Minutes 2022
Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00am on Monday 3rd October 2022 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor Casserly,
- Councillor Clarke,
- Councillor Connolly,
- Councillor Fox,
- Councillor Gibbons,
- Councillor Gilroy,
- Councillor MacSharry(R),
- Councillor Maguire,
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor O’Boyle,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Taylor,
- Councillor Walsh.
(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Martin Lydon, Chief Executive,
- Marian Coakley, A/Director of Services,
- Marie Whelan, Head of Finance,
- Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- John Moran, A/Director of Services
- Frank Moylan, Senior Planner,
- Francis Conboy, IS Technical Support Officer,
- Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator,
- Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.
APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from Councillor Healy and Councillor Queenan.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.
Councillor MacSharry was participating remotely.
ERASMUS STUDENT:
On behalf of the Elected Members and Executive, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke, welcomed Erasmus student, Sandra Klaas, to Sligo County Council on work placement, as part of the Council’s twinning association with Kempten, Germany, and wished her well during her time in Sligo.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC1 HOUSING & CORPORATE GROUP HELD ON 14TH JUNE 2022:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of SPC 1 Housing & Corporate Group held on 14th June 2022.”
2. MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 20TH JUNE 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Annual General Meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 20th June 2022.”
3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 20TH JUNE 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 20th June 2022.”
4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 1ST JULY 2022:
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of the Corporate Policy Group meeting held on 1st July 2022.”
5. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 11TH JULY 2022:
Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of the SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL Audit Committee meeting held on 11th July 2022.”
6. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BALLYMOTE – TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 11TH JULY 2022:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly
AND AGREED
“To note the minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 11th July 2022.”
7. MINUTES OF MEETING OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 5TH SEPTEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th September 2022.”
8. SET LOCAL ADJUSTMENT FACTOR TO LPT FOR PERIOD 1ST NOVEMBER 2022 TO 31ST OCTOBER 2024:
&
26. OPPOSITION TO GOVERNMENT’S PROPERTY TAX:
With the agreement of the Cathaoirleach, the meeting took items 8 and 26 at this time.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“As the cost of living crisis deepens, this Council, recognising the additional financial burden that the property tax is imposing on families and individuals, declares its opposition to the government’s property tax and resolves to reduce the Property Tax by 15%”
Following a discussion, a vote on this matter was then called by the Cathaoirleach.
The result of the vote was as follows:
FOR: 3
AGAINST: 12
The Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.
Councillor D. Gilroy then proposed a resolution as follows:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“This Council, under the Local Property Tax (Local Adjustment Factor) 2022 regulations and having regard to the lifetime of this Council hereby set the Adjustment Factor of +15% for a period of two years as specified in this resolution set this Local Adjustment Factor to the Local Property Tax for the period from 1st November 2022 to 31st October 2024.”
Following a discussion, a vote on the matter was then called by the Cathaoirleach.
The result of the vote was as follows:
FOR: 12
AGAINST: 3
The Cathaoirleach declared the resolution carried.
9. TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR 12 MONTHS FROM 1ST JANUARY 2023 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €15m by way of temporary overdraft for the 12 months from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023.”
10. SET DATES FOR A) MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS TO CONSIDER DRAFT BUDGETARY PLAN AND B) SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL 2023 BUDGET MEETING:
“To set dates for holding a) Municipal District Meetings to consider the draft Budgetary Plan and b) Sligo County Council 2023 Budget Meeting.”
The Members agreed to set dates for the budget meetings as follows:
- Municipal District Meetings – Monday 24th October 2022
- Sligo County Council 2023 Budget Meeting – Monday 21st November 2022 at 10.00 a.m.
11. NOTE SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL COMMERCIAL RATES INCENTIVE SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To note the Sligo County Council Commercial Rates Incentive Scheme.”
12. UPDATE ON REVIEW OF LEASE ON EASKEY HOUSE:
“Update on the review of the lease on Easkey House.”
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised the Members that the lease between the Council and Easkey Community Council (ECC) has been reviewed and is found to be operating in accordance with its conditions. Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, will meet with ECC this month to review the details of the lease, to ensure that it is fit for purpose into the future. Any amendments to the lease are required to be agreed by both the Council and ECC, including changes to rent payable.
In line with other Community Centres, the current rent is a peppercorn rent as the building is leased for the provision of community services.
13. TAKING IN CHARGE – “CLARAGH GLEN”, TONAPHUBBLE, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as “Claragh Glen”, Tonaphubble, Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development.”
14. TAKING IN CHARGE – “THE STIRRUPS”, TONAPHUBBLE, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D .Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as “The Stirrups”, Tonaphubble, Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development.”
15. DISPOSAL OF LANDS AT EMLAGH, RIVERSTOWN, CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of lands at Emlagh, Riverstown, Co. Sligo to Mr. Anthony Benson.”
16. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To note the Monthly Management Report for September 2022.”
At the request of Councillor Walsh, it was agreed to circulate the Infrastructure report to the Members as part of the September Monthly Management Report.
17. SURVEY OF ROAD ON N15 BETWEEN MONEYGOLD AND CLIFFONEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To ask that the section of road on the N15 between Moneygold and Cliffoney be surveyed by the RSA, TII and Sligo County Council and following on the results that this stretch of road be re-marked to include proper, clearly marked turning lanes to make this road safer for local residents and all road users until funding is designated for a new road.”
Members were advised that further to recent consultation with TII, Sligo County Council will undertake a series of traffic surveys and junction counts along the N15 between Moneygold and Cliffoney, in order to determine if dedicated right turn lanes are a necessary intervention.
In response to a query from Councillor Casserly, Acting Director of Services, Marian Coakley advised that the next steps in this process will depend on the results of the survey.
Councillor Gilroy stated that it is crucial that consultation with local residents takes place during the course of any planned works.
18. REVERSAL OF PROPOSAL TO BAN THE SALE OF TURF:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred until the November Ordinary Meeting.
19. OUTDOOR RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME FUNDING AT BEACHES IN CO SLIGO FOR BEACH CHANGING SHELTERS:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Casserly, was deferred until the November Ordinary Meeting.
20. WASTE COLLECTION BACK INTO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP:
Following the issue of a report to the Members advising that Sligo County Council do not have the financial resources or specialist expertise to take the waste collection service back into public ownership, and with the consent of the Cathaoirleach, the following amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council call on the Government to enable Local Authorities to take waste collection back into public ownership.”
Councillor O’Boyle requested that a report requested by Councillor MacManus in 2018 on this matter be made available to the Members and this was agreed.
21. PROVISION OF SEXUAL & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LIAISION OFFICER:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, the following amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council provides training for staff in the Housing section in the area of sexual and domestic violence.”
22. REVIEW ON VACANT HOMES AND HOLIDAY HOMES / USE OF CPOS FOR VACANT PROPERTIES IN CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That this Council does a review on vacant homes buildings and holiday homes in the County of Sligo and start using CPOs as a matter of urgency due to the housing crisis and the shortage of homes available to this council.”
The Members were advised that the Council has commenced the Vacant Home Survey in the Sligo Urban Area and to date 8,038 houses have been surveyed, resulting in an estimated vacancy rate of 3.4%. This survey is ongoing, and properties are being revisited. The Council has also recently commenced the Vacant Home Survey in Tubbercurry and are due to start Ballymote in Q4 2022. In 2021, the Compulsory Purchase of three derelict properties was commenced.
It was agreed to leave this item on the November Ordinary Meeting agenda when a more detailed report on Housing and the Croí Conaithe scheme will be available.
23. INDEPENDENT REVIEW AND REDRESS SCHEME FOR MOTHER AND BABY HOME SURVIVORS:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council writes to Minister Roderic O'Gorman asking the Government to take action on the testimonies of mother and baby home survivors and let an independent review take place and also ask why survivors from Sligo were not allowed redress under the new scheme? Also asking that of members of abused parents/grandparents/family members should also be allowed to claim redress.”
It was agreed to write to the four Sligo/Leitrim TDs in support of this motion.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke, and the Members commended Councillor O’Boyle for keeping this important matter on the agenda.
24. PLANS TO RE-OPEN PUBLIC TOILET IN ROSSES POINT : CONSTRUCTION OF NEW OUTDOOR WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES FACILITY CENTRE AT ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To ask why the public toilet in Rosses Point has been closed and what plans there are to have it re-opened; and further to ask when the proposed new outdoor water-based activities Facility Centre will be constructed at Rosses Point.”
Members were informed that, as in previous years, public toilets in the seaside resorts of Rosses Point, Mullaghmore and Enniscrone were open to the public in 2022 for the full summer season and cleaned twice daily. There is no funding available to keep these toilets open outside of the summer season, therefore, they will not be re-opened until the summer season of 2023. Members were also advised that the current projected time frame for the delivery of the Fáilte Ireland funded Beach Facilities at Rosses Point is 2024.
Councillor Bree, noting the report, asked that this policy be reviewed due to the numbers of year-round visitors and swimmers to this area.
25. INCREASE INCOME THRESHOLD FOR SOCIAL HOUSING IN ALL COUNCILS:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the Housing Minister to increase the income threshold for social housing in all councils across the country.”
27. EXTENSION OF 9% VAT RATE FOR HOSPITALITY SECTOR TO END OF 2023:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor MacSharry, was deferred until the November Ordinary Meeting.
28. REMOVAL OF VAT FROM COST OF INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to support my calling for the removal of VAT from the installing of solar panels which would save households up to €700 of the cost. Currently Irish householders pay 13.5% Vat for the installation of solar panels on their homes. Following a recent decision by the European Council, VAT could be reduced to as low as 5% or eliminated completely.”
The Government needs to use every opportunity and give as many incentives as possible to people looking to install energy saving appliances at their homes.”
29. NAMING OF WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROUTE AFTER CAPTAIN HARRY BENSON:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Noting that this is the Centenary year of Sligo’s Noble Six and also noting that 5 of the men’s memories are honoured by having housing estates and a section of roads named after them, I am now calling on this Council to have the same bestowed on the sixth man Capt. Harry Benson. Maybe the Western Distributor Route could be considered?”
Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that the naming of the Western Distributor Road has already been approved at the May 2022 Plenary meeting. A placename proposal for Capt. Harry Benson was previously considered by the Placenames Committee and remains under review pending an appropriate opportunity within the Cranmore Regeneration Area. The future redevelopment of the Centre Block Site may provide such an opportunity.
It was agreed at the meeting to forward a recommendation to the Placenames Committee to have a suitable location named after Captain Harry Benson. The Members also agreed that the name of Billy Pilkington would be added to this resolution, for the consideration of the Placenames Committee.
30. BAN ON HARE COURSING:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council supports the Animal Health & Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill 2020 and write to Minister McConalogue calling for a ban on hare coursing.”
31. REVIEW BY TFI LOCAL LINK OF ROUTES SERVING SLIGO TOWN AND COUNTY:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor MacSharry, was deferred until the November Ordinary Meeting.
32. URGENT REVIEW OF BUS SERVICES IN NORTH WEST:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That this Council write to the Minister for Transport and Bus Eireann to request that an urgent review of bus services in the north-west be carried out as soon as possible to ascertain why so many bus services are not operating at scheduled times and that said services receive whatever necessary funding and supports required to make the service fit for purpose.”
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke, advised that a meeting has been sought with Bus Éireann to discuss this and other matters.
Councillor Casserly commended the Local Link Services for their service and added that Bus Éireann could possibly learn from such a model, which serves the rural areas in Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo so well.
33. FEASIBILITY STUDY – DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIALISED EATING DISORDER FACILITY FOR ALL INHABITANTS OF THIS ISLAND ON A CROSS BORDER BASIS:
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“This Council will write to the Minister for Health asking that he undertake a feasibility study into the development of a specialised eating disorder facility which would cater for all the inhabitants of this island on a cross border basis.”
It was agreed that it is extremely important that a specialised eating disorder facility is put in place in order that the correct and specific care and treatment required is given to all who need it, due to the complexities of the nature of this illness.
34. ENGAGEMENT WITH RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS IN RELATION TO INSTALLATION OF CLOTHING AND GLASS RECYCLING BINS AS REQUIRED:
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“In line with the sustainability goals, this Council will engage with rural community development associations and install clothing and glass recycling bins as required to facilitate those who wish to recycle as much as possible as close as possible to their homes.”
Members were informed that current Sligo County Council recycling facilities include a wide geographic spread of 44 Bring/Bottle Banks, Textile Banks, the Tubbercurry Recycling Centre and the Ballisodare Composting Facility.
Sligo County Council will continue to engage with local communities on the provision of additional Recycling Banks, where suitable sites can be identified.
Councillor Maguire noted the report and asked that the Council would engage with the Ransboro Development Association who have identified a location for installation of some recycling banks.
Councillor Casserly requested that Cliffoney also be considered as a location for the installation of recycling banks as there is a need for such facilities in North Sligo.
Councillor Taylor commended the staff in Sligo County Council for the work carried out by them where such facilities are in place.
Councillor Gilroy, recounting a recent visit to a recycling plant in Kempten as part of the Council’s twinning association, commended the operators of the plant, where electricity is being generated from the waste and hoped that a similar operation could be set up in the future in the north-west region of this country. The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke, concurring with Councillor Gilroy, added that 32,000 houses in the Kempten region are receiving electricity from this amazing facility and 12,000 public buildings receiving heat from it.
35. ACKNOWLEDGE AND COMMEND WORK OF LOCAL VOLUNTEER GROUP IN FRONTLINE CITIES THROUGH RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE:
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“This Council will acknowledge and commend the work of a local volunteer group who have undertaken extensive humanitarian aid work to cities on the frontline throughout the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This work has been acknowledged in correspondence received from the City Mayor Mykolaiv and City Mayor Kramatorsk, attached.”
It was agreed to issue a letter to the volunteer group “Rapid Response Ukraine” to acknowledge their work and commend them on the provision of vital medical and humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
The Members also commended the work of this and other groups during the Ukrainian crisis for all the supports and financial aid provided.
36. PRESENTATION BY EMPLOYABILITY NORTHWEST AT COUNCIL MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide time at a monthly council or directly before it starts for a presentation from EmployAbility Northwest.
EmployAbility Northwest offers a FREE Employment and Recruitment service for people who have varying disabilities, impairments, mental health and health conditions.”
It was agreed to raise this matter at the next meeting of the Corporate Policy Group on 10th October 2022 for consideration.
37. UPDATE FROM MINISTER FOR HEALTH ON THE SITUATION AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on the Minister for Health to provide an update for the people of the North-West on the worsening situation at Sligo University Hospital:
-What plan is in place to provide additional beds and associated staff at the hospital for the coming winter period
-When will the new 42 medical block unit and theatre go to procurement
That this Motion be relayed to the Minister for Health, the CEO of Saolta, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.”
Councillor Gilroy informed the meeting that he, together with Cllrs. Bree and Mulvey will attend a meeting with senior management in Sligo University Hospital where this matter will be discussed.
It was agreed to circulate this motion to the four TDs in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency.
38. CLARIFICATION ON PLANNING REQUIRED TO BRING DERELICT PROPERTIES IN RURAL AREAS BACK INTO USE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“Based on the proposed introduction of grants for the refurbishment of derelict dwellings in Rural areas, the fact that as of September 2020 Sligo had 3,280 vacant or derelict properties and the chronic shortage of homes in all areas, that Sligo County Council issue to Members a clear definition of what can be considered an existing derelict dwelling in a rural area from a planning view point to determine what type of derelict dwelling requires planning and what type does not require planning to be brought back into use as a dwelling.”
Members were advised that, under the current Vacant Home Refurbishment Grant scheme (Croí Cónaithe Fund), the Department has defined derelict as being structurally unsound or dangerous. Planning permission for works required to bring such dwelling houses back into use will not be required where these works fall into the category of exempted development.
Responding to a number of queries on this motion, Senior Planner, Mr. Moylan advised the Members that a workshop has been arranged for Friday 14th October and this matter will be placed on the agenda for discussion and clarification.
39. CLEAR VEGETATION AND MAINTAIN DRAINAGE OUTLETS ALONG ALL NATIONAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ROADS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council along all National Primary and Secondary roads clear back all vegetation to allow water to run freely along the edge of the roads and additional safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists, and to maintain all drainage outlets along such roads to ensure that there are no dangers caused by excess water.”
Members were informed in a report circulated that it is an objective of the Council’s Road Maintenance Department to ensure that surface water is not retained along the edge of public roads.
The Council is in receipt of annual maintenance budgets from TII in respect of maintenance works on National Primary & Secondary roads. These budgets facilitate works including verge trimming, hedge cutting and drainage improvements, as required and such maintenance works are ongoing.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke noted that matters such as this can be better served being brought to the municipal meetings as the Engineers will be in attendance at those meetings and will be better placed to deal with such issues on a local level.
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, asked that any issues in specific areas be passed on to the Council and, if they are the responsibility of the Council, the Area Engineer will revert on the matter. If the issues are the landowners’ responsibility, such issues should be dealt with by the landowners in question.
40. PAYMENT OF COVID-19 RECOGNITION PAYMENT:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on this Council to write to the Minister for Health to request that the Covid - 19 recognition payment which was promised over 7 months ago to frontline workers but has still not been paid to non - HSE / non-Section 38 organisations covered by the covered decision, is paid without any further delay.”
41. RESTORATION OF CIVIL DEFENCE SEARCH, RESCUE AND RECOVERY BOAT SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“Can Sligo County Council confirm why the Civil Defence Search, rescue and recovery boat service has been stood down. Who took the decision and when is it planned to restore this vital service?”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Marian Coakley, advised the Members that the Civil Defence Officer made the decision to suspend Civil Defence Boat Cover for operational reasons concerning the unavailability of an adequate number of crew members necessary to comply with Health and Safety requirements. The boat cover will be reinstated subject to the availability of adequate crew members.
42. UPDATE OF PROVISION OF OUTDOOR SKATE PARK IN SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“Following on from my notice of motion in November 2020 and February 2022 seeking Sligo County Council to explore the provision of an outdoor skate park in Sligo, that the Council now be provided with an update on same.”
Preliminary research into the provision of a skate park will be carried out as part of the 2023 Works Programme in the Parks Department.
In response to calls from the Members to put this facility in place as soon as possible, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, stated that it should be acknowledged that the Capital Projects Team are currently stretched in delivering approximately €20m worth of projects in the County. The Council intends to accelerate the provision of a skate park in Sligo but, depending on match funding required for the project, funding will need to be sourced, as the LPT allocation is already earmarked for other purposes to the end of 2024, as detailed in the report issued to the Members in March 2022. Mr. Lydon added that possible sites for a skate park will be examined and will include issues such as location, security etc.
43. REPORT ON THE COUNCIL’S ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with an up-to-date report on the Council’s Active Travel programme, the report to include (A) the number of staff on the Active Travel Team; (B) progress on the development of the Local Transportation Plan for Sligo City and Environs; (C) progress on the Cycle Strategy for Sligo City and County; (D) details on the number of schools participating in the ‘Safe Route to Schools Programme.”
In response to a query from Councillor Bree, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that the number of staff on the Active Travel Team will remain as detailed in the report. These posts are, Mr. Lydon stated, externally funded and it would not be wise to create more posts should this funding subsequently be reduced.
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Coakley, advised that she will revert to the Members on when it is expected that the first draft of the Local Transportation Plan for Sligo City and Environs will be completed, but it is hoped that the Plan can be in place in the first half of 2023 as it will form part of the County Development Plan.
44. HIRING OF NEWLY QUALIFIED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this Council call on the Government to prioritise the hiring of newly qualified clinical psychologists which are desperately needed across many areas of mental health supports but particularly in primary care psychology.”
45. MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THIS COUNCIL TO ENHANCE DELIVERY OF DIGITAL SERVICES:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“With the ongoing soaring operational costs for this Council, what measures are being taken to implement the transition to cloud computing to enhance the delivery of digital services quickly and avail of the opportunity to reduce running costs and carbon emissions.”
Members were advised that Sligo County Council has begun to transition to cloud computing in recent years including with the migration of our on-premises email servers to a cloud-based Microsoft 365 cloud service, which has enabled projects like the Councilors extranet, email addresses and virtual Council meetings.
The Council’s IT section has also planned to migrate its existing customer response management system (CRM) from on-premises solution to a cloud-based service. This project is currently at public procurement stage and is planned to migrate in early 2023.
Recently the IT section has evaluated public tenders for a cloud based Geographical Information System (GIS) to replace its current on-premises GIS based systems.
Sligo County Council is part of the national MyCoCo.ie platform, which is a collaboration between 10 local authorities, in providing a national, secure, cloud hosted, one-stop-shop for local authority services. The project is currently in pilot stage, but it is envisaged to deliver several services to the citizen in 2023.
All these initiatives will assist in the delivery of digital services to the citizen and reduce carbon emissions for the Council.
46. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Councillor Gilroy wished to extend the condolences of this Council to the families of two former members of staff from the North Sligo area who have recently passed away, Mr. Hugh Quinn, uncle of staff member Ms. Clodagh Quinn, and Mr. Seamus Fitzpatrick.
47. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That a good luck wish be extended to Mr. Evan McGuinn who is taking part this week in the Wako World Kickboxing Championships.”
48. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:
The Members noted the details as furnished to them in advance of the meeting.
49. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:
The Members noted the items under this heading.
50. CORRESPONDENCE:
The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.
51. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
No matter was raised under this heading.
52. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Members paid tribute to Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator on his upcoming retirement from Sligo County Council after more than forty years of service to the Council.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke, thanked Kevin for all his assistance to him and acknowledged the respect that he has shown for this County and the chain of office over the years.
Kevin thanked the Members for their kind words, sentiments and good wishes for him and his family in his retirement.
END OF MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation at the meeting.
The business of the meeting concluded at 2.05 p.m.
Meeting Date 03/10/2022