Minutes 2021

Minutes of Adjourned May Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 24th May, 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(C),
  • Councillor Connolly,
  • Councillor Fox,
  • Councillor Gibbons,
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor MacSharry(R),
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney(R),
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • 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
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (C)
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services(C)
  • Jimmy O’Brien, A/HIS
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Pauline Lavelle, 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. Members participating remotely were Councillors Casserly, MacSharry, and Mullaney.

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

 

1.  ARRANGEMENTS FOR AGM OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS –
(1) BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY   
(2) BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO
(3) SLIGO-DRUMCLIFFE:

It was agreed by the Chairs of Municipal Districts

AND AGREED

“to convene the AGM of the Municipal Districts as follows:

  • Ballymote-Tubbercurry  2.00 pm      Monday 21st June
  • Sligo Borough  10.00 am      Monday 28th June
  • Sligo-Drumcliffe      12.00 pm      Monday 28th June.”

 

2.  TO CONSIDER DRAFT PARKING BYE-LAWS FOR STRANDHILL:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Parking Bye-Laws for Strandhill.”

Councillor Maguire acknowledged the hard work of the staff of the Roads Section and the consultation that had taken place since the matter was discussed at the Ordinary meeting held on 10th May.  She stated that considerable concessions had been made and welcomed the updated proposal regarding the surf schools.

She wished, however, to have it placed on record that the most suitable location for the surf schools would be on the sea front.  Councillor Maguire suggested that the Bye-Laws be adopted but she asked that the situation be kept under review and changes made, if needed.  She also requested that consideration also be given to those operating from mobile vans as well as those schools operating from fixed premises. 

Councillor O’Boyle noted that the agreement of all the surf schools should be obtained.

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, stated that it was her understanding that five of the six surf schools in operation in Strandhill are happy with the proposal to operate from the car park.  She added that all proposals have been taken on board and advised that the situation will be reviewed at the end of the year.

Councillor O’Grady thanked Ms. Concannon and the Roads team for all their efforts and collaboration and acknowledged the input of all the surf schools in achieving the best possible outcome for all concerned and added that it is vital that the situation be reviewed at the end of the year.

Councillor Healy thanked Ms. Concannon for the work done and for the quick solution on this matter.  He queried the position regarding parking of motor homes and camper vans and the possibility of using the car park at Sligo Airport for overnight camping facilities, as this matter had been raised on previous occasions.

Councillor Gibbons concurred with this point and stated that because of the increase in the use of motor homes, immediate provisions needs to be made to accommodate these vehicles over the summer months. 

Councillor Gilroy stated that, as previously advised, he will defer his motion from the 10th May meeting regarding serviced overnight camping facilities to 2022.  He advised that the Roads department have been in contact with him regarding this matter.  He agreed to support the Bye-Laws and requested that a report be circulated at the end of the 2021 summer season following a review by the Council.  Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon stated that a report will issue at the end of the summer season on this matter.

 

3a.  NOTE MINUTES OF MEETING OF COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE HELD ON 3RD OCTOBER 2018: 

The Members agreed to note minutes of meeting of County Sligo Placenames Committee held on 3rd October 2018.

 

3b.  CONSIDER REPORT OF COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE – CONSIDERATION OF PLACENAMES PROPOSALS: 

“To consider report of County Sligo Placenames Committee – Consideration of Placename Proposals.”

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor D. Mulvey advised the members that the proposal put forward by the Placenames Committee for consideration related to four separate proposals and suggested that each proposal be considered separately.

Councillor D. Bree stated that this suggestion was out of order and noted that this motion was deferred to today’s meeting and he proposed that this be dealt with as one item, the proposal seconded by Councillor Healy.

Councillor Queenan stated that as an Elected Representative from Enniscrone, he suggested that the Council accept items No.’s 1, 2, and 3 as proposed by the Placenames Committee, but to reject item No. 4 as, despite consultation having taken place, agreement has not been reached on this matter.  Councillor Queenan stated that it is widely agreed within the community that Volunteer Thomas Howley be commemorated in Enniscrone in some form, but not by the naming of a public place. 

Councillor Bree proposed that his motion to accept the recommendation of the Placenames Committee for all four items listed on the proposal be agreed at this meeting.
Councillor Clarke proposed an amendment to the motion i.e. to approve items No. 1, 2 and 3 of the proposal and to reject item No. 4.  This was seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney who stated that the people of Enniscrone want to honour Volunteer Howley, but in a different way than the re-naming of the bridge in Enniscrone. 

Councillor Bree stated that it is imperative that Volunteer Howley be remembered and honoured for his brave deeds carried out in the name of his country, Ireland as this week marked the 100th anniversary of his murder.

Councillor Gibbons concurred with the sentiments of Councillor Bree and stated that Volunteer Howley should be honoured in the same way as many other Irish volunteers who gave their life for Ireland, many of whom have public places named in their honour, as it forms a very important part of our history. 

Councillor Baker stated that approving this item is not the way forward if it causes division in the community.

At the request of Councillor Healy, the Cathaoirleach read out correspondence received from the Thomas Howley Commemoration Committee, and advised that he has not yet received any correspondence from the Enniscrone District Community Council following their meeting. 

Councillor Queenan stated that he did not attend the meeting as he wanted to leave the matter to the local community and he does not feel that this should be a political matter.  He further stated that the residents of Enniscrone wish to honour Volunteer Howley but in a non-political way, such as the erection of a plaque in his memory.

Councillor MacSharry added that local views must be given precedence and that this matter should revert back to a meeting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD.

Councillor Taylor stated that all members, and the community of Enniscrone, wished to honour Volunteer Howley and requested that a vote take place on the amended motion as proposed by Councillor Clarke and seconded by Councillor Mullaney.

Councillor O’Grady advised the meeting that she would, reluctantly, be abstaining from any vote on this matter as she did not feel fully informed on all aspects of this issue, at this time.

A vote was called by the Cathaoirleach, on the amended motion:

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

“To consider report of County Sligo Placenames Committee – Consideration of Placename Proposals - to approve items No. 1, 2 and 3 of the proposal and to reject item No. 4 - Proposal to name the bridge over the Bellawaddy River, at Lower Main Street, Enniscrone after Volunteer Thomas Howley.”

The results of the vote were as follows:

FOR:                    12

AGAINST:            4

ABSTAINED:       2

It was, therefore, voted that on the proposals of the County Sligo Placenames Committee, items No. 1, 2 and 3 were approved and Item No. 4 was rejected by Sligo County Council.

Regarding item No. 2 of the proposal of the County Sligo Placenames Committee, the naming of the Western Distributor Road, as submitted by Dr. Fiona Gallagher, which was approved at today’s meeting, Councillor Bree stated that this is worthy of acknowledgement and proposed a vote of congratulations be extended to Dr. Gallagher for her work on this subject, and this was agreed.

Councillor O’Grady also wished to be associated with this vote of congratulations and added that both Sligo Borough and Sligo County Council have greatly benefited from Dr. Gallagher’s expertise and knowledge of the Sligo area.

 

4.  TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STUDY ON ROAD THAT LEADS TO ST. BRENDAN’S N.S:

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

AND AGREED

“That the roads department of this local authority would carry out a traffic management study of the road that leads up to St, Brendan's National School Sunset Drive, Cartron Point in the interest of Health & Safety of the children, parents and the residents who live alone on that stretch of road.” 

A report advised that a traffic survey of the road leading to St. Brendan’s National School will be carried out.  However, due to current commitments and work priorities, it will likely be Q3 2021 before this work can be undertaken.

Councillor Gibbons welcomed the report and stated that as this school is located within a housing estate, at busy times the volume of traffic at the school is very high and he commended the teachers on their efforts to make the area safer for everyone and asked that this matter be reviewed at a later stage, in the interests of the health and safety of everyone using this road.

Councillor MacSharry also welcomed the report on this motion and requested that the provision of road markings and yield signs at Classiebawn Drive could be considered when the survey was being carried out.

 

5.  PAID LEAVE FOR SUFFERERS OF MISCARRIAGE OR STILLBIRTH:

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

AND AGREED

“I am asking Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys and ask that all working mothers and their partners be allowed to take paid leave after suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth. This bereavement allowance would give employees three days’ leave when a pregnancy ends in miscarriage or stillbirth, rather than forcing them to use their sick leave.”

Councillor Casserly stated that the provision of such an allowance and the recognition of the mental and physical anguish associated with such an experience will help remove the stigma around miscarriage and will be healing for those who suffer such huge losses.  This motion was supported by all the Members.  Councillor Casserly requested that this motion be shared with all Local Authorities for support.

 

6.  REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN FARM GRANTS DUE TO SOARING MATERIAL COSTS & REQUEST TO PUBLISH REVISED REFERENCE COSTS FOR BUILDING WORK:

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

AND AGREED

“I ask Sligo County Council to write to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD seeking an increase in farm grants as soaring material costs are reducing the value of grant aid to farmers.  Also I call on the Department of Agriculture to publish revised reference costs for building work. 

Significant price increases for structural steel, cladding, timber and concrete. The cost of steel alone has jumped 30pc, Concrete prices up around 5-10pc, building costs are estimated to have increased around 10-15pc overall since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.”

This motion was supported by the Members.  It was noted that the issue of rising material costs will also affect all building projects as costs of building and farm materials has dramatically increased since the Covid crisis began, and that this has become a very worrying situation for the wider community.

 

7.  UPDATE ON THE ROUTE SELECTION OF THE NEW N17 ROADS PROJECT:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on the route selection of the new N17 roads project.”

Councillor Casserly thanked the Acting Director of Services for her report and commended the Design Team on the consultation process. Councillor Casserly asked if the statutory public consultation to take place this summer is still on schedule.  The Acting Director of Services confirmed that this process is to go ahead during the summer and when dates are confirmed, it will be widely communicated.

Councillor Taylor commended the people of South Sligo for their patience during the process of route selection which it is hoped will be completed by the end of 2021.  He also wished to pay tribute to the Council for the work done on this process. 

Councillor Healy wished to remember and pay tribute to the late Councillor Margaret Gormley who, he stated, was the main driving force behind this project. 

Councillor Casserly also remembered the late Councillor Gormley and commended the residents along the proposed routes for their patience and acknowledged the work of Council staff in allaying the fears and concerns of the residents and landowners concerned.

 

8.  RECOGNITION OF SERVICE PROVIDED BY SLIGO AIRPORT TO THE NORTH WEST REGION:

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

AND AGREED

“To urgently request that the Dept of Transport recognise the vital service that Sligo Airport provides to the entire region of the North West and to make funding available annually to ensure that this service is retained in Sligo.”

Councillor Casserly stated that it is vital that this matter is kept on the agenda as it provides a vital service, being the only search & rescue base in the North West Region.  She noted that confirmation of funding is still awaited.  Councilllors Walsh, Maguire and Gilroy, who are Directors on the Board of Sligo Airport, supported Councillor Casserly’s motion.

 

9.  INTRODUCTION OF SPECIFIC OFFENCE FOR STALKING:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on the Minister for Justice to reconsider her department’s decision not to have a specific offence of stalking introduced on to the statute books, and to not only introduce an offence of stalking but to also introduce longer sentences for the crime than that currently available to prosecutors.”

At present in Ireland, there is no law that defines stalking as a crime. This Council calls on the government to urgently enact clear and concise stalking legislation in Ireland.

On the rare occasion that stalking is prosecuted in Ireland, it is prosecuted under harassment laws. The terms ‘stalking’ and ‘harassment’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can be significantly different.

Harassment is unwanted behaviour from someone else that makes you feel distressed, humiliated or threatened. Stalking, however, is more intense, sinister and distressing. Stalking is a pattern of fixated, obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent and intrusive. It causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim. Victims of stalking are often at risk of violence from their stalker.

Although stalking has recently been associated with crimes against women it can also be a crime against a man. It can be used against celebrities, politicians and civic leaders and needs to be clearly defined as a crime.

The Law Reform Commission has recommended that stalking be defined as a separate crime to harassment. In the UK, when stalking was made a crime there was an increase in prosecutions - meaning it was necessary and overdue. This Council calls on the Minister for Justice to act urgently and legislate to make stalking a crime in Ireland.”

Councillor Gilroy paid tribute to Eva McDowell from Grange, and Una Ring from Cork, who had appeared on the Late Late Show to share their harrowing experiences on being stalked, and he urged everyone to sign the petition which can be found on ‘stalking.ie’.  The Members expressed their support for the motion and paid tribute to Eva and Una for their bravery in sharing their stories.

 

10.  RESTORATIVE WORKS TO BENCHES AT THE SEA FRONT IN STRANDHIL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would carry out restorative works including painting to all the benches at the sea front in Strandhill.”

Ms Concannon, Acting Director of Services, informed the Members that the promenade will be inspected and any maintenance work required will be carried out in the coming weeks ahead of the busy summer season.

Councillor MacSharry welcomed the report.  Councillor O’Grady requested that bins be emptied regularly, especially at weekends. 

In response to a query from Councillor Gibbons, Acting Chief Executive, Mr. T. Kilfeather, advised that Sligo County Council no longer employs painting staff and that all painting works are now contracted out.

 

11.  PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT CARRAROE CENTRE LINKING THE CAR PARK AT CARRAROE CHURCH TO THE CAR PARK AT CARRAROE N.S.:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to make provision of a pedestrian crossing at Carraroe centre linking the car-park at Carraroe Church/ R284 to the car-park at Carraroe National School/Well Pet Hospital in an effort to make this busy area safer.

That Sligo County Council considers making application for this project to the Low Cost Safety Scheme in 2021.”

In a report previously circulated, the Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that this matter will be investigated.

Councillor T. Walsh stated that land needs to be acquired as part of the solution to this problem and he requested that an assessment be carried out in this regard as soon as possible. The motion was supported by the members and the Council and the CADRA group, and Members past and present were commended for all the work carried out in the Carraroe area over the years.

 

12.  UPDATE ON PROVISION OF NEW FOOTPATH LINKING COLLOONEY TO BALLISODARE WITH FUNDING UNDER ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“Following Government’s allocation of €200,000 under the Active Travel Scheme for the provision of a new footpath linking Collooney to Ballisodare, that Sligo County Council provide an update on the project including project detail and an estimated start and finish date.”

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised that the contract is expected to commence in June/July 2021 and last for a period of ten weeks.

 

13.  ‘OLD MILL’ APARTMENTS IN BALISODARE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the owners of the ‘Old Mill’ apartments in Ballisodare for an update on what they intend to do with this property and also that they address the ongoing concerns of youth's entering this derelict building.”

Ms Clarke, Director of Services, advised that the Planning Enforcement Section of Sligo County Council has written to the owners of The Mill Apartments in relation to the appearance and condition of the property and will continue to liaise with them to ensure the appearance of the building is improved and that it is made secure to prevent any unauthorised access.

Councillor Healy noted with disappointment that this issue has been ongoing for more than twelve years and urged the Council to find a solution to this issue as soon as possible. This motion was supported by the Members.

 

14.  RE-SURFACE OF ROAD AT BARRACK STREET:

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

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council re-surface the road at Barrack Street.”

In a report previously circulated, Acting Director of Services, Ms Concannon advised that this street is not included on the current multi-annual roads programme but will be considered when formulating the 2022 – 2024 programme.

Councillor O’Boyle thanked Ms Concannon for her report and noted that he may seek an update at the Municipal District meeting.

 

15.  SOLIDARITY TAX ON WEALTHY INDIVIDUALS / COMPANIES TO PAY FOR THE COVID PANDEMIC:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the government to introduce a solidarity tax on wealthy individuals or companies to pay for the covid pandemic.” 

 

16.  PROVISION OF PERMANENT GARDA ARMED SUPPORT UNIT IN SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on An Garda Síochána to permanently position an Armed Support Unit in Sligo to ensure that members of An Garda Siochana have rapid access to armed assistance in an emergency.

That Sligo County Council write to the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice, the Assistant Commissioner for the North-Western Region and the Chief Superintendent for Sligo Leitrim to ensure that this request is seriously considered to protect both the public and Garda members on a day to day basis.”

Councillor Walsh stated that this unit had been based in Sligo during the Covid pandemic but has now moved back to the Ballyshannon base and he added it is totally unacceptable that members of the public and the Gardaí are being put at risk daily, given the rising number of incidents in Sligo that require the assistance of the Armed Response Unit.  Councillor Walsh also requested the Members’ support and the support of the four elected TDs for the region on this motion.  The Members expressed their support for the motion.

 

17.  LIST OF BODIES THAT RECEIVED FUNDING UNDER HEADING “CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER BODIES” IN THE 2020 AFS:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with the full list of bodies which received funding under the heading “Contributions to Other Bodies” including the specific amount paid to each organisation in the year’s 2019 and 2020.”

Councillor Bree thanked the Head of Finance, Ms. Whelan for the report on this motion and advised that he will revert to the Meetings Administrator in relation to follow up queries on the report.

 

18.  REPORT REGARDING DELAY IN VALIDATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a report outlining (a) the reason or reasons for the significant delay in having planning applications validated (b) the proposed steps the Council executive intends to take to expediate the validation process.”

A report was circulated to the Members setting out the process and timescale for the validation and processing of planning applications.   

 

19.  REPORT ON PROPOSED YEATS INTERNATIONAL CENTRE & THE PLANNED DRUMCLIFFE VISITOR FACILITIES:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the proposed Yeats International Centre and the planned Drumcliffe visitor facilities.”

A report circulated in advance of the meeting informed the members that, as a priority objective in Sligo’s Tourism Strategy 2018-2023, an Interpretative Centre devoted to WB Yeats and his family is a proposal that has been under consideration for a number of years. Such a centre would provide a unique visitor experience, tell the story of Ireland and Sligo and portray the Yeats’ family legacy in the place which inspired their work. It would help to create a signature cultural tourism attraction in Sligo and the WAW, leading to an increase in visitor numbers and revenue.  An application for capital funding to Fáilte Ireland’s Platform for Growth Programme for Immersive Heritage and Cultural Attractions made in late 2019, was unsuccessful.

This funding Programme has not since re-opened for applications. Other relevant funding sources that come on stream will be considered and applied for as they arise.   

The Heritage Office will be undertaking the preparation of a Conservation Plan together with a geophysical survey of the monastic enclosure which surrounds the core area of the site at Drumcliffe.  The development of a conservation plan for the site will take approx. 6-9 months and will include public consultation.  The objectives of any Conservation Plan are:

To assess the significance of a heritage site and its significance as part of the surrounding environment.

  • To provide a framework to inform the future conservation and sustainable management of the site.
  • To present options for the future use of the site including partnership options for its future.
  • To provide the context through which the many different cultural values of the site and appropriate management can be discussed whether it be in terms of archaeology, architecture, biodiversity, landscape, community, infrastructure, education, access, tourism etc.
  • Assist in the future development of appropriate interpretation at the site.
  • Provide guidance for a programme of regular maintenance.
  • Provide a framework, within which actioned progress for the long-term protection, conservation, management, interpretation and accessibility of the site, can be planned for and measured.

Councillor Healy noted with disappointment that the report on this item did not refer to the provision of public toilets at the Drumcliffe visitors centre and urged that these facilities be provided as soon as possible.  Councillor Gilroy noted his support for the motion.

 

20.  REPORT ON WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BEACHES IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a report (a) indicating the beaches in the county which are wheelchair accessible (b)  indicating the proposals which the Council has to provide wheelchair access to beaches which are currently inaccessible.” 

The members were informed that accessible ramps are in situ at Rosses Point, Mullaghmore and at Enniscrone beach, and there is a sloped path and handrail from the car park at Dunmoran beach. The ramps at these locations need to be cleared periodically following storms and high tides.

There is also an access ramp at Strandhill beach, but due to the build- up of stones, access can be restricted, and options regarding this access will be examined before the summer season.

There are currently no plans to construct accesses at Streedagh Beach due to environmental and cost restraints.

 

21.  EU COMMISSION’S NEW REGIONAL AID GUIDELINES:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council notes:

The EU Commission’s new Regional Aid Guidelines, which apply from 2022, reduce from 51.28% to 35.9% the eligible population of the 26 Counties that can benefit from regional aid.

That the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment must now notify the EU Commission of Ireland’s new regional aid map according to these new guidelines.

Further, regrets the EU Commission decision to reduce the eligible population that can benefit from regional aid given the economic impact of Brexit and the continued need for investment in the Border and Northern and Western regions.

Calls on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to include County Sligo as part of the Border and Northern and Western regions in the State’s Regional Aid Map as areas qualifying for ongoing assistance.”

 

22.  MOORING FACILITIES AT INISHMURRAY ISLAND:

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

“Noting the reply to Motion 34 November 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council (Submitted by Councillor Bree), can Sligo County Council Issue an updated report on

  1. Design for proposed works by Langan Consulting Engineers
  2. Details of what works are proposed this design will be.
  3. Progress on procurement of funds to carry out the expected work.
  4. Progress on procurement of a contractor to carry out works.
  5. Expected date on which the Department could be asked to consider issuing licences to boats to carry fare paying passengers to Innishmurray
  6. Report on what inspections have been carried out to ensure the preservation and care of the delicate natural and heritage sites on the island.

 

As items 23 and 26 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take these two items at this time.

23.  &  26.  SAFETY AROUND SEA SWIMMING:

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

AND AGREED

“In light that any CCTV footage cannot be used under GDPR guidelines to identify a person whose dog fouls our footpaths and all open spaces including housing estates, what alternative process will Sligo County Council use to bring forward a successful prosecution.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That SCC increase resources to the Environment Department to combat illegal Dumping and dog fouling.”

Ms Concannon, A/Director of Services, advised that the Council will focus on preventative measures regarding dog fouling this summer, including education & awareness initiatives. Funding is being sought under the newly announced Anti-Littering Infrastructure / Capital Supports grant scheme from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

In addition, Ms. Concannon advised that to augment the 2 No. full time Litter Wardens, Sligo County Council has advertised for additional part time Beach/Amenity Wardens, for the summer months, to assist in the management / enforcement of illegal litter and dog fouling activities. It is hoped that having a greater enforcement presence in the community will also help in the prevention of dog fouling in public open spaces.

Councillor Gibbons stated that as dog fouling is illegal, it should be possible to use CCTV footage to secure prosecutions for such incidents.  Ms. Concannon advised the members that legislation regarding dog fouling is dealt with under Waste Management legislation and is examined at national level by the Department for Waste Management.

 

24.  PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL BRING BANKS FOR PLASTIC GOODS:

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

AND AGREED

“That SCC consider providing the additional service at Bring Banks for Plastic Goods.”

A report circulated to the members advised that the Council currently has 44 bring/bottle banks throughout the town and county which are managed and maintained by the bottle bank caretaker. These bring banks accept glass bottles, glass jars, drink cans and some also have a facility to accept textiles. Glass is the predominant material that is collected at the bottle banks, and this facility is necessary as glass is not accepted in the domestic recycling service.

Recyclable plastic goods are accepted for a small cost, at the 2 No. Civic Amenity Centres located in Sligo Town (Greenstar) and Tubbercurry. These Bring Sites, along with the availability of kerbside collection of household recyclable plastic goods in almost all areas of Sligo, is currently considered adequate to deal with the recycling of plastic goods.

 

25.  STANDARD OF GRASS CUTTING IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review the standard of grass cutting across the county.”

The meeting was advised that the Council will review the standard of grass cutting works carried out by its landscape contractors to ensure compliance with works requirements.

 

27.  REVIEW OF APPEALS PROCESS IN RESPECT OF CARER’S ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo Council to write to the Minister for Social Protection, Ms. Heather Humphries requesting that the appeals process in respect of the Carer’s Allowance be examined and reviewed.”

 

28.  PROVISION OF ADEQUATE BROADBAND FOR COMMUNITY HUBS IN RURAL AREAS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Government to provide the necessary funds for Community Hubs in rural areas that already has adequate Broadband but needs a building fit out and necessary office equipment.”

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke advised the meeting that a number of Hubs in Sligo that that are already registered with the Atlantic Economic Officer (AEC)/ Western Development Commission (WDC) and who have availed of the recent AEC Hubs Outreach Scheme are now being referred to as “Connected Hubs”.  Quite an amount of work has been going on to support these hubs in that the WDC and AEC will launch a new website called connectedhubs.ie at the end of May 2021. Work on the marketing and IT systems for this system is progressing well and the WDC are currently piloting and testing it with 10 hubs in the AEC region, including 1 Hub in Co. Sligo.  The IT systems will provide a Hub website platform, online booking engine and hub management system to assist with hub administration, a management portal, members portal, support internal hub network collaboration and foster community development between other hubs. The platform is being provided free of charge to the “Connected Hubs.” A draft Hubs Network Strategy setting out hub classifications and addressing solutions for issues that might arise is also ready for launch by the Minister.

These hubs are also eligible to apply for the new Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 announced w/c 4th May by Minister Heather Humphreys details opportunities for rural communities satisfying the application criteria to apply for award of funding ‘to bring back vacant properties in Town Centres back into use as Remote Working Hubs’. The Connected Hubs Fund is also open to Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), there are 9 of these located in Co. Sligo.

Successful applicants will be required to commit to a three year membership of the National Hub Network. No application forms, Expressions of Interest (EOI) forms have been issued to SCC, to date, and will be placed on the Councils website inviting EOI’s from the public, upon receipt. The closing date for applications is 16 July 2021.

There are a number of other community, enterprising or co-working hub proposals emerging at other locations that are not registered in the Connected hubs process yet but have potential for the future.

The DRCD have advised that ‘where a hub is proposed, aspirational or seeking funding in order to become operational, then the advice would be to apply for the regular T&V, RRDF or other funds.’

The Covid Stability Fund 2021, a €10 million fund designed to support community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises, which have suffered as a result of the pandemic has been launched today 6/5/2021. In addition to this, the DRCD intends to launch the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) over the coming days. This programme is relevant for smaller community and voluntary groups. Both of these funds may provide an opportunity for funding of Community Hubs in rural areas.

 

29.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

 

30.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulation be extended to the Management Committee of Sligo Rovers on the publication of their MasterPlan for Sligo Showgrounds.”

Councillors highlighted the important role Sligo Rovers play in our community, and noted the long-standing association between the Club and the Local Authority, particularly in relation to the ground development programme.

It is intended that this partnership will continue as the various elements of the MasterPlan are rolled out over the coming years.

 

31.  CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

 

32.  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.

 

33.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

 

34.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

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 24/05/2021