Minutes 2022

Minutes of January Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 17th January 2022 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker(R),
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly(R),
  • Councillor Clarke(R),
  • Councillor Connolly(R),
  • Councillor Fox(R),
  • Councillor Gibbons(R),
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor MacSharry(R),
  • Councillor Maguire,
  • Councillor Mullaney(R),
  • Councillor Mulvey(R),
  • Councillor O’Grady(R),
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor, 
  • 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(C),
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services(C),
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(C),
  • Seán Martin, A/Senior Architect(C),
  • John Moran, SEO(C),
  • Joe Murphy, SEO(C),
  • Jimmy O’Brien, A/Head of Information Systems,
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator,
  • Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer(C).

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paul Taylor, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor O’Boyle.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

Members participating remotely were Councillor Baker, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Connolly, Councillor Fox, Councillor Gibbons, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Mullaney, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Grady and Councillor Walsh.

 

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ASHLING MURPHY RIP:

The Cathaoirleach, on behalf of the Elected Members and staff, conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the family of the late Ashling Murphy. ‘Her death was a tragedy that has shocked and traumatised the nation, and the response of communities all over the country in recent days will have provided some small consolation to Ashling’s parents, siblings, her former pupils and her wide circle of friends.

Among her many talents and interests, Ashling was a noted musician, she performed in Sligo City Hall in 2017 with a Comhaltas Tour Group and also played in Ceoláras Coleman.

It has been called a watershed moment, with a firm consensus that action has to be taken to make our society a safer place, and we will certainly play our part in this endeavour.’

The Members and Chief Executive joined with the Cathaoirleach in extending their sympathies to Ashling’s family and friends.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE COUNTY SLIGO JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE HELD ON A) 26TH MARCH 2021; B) 25TH JUNE 2021 AND C) 24TH SEPTEMBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of meetings of the County Sligo Joint Policing Committee held on a) 26th March 2021, b) 25th June 2021 and c) 24th September 2021.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF SPC 4 (CLIMATE CHANGE) HELD ON A) 30TH JUNE 2021 AND B) 29TH SEPTEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of meetings of SPC 4 (Climate Change) held on a) 30th June 2021 and b) 29th September 2021.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE LTACC HELD ON A) 12TH MAY 2021 AND B) 15TH SEPTEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of meetings of the LTACC held on a) 12th May 2021 and b) 15th September 2021.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF CRANMORE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP HELD ON 29TH JULY 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of meeting of Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group Meeting held on 29th July 2021.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SCC AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Sligo County Council Audit Committee meeting held on 14th September 2021.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC 1 (HOUSING & CORPORATE) HELD ON 28TH SEPTEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of meeting of SPC 1 (Housing & Corporate) held on 28th September.”

 

7.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO / DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 11TH OCTOBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of meeting of Sligo/Drumcliff Municipal District held on 11th October 2021.”

 

8.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 1ST DECEMBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of Corporate Policy Group meeting held on 1st December 2021.”

 

9.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SCC HELD ON 6TH DECEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 6th December 2021.”

 

10.  NOMINATION TO DISABILITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To note that the Housing and Corporate SPC has approved Ms. Rosaleen Lally of the Irish Wheelchair Association’s nomination to the Disability Consultative Committee to replace Ms. Jillian Marelich.”

 

11.  PROVISION OF CAS FUNDING TO TUATH HOUSING ASSOCIATION FOR 6 NO. APARTMENTS AT AVENA BALLISODARE TOWN CENTRE, BALLISODARE, CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to Tuath Housing Association, in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme in the value of €767,575 for 6 No. Apartments at No.’s 58, 59, 62, 63, 65, 66 Block 8, Avena Ballisodare Town Centre, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo.”

Councillor Gilroy requested that going forward clarification be issued to the Members where required in relation to certain housing items listed on future meeting agendas.

 

12.  ALL IRELAND STRATEGIC RAIL REVIEW CONSULTATION PAPER:

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

AND AGREED

“To consider a report from SPC 2 on All Ireland Strategic Rail Review Consultation Paper.”

 

13.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

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

 

30.  REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS TREES:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach and Members, it was agreed to take Item No. 30 at this time.

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to write to the ESB requesting them to survey their power lines with a view to removing dangerous trees that pose a threat in storms.”

In a report previously circulated by Director of Services Mr. Kilfeather, the Members were advised that while the ESB ‘top’ branches and trim trees near their power lines in agreement with landowners, the landowners are primarily responsible for the maintenance/care of the trees and for any damage they might cause to infrastructure. If a landholder is concerned about trees near power lines they should contact the ESB and agree a solution.”

 

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

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Queenan and Councillor Clarke, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.

 

15.  REPORT ON GRANTS/FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS IN CO SLIGO:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item was removed from the agenda at Councillor Clarke’s request.

 

16.  REDUCTION OF INSURANCE COSTS / END OF DUAL PRICING & LOYALTY PENALTY ON INSURANCE PREMIUMS:

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

AND AGREED

“That this local authority write to the FG Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD and the FF Minister of State at the Department of Finance with specific responsibility for insurance regulation, Sean Fleming TD, that during the current drafting of insurance legislation the legislation actually leads to a reduction of insurance costs to customers, and this legislation must contain the end of dual pricing and loyalty penalty and not further delay at stopping these practices as this and previous governments have done for far too long.”

 

17.  UPDATE FROM IRISH WATER ON GROUNDWATER INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME REGARDING WATER SOURCES IN NORTH SLIGO:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.

 

18.  FUNDS FOR RENOVATION, REPAIR & DREDGING OF LOCAL AUTHORITY PIERS AND HARBOURS WITHIN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Department of the Marine to make funds available from the Brexit Adjustment Fund available for the renovation repair and dredging of Local Authority Piers and Harbours within the county.

This fund could bring massive benefits to the Commercial Port of Sligo and to the fishing and Marine Tourism harbours along the coast of Sligo.”

In a report prepared by Director of Services Mr. Kilfeather, the Members were advised that the Council is not aware of any funds available from the Brexit Adjustment Fund for the renovation, repair and dredging of Local Authority piers and harbours, but if the motion is agreed, a letter will issue to the Department in this regard.  Mr. Kilfeather added that potential costs the Council could face with respect to dredging in Sligo Harbour was reported to the December Ordinary Meeting.

 

19.  REVIEW OF PUBLIC LIGHTING AT CLARION ROAD, THE MALL, HAZELWOOD ROAD AND BALLYTIVNAN ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council would improve the street lighting at the following locations as requested by the Students Union of Sligo IT:

  1. Clarion Road.
  2. Mall Road.
  3. Hazelwood Road.
  4. Ballytivnan Road.”

The Members were advised that Sligo County Council will request its maintenance Contractor, Electric Skyline, to survey the areas in question. It was noted that there is no budget for any additional public lighting at these locations.

Councillor MacSharry informed the meeting that he had held discussions with the Students Union at Sligo IT and it was agreed to continue to highlight concerns around the safety of students and residents in these areas.

 

20.  TIMEFRAME FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW REGIONAL VET LABORATORY IN SLIGO:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.

 

21.  FUNDING FOR PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY KNOWN AS MUD-LANE CARTRON BAY FORESHORE / ENHANCEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORESHSORE AREA:

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

AND AGREED

“That this local authority would investigate how to secure funding to bring the pedestrian walkway known as Mud-lane Carton Bay foreshore up to a satisfactory standard of safety and accessibility for everyone. Also provide funding for the enhancement and development of the foreshore area.”

The Members were informed in a report from Diretcor of Services Tom Kilfeather that the process of acquiring full title to the subject lands adjacent to the foreshore at Cartron is ongoing.   It is unclear how long this process will take.  However, once title issues have been resolved and subject to resources, the Local Authority in consultation with the community and the various external agencies and stakeholders may commence examining design options.  The lands are located adjacent to the Cumeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay SAC.  As such, any proposal for developing the area would have to be carefully considered to determine any potential effects on the conservations objectives of that SAC.   If an appropriate assessment is required, it would mean that the consenting authority is An Bord Pleanala.

 

22.  LANDS FOR BURIAL GROUNDS AT AHAMLISH AND ROSSES POINT:

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

AND AGREED

“Given the long-standing difficulties in obtaining by agreement Lands required for Burial Ground facilities at a number of locations in the county that the Executive use the powers available under the Compulsory Purchase Order process to deliver said facilities with Rosses Point and Ahamlish as priority locations for attention.

And that if agreement cannot be reached and such powers are required to deliver Burial Grounds, that the Chief Executive brings a Report to the March 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting outlining a timeline for delivery and a date for commencement of the Compulsory purchase process of the lands that have been identified as the best location for these Burial Grounds.”

In a report prepared by Director of Services Mr. Kilfeather, the Members were advised that it has proved challenging in recent years to provide solutions to meet the need for new Burial Ground facilities at a number of locations across the county.

In the event of there being no progress by way of agreement at those burial grounds referred to in the Notice of Motion, a report will be brought to the March meeting on the option of acquiring lands through use of the CPO process.

 

23.  INTRODUCTION OF PARK MAGIC APP:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to introduce the Park Magic App to help Disabled drivers find an available disabled parking space in Sligo town and other locations around the county.” 

Head of Finance Ms. Whelan advised that Sligo County Council Parking Management and Engineering staff will engage with Limerick City and County Council, where the SpaceFinder app has been piloted, to learn about the potential costs and extent of engineering / technical works necessary to facilitate an app based on real-time information from parking bays. Other matters to be considered will include public procurement obligations and inter-operability with existing systems for parking management in Sligo.

 

24.  SUBMISSION TO ALL IRELAND STRATEGIC RAIL REVIEW:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the local authorities in Longford, Roscommon and in Leitrim asking them to each make a submission to the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review. This submission should promote the Dublin to Sligo route specifying the need for faster train speed and also the suggestion of a daily commuter service from Longford to Sligo. To call on Sligo County Council to write to the local authorities in Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Galway, Mayo and Donegal asking them to make a joint submission on the Western Rail Corridor promoting the importance of this infrastructure and the need to reopen this line for both freight and rail service. This submission should emphasise the economic, environmental and social benefits to these counties in linking the Dublin rail line to the western seaboard.”

Councillor Healy welcomed the submission put forward by SPC 2 regarding the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor and advised that he will request a meeting with the Minister on the project.

A discussion on the motion then followed. It was agreed that the group of Councils in the region should request to be included as stakeholders in the All Ireland Rail Review in order that they be consulted on the next phase of the project.

It was clarified that an upgrade to the Sligo/Dublin rail line will not have any adverse effects on the advancement of the Greenways planned for the western region, with projects already committed to and funded by the Government.

The Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised the members that there will not be sufficient time this week to ask the other Local Authorities in the region to prepare a joint submission on the Western Rail Corridor, and advised that a letter can be issued to these Local Authorities regarding discussions on Phase 1 of the review.

The Members commended Councillor Gilroy as Chair of SPC 2 and staff involved in preparing the submission.

 

25.  REVIEW OF SURGICAL ORTHOPAEDIC SERVICES / PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN WITHIN ELECTIVE HOSPITAL SETTINGS:

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

AND AGREED

“There are 82 children with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus currently requiring urgent Orthopaedic intervention. This was brought to the attention of the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly’s in December 2020. However, no action has been instigated by the Minister to resolve this matter and these children continue to deteriorate. Lack of surgical intervention has caused their limbs and bodies to become deformed and maimed. Some of these children’s legs are so badly affected that the soles of their feet permanently rub together causing open sores and bleeding. Children who have the ability to walk are losing or have lost that ability due to the absence of timely surgical management. Others who are manual wheelchair users, due to the same issue are unable to self-propel themselves effectively leaving them immobile. The lack of timely surgical intervention means that effectively these children end up requiring more complex surgeries and failing that amputation of limbs. I am calling on the County Council to write to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and fast track these children for surgical review as a matter of urgency. We are also calling on the Minister for Health to ensure that provision of services is made to Disabled Children within elective Hospital settings as well as acute Hospital settings to avoid a repeat of this situation in the future.”

It was agreed that given the importance of this issue it will be kept under review.

 

26.  NATIONAL REVIEW OF CARDIAC SERVICES IN IRELAND:

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

AND AGREED

“Following my recent correspondence with the Minister for Health`s Office and his reply stating that "following delays arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the group involved in the National Review of Cardiac Services has recommenced meetings and the consideration of outstanding issues. Further meetings are scheduled for November and December. The timeline for the completion of the review should become clearer following the December meeting.

I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health, Chairperson of the National Review into Cardiac Services, Secretary General of the Department of Health, and the Director General of the Health Service Executive to provide this Local Authority with an update on the National Review of Cardiac Services in Ireland detailing when will the review will be concluded and the recommendations made public.”

Councillor Gilroy advised that he, along with his colleagues Councillor Bree and Councillor Mulvey, will keep this issue on the agenda of the Regional Health Forum.

 

27.  CIVIC RECEPTION FOR EUROPEAN GOLD MEDAL WINNER KEELAN KILREHILL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke, Councillor J. Queenan, Councillor D. Mulvey and Councillor P. Taylor:

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council will afford European Gold Medal winner Keelan Kilrehill a Civic Reception.”

The Members paid tribute to the remarkable achievement of Keelan Kilrehill, given the obstacles he has faced on his journey to success. 

Following a discussion, the Cathaoirleach Councillor Taylor stated that he will endeavour to cater for a number of civic receptions during his term as Cathaoirleach, as Covid restrictions allow. Arrangements for the Civic receptions agreed by the Council will be discussed at the next meeting of the Procedures Committee.

 

28.  REVIEW OF DEBT COLLECTION FOR HOSPITAL PATIENTS / REVIEW EXEMPTIONS TO INPATIENT CHARGE

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, the following amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the HSE and the Department of Health to end the practice of pursuing patients, including cancer patients with private commercial debt collection agencies and to review exemptions to the inpatient charge by the Department of Health, and for this be shared with all other local authorities around the country.”

It was also agreed to request the Department of Health to review the practice of withdrawing medical cards from terminally ill patients.

 

29.  STAFFING ASSESSMENT AT THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“Emergency Department and the new 42 bed medical block at SUH:

That Sligo County Council fully support the need for a staffing assessment to be carried out in the Emergency Department in Sligo University Hospital (based on the new footprint for ED and Triage categories of patients attending).

That this Local Authority conveys the same in writing to the CEO of the SAOLTA Group, the General Manager of Sligo University Hospital and the Minister for Health requesting a timeframe of when this assessment will be completed and when it is likely that the procurement process will begin and end for the new 42 bed medical block which has detailed design completed.”

 

31.  PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SLNCR GREENWAY:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that in addition to the €500,000 grant allocated in July 2020, an additional grant of €1million was recently allocated to further advance the planned Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway, from Sligo to the Border; and aware that the project is currently being considered for significant funding from the €500 million Shared Island fund; this meeting requests a progress report on the project.”

Director of Services Ms. Clarke advised the Members that during 2021, Leitrim County Council, the agreed Lead Local Authority on the development of the SLNCR Greenway Project, administered a tender process to appoint design consultants for the project. Five tenders were received and Arup Consulting Engineers were the successful tenderer. One of the initial tasks to be undertaken is the preparation of Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) to ensure compliance with the Public Spending Code. The management of Greenway infrastructure has now been transferred to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Councillor Bree welcomed the progress report from the Director of Services and added that the greenway will boost spending in the region. The Members acknowledged the work of Ms. Clarke and her team, and also the contribution of the Manorhamilton community, in progressing this project.

 

32.  PROGRESS REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW OUTDOOR WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES FACILITY CENTRES AT ROSSES POINT AND ENNISCRONE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be provided with a progress report on the development of the new outdoor water-based activities Facility Centres, grant aided by Failte Ireland, which the Council intends to construct at Rosses Point and Enniscrone.”

Director of Services Ms. Clarke advised the meeting that Fáilte Ireland has recently confirmed funding for two outdoor water-based activities Facility Centres in Enniscrone and Rosses Point. The maximum grant that will be made available will not exceed €850,000 for each site, which is 100% of the projected costs associated with providing the facilities.

A request for quotation for site investigation works, detailed design and preparation of planning documentation is currently underway by Sligo County Council. Failte Ireland has provided €15,000 per site for this phase of the project, following which a planning application for each site will be considered.

It is anticipated that the Water Sports facilities in both locations will be under construction by late 2023.

Councillor Bree requested the Executive to take the next steps in the planning process to ensure an early start in construction, and asked that a report on the operation and management of such facilities be made available to the Members when completed, which was agreed.

 

33.  BONUS FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly calling on him as a matter of urgency to pay all frontline workers their bonuses as promised.”

 

34.  CONCERNS OVER INADEQUATE BUS SERVICES IN SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council once again write to the NTA requesting a date for a meeting to discuss the ongoing concerns regarding the inadequate bus services presently in place in Sligo.”

While acknowledging the engagement with the NTA to date on this issue, the Members agreed that a further meeting should be convened at the earliest possible date to discuss improved bus services in Sligo town and county.

 

35.  REVIEW OF R292 IN CUMMEEN TOWNLAND AT JUNCTION WITH BARNASHRAHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review the section of the R292 in the Cummeen Townland at the junction with Barnashrahy considering the number of concealed exits from households in the area.”

In a report prepared by Director of Services Mr. Kilfeather, the Members were advised of a number of observations made during an inspection of this location. A speed volume survey has been requested from Road Design to determine what further measures may be necessary at this location and the Members will be advised of the outcome of this survey.

 

36.  UPDATE ON – LOCAL LIVE PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SCHEME / REGIONAL FESTIVALS & PARTICIPATIVE EVENTS SCHEME / PROPOSAL FOR OUTDOOR PUBLIC SPACE SCHEME 2021:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“With a view on 2022 and getting events back up and running in County Sligo, I ask the Community and Economic Directorate for an update on the Local Live Performance Support Scheme and the Regional Festivals and Participative Events Scheme and what proposal is in place for The Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021.”

Director of Services, Ms Clarke updated the Members on the Local Live Performance Support Scheme; the Regional Festivals & Participative Events Scheme; The St. Patrick’s Festival and the Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021.

In response to queries from Members, the Director of Services advised as follows:

Ms. Clarke will revert to Councillor Walsh regarding advertising of the €5m funding available under the Local Live Performance Support Scheme.

Funding under the Regional Festivals & Participative Events Scheme will be advertised shortly.

The Council is working with the BID office and Fáilte Ireland in relation to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2022.

There are no timelines yet for provision of dedicated performance spaces, which are being funded under the Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021. Members will be kept informed of any progress on this and the other schemes referenced in the motion.

Regarding the Festivals & Events Co-Ordinators post, Ms. Clarke advised that the situation was reviewed in December 2021 and discussions held with Fáilte Ireland. Guidance and policies on this are awaited from Fáilte Ireland.

In response to a query from Councillor Queenan on the issue of a Festival & Events Co-Ordinator, the Chief Executive Mr. Lydon advised that tourism will be considered in the overall context of the Council’s Workforce Plan which is currently being prepared. He added that the Members will be notified in March of all matched funding projects in the pipeline, many of which are over-subscribed, and a clear outline of the current position will be presented.  

 

37.  GREATER INVESTMENT IN THE APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on Niall Collins TD Minister for State with responsibility for Skills and Further Education for greater investment in the apprenticeship system.”

 

38.  VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN MINISTER FOR HOUSING:

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

“That this Council calls for a vote no confidence in the FF Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien who has failed on every commitment made by him in delivery of housing in 2021.”

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

The result of the vote was as follows:

FOR:   3

AGAINST:   9

ABSTAIN:   1

The Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

 

39.  SALMON FISHING ON LOUGH GILL FOR THE 2022 FISHING SEASON:

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

AND AGREED

“That this local authority write to the Department of Environment / inland Fisheries to ask that before the decision was made to restrict Salmon Fishing on Lough Gill for the 2022 fishing season, were all the relevant stakeholders consulted, i.e. Sligo Anglers & Leitrim Anglers associations and could they provide us with a full report on why these restrictions were implemented.”  

 

40.  INTRODUCTION OF A VACANT HOMES TAX:

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

AND AGREED

“That in view of the ever intensifying housing crisis, this meeting calls on the Government and the Minister for Finance to prioritise the introduction of a vacant homes tax.”

It was agreed that appropriate exemptions from such a tax should be included in any legislation introduced.

 

41.  PRACTICES RELATING TO ELECTRICITY BILLS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Commission for Energy Regulation to correct the unfair practice where people who live in areas where both Electricity and Mains Gas are available are offered cheaper electricity than householders in areas where Mains Gas is not available. Householders in affected areas are already discriminated against by the lack of a mains gas supply and should be treated equally with householders in other areas.

And that Sligo County Council write to the VAT Section of the Revenue Commissioners and ask them to explain why VAT is charged on the Public Service Obligation part of electricity bills when there is a precedent not to charge “Tax on a Tax” as applies to no VAT Charged on stamp duty or on BER Registrations as they are already a fixed fee to a state body.”

 

42.  EXPENDITURE OF ALLOCATIONS FOR WORKS AT BALLISODARE / TOWN & VILLAGES SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“In light of the welcome recent allocation of €580,000 for works at Ballisodare, that Members are given a report (Including Map/Drawing) detailing what exactly the funds will be spent on?

Further, that a report be submitted to Members on the spending of the €670,000 allocated on January 8th 2021 through the “Towns & Villages Scheme”; What it was spent on, if all work has now been completed and if not, when will it be finished?

The January 2021 allocation was announced as follows:

Drumcliffe - €100,000

Enniscrone - €100,000

Tubbercurry - €70,000

Carraroe - €100,000

Ballisodare - €100,000

Ballymote - €100,000

Rosses Point - €100,000.”

Councillor Gilroy expressed his disappointment that the Members were not notified of the Ballisodare funding allocations prior to it being announced on local media, and that local landowners were not consulted. Councillor Gilroy requested that going forward, when funding allocations are approved, councillors in that area be included in the initial announcement. 

Regarding the update report on last year’s funding announcement, Councillor Gilroy expressed the hope that this will be fully delivered upon by October 2022 to ensure that the full allocation is utilised.

Chief Executive Mr. Lydon clarified that discussions have taken place with local landowners on these projects and added that he had not received notification of the grant for Ballisodare.  Mr. Lydon added that targets will be met regarding 2021 funding commitments and that Members and relevant parties will be kept informed at all stages of these projects.

 

43.  DEVELOPMENT OF WIND FARMS OFF THE WEST COAST OF IRELAND:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Fox, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.

 

44.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of Sympathy were recorded.

Councillor Bree wished to convey his sympathies to the family of the late Martin Ford who has recently passed away.  Councillor Bree remembered Martin as a poet and an activist in his local community in the town. Councillor O’Grady wished to be associated with the vote of sympathy to Mr. Ford who she described as a great character with a deep interest in local affairs.

Councillor O’Grady wished to extend her sympathies to Mr. Jude Devins and his family on the recent passing of his mother, Ms. Mai Devins.  This was seconded by Councillor Gilroy.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Taylor extended sympathies on behalf of the Council to the family of the late Dr. Karl Bödeker who passed away recently. Dr. Bödeker played a pivotal role in establishing Sligo’s twinning association with Kempten. In 1988 he was part of a small group that identified great merit in developing this link. Largely through his dedication and drive, this initiative came to fruition with the signing of the Twinning Charter with Kempten in April 1990.

 

45.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulation be extended Mr. Johnny Kenny on his recent transfer to Glasgow Celtic Football Club. 

 

46.  CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

 

47.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members noted the items under this heading.

 

48.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

 

49.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

50.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

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 1.00 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 17/01/2022