Minutes 2023

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held at 10.00am on Monday 3rd July 2023 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker
  • Councillor Bree
  • Councillor Clarke
  • Councillor Connolly
  • Councillor Fox
  • Councillor Gibbons(R)
  • Councillor Gilroy
  • Councillor MacSharry(R)
  • Councillor Maguire(R)
  • Councillor Mullaney
  • Councillor Mulvey
  • Councillor O’Boyle
  • Councillor O’Grady
  • 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
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer
  • Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
  • Francis Conboy, IS Technical Support Officer
  • Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer.

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerard Mullaney, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillors Casserly, Healy and Queenan.

 

1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 12TH JUNE 2023:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 12th June 2023.”

 

2. MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 19TH JUNE 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 19th June 2023.”

 

3. NOAC LOCAL AUTHORITY PERFOMANCE INDICATOR REPORTS FOR 2020 AND 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“NOAC Local Authority Performance Indicator Reports for 2020 and 2021.”

In relation to data contained in the 2020 and 2021 Performance Indicator Reports for time taken to mobilise fire brigades, Councillor Bree noted that Sligo was among the local authorities with the fastest response times. Councillor Bree extended his congratulations to the Sligo Fire Brigade personnel and paid tribute to them for their hard work.

 

4. DELEGATION TO ATTEND KEMPTEN FESTIVAL WEEK:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To approve delegation to attend the 72nd Allgäu Festival Week in Kempten, Germany.”

 

5. RECOMMENDATION OF SPC1 GROUP MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the recommendation submitted by SPC1:

‘That this Council writes to the Minister of Housing to request that he increases the Disability & Adaptions Grant by 25%, to bring it in line with rising costs.’ ”

 

6. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HA – 38 ABHAINN MOR, COLLOONEY, CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

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 €264,262 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 38 Abhainn Mor, Collooney, Co Sligo.”

 

7. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HA – 312 MILLBROOK, JFK PARADE, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

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 €171,378 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 312 Millbrook, JFK Parade, Sligo

 

8. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HA – 3 SPRINGVALE, TUBBERCURRY, CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance in the form of the Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the amount of €191,331 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 3 Springvale, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.”

 

9. DRAFT COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE & BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 2023-2030:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To consider the Draft County Sligo Heritage & Biodiversity Strategy 2023-2030.”

Councillors Gilroy and Bree paid tribute to Ms. Siobhán Ryan and her team and all involved in the preparation of the Plan, and they welcomed Ms. Ruth Hanniffy to the Council in her role as Biodiversity Officer.

Heritage Officer, Ms. Ryan, thanked the Members for their remarks, adding that the Draft Plan will go to public consulation from 12th July to 9th August after which it will be brought back to the Members for further consideration at a future meeting of the Council.

 

10. QUARTERLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR Q2 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Quarterly Management Report for Q2 2023.”

 

11. SUPPORT FOR MACRA NA FEIRME EFFORTS TO ENSURE FUTURE FOR YOUTH IN RURAL IRELAND:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Queenan, was deferred until the September Ordinary meeting.

 

12. USE OF MODULAR HOUSING TO EASE HOUSING SHORTAGE IN SLIGO:

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

 

13. PROVISION OF EV CHARGERS IN CO SLIGO:

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

 

14. PROVISION OF DESIGNATED AIRES / CAMPING FACILITIES IN SLIGO TOWN AND COUNTY:

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

 

15. PROVISION OF EARLY MORNING TRAIN FROM CONNOLLY STATION TO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“I call again on Sligo County Council to write to Iarnród Éireann seeking to provide a morning train service from Connolly Station that would allow people to arrive in Sligo before 9.00 a.m., in light of the accommodation crisis facing students planning to attend Sligo ATU this September.  Also, this early morning train service would facilitate workers, 2nd level students and early morning appointments etc by people who need to be in Sligo before 9.00 a.m., as the current 10 am service from Ballymote is not suitable for many people as this service arrives in Sligo at 10.20 am.”

Councillor Clarke, in seconding the motion, stated that travel on all trains and buses in the country should be free for those under 21, to encourage young people and students to use our public transport systems.

 

16. EXTENSION OF FALLS PREVENTION PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISE PROGRAMME IN NAZARETH HOUSE, SLIGO:

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

 

17. ASSURANCES OF NO DOWNGRADING OF RESCUE SERVICES IN THIS REGION FOLLOWING AWARD OF NEW SEARCH & RESCUE CONTRACT:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Following the recent award of the provision of the new Irish coastguard search and rescue contract to Bristow Ltd., this motion asks that this Council write to Ministers Eamonn Ryan, Jack Chambers and Hildegard Naughton seeking assurances from them that the award of this contract will not result in a downgrading of the rescue service which we currently have in this region.”

In discussing the motion, tribute was paid to the company who have held this contract for the last 13 years.

 

18. REVIEW OF DECISION IN RELATION TO PROVISION OF LIFEGUARDS ON BEACHES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“This motion calls on this Council to review the decision not to have lifeguards on duty on certain beaches throughout the County and to seek, if necessary, an updated legal opinion on this issue to prevent future loss of life. That this Council formally acknowledges the bravery of those involved in recent rescues which averted possible tragedy.”

A report circulated informed the Members that lifeguards are provided at all Designated Bathing Areas in the county, as required by Risk Assessments carried out by Water Safety Ireland. Lifeguards are not provided at dangerous beaches, in accordance with recommendations from Risk Assessments carried out. However, the Council employ a beach warden to advise people not to enter areas identified as being dangerous to swim by Water Safety Ireland.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised Members that the Council are not experts in all areas covered by the Council who, therefore, rely on agencies such as Water Safety Ireland to provide guidance and advice in such matters. Mr. Lydon added that it is the Executive’s responsibility to take heed of and follow any expert advice given.

 

19. UPDATE REPORT ON HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY FOR CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“With the increase of online bullying, the prevalence of social media and the negative impact of harmful content to the mental health of our young people, this motion asks this council to write to the Minister for Education asking that she encourage all schools to implement mobile phone restrictions on their pupils as has been successfully implemented in Greystones to much public acclaim.”

 

20. UPDATE REPORT ON HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY FOR CO SLIGO:

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

 

21. REPORT ON CRITERIA USED IN PRIORITISING CIS SCHEMES:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on the criteria used in prioritising CIS schemes.”

A report circulated outlined the criteria used to prioritise CIS schemes, noting the value of over 50 schemes in the Council’s current reserve list, and also the 2023 CIS allocation of €387,000.  

Following a discussion, and with the agreement of the Members, the Cathaoirleach suspended Standing Orders to allow a new motion on this topic to be included, to be listed as item 44 on today’s agenda.

 

22. FUNDING DEFICITS IN ADDICTION AND COMMUNITY ADDICTION SERVICES:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“That this Council request that the government take action to resolve funding deficits in addiction services and community addiction services.”

 

23. CURB RISE IN POVERTY TO ALLOW OUR OLDER PEOPLE TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That this local authority calls on this government to step up to the mark, to curb this rise in poverty and to ensure our older and retired people can live with dignity.”

 

24. AFFORDABILITY OF STUDENT ACCOMMODATION:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To call on this government to make affordability key to student accommodation.”

 

25. IRELAND’S TRADITIONAL POLICY ON NEUTRALITY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“Noting that this Council has called on the Government to commit to holding a referendum to enshrine neutrality in the Irish Constitution, and further noting with deep concern that the government has substituted a Citizens Assembly with a ‘Consultative Forum on International Security Policy’, this Council welcomes and commends President Michael D. Higgins on his recent warning about Ireland deviating from its traditional policy on neutrality.”

Following a discussion on this motion, Councillor Walsh, whilst agreeing with some of the context of the motion, wished to distance himself from comments made in the Chamber, adding that whilst we need to protect our borders and our Defence Forces, we must also strive to regulate goods coming across our borders.

 

26. HSE CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO HYDROTHERAPY POOL IN MANORHAMILTON:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health to take all necessary action, including a possible amendment to Health legislation, so as to ensure that the HSE and the management of Sligo University Hospital responds in a proper and respectful manner to representations submitted to the HSE by the Council; and further this Council resolves that a Freedom of Information request be submitted to the HSE seeking copies of all records/minutes/documents/notes /correspondence, in the period January 1st 2023 to date, which the HSE has in its possession, regarding the Hydrotherapy Pool in OLHM, Manorhamilton.”

 

27. COUNCIL PLANS TO DEVELOP A TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME / STRATEGY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To ask what plans the Council has to increase the planting of native tree species on Council property and to ask when the Council intends to develop a comprehensive tree planting programme/strategy.”

The Members noted a report circulated previously, advising of considerations given by the Council for opportunities for native tree planting as part of any ongoing capital works programmes in Parks, Transportation & Housing. The Heritage Office has recently obtained funding for the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan for the Alluvial Woodlands at Cleveragh and the outcomes of the Management Plan will inform the potential of additional planting or replanting of native trees in these woodlands.

The ‘Creation of Native Woodlands on Public Land 2021’ grant scheme has identified opportunities for local authorities to consider native tree planting on suitable Council property and the scheme encourages Public Bodies to establish new native woodlands on suitable bare lands.

 

28. PROVISION FOR COUNCIL DWELLINGS ON FAMILY OWNED LANDS ON PASSING OF TENANT:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Housing and Local Government to permit, in a situation where the local authority has provided a dwelling house on family-owned land, and where the Council tenant has passed away, that the said dwelling house would be offered, in the first instance, to immediate family.” 

 

29. REVIEW OF TIMING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS FOR EACH MD:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review the timing of traffic light signals throughout each of the MDs.”

A report noted that traffic light systems will be reviewed to check for faults. Any issues of concern should be brought to the attention of the Municipal District Manager/Area Engineer for review where required.

 

30. LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE ALL ROAD USERS TO BE FULLY ILLUMINATED WHEN LIGHT AND VISIBILITY IS POOR:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request the relevant Ministers to introduce legislation requesting pedestrians, cyclists, scooter users and other vulnerable road users to be fully illuminated as is required of other road users when light and visibility is poor.”

 

31. ENGAGEMENT WITH MCD PROMOTION TO HOST WESTLIFE CONCERTS IN SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would welcome engagement from Denis Desmond and MCD Promotions on the exploration on staging a number of Westlife Concerts in County Sligo, the home of Westlife.”

Members were advised in a report that the Council would welcome engagement from MCD Promotions on the possibility of staging Westlife concerts in Sligo.

 

32. UPDATE BY HSE ON REVIEW OF CARDIAC SERVICES IN IRELAND:

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

AND AGREED

“That the HSE provide an update to Sligo County Council on the national review of Cardiac Services in Ireland and when the report will be finalised and made public.”

 

33. UPDATE ON VERGE STRENGTHENING OF REGIONAL ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on Verge Strengthening on our Regional Roads.”

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, provided a report to Members on verge strengthening works.

Following a discussion, the Members requested that local roads would also be included in any submission made to the Department of Transport for funding in 2024, under the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme. This was agreed by the Members.

 

34. UPDATE REPORT ON REVISION OF POLICY ON PROVISION OF SCHOOL CROSSING WARDENS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council report to the members on what action has been taken on Motion 38 (Copied Below) Passed by the members in September 2022 and if what action has been taken since then to carry out the wishes of the members. Can this report include details of any School Crossing Wardens and which of the three electoral areas they are appointed to. Can the report also include details of how many times the traffic wardens have been sent in a targeted approach to ensure that there is no dangerous and illegal parking outside any school in the county.

September 2022 Agreed Motion:

That Sligo County Council revise the current policy on the provision of School Crossing Wardens, so that the safety of Children attending Schools is treated exactly the same in all areas of the county and that traffic wardens are assigned in a targeted approach to ensure that there is no dangerous and illegal parking outside any of the schools in the county.”

A report outlined that, as previously notified to the Members, there is no budget available to appoint additional School Wardens in County Sligo, adding that the role of the Traffic Wardens is to enforce Parking Bye Laws. Issues relating to dangerous and illegal parking outside schools should be referred to An Garda Síochána. 

Councillor Gilroy requested that this matter be brought to the JPC for further discussion.

 

35. UPDATE ON PROTECTED STRUCTURES IN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“On the basis that there are a number of protected structures such as old churches and monasteries within many of the burial grounds owned by Sligo County Council, and that some are falling into disrepair and causing difficulties for families who cannot visit the graves of family members or indeed be buried with their loved ones.

Can the council advice members if buildings fall into a dangerous state of repair;

  1. What directorate within the council will make them safe?
  2. What directorate within the council repair them to their original condition?
  3. What Funds will be used to carry out heritage conservation assessments on these buildings, prior to any conservation or repair work being carried out?
  4. What funding is available to maintain these buildings which are in Council ownership to avoid this happening?”

A report circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting outlined the information sought in this motion.

 

36. BAN ON USE OF INFLATABLE DINGHYS & PRODUCTS AT OFFICIAL BATHING PLACES WITHIN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council Bans the Use at official Bathing places within the county of inflatable dinghys and all inflatable products other than safety Tow floats and that substantial on the spot fines are in place that can be issued by Lifeguards to anyone who continues to use these when told by the Lifeguards not to.

These products have been described by Irish Water Safety as “Floating Killers” and they have consistently warned of the dangers of these products in open water.”

In a report circulated, Members were advised that a ban on inflatable products would require a revision to Sligo County Council’s Beach Bye Laws and that it is not the remit of lifeguards to issue fines. The priority of lifeguards regarding inflatable products is to educate and advise the public and to deter their use in open water. The Water Safety Officer will promote National Campaigns by Water Safety Ireland around the use of inflatables.

 

37. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mullaney wished to pass on his deepest condolences to the McGrath family, Ardnaglass, Ballymote, on the death of Batty McGrath. Sympathy was expressed to Batty’s wife Eileen, his sons, Pat, John and Declan, his daughter Pauline and extended family. Batty’s son, Pat is a former councillor and Cathaoirleach with Sligo County Council. The Members wished to be associated with the vote of sympathy.

 

38. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor  T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Michael O’Hehir and to his wife, the First Lady, on Michael’s recent election as Connaught Rugby President.”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Dean Clancy on reaching the Quarter finals of The European Championships in Poland and for qualifying to represent Ireland at the Paris Olympics.”

Following a request from Councillor O’Boyle to acknowledge Dean’s qualification for the Olympics, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mullaney advised that the matter will be brought to the next CPG meeting for discussion.

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Cian McMunn on his outstanding week at the Cavan Equestrian Centre, winning 1.25/1.30/1.38 with 3 clear rounds out of 108 competitors, qualifying for the RDS.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Aoibheann and Eli Cassidy on winning the World Irish Dancing Championships with their team Foirne Aosánach.”

 

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations and best wishes be extended to Harry Rush who will represent Ireland in the FEI Youth Showjumping European Champrionships in Gorla Minore, Italy on 10th – 16th July.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations and best wishes be extended to Edel Cullen, Lannon’s Pharmacy, on winning ‘Counter Assistant of the year’ at the Irish Pharmacy Awards.”

 

39. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

“To note and approve the Conferences and Training list previously circulated.”

 

40. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members noted the items under this heading.

 

41. CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

 

42. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

43. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor O’Grady welcomed the opening of the National Surf Centre in Strandhill on Friday 30th June last and wished to acknowledge the input of Councillor Declan Bree, former Chair of the Board, and Mr. Mick McEnroe, a member of the local community in Strandhill, on all their work on the project over the years. This was, Councillor O’Grady stated, a great day for Sligo, attended by many including two Ministers, Members of Bord Fáilte and people from the local area.

Councillor Mulvey wished to express his thanks to Council outdoor staff and staff of the C & E department for their assistance with a very successful Sligo Camino on Saturday 1st July last, which involved a 35k walk from Dromahair to Coolaney. It is, Councillor Mulvey added, great to see our county being showcased so positively at both local and national levels.

 

44. EXTRA COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES (CIS) FUNDING FOR 2023:

During a discussion on item 21 contained in today’s agenda, and with the agreement of the Members, the Cathaoirleach, suspending Standing Orders, added the following item to the agenda, which was:

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

AND AGREED

“Given that this Council have a list of over 50 CIS Schemes with an approximate value of €2.5m currently with the Department of Transport, we propose that this Council write to Minister Humphrey and Minister Ryan to seek more funding for this year.”

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 12 noon.

 

 

 


Meeting Date 03/07/2023