Minutes 2021

Minutes of May Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 10th May, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive
  • John Reilly, Head of Enterprise(C)
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(R)
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (R)
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services(C)
  • Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer, Roads(C)
  • Dónal Tinney, County Librarian (R)
  • Joe Murphy, SEO Housing (C)
  • Jimmy O’Brien, A/H.I.S. 
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dara Mulvey, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor G. O’Boyle.

 

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.  Members participating remotely were Councillors Baker, Clarke, Fox, Gibbons, MacSharry, and Mullaney.

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

 

THE LATE AIDAN TUFFY

On behalf of the Elected Members and Staff, the Cathaoirleach conveyed the sympathies of the Council to Councillor Joe Queenan on the recent passing of his nephew Aidan Tuffy.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF SPC 1 – HOUSING & CORPORATE ON 15TH DECEMBER 2020:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of SPC1 (Housing & Corporate) held on 15th December 2020.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ON 15TH FEBRUARY & 16TH MARCH 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on (a) 15th February 2021 and (b) 16th March 2021.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 12TH APRIL 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 12th April 2021.”

 

4.  MEETING OF SPC 4 – CLIMATE CHANGE – HELD ON 31ST MARCH 2021:

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

AND AGREED

To consider the following recommendation from meeting of SPC 4 – Climate Change held on 31st March 2021:

“That Sligo County Council recognises the overwhelming evidence that a global climate and biodiversity crisis exists and that society at all levels must take responsibility in responding effectively to the challenges facing the future of our planet. Having adopted a Climate Adaptation Policy in 2019 to inform its efforts in adapting to climate change, Sligo County Council now acknowledges the need to assume a more visible leadership role by immediately implementing the following steps:

  • Declare a Climate Emergency for County Sligo
  • Declare a Biodiversity Emergency for County Sligo
  • Commit to implementation of the County Sligo Biodiversity Plan
  • Commit to providing Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan Report regular updates at Council meetings
  • Commit to signing up to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.”

Councillor Maguire, Chair of the SPC 4 Group on Climate Change, thanked Ms. Concannon, Acting Director of Services for the report and acknowledged the need for urgent action to combat climate change. Councillor Maguire requested that updates would be provided to the Members on a more regular basis on the work and efforts of Sligo County Council in its role in combating climate change.

 

5.  TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATE KNOWN AS COIS ABHAINN, BELLAGHY, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To consider report in relation to commencing the process of taking in charge the estate known as ‘Cois Abhainn’, Bellaghy, Co Sligo”

 

6.  ARRANGEMENTS FOR AGM OF A) SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL, AND B) MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS:

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

AND AGREED

“To make arrangements for Annual General Meetings of:

  • Sligo County Council and
  • Municipal Districts.”

It was agreed to convene the Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council on 21st June 2021.

It was further agreed to make arrangements for the Annual General Meetings of the three Municipal Districts at the next respective meetings of the Municipal Districts.

 

7.  BID BUDGET 2021 – DETERMINE RATE OF BID LEVY & THE COUNCIL COLLECTION CHARGE:

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

AND AGREED

“Business Improvement District (BID) Budget 2021 – to determine the rate of the BID levy and the Council collection charge.”

Details of the items contained in the report were noted by the Members.

 

8.  PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO ICARE HOUSING CLG – CALF LOAN – 39 ASHBROOK, COLLOONEY, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to ICARE Housing Company Limited by Guarantee in the form of CALF Loan for the Mortgage To Rent CALF P&A acquisition project at No. 39 Ashbrook Collooney, Co. Sligo”. 

 

9.  ALLOCATION OF REGIONAL FESTIVALS & PARTICIPATIVE EVENTS FUNDING 2021:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To agree the allocation of the Regional Festivals and Participative Events funding 2021.”

Councillor Walsh expressed disappointment that the Fáilte Ireland allocation had been cut by 75% as it is anticipated that, pending easing of Covid-19 restrictions, festivals and events may be organised for the latter part of 2021. 

As proposed by Councillor T Walsh and seconded by Councillor T. Healy,

IT WAS AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the CEO of Fáilte Ireland to express its disappointment with the considerable cuts in the funding allocation to Sligo County Council and to ask that Sligo be considered for extra funding in light of the anticipated further easing of Covid-19 restrictions and the possibility of festivals and events being organised later in 2021.”

Councillor Bree pointed out that the report circulated to the meeting incorrectly stated that the ‘Connacht’ Fleadh would be included for funding under the programme but this should have read the ‘County’ Fleadh/Fleadh Fest’. Councillor Bree asked that the report be corrected, and the amendment noted.  This was agreed.

 

10.  REPORT OF DECADE OF CENTENARIES STEERING GROUP UNDER THE C1: CREATIVE SLIGO OPEN CALL FUNDING 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the recommendations of the Decade of Centenaries Steering group under the CI : Creative Sligo Open Call funding 2021.”

 

As items 11 and 46 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take both items at this time.

 

11.  DRAFT PARKING BYE-LAWS FOR MULLAGHMORE, ROSSES POINT & STRANDHILL:

“To consider Draft Parking Bye-Laws for:

  1. Mullaghmore
  2. Rosses Point
  3. Strandhill”

 

46.  PROVISION OF SERVICED PARKING FACILITIES FOR TOURING CARAVANS AND CAMPER VANS DURING 2021 TOURISM SEASON:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council ensure that overnight serviced parking facilities are available for use by touring caravans and camper vans in time for the expected staycation tourism influx for the months of June July and August 2021, so that these camper vans and touring caravans do not choose to park overnight at Special Areas of Conservation and other unsuitable sites.”

Councillor Maguire stated that she has received a number of representations from people in the Strandhill area.  The new draft Bye-Laws will mean huge changes regarding camper vans parking at the seafront, such as parking at the seafront, how many spaces will be available, overnight parking, etc.  There are also concerns regarding access to the new Surf Centre, toilet facilities and the car park to the Golf Club, which raise safety concerns for users of these facilities.  Councillor Maguire noted that the re-location of the surf schools to the main car park will represent a huge change to how these businesses operate, and requested that the Bye-Laws be deferred until the June Meeting when solutions can be provided for these problems.

Councillor Healy queried how the proposed Bye-Laws will affect RRDF funding, and also how long the Bye-Laws will be in effect for.  Councillor Healy also stated that he is not aware of who made submissions in regard to the making of the Bye-Laws as public consultation did not form part of the process.

Councillor Gibbons stated that the car park spaces in Strandhill are so limited that motorists have no option but to park on the road and this needs to be considered.  Councillor Gibbons requested that a decision on adopting the Bye-Laws for all three areas be deferred until the Covid pandemic has been brought under control.

Councillor Walsh welcomed the introduction of the Bye-Laws for Rosses Point.  He suggested erecting height barriers to stop campers gaining access to beach.  These barriers could be fitted with keys in case of the need for emergency access.  Councillor Walsh stated that it takes from the natural beauty of the area when caravans and camper vans were lined across verges and he requested that an assessment of the area from the Yeats County Hotel to the beach be carried out, with a view to re-locating camper vans, erecting signs, etc. 

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, stated that regarding Councillor Maguire’s comments on the Surf Schools in Strandhill, the recommendation is to adopt the Bye-Laws with following amendment:

“A vehicle while parked in the Car Park shall not be used for the provision of any service without the authorisation of the Local Authority”

Ms. Concannon stated that the draft Bye-Laws had been on display for a five week period during which time submissions were invited from members of the public.  She also stated that with regarding Rosses Point the Council are examining the Beach Front area and regarding Mullaghmore, the Habour area is being examined. It is hoped that the introduction of the Bye-Laws will be a solution to the problems encountered in these areas in 2020.  Applications for temporary Beach Wardens in 2021 have been advertised which it is hoped will assist in regulating and implementing these and other Bye-Laws. 

Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, advised the Members that the proposed Bye-Laws could be considered separately for each of the three areas.  He stated that there were no proposed changes for Mullaghmore, and that the main changes for Rosses Point were the addition of the road to the Yacht Club and additional signage.  Mr. Kilfeather suggested that the Bye-Laws for Mullaghmore and Rosses Point could be adopted at this meeting and the Bye-Laws for Strandhill could be listed for the June meeting.  He was making this suggestion as the Chair of the SPC Group had asked for the Bye-Laws to be put in place before the 2021 summer season. 

Councillor O’Grady concurred with the concerns raised by Councillor Maguire.  She stated that previous discussions had taken place regarding the use of the car park at Strandhill Airport to facilitate parking of camper vans and caravans.

Councillor Taylor welcomed the introduction of the Bye-Laws and stated that Sligo County Council must do its utmost to make more facilities available for camper vans.

Councillor Gilroy expressed disappointment that the Members were only given a summary of the submissions received on the Bye-Laws, and had not been provided with copies of submissions received.  He noted the difficulty of enforcement of the Bye-Laws as wardens are only employed from 10.30am to 4.30pm, which will not address the issue of overnight parking etc., particularly in Special Areas of Conservation.  Councillor Gilroy suggested deferring the Bye-Laws for all three areas to the June Meeting and to circulate a copy of all 76 submissions received to the Members in advance of the June meeting. 

Councillor Gilroy stated that the area around Lissadell has been littered with toilet paper and that the sand dunes at Streedagh are ruined with remnants of campfires every week.  He stated that landowners are encountering hostility when confronting some tourists parked illegally on their lands, and that adequate serviced parking facilities urgently need to be provided at designated areas. 

Councillor Casserly stated that there is Leader funding available for landowners to provide camping facilities, and noted that given they age profile of Temporary Beach Wardens, they would require additional supports such as An Garda Síochána in order to fully enforce the Bye-Laws. 

Councillor Fox also supported Councillor Gilroy’s motion and urged that these issues be addressed as soon as possible. 

Councillor Bree also supported Councillor Gilroy’s motion and stated that this cohort needs to be accommodated, which need has only arisen in the recent past.

Councillor MacSharry stated it is frustrating for tourists and unfortunately there are a small number of tourists that take no responsibility or have no regard for areas that they visit.

Following further discussion, it was

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council ensure that overnight serviced parking facilities are available for use by touring caravans and camper vans in time for the expected staycation tourism influx for the months of June July and August 2022.  So that these camper vans and touring caravans do not choose to park overnight at Special Areas of Conservation and other unsuitable sites.”

Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, advised the Members that this can only be considered in the context of the 2022 budget discussions.

In conclusion, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that Sligo County Council officials will be available for consultation/discussion regarding the Draft Parking Bye-Laws for Strandhill, later this week. 

It was then:

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

AND AGREED

“To Adopt the Draft Parking Bye-Laws for Mullaghmore.”

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

AND AGREED

“To Adopt the Draft Parking Bye-Laws for Rosses Point.”

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

AND AGREED

“To defer the adoption of the Draft Parking Bye-Laws for Strandhill to allow further consideration by the Members.’

 

12.  DISPOSAL OF LAND AT BELLANASCARROW EAST, BALLYMOTE, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of land at Bellanascarrow East, Ballymote, Co Sligo to Mr. Padraig Duffy and Mr. Neil Henry.”

 

13.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE ON 3RD OCTOBER 2018:

The Cathaoirleach outlined details of a recent meeting of the Placenames Committe, and advised Members to a proposed meeting scheduled for Monday 17th May next to discuss honouring Volunteer Thomas Howley and the naming of the bridge in Enniscrone, the centenary of his death occurring on 25th May 2021.  

The Cathaoirleach suggested allowing the proposed meeting of the Enniscrone Community groups on 17th May to enable full consultation to take place.

 

CONSIDER REPORT OF COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE – CONSIDERATION OF PLACENAME PROPOSALS:

It was then:

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

That the recommendation of the Placenames Commitee to name the bridge in Enniscrone after Volunteer Thomas Howley be adopted by Sligo County Council.

Councillor Bree added that it would not be proper to reject the recommendation of the Placenames Committee, which had already agreed to name the bridge after Volunteer Howley.

The Cathaoirleach stated that when the motion was brought forward,  it was agreed to bring it to the Placenames Committee for consideration.  He suggested that discussions be allowed to take place with both community groups before a decision was made by the Council on the recommendation of the Placenames Committee. He noted that the Enniscrone District Community Council have no issue in honouring Volunteer Howley and are seeking full consultation on the matter of naming the bridge after Volunteer Howley. 

Councillor Clarke agreed that a decision on this motion be deferred to allow time for agreement to be reached on this matter.

Councillor Walsh stated that it was the opinion of some people in the Enniscrone community that it was not appropriate for a public representative to propose the naming of a public amenity and this practice needs to be reviewed.

Councillor Queenan advised the meeting that everyone in Enniscone wishes to honour Volunteer Howley.  He requested that this item is deferred to the June meeting, to allow for full consulation between the community groups in Enniscone at their meeting on 17th May.

Councillor Gibbons stated that this matter had first been brought to the Placenames Committee in January 2021 and this had allowed sufficient time for discussions to take place.  In view of the fact that the end of May would mark the 100th anniversary of Volunteer Howley’s death, Councillor Gibbons proposed that this matter be dealt with at today’s meeting.

Councillors Mullaney, MacSharry and Taylor supported the Cathaoirleach’s proposal to wait until the meeting on 17th May to allow for full consultation on the matter, and to list this item for the June meeting. 

Councillor Bree suggested that as the two community groups in Enniscrone have different views on the naming of the bridge, he does not believe the meeting will bring any resolution or agreement on the matter.  He requested that the matter be progressed at this meeting in order to have Volunteer Howley honoured by the 100th anniversary of his death on 25th May. 

Councillor Taylor suggested that the proposed meeting of the two groups in Enniscrone could be brought forward to later this week, as it was now likely that today’s meeting would be deferred to next Monday, 17th May, as it would not be possible to hear all items listed on today’s Agenda, due to the 1 hour 55 minute timeline for meetings to be held within. The Cathaoirleach advised the Members that he will send an email to request the possibility of holding the meeting later this week before a possible Council Meeting on 17th May. 

Councillor Bree wished it to be noted that he proposed that the recommendation of the Placenames Committe be accepted at this meeting.

Councillor O’Grady proposed that the late Mayor, Kathleen McGoldrick be remembered when an appropriate place to name after her becomes available.  This proposal was agreed.

The Cathaoirleach advised that this issue will be discussed again at the Adjourned Ordinary meeting, to be scheduled for Monday 17th May.

Councillor Gibbons wished it to be noted that he was dissatisfied  that this matter is being deferred to next week’s meeting for discussion.

 

14.  REVIEW AND PREPARATION OF THE COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2021 - 2025:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the review and preparation of the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2021 – 2025.”

 

15.  RECOMMENDATIONOF ARTS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ARTS GRANTS SCHEME 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the recommendations of the Arts Assessment Committee on the contributions to Arts Grants Scheme 2021.”

 

16.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR MARCH 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Monthly Management Report for March 2021.”

 

17.  DEVELOPMENT OF A WALKING ROUTE TO THE NEOLITHIC CAIRN LOCATED ON CARNS/CAIRNS HILL:

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

AND AGREED

“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.”

A report informed the members that the existing walking route at Carns/Cairns Hill has been upgraded in recent years with improvements to the trail and surrounding facilities. This work has been achieved with ongoing support from Coillte and from the adjoining residents group Tonaphubble Residents Association and CADRA (Carraroe and District Residents Association).

Councillor D. Bree requested that Members be informed of any developments in relation to the Cairn on Carns/Cairns Hill.

 

18.  ROAD THAT RUNS ALONGSIDE R291 IN ROSSES POINT - CLOSURE OF JUNCTION AT BALLYWEELIN TO TRAFFIC:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the concerns raised by residents who live on the old road that runs alongside the R291 in Rosses Point. Residents wish to see the junction at Ballyweelin closed to traffic and asked that the Roads Department would look at this proposal in the interest of health and safety.”

A report circulated to the Members advised that following discussions on site with local community representatives and Public Representatives it was agreed that the proposal would be considered in the context of the RRDF Supported Public Realm Enhancement Scheme for Rosses Point. Traffic Management will be a key aspect of any Public Realm Enhancement works in Rosses Point. Sligo County Council will be engaging with the appointed Consultants in the coming weeks and will ask them to consider and prioritise this element and will revert back to the Local Community following this meeting as agreed.

 

19.  CLOSURE OF L-7216-0 WEST FROM THE N15 TO L72123-0 TO TRAFFIC ON 31ST MARCH 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to reopen L7216-0 West from the N15 to L72123-0 that was closed to Vehicular Traffic on March 31st 2021 and to realign this road opposite the L7216-0 East as was the original layout when the current N15 was built with properly constructed turning lanes both East and West and to engage with the local residents in meaningful consultation to allay their fears and concerns.”

Councillor Gilroy thanked the Acting Chief Executive for his apology regarding the lack of communication with the local people around the closure of this road and clarified the issue surrounding the issue of emails in relation to this matter.   

Councillor Bree stated, that while acknowledging the statement of the Acting Chief Executive, stated that the lack of communication in this matter was totally unacceptable.  Councillor Bree also sought clarification on the decision to close off all access to this road when the recommendation of the Road Safety Audit had been that only the right turning lane would be closed.

Councillor Walsh stated the residents in this area will also put forward proposals to improve this stretch of road. 

Ms.Concannon, Acting Director of Services advised that based on the recommendations of the Road Safety Audit, closure of the right turning lane is interpreted as closure of all access to vehicular traffic  from using the L-7216 access to the L-72123 (Old N15).  Ms. Concannon also advised that any concerns or proposals by the local residents can be directed to the Road Design Engineer. 

Councillor Casserly outlined the concerns of the residents regarding the safety of this entire stretch of road.  Following the completion of two road projects in this area, i.e. removal of a climbing lane and re-surfacing of the road, Councillor Casserly stated that locals are satisfied with the works done and feel a lot safer as a result.

Councillor Healy stated that last week’s meeting between Council officials, Member of this MD and local residents was very constructive and welcomed the fact the lines of communication are now open.

Councillor Gilroy stated that out of respect to the Acting Chief Executive, he now wished to withdraw this Motion.  He also requested that the report circulated to the Members on this item prior to the meeting be corrected as it did not state that the road would be closed. Councillor Gilroy also stated that despite being advised at the last meeting that this road would be closed to vehicular traffic, vehicles have been accessing this road for the last number of days.

 

20. ENSURE NATIONAL HERD IS NOT REDUCED UNDER THE CLIMATE CHANGE BILL:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Queenan, was deferred to the June Ordinary meeting:

“To call on the government to ensure that the national herd is not reduced under the Climate Change Bill.”

 

21.  DEVELOPMENT OF SURFING ACCOMMODATION ON FORMER IDA LANDS AT EASKEY:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Queenan and Councillor Clarke, was deferred to the June Ordinary meeting:

“To call on Sligo County Council to activate Section 34 6 of the Planning Act so that the development of surfing accomodation on former IDA lands at Easkey, Co. Sligo can be considered for planning.”

 

22.  CONTRIBUTIONS PAID TO IRISH WATER TOWARDS PROVISION OF WATER FACILITIES:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Gilroy, was deferred to the June Ordinary meeting:

“To ask Sligo County Council to report on what procedures are in place to either refund or pay to Irish Water the contribution made by members of the public as a condition of planning permission who paid to Sligo County Council a contribution towards expenditure that was or that is proposed to be incurred by Sligo County Council towards the provision of water facilities. This fee would have been paid at commencement of development work but the connection was never completed due to delays in finishing the dwelling.

And to ensure that no householder is asked to pay a second contribution to Irish Water when they have already paid for the provision of water facilities to Sligo County Council.”

 

23.  UPDATE ON GREENWAY PROJECTS – SLNCR & SLIGO TO BELLAGHY GREENWAY:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Walsh, was deferred to the June Ordinary meeting:

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide an update on both Greenway Projects, the SLNCR and the Sligo to Bellaghy Greenway.”

 

24.  SAFETY AROUND SEA SWIMMING:

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

AND AGREED

“Given the dramatic increase in sea swimming, this Council will:

  • Consider undertaking year long water sampling to ensure the quality of the water is safe at all times.
  • Investigate the possibility of designating Dorrins Strand as a bathing water beach.
  • Create an alternative route to Dorrins Strand from the Airport Road to relieve the traffic issues which occurred last year.
  • This Council will prohibit the use of inflatables at our beaches and on our inland lakes and waterways.”

Councillor Maguire welcomed the report issued in relation to these issues. She stated that it is vitally important that use of inflatables at our beaches and waterways is prohibited from next year, as this practice is extremely dangerous.

 

25.  INTRODUCTION OF COERCIVE CONTROL LEGISLATION:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Maguire, was deferred to the June Ordinary meeting:

“Acknowledging the positive step forward by the government in introducing the coercive control legislation, this Council seeks that further supports are provided for those who experience domestic violence and that formal recognition is given to those encountering parental alienation”.

 

26.  PLANNED PROGRAMME OF WORKS TO COUNTERACT COASTAL EROSION AT STRANDHILL:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to outline its planned programme of works to counteract coastal erosion which is particularly evident at Strandhill”.

A report issued to Members set out details of funding which has recently been received for a CEFRM Study in Sligo Bay, and which is expected to be completed by early Summer 2022, Councillor Maguire requested that action be taken in the interim period to counteract coastal erosion.

 

ADJOURNED MAY ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

Due to time constraints, the Cathaoirleach indicated that he could not deal with any further items, and it was agreed that the meeting stand adjourned until Monday, 17th May, 2021 at 12 noon.”

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation and encouraged everyone to stay safe.  The business of the meeting concluded at 12.10 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 10/05/2021