Minutes 2021

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


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker(C),
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly(R),
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Connolly(R),
  • Councillor Fox,
  • Councillor Gibbons,
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor MacSharry,
  • Councillor Maguire(R),
  • Councillor Mullaney(R),
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady(R),
  • 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)
  • Leonora McConville, Executive Planner(R)
  • Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer(C)

 

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 Casserly, Connolly, Maguire, Mullaney and O’Grady. Due to Covid-19 restrictions having reduced the capacity of the Council Chamber, Councillors Baker, Queenan and Taylor participated via a video link in the Members’ Room in County Hall.

The Cathaoirleach noted that there were 63 items on the agenda and asked for the Members’ co-operation in working through those items.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF S.P.C. 1 (HOUSING AND CORPORATE):

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meetings of S.P.C. 1 (Housing and Corporate) held on 16th July, 2020 and 12th October, 2020.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 16TH NOVEMBER, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 16th November, 2020.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 16TH NOVEMBER, 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 16th November, 2020.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING RE. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF N.U.I.G.:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council re. election of a Representative to the Governing Body of the National University of Ireland, Galway held on 11th January, 2021.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 11TH JANUARY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 11th January, 2021.”

 

6.  MINUTES AND REPORT OF PROCEDURES COMMITTEE MEETING:

The Members agreed to note minutes and report of meeting of Sligo County Council’s Procedures Committee meeting held on 13th January, 2021.

 

7.  CHANGES TO MARITIME BOUNDARIES AT SLIGO HARBOUR:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the proposed boundary changes to be made under the Boundary Survey (Ireland) Acts 1854, 1857 and 1859, to the Maritime Boundaries at Sligo Harbour.”

Councillor Bree asked to be recorded as abstaining.

 

8.  SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING AT SESSUEGARRY, CLOONACOOL:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a demountable dwelling at Sessuegarry, Cloonacool, Co. Sligo to Ms. Josephine O’Reilly.”

 

9.  SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT UMMERYROE, DRUMNACOOL:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Ummeryroe, Drumnacool, Co. Sligo to Ms. Susan Fitzgerald.”

 

10.  PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO TUATH HOUSING ASSOCIATION – APARTMENTS IN AVENA BALLISODARE TOWN CENTRE:

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

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 CALF Loan in the sum of €142,500  to Tuath Housing Association, in respect of Apartments No. 40,41,42,43,44,45 , Block 5, Avena Ballisodare Town Centre, Ballisodare, Co.Sligo.”

 

11.  UPGRADING OF PUBLIC REALM AT STEPHEN STREET, HOLBORN STREET, ROCKWOOD PARADE, WATER LANE AND TOBERGAL LANE, SLIGO:

Members raised queries in relation to the possible removal of a right of way for vehicular access between Carroll House and Millennium House in Stephen Street.  It was confirmed that this matter had been raised with the staff and would be examined further at the detailed design stage.  Also, Members were anxious that universal parking spaces would be retained and it was confirmed that this would also be reviewed.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, having considered the Chief Executive’s Report prepared pursuant to Section 179 of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) on the proposed development of the upgrading of the public realm at Stephen Street, Holborn Street, Rockwood Parade, Water Lane and Tobergal Lane, Sligo, approve the carrying out of the proposed development in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Executive.”

 

12.  PUBLIC REALM WORKS AT MAIN STREET AND CLIFF ROAD, ENNISCRONE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, having considered the Chief Executive’s Report prepared pursuant to Section 179 of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) regarding the proposed development of new paving and public realm works at Main Street and Cliff Road, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, approve the carrying out of the proposed development in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Executive.”

Councillor Queenan said he wished to thank Sligo County Council and Fáilte Ireland for their roles in this project.  He said there were two requests a) that the work would not commence until after the summer season and b) that Sligo County Council would proceed with making Pier Road ‘one way’.

 

13.  PRESENTATION BY SLIGO NEOLITHIC LANDSCAPES GROUP:

The Members were provided with a Presentation by Mr. Robert Hensey of this Group and he was joined by Dr. Stefan Bergh.

The presentation set out the background to the proposed application to the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the ‘Passage Tomb Landscapes of Sligo’.

The Cathaoirleach commended the Sligo Neolithic Landscapes Group in promoting the exceptional heritage assets of our county; On his own behalf and on behalf of the Members who had taken part in the discussion, he welcomed this community initiative. 

 

14.  SUBMISSION ON THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

The Members noted Sligo County Council’s submission on the National Development Plan.

 

15.  REPORT OF ETHICS REGISTRAR:

The Members noted the report of Ethics Registrar under Section 174 (b) of the Local Government Act, 2001.

 

16.  PARTICIPATION IN THE ‘COVENANT OF MAYORS’:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council participate in the Covenant of Mayors in order to formalise and underpin our commitment to positive Climate Action.”

 

17.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2020:

The Members noted the Monthly Management Report for December 2020.

 

18.  CLINICAL PLACEMENT BURSARY AND PAYMENTS TO NURSES:

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

AND AGREED

“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.”

Councillor O’Grady further added that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Clinical placements of Student Nurses had been suspended.  Their Tutors had been returned to assist in other frontline roles.  She felt that these Student Nurses were deserving of payment rather than rounds of applause and this was supported by the Members.

 

19.  PROVISION OF A NATIONAL RECREATION AREA IN NORTH SLIGO AND NORTH LEITRIM:

The Cathaoirleach consented to Councillor Gilroy submitting a revised wording for this motion.

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

AND AGREED

“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 Sligo County Council write to the Northern and Western Regional Assembly to request that they oversee this collaboration and convene a meeting between representatives of the three authorities with a view to establishing this Platform of Collaboration within 6 Months and details brought back to Councillors no later than the July 2021 Council Meeting.”

 

20.  EXTENSION OF TIMELINE UNDER BEAM SCHEME FOR FARMERS:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture to seek an extension on the timeline issued under the BEAM scheme for farmers who have already made efforts to reduce stock. Brexit and the Pandemic have already penalised farmers and to insist on this deadline would be unjust.”

 

21.  SHARED ISLAND INITIATIVE:

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

AND AGREED

“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 new Shared Island Initiative, with a review for a referendum subsequent to an independence referendum taking place in Scotland.”

 

22.  TIMELINE FOR PREPARATION AND PLANS FOR A BORDER POLL:

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

AND AGREED

“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”.

 

23.  REPLACEMENT OF IRON WATER SUPPLY PIPES IN STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“Given the recent developments and proposed developments in Strandhill will this Council undertake a replacement of old iron pipes to ensure a high quality of water being provided to all homeowners”.

Councillor Maguire said she was disappointed to note that Irish Water had indicated that they did not have funding for these works in their 2021 budgets.  She asked that they would be written to again asking that they would consider including it for their 2022 works.

 

24.  MOTHER AND BABY HOME CRIMES:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Government to hold the institutions to account for Mother and Baby Home crimes and have a full criminal investigation.” 

 

25.  EARLY MORNING WASTE COLLECTIONS IN SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council write to Barna Waste Collection on behalf of the residents of Cartron Estate calling on them to cease early morning collections in the Estate at 6am every Tuesday which is causing serious disruption to families with young children and elderly residents and to start collections at a reasonable time like in other estates and to also put the bins back to the place of collection after being emptied." 

Councillor MacSharry noted that the organisation concerned has said that all collections commence in the estate concerned between 6.30 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. They have stated that they will review collection times to see of it is possible to push collection start times back to after 7.00 a.m. They also committed to reminding crews to place the bins back in a safe and secure location once they are emptied.

 

26.  KEAVENEY’S LANE, TONAPHUBBLE:

Councillor MacSharry informed the Meeting that he now wished to withdraw the following motion from the agenda:

"That Sligo County Council consider officially naming the lane known as Keaveny's lane at Tonaphubble," Martin Keaveny Road" after former Mayor and resident Martin Keaveny as requested by the Residents Association in the area"

He also informed the meeting that the Tonaphubble Residents Association wished to commemorate the late Martin Keaveney.  They looked forward to working with Sligo County Council at a later date in this regard.

 

27.  DAMAGE TO FENCING AND WALKWAYS AT THE DUNES IN STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council Structures and Marine Section inspected the dunes and fencing at Strandhill earlier this month. There is both coastal erosion and pedestrian erosion to be seen.

It is hoped to carry out some minor works this Spring, with a funding application to be made also to the OPW under its Coastal Erosion Minor Works Programme.”

Members had been advised that Sligo County Council Structures and Marine Section inspected the dunes and fencing at Strandhill earlier this month. There is both coastal erosion and pedestrian erosion to be seen.

It is hoped to carry out some minor works this Spring, with a funding application to be made also to the OPW under its Coastal Erosion Minor Works Programme.

Councillor MacSharry displayed photographs of the areas he was referring to and set out the difficulties being encountered in Strandhill.

In noting the points made, Councillor Maguire confirmed that where the fence appeared to be low, it had succeeded in its role to entrap the sand in that area.

 

28.  PEDESTRIAN ACCESS FROM BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE TO CASTLE DARGAN:

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

AND AGREED

“Following on from Notice of Motion in July 2019, I call on Sligo County Council to provide update on status of draft design for pedestrian access from Ballygawley Village to Castle Dargan and to consider making application for funding in 2021 to address the absence of this vital piece of infrastructure in Ballygawley and ensure this route is made safe.” 

A report had informed the Members that there is no draft design in place for a scheme at this location. The provision of a footpath here requires the acquisition of portions of land along the route. Sligo County Council will be in contact with the NTA to discuss potential works to be considered under their Active Travel Scheme 2021.

In reply, Councillor Walsh asked that the Acting Director of Services would put a draft design in place as soon as possible.  This was supported by Councillor Casserly who indicated that she had sought these works to commence in 2015.

Councillor Healy referred to the Mini Development Plan for the village and said Castle Dargan should also be included in the Village Plan.

 

29.  FOOTPATH AND LIGHTING ON R290 OUTSIDE BALLINTOGHER VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to make application to the Active Travel Scheme to address the lack of footpath and lighting on the Dromahair side of Ballintogher Village, R290 (Athvelid), linking the end of village to the village centre. If this cannot be prioritised in this scheme I would ask that it be considered for the Footpath Improvement Scheme.”

It was noted that Sligo County Council will be in contact with the NTA to discuss potential works to be considered under their Active Travel Scheme 2021.  If the inclusion of works at this location cannot be funded by the Active Travel Scheme, it will be considered for the footpath improvement scheme.

 

30.  AUDIT OF STREET LIGHTING BY ‘ELECTRIC SKYLINE’:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Electric Skyline to carry out an inspection and an audit of street and public lighting in Sligo Town and County, and to provide report of same.”

The Members had been informed that Sligo County Council has a total of 9,369 lights within the County and Borough areas. Sligo County Council’s public lighting management system reports that there is currently 2.9% of the Public lighting stock registered as requiring maintenance.

The 2.9% includes 130 lights that form part of the High Masts Systems on the National roads, and 141 other lights (1.5%) within the County and Borough areas.

It should be noted that the Public lighting maintenance contractor carries out a schedule of agreed nightly patrols to establish locations of lights that are not working. Additionally, there is a dedicated person for Public lighting maintenance/repair for Sligo County. A continuous regime of repairs is constantly being carried out. There may be some instances where there is a substantial underground fault within the network which may affect a number of lights within a circuit or loop. Due to the nature and location of the fault, and the condition of the underground cable, it may take considerably longer to carry out necessary repairs.

 

31.  CALL FOR INTEGRATED ALL-IRELAND PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGY:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising (a) that the scale of the Covid-19 crisis demonstrates the critical role of a fully funded public health service; (b) that two divergent public health strategies to deal with a pandemic on the island of Ireland, is irrational, impractical and dangerous; Sligo County Council therefore calls for a fully integrated All-Ireland public health strategy and supports the campaign for an All-Ireland comprehensive public health service free at the point of delivery.”

 

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

With the Cathaoirleach’s consent, Councillor Bree asked that the following motion would be deferred to the March 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.”

 

33.  PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES IN ENNISCRONE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to work with local Council staff and community to ensure that the public toilets in Enniscrone are opened for public use from Easter on.”

The Acting Director of Services had reported to the Members that Public toilets are provided in Enniscrone for the bathing season. The provision of public toilets outside the Bathing Season, commencing at Easter, will have to be considered in the contest of limited resources in the area.

 

34.  COASTAL EROSION PROJECTS IN WEST SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to outline what coastal erosion projects in west Sligo are with the Department for funding.”

In reply to Councillor Queenan’s motion, the Members had been advised that at present there are no projects with the Department for funding. However, there is a forthcoming meeting with the OPW following which it is hoped that viable applications can be made to the OPW under its Coastal Erosion Minor Works Programme. It is hoped that applications for sites including West Sligo can be made this Spring.

 

35.  WORKING GROUP RE. WATER SAFETY IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“This Council will set up a working group of stakeholders relating to water safety in county Sligo with a view to the reviewing and updating of water safety provision and information and the non bathing water designation in Strandhill.”

The Members had been advised that the possibility of setting up a working group to discuss water safety at Strandhill was suggested in early 2020, just before the Covid 19 situation began. Due to this, and the fact that the subsequent bathing season was a very challenging one for Sligo County Council due to its unprecedented nature, this issue has not been substantially progressed.  However, during the course of the 2020 bathing season, a number of parties contacted Sligo County Council to express their concerns, and to provide their views on how water safety could possibly be improved upon in Strandhill.

Water Safety Ireland, as the statutory body responsible for overseeing water safety in Ireland, will be carrying out a Risk Assessment at Strandhill at the earliest opportunity, in advance of the bathing season 2021. All stakeholders will be given the opportunity to make their views known at this time, through Sligo County Council’s Water Safety Development Officer. Apart from any additional measures that may be recommended in this Risk Assessment, Sligo County Council are already preparing to review the signage that is in place, with a view to upgrading existing signage, as well as providing high visibility roadside electronic signage on the main approach roads to the village.  Provision is also being made to employ an additional two Beach Wardens, bringing the total number of Beach Wardens to four.

Sligo County Council will also await the outcome of the Water Safety Ireland Risk Assessment, and in the event of additional measures being recommended, SCC will seek to implement these in full, in advance of the bathing season 2021.

Councillor Maguire indicated that she had been disappointed with the contents of the report and outlined the concerns of stakeholders in the Strandhill area.

In noting the points raised by Councillor Maguire and Councillor Gibbons, the Acting Chief Executive confirmed that it is a difficult issue; In his opinion, he could not see a situation where Sligo County Council would employ Beach Lifeguards to go into the water that is deemed dangerous for swimming.  People would still go into the water and there is no simple solution.  While willing to take on board any suggestions, he wished to put on the record that Beach Lifeguards would not be considered as an option.

In noting the comments, both Councillor Maguire and Councillor Taylor agreed that this is a highly emotive issue.  While noting Mr. Kilfeather’s comments, Councillor Taylor said he also agreed with the notice of motion as what was in place at present was not working, e.g. signage was being ignored.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Acting Chief Executive confirmed that the Executive would arrange for the convening of a meeting of the Forum as soon as was possible.

 

57.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

 

58.  VOTE  OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Edna Brennan of Ougham, Tubbercurry on the occasion of celebrating her 95th Birthday.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Peter Devlin of Cloonacrin, Grange on the completion of swimming in the sea at Streedagh every day in January and raising in excess of €40,000 for M.N.D. (Motor Neurone Disease).”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of Congratulations be extended to Tommie Gorman of R.T.É on the announcement of his retirement as a Broadcaster after 40 years service.”

 

ADJOURNED FEBRUARY 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 P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That the February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council stand adjourned until Monday, 8th February, 2021 at 2.00 p.m.”

 

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 12.10 p.m.


Meeting Date 01/02/2021