Minutes 2023
Minutes of January Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10am on Monday 16th January 2023 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 Healy,
- Councillor MacSharry(R),
- Councillor Maguire(R),
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor O’Boyle,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan,
- Councillor Taylor,
- Councillor Walsh.
(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Martin Lydon, Chief Executive,
- Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services,
- Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- John Moran, A/Director of Services
- Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(R)
- Sean Martin, Acting Senior Architect(R)
- Jennifer Burns, Meetings Administrator,
- Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer,
- Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor Marie Casserly, presided.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Leas Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SCC AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 22ND SEPTEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Meeting of SCC Audit Committee held on 22nd September 2022.”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE HELD ON 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Meeting of Joint Policing Committee held on 30th September 2022.”
3. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 5TH DECEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th December 2022.”
4. TAKING IN CHARGE – DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS “RÍOCHT NA SÍ”, BALLYGAWLEY, CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as “Ríocht na Sí”, Ballygawley, Co. Sligo by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development.”
As items 5, 16 and 17 related to similar matters, the Leas Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that she would take these three items at this time.
5. NOTE THE 2022 / 2023 WINTER MAINTENANCE PLAN:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To note the 2022/2023 Winter Maintenance Plan.”
16. REVIEW OF SALTING ROUTES IN SLIGO IN 2023:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to review their salting routes in Sligo in 2023 as there is concern that other areas need to be included in this Salt route as a health and safety matter for safe access to regional and national roads.”
17. INCLUSION OF LOCAL ROADS BEING SERVICED BY A PUBLIC BUS IN THE COUNCIL WINTER GRITTING PLAN:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That any local road in the county that is being serviced by a public bus route be added to the Council winter gritting plan.”
Ms E. Concannon, A/DOS, advised Members that the Council’s seven winter maintenance salting routes cover all national and regional roads and some strategic local roads in the County, totalling 470 km on each run. She advised that this work is co-ordinated from the Council Machinery Yard. Ms Concannon stated that there is no capacity to increase the length of roads treated and advised that the routes are planned very carefully to maximise the lengths of road that can be salted in any period of time. She further advised that, during severe winter weather, the Council’s Municipal District staff endeavour to supplement this in particular black spots and also respond to requests for assistance and treatment at specific locations, on a priority basis, as resources allow.
In response to a query from Members, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised that current resources do not allow for the placing of salt bins at various locations throughout the County for use by the public during periods of severe cold weather.
The Members acknowledged the work of the outdoor staff in dealing with requests for gritting of local roads during the recent severe weather period.
6. DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC – ROAD SERVING ‘CLARAGH GLEN’ AND ‘THE STIRRUPS’, TONAPHUBBLE, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the Roads named below to be Public Roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.”
Road No. Location and Terminal Points
L-92152-0 The road serving development known as “Claragh Glen”, Tonaphubble, Sligo
L-92153-0 The road serving development known as “The Stirrups”, Tonaphubble, Sligo.”
7. ADOPTION OF ANNUAL SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN 2023:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To adopt the Annual Service Delivery Plan 2023.”
Acting Director of Services, Mr. Moran, advised that the Annual Service Delivery Plan for 2023 circulated to Members, sets out objectives to be undertaken across all key functions to deliver Corporate Plan objectives. Mr Moran stated that the Plan identifies services to be provided and the standards to which they are to be delivered, linked to Budgets, Performance Management System and Performance Indicators. He further advised that the document, as circulated, was considered by the Corporate Policy Group at its meeting on 13 January 2023 and the CPG members agreed to recommend it to the Council for adoption.
8. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To note the Monthly Management Report for December 2022.”
9. INCREASE TO SECTION 39 WORKERS PAY:
With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, the following amended motion was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Section 39 workers have not had a pay increase since 2008. I am now asking this local authority to call on the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party and the Independents to increase Section 39 workers pay to the same rate of pay as their counterpart Civil servants holding similar positions of responsibility.”
10. ALLOW THOSE ON WORKING FAMILY PAYMENT TO AVAIL OF THE FUEL ALLOWANCE PAYMENT SCHEME:
With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, the following amended motion was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, The Greens and the Independents in Government to make provisions ASAP to include those on Working Family Payment to avail of the Fuel Allowance Payment Scheme. A copy of this motion to be sent to all local authority within the state.”
11. SET UP OF STATUTORY CHILD MAINTENANCE SERVICE:
With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, the following amended motion was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, The Greens and the Independents in Government to set up statutory child maintenance service.”
12. ALLOCATION OF HOUSING TO UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“Ask the Director of Services to outline the process of allocating housing to Ukrainian refugees in county Sligo and also numbers and location involved.”
Acting Director of Services, Mr. Moran, informed the Members that, following an EU Temporary Protection Directive activated on 3rd March 2022 in response to the Ukraine crisis, those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine will be eligible for temporary emergency accommodation, initially for one year and on a renewable basis. He further advised that, as a division of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to all people in the International Protection process and, in this regard, IPAS directly enter into contracts with accommodation providers countrywide. Mr Moran clarified that the Council is not party to these arrangements. He advised that the number of beneficiaries of temporary accommodation in IPAS provided accommodation in County Sligo as at 11th January 2023 was 1264.
In response to a query from Councillor Queenan, Mr. Moran advised that a breakdown of the figure of 1264 in the report previously circulated is as follows in respect of the three Municipal Districts:
- Ballymote/Tubbercurry MD - 280 (22% of the overall figure)
- Sligo/Drumcliff MD - 560 (44% of the overall figure)
- Sligo Borough District - 424 (34% of the overall figure).
Councillor Queenan raised an issue of the placement of 38 direct provision clients in a 5 bed-roomed property in Enniscrone recently without any prior consultation with the Council or the local community. He asked if the local authority can get in contact with IPAS to ask who decides on these issues and is it possible to speak directly with them.
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, in response, stated that this motion refers to provision of housing for Ukrainian refugees and wished to clarify that refugees do not qualify for social housing. Mr Lydon added that, while the Council is playing its role in relation to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, it cannot get involved in areas over which it has no control, and clarified that IPAS is the responsible body for dealing with provision of temporary accommodation for refugees through liaisons with local service providers, with the Council having no role.
Mr Lydon further advised that any concerns around the safety of properties used to house refugees should be relayed to the Fire Office for follow up in terms of compliance with relevant regulations.
In response to a query from Councillor Gilroy, Mr. Moran stated that any queries from the Members in relation to pledged accommodation for Ukrainian refugees may be relayed to his office. He also advised that offers of pledged accommodation can be made directly through the ‘www.offerahome.ie’ website.
Mr. Moran, at Councillor Bree’s request, read out the report on this motion as previously circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.
13. REPORT ON NEW LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSES BUILT IN SLIGO IN 2022:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“Ask the Director of Services Housing how many new local authority houses will be built in County Sligo in 2022.”
A report circulated in advance of the meeting detailed the numbers of Local Authority and social houses under construction in Sligo in 2022.
The Members were advised by Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, as follows, in response to queries raised:
In relation to timelines for the Finisklin housing development listed in the report, the first phase, consisting of 14 houses, is due to be delivered in Q1 2023. It is further expected that approximately 50 – 60 of the units can be delivered by the end of 2023.
The issue around the water connection to the Finisklin housing development has been resolved by Irish Water and work in this area is progressing.
In response to a query from Councillor Gilroy in relation to the former Brooks building at Ballast Quay and the possibility of this Council owned land being de-zoned, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that she will revert to Councillor Gilroy in relation to his query.
14. POLICY REGARDING HOUSING DOWNSIZING SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council develop a policy in regard to "the downsizing scheme for the elderly" to include housing solutions which are suitable for elderly persons who find their dwellings too large for their needs.”
A report, previously circulated, informed the Members that ‘Housing for All’ commits to the development of a new national policy on rightsizing and that any new policy will apply to Sligo County Council. It was noted from the report that the Department has produced a Consultation Paper to identify and collate the broadest range of possible options which could improve the potential of rightsizing for households as well as support and incentives for rightsizing on a voluntary basis across both public and private housing. Submissions have been invited from key stakeholders, which will be considered in the development of the policy.
It was agreed that a copy of the Consultation Paper would be circulated to the Members.
15. INCLUSION OF SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AS A SURGICAL HUB FOR THE NORTH WEST REGION:
This item, as listed by Councillor Casserly, Leas-Cathaoirleach, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.
18. CLARITY FROM HSE ON WORKING GROUP OF RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS IN PLACE FOR THE 105 ACRE CLOONAMAHON WOODLAND PARK:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council seek clarity from the HSE on when a Working Group of relevant stakeholders will be set up so that there can be a cohesive and ambitious development strategy put in place for the 105-acre Cloonamahon Native Woodland Park and that it’s full potential can be realised.
That this council seeks clarity on the same and we write to the HSE, Head of Service Primary Care and the Chief Executive of the HSE requesting an update.”
Councillor Walsh stated that, from the start of this project, launched in early 2022, there was a clear understanding between all stakeholders that a stakeholder or working group would be formed at an early date in a formal capacity and expressed disappointment that this has not happened to date. He urged the Executive to contact the HSE Primary Care Manager with a view to forming the stakeholder group as soon as possible. Councillor Walsh paid tribute to Western Forestry, Coillte and Mr. Martin Byrne, HSE Estates for their work on this project to date.
In response to a query from Councillor Walsh, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, stated that there has been no correspondence or communication from the HSE since late 2022. Ms. Clarke added that Mr. Byrne has since retired from the HSE and his replacement is awaited. The HSE, Ms. Clarke stated, are committed to progressing the project and she undertook to contact the HSE to seek an update on the formation of the working group.
19. ENGAGEMENT BY GOVERNMENT WITH RETAINED FIRE SERVICES TO SOLVE ONGOING CRISIS IN THE SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, The Greens & soft Independents Government act immediately to engage with the retained fire services to solve the ongoing crisis in the service”
20. REFORMS TO THE DISABLED DRIVERS AND DISABLED PASSENGERS SCHEME:
With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gibbons, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.
21. REVERSAL OR DEFERRAL OF INTRODUCTION OF VAT AT 23% ON ANTIGEN TEST KITS ON JANUARY 1ST 2023:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“I ask Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Finance seeking from the EU the reversal or deferral of the introduction of VAT at 23% on antigen test kits which was introduced on Jan 1st this year. While the initial measure of VAT removal at 23% was designed to be temporary and was introduced in Ireland December 2020 it was extended but only to 31 December 2022.
Senior medical advisors are stating that the health service is under its ’most pressure ever’ as it is dealing with a winter surge of respiratory diseases, including Covid.
By applying VAT on antigen test kits for people who suspect they may have the virus, this means people are now having to pay more. People are playing their part in not spreading the Covid virus by buying home test kits and by keeping themselves away from already stretched health services but unfortunately, they are now being punished with price hikes which is sending out the wrong message at this time when we see in the media that some countries are increasing vigilance.”
22. REPORT ON THE COUNCIL’S FIRST TIME HOUSING SCHEMES:
With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Clarke, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.
23. PROGRESS REPORT ON UPGRADING OF LANDING FACILITY ON INNISMURRAY ISLAND:
This item, as listed by Councillor Casserly, Leas-Cathaoirleach, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.
24. PARTNERSHIP WITH PADEL 360 IRELAND:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to contact Padel 360 Ireland who are seeking partnerships with County Councils to build and manage new clubs throughout the country.
Padel is often described as a mixture of tennis and squash, and it is now the fastest growing sport in the world. It is a great form of exercise regardless of age or physical ability, allowing more people to get active. Excellent space utilisation is made possible by the small court relative to tennis. Social fun game played only in doubles form. Players see it as a great way to meet new people while keeping fit and promotes positive mental health. The massive success of this sport has been demonstrated in South Dublin’s Bushy Park Club that is operating in a financially self-sufficient way and is consistently oversubscribed.
Padel are looking for space, about 2,000 meter squared, with this they can help fund, build, and manage clubs and create a great amenity for Sligo.”
Acting Director of Services, Mr. Moran, advised that the Council has not had any contact from Padel 360 Ireland seeking such a partnership, but should they make contact with the Council, they will be advised that if they wish to outline their proposal in more detail, the matter will be examined.
25. NATIONALISATION OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the government to nationalise private hospitals.”
26. NOTIFICATION TO WOMEN OF INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY OF BREAST DENSITY:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health to implement notifying women about their individual category of breast density.”
27. CONTINUATON OF HOME BIRTH SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council writes to the HSE asking them to continue to provide a home birth service based on the criteria set out by its previous governing body as assured to community midwives and services.”
28. ADDITION OF DOG BREEDS TO LIST OF FORBIDDEN DOGS IN LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council, in lieu of attacks by dogs on Children and livestock, would add the following breeds to the list of dogs that cannot be kept in Local Authority Housing
- Belgian Shepherd
- Dogo Argentino
- Cana Corso
- Brazilian Mastiffs
And that this Council write to the Minister responsible to ensure these breeds are added to the national list of Restricted Dogs.”
A report, circulated in advance of the meeting, advised that Sligo County Council has a policy of requiring tenants to apply in writing for permission to keep any dog and that dog licences are required. It further stated that permission will not be granted for multiple dogs, breeding of dogs or for specific restricted dog breeds (listed in report) due to the risk and unsuitability of these breeds for social housing. Members were informed that the Housing section has consulted with the Council Veterinary Inspector and the 4 breeds referred to in the Motion will be added to the current list of Council restricted breeds, but that it will, however, only apply to new Council tenants, as the list of restricted breeds is set out in each Tenants Tenancy Agreement.
Councillor Gilroy asked that the Council’s list of restricted dog breeds be reviewed annually.
29. CALL FOR REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF WATER TO BE HELD WITH REFERENDUM ON RIGHT TO HOUSING IN 2023:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Aware that the Commission on Housing will be making a recommendation to Government to hold a Referendum on the Right to Housing in the current year, this Council welcomes the recommendation and further we call for the proposed Referendum enshrining public ownership of water in the Constitution, to be held on the same day.”
30. CALL FOR PROVISION OF STEP-DOWN BEDS IN SUH CATCHMENT AREA:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Conscious of the consistent and ongoing chronic overcrowding in Sligo University Hospital and also conscious of the lack of adequate step-down facilities, this Council calls on the HSE and the Minister for Health to provide additional much needed step-down beds in the hospital’s catchment area.”
31. SCC LIAISON WITH PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR CAMPAIGN AROUND ONGOING PROBLEM OF DOG FOULING IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to liaise with primary schools in county Sligo on a meaningful campaign towards the ongoing problem of dog fouling in all our towns and villages. By alerting the children in our schools to the dangers this health hazard causes, the children can in turn inform their parents. Most dog owners are responsible when walking their pets and pick up but unfortunately the pet owners who do not leave a serious problem after them.
Children who touch dog faeces can go blind or get violently sick. A strong message needs to go out to irresponsible pet owners on this issue.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised Members that Sligo County Council works comprehensively with Green Schools Ireland for which litter, including dog fouling is a topic of study. She further advised that the Council is also a partner of, and has been promoting, the national ‘Leave No Trace’ Campaign since the beginning of June 2022 and there are many very informative messages being sent out as part of that campaign. It was also noted that the ‘Anti-Litter, Anti-Graffiti’ Grant Scheme, which finished in December 2022, contributed funding of €2,293 to three community groups, to specifically address dog fouling through education.
Councillor Mulvey requested that the Council undertake a new campaign aimed at national schools and that this matter be brought to the Environment SPC group for follow up.
32. RECEIPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEME PAYMENT FOR FARMERS WHO WISH TO PARTAKE IN THE ACRES SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“I request that this County Council write to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to ensure that all farmers who wish to partake in the Acres Scheme will receive an environmental scheme payment in 2023. It would be totally unacceptable if farmers are blocked out, given that agriculture is expected to contribute so much to the countryside and emission reduction targets. Acres places for 2023 must not be limited to 30,000.”
Councillor Mullaney requested that this motion also be sent to the Minister for the Environment, which was agreed.
33. SIGNAGE MAINTENANCE TEAM TO REVIEW ALL SIGNAGE WITHIN THE COUNTY:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council request the three Municipal Districts to put in place a sign or signage maintenance team to review all signage within the County.”
The Members were advised in a report that significant upgrades have been made to road signage throughout the Road Network in recent years, with funding assistance from the Department of Transport. The report stated that signage is maintained by the Municipal Districts and that any specific issues regarding sign maintenance should be brought to the attention of the relevant Municipal District Manager.
Councillor O’Grady suggested that each Municipal District carry out a maintenance review of the signage within their area on an ongoing basis.
34. PROVISION OF SUITABLE PARKING SPACES IN CAR PARKS FOR WHEELCHAIR BUSES:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council consider putting in place suitable parking spaces in our car parks throughout the county for Wheelchair Buses in order to ensure the safety of drivers and occupants.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised that any specific issues regarding the parking of wheelchair buses in any carpark should be brought to the attention of the relevant Municipal District Manager who can consider any requests on a case-by-case basis.
It was suggested that the Council would consider having one extended parking space in each of the car parks in Sligo to facilitate wheelchair buses.
35. REPORT ON DERELICT SITES IN CO SLIGO:
With the consent of the Leas Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Bree, was deferred until the February Ordinary Meeting.
36. REPORT ON 19 MULTI USE DEVELOPMENT SITES AS DETAILED ON PAGE 3 OF THE 2023 BUDGET:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council members be supplied with a report to list
- The 19 multi use development sites which would deliver 322 new housing units identified on page 3 of the 2023 Budget
- The dates on which the planning permission will expire.
- What actions have to date been taken to identify the reasons as to why they are not progressing
What responses have been received from each developer as to why they are not progressing.”
A report circulated in advance of the meeting set out the details of the 19 multi-unit residential developments permitted since 2017 not yet commenced. The report also stated that, following informal discussions with stakeholders involved in the construction sector, the primary reasons put forward for developments not commencing are difficulties in raising finance and rising construction costs.
Councillor Gilroy, noting the report, questioned its accuracy when compared with the data provided in the latest Budget Book. Councillor Gilroy requested that a more accurate report be provided for the next meeting.
Director of Services, Ms. Clarke advised that she will follow up on Councillor Gilroy’s query and revert to the Members for the next meeting.
Ms. Clarke also advised that, in relation to Councillor Gilroy’s earlier query regarding the former Brooks lands, these lands are included in the scope of the RZLT map which was placed on public display. She stated, however, that the submission on this site from the Council’s Assets and Facilities team highlighted that most of the land is not idle or vacant so possibly should not be liable for Residential Zoned Land Tax, but this will be checked and Members updated.
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, in relation to the former Brooks lands, stated that a workshop was held for Members where it was explained that, as per rules put in place by central government, if land is used for a trade or business, RZLT is not payable, which is the argument being put forward in relation to this particular site. Mr. Lydon added that a number of farmers are also putting this argument forward in relation to their agricultural land. In relation to the report on this motion, the Council will, Mr. Lydon stated, engage with developers and support them within the policies and guidelines in place for the Council, but it is a matter for the developers if they proceed with planned development.
Mr. Lydon stated that the County Development Plan will be coming before the Members, who will then have a decision to make as to what lands are zoned going forward.
37. ALLOCATION OF SAVINGS IN BREXIT ADJUSTMENT FUND SCHEME TO COUNCILLORS PROPOSALS FUND:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council allocate the funding of €102,100 saved by the increase in Brexit Adjustment fund Scheme Contribution from 85% to 95% by Minister McConalogue (and any savings from projects that do not proceed) to Councillors proposals fund so that it can be used for useful infrastructure projects in each of the Municipal Districts.”
In a report previously circulated, Ms. Whelan, Head of Finance, informed Members that the funding of Capital Projects requires match funding, and the provision of the match funding comes from the 15% additional Income from Local Property Tax. It was noted that the return from LPT as a result of reduced value of Houses within Sligo has reduced the availability of match funding by €131,189 for 2023 and that, in the report to Members at the March 2022 Council Meeting on Capital Projects and match funding, there was an overcommitment on all project requirements against the available and expected additional Local Property Tax Income until 2024. Ms Whelan explained that the savings expected by this adjustment factor is, therefore, required in the overall context of all LPT match funding for Capital projects.
38. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of sympathy were recorded.
Councillor D. Mulvey wished to extend the sympathies of this Council to the Sisters of Mercy and to the family of the late Sr. Regina Lydon who recently passed away. He stated that Sr. Lydon was an inspirational teacher in Ballymote for many years and left a lasting legacy of kindness and great respect to all the students and families who passed through Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal in Ballymote.
Councillor D. Gilroy wished to extend this Council’s sympathies to the family the late Councillor Sean Smith, from Cavan County Council who passed away at the weekend.
Councillor P. Taylor wished to extend sincere sympathy from this Council to the family of Council employee, Cyril McNamara, whose father passed away in the previous week.
39. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mona McSharry on setting a new Irish record in the 50m Breaststroke this weekend.”
40. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:
The Members noted the details as furnished to them in advance of the meeting.
41. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:
The Members noted the items under this heading.
42. CORRESPONDENCE:
The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.
43. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
No matter was raised under this heading.
44. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor Walsh noted that the consultation phase for the SLNCR Greenway has today commenced and will remain open until 5pm on 10th February next. It is important, Councillor Walsh added, that landowners, businesses, community development groups and members of the community participate in this consultation process. He advised that submissions can be made online, via email or through the website or at the three public consultations which will take place on the 24th, 25th and 26th January. It was noted that consultation for Sligo will take place on 24th January from 10.30 am to 8.00 pm at the Sligo Park Hotel.
END OF MEETING:
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.25 p.m.
Meeting Date 16/01/2023