Minutes 2023

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held at 10.00am on Monday 13th February 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(R)
  • Councillor Gilroy
  • Councillor Healy
  • Councillor MacSharry(R)
  • Councillor Maguire(R)
  • Councillor Mullaney
  • Councillor Mulvey
  • Councillor O’Grady
  • Councillor Queenan
  • Councillor Taylor
  • Councillor Walsh

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive,
  • Joe Murphy, A/Director of Services
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services,
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(R)
  • Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Mihaela Davidescu, Senior Executive Planner
  • Donal Tinney, County Librarian(R)
  • Sean Martin, Acting Senior Architect(R)
  • Jennifer Burns, Meetings Administrator,
  • Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer,
  • Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer.

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor O’Boyle.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1.MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC1 HOUSING & CORPORATE GROUP HELD ON 6TH SEPTEMBER 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of Meeting of SPC 1 Housing & Corporate Group held on 6th September 2022.”

 

2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 4TH NOVEMBER 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of Meeting of the Corporate Policy Group held on 4th November 2022.”

 

3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BALLYMOTE – TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 14TH NOVEMBER 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubberurry Municipal District held on 14th November 2022.”

 

4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 28TH NOVEMBER 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 28th November 2022.”

 

5. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 16TH JANUARY 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 16th January 2023.”

 

6. TIMETABLE OF THE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROCESS & ASSOCIATED LOCAL AREA PLANS:

A report on the timetable of the County Development Plan (CDP) process and associated Local Area Plans was circulated to Members.  Senior Executive Planner, Ms. Mihaela Davidescu, referred to the report, outlining the timescales associated with the process of preparing the 2024-2029 County Development Plan, which is proposed to be finalised by Summer 2024, focussing on the next stages in the preparation of the draft Plan.  Ms Davidescu advised that, as the current CDP is due to expire in July 2023, it will be necessary to consider a variation of the Plan to extend it by one year to allow the process to take place. It was confirmed that this has been provided for in legislation.

Ms Davidescu stated that it is proposed to hold a final workshop in March 2023, which will focus on sustainable rural housing policies, and a presentation will be made by Mr. Conor Skehan of CAAS, who has been commissioned to prepare a new Landscape Character Assessment for Sligo.

Councillor Gilroy expressed concern around the timelines given in the report for the various stages of preparation of the new CDP as it runs into the upcoming Local Elections in 2024, and it is likely that a new CDP will not be adopted within the lifetime of this Council.

In response to queries from the Members, Senior Planner, Mr. Moylan advised as follows:

  • The draft CDP is to come before the Members in July 2023 and will include all zoning maps for the County in its entirety, to include all urban and rural areas, which will be a major challenge for the Council.
  • Guidelines published by the Department require that only lands that are serviced or serviceable are to be zoned. As a result, some lands may need to be de-zoned if deemed not to be serviced or serviceable and cannot, therefore, be included for zoning.  It is expected there will be a number of submissions requesting de-zoning of lands due to concerns around the Residential Zoned Land Tax to be imposed if zoned lands are not developed.
  • The Landscape Character Assessment map contained in the current CDP, showing the sensitive landscapes around Sligo and indicating scenic routes that need to be protected, was prepared more than twenty years ago. A new LCA map is being prepared, which will be the focus of the workshop to be held with Conor Skehan from CAAS to set out in a clear way, the justification for the LCA map to form part of the next Plan.
  • In relation to the proposed variation to the current CDP, the Council complies with the wording of legislation around the preparation of the new Plan, which states that the Chief Executive may propose a variation to the current Plan, following which submissions may be made and a CE report prepared. A recommendation is then made to the Elected Members who may then pass or refuse to pass that variation.
  • The purpose of the variation is to extend the life of the current Plan, expiring in July 2023, by one year, in order to protect the zoning, economic and social policies contained in the Plan, which support a lot of actions carried out by the Council. This extra time should be sufficient to have a new CDP in place.

In relation to the flood risk and environmental assessments carried out as part of the preparation of the new CDP, these are done to ensure that there will be nothing in the Plan that may have an adverse effect on the environment or on designated sites in the County. The flood risk assessment is primarily concerned with the zoning maps to ensure that lands are not zoned in areas that are vulnerable to flooding.  It is unlikely that any policies inserted in the CDP would affect current farming practices or be more onerous than Department of Agriculture guidelines already in place.

Mr. Lydon clarified that any concerns he has been made aware of regarding the construction of houses by developers, have been around the rising costs of materials etc. and not because of the various policies contained in the CDP.  He advised that the construction of houses is a matter for the private sector to deliver on, not the Council.

 

As item 25 related to a similar matter discussed in item 6, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take item 25 at this time.

 

25. ROLE OF PLANNING SECTION IN LARGE SCALE FORESTRY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COUNTY:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director of Services to outline what role or control the planning section have if a large scale forestry development takes place in the county.”

Members were informed in a report, previously circulated, that forestry planning and other forestry related activities are outside of the control of the Planning Authority.  The report stated that the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine is responsible for all national forest policies and promotion of research in forestry and forest products.  It was noted that, as a consultative body to the licensing process administered by the Forest Service, Sligo County Council submits observations, where appropriate, particularly in cases when new plantation might affect visually vulnerable areas, sensitive rural landscapes, exceptional views available from designated scenic routes, or water quality.

A number of Members expressed concern that large scale forestry is being directed to the West of Ireland and it was noted that the Planning Department should ensure, as far as they can within the Regulations, that Councillors have a say in large scale forestry development within the County.

In reply to a query, Mr. Moylan clarified that, while it used to be the case, planning permission is no longer required for 2nd access roads to forestry developments as this is now exempted from the planning process under new legislation introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food & The Marine.

 

7. APPROVE RECOMMENDED FUNDING OF THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARTS ASSESSMENT PANEL:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the recommended funding of the Contributions to the Arts Assessment Panel.”

Members expressed disappointment at the lack of funding for some larger scale events in the County, which did not receive funding for 2023, adding that this sends out the wrong message to event organisers who may be looking to hold events in Co Sligo.

Following a call from the Members to carry out a review of the grants scheme going forward, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, informed the Members that, with the Festivals & Events Strategy due to be finalised later this year, together with the proposed appointment of a Festival & Events Manager to oversee the Strategy, it is timely that a review of the grants scheme for venues and for festivals & events would take place before next year’s funding allocations.  Ms. Clarke agreed to liaise with the Arts Officer and the assessment committee in this regard.

 

8. REPORT OF ETHICS REGISTRAR UNDER SECTION 174(B) OF THE LG ACT 2001:

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

AND AGREED

“To note report of Ethics Registrar under Section 174(b) of the Local Government Act, 2001.”

 

9. UPDATE ON SLNCR GREENWAY:

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, gave a short presentation on the current status of the SLNCR Greenway, detailing the TII guidelines and processes which are being followed in line with all national guidance, to develop the SLNCR greenway.  Ms Concannon advised that the project is currently at Phase 1 – Concept & Feasibility, with Phase 0 – Scope & Pre-Appraisal, now completed.  She noted that Phase 1 includes the first public consultation, which took place from 16th January 2023 – 10th February 2023, to determine feasible options in order to progress to Phase 2, which will inform relevant stakeholders and invite feedback on the study area.  Ms. Concannon added that public feedback and submissions are still very much welcomed as community involvement is key in developing the greenway.  The Members were advised of the key stages of public consultation, which will enable progression through the various phases of the project, and the timelines for same.  It was noted that, when the preferred route corridor is determined, consultation will then take place with individual landowners, hopefully from early 2024 going forward. 

The Members welcomed the report and the progression of this greenway project.

In response to a query from Councillor Walsh, Ms. Concannon advised that an Engineer has been appointed to the project in the Sligo Regional Design Office.  The Acting Director of Services also advised that feedback received as part of the public consultation process will form part of the Feasibility Report to be published at the end of Phase 1.

 

10. DISPOSAL OF DWELLINGHOUSE & LANDS AT POWELLSBOROUGH, TUBBERCURRY, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwellinghouse and lands at Powellsborough, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Cian Flannery.”

 

11. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION – NO. 7 ABBEYKILN, ABBEY STREET, SLIGO:

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

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 €123,136 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 6 Abbeykiln, Abbey Street, Sligo.”

 

12. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION – NO. 66 CORNMILL PARK, BALLYMOTE, CO SLIGO:

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

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 €136,426 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 66 Cornmill Park, Ballymote, Co Sligo.”

 

13. DELEGATION FROM SCC TO ATTEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY ENGAGEMENTS IN NEW YORK:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the attendance of a delegation from Sligo County Council to attend the St. Patrick’s Day engagements in New York.”

 

14. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Monthly Management Report for January 2023.”

 

15. INCLUSION OF SLIGO / NW REGION AS A SURGICAL HUB:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the Minister for Health, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to ask for an explanation as to why Sligo and the North-West has not been included as a surgical hub and for Sligo University Hospital to be added to the list as the 6th surgical hub catering for the people of Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, North Mayo and North Roscommon. Can this motion be shared with all TDs and local authorities in all of the aforementioned counties.”

 

16. REFORMS TO DISABLED DRIVERS & DISABLED PASSENGERS SCHEME:

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

 

17. REPORT ON COUNCIL’S FIRST TIME HOUSING SCHEMES:

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

 

18. PROGRESS REPORT ON UPGRADING THE LANDING FACILITY ON INISHMURRAY ISLAND:

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

 

19. REPORT ON DERELICT SITES IN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a report on Derelict Sites in the county including the list of the properties in each Municipal District that are currently on the Derelict Sites Register, the number removed in the past 12 month and the number added in the past 12 months.” 

A report, previously circulated, provided a breakdown of the properties included on the Derelict Sites Register at the end of December 2022.  The report noted that, during 2022, a total of 6 properties were added and 2 removed from the list.

Councillor Bree asked what action will be taken by the Council to make safe and ensure the protection of properties listed as No.’s 1 and 2 Lower Quay Street, which are also listed in the Council’s record of Protected Structures, which have fallen into a dangerous state of disrepair.  Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, in response, advised that an assessment has been carried out and a report completed on the works required to these properties.  She advised that the Council is aware of the owner of one of the properties and is still trying to ascertain ownership of the other property.  Ms. Clarke gave an undertaking to follow up on this matter and revert with a report for the March Ordinary meeting.

 

20. ABHAILE SCHEME TO BE MADE PERMANENT:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Departments of Justice and Social Protection to acknowledge the supports given to the Abhaile Scheme until the end of 2023 and to ask for this service to now be made permanent given the invaluable work that this service does on behalf of so many families and individuals.”

 

21. AMEND TERMS & CONDITIONS OF OLDER PERSONS & DISABILITY GRANTS SCHEMES:

Following a discussion, with the consent of the Cathaoirleach, an amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“Under the older and disability grants scheme, retired old age pensioners who have decided to put their affairs in order by transferring their homes to their next of kin while retaining their right to live in their homes for the rest of their lives, now find themselves unable to avail of those grants. They live on their own. Their next of kin does not live in the house with them. The next of kin have their own house with mortgages and families expenses. The household income of the applicant who resides there and the registered owner and their spouse is taken into account, so the two household incomes exclude the applicant from the grant. I propose that Sligo County Council writes to the Minister and the Department to address this anomaly and to amend the terms and conditions of the schemes to exclude the income of the registered owner and their spouse if they do not reside in the property.”

It was further agreed to circulate this motion to all Local Authorities.

It was agreed by the Members that the terms of these schemes need to be amended to allow people avail of these grants, which would represent a large saving to the Government as people in these situations would be able to remain in their own homes rather than be cared for by the State.

Acting Director of Services, Mr. Murphy, stated that the Housing Department must adhere strictly to Department guidelines in relation to housing grants and must, therefore, take the gross income of the property owner into account when assessing grant applications.

 

22. EXTENSION OF EVICTION BAN FOR TWO YEARS:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the March Ordinary Meeting.

 

23. REPORT ON LOCAL AUTHORITY HOME LOANS:

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

 

24. NO. OF GHOST ESTATES IN CO SLIGO:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the March Ordinary Meeting.

 

26.INVITE CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER TO SPEAK ON SECURITY:

 

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

AND AGREED

“Given the attacks on local and national politicians, I call on Sligo County Council to invite the crime prevention officer to give a presentation on up-to-date advice on security.”

It was also agreed that this presentation would be given “in-camera”.

 

27. ADDITION TO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the March Ordinary Meeting.

 

28. ADDITION OF NEW TRAIN LNE FROM EAST OF MAYNOOTH TO WEST OF ADAMSTOWN TO FACILITATE FASTER JOURNEYS TO AND FROM SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the Minister for Transport to ask that a new line of approximately 6km from east of Maynooth to west of Adamstown be built to facilitate faster train journeys to and from Sligo and Dublin and/or to develop a transport hub at Cabra, where the LUAS ends, close to the Sligo line.”

 

29. INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION AT EU LEVEL TO PROTECT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the Ministers for Communication and Justice seeking the introduction of legislation at an EU level so that social media accounts are traceable to people operating them. This would immediately stop anonymous abuse, online bullying and trolling.”

It was further agreed to circulate this motion to all Local Authorities and all MEPs in the region.

 

30. UPDATE ON PYRITE IN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the pyrite in the County and also give the Council members a report on what properties belonging to Sligo County Council have pyrite in them and when will we be accepted onto the government pyrite scheme.”

In a report previously circulated, the Members were informed that, following the appointment of a Consultant in November 2022, 16 expressions of interest were received from homeowners in Co Sligo nominating their properties to be considered for further investigation for defective blocks, five of which were shortlisted for a condition survey and core sampling, which is ongoing.  The report stated that the consultant’s final report is expected to issue in April, following consultation with Sligo County Council's Housing Maintenance Department, and will then be forwarded to the Department for its consideration.

It was noted that acceptance of Sligo onto the Government Scheme is dependent on the positive identification of concrete blocks containing certain deleterious materials in accordance with the requirements of I.S.465: 2018 (amended 2020).

Councillor Healy welcomed the report, stating that it is important that a campaign, led by the Council, possibly through the three Municipal Districts, is organised to inform people of what to look for in relation to pyrite in houses, to ensure that people who have pyrite in their homes are included in the scheme going forward.

In response to a query from Councillor Healy, Acting Director of Services, Mr. Murphy, advised that the two Council properties mentioned in the report as having been positively identified with concrete blocks containing deleterious material are Council houses as opposed to public buildings.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, informed the Members that once the consultant’s report is received, discussions on the report will take place with the Sligo Pyrite Action Group prior to submission to the Department and that any relevant Council owned properties will be included in any scheme going forward.

 

31. SUBMISSION TO GOVERNMENT ON SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION:

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

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to make a submission to the Government, in some Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) looking at parts of the Owenmore River and also the Unshin River to address the flooding and health and safety concerns.”

A report circulated to Members stated that it is unlikely that the boundaries of an SAC will be altered to facilitate a particular project as the protection of the network of these designated sites is enshrined in European and National legislation, and provided for within statutory plans at National, Regional and local level.  However, the report also specified that one of the measures which protects these areas is the requirement that every project must undergo an assessment of its implications for any European Site before consent for the project is given.  Accordingly, it is possible to get approval for a project within or adjacent to an SAC provided that it can be demonstrated, through the appropriate assessment process (AA), that it will not negatively affect the integrity of a European Site.

Councillor Healy stated that while is it important to protect our natural landscape, native animals and plants, the health and safety of the people in the local community should be a priority and called for footpaths to be installed on the old Galway road between Ashbrook and Owenmore View estate.  He further advised that draining and dredging works are also urgently required in order to reduce flooding where the Owenmore river meets the Unshin river.  Councillor Healy called for the use of IROPI (Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Importance Measures) as a justification for such works to take place in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This process, he said, would allow for proper assessments leading to an impact statement which would identify mitigating factors to be taken into account to allow such works to proceed. He suggested that funding could also be sought under the Active Travel Scheme for these works.  Councillor Healy also requested that the Council, in conjunction with local landowners, would make a submission to the Department to allow these works to take place as this remains a serious health and safety issue for local residents.

The Members noted that farmers, whose lands fall within a Special Area of Conservation, are not able to have drainage works carried out to their lands during times of flooding and that some farmers are not even aware that their lands fall into this category until they look to have works carried out on their land.

 

32. FUNDING TO ADDRESS REALIGNMENT AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES ON REGIONAL ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan to introduce a scheme, to make funding available to our regional roads to address realignment and other safety issues.”

It was further agreed to circulate this motion to all Local Authorities.

 

33. INFORMATION ON RECENTLY LAUNCHED NATIONAL DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME FOR PLASTIC BOTTLES & CANS: 

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“I ask Sligo County Council has there been any information received on the recently launched national Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles and cans.
It is estimated that about 1.9 billion drinks bottles and cans are consumed each year in Ireland, in-house and 'on the go'. The Deposit Return Scheme aims to boost the recycling rate for these drinks containers by charging a small, refundable deposit for each plastic bottle or can. The Scheme will include PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans between 150ml and 3 litres. This incentive is operating in other countries and would encourage people to recycle these products and thus avoid unwanted litter in our communities.”

A report circulated informed the Members that there has been no information received to date on the recently launched National Deposit Return Scheme.

 

34. ACTION AGAINST THOSE PARKING ILLEGALLY IN DISABLED PARKING SPACES:

“Recognising the vital importance of parking spaces for people with a disability this Council confirms that it will take all necessary action against motorists who park illegally in disabled parking spaces, including the imposition of parking fines and, if necessary, the impounding of vehicles.”

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised, in a report previously circulated, that there will be continued commitment from the Traffic Wardens to police illegal parking in disabled parking spaces.  In response to a query from Councillor Bree, Head of Finance, Ms. Whelan advised that, in relation to Northern Irish and English registered vehicles, the Council employs a company to follow up on fines for breaches of parking regulations.  She also advised that there is a significant cost associated with impounding vehicles, however, she agreed to examine the issue, subject to available funding.

 

35. AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON PROPER DISPOSAL OF CHEWING GUM:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council launch an awareness week/programme for the proper disposal of chewing gum.”

A report, previously circulated, advised that Sligo County Council works comprehensively with Green Schools Ireland for which litter, including gum disposal is included as a topic of education.  The report also detailed that the Council works with the Gum Litter Taskforce on an annual basis around education and awareness measures to ensure greater visibility of the €150 fine for littering and reminding people that incorrectly disposed of chewing gum is actually litter. It was noted that the GLT runs workshops in some schools around the country and ‘Bin It’ workshops are aimed at students (11-13 years old) to explore the issue of social responsibility and littering, and that the Council liaises with the GLT and Secondary Schools for this education programme.

 

36. RESOLUTION TO ONGOING ISSUE OF MEDICAL CARDS FOR PEOPLE WITH A CANCER DIAGNOSIS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly requesting an immediate resolution to the ongoing issue of Medical Cards for people with a Cancer diagnosis.”

 

37. UPDATE ON PROPERTY KNOWN AS KAZELIN:

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

AND AGREED

“I am requesting an update on the property known as Kazelin.”

Members were circulated with an update on this property advising that a Feasibility Study is currently being prepared by HAIL Housing Association , with  12 units  being proposed for the new development.  It was noted that Stage 1 Capital Appraisal is due to be submitted to the DHLGH early in Q2/2023 and that the Kazelain Development is included in the Council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026 and is scheduled for delivery in 2025.

In response to queries from the Members, A/Director of Services, Mr. Murphy advised that allocations for the new development when completed, will be from the Council’s housing list, to include some applicants with specific mental health needs.

 

38. PROGRESS REPORT ON PROVISION OF BOARDWALK TO ALLOW 24-HOUR SAFE ACCESS TO SECOND BEACH AT ROSSES POINT:

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

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be provided with a progress report regarding the provision of a Boardwalk to allow 24-hour safe access to the second beach at Rosses Point.”

Members were advised that the Council has recently tendered for the provision of consultancy services covering the preliminary design of a boardwalk at Rosses Point and it is planned to appoint successful consultants in late March/April.

In response to a query from Councillor Bree in relation to the timescale for the provision of the boardwalk, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon outlined the process involved from appointing the consultants to procuring a contractor, which could take a number of years.  She also stated that bringing the project to construction stage would be subject to statutory approval and funding.

Expressing disappointment at the lengthy timeframe involved, Councillor Bree suggested that, in the intervening period, the Council would follow up on sourcing funding for this project for whenever it is ready to go to construction.

 

39. REPORT ON FEASIBILITY STADY ON ESTABLISHMENT OF 50M POOL IN SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council report on progress at finding a mechanism to carry out a feasibility study (as per reply to Councillor Maguire Motion October 2021) to ascertain possible options towards establishing a 50m pool in Sligo and what engagement has been had with all the local stakeholders in this regard including, ATU Sligo, the board of Sligo Sports & Recreation Partnership, the Board of Sligo Regional Sports Centre and the swimming and triathlon clubs.”

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, stated in a report, previously circulated, that discussions have taken place with SLPCo, SSRP, ATU Sligo and Mayo County Council in relation to a feasibility study being undertaken towards establishing a 50m pool in Sligo and that the conclusion from a report, previously commissioned by IT Sligo in relation to the feasibility and viability of a 25m pool was that there was adequate pool provision in Sligo for the population size (taking hotel pool provision into account).  The report further stated that Mayo County Council also investigated the feasibility of a 50m swimming pool for Castlebar in County Mayo and that the operational cost of managing, operating, and running a 50m swimming pool was prohibitive and resulted in Mayo County Council proceeding to develop a 25m facility at Lough Lannagh on this basis.   It was noted that the National Governing Body for Swimming “Swim Ireland” are framing a new policy and it would, therefore, be prudent to wait until this is produced before considering the next steps, as well as noting the experience of Mayo County Council.

 

40. REPORT / AUDIT ON YELLOW CYCLING SIGNS ALONG NATIONAL, REGIONAL & LOCAL ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council report on what the purpose of the Yellow Cycling signs along the National, Regional and Local roads that do not have the 1.5m safe passing sign attached and if an audit of all such signs in the county can be carried out to ensure they have the 1.5m safe passing sign attached.”

A report, circulated in advance of the meeting, informed the Members that the yellow Cycle Sign may be used to warn of the likely presence of a significant number of cyclists along a route and that supplementary plates may also be added to these signs in relation to a safe overtaking width for cyclists (1.5m or 1.0m depending on speed limit) and that the signs with the safe distance passing plate can only be erected on the network where cyclists can be safely overtaken, for example, not on bends or where a solid centre white line exists.  It was noted from the report that approximately 50 Cycle Signs with the supplementary safe distance passing plate have been erected across the Sligo public road network with plans to erect a further 50 signs in 2023 and that any existing Cycle signs without the supplementary safe passing distance plate can be reviewed as to the suitability of adding the safe passing plate to them.

 

41. CONSIDERATION OF 2021 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN IN RELATION TO N17 & EASTERN BRIDGE PROJECTS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council report on what actions are being taken to ensure that following the decision by Bord Pleanala to concede a High Court Case against the N6 Galway Ring Road that the N17 and Eastern Bridge projects take full consideration of the 2021 Climate Action Plan and any other legislation that might derail these vital projects.”

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised that the N17 and Eastern Garvogue Bridge Projects are being developed in accordance with all National Policies, including the National Climate Action Plan 2021.

 

42. REDUCTION OF POWERS TO ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES UNDER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT & FORESHORE (AMENDMENT) ACT 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that the Government, in the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022, has further reduced the powers of elected representatives and increased the powers of unelected Council officials, this Council expresses its deep dismay at this further undermining of local democracy and calls on the Government to rescind the legislation.”

 

43. RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FOR MECHANICS / SKILLED WORKERS FOR NCT CENTRES:

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

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

AND AGREED

“I ask this Council to write to the Minister for Transport to do a recruitment campaign for mechanics/skilled workers for NCT centres to clear the backlog for car testing and to avoid lengthy waiting times from happening again.  It was also agreed to ask the Minister to consider providing an extension of 12-18 months to NCTs due to expire within the next 6 months, to ensure that they remain valid until such time as they can get an NCT appointment.”

 

44.ASSISTANCE TO VOLUNTEER GROUPS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to provide assistance to the Volunteer Groups who support our community with Mental Health issues in Sligo.  This could include help and guidance with administration with grant applications and information on what is available to voluntary groups who strive to help others.”

In a report, previously circulated, Director of Service, M. Clarke, informed the Members that relevant departments in the Council provide grant assistance and other supports to various community organisations including groups who support and are advocates for mental health issues.  The report further stated that the PPN is another resource that provides information and support to a huge number of community and voluntary organisations.  Ms Clarke also advised that, if further or more specific assistance is required for certain groups, her Department will meet with Councillors to address, where possible, any information or support gaps that are highlighted.

 

45. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

Councillor O’Grady offered her deepest condolences to the Flynn family, on the recent passing of Mr. Brian Flynn, father of our colleague Mr. Brían Flynn, Executive Engineer. The Members wished to be associated with this vote of sympathy.

 

46. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Atlantic Sheepdogs in Streedagh on receiving the highest award for the Best Sheepdog Experience in Ireland, with a 99% satisfaction rating from all of the CIE Tours guests. They are fantastic ambassadors for Sligo, the North-West and all of Ireland.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. Michael Carney on winning the over 70’s National Championships in the 1500m last weekend.”

 

Proposed by Councillors. M. Casserly, P. Taylor and T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillors. J. Queenan, R. O’Grady and M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Summerhill College, Sligo and to the Summerhill Senior A team on winning the Connaught title at the weekend. It is a great achievement for the school, the panel, management, and all involved.”

 

Proposed by Councillors. M. Casserly, M. Connolly and P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillors. G. Mullaney and R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to St. Attracta’s Secondary School, Tubbercurry on winning the Connaught Senior B Championship title at the weekend.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Brian Roche and Management Team on the success of Sligo Rugby Club in the Connacht League Under 18.5 Championship on 12th February 2023.”

 

Proposed by Councillors. M. Baker and T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Eamon Bruen, Manager and the Coola Ladies team on winning the U17 Junior B girls Connacht title.”

 

47. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

 

48. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members noted the items under this heading.

 

49. CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

 

50. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

51. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor Gilroy referred to a programme “Building Europe with Local Councillors” which creates a European network of locally elected politicians aimed at communicating the European Union through an unprecedented alliance between the European and local government structures.  Councillor Gilroy expressed his interest in joining the network on behalf of Sligo County Council, for which an application form is to be downloaded by the Executive.  Whilst the majority present supported Councillor Gilroy’s nomination to this forum, it was agreed that this would be formally considered at the next monthly Council meeting.

Councillor T Fox, as Chair of the Sligo-Drumcliff MD, wished to issue a formal thanks to all staff who were involved over the years in the N16 development for which the contract was signed in the Chamber this morning.  Councillor Fox added that this is a historical achievement for Sligo County Council. This was seconded by Councillor Gilroy. 

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that an updated report on item 36 from the January Plenary meeting on the multi-unit development sites had been circulated at today’s meeting, as requested by Councillor Gilroy, due to an anomoly in the original report in relation to figures for Globe House.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 1.35 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 13/02/2023