Minutes 2021
Minutes of Adjourned July Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Thursday 22nd July, 2021 at 11.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker(R),
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor Casserly(R),
- Councillor Clarke(c),
- Councillor Connolly(R),
- Councillor Fox(R),
- Councillor Gibbons,
- Councillor Gilroy,
- Councillor Healy,
- Councillor Maguire(R),
- Councillor Mullaney(R),
- Councillor Mulvey(R),
- Councillor O’Boyle,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Queenan, Taylor,
- Councillor Walsh(R),
(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)
- Frank Moylan, Senior Executive Planner(C)
- Marian O’Callaghan, A/Senior Executive Architect(C)
- Jimmy O’Brien, A/H.I.S.
- Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
- Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paul Taylor, presided.
APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from Councillor MacSharry.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.
Members participating remotely were Councillor Baker, Councillor Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Connolly, Councillor Fox, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Mullaney, Councillor Mulvey and Councillor Walsh.
1. PLEBISCITE IN ENNISCRONE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy and Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“That a plebiscite be held in Enniscrone to allow those on the current Electoral Register to vote “Yes” or “No” on the following question:
“Do you approve of the recommendation of the Sligo County Council Placenames Committee, that the Bridge over the Bellawady River, at Lower Main Street, Enniscrone, be named ‘Thomas Howley Bridge’.”
Councillor Bree stated that this motion was listed by him following a vote at a previous meeting at which the nomination to name the bridge in Enniscrone after Volunteer Thomas Howley was not carried. It is his understanding, following representations made to him on this issue, that many people in Enniscrone are in favour of the bridge being named after Volunteer Howley, and that a that a plebiscite on the issue will prove this.
Acting Director of Services, Mr. Moran advised that, as per the report circulated to the members in advance of the meeting, there is currently no legal basis for the holding of a plebiscite in relation to the changing of a placename until such time as new legislation is put in place.
A discussion followed on the matter and Councillor Queenan informed the meeting that it is proposed to discuss this matter at the next Ballymote / Tubbercurry MD meeting.
As agreement could not be reached following discussions on this motion, a vote was then called by the Cathaoirleach.
The results of the vote were as follows:
FOR: 5
AGAINST: 9
ABSTAINED: 1
The Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.
2. FUNDING TO ADDRESS CONTROL GROWTH OF GIANT HOGWEED AND JAPANESE KNOTWEED IN SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Local Government to make funding available to address the control growth of Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed in Sligo.”
A report circulated to the members advised that Sligo County Council has a budget for the treatment of Japanese Knotweed on non-national Roads, and TII provide a budget to for the treatment of Japanese Knotweed on National Roads.
Following a short discussion, the following amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Local Government to make a funding scheme available to control the growth of Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed in Sligo.”
3. FUNDING FOR A FULL UPGRADE AND EXTENSION OF THE EASKEY SEWERAGE SCHEME:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Clarke, was deferred to the September Ordinary meeting:
“To ask sligo county council to again ask Irish water to provide emergency funding for a full upgrade of the Easkey Sewage system and to extend the system to include 27 houses in the Fortland area. I have raised this first by way of motion at a Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th July, 2010. In response, Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer stated the following: This proposal relates to the extension of the sewer collection network in Easkey for a distance in excess of 1.1km in the townland of Fortland. The preliminary cost estimate for these works is €280,000. I again raised it by way of motion at Sligo County Council held on 8th July, 2019. Mr. Kilfeather DOS informed the Members that, following referral of the notice of motion to Irish Water when received, the following reply had been received:
Irish Water is committed to safeguarding Sligo’s wastewater network and ensuring effluent is discharged back into the environment in a responsible manner and in compliance with licences provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA regulates intermittent discharges from sewer overflows and wastewater treatment works under licence by the Wastewater Discharge Authorisation Regulation process. The majority of the wastewater collection networks in both Sligo and nationally are combined systems. In times of excessive rainfall or storm events when the prescribed flow in a given agglomeration is exceeded, a diluted effluent will be discharged through storm water overflows.
In Easkey during periods of heavy rainfall, flows in excess of what the plant is designed to treat will settle in a storm sump and combine with the treated effluent and discharge via the primary discharge point. These storm water overflows operate as they should and as they are designed to in compliance with regulations.
The overflows operate like this to ensure that raw sewage does not end up flooding public streets and create a risk to public health. As stated above such overflows are licensed by the EPA and listed in each agglomeration’s discharge licence.
The Wastewater Discharge Licence (WWDL) issued for Easkey prescribes a monitoring programme for the influent, effluent and ambient data and this monitoring programme is undertaken and all data submitted to the EPA as required under the Licence. The EPA are the Regulatory Body responsible for auditing the WWDL and an audit was carried out on 9th May 2018.”
4. AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 28 OF THE CONSTITUTION:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council confirms its support for the proposal to hold a Referendum to amend Article 28 of the Constitution so as to ensure that government shall be collectively responsible for the protection, management and maintenance of the public water system and to ensure in the public interest that this resource remains in public ownership and management; and further the Council requests the Government to hold the Referendum at the soonest possible time in 2022.”
This motion was agreed by the members.
5. RE-INTRODUCTION OF COVID BAN ON RENT INCREASES AND EVICTIONS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the coalition Government of Fianna Fail / Fine Gael and The Greens to reintroduce the Covid ban on rent increases and evictions.”
This motion was agreed by the Members.
6. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STUDY OF THE ROAD ON THE UPPER MALL BETWEEN THE TWO ROUNDABOUTS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the roads department of this local authority, in the interest of health & Safety would carry out a traffic management study of the road on the upper Mall between the two Roundabouts to study ways of elevating traffic congestion created by the new entrance to Sligo University Hospital and the ongoing problems created by parents and buses dropping and collecting children from the Carbury national school and the Grammar School.”
A report circulated to the members in advance of the meeting advised that the Council is currently engaging with the HSE in this matter.
7. VARIATION OF THE CURRENT COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN ORDER TO MEET THE URGENT DEMAND FOR HOUSING:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
“That Sligo County Council shall vary the current County Development plan, to permit the development of specifically residentially zoned land, which is currently designated as being within the Strategic Land Reserve, where such lands are adjacent to existing residential developments and are serviced with adequate capacity. This variation is made in order to meet the current urgent demand for housing”.
In a report circulated to the Members, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that the forthcoming review of the CDP commencing later this month will provide an opportunity to examine the spatial distribution and ownership of lands zoned for residential purposes especially with regard to the possibility of releasing additional land from the current Strategic Land Reserve in order to provide more choice in terms of location. This is the appropriate mechanism to address the matter raised in the motion rather than proposing a variation to the County Development Plan at the same time as commencing the full review.
Members noted that a 2 -3 year wait to start plans to build in areas zoned for residential purposes, in conjunction with the new County Development Plan, is not acceptable due to the urgency of the housing crisis, the high demand for housing and the lack of available and suitable housing in the County.
Senior Executive Planner, Mr. Moylan referred to the Director of Services report on the motion, setting out the various possible reasons for the lack of development on the lands zoned for residential development in the current plan. Mr. Moylan added that the forthcoming review of the CDP will include looking at lands to be de-zoned and releasing additional land from the current Strategic Land Reserve in order to provide more choice in terms of location.
Mr. Moylan informed the members that a variation of the current CDP is a detailed procedure and would involve a public consultation process and advised that the motion needs to be re-worded to take account of this.
Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Kilfeather informed the members that significant resources will be required to carry out a variation of the current CDP while also carrying out a review of the CDP and advised that he will be seeking legal advice on the matter and will clarify the situation to members in advance of the September meeting.
Councillor Gilroy, following discussions with Senior Executive Planner, Mr. Moylan, informed the meeting that he will bring this matter before the September meeting, with the wording of the motion possibly amended. Councillor Gilroy also reminded Members that they are required to register the fact that they have been lobbied on this issue.
8. LISTING OF LANDS & BUILDINGS (EXCLUDING SOCIALLY TENANTED HOUSES) IN COUNCI OWNERSHIP AND CURRENT USE THEREOF:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Gilroy, was deferred to the September Ordinary meeting:
“That a Report be submitted by the Chief Executive listing all lands and buildings (excluding social tenanted houses) in the Council ownership in each Municipal District, their current use and, if vacant, the state of repair and their proposed use. If any of these properties are vacant, with no immediate use, is it possible to realise the value of the assets and use these assets to provide much needed services for the people of the County?”
9. DELIVERY OF N15 SLIGO TO BUNDORAN REALIGNMENT AS A MATTER OF URGENCY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council based on the changed circumstances of Post Brexit Ireland make a submission that the delivery of the N15 Sligo to Bundoran Realignment be pursued as a matter of urgency and that the Review of the National Development Plan (NDP) together with the National Investment Framework for Transport Ireland (NIFTI) be used as an opportunity to further this vital project on the Atlantic Economic Corridor.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, informed the Members that the Council made a submission as part of the Review of the National Development Plan, which included prioritising upgrades of key National Road Network transport links, including those along the Atlantic Economic Corridor. This includes N15 Sligo to Letterkenny.
10. INCREASE NUMBER OF BUS ÉIREANN LOCAL LINK SERVICES AVAILABLE FROM TUBBERCURRY BALLYMOTE AND WEST SLIGO ESPECIALLY AT OFF PEAK TIMES:
The following amendment to item submitted by Councillor Connolly was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to engage with Bus Éireann-local link- and private transport operators to increase the number of available services from Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Collooney, Ballisodare and west Sligo especially at off-peak times, early mornings and later evenings to facilitate people at these hours.”
A report was circulated to the Members advising that the Council will engage with transport providers to encourage increasing frequency of services to rural communities, and that the need to improve transport services in our rural areas will be considered as part of the Social Inclusion section of the Sligo 2030 Plan.
The motion was supported by the members.
11. IMPROVEMENT OF PEDESTRIAN ALLEYWAY BETWEEN WILLOW PARK & HAZELGROVE TO INCLUDE SHORT SERVICE ALLEYWAY AT REAR OF WILLOW PARK HOUSES:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the Roads department of this Local Authority would bring up to a safety standard the pedestrian alleyway that connects Willow Park and Hazel Grove, Maugheraboy and works to include the short service alleyway that leads to the rear of the houses in Willow Park, Maugheraboy.”
A report informed the Members that the Area Engineer will inspect this alleyway over the coming weeks and any works deemed essential will be added to the schedule of on-going maintenance works in the Urban Area.
12. REFORM OF SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council call for the reform of Safety awareness training and in particular the Safepass course delivery and pricing.
This reform should include a consultation process with the pass holders, standardized pricing in line with the cost of processing, online facilities for renewal and flexibility and an end to current price gouging.
We also call for the current extension on expired cards to continue until the conclusion of said reform.”
A report informed the members that the Safe Pass Programme is operated and managed on a national basis by SOLAS, which was established in 2013 under the Further Education and Training Act as an agency of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
13. FUNDING FOR COMPLIANCE OFFICER:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council seek funding from the Government for a compliance officer to enforce landlords to comply with rent pressure zones and rent increases.”
A report informed the members that the Council has no role in this area. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has the statutory authority to directly investigate and sanction in cases where there are specific breaches of Residential Tenancy Law in relation to Rent Pressure Zones.
Following a discussion, Councillor O’Boyle advised that he proposed to submit a revised motion on this matter for the September meeting.
14. FUNDING FOR COASTAL PROTECTION WORKS IN WEST SLIGO IN 2021:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“Has Sligo County Council applied to the Department for funding to carry out coastal protection works in west Sligo for this year.”
In a report circulated to the Members, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised that Sligo County Council has recently tendered for a joint Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study at Strandhill and Easkey, which is due to be completed by late summer 2021, and will advise on what coastal protection measures are feasible and practical on the coastline immediately west and east of the village. Ms. Concannon also reported that following a recent study carried out at the Finnod River, review and analysis indicated that any capital scheme here would be of significant cost and would not meet cost benefit criteria for potential funding from the Office of Public Works.
Councillor Queenan asked if the report that had been published could be reviewed to include funding for coastal protections works in West Sligo.
Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Kilfeather advised that this matter will be considered, and would require a separate study to be carried out. Mr. Kilfeather noted that no monies are available for coastal protection works in West Sligo in 2021.
15. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Vote of Sympathy were recorded.
16. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulation be extended to Mr. Harry Keaney on the recent publication of his new book ‘Carrowreagh Childhood’ The Members of Sligo County Council wish Harry every success with his book which is a very important piece of history that has been recalled, particularly for the people of that area.”
17. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:
The Members noted the details as furnished to them in advance of the meeting.
18. 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.
19. CORRESPONDENCE:
The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.
20. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
No matter was raised under this heading.
21. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor Fox requested that growth on road verges at busy junctions in rural area be addressed. This was noted.
Councillor Gilroy informed the meeting that on the return of Mona McSharry and Christopher O’Connell to Grange following their performance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Community Games Committee will be hosting an event to welcome them back as has been done in the past, and that the Members will be invited to attend.
Councillor Healy asked for an update on correspondence with the Minister for Justice regarding Sligo Garda Station, as agreed at the June meeting. Councillor Healy also asked that a delegation, as already set up, would meet, and would visit the Garda Station and put a programme in place before any meeting with the Minister. This was noted and agreed.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Taylor asked that a date be set for a meeting with the Members and Planning staff regarding the variation to the CDP.
It was agreed that the Cathaoirleach will speak with the Senior Executive Planner and the Director of Services to agree a date before the end of July, and the Cathaoirleach will revert to the Members with the proposed date for the meeting.
END OF MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation at the meeting and encouraged everyone to stay safe.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.45 p.m.
Meeting Date 22/07/2021