  The date of September 2019 had been given for a variation as the Executive were aware that a variation was due to the R.S.E.S. being prepared and completed by the Regional Assembly.  That had not taken place until January 2020 and the work to deal with that had commenced in the Planning Office.  That work on the variation had to be completed within 26 weeks, i.e. 24th July, 2020.

Councillor Clarke said that he accepted what Ms. Clarke was saying but when the commitment for a review had been given in 2017, there was no reference to the R.S.E.S.

Members had been assured that if they were aware of ‘pinch points’ for development in a town and Sligo County Council owned land that needed to be re-zoned, that could be included in a general review.  There were other issues such as the ‘Flemish Decree’ that also needed to be incorporated into the Plan.   Councillor Clarke reiterated that the Members had been informed that they would have a review of the Plan by September 2019. 

Councillor Bree then asked that, when the Planners had drafted their proposed variation and that came before the Members, would Councillors be able to make their own proposals for variations in the Plan so that all variations could be considered and voted on by the Members.

Councillor Queenan recalled Members had been informed this review would take place in 2019.  In relation to the Enniscrone Local Area Plan, it had been in place for six years and this would have to be addressed.  The Members were elected to adopt and review Plans but this was being put off due to Government policy or other agencies. 

Councillor Taylor agreed with the points made by the other Councillors and said they were aware of the needs of the public and communities they worked in.  Members and the Executive needed to work together for the betterment of Sligo.  As the public were contacting the Members, they should be consulted and have an input into the policy.

Ms. Clarke confirmed that the Members would have an input in the process and set out the various steps that must be undertaken prior to the 24th July deadline.

The Chief Executive advised that the information given out at various stages was based on the information to hand.  That information changed over time as a result of the National Development Plan at the instigation of the Department, and was correct at the time it was issued.  However, he appreciated the frustration expressed by the Members.  Sligo County Council was tied into a national process.

Councillor Bree enquired if the Council was obliged to vary the Plan so as to ensure the policies in the R.S.E.S. were included, could Members bring forward variations in other sections of the Plan at the same time, as he assumed that the variation was not just confined to the R.S.E.S. policies.

Ms. Clarke replied that there was a process in law for the variation of the County Development Plan and the Chief Executive confirmed that the legislation provided for it.

Councillor Clarke thanked the Executive for the clarification and asked if a meeting could be held on a date in May to discuss the variation with a date for adoption of same in July.

Ms. Clarke confirmed that this was the timeframe that the Planning Section were working towards.

 

27.  REQUEST FOR UPDATE RE. PROGRESS ON N16 (LUGATOBER TO GORTNAGRELLY):

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

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council for an update report of the progress being made on the N16 Lugatober to Gortnagrelly realignment project.”

A report was furnished to the Members by Mr. Kilfeather as follows:

An application (consisting of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Statement) was made to An Bord Pleanála (Strategic Infrastructure Development) on the 18th of February, 2019.

Concurrent with the consent process; a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was also made by the Local Authority on the 14th February, 2019 and then lodged with An Bord Pleanála.

Approval in relation the Roads Act application was received from An Bord Pleanála on the 15th of August, 2019. As all CPO objections had been withdrawn in advance of a prescribed Oral Hearing, the responsibility to confirm the CPO was referred back to the Local Authority; this confirmation was subsequently made on the 27th of August, 2019.

The following is a brief overview of the current status:

  • A Notice to Treat with regard to the Compulsory Purchase Order was issued on the 27th of February, 2020. The Land acquisition process will now commence and continue through 2020 and 2021;
  • JB Barry Transportation have been appointed to fulfil the Technical Advisors role for the construction of the project (Detailed Design, Preparation of Contract Documents, Site Supervision, etc.);
  • Archaeological Resolution Works are expected to commence in May of 2020;
  • Subject to TII sanction, it is hoped that construction will commence in 2021.

Councillor Fox welcomed the report and said it was good to see progress being made and welcomed the contract signing which had taken place prior to the Meeting.

Councillor Casserly also welcomed the development and funding from T.I.I.

Councillor Gilroy said that the Collinsford Road was being used by Motorists travelling on the N16 as it appeared that ‘Sat. Navs.’ were indicating that this was the route to take to get to Drumcliff. 

 

28.  COASTAL EROSION AT STRANDHILL:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the issue of serious coastal erosion which is occurring in Strandhill:

  • To carry out repair works along the path to the beach which have been damaged due to recent winter storms.
  • To address the recent erosion on the Strandhill Peninsula in terms of climate change adaptation.
  • To conduct investigations as to the most effective ways to resolve this problem and
  • To apply for funding for a coastal protection and dune restoration scheme in this area should this be the required solution.
  • To arrange a public awareness and information event with relevant experts in the area and engage with other communities experiencing similar difficulties around the country, to inform and advise the public of the options available to address the issue.”

Councillor Maguire set out the reasons for listing this item on the agenda and Councillor Bree and Councillor Walsh indicated their support for this item.

Mr. Kilfeather reported that localised damage to the access path to the beach and adjacent areas will be repaired once this period of severe weather is over.

The recent period of severe weather including Atlantic storms and high coastal tides and associated wind surges is having an impact on all areas of the coastline including the Strandhill area.  Sligo County Council, over the years, has invested significant sums of money in the existing coastal protection works in Strandhill. These existing coastal defences are under significant attack from the ongoing periods of severe weather.

A strategy to address the impact on the coastline will be developed in the overall context of the Councils response to the issue of climate change.

A discussion followed where various options were put forward and, also, recent difficulties at Killaspugbrone following storms was highlighted. The Council’s staff had examined the area but they had since been advised that it would require stonemasons to carry out the works. This was being followed up and it was the intention to carry out the work as soon as possible.

The Director of Services confirmed that Consultants had not been engaged to date.  Consultants who had worked closely with Sligo

The Director of Services advised that consultants who had worked with Sligo County Council in the past were being asked to meet with staff in the coming weeks.  The priority was to try and repair as much as possible but this was a short term response. 

The Chief Executive added that there were some key points:

  • The general perception that rock armour was a solution needed to be debunked as it was not necessarily the solution. It could cause problems up and downstream from the rock armour itself. Any intervention would need to be fully researched and fully funded.
  • Any intervention would be extremely costly.
  • The fact was that coastal counties were going to lose coastline due to the severity of the weather events that were occurring.
  • It would not be possible to protect every stretch of the coastline in the 21 coastal counties.
  • Advice would be given to the public and areas blocked off as necessary.
  • In relation to the National issues, there had been a Committee established involving the O.P.W., Department of the Marine, Local Authorities etc. This was headed up by the Department of Energy.  The Chief Executive was not aware of any further developments from that source in recent times.
  • This was one of the biggest challenges facing the country in terms of climate change.

The meeting was advised that there was a ‘cap’ in relation to applications that could be made and funding allocated.  On average, Sligo County Council submitted seven or eight schemes per year and, if lucky, received funding for two.  Reference had been made by the Members to Pullaheeny Harbour and this was included in the 2020 applications.  However, priority was being given to Easkey Pier and Harbour for the application. 

 

29.  CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE IN SLIGO CITY AND COUNTY:

The Leas-Cathaoirleach consented to Councillor Casserly’s request to defer this item to the April Meeting agenda:

“To ask for an update on the Cycling Infrastructure currently being developed in tandem with the road construction projects currently underway in Sligo City and County.”

30.  PARENTAL ALIENATION:

As Items 30 and 38 related to the same matter, the Cathaoirleach indicated that he would take both items at this time.

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Irish Government Departments of Health, Justice and Equality and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise that Parental Alienation is ‘Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning’ as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11 and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government and the Department of Health, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, to: (A) recognise that Parental Alienation is “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning” as coded by the World Health Organisation in the latest International Classification of Diseases version 11; and (B) to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System, October 2019.”

 

31.  DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD AND DRINK STRATEGY FOR COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To propose that a Food and Drink Strategy be developed for County Sligo.”

Ms. Clarke agreed that the development of the strategy for Sligo would be a very worthwhile undertaking and said she would raise this matter with the Local Enterprise Office.  It was recognised that there was an emerging trend of the convergence of the tourism sector with other economic activities such as the food sector.  Food and beverage consumption was an intrinsic part of the tourism experience and played a strong role in destination choice.

Reference was also made to ‘Sligo Food Trail’ and the work they had undertaken in recent years.  This was a network which included representatives from a wide variety of artists and producers, and from across the counties includes producers, gastro pubs, craft beer and wine markets, restaurants, cafes and festivals. 

 

The Cathaoirleach informed the Meeting that he would deal with items 32 and 36 together as they both related to this matter.

32.  &  36.  HOUSING AID FOR OLDER PEOPLE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to indicate when will applications for ‘Housing Aid for Older People’ be opened?”

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

AND AGREED

“Given that Sligo County Council has ring fenced 20% of the property tax for older people and disability grants, when will the Council start processing the older peoples grants, and will the Council ensure the sufficient staff is made available deal with those applications.”

Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer,  reported on items 32 and 36 as follows:

The Department Guidelines recommend that Local Authorities assemble a Schedule of standard costs for each element of works available for funding under the Grant Schemes. The Council has engaged a Quantity Surveyor to prepare and submit such a Schedule to the Council. This process will take a number of weeks to complete and at the end of that process, the Council will be in a position to re-open the Scheme. It is therefore proposed to re-open the Scheme in late April/early May 2020 -date to be advised to the members in due course.

The allocation from the Department for 2019 for the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older people and People with a Disability amounted to €1,405,298. The Council has sought an allocation of €2,350,000 from the Department for 2020, which is in line with the Budget provision of the Council. No allocation has been received to date with a small increase on the 2019 allocation anticipated.

It is proposed, in anticipation of an allocation at least in line with 2019, to allocate €300,000 to the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, with a further €100,000 ringfenced in respect of any emergency applications arising under the three Grant types in the last quarter of 2020. The balance of the notified Allocation will be assigned to the other two Grants.

Applications for all Schemes will be prioritised on the basis of the medical needs of the applicant.

The existing compliment of staff will be in a position to deal with applications providing the allocation is similar to 2019. If there is a sizeable increase in the allocation, additional staff resources will have to be allocated to include both Administrative and technical.

In response to a query from Councillor Mulvey, Mr. Murphy said that under the Department’s Guidelines, Sligo County Council had to assemble, for all the Grants, a schedule of standard costs.  These were basically in relation to each type of job being carried out with grant assistance. There would be a standard cost and that would be the cost Sligo County Council would be applying.  Therefore, quotations would only be required for major works.  All others would be based on the schedule of rates as set out by the Q.S.

A discussion followed with inputs by the Members present noting the benefits of these Schemes, which had not been in operation since 2017.

Works carried out under the Scheme enabled people to remain in their homes. 

Councillor O’Grady referred to media reports that day that there would be charges for H.S.E. Occupational Therapy reports, where required. 

Following further discussions where many points were raised about work in this area, Mr. Gavin acknowledged the generous remarks by many Members in respect of the Technical and Administrative staff in the Housing Section for the work they carried out under difficult conditions.

In addressing some of the matters raised, he said this system would streamline the process because if the staff were trying to handle more applications, with a similar level of resources, systems would have to be adapted to be as efficient as possible.  There was no point in accepting applications unless they could be processed.  Having standard rates would, therefore, benefit everybody

While there may have been an expectation of matched funding in the past, this would not have been put forward by Sligo County Council staff as they would not be in a position to speak for the Department.  Mr. Gavin confirmed that the community had fully gained as a result of the scheme being funded by Sligo County Council and the Department.  It was further pointed out that whatever employment opportunities there had been for small Building Companies, it had been availed of as the funding was fully implemented. It was pointed out that funding received on 30th December was no good to the Housing Section.  It needed to be received at a point in the year where it could be implemented. 

In reply to a query as to whether the Section was adequately staffed, the Housing Section was never adequately staffed and were constantly under pressure.  Mr. Murphy had addressed this in his report where he stated that the existing compliment of staff will be in a position to deal with applications providing the allocation is similar to 2019. If there is a sizeable increase in the allocation, additional staff resources will have to be allocated to include both Administrative and technical.

It was the Executive’s aim to handle the opening up of the Scheme with the current staff complement.  However, should additional funding be received, resources would have to be examined and the staff issue revisited.

Councillor Mullaney had sought clarification if there were applications to hand already and Mr. Gavin said that would be clarified.

Mr. Murphy replied that any applications submitted at the date the applications were closed would be dealt with.  If they had not been processed, this could be as the Housing Section was awaiting further information but this would be confirmed to the Members.  In reply to Councillor Taylor’s query, he confirmed that applications for all schemes were prioritised on the basis of the medical needs of the applicants.  Should there be a large number of applications, which was expected, they would have to be prioritised on that basis.

Councillor Taylor further referred to the sum of €300,000 which was being made available and queried what works this would cover.  In clarifying this, Mr. Murphy said this sum was for the ‘Aid for Older People’ Scheme and, as the maximum payment on this Scheme was €8,000, this would not go a long way for them.

In regard to payment for Occupational Therapy reports, Mr. Murphy confirmed that this arrangement had applied for some time.  Subject to a limit of €250 per assessment, this would be recouped to the Applicant as part of the total grand paid, subject to the maximum grant level of €30,000.

Councillor Mulvey also acknowledged the work carried out by the staff in the Housing Section and enquired if forms could be submitted earlier than the date referred to.  He also agreed that this funding had a knock-on effect with small Building Firms and Suppliers carrying out these works.  This was one of the best Schemes in the Council and would result in less people residing in Hospitals or Care Homes.

 

The Cathaoirleach consented to a request from Councillor Baker to take items 55 and 56 at this time.

55.  DREDGING OF THE UNSHIN RIVER AND OUTLET FROM LOUGH CORRAN:

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

AND AGREED

“In light of severe flooding in recent weeks that Sligo County Council calls on the O.P.W. to re-visit their prohibition on dredging on sections of the Unshin river and outlet from Lough Corran.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that neither the Office of Public Works or Sligo County Council were responsible for drainage work on the Unshin river.  It was understood that most of the river was included in the area of a Special Area of Conservation.  Any dredging works would be subject to environmental constraints.

 

As both items 52 and 56 related to damages to roads by recent flooding, the Leas-Cathaoirleach dealt with both items at this time:

52.  &  56.  REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR ROAD REPAIRS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Finance and call on him to provide emergency funds for the repair of Primary Secondary and Local Roads following the damage and deterioration due to the excessive Rain and flooding of January and February 2020.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding to repair the extensive damage to our local roads by recent flooding.”

The Members outlined the background to their listing of these items on the agenda and Mr. Kilfeather then informed them as follows

The Area Engineers are currently assessing damage to roads and infrastructure by the recent severe weather and they will be compiling a list of damaged areas including the costings required for repair works.  It is likely that the Council will require additional funding from government in order to finance the required repairs.

The Members set out difficulties encountered across the county as a result of the severe weather events.  In response, the Chief Executive stated that there had been over 300% rainfall in February when compared to previous years.  There were limited resources and limited staff.  Members were thanked for their comments in relation to staff because the work they had carried out had been heroic.  There were, however, limited resources to deal with issues that were presented to the Council that had never presented before.  It also appeared that it would continue and get worse.  In agreeing that the Executive would continue to deal with the potholes and flooding issues as they arose, he asked the Members to bear in mind that the water table in the entire country was above what it should be at this time of year. 

Mr. Kilfeather concluded the discussion by responding to points raised by Councillor Taylor in relation to damage to private roads.  In compiling the list of roads that were severely damaged, additional funding had been sought for that scheme and that might address some of the issues he had referred to.

 

33.  CASUAL TRADING AT ENNISCRONE PIER:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to commence the process of including a location at the Pier in Enniscrone re. casual trading.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that to request the inclusion of 1 casual trading bay will involve the revoking of the recently adopted Sligo County Council Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2018.  A public consultation period of 4 weeks is required, in accordance with the Casual Trading Act 1995 and a further 2 weeks after the end of the period for receipt of any submissions.  The Bye-Laws should also go before the SPC in accordance with custom and practice and subsequently to the Council meeting for final adoption.  The process involved is a labour intensive and time consuming process which we are currently not in a position to prioritise due to significant staff shortages in the Environment Section.

In addition, there are health and safety issues associated with the provision of a casual trading bay at the Pier as well as traffic concerns, which are likely to be generated by casual trading in this area and these need to be further considered before progressing the matter.

Councillor Queenan, in noting the contents of the report, said that Enniscrone was a diverse area and there were people who wished to come into the area to trade.  As it was not feasible for them to trade on the Main Street, he was trying to identify a location where they could.  As he understood the staffing situation outlined, the Casual Trading was not a major problem.  When staff numbers increased, he requested that the situation be re-examined.

 

34.  FORESTRY CHARGES IN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTION SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive that the forestry charges in the County Development Contribution Scheme are suspended until the introduction of the single consent system overseen by the Departments of

  1. Agriculture, Food and the Marine,
  2. Transport, Tourism and Sport and
  3. Housing, Planning and Local Government.”  

Ms. Clarke reported that the single consent system was introduced on 7th February 2020 following the commencement of Section 8 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2018.  The purpose of the amendment is to provide an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission for the construction, maintenance or improvement of private roads serving forests, providing such works do not extend to the provision of access to a national road from any such roads.

The responsibility for granting development consent for the construction of forest entrances onto public roads (other than national roads) or the material widening of an existing entrance, has been transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under this single consent system.

The new system provides for a mandatory consultation process with the Roads Department of Sligo County Council whereby all applications received by the Department for new forestry entrances will be referred to the Council for comment.

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned for lunch at 12.25 and resumed at 1.15 p.m.

 

CANCELLATION OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE:

With the consent of the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor O’Grady said that, as a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, she wished to inform the meeting that the Sligo Parade had been cancelled this year. 

Councillor O’Grady also referred to the work of Professor John Crowne in protecting the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, the work being carried out should be acknowledged.

 

35.  INSTALLATION OF SHEEP GRIDS ON MOUNTAIN ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will facilitate Hill Farmers who need to develop sheep grids on mountain roads, there shall be no cost to the Council, works to be agreed and supervised by the Council’s Local Engineer.”

Councillor Clarke and Councillor Gilroy set out difficulties experienced on roads affected by Farmers using wire to block roads and outlined cases they were aware of in other counties where these grids had been used.  Councillor Casserly also added her support to the request.

her said that any consideration regarding the provision of sheep grids on public roads would have to include consideration of the impact on the roadway and on road users.  It may be that the provision of such facilities in a public road may not be compatible with its use as a public facility.

The Members thanked the Director of Services for the report and Councillor Clarke confirmed that this was what he was seeking, i.e. the situation to be examined on a case by case basis.

 

37.  FEES FOR N.C.T. TESTING:

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

AND AGREED

“This Council will write to the Minister for Transport asking that the fee for N.C.T. testing be waived until such time as the centres are in a position to issue certificates. Further that the Department provide a report as to how the current situation regarding the issue with car lifts is proposed to be addressed and what is the time scale for same given the replacement lifts are being ordered from a company outside the state, how it is proposed to deal with the back log of testing given constraints of staffing and schedules, and what are the proposal for those who have been tested but not received certificates, how will they be accommodated and dealt with given that the test is only valid for a period of time, will they be required to resubmit for a full examination and incur additional fees?”

 

39.  PROTECTION OF STRUCTURE IN LOWER QUAY STREET, SLIGO (RPS REFERENCE 300SE):

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive what action the Council is taking to protect the three-story stone structure, (Ref. No. RPS 300SE) located in Lower Quay Street, Sligo, (which is included in the Councils Record of Protected Structures)”.

Ms. Clarke replied to the motion as follows:

The three-storey stone structure (Ref No RPS 300 SE) was first added to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) during the last County Development Plan review and was adopted on the 28th August 2017. 

The structure is essentially two houses.  The property is unregistered but to best available knowledge, it is owned by two parties. 

The structure was in poor condition when it was added to the RPS in August 2017.  To date, no architectural or structural assessment has been undertaken for the building to inform Sligo County Council how best the structure could be conserved and indeed if it is possible to do so.  However, an inspection will be carried out to determine what action is appropriate.

In addition, we will write to the owners of the property to remind them of their obligations with regard to ensuring the protected structure does not become endangered.

Councillor Bree welcomed the report and said the matter could be revisited again in a few months time.

 

As Councillor MacManus had now taken up his role as an M.E.P., items 40, 41 and 50 on the Agenda, as set out below, were not taken:

40.  SLIGO COUNTY FIRE SERVICE:

“Recognising that Sligo County Fire Service has over the last number of years had the fastest response times throughout the state and whose personnel have been acknowledged as providing an exceptional service to the citizens of this County;

Therefore can the Executive explain the decision to diminish the Sligo Town Fire Service in their proposal that the two full-time positions currently vacant in Sligo Fire Brigade not be filled and a third full-time position (currently filled) will be personal to the holder and therefore not filled on the retirement or resignation of the holder and that only the full time Station Officer appointment is maintained. This will have the net effect that retained personnel will no longer be brought in as a matter of course to cover the two existing vacancies as has been custom and practice.

Further, that this Council views this move as retrograde, expresses concern that the Executive have undermined the position of the retained firefighting personnel and call on the Executive to review this decision in its entirety.”

 

41.  CLASSIFICATION OF M.E. AND C.F.S. AS LONG TERM ILLNESSES

“That Sligo County Council calls upon the Department of Health to classify Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as a long term illness that affects 10-20,000 people across the state. Further, that the Department adopts the diagnostic criteria as stated by the ME/CFS International Consensus Criteria to avoid mis-diagnosis.

This illness, recognised as a neurological condition by the World Health Organisation, has seen many sufferers face difficulties getting appropriate support and treatments due to the lack of understanding and subsequent mis-diagnosis by many health practitioners. This is further compounded by the minimal recognition the HSE shows for the illness which has the subsequent impact of many sufferers remaining locked out of the social welfare system.”

 

50.  GREEN PAPER ON IRISH UNITY:

“That Sligo County Council calls on the incoming Government to establish an Oireachtas all-party group to bring forward a Green Paper preparing for Irish Unity.”

 

42.  & 45.  COUNTY SLIGO FIRE SERVICE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to reverse their reported decision that Sligo County Council in conjunction with Sligo Fire Service management do not intend to renew full time fire fighter posts in Sligo Fire Station. Is this a cost saving measure on behalf of the Sligo County Council?”

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

AND AGREED

“Noting the proposal of the Council executive not to renew fulltime fire fighter posts in Sligo Fire Station; and further noting that the Sligo Fire Station will be downgraded from a Full Time/Retained Station to a Retained Only Station; this Council expresses its deep unease with the proposal and its potential consequences, and we call on the Council executive to reconsider its proposal and to enter into meaningful negotiations with the trade union representatives of the firefighters.”  

Councillor Bree and Councillor Healy referred to the situation in Sligo Fire Station.  In supporting the motions, Councillors referred to having attended a Meeting 20th February, having been contacted by concerned Firefighters.

Mr. Kilfeather reported that this matter is currently being progressed through the Workplace Relations Commission. As all matters relating to staff are executive functions the Council Executive has been negotiating the issues with the Trade Union (SIPTU) since December 2018. Following a referral to the Workplace Relations Commission, a Conciliation hearing took place in July 2019, arising from which the Union were to make further submissions to the Council. A further WRC Conciliation hearing has been requested on this matter and a date for a hearing is awaited.

Following the delivery of his report, Mr. Kilfeather added that quite a lot had been said at the Meeting, which the members were quite entitled to do However, he had to show respect for the Workplace Relations Commission and the process.  Therefore, he would not be making any further comment on it.

The Chief Executive added that, in relation to the Fire Service personnel and their role, it was a critical role in the frontline. The Executive and community relied on them to serve that role.  It was a very difficult position that they were being put in as their role essentially was to protect the community.  However, he was concerned about some of the statements that had been made.  This was an Executive function, managed by professionals who had years of experience in the area of managing Fire Stations and they would continue to do so in line with National policy and Departmental guidelines.  He continued that the impression had been given in some of the statements that there was an additional risk to the community. He considered statements to be grossly irresponsible.  The issue had been raised without any consultation with the Executive and he was very disappointed that a public forum such as a Council Meeting should be used in a way that would raise those kinds of concerns among the general public.

Also, the impression had been given that there was a downgrading of the Station.  This was not the case and, in fact, he was looking at increasing the role of the Station and would continue to do so.

There was an entire machinery of State that had been set up to deal with issues of industrial relations.  It was that machinery of State that would be used to address this issue and others that related to the relationship between the staff of the Council and the Executive.  A Council Meeting is not an appropriate forum to discuss those issues.

In response to a query from Councillor Bree, Mr. Kilfeather advised that Sligo County Council would adhere to any ruling of the W.R.C.

 

43.  SALE OF A.T.M.S BY BANK OF IRELAND AND A.I.B.:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Dept of Finance, Bank of Ireland and AIB urging that the proposed sale of ATMs by the aforementioned banks does not proceed.”

 

44.  CAR PARKING SPACES AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the HSE and ask them what plans are in place to facilitate the  growing  number of  service users and  their families that need car parking places at Sligo University Hospital.   In addition to inquire about the provision of a safe set down area specific to E. D.”

 

46.  REVIVAL OF RURAL SLIGO:

At the request of Councillor Clarke, the Leas-Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this item to the April Meeting Agenda:

“Given that the population of Ireland in 1980 was 3.4 million and 40 years on in 2020 the population has grown by 1.5 million to 4.9 million and the greatest achievement of senior state Planners and County Development Plans policies, is decline and the deprivation of rural Ireland, and now in the 2020-2040 plan rural once off house planning will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. This policy will ensure; Schools, Shops, Sport Clubs, Post Offices and our rural cultural-heritage way of life will continue to disappear in Rural Ireland.

I call on the Executive and Elected Members to create goodwill positive discrimination to revive rural Sligo.”

 

47.  PARKING FACILITIES AND ACCESS AT GURTEEN HEALTH CENTRE:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to request an update from the HSE in relation to the parking facilities and works to disability access at Gurteen Health Centre.”

 

48.  REQUEST FOR UPDATE ON NEW GARDA STATION IN TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to request an update from the Department and the O.P.W. on the progress of a new Garda Station in Tubbercurry.”

 

49.  ELIGIBILITY FOR ‘BREAST CHECK’:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health to lower the age of Breast Check eligibility for women from 50 to 21.”

 

51.  ACCESS ROAD AND CAR PARK AT BENBULBEN WALK AT BARNARIBBON/GORTAROWEY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor Casserly

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to liaise with Coillte as a matter of urgency to make suitable the access road and Car Park at the highly successful Benbulben walk at Barnaribbon/Gortarowey. The road is currently not fit for purpose and the drainage from the amenity is running down the L7403 and not only damaging that road but also the Homes and private property along the road.

This road was never suitable for Buses but has several buses meeting along the road during peak season and being unable to pass without damaging adjoining properties. The buses also have nowhere to park and end up obstructing access for other users.”

The meeting was advised by Mr. Kilfeather that this section of the L-7403 is not included on the 2019-2021 Multi Annual Restoration Improvement Programme or the programme of works for this year. However if additional funding becomes available in the future this road will be included for consideration. The Area Engineer will inspect this road to ascertain if any works can be carried out to relieve the surface drainage issue.

The report was welcomed by the Members and, also, that the road further down would be upgraded.  It was also highlighted by Councillor Casserly that Coillte would be liaising with the County Council to have the road improved. They had not given a commitment until works they had been undertaking had finished in the area.  Now, however, they would assist the County Council in repairing these roads and also the road to Urlar.

In concluding the discussion on this item, Councillor Gilroy added that he had also raised this matter at the Heritage Forum.

 

53.  N4/N15 (ROSSES POINT ROAD) JUNCTION:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to confirm if any variations to the N4/N15 Rosses Point Road Junction contract have occurred to date and if so what will the cost implications to Sligo County Council be.

To also ask that any substantial variations, cost overruns or delays be informed to Councillors at the next Council meeting following the occurrence of such Variations, Overruns or Delays.”

Mr. Kilfeather reported that there is no N4/N15 Rosses Point Road Junction Contract in existence. The current Works taking place at the N15/Rosses Point Junction are part of the much wider N4-N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme Contract, which involves the upgrade of a 730m section of the existing N4-N15 dual carriageway to three lanes in both directions, from Hughes Bridge to a point just north of the R291 Rosses Point Road junction. It includes upgrade works to the junctions at R870 Markievicz Road, N16 Duck Street and R291 Rosses Point Road to accommodate changes to the alignment.

The Works involve substantial civil works including the repair of the masonry arch section of the Copper River Culvert under the Rosses Point Road, replacing the main culvert crossing the N15, modifications to the Salmon Point Recreation Area, the construction of six retaining walls, the provision of drainage systems, significant utilities works, earthworks, pavement construction, boundary treatment, landscaping, street lighting, the provision of enhanced footways and cycle-ways, as well as the installation of state of the art traffic signal technology to optimise traffic flows through the junctions.

Sligo County Council entered into a Public Works Contract for this Scheme with Fox Building and Engineering Limited in July 2019 and works commenced on site in September 2019. The expected duration of the Works is 12 months. The Construction Contract Sum is €7.7 million (ex. VAT) which is primarily funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), with Irish Water funding the provision of new Irish Water Capital Infrastructure, which is being provided as part of the Scheme. There have been no noteworthy variations to the Contract to date. Any changes to the Contract are dealt with in accordance with the Conditions of Contract, as is the case with all Schemes under the Public Works Contract.

Sligo County Council seeks to keep the Council briefed on the progress of all Capital schemes through the quarterly Management Report.

Councillor Gilroy thanked the Director of Services for his report and appreciated that the Members were being kept informed.

 

54.  COUNTY COUNCIL RENT INCREASES:

The Leas-Cathaoirleach informed the Meeting that he wished to defer the following item to the Agenda of the April Meeting:

“Sligo County Council defers the local Council rent increases ‘til such a time that Legislation is brought into Government when the decision to raise local rents is given to Elected representatives rather than unelected Officials.”

 

57.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat McTernan of Roughan, Sooey on the death of his mother, Nora.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dr. Bríd McElgunn from Coolaney on the death of her father, Farrell.

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 Aunt, Helen Quinn.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ivor Evans of Drumaskibbole on the death of his father, Hugh.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Marie Evans of Drumshanbo on the death of her husband, Hugh.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Lyndann Kiely of Kevinsfort on the death of her father, Leo. J. Loftus.

 

58.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Michael Morgan of Rosehill, Sligo on winning the Irish Schools Cross Country Event in Santry.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Summerhill College Senior Soccer Team on regaining the Dr. Tony O’Neill, F.A.I. Connacht Senior ‘A’ Cup on their win over St. Gerald’s of Castlebar.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Michael Naughton of Castleconnor on his election to the role of President of the L.G.F.A.”

 

59.  CONFERENCES/TRAINING:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady  
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

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

 

60.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

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

 

61.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members noted items of correspondence received and circulated with the Agenda.

 

62.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading. 

 

63.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Civic Reception for Community Games and Mrs. Ann Kelly:

Councillor Gilroy extended his thanks to all involved in hosting the Reception. He had been asked by those who attended to convey their thanks.

Also, if any Member wished to sponsor a trophy for their Events, it would cost in the region of €35 and Ms. Margaret Bolton would be contacting the Members in this regard.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 2.10 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 09/03/2020