Minutes 2021

Minutes of March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 1st March, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 (R) = participated in the meeting remotely

(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive
  • John Moran, A/Director of Services(C)
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(R)
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (R)
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services(C)
  • John Reilly, Head of Enterprise(R)
  • Dónal Tinney, County Librarian (R)
  • Seán Martin, A/Senior Architect (C)
  • Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer (R)
  • Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Clodagh, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dara Mulvey, presided.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present and asked Mr. Kilfeather, Acting Chief Executive 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.

Members participating remotely were Councillors Baker, Casserly and Maguire.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions having reduced the capacity of the Council Chamber, Councillors Bree, Clarke, O’Boyle, Queenan and Taylor participated via a video link in the Members’ Room and Chief Executive’s Meeting Room respectively, in County Hall.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF SLIGO LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meetings of Sligo Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee held on a) 1st October, 2020 and b) 16th December, 2020.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 21ST DECEMBER, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 21st December 2020.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 1ST FEBRUARY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 1st February, 2021.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 8TH FEBRUARY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 8th February, 2021.”

 

5.  CAPITAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO  FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION CO. LTD.

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 in the form of the Capital Assistance Scheme in the sum of €117,070 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of Apartment at No. 304 Harbour Court, Lower Quay Street, Sligo (Report to Members of 16th February, 2021 refers).”

 

6.  LEASE OF 1A CRANMORE ROAD TO CRANMORE COMMUNITY CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD.:

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

AND AGREED

To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal by way of 3 year lease, of No. 1A Cranmore Road, Sligo and adjoining plot to Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd. as per circulated notice dated 12th February 2021.

 

7.  CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“Contributions to the Arts 2021

  • To approve the funding to Arts Venues and Organisations at 2020 levels. 
  • To defer the decision on funding Festivals and Events until after the Government announcement on restriction levels on 5th”

 

8.  CONTINUATION OF SLIGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID):

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council approves implementation of a Business Improvement District Scheme as submitted by the proponents, Sligo BID CLG, which will operate from 1st March, 2021 to 31st December, 2025 and which will be financed in whole or in part by BID contribution levies”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Arthur Gibbons continue to serve as a Director of Sligo BID CLG”.

 

9.  CASUAL VACANCY ON THE NORTH WEST JOINT HOMELESSNESS CONSULTATIVE FORUM:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Arthur Gibbons to fill the casual vacancy on the North West Joint Homelessness Consultative Forum arising from the resignation of Councillor Chris MacManus.”

 

10.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 2021:

The Members agreed to note the Monthly Management Report for January 2021.

 

11.  WALKING ROUTE TO NEOLITHIC CAIRN ON CARNS/ CAIRNS HILL:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Bree, was deferred to the April Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

“That the meeting be provided with a progress report relating to the development of a walking route to the Neolithic cairn located on Carns/Cairns Hill”.

 

12.  SURF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“The Council will advise as to the updated position with regard to the proposed Surf Centre of Excellence in Strandhill and outline the reason why the board have not met in the past 12 months.”

A report issued in advance of the meeting informing Members that additional grant funding for the project was sought from the RRDF and Fáilte Ireland and should this be secured, works could commence on site as early as April 2021 (Covid 19 restrictions permitting) for a period of approximately 12 months.

Councillor Maguire welcomed additional RRDF funding of approximately €350,000 for the Centre which had just been announced and asked that contact be made with the Strandhill Community Maritime Company Ltd. informing them of her having filled the casual vacancy on the board created by the resignation of Councillor Chris MacManus.

 

13.  RECREATIONAL TRAIL – LADY ANNE WALK:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to give an update report on the recreational trail between Hazelwood (Half moon Bay) and Sligo city locally known as the Lady Anne Walk.”

Members had been advised that the Council submitted an application for funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) Measure 2 2020 however no announcement has been made by the Dept. of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) as yet.

If successful, the funding will facilitate pursuit of a recreation linkage between the existing Coillte amenity and recreational trail at Hazelwood along the existing trail known locally as the Lady Ann Walk via Hazelwood Demesne and Sligo City.

Councillor Tom Fox asked that a copy of the application be circulated to Members for their information.

 

14.  UPDATE ON WORKS IN BALLISODARE ON CONTROLLED CROSSING AND SIGNAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an updated report on the progress with the Roads Design office and the Roads Department on the installation of a new controlled crossing at Woodbrook Heights Ballisodare near St. John’s National School and a report on interaction with the Principal and Management of St. John’s National School Ballisodare to agree the best location and layout for this crossing as agreed at the Meeting of Sligo Drumcliffe Municipal District on January 20th 2020.

To also give an update on the finger post sign promised at the September 2019 and January 2020 Municipal District Meeting. And to confirm if the sign can be facilitated at Stella Maris instead of Woodbrook Heights.”

In relation to the installation of a controlled crossing at Woodbrook Heights, a report stated that there has been no progress on this initiative to date. However, works should commence on the design element of this scheme in Q2/Q3 of this year, which will include engagement with all stakeholders involved.

In terms of the finger post sign, the report advised that the Council will erect a finger post sign at the Stella Maris entrance in the coming weeks. This may be relocated following the consultation referred to above. 

Councillors Healy and Gilroy expressed their disappointment that little progress has been made on the isue of the controlled crossing and asked that it be given priority going forward.

 

15.  PROVISION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY FOR SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the proposed Hazardous waste facility for Sligo City and does Sligo County Council in conjunction with local waste company hope to run out a hazardous waste day.”

The update report informed Members that further to discussion with the management of Greenstar, it has been confirmed that the licence review process to allow for a hazardous waste collection service at the Greenstar site, Deep Water Quay is still underway. The application was submitted to the EPA over a year ago but the process can take up to two years to complete. 

With regard to provision of a hazardous waste collection day, consideration will be given to such a service later this year, subject to funding being made available for another National Anti-Dumping Initiative. Sligo County Council is awaiting further confirmation from the Connacht Ulster WERLA office on whether or not this initiative will run again in 2021. In the meantime, household hazardous waste can be disposed for a small fee at the Tubbercurry Civic Amenity Site.

 

16.  INSURANCE COVER FOR PLAYGROUNDS:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“In light of the inability for new playgrounds, and for those existing playgrounds whose insurance has lapsed, and are experiencing difficulties in getting insurance cover we call on Sligo County Council to investigate the cost of taking an insurance cover for every playground in the county under the Council’s insurance policy.”

It was reported that the requirements of insurance cover on all playgrounds in the county will require a significant budget and staffing resources to be deployed and consideration for this request simply cannot be met at this time due to current budgetary and staffing resources.

Members felt that a wider approach is needed from Government in order to give assistance to local communities in covering insurance and other expenses during the pandemic.

 

17.  FEASIBILITY STUDY RE. LOCATIONS FOR SKATE PARK:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council will undertake a feasibility study to identify possible suitable locations for a skate park within the county and identify possible funding streams and apply for same to build what would be a valuable and much used amenity.”

Members were informed that as and when resources permit, the Council will carry out some research into the provision of a skate park. Following such research, should the Council wish to continue to explore the provision of a skate park, further work may be undertaken around identification of an appropriate site, funding options etc.

Members welcomed the report from the Roads Department on the issue and it was suggested that an option of a multi-purpose park to incorporate mountain biking etc could be explored.

 

18.  PLAN TO DEAL WITH DOG FOULING IN STRANDHILL VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would formulate a plan to deal with the serious issue of Dog fouling in Strandhill village as requested by residents in the area."

A report told Members that discussions have been held with the Litter Wardens to increase monitoring of particularly bad areas throughout the county where dog fouling has become more evident. Some locations including Strandhill have dog fouling receptacles in place to help alleviate the problem. Additional signage has been installed in various areas, press releases have featured in the local press and the spray/stencil initiative has also been increased and rolled out across various common walking areas in the county in recent weeks. 

A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon to revert regarding the number of fines issued/convictions brought about in recent years in relation to dog fouling.

Councillor Michael Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting from the motion.

 

19.  AUDIT OF OUTDOOR GYM EQUIPMENT IN DOORLY PARK:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council outdoor staff would audit the outdoor Gym equipment in the Doorly Park play areas with a view to repair and maintenance." 

A report which issued in advance of the meeting relayed that the existing outdoor exercise equipment at Doorly Park was installed c.2007/2008. It is considered that much of this equipment needs to be replaced. Following an audit, the Council will shortly commence the process of inviting tenders for a phased replacement of outdoor exercise equipment at this location.

Councillor Michael Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting from the motion.

 

20.  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GREENFORT CONSERVATION PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council provides members with a guarantee that the Greenfort Conservation Plan will be implemented."

While a report which issued to Members acknowledged that progress has been slow in implementing the Green Fort Conservation Plan, which is reflective of the limited resources available to Sligo County Council, particularly within the Heritage and Parks Sections, the Council’s commitment and support for the implementation of the Plan was emphasised.

Following a query from Councillor MacSharry regarding the lifetime of the Plan, Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke confirmed that the five year period of the Plan will commence in March 2021, further adding that the first meeting of the Green Fort Working Group is due to take place on Friday, 26th March 2021.

 

21.  PROVISION OF PICNIC TABLES AT DOORLY PARK PLAYGROUND:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council seeks funding to put Picnic Tables in place at Doorly Park Playground.”

A report circulated in advance of the meeting confirmed that the provision of picnic tables at Doorly Park Playground will be considered in the overall context of the Parks Department programme of works for 2021.

Councillor Michael Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting from the motion.

 

22.  PARKING FACILITIES AT DOORLY PARK PLAYGROUND:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council reviews the Parking Facilities at Doorly Park Playground.”

Members were assured that following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, maintenance works will be undertaken at the car parking facility at Doorly Park. Works will include road sweeping and upgrading/replacement of road markings.

Councillor Michael Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting from the motion.

 

23.  UPGRADING OF PLAYGROUND FACILITIES AT MITCHELL CURLEY PARK:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council seeks funding to upgrade the Playground Facilities at Mitchell Curley Park.”

A report informed Members that the Council will commence the process of exploring funding opportunities for the upgrading of playground facilities at Mitchell Curley Park however it is unlikely that any such funding will be realised in the current year. The priority this year is to seek funding for lighting the walking/jogging track in the park. Nonetheless, various design options and quotations/tenders for same will be sought so that the Council will be in a position to avail of funding as and when opportunities present.

Councillor Michael Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting from the motion.

 

24.  PROPOSED PROVISIONS OF THE ‘LAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BILL, 2021’:

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

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to make a formal submission to the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage outlining our complete opposition to the proposed provisions of the Land Development Agency Bill 2021.

The proposed removal of the Section 183 reserved function of Elected Members in relation to the disposal of local authority held land to the LDA as provided for in Part 7 Section 56 of the bill is unacceptable and an affront to Local Democracy. As advocates for the empowerment of local government, we can never support or accept any diminution in the reserved functions and powers of Elected Councillors.

I also have concerns regarding the potential long term implications for local authorities in delivering social and affordable housing on local authority held land due to the extensive remit of the LDA. I believe that this is a major battle in our ongoing fight to preserve the local democratic function in the face of ever increasing centralism.”

It was agreed that notice of the resolution be sent to all Local Authorities for their information/support.

 

25.  TOURISM SEASON 2021 – ROSSES POINT:

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

AND AGREED

“Prior to commencement of an expected increase in domestic tourism and visitor numbers to Rosses Point for the summer period 2021, I ask that Sligo County Council provide a report on the following:

  • to provide an update on the proposed upgrade of public toilet facilities
  • to devise a plan to address the large numbers of illegally parked camper vans in 2020 and to ensure there is a safe space to park for these very welcome visitors to the area.
  • to carry out a speed assessment on main Rosses Point Rd (R291) through the village and the Old Rosses Point Road and address the safety issues and concerns raised by local community groups and residents.”

In reply to the questions posed, the meeting was advised as follows:

  • The existing toilet facilities will be improved for the 2021 season, including the installation of an additional temporary unit for the disabled.
  • Sligo County Council are examining the situation at present in relation to the parking of camper vans.
  • Reducing speed and traffic calming on the main Rosses Point Rd (R291) and the old Rosses Point Rd will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Rosses Point RRDF Public Realm Enhancement Design Project.
  • The Area Engineer and A/SEE met with representatives from the local community and have agreed to install lining and signage as a temporary measure on the Old Rosses Point Rd.

The proposer and seconder of the motion reiterated the point that the issue of illegally parked campervans needs to be addressed and adequate facilities provided for same.

 

26.  COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY FUNDING NEEDS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council engage with their relevant partners including Sligo PPN, Sligo Volunteer Centre to address the urgent needs of the hundreds of community groups across County Sligo who are facing a funding crisis to keep electricity, insurance, credit facilities, heating, maintenance costs and other recurring fixed costs serviced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Whilst recognising that there has been many beneficial schemes open to the C&V sector to in turn support their communities over the pandemic there is now a requirement to support the C&V sector themselves to stay afloat.

In addition, that this Local Authority write to the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, Leader of the Green Party and the Minister for Rural Affairs and Community Development to request a scheme be devised to address the Community and Voluntary Sectors funding needs.

That this motion also be relayed to every Local Authority in the country.”

In supporting the motion, Members acknowledged how the community and voluntary sector had kept communities alive down through the years and at a time when their fundraising activities are curtailed, it was felt that Government assistance is required to address their funding needs.

 

27.  PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES IN MULLAGHMORE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provides a report on the status of the public toilets in Mullaghmore in terms of lighting, access and condition of the facility. That this Local Authority ensures that there is an adequate cleaning contract in place prior to the facility opening  and that there is a definitive date given as to when these much needed facilities will open for use in 2021 in this popular tourism destination.”

Members were advised that the Council are currently working on improving the toilet facilities at Mullaghmore with a view to having these facilities operational in advance of the summer season.

Cllrs. Walsh and Gilroy stressed the need to receive a date for the opening of the public toilets and confirmation that a cleaning contract will be put in place. Issues including litter left adjacent to the portaloo installed on the green and campervan parking were also highlighted.

Cllrs. Queenan and Taylor, while supporting the motion, complimented work carried out by Sligo County Council in several towns and villages throughout the County.

 

28.  LOCAL POST OFFICE CONTRACTS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Government and An Post asking them to give a 2 year extension to the current contract that most of the local Post Offices are engaged in. This is because Covid-19 has had a dramatic negative effect on their income due to the reduction in footfall.”

Councillor Martin Baker asked that he be recorded as abstaining from the motion.

It was agreed that notice of the resolution be sent to all Local Authorities for their information/support.

 

29.  HOUSING UNITS IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“Only 118 Housing Units were completed in 2020 and the recently published ESRI NPF 50:50 City Housing Projection identifies an annual average housing demand for Sligo of 468.

That Sligo County Council based on these figures urgently address the Housing Crisis in the county by examining all policies and plans local and national and report to members within three months with an achievable plan to achieve not only the required 468 housing units in 2021 but to recover the 350 unit shortfall in 2020 by the end of 2022”.

A detailed report was issued in advance of the meeting which outlined the Council’s response to the delivery of both private and social housing.

In terms of private housing, the report advised that the planning authority has ensured that there is no shortage of land zoned for residential purposes to meet the population targets set out at national level and in total, there are over 200 units that are either under construction or ‘ready to go’ within the urban area of Sligo.

In relation to social housing provision, the report detailed development projects currently underway and those planned for the future. While it was acknowledged that there will be a shortfall in the delivery targets under Build and Leasing by the end of the year due to the pandemic and the difficulty of sourcing units to lease, the provision of turnkey developments was seen as a method to increasing social housing delivery.

Members were also advised that the Council proposes to commence identifying the remaining lands in its ownership upon which future projects can be developed and begin to acquire additional land for the new building programme from 2022 onwards.

 

30.  APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT MEAT REGULATOR:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to formally request the Minister for Agriculture to seek the appointment of ‘an Independent Meat Regulator’ with statutory powers. The purpose of such an independent regulator will be to have legislative powers to investigate anti-competitive behaviour by meat processors, meat traders, bodies associated with the trade of meat, trade of meat by-products and/or trade by retailers who operate along the meat supply chain.”

It was agreed that a copy of the resolution be circulated to all Local Authorities for information/support.

 

31.  UPDATE ON N59 – CORHOWNAGH TO LUGNADEFFA ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“To request an update on the N59 Corhownagh to Lugnadeffa Road Improvement Scheme.” 

A report furnished to Members advised that design works associated with Phase 3 Design & Environmental Evaluation will commence in the coming months. The allocation for the scheme in the current year is €200,000.

 

32.  RESTORATION OF ‘LADY ERIN’ MONUMENT AT MARKET CROSS, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“That this County Council start the process of having the Lady Erin Monument that is situated at Market Cross cleaned and restored and brought up to an appropriate standard to commemorate the 125th anniversary of its unveiling that will be celebrated in 2023. The statue commemorates the Sligo men who fought in the insurrection of 1798.”

A report forwarded to Members outlined refurbishment works due to be completed during Q2 2021 (subject to easing of Covid-19 restrictions).

 

33.  PER CENT FOR ART STEERING COMMITTEE – MEMORIAL TO THE CONNELLAN BROTHERS AT CLOONAMAHON:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Per Cent for Art Steering Committee be established at our April monthly meeting so as to ensure that an artist can be commissioned and a site at Cloonamahon identified for the memorial to the Connellan brothers and so as to ensure that the substantial funding for the project can be drawn down.”

Members had been informed as follows:

The Arts Sector membership of the Public Art Steering Group is currently being finalised. Once this process is complete, the full membership of the Steering Group will be presented to Council for approval in April.

The commission associated with the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Realignment will be considered in the context of the Public Art Commissions Plan which will be developed by the Steering Group.

While the site identified as the most suitable for public art is a new amenity area in Castlebaldwin, the Roads Project Team is identifying a suitable site in Cloonamahon in partnership with Comhaltas to facilitate their wish to commemorate the Connellan brothers.

In reply, Councillor Bree requested that a progress report be made available at an upcoming monthly meeting.

 

46.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

 

47.  VOTE OFCONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Chris O’Donnell (North Sligo A.C. member) on winning the 400m indoor at the Irish Life Micro Meet in 47.51.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to John Travers on winning the men’s 3000 metres in a time of 7 mins 40.50 seconds, which was well inside the European Indoor qualifying mark. The event the Irish Life Micro Meet at the National Indoor Arena in Abbottstown was on Saturday night, 20th February 2021.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mona McSharry for the following recent achievements:

  • In Tennessee the 2021 Women's SEC Swimming and Diving Championships came to a close with freshman Mona McSharry setting a new school record from Georgia's Gabreilsen Natatorium.
  • In the 100 breaststroke, McSharry stole the night for the Lady Vols as she won her first individual SEC medal in school record time. The Sligo, Ireland, native finished second to take home the silver medal and did so in 57.82.
  • McSharry's time surpasses the previous school record mark of 58.22, which was held by Olympian and LVFL Molly Hannis”.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Katie McDermott on obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Nursing from St. Angela’s College and her taking up of a new permanent nursing post in the I.C.U. Department of Sligo University Hospital. Appreciation is also given for her efforts during the recent pandemic”.

 

ADJOURNED MARCH ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

Due to time constraints, the Cathaoirleach indicated that he could not deal with any further items at this time.

It was proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That the March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council stand adjourned until Monday, 8th March, 2021 at 4.00 p.m.”.

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation and in order to complete future meetings within the 1 hour 55 minute timeframe, he encouraged his colleagues to list ‘local’ items on relevant Municipal District meeting agendas where possible.  The business of the meeting concluded at 12.15 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 01/03/2021