Minutes 2023

Minutes of Statutory Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 27th November 2023 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Baker, Bree, Casserly, Clarke, Connolly, Fox, Gibbons, Gilroy, Healy, MacSharry(R), Mullaney, Mulvey, O’Boyle, O’Grady(R), Queenan, Taylor and Walsh.

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Patricia Guckian, Financial Accountant
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, SEO Housing
  • Mr. Seán Martin, Senior Architect(C),
  • Mr. Fineen O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms. Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Maguire.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS
AND
INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE OR REDUCTION IN INCOME:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that he had two resolutions to hand as follows.

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

AND AGREED

“That no further motion be voted on by the Council until such time as the entire budget has been considered in detail”.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That all motions seeking an increase in expenditure or a reduction in income under any heading must either show a corresponding decrease in expenditure or an increase in realisable income.”

 

DRAFT BUDGET FOR YEAR ENDING 31STDECEMBER, 2024:

The Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, noted that the budget presented does not include for an increase in income areas for which the Council has responsibility, such as rates, rents and car parks. The Local Property Tax remains at the same level as 2023, in line with the decision made by Elected Members to increase the base adjustment factor by 15% for the lifetime of the current Council. The continuing war in Ukraine, current situation in the Middle East and the climate crisis leaves the world facing challenges which ultimately impact on our country and delivery of services at local level. The challenge both nationally and locally is to calibrate our response to support the domestic economy, while recognising the perils of inflation and increased interest rates. The national 2024 budget has responded to these challenges by providing a package of tax measures and increases in expenditure.

Mr. Lydon stated that a working group was set up in 2023 to deliver a new model to determine LPT baseline funding levels in relation to funding allocations and which will review local authority baselines every 5 years. As a result of the review Sligo County Council’s new baseline is €11,702,627, which takes account of the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that every authority receives an increase in baseline funding in 2024 of at least €1.5m. Such additional funding is welcome as the Council aim to develop the county, but it should be noted that circa €500k relates to funding already provided in 2023 to meet increased energy costs, leaving €1m available for investment in services, with priority to be given to measures such as cyber security, supporting the roll out of the new Code of Corporate Governance for Local Authorities and to support National Development Plan delivery. In framing and delivering a balanced budget, account has been taken of the guidance provided by DHLGH, with funding allocated to various areas of expenditure as detailed in the budget book.

Mr. Lydon confirmed that Uisce Éireann have now assumed full responsibility for Water Services and staff. Minister O’Brien has committed to meeting any stranded costs involved in the transition and the budget has been prepared on this basis.

Additional costs in relation to the agreement negotiated with Retained Firefighters could amount to €1m and it is hoped that these costs will also be met by central government.

Central government has also funded 51 WTE posts at a cost of €3.7m to deliver specific projects such as Active Travel, Cranmore Regeneration Project, the Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP) and multiple tourism projects. This figure does not take account of the staff within Uisce Éireann, who by December 2026, must make a decision to either continue their employment with the Council or transfer to the utility. Therefore, over the next 3 years staff who wish to remain with the Council will transfer into posts which are funded by the Council’s Revenue budget. Over the last 10 months the number of staff within the Council has increased from 411 WTE to 426 WTE, against a backdrop of a competitive labour market.

A sample of works to be carried out by Sligo County Council in 2024 include:

- 114 social houses will be delivered as part of the Housing Delivery Action Plan
- Dereliction continues to be tackled, building on the 182 Croí Cónaithe applications received in 2023 (to date) and pursuing Compulsory Purchase Orders
- The regeneration of Governors House moves forward
- Delivery of the Climate Action Plan for the County
- Publication of the County Development Plan 2024 -2030
- Publication of the Harbour Masterplan
- Opening of Queen Maeve Square, including a Festival launch
- Publication of Eastern Garavogue tender
- Placing of the The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo on Ireland’s new UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage
- The election of a new Council.

While the Public Spending Code rightly places a high bar in relation to governance, this has led to a delay in the delivery of some of the URDF projects. It is, however, hoped to go to tender on a phased basis for public realm projects in 2024 and the development of the Masterplan for the City Campus project. Some of this extra funding from the increase in rates last year, was allocated to meet the loan commitments assigned to those projects. Because of the delay, there is a proposal by the Executive to assign €300,000 as a one-off contribution to local roads for 2024 to be divided among the Municipal Districts with the criteria to be discussed as part of the Roads Programme.

In conclusion, Mr. Lydon stated that the Budget as presented is mindful of the challenges ahead and thanked Ms. Whelan and her team, the CPG and Elected Members for their support though the year, in the preparation of the budget which he is happy to commend for adoption.

Ms. Whelan, Head of Finance, outlined the overall summary of proposed expenditure and income for 2024 and the main provisions included in the 2024 Draft Budget.

 

DIVISION A – HOUSING AND BUILDING:

Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, outlined the content of Division A in the draft budget book as set in pages 32-46, and the Housing Capital Programme on pages 116-119, with summary of income and expenditure for Housing detailed on page 19.

Mr. Molloy advised that there will be an estimated increase of €1.3m in housing expenditure in 2024 compared with 2023. An increase of €300,000 has been allocated for the housing maintenance budget for 2024.

The Director of Services advised that some of the challenges encountered by the Housing department include:

  • Increased expenditure on homeless services, mainly associated with rents, hotel and B & B costs, and the difficulty in sourcing suitable properties.
  • Low uptake on housing loans mainly due to the difficulties in sourcing suitable and affordable properties.
  • Lack of availability of private housing under the Housing Capital Programme.

One of the Housing department’s key successes are the Housing Adaptation grants with an increased allocation of €1.7 million for 2023.

The Members commended staff in all areas of the Housing section for their diligent work over the past year in challenging circumstances.

Councillors. Bree and Clarke welcomed the proposal to increase the maintenance budget for Council properties by €300,000.

In response to a query from Councillor Healy, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that there is an issue in relation to treatment plants on housing estates.  It is the view of the CCMA that once the Taking in Charge process for treatment plants has commenced, they should move to Uisce Éireann. The Council is currently in discussions with Uisce Éireann and the Department in this regard. Going forward, it is being proposed that Uisce Éireann manage all treatment plants once the Taking in Charge process has commenced.

 

DIVISION B – ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY:

Ms. Concannon, Acting Director of Services, informed Members that the details of this Division are set out in pages 48 – 53, with the Statutory Table F on pages 54 – 56.

Ms Concannon outlined details of the various projects in this Division including the following, planned for 2024 and beyond:

  • Eastern Garavogue Bridge
  • N17 Knock to Collooney project
  • N16 Lugatober Projects
  • The Active Travel Programme, with the following two schemes currently being advanced:
    - Collooney to Castlebaldwin cycleway
    - Pedestrian and cycle route to link Toberbride to Collooney town
  • Greenway projects
  • Burton Street Link project
  • Oakfield Road Realignment project
  • Killaraght R361/L-57131 Junction Improvement Scheme

Ms. Concannon advised that safety and improvement works on regional roads will continue in 2024. An extra allocation of €300,000 is being allocated to local roads as part of Budget 2024.

The Public Lighting Energy Efficiency project to replace all existing public lights with energy efficient LED bulbs, will hopefully be advanced in 2024.

The Members commended the Acting Director of Services and all staff involved in the preparation of the budget and for their work on all planned projects in the County.

The Council is also in the process of reviewing the parking Bye-Laws in the Borough area.

In response to queries from the Members, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised as follows:

  • The Regional Design Office is continuing to progress the N17 Knock to Collooney project and funding is awaited in Q1 2024.
  • Resurfacing works are programmed to take place on the Inner Relief Road in 2024, with three overlays to be designed and the works will be carried out on site in 2024. Updates in relation to the timescale for these works will issue during the year.
  • Proposals for structural rehabilitation works on the N59 are being examined for a stretch of 2.4km between the townlands of Tullylinn and Fiddaun.
  • The matter of gullies and drainage works will be addressed within the complement of existing staff. All vacancies are being filled, with a number of new recruitments in 2023 which will continue into 2024 until the full staff complement is in place.
  • In relation to the Corhownagh to Lugnaduffa scheme on the N59, this was developed as a minor scheme but has gone over budget and is now termed as a major scheme for which there is no funding available. For this reason, the scheme, while still on the table, has been paused for now.
  • Regarding the maintenance of O’Connell Street, street cleaning will be required for this area going forward with a deep clean to take place twice a year, which is necessary for all public realm areas in Sligo.
  • It is hoped that the regional contract for replacement of the public lighting system with LED energy efficient bulbs will progress in 2024. Meanwhile, approximately 40% of the public lighting system in Sligo have been replaced with LED bulbs as required, through our own maintenance programme.
  • Greenways are being developed through the TII seven stage process with consultation at all phases with groups/individuals.. An agronomist will form part of each project team, who will deal directly with the agricultural sector and any queries/concerns they may have. These levels of consultation that take place during each phase of the project brings the majority of people on board with the project and this is expected to be the case with the proposed greenways.
  • One pedestrian crossing has been proposed for Ballisodare, near Supervalu, which will be progressed through the design stage in 2024, with further consultation to take place as that process evolves in 2024.
  • Government policy does not allow for any new major schemes in the county so in relation to the N15 minor schemes can be developed here in the medium to longer term. Currently, the priority in Sligo in terms of major schemes is the development of the N17 project.

 

DIVISION C – WATER SERVICES:

Acting Director of Services Ms. Concannon outlined the content of Division C in the draft Budget book as set out in pages 58-60.

Ms.Concannon advised that Sligo County Council continues to bear the costs of administration costs for Group Water Schemes and the operation of public conveniences. As mentioned earlier, Uisce Éireann assumed full responsibility for the delivery of water services in Co Sligo on 26th July 2023 and staff must decide by 2026 to move to Uisce Éireann or remain with Sligo County Council.  

In response to a query, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised as follows:

  • All Water Services staff are currently reporting to Uisce Éireann, who will assume full responsibility for all staff who opt to move to Uisce Éireann and Water Services will be an Uisce Éireann function going forward.

 

DIVISION D – DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT:

Ms Clarke, Director of Services, presented an overview of budgetary issues in relation to Programme Group D on pages 61-82 of the Budget Book and Programme Group F on pages 95-102, with a summary of expenditure for Groups D and F found on pages 22 and 24 of the Budget Book.

In relation to Planning, the expenditure for 2024 has been maintained at the same levels as for 2023. The new County Development Plan (CDP) 2024-2030 will be ready for adoption mid 2024 after which work will commence on a Local Area Plan for Sligo & Environs.

Following the adoption of the new E-Planning system in December 2022, which is connected to An Bord Pleanála (ABP), 75% of planning applications are now being made online, which cuts down on a lot of the manual work and bureaucracy.

Ms. Clarke provided an overview of the ongoing works and funding streams in various areas including:

  • The Large Scale Residential Development process
  • The Dereliction and Vacant Homes team in the Planning Enforcement section
  • Tourism Development & Promotion – to include recruitment of a Tourism Officer and the launch of the new Destination Experience Development Plan for Sligo
  • Completion of Festivals & Events Strategy in early 2024 with the official opening of the Queen Maeve Square on the 2024 May Bank Holiday weekend
  • Sligo Tourism and Festival and Events funding – SCC to again take a stand at the Holiday World Exhibition in 2024
  • Live, Invest and Visit
  • Town Centre First Plan.

Ms. Clarke provided an overview relating to funding in the various areas for 2024, which include:

  • The Greenfort Conservation Plan
  • The Heritage and Biodiversity Plans over the next five years
  • Plans for Sligo to become a World Heritage site
  • Burial Grounds
  • Pride of Place
  • Local Enterprise Business Trade Link with Philadelphia
  • Sligo Food Trail
  • Community and Voluntary grants
  • Christmas Lights
  • Enniscrone Waterpoint
  • The Cleveragh Sports Centre
  • The Library Service and Book fund.

The 2024 budget also includes an additional contribution of €50,000 for Sligo Rovers Football Club as a support for the employment of a Community Engagement Officer and in recognition of the club’s work within the community.   

The bulk of funding under F04 is for recreation and amenity development, where match funding for capital projects that support the development of tourism, recreation and amenity facilities is required. The schemes that require match funding include:

  • Tidy Towns
  • Town & Village renewal
  • Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure (ORIS)
  • RRDF projects – including the public realm projects in Tubbercurry and Enniscrone
  • URDF projects – including the Stephen Street/Connaughton Road development
  • Fáilte Ireland capital funding.

Ongoing capital projects under this Division include:

  • The Fáilte Ireland platform for growth
  • Outdoor activity centres for Rosses Point and Enniscrone
  • Queen Maeve Square
  • The Market Yard development in the Aim Centre.

In relation to the Arts Office, a new Arts Plan is being developed. The funding for the Contribution to the Arts Scheme has been maintained at 2023 levels. A contribution of €30,000 has also been allocated for non-arts related community commercial festivals.

In response to queries from the Members, Ms. Clarke advised as follows:

  • Upon completion of the planning process, it is hoped to start delivering on the outdoor activity centre in Enniscrone.
  • In relation to drawdown of funding under the Leader Programme, the Local Development Strategy has been approved for Sligo and the Leader company is working with various groups in relation to future applications to the fund and it is hoped that funds can be drawn down from January 2024 once approved by the DRCD.
  • Funding for Christmas lights in towns in the county can be re-examined in next year’s budget and Ms. Clarke acknowledged the work and investment of community groups into the erection of Christmas lights in towns throughout the county.
  • It is hoped to finalise the Festivals & Events Strategy in 2024 with the team having already liaised with some groups to date.
  • In relation to the Sligo Music Chamber Festival, it is hoped to bring this matter to the next SPC meeting for discussion and progression.
  • Additional funding for community and voluntary grants can be examined for future budgets, taking into account the rising cost of inflation.
  • In relation to the provision of €75,000 in funding in 2024 to support the new National Surf Centre in Strandhill, M. Clarke advised that for the first three years of operation, Sligo County Council will be working with the Board and Fáilte Ireland to ensure the company becomes a viable operation, following which they will be able to apply for funding in their own right.
  • The portal for community and voluntary grants is currently being prepared and it is hoped to have it finalised in early 2024. There will be no increase in the value of the grants, and it is not foreseen that any investment will be required for the rollout of the portal.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon advised the Members  the matter of the insurance for community and voluntary groups,  is being discussed at a national level with IPB, who are looking at changes to their delivery model to take this into consideration.

On the reduction from €707,500 to €400,000 in the area of Urban & Village renewal, Mr. Lydon advised that this does not represent a reduction in funding in this area but relates to the additional one-off allocation of €300,000 for local roads in 2024. Due to delays in the delivery of URDF projects related to the public spending code, the funding for 2023 is being ringfenced and the only way to present this was through the Budget Book process.

The Members commended the Director of Services and all staff involved in the preparation of the budget for their work in the large number of ongoing and planned projects in the County, and in sourcing funds from the various funding streams which hugely benefits the county as a whole.

 

DIVISION E – ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:

Ms. Concannon, Acting Director of Services, set out the information under the various headings in pages 84-93 of the Budget Book.

A new National Waste Management Plan will be coming into effect in early 2024 to encourage Ireland to move towards a circular economy to reduce, reuse and minimise waste generation. Sligo County Council remains part of a regional set up regarding waste management planning, with Mayo County Council being the lead authority. Sligo contributes annually to the management of that office. Costs associated with the new Plan have increased our contribution, on a once off basis, by approximately 20%.

The cost of dealing  household hazardous waste,  is proving very expensive. We hope to be successful with funding under the Anti-Dumping Initiative and hope to purchase more solar powered bins from that initiative.

The Acting Director of Services outlined the services in place locally and nationally in the area of environmental awareness. The new Environmental Awareness Officer is expected to be in place in January 2024.

A contract has been signed to remediate and restore the old landfill at Finisklin which will include the provision of a walkway on the site and will open up views of the Estuary including a viewing area. It is expected that this project will be completed in 2024.

In relation to burial grounds, a plan will be prepared in 2024 to prioritise the extension and replacement of burial grounds in the county, which will examine the option of providing a columbarian wall in cemeteries where it is deemed appropriate.

In relation to the area of water quality, it is expected that the third cycle of the River Basin Management Plan will be published in early 2024, which will set out the necessary measures to protect and improve the quality of our waters over a 6-year period.

A key priority in 2024 will be Climate Action and Energy Efficiency, with the Draft Climate Action Plan currently on public display, to be formally adopted by the statutory deadline in February 2024. Sligo County Council has a statutory obligation to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 51%, and improve energy efficiency by 50% by 2030, in line with national policy.

In relation to the Fire Service, the implementation of the WRC agreement which will involve new recruitment, new pay and conditions for t Fire Fighters will result in an increase of approximately 35% in the overall expenditure for the Fire Service.

In response to queries from the Members, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised as follows:

  • Under the Capital Programme, it is hoped to advance the design of the access to the second beach at Rosses Point in 2024. The Council did tender for consultants but only one tender was received and as it was not cost effective to move forward with it, the Council will advance these works on a phased basis in 2024 under the Capital Programme.
  • There is no increase in the budget for maintenance of burial grounds in the 2024 budget. The Executive acknowledges the maintenance works carried out by volunteers and community groups throughout the year.
  • The cost of the recent WRC agreement included for additional Fire Service staff, is being borne by the Department. The process of advertising for recruitment of new fire fighters will commence shortly.

 

DIVISION F – RECREATION AND AMENITY:

Under the content in Division F in the Budget Book – Recreation and Amenity, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, stated that the Council are exploring different avenues for funding to continue to improve our parks and recreation areas and outlined some new recreational infrastructural projects being worked on including provision of a skate park. There will be a focus on grass cutting activities and maintenance of green areas in local authority estates.  

 

DIVISION G – AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE:

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, outlined the content of Division G in the draft Budget book as set out in pages 104-106. In relation to rehabilitation works for Piers and Harbours in the County, it is expected that Department funding will revert to 85% for 2024, with applications for same to be made in Q1 2024.  

Ms. Concannon outlined the content of Division G in the areas of Coastal Protection, Veterinary Services and Animal Welfare.

 

DIVISION H – MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES:

As detailed in Programme Group H, under Casual Trading, Ms. Concannon advised that Sligo County Council is currently revising the Casual Trading Bye Laws to provide for some seasonal bays in Mullaghmore.

Acting Director of Services, Mr Moran, outlined the content of Division H in the draft Budget book as set out in pages 108-115 which primarily covers the cost of Corporate activities including:

  • Administration of the various statutory meetings of the Council
  • Costs associated with providing administrative services
  • Register of Electors
  • Freedom of Information
  • Corporate Publications.

An additional resource within Corporate is the recent appointment of Ms. Edel Mhic Amhlaide as Irish Language and Communications Officer. One of Ms. Mhic Amhlaidh’s main responsibilities is to ensure that the Council is compliant with its obligations under the Official Languages Act and to promote the Irish language within the Council and the wider community.

With Local Elections scheduled for June 2024, a provision of €130,000 has been included in the budget to cover the cost.  The Members will be aware that the register of electors now operates on a rolling basis to allow for updates year round, which has been widely promoted in the various public forums.

Mr. Moran provided an overview of the activities of the following groups as detailed in the Budget Book:

  • The Joint Policing Committee
  • Ukraine Response team and Ukraine Response Forum
  • Information Systems
  • Land Assets and Facilities Management, including works on the Governor’s House building and works on the New Master Plan at Sligo Harbour Moran outlined details of a new area of activity, whereby the role of authorities is expanding into the area of supporting the integration into our communities of not just Ukrainian refugees but also International Protection Applicants which is a change to the current model of integration that is in place for the Irish Refugee Programme. A new Integration team is to be put in place in this Council under this remit.  

In relation to capital projects, under Call 2 of the URDF, funding of €47.8m has been allocated for a series of Public Realm projects to regenerate and rejuvenate the city centre of Sligo, which includes two elements:

Implementation of the Sligo Public Realm Plan to be implemented on a phased basis in the town over the coming years

The City Campus, Sligo Cultural and Learning Hub project which will incorporate a new Library for Sligo & Environs together with innovation, enterprise and office developments and residential accommodation and enhanced Public Realm.

The Members thanked Mr. Moran and staff for their support to the Elected Members and the Cathaoirleach, and for their work in the various areas of Corporate activities as detailed by Mr. Moran.  The Members welcomed allocated funding which allows the progression of the various projects and initiatives.

Mr. Moran, in response to queries from the Members, advised as follows:

  • A briefing can be organised in relation to the new electoral register system and the Members will be updated in relation to this.
  • The responsibility for housing international protection applicants rests with the Department of Integration with local authorities involved with their integration into communities.
  • In relation to the Joint Policing Committee, the new local community safety partnership forum will be a broad representation from local community groups and business and state agencies and will also consist of possibly up to eight Members. Whilst this will be a reduction on the current number of Members sitting on the JPC, there will still be a significant role for the Elected Members on the forum.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, by way of clarification on the international protection situation, stated that the accommodation of international protection and Ukrainian protection applicants does not impact on the social housing list and it is not until people have attained the status of ‘right to remain’ that they can apply for social housing supports. The new Integration Team and Integration Officer posts that are being advertised for Sligo County Council is a model that is being rolled out across the county. The role of the Integration Teams will be to primarily work with agencies as opposed to service users, in order to ensure that there will be an integrated response to the international situation.  

 

VOTING ON RESOLUTIONS:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that he would now take each resolution in the order they had been received, together with statutory resolutions.

 

PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO ASSIST IN ADDRESSING THE MANY CHALLENGES THE COUNTY FACES:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting the legacy of underinvestment in Sligo and the Northern and Western Region and the significant level of debt which the Council has; we call on the government to provide an additional financial allocation to this Council to assist us in addressing the many challenges the county faces.”

 

ADOPTION OF BUDGET FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2024:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2024 as submitted by the Chief Executive Officer, as set out in Tables A, B & C of the said Budget.”

Councillors. Healy and Gibbons requested to be recorded as abstaining. Councillor O’Boyle requested to recorded as voting against this motion.

 

RATEABLE VALUATION MULTIPLIER:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with Section 3 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019, as adopted at this meeting, the annual rate on valuation to be levied for the purposes specified in such budgets as set out in Tables A and C for the financial year 2024. The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €.2415.”

Councillors. Healy and Gibbons requested to be recorded as abstaining.

 

ABATEMENT OF RATES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council makes a scheme for the abatement of rates due to it by liable persons, or classes of liable persons, in respect of vacant properties in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019, as amended.

Such a scheme in respect of vacant property will provide for an abatement of rates due to Sligo County Council by a liable person for the financial year ending 31st December 2024 as set out in the Table below.”

Table

 

CONTINUATION OF THE 2023 RATES INCENTIVE SCHEME FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 31ST OF DECEMBER 2024:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council continue the operation of the 2023 Rates Incentive Scheme for the financial year 31st of December 2024.”

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Chief Executive’s report on the proposed three-year Capital Programme 2024 – 2026 (pages 116 – 119 Budget Book).”

 

ALLOWANCE FOR CATHAOIRLEACH:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €20,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2024.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LEAS CATHAOIRLEACH:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Leas Cathaoirleach be fixed at €4,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2024.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

ALLOWANCE FOR MAYOR OF SLIGO BOROUGH MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Mayor of the Sligo Borough Municipal District be fixed at €12,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2024.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Mayor within the Municipal District.”

 

ALLOWANCE FOR CATHAOIRLEACH OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY M.D.; SLIGO DRUMCLIFF M.D. AND CHAIRPERSON OF EACH STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach of the Tubbercurry-Ballymote Municipal District and the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District and the Chairperson of each Strategic Policy Committee be fixed at €6,000 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2024.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred.”

Following a brief discussion, the following two resolutions, as proposed by Councillor Joe Queenan and seconded by Councillor Michael Clarke, were referred to the next meeting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District:

“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Department of Education to release Culleens National School back to Muredach’s Trust so it can be brought into use for the local people and the county.”

“To call on Sligo County Council to seek funding under RRDF fund to progress the development for demolition of existing pavilion and construction of new development on same site and upgrade of Cliff Bath House in 2024.”

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation at the meeting. The business of the meeting concluded at 1.00 p.m.


Meeting Date 27/11/2023