Minutes 2021

Minutes of January Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 11th January, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly (R),
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Connolly,
  • Councillor Fox,
  • Councillor Gibbons,
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor MacSharry (R),
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady (R),
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor,
  • Councillor Walsh (R)

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive
  • John Moran, A/Director of Services
  • John Reilly, Head of Enterprise (R)
  • Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dara Mulvey, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor T. Healy.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

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

Details had also been circulated to all those attending in advance of the meeting.

Member participating remotely were Councillors Casserly, MacSharry, O’Grady and Walsh.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the capacity of the Council Chamber was limited to 19 people. 

 

THE LATE PAUL BYRNE, FORMER COUNTY MANAGER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

On behalf of the Management and Staff of Sligo County Council, the Cathaoirleach conveyed  the sympathies of the Council to the family of the former County Manager, Paul Byrne who had passed away in recent days.

In seconding the vote of sympathy, Councillor Bree said that Mr. Byrne had taken up his first post in 1949 and had a long and successful career in Local Government until his retirement in 1993.  Councillor Bree had been a Member of both Sligo Corporation and Sligo County Council during that time and referred to Mr. Byrne’s dedication and service to Sligo town and county, his affinity with Sligo Borough and its development as a ‘Twin Town’.  

The Acting Chief Executive added, on his own behalf and on behalf of the staff, sympathy to the Byrne family.  While he had not the privilege of working with Mr Byrne, having spoken with colleagues in recent days he was regarded as a dedicated public servant and an absolute gentleman who would be sorely missed.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 19TH OCTOBER, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meetings of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 19th October, 2020.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 7TH DECEMBER, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th December, 2020.”

 

3.  DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL LAND TO THE REAR OF GARDENS OF PROPERTIES AT CRANMORE DRIVE AND CRANMORE VILLAS, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve under Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of Council land to the rear of gardens of the properties at Cranmore Drive and Cranmore Villas, Sligo as set out in Schedule 1a of Notice of Disposal of Land held by Sligo County Council (Report dated 21st December, 2020, including maps and schedule refers).”

 

4.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATE KNOWN AS ‘CNOC NA RÍ’, TOP ROAD, STRANDHILL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as “Cnoc na Rí”, Top Road, Strandhill, Co. Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993to declare public the road serving the development.”

Councillor Gilroy noted that it was only nine months since the last houses in this development had been occupied.  He complimented all involved in bringing this development to the point of being taken in charge so quickly.

 

5.  DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC ROADS – ROADS SERVING DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS “FAIRGREEN”, DROMORE WEST:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.

Road NumbersLocation
L-63076-0 and L-63076-1

The roads serving development known as “Fairgreen”, Dromore West, Co. Sligo.”

 

6.  PRESENTATION ON FLEADH FEST 2021:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed former Sligo County Council Director of Services, Bartley Gavin together with Micheál Ó’Domhnaill and Peter Farrell of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Fred Finn Branch).  A presentation was being provided to the Members, via remote link to the Meeting, in their capacity as Organisers of the upcoming Fleadh Fest 2021 in Sligo.

Mr. Gavin referred to the relationship built with Sligo County Council which had allowed the Fleadh to be hosted successfully in Sligo in both 2014 and 2015.

Mr. Ó’Domhnaill said they were, therefore, trying to garner the support of the Members of Sligo County Council.  After so many months of lockdown, he asked the Members to imagine the excitement these types of events would generate.  If restrictions were not eased sufficiently, much of the programme would move online with an example given of Concert performances being streamed on Facebook Live Sessions and all Social Media channels.   TG4 had already committed to running four two-hour programmes giving coverage to the Event.  There were plans to stream some of the competitions.

The Cathaoirleach and Members thanked Bartley and Micheál for the presentation and concluded by wishing their team every success with this major event for Sligo.

 

7.  I.C.B.A.N. FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly

AND AGREED

“To endorse ICBAN Framework document with Sligo County Council.”

 

8.  SLIGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (B.I.D.):

Head of Local Enterprise Mr Reilly confirmed that there were two matters for the Members’ consideration – the holding of a plebiscite and the nomination of a Member or Members to attend at the opening of the ballot box. 

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

AND AGREED

“That (1) a plebiscite be held to determine the level of support for a proposed Sligo Business Improvement District (BID) Scheme to succeed the current Sligo BID and (2) that the following Member(s) are nominated to attend the opening of the ballot box:

Councillor Arthur Gibbons and the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dara Mulvey.”

 

9.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2020:

The Members agreed to note the Monthly Management Report.

 

10.  REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN NUMBER OF BICYCLE STANDS IN SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

That Sligo County Council increase the number of Bicycle Stands available to cyclists.”

The report circulated to Members advised that ‘Twelve bike stands will be provided in the Stephen Street car park Plaza project and there will also be provision made in future public realm enhancement works for bike stands e.g. Stephen Street, etc. The O’Connell Street Project Team is currently considering suitable stands for bike stands as part of the O’Connell Street upgrade works. However, the Roads Department is happy to consider other suitable locations around the town for the installation of more bike stands in 2021.

 

11.  CLINICAL PLACEMENT BURSARY FOR NURSING STUDENTS:

At the request of Councillor O’Grady, the following notice of motion was deferred to the February (Ordinary Meeting) Agenda:

“That Sligo County Council write to the Department of Health and the Department of Higher Education requesting that they explore the introduction of an appropriate clinical placement Bursary for Nursing Students.”

 

12.  REQUEST FOR WORKS ON ROAD R297:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive to allocate funding to upgrade Road R297 in 2021.”

Members had been advised that the R297 will be included in the proposed Restoration Maintenance and Restoration Improvement Programme for 2021.

Councillor Queenan extended his congratulations to Ms. Emer Concannon in her new role as Acting Director of Services.  He noted that her father, Seamus, had also held the role of Director for Infrastructural Services in the past and Emer was making history in this regard.

 

13.  CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING IN WEST SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services for Housing what is the plan to construct Housing in West Sligo over the next few years.”

Mr. Moran advised the Members that the Council is currently constructing 10 Dwellings in Dromore West, which are due to be delivered in Quarter 2 of 2021 and a single rural dwelling at Crowagh in West Sligo which will be delivered in Q3 of 2021. A Stage 2 Capital Appraisal submission for 15 dwellings in Tubbercurry is to be submitted to the Department shortly.

 

As items 14 and 28 both related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that he would take both items at this time.

14.  &  28.  MONIES CONFISCATED UNDER THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME LEGISLATION:

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

AND AGREED

“Requesting that Sligo County Council write to the Ministers for Justice, Finance and Public Expenditure to make provisions where drug and drug trafficking monies confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Legislation be redirected  from central coffers back into local addiction services, youth organisations, and community initiatives to combat the effect of addiction on our communities,  and that the necessary legislation is changed as a matter of urgency to allow this vital funding support to happen.”

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

AND AGREED

This Council shall write to the Minister for Justice seeking that all monies seized by Gardai during drug operations be returned to the county they were seized in and be distributed to agencies within that county who are dealing directly with drug addiction.”

 

15.  REPORT FROM MEETING WITH C.A.O. OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA:

Councillor Casserly, with the Cathaoireach’s consent, had submitted a revised wording for this item.

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

AND AGREED

“Following on from the September meeting with An Garda Síochána CAO Joseph Nugent and a Council delegation, I am requesting that this Council write to Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Chief Commissioner Harris and Mr. Nugent requesting a report providing answers to the questions that were asked. To ask if OPW have developed plans to date and have they been costed following on from letter received.”

In reply to a query from Councillor Gilroy, the Cathaoirleach confirmed that the cross-party delegation had put a number of questions to Mr. Nugent at the meeting.  They had hoped that they would have received the answers to those queries by now, but no report had been furnished to the full Council to date.

 

16.  IMPACT OF BREXIT:

Councillor Casserly said that the wording she had initially listed on the agenda was as follows:

“That this Council call on the government to commence planning for a change in the nature of our relationship with Northern Ireland with particular reference to the major impact of Brexit on politics, economy, society, sport and culture on this island and on our community in Sligo and surrounding counties and accordingly we seek a timeline for preparation and plans for a Border Poll”.

However, she now wished to amend it to read as follows:

That this Council call on the government to commence planning for a change in the nature of our relationship with Northern Ireland with particular reference to the major impact of Brexit and Covid on politics, economy, society, sport and culture on this island and on our community in Sligo and surrounding counties. We accordingly seek a timeline for preparation and plans for continued integration of services in accordance with the Government’s Shared Island initiative.

Following a brief discussion on the content of the two notices of motion, Councillor Casserly agreed to withdraw this item and said she would re-submit it for the February Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

17.  SOCIAL HOUSING AMENDMENT REGULATIONS, 2011 (AS AMENDED 2ND JUNE, 2016):

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Housing, Darragh O Brien, to review and amend the Social Housing Assessment Regulations, 2011, as amended 2nd June 2016, which sets the income of eligible applicants at €25,000.00 for single people and €30,000.00 for families to consider inflation, property prices and given that a €200,000.00 mortgage to purchase a home requires an income of €60,000.00 with repayments of €850 over 35 years.” 

 

18.  MANAGEMENT AND USE OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S CCTV SYSTEM:

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

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be provided with a report outlining when the Council’s CCTV Data Protection Policy was last reviewed, the report to include details of any recent communications from the Data Protection Commission and from an Garda Síochána, in regard to the management and use of the CCTV system.”

Councillor Bree outlined his reasons for listing this item on the agenda and thanked Mr. Moran for his report.

This report had informed the Members that Sligo County Council’s CCTV Data Protection Policy was last updated in May 2019. It has been reviewed on an ongoing basis since then but no updates were necessary.

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) is currently conducting audits of CCTV usage in all Local Authorities in terms of compliance with GDPR / Data Protection Legislation. Sligo County Council was audited during the course of 2019 and correspondence was exchanged between the DPC and the Council in this regard during this time. In September 2020 the Council received the DPC’s report on the audit.

An Garda Síochána are involved throughout the application and approval process for Section 38 (3)(c) Community CCTV schemes.  

The Data Protection Commission (DPC), in the process of their CCTV audit of Local Authorities and the Gardaí, have found that under these circumstances, An Garda Síochána are deemed to be Joint Data Protection Controllers for Community CCTV.

Councillor Bree said he noted that a formal directive was awaited from the Data Protection Commissioner and asked that the Members would be advised when this was received.

 

19.  REPORT ON T2-T12 ROAD (LINKING MAIL COACH ROAD AND CONNOLLY STREET WITH THE JUNCTION OF BURTON STREET AND PEARSE ROAD IN SLIGO):

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

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be provided with a progress report on the proposed T2-T12 road, linking the junction of Mail Coach Road/Connolly Street with the junction of Burton Street/Pearse Road.”

Councillor Bree said he was disappointed that An Bord Pleanála had not made a decision on this link road.  The Members had been advised that Part 8 approval to proceed with this scheme has been granted by Sligo County Council.  Sligo County Council published a CPO order for the lands required to construct the scheme in March 2020 and the relevant documentation was submitted to An Bord Pleanála.   

The Acting Chief Executive advised the Meeting that the one submission made to An Bord Pleanála had now been withdrawn.  It was, therefore, hoped that they would confirm the C.P.O. sooner rather than later.

Councillor Bree said he welcomed that news as would the residents of Lower St. Brigid’s Place.

 

20.  REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF SLIGO PORT:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a report on the development of Sligo Port and in particular the proposals to increase trade in the Port and the plans to carry out dredging in the harbour.” 

A report had been furnished to the Members in advance of the meeting.  Councillor Bree said he welcomed the report and the news that Sligo County Council intended to carry out a seabed survey in 2021.  He asked that, once completed, the Members would be provided with the report from the survey.

 

21.  REQUEST FOR PROVISION OF A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON ROAD R284 IN GEEVAGH:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a Pedestrian Crossing on the R284 in Geevagh.”

The Members had been advised that it would be difficult to justify the provision of a pedestrian crossing in Geevagh due to the low number of pedestrians crossing the road at a specific location.  However, the Area Engineer will examine the location in question.

 

22.  MAINTENANCE OF BINS AT STRANDHILL SEAFRONT:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council put a plan in place ensuring that all bins on the seafront at Strandhill are monitored and emptied as required.”

The Members had been advised that the bins at Strandhill promenade are currently emptied at least once a day year round and up to twice a day during peak season as resources allow. Anything over and above this schedule is not achievable from a resource and budget management perspective.

Councillor O’Grady said that there was a problem with the monitoring of the bins.  She felt that the idea put forward by Councillor Gibbons in relation to scheme in Rosses Point was agood one -  For Yeats’ sake, bring your rubbish home with you - and a similar campaign could be adopted in Strandhill and asked that the bins would be monitored.

 

23.  COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC AND TRADE AGREEMENT (CETA):

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Government to vote against the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada.  As it is, the deal threatens our environment and our public health, and gives the Corporations the power to sue our Governments in private Courts for policies that affect their profits.  We call on you to put people over corporate profits and work instead to support agreements that are in the interest of all citizens.”

 

24.  REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health to review the treatment of endometriosis.”

 

25.  DISABILITY ACCESS ENFORCEMENT OFFICER:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to appoint a full-time dedicated Disability Access Enforcement Officer.”

Councillor Gibbons thanked Mr. Moran for his report and welcomed the involvement of Sligo County Council’s Traffic Wardens in monitoring of Disabled Car Parking Spaces in Public areas and issuing of fines where such spaces are occupied by vehicles not displaying a valid Disabled Persons Parking Permit.   He acknowledged the work carried out by Councillor Bree, as Chair, and Mr. Moran as Administrator on the Council’s Disability Consultative Committee.

Councillor Gibbons outlined further issues that a full time Officer could work on which included work on websites and the simplification of documentation.  This would allow for accessibility by everyone, not just those with a disability.

 

26.  REQUEST FOR AN INCREASE IN H.A.P. PAYMENT:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising that HAP is far from a long-term solution to solving the housing problem I call on Sligo County Council to request from central Government an increase in the HAP payment to reflect current private rental costs which are increasing to unsustainable levels to hard pressed renters.”

Councillor Gibbons set out the costs associated with renting any house in Sligo at the present time.  The H.A.P. payment was not sufficient to cover the cost and was causing hardship for those requiring accommodation through this Scheme. 

 

27.  PAYMENT BREAKS FOR MORTGAGE HOLDERS AND S.ME.S:

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

AND AGREED

“Considering the fact that the people of Ireland bailed out the Banks and because of the unbelievable lack of solidarity currently being shown by all the Banks, I call on Sligo County Council to write to all Lenders within the State to request for real payment breaks be given to mortgage holders and S.M.E.s give them a realistic achievable chance to survive in the current employment and business environment.”

 

28.  PROVISION OF A FOOTPATH IN STRANDHILL FROM THE ROUNDABOUT TOWARDS THE RUGBY CLUB:

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

AND AGREED

“This Council shall provide a footpath in Strandhill from the roundabout towards the Rugby Club.”

The following report had been furnished to the Members prior to the Meeting:

While a footpath linking the village with the Rugby Club would be desirable, this would be a very significant body of work both in terms of design and construction. 

From a design perspective, the overall length of footpath required to link the village with the Rugby Club is 980m.  The construction of a footpath along the Burmah Road would be reasonably straight-forward subject to funding.  In terms of costs, when one factors in footpath construction costs, drainage works, accommodation works, raising of ironworks, alterations to public lighting, line markings etc., a scheme of this scale will cost well in excess of €400,000.

While not perfect, pedestrians currently have the advantage of wide hard shoulders on both sides of the R292.  The area benefits from public lighting and falls within the 50kph speed limit. Such an improvement scheme for pedestrians could be considered for funding under the NTA’s Active Travel Scheme.

Councillor Maguire said she would urge Sligo County Council to apply for funding under the Scheme.  This is an increasingly busy route with plans for a further 20 houses to be built in the area.  This is also a link to the large estate ‘Dorrin’s Strand’ and would allow access all the way for children from this area to the school. 

 

The Cathaoirleach advised the Meeting that he would deal with items 30 and 32 together as they both related to the same matter.

30.  &  32.  ESTABLISHMENT OF CROSS COMMUNITY TASK FORCE – SLIGO AIRPORT:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD, the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD and the Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Hildegarde Naughton TD to work with Sligo County Council and the Board and management of Sligo Airport to provide the necessary capital funding for infrastructure works as required by the Irish Aviation Authority, to ensure that the Airport can fulfil its current search and rescue contract and ensure operational support costs are provided to ensure the airport can implement a 5 year strategy.

In addition, that Sligo County Council in conjunction with the Sligo Airport Board, NWRA, Sligo Chamber, Sligo BID, IDA Ireland, Sligo Bay Lifeboat Station RNLI, Sligo IT and Other Interested parties form a Cross Community Task Force to ensure that the future of Sligo Airport as a key part of regional infrastructure is secured together with the Air Sea Rescue Service to the next Coastal Rescue contract in 2023 and beyond.”

Councillor Maguire added that this was a joint motion from Sligo County Council’s four Board Members and asked that Councillor Gilroy would ‘lead out’ on this matter.

Councillor Gilroy said concern had been expressed when the Airport Company was described as a Private Company in the Dáil.  Certain safety measures had been required and finances were required to carry out this work.  He thanked John Reilly for his work on this matter and said there had also been negotiations with the N.W.R.A. and Mr. Joe Corcoran, General Manager of the Airport.  Councillor Bree had also brought this matter before the Regional Assembly.  He said it was vital for the entire area to retain this facility and said that the centre point for the rescue helicopter R118 was only 15 miles away at a point outside Grange and this is a vital piece of infrastructure.

Councillor Walsh noted that this matter had been ongoing for some time but had only been highlighted in the Media in recent weeks.  The Airport had been ignored for long enough and had received no funding since 2011.  Sligo County Council is a 50% shareholder and he asked that a member of the Executive would join the Board of Directors.

Councillor Casserly said that Deputy Marian Harkin had raised this in recent weeks and received a positive response from Minister Leo Varadkar that funding would be made available. 

Councillor Maguire said she echoed the points made and said further assistance would be sought if the funding was not forthcoming.  She asked that all her colleagues would apply political pressure.

 

31.  PARKING AT RAGHLY HEAD:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to examine the possibility of providing additional off-road parking at Raghly to deal with the increased Traffic volumes due to the Success of the new amenity walk at Raghly Head.

And that the Council also examines the possibility of a directional sign for the Harbour that will encourage traffic to follow the preferred route to the right or the possibility of making the route to the left a one-way system from the Harbour to the point where the Peninsula meets the Mainland at Ballymulderry.”

Councillor Gilroy said he welcomed the report which had indicated that the Area Engineer will examine the area with regard to the provision of additional parking, signage and traffic management and revert back to Councillor Gilroy with a report.

 

33.  ESTABLISHMENT OF A PLATFORM FOR COLLABORATION – RECREATION ACCESS ACROSS NORTH SLIGO AND NORTH LEITRIM:

At the request of Councillor Gilroy, the following notice of motion was deferred to the February (Ordinary Meeting) Agenda:

“That Sligo County Council works with Leitrim County Council and the NWRA to examine the best way to establish a Platform for Collaboration to provide a national Recreation Area across North Sligo and North Leitrim, as envisaged in the RSES and Variation No. 1 Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023 and that this Platform of Collaboration be established within 6 Months and details brought back to Councillors no later than the July 2021 Council Meeting.”

 

34.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Hazel Gilmartin of Doonowney, Carney on the death of her husband, Maurice.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Rory O’Brien of Caltragh on the death of his father, Tommy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jim Kerrigan of Carney on the death of his brother, Seanie.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brian McEniff of Bundoran on the death of his brother, Dr. Pat McEniff.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Concepta Kelly of Tullaghan on the death of her husband, Seamus.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Hillary Dolan of The Mill Pharmacy, Coolaney on the death of her grandmother, Betty Burke.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Lester Hall of Ballymurray, Coolaney on the death of his mother, Enid.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Patsy Meehan of Keenaghan, Ballymote on the death of her sister, Rita King.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Edel Davey of Meemlough, Coolaney on the death of her mother, Myra McNulty.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Frizzell of Finlough, Ballinacarrow on the death of his sister, Kathleen Reynolds.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ashley and Rose Young of Corhownagh, Ballisodare on the death of their son, Howard.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Winnie Murphy of Roohan, Sooey on the death of her sister, Kathleen Fenton.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Patricia Mattimoe of Treanmore, Ballyfarnon on the death of her mother, Kate-Ann.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Shay Mostyn of Ballindoon, Boyle on the death of his father, Jimmy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maura Conlon of Clooneen, Geevagh on the death of her husband, Eamon.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brian Hunt of Moygara, Gurteen on the death of his sister, Catherine O’Dowd.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eamonn Sweeney of Leaffony, Rathlee on the death of his father, Billy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Seamus Duffy of Carrowmacbryan, Easkey on the death of his sister, Carmel.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Norma Feeney of Lugdoon, Templeboy on the death of her sister, Carmel Duffy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Robert Hall of Templehouse, Ballinacarrow on the death of his mother, Enid.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerry Boland of Leekfield, Skreen on the death of his brother, James (Fursey).”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Richard Boland of Ballisodare on the death of his brother, James (Fursey).”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tena Nestor of Barnacranny, Bushy Park, Galway on the death of her daughter, Gerardine Fahy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Councillor Frank Fahy of Menlo, Galway on the death of his wife, Gerardine.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eileen & Padraic Corcoran of Crossmolina on the death of their son, David.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eamonn Laing of Corkamore, Templeboy on the death of his mother, Nancy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martina Dowd of Owenbeg, Easkey on the death of her mother, Nancy Laing.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Matilda Gillespie of Owenbeg, Easkey on the death of her mother, Nancy Laing.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Caroline Laing of Rathlee, Easkey on the death of her mother, Nancy.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael McConnon of Clevery, Castlebaldwin on the death of his brother, John.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tricia Mullen of Ballyweelin, Rosses Point on the death of her husband, Eamon.”

 

35.  VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Ms. Gráinne Kilfeather of Grange on winning one of four Dominos Local Legends awards for her dedicated work as a Nurse at Letterkenny University Hospital and was one of over 4,500 nominees.”

The Members noted that Ms. Kilfeather is a daughter of the Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather and added their congratulations to her.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Ms. Caroline Currid of Mountedward, Ballinfull on her success as Sports Psychologist with the All-Ireland Hurling Championship Winning Team 2020.”

 

36.  CONFERENCES/TRAINING:

The Members noted the details as furnished to them in advance of the Meeting.

 

37.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

There were no items under this heading due to Covid-19 restrictions and non attendance by Members at Conferences/Training.

 

38.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of Correspondence received.

 

39.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

40.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

  1. The Cathaoirleach said he had been contacted by some Members who were concerned with the current pandemic figures being so high and the holding of full Meetings in the Chamber.  He confirmed that this matter would be the subject of a discussion at the Procedures Committee Meeting on 13th January.  Some local authorities were conducting their meetings fully via a ‘Zoom’ link.
  2. Councillor Baker said he had been asked to also make enquiries on behalf of some of the Council’s Outdoor Staff as they also had concerns about their work during the pandemic.

    In response to Councillor Baker’s query, the Acting Chief Executive said that the Executive were awaiting further directions from the Department.  Local Authority employees are regarded as ‘Frontline’ workers, the same as Nurses and Doctors.  There was a meeting scheduled for later that day and he felt the issue would be resolved following that meeting.
  3. Councillor Gilroy raised some concerns regarding Roadworks on the N4/N15 and issues relating to ‘social distancing’ on the site.  The Acting Chief Executive said he was disappointed and undertook to follow up on this matter with the Contractor.  These works were continuing as they had been deemed to be ‘critical infrastructure’.
  4. Opening of the Western Distributor Route – Councillor O’Grady noted that this road was due to open later that afternoon.  This is a huge positive for the area and she wished to acknowledge the work of Tom Kilfeather, Tom Brennan, Brían Flynn and their Team who had continued and carried out this work during a pandemic.

    Councillors Clarke and Maguire commended the Acting Chief Executive and the project team for their outstanding work on the scheme.

    The Cathaoirleach said he concurred with the comments, saying it was a good news story for Sligo and he asked the Acting Chief Executive to convey the Members’ good wishes to the relevant staff.
  5. Councillor O’Boyle said he wished to acknowledge the work carried out by Sligo County Council’s Housing and Roads Maintenance staff in assisting the public over the Christmas period.

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation and encourage everyone to stay safe.  The business of the meeting concluded at 11.50 a.m.


Meeting Date 11/01/2021