Minutes 2022
Minutes of December Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 5th December 2022 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor Casserly,
- Councillor Clarke,
- Councillor Connolly,
- Councillor Fox,
- Councillor Gilroy,
- Councillor Healy,
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan,
- Councillor Walsh.
(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Dorothy Clarke, Deputy Chief Executive,
- Joe Murphy A/Director of Services
- Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services,
- Marie Whelan, Head of Finance,
- Donal Tinney, County Librarian,
- John Reilly, Head of Enterprise (R)
- Jennifer Burns, A/Meetings Administrator,
- Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer,
- Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.
APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from Councillor Gibbons, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Maguire, Councillor O’Boyle and Councillor Taylor.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.
9. PRESENTATION BY M-PACT:
At the suggestion of the Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Clarke, it was agreed that item No. 9 would be taken at this point in the meeting.
“Presentation by MPACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) as agreed at Meeting of SCC Corporate Policy Group on 10th October 2022.”
Mr. Philip Maree from M-PACT presented the Members with an overview of the M-Pact organisation, the areas they serve, the benefits of this free and confidential service and the positive impact of the service on families who are referred to their service. Mr. Maree outlined the supports and services available to families, including the Five Step programme which supports the family and extended family members of the person dealing with the addiction.
The Members thanked Mr. Maree for an excellent presentation, detailing the vital services provided by M-PACT, which they added, has enormous positive benefits on families, including the reunification of families torn apart by addiction. The Members also wished to acknowledge the empathy and kindness shown by the M-PACT organisation to families.
In response to queries from the Members, Mr. Maree advised as follows:
The services of M-PACT are advertised through a combination of outlets including newspapers, presentations and church bulletins. They are also available to give talks in schools to raise awareness of the programme should the opportunity arise.
The success of the programme is measured through evaluations carried out in the UK and also local evaluations. The programme is family orientated in that the family is part of the solution, not just the family member dealing with the addiction.
The programme is funded on a year-to-year basis by Tusla. M-PACT works closely with treatment centres such as White Oaks in Donegal, Hope House and Cuan Mhuire in Galway.
Whilst M-PACT are based in the Northside Centre in Sligo town, in addition to Sligo, the programme also covers the Leitrim and West Cavan areas.
It was agreed to circulate a copy of the presentation to the Members, who added that they are happy to promote this vital service in the community.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF CRANMORE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP HELD ON 7TH JULY 2022:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Meeting of Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group held on 7th July 2022.”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 19TH SEPTEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 19th September 2022.”
3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BALLYMOTE – TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 26TH SEPTEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 26th September 2022.”
4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 17TH OCTOBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of Borough District of Sligo held on 17th October 2022.”
5. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 24TH OCTOBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Budget Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 24th October 2022.”
6. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 24TH OCTOBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Budget Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 24th October 2022.”
7. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 7TH NOVEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7th November 2022.”
8. MINUTES OF SCC STATUTORY BUDGET MEETING HELD ON 21ST NOVEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 21st November 2022.”
10. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CULTURE & CREATIVITY STRATEGY 2023 – 2027:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To note Sligo County Council’s Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023 – 2027.”
In response to a query from Councillor Bree as to whether there is a public representative on the team, Deputy Chief Executive, Ms. Clarke advised that the Strategy had been put in place by a working operational team to oversee the Culture & Creativity theme, with no public representative on that team. She stated, however, that the membership of the Culture team is to be reviewed in the New Year, to include councillors among others, and the Members will be kept updated on this process.
County Librarian, Mr. Tinney added that the membership of the Culture Team is reviewed on a regular basis and the Elected Members will play a pivotal role in communications between the Culture Team and the various communities and their projects.
11. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION – 304 HARBOUR COURT, LOWER QUAY STREET, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance in the form of the Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the amount of €168,849 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 304 Harbour Court, Lower Quay Street, Sligo”
12. LOAN TO FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“Request for approval to apply for a loan of €23.5m to fund capital projects.”
In reply to a query from Councillor Bree, Ms. Clarke advised that funding for the Eastern Garavogue project includes Department funding, and also URDF funding, at 75% of the URDF allocation, with a 25% match funding obligation on the Local Authority.
13. EU MISSION ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE CHARTER:
Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council sign the EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change Charter.”
14. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) BUDGET 2023 – DETERMINE RATE OF BID LEVY:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Business Improvement District (BID) Budget 2023 – to determine the rate of the BID levy and the Council collection charge.”
Mr. John Reilly, as the Council’s executive representative on the BID Company, informed the meeting that, under legisation, two resolutions require the Members’ agreement today, in respect of the BID budget for 2023 and the setting of the BID levy for 2023 at .0143 times the rateable valuation of businesses in the BID area from January to December 2023. He advised that the collection charge payable to the Council by the BID Company will be set at €11,000, adding that both of these rates respresent no change in the amounts to be paid to the Council in the year ahead.
15. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION – APARTMENT B14, CITYGATE, MAILCOACH ROAD, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance in the form of the Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the amount of €92,900 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of Apartment B14, Citygate, Mailcoach Road, Sligo.”
16. AMENDED SECTION 85 AGREEMENT – SLNCR:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council agrees to the making of an Agreement, as presented to it, under Section 85 of the Local Government Act, 2001 (as amended) with Leitrim County Council, concerning the planning, design, construction and completion of the SLNCR Greenway Project, with Leitrim County Council being the Lead Authority.
The making of an Agreement by a Local Authority under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) is a reserved function.”
The Members welcomed the funding to date for the SLNCR greenway and acknowledged the significant economic benefit and positive impact the project will have on the towns and villages in the region from Sligo to Enniskillen, noting that this type of project has been a vision of this Council for a number of years and will significantly boost spending in the region in terms of tourism, employment and investment.
The Cathaoirleach acknowledged the work of Ms. Clarke and Councillor Casserly on cross border communication which enabled the Council to avail of grant aid for this project.
17. CALF LOAN TO CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING IRELAND SOCIETY LTD – 1-8 THE FAIRWAYS, TUBBERCURRY, CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance to Co-Operative Housing Ireland Society Limited, in the form of CALF Loan in the revised amount of €336,000 for the CALF P&A Acquisition of Apartments No 1-8, The Fairways, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.”
18. QUARTERLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR Q3 2022:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To note the Quarterly Management Report for Q3 2022.”
19. INCREASE IN SECTION 39 WORKERS PAY:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
20. ALLOW THOSE ON WORKING FAMILY PAYMENT TO AVAIL OF THE FUEL ALLOWANCE PAYMENT SCHEME:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
21. SET UP OF STATUTORY CHILD MAINTENANCE SERVICE:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
22. PROVISION OF DAILY BUS SERVICE FROM CARRICK-ON-SHANNON TO SLIGO BY RURAL LINK:
Following a discussion, with the consent of the Cathaoirleach, the following amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney and Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Rural Link and Connecting Ireland requesting a daily bus service from Carrick-on-Shannon, to include Boyle, Ballinafad, Castlebaldwin, Collooney, Ballintogher and Sligo.
It was agreed that whilst there is a Bus Éireann service operating in this area, the schedule does not operate on a regular basis and the cost to customers is higher than it would be for a Rural Link service.
It was agreed to issue a letter to the National Transport Authority (NTA) requesting that they meet with the Members in the afternoon following the January 2023 Ordinary Meeting which is scheduled for 10.00 a.m. on Monday 16th January 2023, to discuss this and other relevant issues for the County.
23. REQUEST TSB TO INCLUDE BALLYMOTE TOWN AS A STOP ON ITS MOBILE BANK ROUTE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to support the South Sligo community request to write to Permanent TSB bank asking that they would include Ballymote Town as a stop along its mobile bank route.
Ballymote is serviced at present by the town’s Credit Union, and the An Post agency office but with the recent exit of Bank of Ireland and, prior to that, both Ulster Bank and AIB closing their branches in the town, there is NO mainstream bank for that region. PTSB who acquired the main Bulk of Ulster Bank Accounts in the buyout and thus people are having to travel 20+ miles to attend the branch.
Previously a mobile bank vehicle was part of the Ulster Bank service in South Sligo which was very busy, in particular, at its stop in Ballymote town.”
24. CLARIFICATION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTION STATUS FOR UKRAINIAN CITIZENS IN IRELAND ALLOWING THEM TO WORK:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Justice requesting clarification of Temporary Protection Status for Ukrainian citizens in Ireland with a view to allowing them to compete for work in the labour market under equal conditions enabling them to apply for longer term contracts.”
25. PROGRESS REPORT ON THE TIMELINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW N15:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council request a progress report on the timeline for the development of the new N15.”
The Members were informed in a report that the timeline for the development of the new N15 from Sligo to the County Boundary (Bunduff Bridge) is undetermined. It was noted that this project (which is considered a Major Project under TII criteria) is not listed in the National Development Plan (NDP) and did not receive funding in 2022.
In response to a query from Councillor Casserly, Deputy Chief Executive, Ms. Clarke, advised that a formal review of the National Development Plan is not planned at this time.
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon informed the meeting that the Council, at every opportunity, expresses the need to the Department to have the N15 included on the National Development Plan (NDP), and she added that some major projects that are currently included on the NDP did not receive any funding in 2022 due to a reduction in funding for major roads projects. Ms. Concannon stated that, for this reason, the N16 is being developed through the minor projects scheme, as more funding is currently available under this stream.
26. SCC SUPPORT FOR ATU EXPRESSION OF INTEREST APPLICATION IN BUILDING CAPACITY FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council support the ATU expression of interest application to the Higher Education Authority in building capacity for Veterinary Medicine.”
27. SAFETY ASSESSMENT ON THE ROUNDABOUTS ON THE N4:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to TII to carry out a safety assessment on the roundabouts on the N4 as a number of accidents have occurred on it.”
The Members were informed in a report, previously circulated, that Sligo County Council will write to TII requesting a safety assessment, as appropriate, of the roundabouts on the N4 in County Sligo.
28. PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE GARDA VEHICLES TO THE SLIGO ROADS POLICING UNIT:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to provide the necessary resources in terms of Gardai and appropriate vehicles to the Sligo Roads Policing Unit. That the same be relayed also to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.”
It was also noted that a large number of Gardaí are not trained to drive with “blue lights”. It was agreed that a full review of Garda policing operations outside the bigger towns and cities is urgently needed, particularly in relation to provision of extra frontline Gardaí, equipment and vehicles.
It was agreed to refer this matter for discussion to the next meeting of the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) for follow up.
29. OUTLINE PROCESS OF HOUSING ALLOCATIONS FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN CO SLIGO:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Queenan, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
“Ask the Director of Services to outline the process of allocating housing to Ukrainian refugees in county Sligo and also numbers and location involved.”
In requesting that this item be deferred to the January meeting, Councillor Queenan also requested that a report be provided at the January meeting in relation to the placing of 38 direct provision clients in a B & B in Enniscrone this week, without the prior knowledge of anyone in the area.
30. REVIEW OF RETIREMENT AGE FOR BUS ÉIREANN DRIVERS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Ministers for both Transport and Education to instruct Bus Eireann School Transport to immediately remove the discriminatory practice of forcing drivers, who are fully qualified and have been medically assessed as fit and competent to drive for private contractors, to retire due to age.”
It was also agreed to broaden this motion to include ALL Bus Éireann drivers.
31. PROVISION OF EARLY MORNING TRAIN SERVICE FROM CONNOLLY STATION:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“I ask Sligo County Council to write to Iarnród Eireann to provide a morning train service from Connolly Station that would allow people to arrive in Sligo before 9.00 a.m., in light of the University status of Sligo ATU and the lack of student accommodation available. Also, this early morning train service would facilitate workers, 2nd level students and early morning appointments etc by people who need to be in Sligo before 9.00 a.m., as the current 10 am service from Ballymote is not suitable for many people.”
Councillor Healy advised that a review is currently under way in relation to provision of extra services, the results of which are not yet known. It was agreed that more investment is needed in rail infrastructure as the Sligo-Dublin train service needs to be improved in terms of quality of trains, tracks and the length of time the journey takes.
32. SURVEY BY BUS ÉIREANN ON NUMBERS USING SCHOOL BUS SERVICES:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan requesting that he writes to Bus Éireann to carry out a survey on how many students are availing of the school bus services on a daily basis of as there is concern that school buses in the Sligo area have bus seats that are not being used on a regular basis to and from school.”
Councillor Healy stated that it is important to ascertain how many school places are available and how many of those places are actually being availed of, adding that the Rural Link services should also be made available to school children.
33. REPORT ON REDUCTION IN NUMBERS OF INPATIENT BEDS AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
34. CIVIC RECEPTION FOR THE EASKEY GAA TEAM:
&
39. CIVIC RECEPTION FOR THE TOURLESTRANE SENIOR TEAM & MANAGEMENT :
As items 34 and 39 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take both items at this time.
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke & Councillor J. Queenan
“That Sligo County Council give a civic reception to Connacht Junior Hurling champions, Easkey GAA team 2022.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
“That this Council would recognise the achievements of the Tourlestrane senior team and management on the occasion of winning 7 County championships in a row with a civic reception.”
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke, advised the Members that these motions will be brought to the next meeting of the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) for consideration.
35. SOLUTION TO ONGOING CRISIS IN THE FIRE SERVICE:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
36. REFORMS TO THE DISABLED DRIVERS AND DISABLED PASSENGERS SCHEME:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
37. SIGNING OF MINISTERIAL DIRECTION ON CHANGES TO THE TENANT PURCHASE SCHEME:
At Councillor Bree’s request, and with the consent of the Cathaoirleach, the following amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“Noting that the Minister for Housing announced in January that changes to the Tenant Purchase Scheme would enable pensioners to purchase their own home as and from the 1st of February 2022; and further noting with deep concern that, to date, the Minister has not signed the required Ministerial Direction to enable those in receipt of widows and widowers and surviving civil partners pension to purchase their own home; Sligo County Council calls on the Minister to sign the necessary Ministerial Direction without further delay.”
Acting Director of Services, Mr. Murphy, informed the Members that the Council was advised by the Department, via Circular Letter 09/2022, on 29th September 2022, that the Minister had issued the required directions to allow applicants, whose primary source of income is the State contributory or non- contributory pension, to qualify to purchase their Council houses if they have the financial means to do so. The directions did not extend to applicants, aged 66 or over, whose primary source of income is the Widow’s, Widower’s or surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory or non- contributory pension. Mr. Murphy stated that the Housing Section has contacted the Department in relation to this issue and has been advised that such applicants are not eligible to apply.
38. SUPPORT FOR THE AS-I-AM AUTISM FRIENDLY TOWN PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That this Council commends the initiative of the Sligo Public Participation Network on its successful application to have Sligo accepted into the AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Programme; and further the Council commits to supporting the initiative particularly in regard to making Council facilities more autism friendly.”
40. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
“To ask Sligo County Council again to increase the maximum Housing Adaptation Grants from €8,000 to €12,000 in line with the cost of material increase.”
The Members were advised in a report, previously circulated, that Sligo County Council has no discretion to increase the maximum grant available under the Housing Aid for Older People (€8,000) and that the maximum grant available is determined by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
In response to a query from Councillor Connolly, Acting Director of Services, Mr. Murphy, advised that the Housing Department has made contact with the Department in relation to increasing these grants and have been advised that ‘Housing for All’ commits to undertaking a review of a range of housing grants available to assist with meeting specific housing needs both for our aging population and people with a disability. Mr. Murphy added that the review is almost complete and is expected to be with the Minister for approval before the end of the year and that the Department has advised that this process is likely to result in an increase in grant limits at some stage in 2023.
41. REPORT ON NUMBER OF LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSES BUILT IN CO SLIGO IN 2022:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Queenan, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
42. INCLUSION OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES ON THE LONG TERM ILLNESS SCHEME:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
43. REPORT ON LACK OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS WITH SLIGO CAMH SERVICES:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
44. ELIGIBILITY OF PART TIME STUDENTS TO RECEIVE GOVERNMENT TUITION FEE CONTRIBUTION:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
45. PROVISION OF NECESSARY RESOURCES TO SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL TO END OVERCROWDING AND ENSURE ADEQUATE PATIENT CARE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“Conscious that 34 Sligo University Hospital Consultants have contacted Government Ministers and members of the Oireachtas highlighting the unacceptable conditions for patients and staff at the hospital, and further aware that representatives of the consultants presented the Minister for Health with details of the shocking conditions in the hospital when they met with him on Monday 21st of November; this Council calls on the Government and on those T.D.’s who voted for the Taoiseach to take the necessary steps to ensure that Sligo University Hospital is provided with: (1) the diagnostic medical equipment it needs for patient care (2) the necessary assistance it requires so as to recruit sufficient staff (3) the resources it requires to end the chronic overcrowding in the hospital.”
It was noted that there are 53 consultants who are involved with this issue, and it was agreed to reflect this in the correspondence to the Government.
The Members noted with disappointment the ongoing reduction of inpatient beds at SUH, which appears to signify a downgrading of the hospital.
Councillor Gilroy stated that the planned delivery date for the 42-bed medical unit is 2025 and progress is ongoing on this project.
At this point in the meeting, Leas Cathaoirleach, Councillor Marie Casserly took over as Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
46. INSERTION OF CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE IN LEGAL SETTLEMENTS WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
Following a discussion, with the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, the following amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council ensure that in the interests of openness and transparency no Confidentiality clause is inserted in any legal settlement with any member of the public, unless the claimant wishes one to be inserted, as the use of these clauses by other state and non-governmental organisations is for the sole purpose of protecting the organisation and not in the interests of the public and the policies of openness and transparency expected of all state and non-governmental organisations.
And that this motion be sent to all Councils in Ireland and the HSE.”
47. CLARIFICATION ON POLICY IN RELATION TO ONE-OFF RURAL HOUSES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council members clarify that the following section:
‘Housing policy in green belts and sensitive areas (Scenic Routes, Sensitive Rural Landscapes, Visually Vulnerable Areas)
It is the policy of Sligo County Council to:
P-GBSA-HOU-1 Accommodate proposals for one-off rural houses in the green belts and sensitive areas, subject to normal planning considerations including Habitats Directive Assessment and compliance with the guidance set out in Section 13.4 Residential development in rural areas (development management standards), where a housing need is demonstrated by the following categories of applicants:
- landowners, including their sons and daughters, who wish to build a first home for their permanent occupation on the landholding associated with their principal family residence;
- persons whose primary employment is in a rural-based activity with a demonstrated genuine need to live in the locality of that employment base, for example, those working in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, horticulture or other natural resource based employment;
AND where such persons can demonstrate that the home they propose is in the interests of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.’
was included in the County Development Plan 2017-2023 for the specific purpose of allowing the Sons and Daughters (Plural) to reside close to the community where they grew up and where their elderly relatives may now live and that proper planning and sustainable development of the area would include being a support to their parents who are the current landowners and who may wish to gift a site for their permanent residence on their holding to their Sons and Daughters if the site meets other normal planning considerations including Habitats Directive Assessment and compliance with the guidance set out in Section 13.4 Residential development in rural areas.”
The Members were advised, in a report circulated in advance of the meeting, that, as part of the preparation of the Draft County Development Plan, it is proposed to arrange a further workshop for elected members in January 2023 which will focus on development within rural areas including our rural housing policy and will provide an opportunity to address the clarifications sought in the motion.
It was agreed that clarity is needed to ensure that ‘Sons and Daughters’ will include all children in a family who may wish to build rural houses on family land. It was also agreed that this wording could be amended to ‘Family Members’ in the upcoming County Development Plan which would include extended family members; the amendment will be supported by the Members.
48. ALL PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS TO BE PAINTED IN BLACK AND WHITE COLOURS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council, based on the email from National Council for the Blind on July 27th 2022, which states:
‘Black and white crossings afford good visual colour contrast in all lighting and weather conditions. Such contrast is of the utmost importance for people who have a vision impairment as it provides consistent guidance to remain on the correct line of travel and to cross the road safely. These crossings are also easily recognisable to drivers. The use of other colours in combination at pedestrian crossings may not afford adequate visual colour contrast in all conditions. Such colour combinations have potential to cause confusion for both pedestrians and drivers and make it difficult for pedestrians with a vision impairment to locate designated crossing points’
paint all of the grey pedestrian crossings, controlled or uncontrolled, in the black and white colours so that no difficulty can be experienced by visually impaired pedestrians or by motorists at these crossing points.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, informed Members that Chapter 7 of the Traffic Signs Manual entitled Road Markings, prescribes the standards which apply to the provision of markings on public roads in Ireland and that most road markings are regulatory markings. She added that markings at pedestrian crossings are regulatory markings and as such, Local Authorities are compelled to install road markings as prescribed in the Traffic Signs Manual.
49. POLICY IN RELATION TO DOWNSIZING SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY:
With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor T. Fox, was deferred until the January Ordinary Meeting.
50. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of sympathy were recorded.
Councillor Mullaney wished to extend his deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr. Frank Henry who passed away recently. It was noted that Frank, a native of Whitehill, Riverstown, played football with Shamrock Gaels, Coola Vocational School and the Sligo Senior team and was the only member of the Shamrock Gaels club to win a Connacht Senior Championship medal, before later becoming Chairman of his local club in Leixlip. The sympathies of this meeting are extended to Frank’s wife Ann, to his family and to his many friends.
Councillor Baker, who seconded the vote of sympathy to Mr. Henry’s family, remembering Frank as a true sportsman who also had a great love for Irish music, adding that it was a privilege to have known him.
Councillor O’Grady proposed a vote of sympathy to Ms. Pat Forde, New Circular Road, on the recent passing of her husband Seán. Councillor O’Grady described Seán as a hard-working, dedicated community man who, following his retirement, gave up his time to volunteer with local groups including the Samaritans. She added that Seán was a proud Mayo man and a big Mayo football supporter who will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. The sympathies of this meeting are extended to Seán’s wife Ann and to their children Lorraine, Barry and Caroline and extended family.
51. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONs:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Christopher Tuffy on becoming the FBD ‘Young Farmer of the Year’, an extraordinary achievement. Congratulations are also extended to Christopher’s father Tommy Joe, his mother Catherine, the Tuffy family and to our colleague, Councillor Joe Queenan, who is Christopher’s uncle.
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Minister Patrick O’Donovan on the opening of the Moving Crib at St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin.”
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Sligo Rape Crisis Centre on its 25th year milestone anniversary, which provides critical services to survivors of sexual violence in Sligo and Leitrim.
52. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:
The Members noted the details as furnished to them in advance of the meeting.
53. SUMMARY OF PRECEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:
The Members noted the items under this heading.
54. CORRESPONDENCE:
The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.
55. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
No matter was raised under this heading.
56. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
It was proposed by Councillor M. Clarke, seconded by Councillor T. Fox, and agreed that the January Plenary Meeting of the Council would be held on Monday, 16 January 2022.
END OF MEETING:
The Leas Cathaoirleach thanked the members for their co-operation at the meeting and, on behalf of the Cathaoirleach, wished all the staff and Members a very happy and restful Christmas and best wishes for 2023.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.55 p.m.
Meeting Date 05/12/2022