Minutes 2020

Minutes of November Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 2nd November, 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in The Regional Sports Centre, Cleveragh, Sligo

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Baker,
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 Queenan and
Councillor Walsh.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
John Moran, A/Director of Services
Dónal Tinney, County Librarian
Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
Clodagh Quinn, Staff Officer
Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dara Mulvey, presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor T. MacSharry and Councillor P. Taylor.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR 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 updated safety procedures that had to be followed in order to hold the meeting during the current pandemic. Details had been circulated to all those attending prior to the meeting and the details were noted.

The Cathaoirleach said he wished to thank the Members for their co-operation. In particular, several Members had agreed to remove notices of motion they had submitted and moved them to their respective Municipal District Meeting Agendas.

1. MINUTES OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S TOWN TWINNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 11^TH FEBRUARY, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Sligo County Council’s Town Twinning Committee Meeting held on 11^th February, 2020.”

2. MINUTES OF LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee Meetings held on a) 13^th February, 2020 and b) 7^th May, 2020.”

3. MINUTES OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 16TH JULY, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee Meeting held on 16^th July, 2020.”

4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 27TH JULY, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Meeting held on 27^th July, 2020.”

5. MINUTES OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP MEETING HELD ON 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of the Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 4^th September, 2020.”

6. MINUTES OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S PROCEDURES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 23RD SEPTEMBER, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Sligo County Council’s Procedures Committee Meeting held on 23^rd September, 2020.”

7. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 5TH OCTOBER, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5^th October, 2020.”

8. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 12TH OCTOBER, 2020 RE. DRAFT VARIATION NO. 1 OF SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 12^th October, 2020 re. Draft Variation no. 1 of Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023.”

9. DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC ROADS – “TOWERHILL”, BALLYMOTE AND “BALLINPHULL RISE”, CLIFFONEY:

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

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 Numbers	Location and Terminal Points
L-16049-0, L-16049-1 and L-16049-2	The roads serving development known as “Towerhill”, Ballymote, Co. Sligo.
L-71184-0	The road serving development known as “Ballinphull Rise” Cliffoney, Co. Sligo.

10. SECTION 183 – RENEWAL OF LEASE OF LANDS AT KILBOGLASHY AND ABBEYTOWN (KNOWN LOCALLY AS BALLISODARE SPORTS FIELDS):

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the renewal of lease of lands at Kilboglashy and Abbeytown (known locally as Ballisodare Sports Fields) to Ballisodare Community Development Association C.L.G.”

11. SECTION 6 – PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO SOPHIA HOUSING ASSOCIATION C.L.G. – CAPITAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR ACQUISITION PROJECT AT 175 RUSHEEN ARD, CALTRAGH, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to Sophia Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme for the acquisition project at No. 175 Rusheen Ard, Caltragh, Sligo.”

12. SECTION 6 – PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO ICARE HOUSING C.L.G. – PROJECT AT NO. 7 BROOKFIELD, CLIFFONEY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to ICARE Housing Company Limited by Guarantee in the form of CALF Loan for the Mortgage To Rent CALF P&A acquisition project at No. 7 Brookfield, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo.”

13. SECTION 6 – PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO ICARE HOUSING C.L.G. – PROJECT AT 106 RUSHEEN ARD, CALTRAGH, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

14. SECTION 6 – PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO ICARE HOUSING C.L.G. – PROJECT AT NO. 25 AVONDALE, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

15. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S REVISED STANDING ORDERS:

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

AND AGREED

“To agree Sligo County Council’s Revised Standing Orders regulating the Proceedings of the Meetings of the Council.”

16. APPROVAL OF REDISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS UNDER THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARTS GRANTS SCHEME 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the recommendations of the Arts Assessment Committee to the redistribution of funds under the Contribution to the Arts Grant Scheme 2020.”

17. ESTABLISHMENT OF DISABILITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That the Council approves of the recommendations of the Housing and Corporate Strategic Policy Committee to establish the Sligo County Council Disability Consultative Committee as a sub-committee of the S.P.C. The Terms of Reference and membership of the Committee, as set out in the circulated report dated 28^th October, 2020, is hereby approved.”

18. 2020-2021 WINTER SERVICE PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To note the 2020-2021 Winter Service Plan.”

19. COUNTY SLIGO JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2019:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council notes the circulated County Sligo Joint Policing Committee’s Annual Report for 2019.”

20. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL FOR A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (B.I.D.) TO SUCCEED THE CURRENT B.I.D.:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That the proposal for a further Sligo Business Improvement District (BID) scheme, including the initial request also received to hold a plebiscite pursuant to Section 129C 4(a) of the Local Government Act, 2001 as amended by the Business Improvement District Act, 2006 is noted and that the local authority will now proceed to publicise the proposal and invite the views of the public in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act, 2001”

21. LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLIC LIGHTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and subject to Ministerial sanction Sligo County Council hereby authorises the raising of a loan of €4M for the purposes of the Local Authority Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project.”

In reply to queries raised, Mr. Kilfeather informed the Meeting that the source of the funding was not known at this time but it was usually sourced through the H.F.A. The duration of the loan would be for the maximum length that could be obtained, possibly payable over 20 years. As a result, the interest rate was not set as yet and would not be known until an application was finalised. However, the rate sought would be the best available. The works related to public lighting county wide which involved a stock of 7,700 lights. Some of those had been upgraded as repairs had been required. T.I.I. would pay for the lights on the National road network. The expectation had been that this project would have commenced at this time. However, due to Covid-19, it would possibly be Q3 of 2021 before any works would be seen. Savings that would accrue resulting from the works would pay for the cost of servicing the loan, Mr. Kilfeather concluded.

22. REPORT OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S AUDIT COMMITTEE/STATUTORY AUDIT REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 2019:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the report of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee/ Statutory Audit Report for year ending 31st December, 2019.”

23. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2020:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

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

Councillor Bree requested clarification as to whether another Councillor had attended a meeting with the Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive on the 4^th September, 2020. He stated he would raise the matter again in December.

CIRCULATION OF REPORTS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING:

It was noted that reports from Directors of Services had been issued to the Members in advance of the Meeting.

24. NUMBERS OF L.I.S. AND C.I.S. APPLICATIONS AWAITING FUNDING:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To call on the Director of Services for Infrastructure to give a report on the number of L.I.S. and C.I.S. applications awaiting funding.”

Councillor Mullaney referred to the report prepared by Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services which read as follows:

Sligo County Council have currently 160 Local Improvement Scheme applications on file. Of the 160 applications, a total of 34 have been processed and deemed eligible. The total value of the 34 eligible schemes is €980,000.The remaining Schemes are either ineligible or we are awaiting further information, costing reports from engineers or they simply have not replied to our correspondence. The average LIS allocation in recent years has been approximately €250,000 annually.

We received funding of €730,000 for the completion of 22 CIS schemes in 2020 to which a local contribution of 15% was required. We expect a further allocation in 2021. We have currently 45 eligible Community Involvement Schemes on file awaiting funding. The value of these is estimated at €1.6m.

In noting its contents, Councillor Mullaney asked that a letter would be forwarded to the Department seeking additional funding.

Councillor Clarke referred to contact being made with the Minister in the past to secure funding and felt that this should be done again at this time.

Councillor Mullaney confirmed that he would contact Minister Frank Feighan on this matter.

25. APPLICATIONS FOR FELLING LICENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council that forestry owners applying for a felling licence and a loading bay would have a condition of planning that they would contribute to a C.I.S./L.I.S. scheme a monetary figure determined by the local authority.”

Ms. Clarke reported that applications for felling licences are made directly to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Accordingly, it is a matter for the Department to determine what conditions should be imposed in the processing of such felling licences.

Councillor Mullaney asked that a letter would be sent to the Department from the meeting. He felt that there should be a greater contribution payable by the forestry owners due to the weight their lorries would be carrying along the county’s roads.

26. USE OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide a Cost Benefit report on the advantages of purchasing a Drone and train members of staff to use Drone Technology to assist Engineering, Planning Environment, Housing and Enforcement sections.

This technology could reduce costs and increase efficiencies substantially in all departments.”

A report had been issued by Mr. Moran, Acting Director of Services, informing the Members that as the Data Protection Commissioner published a recent ruling in relation to the use of drone technology by a Local Authority, this matter has been referred to our Data Protection Officer for report.

Councillor Gilroy acknowledged the contents of the report and added that he was looking to reduce costs by the use of this technology. In recent days, Dublin City Council had used drones to locate possible sites of bonfires. He welcomed that this was going to be investigated further for use by Sligo County Council.

27. PROVISION OF FULL-TIME CATH LAB AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council seek an update on the matter of a full time Cath Lab at Sligo University Hospital having regard to the fact that there has been uncertainty and lack of clarity on this issue for too long.”

Councillor Casserly and Councillor O’Grady outlined the background to this matter which had been ongoing for a lengthy period of time.

Councillor Walsh informed the meeting that he had received a reply from Minister Donnelly’s Office regarding this matter and undertook to circulate a copy to the Members.

28. FUTURE OF POST OFFICE NETWORK:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Taoiseach asking him to implement the recommendations of the Grant Thornton report on the future of the post office network.”

Members outlined their concerns regarding the closures which had taken place in Sligo. They reiterated that if the remaining offices in the county were to continue operating, people would have to support them and visit those offices to carry out transactions. They appealed to the public to support the Post Office network as much as possible.

The Chief Executive said the Council could also assist in this process. When the Housing Office and Revenue Collection moved to County Hall, the Council’s Tenants were encouraged to take up the Household Budget option. Further gains could be made while assisting the Post Offices to increase its business and trade. If this was supported by the Members, this would be taken up in the New Year.

29. UPDATE ON PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON MAIN STREET IN BALLISODARE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to give an update report on when the pedestrian crossings will go ahead on the Main Street in Ballisodare now that public consultation has taken place.”

Councillor Healy referred to the report which Members had received which indicated that there is no funding available for this pedestrian crossing currently. However our Road Design will discuss the matter with the T.I.I. to identify possible funding streams. He emphasised the urgent need for this crossing in the village.

Councillor Gilroy, in supporting the resolution, referred to the shape of the village and said that crossings might be required at both ends of the Main Street.

Councillor Healy agreed with this opinion and said that this matter had been raised at meetings regarding the crossing. Should an additional crossing be installed on the Martin Savage Bridge, this would have the added advantage of slowing down traffic approaching the roundabout. This would be of benefit to people wishing to cross at that end of the village.

Councillor Gilroy suggested that this matter might be brought before a Municipal District Meeting. Members would have more time to debate the issue and other serious issues in that forum.

30. IDENTIFICATION OF POSSSIBLE LOCATIONS FOR PROVISION OF REMOTE WORKING HUBS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to identify possible locations and set out a clear plan for the provision of remote working hubs across the county in order to be ready to make application to access funding as announced in Budget 2021. Remote working is now central to rural development policy and has become an everyday reality.”

Councillor Walsh said he had listed this item in the context of the €5 million made available in the Budget for Minister Humphrey’s Department for Covid-19 adaptations to towns and villages. He hoped the local authority would be in a position to make an application but added that it was unclear whether it would be County Councils or Community Groups that would be making those applications. He outlined the benefits that these works could bring to rural communities.

The Members had been furnished with a report by Ms. Clarke prior to the Meeting.

In the report, it was noted that there are seven Hub Centres throughout the county whom the Council is already engaging with. A number of those have availed of a recent Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) Hubs Outreach Scheme to help them face the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The seven Centres are:

Hub name	Ownership/Management
Ballintogher Family Enterprise Centre (Phase 1)	Community Enterprise Centre
The Strand Campus, Strandhill	Sligo County Enterprise Fund Co.
Enniscrone Enterprise Centre	Community Enterprise Centre
I.T. Sligo Business Innovation Centre	I.T. Sligo
The Building Block, Sligo	Business
An Chroí South Sligo Enterprise Centre, Tubbercurry	Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce
The Landing Space, Sligo	Sligo County Council, I.T. Sligo and I.D.A. Ireland

Further information was provided in the report regarding the Hubs Outreach Scheme in the detailed report.

It was also highlighted that the AEC, working with the Western Development Commission, is proposing to publish a Hubs Network Strategy involving ten local authorities along the AEC.

In conclusion, the report stated that while the pandemic has presented challenges and has delivered some insurmountable hardship, it also has presented opportunities to reflect on how and where workers can operate from. In facing these challenges there is a growing realization that the work force can operate in a different manner, one more conducive to a balanced lifestyle. Remote working hubs can, as well as facilitating a local and regional need and in time perhaps facilitate a demand from workers from some of Ireland’s multinationals to relocate some of their workplace to regional & local hubs.

Councillor Mullaney, in supporting the resolution, added that these hubs would also fit into the ‘Green Agenda’ as it could work in all communities and would take traffic out of those areas that does not generate economic activity.

The Chief Executive confirmed this and said it not only fitted in with the ‘Green Agenda’ and rural development but it also fitted in nicely with the Digital Strategy. He asked that any new centres would link in with the Council’s Broadband Officer, Nigel Carter, regarding broadband points. This would ensure that they could all dovetail together. Once they would have the broadband connection it would be the basis for their success.

Councillor Casserly added that there was a huge demand in North Sligo and enquired how owners of private premises could go about setting up a hub. Many people working at home were also looking for a location away from their house.

Councillor Walsh thanked Ms. Clarke for the report and noted that the Outreach Scheme referred to was geared towards Covid-19. If spaces were mapped, this would focus on development of new facilities. In discussing Covid-19 and Level 5 restrictions, he felt the country was going the right way.

31. REQUEST FOR PROVISION OF A SKATE PARK AT CLEVERAGH PARK IN SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to explore the provision of an outdoor skate park in Cleveragh Park and provide a report on same.”

A report had been issued to the Members from Ms. Clarke’s office advising them that Sligo County Council will investigate the introduction of a proposed skate park at Cleveragh Regional Park and revert at a future meeting with details of what’s involved. Issues for consideration include planning considerations, environmental issues, demand for such a facility, suitability of a site or location within the Park, costs of installation and possible funding opportunities, ongoing maintenance, insurance etc.

Councillor Walsh referred to many locations where they were already in place across the country. This sport was developing very quickly and was to be included in the next Olympics.

He said his understanding was that the cost of such a facility would be in the region of €400 per m² This would fit into the Sports Capital Programme. A group were forming a Committee in Sligo town on this issue. He said he would welcome a report to the Members in the next two to three months.

Councillor O’Boyle agreed that there was a lot of interest in the provision of such a facility. Many people could be seen skating on roads and footpaths and the installation of a park would be welcomed.

Councillor Maguire added her support and said this was a very timely motion and that she would support any action that could be taken to bring it to fruition.

32. SEALING OF MOTHER AND BABY HOME RECORDS FOR 30 YEARS:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that there was an amendment to the motion as it had been listed.

The original motion had read

“Sligo County Council condemns the Government’s decision to seal away mother and baby records for 30 years.”

The amendment read as follows

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council condemns the Government’s decision to seal away mother and baby records for 30 years and on behalf of the Repeal and Seal Campaign, we call on the Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister O’Gorman to urgently put in place Mental Health Supports for Survivors and Adoptees in advance of the publication of the Report of the Commission on Inquiry into Mother and Baby Homes and related matters. We also call on the Taoiseach and Minister to issue a National apology to Adoptees and Survivors for the policies of forced and coercive adoption as part of an acknowledgement of the ongoing legacy of loss and trauma.”

Councillor O’Boyle referred to his contacts with members of the ‘Repeal and Seal’ Campaign. He said that, as a result of their campaign, the Government had been forced to back down. They had tried to push through a Bill and had refused any of the 60 amendments put forward. This was not a victory for anyone and he referred to two tests being proposed for anyone wishing to access records. He felt there should be an apology from the Minister and Taoiseach to acknowledge the mistakes of the past.

Councillor Healy said this had cast a long, dark shadow for the survivors and those who did not survive. Their families were still entitled to answer. They had been failed in the past. He asked that they would not be failed in the future.

Councillor Bree and Councillor O’Grady added their support for this resolution.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Councillor O’Grady said she was glad that the resolution had been supported by the Members of Sligo County Council. The work carried out by their colleague, Councillor Gino O’Boyle, had to be acknowledged. She was aware of the work he had done in both a personal way and for many others. He had led out on this and there was no better person to do so. This would should be acknowledged and recognised.

33. RE-INTRODUCTION OF BUS ÉIREANN SERVICES TO THE MAUGHERABOY, CALTRAGH AND STRANDHILL ROAD AREAS IN SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“Having submitted motions regarding the re-introduction of Bus Services to the Maugheraboy, Caltragh and Strandhill Road areas, I am requesting an update on replies received From Bus Éireann in the past three months.”

Councillor O’Grady referred to correspondence issued to Bus Éireann from previous meetings over a number of years on this matter. What was being sought was the restoration of a service which had been in place previously. She then enquired if a date had been sent when a representative from Bus Éireann would attend a meeting to set out their reasons for its removal.

The Chief Executive informed the meeting that he had made contact with the Regional Manager in Galway and was hopeful of a reply with the next week and would advise the Members when it was received.

Councillor O’Grady thanked the Chief Executive for the update and asked that he would be invited in to a meeting as soon as possible. It was vital that this would be put to the top of the list of people giving a Presentation to the Members. She thanked the Chief Executive for his intervention.

Given the time constraints due to Covid-19, the Chief Executive asked if it would be more appropriate to ask a representative from Bus Éireann to attend a Borough District of Sligo Meeting. Councillor Walsh asked that he would also be available to attend a meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District.

It was, therefore, suggested by the Chief Executive that it might be possible to organise a joint meeting of both Municipal Districts to deal with the matter.

Councillor Walsh said, in supporting the motion, he had written to the C.E.O. of the National Transport Authority on a number of occasions and he wondered where the National Review was, particularly with a view to Bus Éireann services, including the current S1 and S2 services in Sligo where there currently was no bus service to the Retail Parks or Carraroe.

34. MOORING FACILITIES AT INISHMURRAY ISLAND:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that grant aid has not been provided to the Council in respect of its proposal for the provision of mooring facilities at Inishmurray island, and in particular for its proposals to (a) carry out initial land and sea bed level surveys, and (b) the design of an access facility; this meeting requests an up to date report on the project including details of the estimated total cost of the project and the likely source of funding for the project.”

The following report had been forwarded to the Members by the Director of Services, Mr. Kilfeather prior to the Meeting:

Sligo County Council carried out an initial land and sea survey in August to take advantage of calm seas and long daylight hours. As previously advised the resignations of 2 new Ministers of Marine during the year and the impact of COVID delayed the whole F.L.A.G.(Fisheries Local Action Group) Programme grant process.

This grant was finally announced at the end of September and no grant aid was given to any studies or design schemes at all for 2020 including Inishmurray. However we have continued to engage with FLAG who advise us that there could be an allocation of some sort very early next year for already submitted schemes.

With the land and sea surveys completed Langan Consulting Engineers from Westport are now undertaking a design for proposed works. This will hopefully leave us well prepared to procure a contractor for agreed works at Inishmurray to be undertaken in 2021.

It would be premature to give details of estimated cost as we don’t have any design at present and all the work is at an island. We have learned from the recent Metalman Project in Rosses Point that costs can be significant other than for the actual construction for a marine Project.

We will provide for costs incurred to date from within 2020 own Budgets but will continue to seek grant funding for the Project.

Councillor Bree and Councillor Gilroy outlined the difficulties this situation continued to cause for both visitors and those who had lived on the island and wished to visit graves of family members.

35. PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT CALTRAGH ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be provided with a progress report regarding the provision of a pedestrian crossing at Caltragh Road (near the Bus Stop) to safeguard pedestrians walking to and from Circular Road to Summerhill College and the offices of the Department of Social Protection.”

Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services had reported to the Members that a pedestrian crossing in the form of a zebra crossing will be installed at a suitable location on Gallows Hill south of Circular Rd which is being funded through the 2020 Active Travel programme. The scheme is at tender stage currently.

36. SLIGO-LEITRIM NORTHERN COUNTIES RAILWAY (SLNCR):

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that grant aid of €500,000 was allocated in July under the Carbon Tax Fund 2020, to bring the 75 kilometre section of the planned Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway, from Sligo to the Border, through Statutory Process; and aware that the project is one of several currently being considered for funding from the €500million Shared Island fund; this meeting requests a progress report on the project.”

Ms. Clarke, Director of Services had reported to the Members that

Sligo County Council is a partner along with Leitrim County Council (as lead partner) and Cavan County Council in the development of a greenway on the old SLNCR railway. A successful application led by Leitrim County Council to the Carbon Tax Fund 2020 secured technical assistance funding to advance this development.

From a recent meeting with Leitrim County Council, the necessary documentation for a tender brief is being prepared for the appointment of a design team for the project. It is anticipated that this tender brief will be advertised before the end of November 2020 with Design Team to be appointed early in the New Year. There are also early stage dialogue with cross border colleagues in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on mutual areas of collaboration which will also inform delivery timelines.

Sligo County Council had committed previously to a Section 85 Agreement in the initial phases of this project to support Leitrim County Council in their endeavours to undertake works outside of their functional area in Co. Sligo. It is proposed to continue and extend the Section 85 Agreement for the works that will form part of this phase funded from the Carbon Tax Fund 2020, as necessary. Sligo County Council will also seek to facilitate and support the design team with their efforts, subject to available resources.

The funding secured to date (€500,000) is to put in place the supporting documentation and environmental and Natura Impact assessments, statutory and local landowner consents necessary to achieve planning permission on the SLNCR Greenway project.

Councillors Walsh, Maguire, Casserly and Healy also wished to add their support to this resolution.

Councillor Healy advised the meeting that, together with Councillor Clarke and Councillor Connolly, he was a Board Member of I.C.B.A.N. (Irish Central Border Area Network). There was a Framework document due out shortly. This Greenway was one of the things high on their agenda. Eight other Councils were also involved and he hoped that they would have their support.

37. REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN COUNCILLORS’ ALLOCATIONS

AND

38. RESURFACING WORKS AT FERNDALE, CARTRON POINT, SLIGO:

As Councillor MacSharry was not in attendance at the Meeting, the Cathaoirleach advised the Members that he would defer items 37 and 38 to the December Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

37 - "That Sligo County Council members get an increase of €10,000 in Councillors allocations per annum. This funding is used by Councillors for various projects within the Sligo Community and that the proposed increase is taken from the LPT."

38 - "That Sligo County Council undertake resurfacing works at Ferndale, Cartron Point which is currently in a very dangerous state as a matter of urgency."

39. SMART TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEMS AND SPEED ENFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council investigate as a follow on to the Smart Traffic Light system being installed along the inner relief road the use of ‘soft’ speed enforcement techniques, using existing traffic signal arrays in rural villages.

This equipment has been equipped to detect that an approaching vehicle is exceeding the speed limit and stop it in its tracks.

The adapted traffic signals are normally on standby red. When a vehicle approaches, the speed sensor switches the signal to green unless it has detected speeding; in which case, it maintains the red period to slow the vehicle down.

Sligo would be ideally suited this as we have a lot of busy National and Regional roads going through villages and populated Rural Areas. This system is likely to result in improved driver behaviour as motorists who may sometimes be Scofflaws when it comes to speed limits are much less likely to ignore a red Light.

These systems are widely used in Portugal, Spain, Holland, and Sweden and are currently being trialled with remarkable success in Swindon in the UK. Sligo could and should be the trial area for this system in Ireland.”

The Members had been furnished with the following report from Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Service, prior to the Meeting

The Roads Department will note this request and consider in drafting our work programme for 2021. It would appear to be a relatively new approach for which strong data and records would be important in making an assessment as to its suitability. Any such consideration would need the approval of T.I.I. in relation to our national road network.

It is perhaps something that we could we could look at in the context of developing our Digital strategy.

40. REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF ROADS IN THE RESTORATION PROGRAMME FOR 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“That this motion calls on Sligo County Council to include the L7305 Rahelly/Doonowney From Junction with the N15 at Cashelgarron to Junction With L3303 Lissadell in the Restoration Improvement Programme 2021.”

The Members had been informed by Mr. Kilfeather that a 700m section of this road is included in the 2021 Restoration Improvement programme. Further Restoration improvement works required will be included for consideration in future road works programmes.

Councillor Gilroy thanked the Director of Services for this report.

41. SPELLING OF VILLAGE NAMES ON T.I.I. SIGNAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request that TII do not use the Rathcormack spelling on road signs and continue to use the Rathcormac Spelling that has been used by Sligo County Council from the formation of the state on road signs and even on the Rathcormac Mini Plan. The Rathcormac spelling has been used by the community and is used in the name of the School, Church, Graveyard and Market.

The Rathcormack spelling appears to have been a translation from the Ráth Chormaic (Ring Fort of Cormac) name in Irish that was translated by a British Military Mapper or Cartologist during the creation of the 25” Maps of Ireland 1888-2013.

Rathcormac is not a Townland and is classified as a “Population centre” on the logainm website.”

Councillor Gilroy noted that, since he had listed this motion on the agenda, he had been contacted by numerous people in relation to the spelling on signage in their localities.

Mr. Kilfeather had reported to the Members that, from a quick review by the Heritage Office the 6” and 25” OS maps record it as Rathcormack. Also the Placenames Commission have advised online that it is Rathcormack. As per link and spellings below.

Further clarification can be sought from the Placenames Commission, which can be advised to the Council.

https://www.logainm.ie/en/112085

Rathcormack

genitive: Ráth Chormaic

(Irish)

Rathcormack

(English)

42. ‘SHARING A VISION – A MENTAL HEALTH POLICY FOR EVERYONE’:

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

AND AGREED

“Having regard to 'Sharing a Vision - a Mental Health policy for everyone' which states that acute inpatient units should be located in major hospitals and acknowledging the great work undertaken to date with the opening of the 25 bed facility at Sligo UHC and in the light of serious concerns raised on the matter of the former unit which catered for 32 patients that this Council writes to Minister Mary Butler to ensure adequate and appropriate Community supports, such as a social recovery fund are put in place, ensuring successful transition from residential to independent living.”

Councillor Casserly and Councillor O’Grady outlined their concerns in relation to this report. It was agreed that correspondence should issue to Minister Butler outlining the Council’s concerns in this area.

Councillor Baker added that, regardless of funding being made available, more people were needed on the ground as the issue of difficulties with mental health were increasing. A lot of volunteers were assisting in this area but a lot more help was needed.

Councillor Maguire agreed and pointed out that one in three people would be affected with mental health issues at some point in their life. As someone whose work included visiting these facilities on a weekly basis, she was aware of the theory of integrating the facilities into main stream. However, when someone was in that position, space and privacy was important. Due to the space constraints in Sligo University Hospital, it had very limited space and privacy.

Councillor Gilroy referred to the launch on 23^rd October by Minister Butler, Minister for State for the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People) of the Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service Early Intervention in Psychosis Service. He said that Mental Health services were also needed in a Primary Care setting, not all centred in Sligo University Hospital.

The Cathaoirleach confirmed that he had visited the new ‘state of the art’ facility at Sligo University Hospital. The I.T. facilities in the unit were second to none in the country. These were much needed and as much investment as could be received would be welcomed.