Minutes 2021

Minutes of September Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 6th September, 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(R),
  • Councillor Gibbons,
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor Healy(C),
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan(C),
  • Councillor Taylor,
  • Councillor Walsh.

 (R) = participated in the meeting remotely

(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (C)
  • E Concannon, A/Director of Services(C)
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(C)
  • John Reilly, Head of Enterprise(C)
  • Fergus Meehan, Executive Engineer
  • 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 and Councillor O’Boyle.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present, both in the Chamber and those logging on virtually.

Members participating remotely were Councillors Baker, Casserly, Connolly and Fox.

At the outset, the Cathaoirleach, on his behalf and that of the Members of Sligo County Council, formally welcomed the two new members of the Executive, Director of Services for Housing & Corporate Services Mr Jim Molloy and the new Chief Executive Mr Martin Lydon, to Sligo County Council and added that he looks forward to working alongside them in the coming years.

Mr Martin Lydon, Chief Executive, stated that he is looking forward to working with the Members for the betterment of the local communities and the county overall. Mr Lydon added that it is important that Sligo becomes a key player for the region, and he looks forward to meeting with the Members and with the various community groups, in order to meet the many targets that have been set, particularly in relation to Housing, Climate Change and the introduction of a digital transformation team in order to make our services more acccessible to all.

The Members joined with the Cathaoirleach in extending a warm welcome to Mr Molloy and Mr Lydon to Sligo County Council, and added that they are looking forward to working alongside them.  The members assured the Chief Executive and Director of Services of their fullest co-operation in the years ahead.

The Members also paid tribute to the previous Acting Chief Executive, Mr Tom Kilfeather and the previous Acting Director of Services, Mr John Moran and wished to acknowledge the work done by them during their time in office. 

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF L.T.A.C.C. HELD ON 10TH FEBRUARY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meetings of Sligo Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) held on 10th February 2021.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 9TH MARCH, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Sligo County Council’s Audit Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2021.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF S.P.C. 4 (CLIMATE CHANGE) HELD ON 31ST MARCH, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of SPC-4 Climate Change held on 31st March 2021.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 7TH MAY 2021 AND 22ND JUNE 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note minutes of Corporate Policy Group meetings held on 7th May 2021 and 22nd June 2021.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO BOROUGH DISTRICT HELD ON 17TH MAY 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of Sligo Borough District held on 17th May 2021.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFF MD HELD ON 24TH MAY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of Sligo/Drumcliff Municipal District held on 24th May 2021.”

 

7.  MINUTES OF ANNUAL GNERAL MEETING OF SLIGO / DRUMCLIFF MD HELD ON 28TH JUNE, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of Sligo/Drumcliff Municipal District AGM held on 28th June 2021.”

 

8.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 5TH JULY, 2021:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th July 2021.”

 

9.  MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 12TH JULY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

10.  MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 22ND JULY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 22nd July 2021.”

 

11.  MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING (LPT) HELD ON 22ND JULY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council (LPT) held on 22nd July 2021.”

 

12.  NOAC LOCAL AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS REPORT 2019:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“NOAC Local Authority Performance Indicators Report 2019.”

 

13.  APPOINTMENT OF MR JIM MOLLOY, DOS TO THE LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Jim Molloy, Director of Services, to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, in accordance with Section 21(5) of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998.”

 

14.  DECLARLATION OF PUBLIC ROADS:  L-35037 – CNOC NA RÍ;  L-35037-1 – TOP ROAD, STRANDILL:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993:

 

Road NumbersLocation
L-35037-0 “The Roads serving development known as Cnoc-na-Ri”
L-35037-1 “Top Road, Strandhill, Co Sligo.”

 

15.  TAKING IN CHARGE – DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS ‘YOUNG’S ROAD AND UNION WALK, BALLISDOARE TOWN CENTRE’:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as “Young’s Road and Union Walk, Ballisodare Town Centre”, Ballisodare, Co Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development.”

 

16.  UPDATE ON ‘N17 KNOCK TO COLLOONEY (ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR) ROAD PROJECT:

“Update on the ‘N17 Knock to Collooney [Atlantic Economic Corridor] Road Project’.”

A presentation was provided to the Members, via remote link to the Meeting, by Mr. Fergus Meehan, Executive Engineer, giving an update on the current status of the N17 Knock to Collooney AEC Road Project.

Mr. Meehan stated that this project has been undertaken as part of Project Ireland 2040 and as part of the National Planning Framework, in order to achieve a number of strategic outcomes, the key one being enhanced regional accessibility, in particular the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

The project team is being led by the Sligo National Roads Project, with support from a wide range of multi-disciplinary experts from various different areas.

To date, and as part of the route selection process, numerous formal workshops and informal meetings have taken place.  Mr. Meehan updated the members with statistics around the number of submissions received, number of call backs, communications with members of the public, number of page views on the website etc. to date.

The shortlisted route options will now be examined in more detail to possibly include some further studies on the ground.

It is hoped, regarding timelines for the project, that the best route option can be identified by end 2021 and be on public display by end Q1 2022.

Regarding submissions and communication with the public, bookings for meetings are now available for the Sligo Park Hotel and the McWilliam Hotel in Claremorris on 21st and 23rd September and a public information session is to be held on 12th September.

The Cathaoirleach and the Members thanked Mr Meehan for the very detailed and comprehensive report and for the excellent work carried out on the project to date, and also for the professional manner and courtesy which has been afforded to members of the public who have contacted the team with queries etc.

 

17.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR JUNE 2021:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

18.  DEVELOPMENT OF SURFING ACCOMMODTION ON FORMER IDA LANDS AT EASKEY:

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

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

 

19.  REFUND TO IRISH WATER OF CONTRIBUTIONS PAID BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

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

AND AGREED

“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.”

 

20.  REVIEW INCOME THRESHOLDS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING APPLICATIONS / REVIEW OF QUALIFICATION TERMS OF THE TENANT PURCHASE SCHEME:

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

“To Call on Sligo County Council to ask the Minister for Housing to:

  1. Review and increase the income thresholds for Social Housing applications.
  2. To ask that the Qualification Terms of the Tenant Purchase Scheme be reviewed to address the current situation whereby certain applicants do not qualify on grounds of earned income.

 

21.  REPAIR/REPLACE ACCESS TO CULLEENAMORE BEACH /SECURE FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL BEACH WHEELCHAIR:

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

AND AGREED

“This Council will replace and repair the access onto Culleenamore beach and make it wheelchair friendly. It has been degraded over the years and this will ensure safe access for all beach goers, and also install a disabled parking bay at the car park.  In addition, the council will seek to secure funding for an additional beach wheelchair.”

It was agreed to list this item on the October Ordinary Meeting Agenda where an update will be issued to the Members.

 

22.  RECRUITMENT OF ADDITIONAL OUTDOOR STAFF:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor P Taylor

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to seek approval for recruitment of additional outdoor staff.”  

A report circulated to the members in advance of the meeting advised that the Council intends to fill any vacancies in the outdoor staffing structure as they arise.  For the moment we are satisfied that overall numbers sanctioned are sufficient and more importantly can be financed within the roads funding available to us.

Councillor Clarke noted the report and stated that more outdoor staff are urgently needed, particularly in light of jobs that need to be undertaken as a priority.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Taylor, as seconder of the motion, stated that existing outdoor staff under are stretched to their limits, especially in light of the number of ongoing projects and also projects coming down the line.

Chief Executive, Mr Lydon advised the members that he will be looking at the Workforce Plan for the organisation and that there has been no increase in base funding apart from the LPT increase.  Mr. Lydon added that staff will be recruited from within existing budgets and that he will engage with the Department on this matter, within the overall context of our financial situation and budgets.

 

23.  FUNDING FOR A FULL UPGRADE AND EXTENSION OF THE EASKEY SEWERAGE SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“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.” 

A report on the motion, received from Irish Water, was circulated to the members in advance of the meeting. The report advised that there are no proposals for the provision of an extended sewer network to the Fortland area in Easkey.

Councillor Clarke stated that raw sewage is being discharged into the river at Easkey on a weekly basis and shared pictures with the meeting to this effect.  Councillor Clarke added that this situation needs to be addressed urgently and that an adequate sewage facility needs to be put in place to accommodate the householders in this area and also the many tourists who visit the area.

Councillor Healy, as seconder of the motion, stated that, due to the seriousness of this situation, the EPA have been asked to carry out a survey of this river but due to Covid, this has not yet happened. Councillor Healy suggested that a deputation be put in place to meet with the Minister on this matter.

The members fully supported the motion and described the situation as a very serious pollution issue that needs to be urgently addressed.

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised Members that a meeting is to take place on Thursday with Irish Water and it is intended to bring up this issue at the meeting and pressure will be kept on Irish Water with a view to resolving the issue. Ms. Concannon told the members that they will be kept updated on this matter.

 

24.  UTILISING THE MATERIAL CONTRAVENTION PROCESS TO PERMIT NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS:

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

AND AGREED

“During the two-year preparation process to adopt a new County Development plan, the planning authority will consider utilising the material contravention process (pursuant to Section 34(6)(a)) to permit new residential development in circumstances where the site the subject of the planning application is:

  • Located within lands designated as Strategic Land Reserve.
  • Immediately contiguous to existing residential development.
  • Serviceable with no deficiencies in terms of capacity (foul sewer, watermain, surface water, roads etc.).
  • Compliant with all other planning considerations e.g., density, design / layout, ecological assessments, flood risk assessments etc.

Material Contravention Process

  1. Planning application lodged which the planning authority is disposed to granting having regard to consistency with the above criteria
  2. Publish notice of intention of the planning authority to consider deciding to grant permission specifically stating which objective of the development plan would be materially contravened by granting this permission (i.e., SLR objectives)
  3. Inform applicant, prescribed bodies, regional assembly, and any person who has made a submission
  4. Consider any submissions received within 4 weeks of the notice
  5. Within 6 weeks of notice, Chief Executive prepares report for the elected members summarising submissions and advising on proposed development’s compliance with national and regional policies
  6. Resolution passed by not less than three-quarters of the total number of members of the Council
  7. Decision on planning application must be made within 8 weeks of the publication of the notice.”

A report circulated to the Members advised that despite having sufficient lands zoned and serviced to meet forecasted growth targets, these lands are not being made available for development and therefore, not coming on stream at the rate needed to meet demand.  The report estimated that an average of 468 units per year is required between 2020 and 2031 to meet national population targets but the annual average number of houses constructed in Sligo since 2017 is just 139. 

Councillor Gilroy welcomed the report and stated that the use of the material contravention process is the best way forward and will hopefully free up some of the zoned lands for development in an effort to help alleviate the housing crisis in Sligo. Councillor Gilroy added that developers need to commence construction of developments as soon as is practicable once planning permission is granted.

 

25.  REPORT ON LANDS AND BUILDINGS IN COUNCIL OWNENRSHIP:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“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?”

Councillor Gilroy thanked the Director of Services for the report and associated documents on this motion and asked the members to look at their own areas within the report. 

 

26.  FUNDING FOR CYCLE LANE & CYCLE SHORE ROUTE BETWEEN STRANDHILL AND ROSSES POINT:

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

AND AGREED

“For Sligo County Council to draw up plans and seek funding for a segregated cycle lane and develop a scenic cycle shore route between the villages of Strandhill and Rosses Point.”

A report prepared by Ms Concannon A/DOS noted that it is anticipated that the process of developing county network plans will commence towards the end of 2021 and will likely conclude circa Q3/Q4 of 2022.

The subject proposal can be raised and discussed with the National Transport Authority during the development of cycle network plan for Sligo.

Councillor Casserly welcomed the report and stated that she looks forward to the development of this project in the near future. Councillor Casserly also wished to acknowledge the work of the Sligo Cycling Campaign in the county and all staff involved.

The members supported the motion and it was hoped that any further cycle lanes developed in Sligo will be finished to the same standard as that on the Western Distributor Road.

 

27.  WHITE LINE ROAD MARKINGS ALONG L2101 COLLOONEY TO COOLANEY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly and Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to examine if more white line road markings can be painted along L2101 Collooney to Coolaney. This stretch of road carries a large volume of traffic daily and white lines were painted only on certain sections of this road following resurfacing works. There are a series of dangerous bends near Kilnamonagh and Ardcotton and motorists are meetings lorries, etc in the middle of the road which is very dangerous.  Also, what is the criteria to have this busy road upgraded from local road to regional road status?”

In a report circulated in advance of the meeting the members were advised that a review will be carried out of the line markings on the road.  However a road cross section has to be a certain width before it meets the criteria for the provision of centre white lines and sections of this road may not meet these criteria.

Regional Roads are designated by the Minister for Transport by Statutory Instrument and any change of the status of this road, changing it to a Regional Road would have to be instigated by the Department of Transport.

Councillor Casserly and Councillor Mulvey welcomed the report and stated that the inclusion of white lines, and upgrading of this road to regional road status is needed due to the large volume of traffic using the road and to avoid further accidents on the road. Councillor Mulvey asked if the Roads department would consider putting a traffic counter on the road to determine average speeds and volumes of traffic using the road.

Councillor Healy stated asked that Sligo County Council engage with a landowner at Ardcotton, who is willing to work with the Council to have a bad bend eliminated on the road.  Councillor Healy queried if these works could be undertaken as part of the works on the new N17 Collooney to Knock road.

Acting Director of Services, Ms. E Concannon advised that the Roads department will engage with the Department of Transport to initiate the process of upgrading the road to regional road status, and the Roads department will also consider widening the road and putting in white lines on the road.  Ms. Concannon advised Councillor Healy that works on the road in question would not form part of the N17 Collooney to Knock scheme. 

Councillor Gilroy enquired if upgrading this road to regional road status would have implications for future planning applications for houses on this road.  Acting Director of Services, Ms. E. Concannon advised that from a roads perspective, speed limits and site distances would be the main considerations around planning applications.

The motion was agreed by the Members.

 

28.  ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR THE PLANNING SECTION:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to seek approval for additional staff for the planning section as a matter of urgency, given we are in a housing crisis and we are about to start a review of the CDP and are deferring the Sligo Environs plan.”

In a report circulated to the Members, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke advised that the Chief Executive will be instigating a review of the Workforce Plan. This will help with the identification of resources within sections/units of the Council.

 

29.  APPOINTMENT OF NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That this Council asks the Minister for Agriculture to appoint a competent and experienced person as National Director of Forestry, in order to oversee the workings of the Forest and Wildlife section of the Department, to ensure that forest planting, thinning and harvesting licences are issued in a prompt manner in order that Ireland's timber requirements are met from Irish forests. And that the person appointed should further have responsibility for meeting planting targets in relation to national timber needs in the future, and meeting targets in respect of the role of forestry in relation to climate change”.

The motion was agreed by the Members.

 

As items 30 and 54 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take all these two items at this time.

30.  UPGRADE OF L1502 ROAD DRUMFIN TO BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to liaise with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to ensure the upgrade of road L1502 Drumfin to Ballymote. As the recently completed motorway from Collooney to Castlebaldwin.  The main route now will be the L1502 (Drumfin- Ballymote road) for traffic coming from Donegal-Sligo and the East of the country and daily commuters to Sligo and beyond. The effect of the new motorway will result in a massive shift of traffic volumes from R293 (Clarkes Bridge – Ballymote) especially for daily commuters who travel from (Ballymote-Keash-Culfadda & greater South Sligo region) along with commercial and industrial traffic who will go onto the new motorway and exit at Drumfin. Can Sligo County Council Roads Dept prepare, as a matter of urgency, a report in consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and bring to the council at the earliest date?”

AND

54.  UPGRADE OF ROAD L1501 TO REGIONAL ROAD STATUS:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“Upgrade Road L1501 to Regional Road Status.”

The Members were advised that Regional Roads are designated by the Minister for Transport and a change to the status of this road would have to be instigated by the Minister. It was reported that traffic will be encouraged to use the existing regional and local road network to access the Ballymote area and Sligo County Council will endeavor to maintain the L 1501 and L1502 in a good condition.

The members welcomed the report and agreed the motion. 

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised that a letter will issue to the TII on these motions.

 

31.  UPDATE ON PLANNED NEW 42 BED MEDICAL BLOCK AT SUH - UPDATE ON VACANT NURSING & MIDWIFERY POSTS AT SUH:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the HSE and Minister for Health requesting an update on; the planned new 42 bed medical block at Sligo University Hospital, The plan for dealing with the 99 vacant nursing and midwifery posts at Sligo University Hospital.

And asking the HSE/HIQA to carry out a safety and risk assessment of the staffing thresholds at the Emergency Department in Sligo University Hospital.”

Councillor Walsh stated that there are currently record numbers of people attending the Emergency Department at Sligo University Hospital and it is totally unacceptable that only 7 of a possible 18 nurses are currently employed in the E.D.  Councillor Walsh noted that there are currently 99 vacant nursing posts in the hospital. A number of staff have left due to work related pressures and the situation cannot be allowed to continue.

Councillor O’Grady, as seconder of the motion, added that the Covid unit at SUH is not fit for purpose and that nurses are urgently required in the ED and stated that the HIQA report from their visit to SUH last week is eagerly awaited.

Councillor Gilroy stated he will be following this matter up also as a nominee to the Regional Health Forum.

Councillor Healy expressed his disappointment that the Minister for Health, on a recent visit to Sligo, did not visit SUH, to witness the seriousness of the current situation at the hospital.

The motion was agreed by the members and it was agreed to write to the HSE, HIQA and the Minister for Health regarding the motion.

 

32.  RE-NAMING OF BARRY’S LANE IN MULLAGHMORE TO PHILOMENA LOCKHART BARRY LANE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Barry’s Lane in Mullaghmore be officially named Philomena Lockhart Barry Lane.”

The Members in advance of the meeting advised that the proposed motion will be considered at the next meeting of the Placenames Committee in October 2021.  Following which the recommendation of the Placenames Committee can be considered by Sligo County Council at the next available monthly meeting.

The Members supported the motion and await the report of the Placenames Committee.

 

33.  REMUNERATION FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach requesting that without delay the work of Frontline workers be remunerated.”

The motion was agreed by the Members and it was agreed to write to the Minister for Health, The Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and the four local T.D.s in support of the motion.

 

34.  TIMEFRAME FOR PROVISION OF BUS SHELTERS IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That  Sligo County Council write to the NTA requesting a timeframe for the provision of bus shelters in the county.”

The members were advised in a report that Sligo County Council will write to NTA as per above if Motion is agreed.

The motion was agreed by the Members.

 

35.  GROWTH OF SUCKLER HERD NUMBERS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Government to use whatever flexibility is available to it to ensure that Suckler Herd numbers are allowed to grow.”

Councillor Mullaney stated that there is grave concern amongst suckler farmers on the western seaboard that suckler numbers will be reduced and added that it is imperative that these numbers are maintained if not increased.

Councillor Clarke supported the motion and added that a proper suckler scheme needs to be put in place in order to sustain the economy in the North West.

The motion was agreed by the Members.

 

As items 36 and 39 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take all these two items at this time.

36.  UPDATE REGARDING THE INCLUSION OF SLIGO IN THE PYRITE REDRESS SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“Ask the Chief Executive to give update regarding the inclusion of Sligo in the Pyrite redress scheme.”  

AND

39.  DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS IN COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“Re correspondence from Niamh Redmond on your behalf dated the 8th day of July 2021 regarding Defective Concrete blocks in County Sligo and I wish to address the issues of said letter:

We would welcome the formation of an Expert Panel to investigate the incidence and causes of the significant cracking of external and internal walls of domestic houses in County Sligo and we are happy to works with such a panel on appointment to highlight the affected properties that are known at this date.

We have commenced a consultation process with many affected home owners and have spoken with industry stakeholders and other relevant parties to determine the extent of the problem in the County.

Extensive research has been carried out and a number of homeowners have had testing carried out on the defective blocks in their homes.  Results clearly show pyrite contamination is an issue in County Sligo as well as Counties Mayo and Donegal.

We appreciate that a lot of work was carried out by the expert panel for County Mayo and Donegal but are also aware that people from Sligo attended the public clinics held at that time by the Expert Panel representatives and were not included in the assessment and is the reason that we now have the need for a further expert panel investigation.

We have asked homeowners that have already had testing carried out on their homes to allow the local authority to share the test results with the Department as proof that there are defective blocks as set out in IS 465 located in dwellings in County Sligo.

We affirm our call for a 100% redress scheme for all houses affected in all counties.”

Mr. J. Molloy DOS advised that following correspondence from Minister O’Brien on the matter, a letter had issued to the Department on 24th August advising that the Council would welcome the formation of an Expert Panel to investigate the incidence and causes of the significant cracking of external and internal walls of domestic houses in County Sligo and that we would be happy to work with such a panel on appointment to highlight the affected properties in Sligo that are known at this date.

A response is awaited to this letter and the Council is engaging with our Colleagues in Donegal and Mayo to learn from their experience to date with respect to the Pyrite issue.

Councillor Queenan welcomed the report and suggested that a deputation be put in place to meet with Minister O’Brien to discuss this very serious issue which is affecting homes throughout Co. Sligo, and asked that the Oireachtas members also be invited to attend the meeting. 

Councillor Clarke stated that, as in the East of the country, the people of the North West must receive 100% redress plus associated costs including alternative accommodation, storage etc. 

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Taylor advised that he will liaise with the members to set up a deputation to meet with the Minister, to ensure that all affected homeowners receive 100% redress.  The Cathaoirleach also advised that the Corporate Policy Group have also referred this matter to the SPC1 (Housing & Corporate) Group for discussion in that forum also.

 

37.  TENDER PROCESS FOR HEDGE CUTTING CONTRACT:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P Taylor

AND AGREED

“Ask the director of services to outline the tender process in awarding the contract re hedge cutting in the county.”

A report circulated to the Members advised that tenders have been sought for verge trimming/hedge cutting of National roads in Sligo for the period 2021-2023, and two tenders have been received and a contract awarded.  Some works have been carried out to date, however the Council endeavour not to do excessive cutting during the bird nesting season.

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised the members that verge trimming/hedge cutting will be carried out on National Primary roads after 1st September 2021.

 

VOTE OF SYMPATHY:

Councillor Mullaney proposed a vote of sympathy to the family of Mr. Mark Hargadon, Marlow, Ballymote, who passed away following a tragic farm accident last week.  Councillor Mullaney remembered Mark as an employee of Aurivo and Councillor Mullaney wished to passed on his sympathies to Mark’s mother Teresa, his sisters Marie and Sheila, his brother Seán and to his work colleagues in Aurivo in Ballymote.

The Members asked to be associated with the vote of sympathy to Mr. Hargadon’s family.

 

ADJOURNED SEPTEMBER 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 20th September 2021 at 2.00pm.”

 

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 12.35 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 06/09/2021