Minutes 2021

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


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 (R) = participated in the meeting remotely

(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (C)
  • Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services(C)
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(C)
  • John Reilly, Head of Enterprise(C)
  • Jimmy O’Brien, A/Head of Information Systems
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

In the absence of the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paul Taylor, Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor Donal Gilroy presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Gibbons, Councillor Maguire and Councillor Taylor.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Leas Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

Members participating remotely were Councillor Casserly, Councillor MacSharry and Councillor Walsh.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF CRANMORE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group Meetings held on:

  • 3rd October 2019
  • 27th February 2020
  • 16th June 2020
  • 20th October 2020
  • 18th May 2021.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC1 (HOUSING & CORPORATE) HELD ON 8TH JUNE, 2021:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of SPC1 (Housing & Corporate) held on 8th June 2021.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF SLIGO BOROUGH MUNICIPAL DISTRICT AGM HELD ON 28TH JUNE, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Annual General Meeting of Sligo Borough Municipal District held on 28th June 2021.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO BOROUGH MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 19TH JULY, 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of Sligo Borough Municipal District held on 19th July 2021.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 26TH JULY 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 26th July 2021.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 3RD SEPTEMBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of Corporate Policy Group held on 3rd September 2021.”

 

7.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SCC HELD ON 4TH OCTOBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th October 2021.”

 

8.  MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING OF SCC HELD ON 11TH OCTOBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 11th October 2021.”

 

9.  MINUTES AND REPORT OF PROCEDURES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 14TH OCTOBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note minutes and report of Procedures Committee Meeting held on 14th October 2021.”

 

10.  ADOPTION OF 2021/2022 WINTER MAINTENANCE PLAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the 2021/2022 Winter Maintenance Plan.”

Director of Services Mr. Kilfeather advised that the document before the Members is a draft, but noted that, due to budgetary constraints, it was not possible to include all roads in the Plan. 

 

11.  DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT BALLYARA, TUBBERCURRY, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Ballyara, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, to Hubert and Teresa Frizzell.”

 

12.  DISPOSAL OF LAND AT JOE MCDONNELL DRIVE, CRANMORE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of land at Joe McDonnell Drive, Cranmore, Sligo.”

 

13.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

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

In response to a query from Councillor Bree, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke advised that she will revert to the Members regarding timelines around submissions received as part of the public consultation on the review of the new CDP.

 

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

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

 

15.  REVIEW BY EACH LOCAL AUTHORITY OF ITS PROVISION OF TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Bree, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting:

 

16.  REFUGE FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council in conjunction with Tusla, Dept of Children and Equality and the Gardaí establish an appropriate and safe Refuge Centre for victims and survivors (mainly women) of domestic violence in Sligo and surrounding area.”

The Members were advised that, while the Council has a role in provision of emergency accommodation in Sligo and surrounding counties together with support services for domestic violence survivors through collaboration with relevant services, responsibility for provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with the Department.

Councillor Casserly requested that this motion be circulated to all Local Authorities for their consideration and support.

 

17.  ESTABLISHMENT OF 50M SWIMMING POOL IN SLIGO:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Maguire, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting.

 

18.  NO CONFIDENCE MOTION IN MINISTER COVENEY:

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

AND AGREED

“Conscious that the proposed appointment of former Minister Katherine Zappone as Special Envoy on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, without a transparent process, amounted to cronyism and fell below the standard of Government expected by the public; and noting the failure of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney, to credibly explain the manner in which the proposed appointment was handled; and the failure of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to sanction Minister Coveney; this Council commends those members of Dail Eireann who supported the recent motion of no confidence in Minister Coveney; and further we express our disapproval of those who voted confidence in Minister Coveney.”

Following a discussion by the Members on this motion, a vote was called by the Leas Cathaoirleach.

The result of the vote was as follows:

FOR:                    3

AGAINST:           6

ABSTAIN:           3

The Leas Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

 

19.  REPORT ON COUNCIL’S INSPECTION OF PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be provided in regard to the Council’s inspection of private rented accommodation, the report to include:

  1. Details of inspection targets, if any were set, for the number of private rented properties to be inspected by the Council during 2018 and during 2019 (targets which may have been set at the start of the year)?
  2. The number of inspection reports arising from inspections of private rented properties made available to tenants during 2018 and during 2019?
  3. How many prohibition notices were issued by the Council during 2018 and during 2019 in relation to private rented properties?
  4. How many dwellings were inspected by the Council during 2018 and 2019? How many of those dwellings were found to be non-compliant with the regulations for standards in private rented accommodation?
  5. The total number of private rented properties inspected during 2018 and 2019 as a proportion (percentage) of the total number of registered tenancies in the county?
  6. The average cost per inspection?
  7. The number of properties which were inspected proactively - ie not arising from complaints or concerns raised with the Council, nor as a result of the council's responsibility to inspect private rented properties under the HAP and RAS schemes?
  8. The details of the Council’s policy for identifying properties for inspection?
  9. The most common reasons for non-compliance with standards regulations?
  10. The number of follow-up inspections carried out during 2018 and 2019?
  11. The number of improvement notices issued in relation to private rented properties?
  12. The number of prosecutions brought by the Council in respect of non-compliance with the regulations for standards in private rented accommodation?”

A report presented by J Molloy, Director of Services, provided the information under the headings set out in the motion.

 

As items 20 and 29 related to similar matters, the Leas Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take both items at this time.

20.  REPORT ON NUMBER OF CAR CHARGING POINTS IN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council outline the number of car charging points in the county, and outline what plans are in place to increase the number available to the public.”

  

29.  INSTALLATION OF MORE EV CHARGING POINTS IN CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council apply for funding to install more EV charging stations in all towns and villages across the county including the city centre.” 

The Members were advised that there are currently 12 no. locations in County Sligo where electric vehicle charging points are available to the public, most of which are double charging points, and include 2 rapid charging point locations. Plans are also underway to install a number of rapid charging points across border counties, including 2-3 in Co Sligo. The report included results of a survey carried out in relation to Electric Vehicles and the Council is continuing to work with relevant organisations regarding development of EV charging infrastructure in the county and region.

Councillor O’Grady and Councillor Casserly thanked the Director for the report and outlined the need for more EV charging points in the county, which would not only benefit motorists, but also the tourist industry, as people would be more inclined to visit if EV charging points were available at public places, hotels etc.

 

21.  UPGRADING OF ROAD AND FOOTPATHS AT ASHGROVE, MAUGHERABOY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council include the upgrading of the road and footpaths at Ashgrove Maugheraboy in the road works programme for 2022.”

The Members were advised that an inspection of the roads and footpaths at Ashgrove Maugheraboy will be carried out and any upgrading works required will be considered during the preparation of future road works programmes.

 

22.  PLAN TO FACILITATE THE NEEDS OF CAMPER VANS FOR THE 2022 SEASON:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council as a matter of urgency commence putting in place a plan to facilitate the needs of camper vans for 2022 season.”

Director of Services Mr Kilfeather advised of the significant cost implications of such a proposal, the need for which was increased during the pandemic, and advised that consideration of any such proposal needs to be based on a more ‘normal’ few years activities in this sector.

 

23.  FUNDING UNDER ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMME:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Walsh, was deferred until the December Ordinary Meeting.

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council, LCDC, Sligo Leader and the Minister to provide a report, why under the programme that is run by Sligo Leader Company, the maximum grant for a community group in Sligo is €200,000, and the same project in Mayo is €300,000.

Why when the cohesion programme was introduced in Ireland and west Sligo was amalgamated into Sligo from Mayo (Moy Valley Leader Group), the commitment was to ensure the area would not be worst off as regards Leader funding?

What efforts are been made to ensure that community groups in Sligo and in west Sligo in particular are receiving the same level of funding as community projects in Mayo?”

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke detailed the funding ceilings that apply under the LEADER programme 2014-2020. The meeting was advised that this approach has met the needs of community groups well over the lifetime of the programme. There have not been any eligible applications received under the 1st category ‘Community Projects not involving economic activity’ necessitating funding in excess of €200k, therefore it is assumed the current process available is deemed appropriate.

Councillor Clarke and Councillor Queenan acknowledged the support of Leader funding which has assisted many successful projects in Sligo over the years and asked that the €200,000 ceiling be re-considered due to the rising costs of materials, labour etc. 

It was agreed to raise this matter with the Board of Sligo Leader Partnership at their next meeting for further discussion, and to write to the Minister in relation to the motion.

With the consent of the Members, it was agreed to place this motion on the agenda for the December Ordinary Meeting, when an update will be provided on the matter.

 

25.  IMPROVED WALKING & CYCLING FACILITIES BETWEEN BALLINODE AND HAZELWOOD FOREST & SURROUNDS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be carried out and funding sought for improved walking and cycling facilities between Ballinode and Hazelwood Forest and surrounds.”

A report circulated to the Members advised that this can be included for consideration in future Active Travel applications to the NTA.

In response to a query from Councillor Casserly and Councillor Fox regarding consideration of works in this area, Director of Services Mr. Kilfeather advised that these matters will be kept under consideration.

 

26.  CONNECTING ROAD FROM SUMMERHILL ROUNDABOUT TO LINK WITH MAUGHERABOY AREA:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council would reconsider a connecting road from the Summerhill roundabout to link with the Maugheraboy area which would provide access to and from the area with a view to substantially reducing the volume of traffic going in and out by the Post Office into Maugheraboy"

Director of Services, Mr Kilfeather, advised Members that a link road such as this and indeed other adjacent links may be considered in the context of the ongoing County Development Plan review.

Councillor MacSharry stated that such a project would greatly alleviate traffic issues including parking problems at Maugheraboy Post Office, as the current situation poses a Health & Safety risk to road users.

Councillor O’Grady advised that plans for such a project had been agreed some years ago and added that now is the time to progress it.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that internal discussions have been held with the Housing and Planning departments regarding this road. CDP procedures will be followed and it is hoped that a Local Area Plan will be in place by 2023 following discussions with Elected Members and the local community. 

 

PROVISION OF 24/7 EXTERNAL ATM SERVICE IN BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to endorse my request for the Manager of Ballymote Credit Union branch to install an external ATM that can be used by the community 24/7.”

Councillor Mulvey stated that a 24/7 ATM is needed for the Ballymote and the south Sligo area in order to sustain the population and many small businesses operating in this area.

Councillor Mullaney, in seconding the motion, added that he has been advised that a planning application is to be lodged by the Credit Union for the installation of an ATM at their premises in Ballymote, formerly the Ulster Bank. 

Councillor Healy added that ATMs should be installed at other Credit Unions in the region for the benefit of retailers and businesses.

 

28.  HALF PRICE TRAVEL FARES FOR PEOPLE AGED 19 TO 23 YEARS:

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

AND AGREED

“To all on the Minister for Transport and the National Transport Authority to ensure that the Half-price travel fares for people between 19 to 23 years old will also be delivered by private bus companies that are not on Public Service Obligation routes.”

 

30.  ROLLOUT OF HIGH SPEED BROADBAND IN COUNTY SLIGO:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Gilroy and Councillor Taylor, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting.

 

31.  INCENTIVISE FARMERS TO CONVERT WETLANDS INTO CARBON SEQUESTRIAN:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine to incentivise farmers to convert all or a proportion of their wetlands into a carbon sequestration and to maintain its eligibility for ANC and BPS.”

Councillor Mullaney outlined the benefits to farmers if such an incentive was introduced.

 

32.  USE OF SIGNAGE TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC HUBS & BUSINESSES IN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“To consider use of promotional signage to encourage people to visit the economic hubs and businesses in our towns and villages.”

Councillor Baker stated that it is vital that businesses are promoted sufficiently by the use of promotional signage on major roads, in order for them to maintain a  sustainable level of operation.

 

33.  ISSUES RELATING TO EASKEY:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“I’m asking what actions if any has Sligo County Council taken on this motion passed in December 2020:

In view of ongoing correspondence from concerned citizens to Elected & Executive Members, in relation to sewage flowing along the streets of Easkey Village and polluting the Easkey River, we demand that Sligo County Council carry out a full and transparent audit examining all Planning Permissions of publicly funded capital projects in Easkey, to ensure that they have ALL complied and conformed to ALL the conditions of the PP actually granted, ie not just 'substantially complied' as concerned Easkey residents have been told. In light of the fact that Warning Letters were sent from this County Council to those in receipt of public funds in Easkey in both February and July this year, it would appear that 'substantial' compliance is demonstrably not adequate, and nor should it be. If it is adequate, why does Sligo Co Co issue Planning Permission conditions in the first place?”  

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, informed the meeting that the Enforcement Section has fully investigated all planning permissions granted to Easkey Community Council and the Members had been kept updated on all reports concerning this matter. Planning Enforcement has addressed all relevant issues in relation to Easkey Community Council and any issues relating to sewage or alleged pollution of the Easkey River will need to be addressed by Irish Water.


Ms. Clarke further advised the Enforcement section has not been contacted by members of the public regarding the issue of sewage flowing on to the streets of the village.  A considerable amount of time has been spent by staff on this matter and there has been no update on the matter since the last report to members in January 2021.

 

34.  WORKS TO ROAD R291 AT CARTRON:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting.

 

35.  PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON R293 ADJACENT TO THE PARK IN BALLYMOTE:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting.

 

36.  LEGISLATION AROUND INSURANCE REGULATION:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting.

 

37.  REVIEW OF HOUSING FOR ALL STRATEGY:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising that the social housing targets set for Sligo in the new Housing for All strategy will not be sufficient to resolve the housing crisis in the county and further recognising that the strategy will not ensure the provision of affordable houses for those who wish to buy a home and will not tackle the extortionate rents in the private sector, this Council calls on the government to review the strategy so as to prioritise the delivery of Council housing and affordable homes to buy and rent through increased investment in a major state-led housing programme, greater security for tenants, reserving public land exclusively for public housing and establishing a new Right to Housing.”

Councillor Bree stated that the ‘Housing for All’ strategy is not sufficient to deal with the long housing waiting lists and the extortionate rents being charged by private landlords.  Councillor Bree added that monies currently being invested in the private sector by way of RAS and HAP funding would be better spent in the provision of social and affordable housing, provided by Local Authorities, as it would afford security of tenure to those on housing lists.

 

38.  COLLECTION OF COMMERCIAL RATES:

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising that rates are payable on all commercial property, will the Council management now consider agreeing to (a) collect the rates in respect of all commercial property; (b) prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council to refund a percentage of the rates on vacant properties in the Municipal Districts; (c) introduce the Long-Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo.” 

Ms. M Whelan, Head of Finance, advised the meeting that the 2022 Draft Budget will include the charging of rates on vacant properties. The proposed level of refund to be applied is 50%, but this will be a matter for consideration by Members at the 2022 budget meeting.  Ms. Whelan advised that if the charging of rates on vacant properties is adopted by the Members at the budget meeting, it is intended to ring fence monies collected from this scheme to fund a vacant property rates incentive scheme.

Councillor Bree welcomed the report from the Head of Finance and stated that collection of rates on vacant properties and the proposed refund scheme will mean extra income for Sligo County Council and will incentivise and generate new business in the town.

 

39.  DEVELOPMENT OF TREE PLANTING STRATEGY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask what plans, if any, the Council has to increase the planting of native tree species on Council property and to ask when the Council intends to develop a comprehensive tree planting programme/strategy.”

The Members were advised that the Climate Team is looking at a number of potential sites for participation in the Creation of Native Woodlands on Public Land Scheme and hope to make significant progress on at least a couple of these in early 2022, one being in Forthill and one in Finisklin.   The Parks Department is also involved in a project regarding the planting of fruit trees in various locations around Sligo Town. The Council will be supporting a local business in a tree giveaway and will work with local communities to identify suitable areas for planting of these trees. It is intended to map all locations where trees are planted, as well as other biodiversity enhancing activities that are being supported, such as the development of wild flower meadows, no mow areas or community garden initiatives.

 

40.  POST OF CYCLING & WALKING OFFICER FOR CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“I propose that this Council consider creating the post of Cycling & Walking officer for the county.”

The Members were advised that due to the financial situation of the Council and the fact that that there is no external funding for this post, it is not currently under consideration. The Executive will determine staffing requirements as necessary.

 

41.  UPDATE REPORT ON GROUNDWATER INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting.

 

42.  SAFETY CONCERNS ON BALLISODARE TO BALLYGAWLEY ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the ongoing traffic issues and safety concerns on the Ballisodare to Ballygawley Road and to approach the landowner who owns the parcel of ground which would eliminate all these traffic concerns.”

Director of Services, Mr. Kilfeather advised that discussions will take place with the owners of the existing commercial premises regarding concerns around parking issues, and that realignment works would require significant funding.

Councillor Healy stated that he will continue to liaise with the landowner concerned regarding this matter in the hope that such works may be progressed.

 

43.  FUNDING FOR SOCIAL HOUSING ON COUNCIL LANDS AT COLLOONEY AND BALLISODARE:

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 Housing to make funding available to build affordable and social housing on land that Sligo County Council own in Collooney and Ballintogher to address the housing crisis within the county.”

 

44.  CANCELLATION OF NTA MEETING IN NOVEMBER:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the NTA expressing our dissatisfaction at the cancellation of our November meeting with them.”

Councillor O’Grady noted the positive communication and meetings held with the NTA to date regarding provision of bus services in the county. It was agreed to acknowledge this fact in correspondence issued to the NTA and to thank them for engaging with the Council regarding bus services in Sligo town and county, and to ask for the issues around the following matters to be addressed:

  • Rural link transport
  • Provision of bus service to Carraroe Retail Park
  • Cuts to bus services already in operation.

It was also agreed to request the NTA to convene a meeting before the end of the year to progress these issues.

 

45.  REPORT ON TRAFFIC COUNT NUMBERS ON NATIONAL PRIMARY ROUTES:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to report on the latest available traffic count numbers on the following National Primary routes in the county. Please include where along these routes the traffic figures have been collated, over how long a period the figures were collected and when the traffic count took place, so that these figures can be used by members in future road planning decisions”

  1. N4
  2. N15
  3. N16
  4. 17.”

Director of Services, Mr. Kilfeather advised that the TII has automatic traffic counters at various locations on the National Road Network and had provided links on their website for the Members to access this data.

Councillor Gilroy advised the meeting of figures he had obtained on traffic count numbers at five main locations in the county, with the road from Ballydrehid to Sligo town having the highest count and the N16 road at the Leitrim border having the lowest count. Accordingly, the road between Ballydrehid and Sligo town would need to be prioritised for works to be carried out in light of the figures available on traffic counts at this location.

Councillor Healy suggested that, while the N59 is not a national primary road, it should be included given the volume of traffic.

 

46.  RENOVATION REPAIR & DREDGING OF LOCAL AUTHORITY PIERS AND HARBOURS WITHIN THE COUNTY:

With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Gilroy, was deferred to the December Ordinary meeting.

 

47.  LEGISLATION AND AWARENESS ON BULLYING:

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

AND AGREED

“For this Council to raise awareness on bullying and to ask our elected representatives in Dáil Éireann to lobby for legislation on bullying so that together with schools and communities we can all look at ways to protect children from bullying through programmes that support them at home and in school life.”

The Members acknowledged the importance of raising awareness of this very important issue in society, and stated that  bullying  should be a criminal offence across all age groups.

Councillor Healy noted the importance of ongoing communication on this subject.

 

48.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of Sympathy were recorded.

 

49.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulation be extended to NWRA on the success of their recent European Arctic and Periphery conference which was held in Sligo last week.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulation be extended to Mr. Cormac Finn from Ballymote on his recent success in winning the Boys U.16 Softball Singles title, in the All-Ireland Handball competition held at Semple Stadium, Thurles on Saturday last, for the first time in the history of the juvenile game in Sligo.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulation be extended to Mr. Brendan McCormack, President of Sligo I.T., to Ms. Ann Higgins and all the staff of the I.T. on the recent announcement by Minister Simon Harris of the designation of Sligo I.T. as a Technological University, which is a huge step forward for the Sligo and Connacht/Ulster region.  Sligo County Council wishes to acknowledge the wonderful work done by Mr. McCormack and his staff in securing this designation.”

 

50.  CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

 

51.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members noted the items under this heading.

 

52.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

 

53.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

54.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor Healy requested that a meeting be arranged with the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) without delay regarding roads funding for the county, noting that a meeting was sought some months ago.

 

END OF MEETING:

The Leas Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation at the meeting and encouraged everyone to stay safe. 

The business of the meeting concluded at 12.30 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 01/11/2021