Minutes 2020

Minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council - Chief Executive’s Report (Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023) held on Monday, 12th October, 2020 In Sligo Regional Sports Centre, Cleveragh, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Connolly,
  • Councillor Fox,
  • Councillor Gibbons,
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Taylor and
  • Councillor Walsh.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • John Moran, Acting Director of Services
  • Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Clodagh Quinn, Staff Officer
  • Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor D. Mulvey presided.

 

APOLOGIES 

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

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present and asked Mr. Moran, Acting Director of Services and Compliance Officer (as required under Health and Safety protocols) for the meeting to set out the procedures to be followed.

Mr. Moran informed the meeting of the safety procedures that had to be followed in order to hold the meeting during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

 

DISCUSSION ON CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT – DRAFT VARIATION NO. 1 (SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2023):

The Cathaoirleach informed the Members that he had two motions brought forward to him at the outset of the meeting.

 

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

“That Sligo County Council accept the Chief Executive’s recommendations in response to Submissions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 and amends the Chief Executive’s Report to include all of the submission and observations contained in Submission no. 9 (from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly) and Submission no. 11 (from the Office of the Planning Regulator).”

 

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

“Until such time as the railway is possible in line with National Policy and in line with the R.S.E.S., that the closed railway route from Collooney to the county border at Bellaghy, Charlestown will be supported by Sligo County Council as a Greenway until such time as R.P.O. 6.13 from the Regional Plans is deliverable.”

The Chief Executive noted that the report which had been furnished to the Members outlined details of the recommendations, some of which were absolutely relevant and should be included and others which were not.  Each of the recommendations as outlined in the report could be voted on individually.  There were reasons as to why the Executive would not be in favour of all the submissions as presented to the Members.

In response to a contribution from Councillor Bree, the Chief Executive confirmed that he was obliged to give advice to the Members.  His advice was that the first motion presented was not appropriate.

In reply to a request from Councillor Walsh for clarity on this issue, Councillor Gilroy said that his motion referred to submissions numbers 1 to 8 and number 10.  He felt it would be appropriate that they would speak on Submissions 9 (from the N.W.R.A. - Northern and Western Regional Assembly) and 11 (from the O.P.R. - Office of the Planning Regulator). 

In response to a question from Councillor Casserly as to whether the Greenway would be compromised by the submissions, the subject of Councillor Gilroy’s motion, the Senior Planner referred to the wording of the motion relating to the Greenway.  If the wording was required, it would neccesitate a re-drafting of the full variation and go through a further period of consultation.  This would not just be a minor variation and would require the variation process to start again, including putting it on public display and seeking submissions. 

The purpose of the submission from the N.W.R.A. was to point out where the variation was inconsistent with the R.S.E.S.  The difficulty the Executive had, in many instances, was that the N.W.R.A. was not pointing out inconsistencies.  For that reason, it was difficult to comply with the N.W.R.A. submission as it was difficult to know what they were saying was inconsistent between the County Development Plan and the R.S.E.S.

Following a discussion it was agreed to go through submission no. 9, issue by issue.

Submission no. 9 – issue no. 1 relates to Sligo Town being referred to as a city and the N.W.R.A. “recommended that reference to Sligo City be omitted and refer instead to Sligo as a significant town that functions in a similar manner but at a different scale to the bigger cities and has accordingly been designated as a Regional Growth Centre”.

Councillor Gilroy set out his reasons for agreeing with this recommendation from the N.W.R.A. and the risks he felt this could cause.  In response, the Chief Executive said he could actually see no risk whatsoever in calling Sligo a city.  Investment had been attracted for the benefit of Sligo and that had been done with the current description of Sligo as a city. 

Following a discussion, it was agreed to accept the recommendation of the Chief Executive.

In response to a query from Councillor Walsh, the Chief Executive did not consider any advantage in Sligo attracting funding arising from Councillor Gilroy’s motion.

The Cathaoirleach indicated that he would have to take a vote on the original, first motion and Councillor Gilroy confirmed that he was open to someone else making an amendment on it to say that the Members would vote on each of the submissions.

An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor S. Maguire, seconded by Councillor T. Walsh.  A discussion ensued on the issue of whether it was an amendment or a separate motion.  The Chief Executive advised that while it was an issue for the Members, in his view it was an amendment to the original motion, and quoted the Standing Orders.

Standing Order no. 26:

“Every amendment shall be relevant to the motion on which it is moved and shall be either (a) to leave out words, (b) to leave out words and insert or add others, (c) to insert or add words.  An amendment shall not be in order if it is equivalent to a direct negative or if it is not in fact an amendment of the motion it purports to amend.  

When an amendment is moved to an original motion it shall be discussed and decided upon before any further discussion takes place on the original motion to which the amendment relates.”

Following further discussion the Cathaoirleach ruled that the motion submitted by Councillor Maguire should be considered an amendment to the original motion and requested that a vote be taken on it

 

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

“That Sligo County Council accept 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 as contained in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in the County Development Plan Variation”

A vote was called by the Cathaoirleach which resulted as follows:

FOR:  Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Connolly, Councillor Fox, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Mullaney, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Taylor and Councillor Walsh (10)

AGAINST:  Councillor Bree, Councillor Gibbons, Councillor Gilroy, Councillor Healy and Councillor O’Boyle (5)

ABSENT:  Councillor Baker, Councillor MacSharry and Councillor Queenan (3)

The Cathaoirleach deemed the resolution CARRIED.

The Cathaoirleach then referred to the following motion

 

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

“Until such time as the railway is possible in line with National Policy and in line with the R.S.E.S., that the closed railway route from Collooney to the county border at Bellaghy, Charlestown will be supported by Sligo County Council as a Greenway until such time as R.P.O. 6.13 from the Regional Plans is deliverable.”

The Senior Planner said it was important to remember what the purpose of the the variation was, i.e. to bring the County Development Plan into line with the provisions of the R.S.E.S. and N.P.F.  It was about identifying areas where there were inconsistencies between the two documents.  At this point in time, there was no change proposed regarding the Greenway in the County Development Plan as it was consistent with the R.S.E.S. and N.P.F.  The variation was not proposing any such change nor was it felt that any change was necessary.

Following a discussion, the Cathaoirleach asked if the motion regarding the Greenway was agreed.  The Chief Executive informed the meeting that the motion which had been handed up did not impact on the Variation.  It was quite simply a motion of support for the Greenway.

Councillor Clarke suggested that it would be taken following discussion on the variation, this was agreed by the Cathaoirleach and Members.

The Senior Planner confirmed that it would be helpful if each item could be proposed, seconded and agreed.  He then proceeded to guide the Members through each issue within submission no. 9 and the relevant recommendations.

 

Submission no. 9  (David Minton on behalf of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly – N.W.R.A.)

Issues 1 to 6

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendations for Issues 1 to 6 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

In response to an enquiry from Councillor Maguire as to whether some items had been dealt with already, the Chief Executive confirmed that Issue no. 1 relating to Sligo City had been agreed.

 

Issue 7

Mr. Moylan noted that Section 1.3 of the County Development Plan set out past historical trends.  It is not the appropriate section to insert any mention of the Regional Growth Centre and no change is required to the Plan.

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 7 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issue 8

The Senior Planner confirmed that there was nothing in Section 1.4 of the County Development Plan that could be considered inconsistent and there was no recommendation required on foot of this.

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 8 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issue 9

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 9 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issue 10

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To remove the first paragraph in Draft Amendment 14.”

The Senior Planner said he considered this a minor modification and did not consider further public consultation would be required.”

 

Issue 11

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 11 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issue 12

Councillor Gilroy asked how it would benefit Sligo to leave the paragraph in question in.  The Senior Planner responded that the sentence is factual and correct.  It was being retained for clarity regarding the policy context which formed the basis for the County Development Plan in 2017.  The recommendation, therefore, was for no change.

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 12 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issues 13 and 14

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendations for Issues 13 and 14 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issue 15

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 15 Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issue 16

Mr. Moylan confirmed that Sligo County Council would be working with the O.P.R. and the N.W.R.A. when preparing the Sligo and Environs Local Area Plan and then the County Development Plan.  In regard to the Core Strategy and Population targets, the time to be doing that is later this year when work would commence on the Local Area Plan and when preparatory work will commence on the review of the Sligo County Development Plan next year.

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 16 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issues 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21

Members noted that Councillor Casserly’s earlier motion, which had been agreed, also related to Issue 21.

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issues 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

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

AND AGREED

“To accept the Recommendation for Issue 11 in Submission no. 9 as set out in the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

 

Issue 22

Following discussion Senior Planner Mr. Moylan said his advice was consistent with the Chief Executive’s recommendation in the report.  The opinion was that “The RPOs included in the RSES are either high-level/aspirational or very specific, even to project level.  All relevant RPOs specific to County Sligo have been incorporated in the Draft Variation.  The high-level RPOs will be taken into consideration as part of the preparation of the next CDP 2023-2029.”  Most of what was being referred to was already contained in the County Development Plan.  He gave the example of R.P.O.s 8.5 and 8.6 relating to the extension of the gas network which the County Development Plan has already incorporated as an Objective on page 201 of the Plan.

Councillor Gilroy again asked if the R.P.O.s would be included in the main body of the Plan.  Councillor Maguire asked the Senior Planner to outline how it would be different to include it in the main body.

Mr. Moylan said he found it hard to say how he could comply with that request and gave the example of the R.S.E.S. being a 250 page document.  That would be a further 250 pages in the County Development Plan and that did not make sense to him.  There was absolutely no need as they were contained in the County Development Plan.

Councillor Clarke enquired if this amendment would send the Plan back out for public consultation. The Senior Planner said that there was no doubt that it would.  It would require a substantial change and would bring the process back to square one.

A vote was called on the following resolution

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That the R.P.O.s as listed should be included in the main part of the Sligo County Development Plan (R.P.O.s listed in Issue 22 of the N.W.R.A. Submission no. 9).”

The vote resulted as follows:

FOR:  Councillor Bree, Councillor Gibbons, Councillor Gilroy, Councillor Healy and Councillor O’Boyle (5)

AGAINST:  Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Connolly, Councillor Fox, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Mullaney, Councillor Mulvey, vO’Grady, Councillor Taylor and Councillor Walsh (10)

ABSENT:  Councillor Baker, Councillor MacSharry and Councillor Queenan (3)

The Cathaoirleach deemed the resolution LOST.

Councillor Walsh referred to a virtual Meeting arranged by the Cathaoirleach on Friday, 9th October to discuss all these matters.  Only four Members had been present.   Discussions were now continuing at the current meeting.  He further asked for clarity on the cost of the meeting in the Regional Sports Centre.

 

Submission 11

The Members agreed to accept the Chief Executive’s recommendation in relation to Submission 11 from the OPR.

 

MAKING OF VARIATION TO THE SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2023:

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

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of the Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023; it is hereby resolved to make the variation subject to the recommendations contained in the Chief Executive’s Report dated 21st September, 2020 and subject to additional modifications agreed by resolution at this meeting and attached herewith.”

 

SUPPORT FOR GREENWAY FROM COLLOONEY TO THE COUNTY BORDER AT BELLAGHY, CHARLESTOWN:

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

AND AGREED

“Until such time as the railway is possible in line with National Policy and in line with the R.S.E.S., that the closed railway route from Collooney to the county border at Bellaghy, Charlestown will be supported by Sligo County Council as a Greenway until such time as R.P.O. 6.13 from the Regional Plans is deliverable.

Councillor Bree sought confirmation that this was an expression of support and would not affect the resolution agreed regarding the variation or would have no bearing on the Plan and this was confirmed.

He also sought clarification on Draft Amendment No. 56 and it was confirmed that the proposed wording in blue on Page 57 of the Draft Variation document would be included into the County Developent Plan as part of this variation process.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor Healy enquired if it would be possible to hold future meetings in the Regional Sports Centre. 

The Chief Executive informed the meeting that there were some difficulties with this venue.  The first of those related to the closure of the Centre.  When the County Council would meet there, the entire Centre had to close.  The Management could not allow anybody else into the building, e.g. to use the swimming pool or gym. There were also difficulties with wifi access which was unreliable.

The Members were further reminded that the holding of meetings was at the mercy of any potential increase in the level of restrictions due to Covid-19.  The Executive would revert to the Members in relation to a venue.

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked all those who had attended the Meeting and the business concluded at 6.55 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 12/10/2020