Minutes 2024
Minutes of January Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 15th January 2024 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Baker,
- Councillor Bree,
- Councillor Casserly,
- Councillor Clarke,
- Councillor Connolly,
- Councillor Fox,
- Councillor Gibbons,
- Councillor Gilroy,
- Councillor Healy,
- Councillor MacSharry(R),
- Councillor Maguire(R),
- Councillor Mullaney,
- Councillor Mulvey,
- Councillor O’Boyle,
- Councillor O’Grady,
- Councillor Queenan,
- Councillor Taylor and
- Councillor 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. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
- Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services
- Mr. Jimmy O’Brien, Head of Information Systems
- Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, Senior Executive Architect
- Mr. Aidan McCormack, Tourism Officer
- Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
- Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
- Ms. Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, presided.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting and extended Happy New Year wishes to all present.
At the outset of the meeting, it was:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To postpone the meeting for fifteen minutes as a mark of respect on the passing of Mrs. Kathleen Baker, mother of Councillor Martin Baker.”
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mullaney and the Members expressed their deepest condolences to Councillor Baker and to the extended Baker family on the passing of Councillor Baker’s mother, Kathleen, adding that their thoughts are with Councillor Baker and his family at this difficult time. The Cathaoirleach remembered Kathleen Baker as an extraordinary person whom he had the pleasure of knowing for many years. Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, on behalf of the Executive and staff of Sligo County Council wished to extend his sympathies to Councillor Baker and to the extended family on the passing of Councillor Baker’s mother, Kathleen.
The meeting was then adjourned, to resume at 10.20am.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF TWINNING COMMITTEE HELD ON 10TH JUNE 2022:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To note minutes of Meeting of Twinning Committee held on 10th June 2022.”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 16TH OCTOBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of the Audit Committee held on 16th October 2023.”
3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC 1 GROUP (HOUSING & CORPORATE) HELD ON 31ST OCTOBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of SPC 1 Group (Housing & Corporate) held on 31st October 2023.”
4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPC 2 GROUP (ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE) HELD ON 12TH SEPTEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of SPC 2 Group (Environment & Infrastructure) held on 12th September 2023.
5. MINUTES OF MEETING OF Sligo County Council 2024 BUDGET MEETING HELD ON 27TH NOVEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Sligo County Council 2024 Budget Meeting held on 27th November 2023.”
6. MINUTES OF MEETING OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 4TH DECEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th December 2023.
7. PRESENTATION ON ONLINE PAYMENTS:
Head of Information Systems, Mr. O’Brien, updated the Members on the government’s Connecting Government 2030 digital strategy for the public service, which aims to provide 90% of public services with an online option by 2030. The My CoCo.ie website is a secure platform for digital solutions for local authorities for public, staff and elected members. The new payments system will have the facility to make payments under eight categories, namely:
- Housing loans
- Traffic Fines
- Commercial rates
- Fire Charges,
- Business Improvement District (BID) contributions
- Housing Rents
- Motor Tax
- Dog Licences.
A publicity campaign will commence in the coming weeks to raise awareness of the new online payments system. A mobile app will also be available for customers from Q4 2024.
Further digital solutions for customers, councillors and staff are also being explored, including the option to make payments through QR codes and integration with banking apps, where payments can be made without the use of a credit/debit card, resulting in less cost to the customer and more efficiency for the local authority.
The Members thanked Mr. O’Brien for the presentation and for the work being done by the IT department on the new online payments facility. In response to a query from Councillor Gilroy, Mr. O’Brien confirmed that the paper-based payments system will continue to be in place in addition to the digital system now being rolled out.
8. DISPOSAL OF DEMOUNTABLE DWELLING AT BELLAFARNEY, CULLEENS, CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of demountable dwelling at Bellafarney, Culleens, Co. Sligo to Seamus Murray.
9. HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT CULLAGH MORE TOWNLAND, CARNEY, CO SLIGO:
“To note, pursuant to the requirements of S179A (2) of the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022, whereby:
The chief executive of the local authority shall inform the members of the local authority in relation to the development and shall provide documents, particulars or plans relevant to the development to the members.
Notice is hereby given that Sligo County Council proposes to carry out a housing development at Cullagh More Townland, Carney, Co. Sligo.”
This item was noted by the Members.
10. HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT CAMROSS AND CARROWNANTY TOWNLANDS, BALLYMOTE, CO SLIGO:
“To note, pursuant to the requirements of S179A (2) of the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022, whereby:
The chief executive of the local authority shall inform the members of the local authority in relation to the development and shall provide documents, particulars or plans relevant to the development to the members.
Notice is hereby given that Sligo County Council proposes to carry out a housing development at Camross and Carrownanty Townlands, Ballymote, Co. Sligo.”
This item was noted by the Members, who welcomed this new development for the local area.
In response to queries from the Members, Senior Executive Architect, Ms. O’Callaghan, advised the Members that this development will be the Council’s first ‘design and build’ contract for which a new framework is being used. The project will go to tender in April 2024, and it is hoped to have contractors on site by November 2024. Following a discussion by the Members, Ms. O’Callaghan advised as follows:
There is currently a very high demand for 1 bed units in the county, with universal designs being built into the units to address possible issues being faced by residents including mobility issues etc.
The ‘design and build’ concept is a new initiative from the Department which aims to diversify and accelerate how housing is delivered and to promote modern methods of housing.
Regarding contractors’ submissions, submissions received have been designed up to the planning stage, which include an overview of the types and numbers of units etc. A detailed specification will then be set out for the drawings which will be put out to tender to contractors, who can then devise their own systems for the units, with the aim of accelerating delivery of the units to a high quality. When tender assessments are received the Council will look at pricings, timescales, suitable systems etc in relation to delivery of projects. This method of design and build for Sligo and the north-west region is being modelled on the system used by Wicklow County Council, who are considered to be leaders in terms of delivery of such projects. The framework being built up by Sligo will serve the north-west counties including Donegal, Leitrim and Roscommon and it is hoped that builders and construction companies will have the opportunity to participate and explore modern methods of construction.
Regarding unsuccessful tenders and the time spent by contractors on same, Ms. O’Callaghan advised that the local authority is tied into complex procurement processes and undertakes a rigorous scrutiny of all submissions received.
In relation to the price differential between 1 and 2 bed units, Ms. O’Callaghan stated that there is a cost differential between 1 and 2 bed units and there is also a space element to be considered to ensure that a sufficient number of 1 bed units are provided.
11. QUARTERLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR Q4 2023:
“To note the Quarterly Management Report for Q4 2023.”
This item was noted by the Members.
Councillor Gilroy, welcoming the more detailed Q4 2023 Quarterly Management Report circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting, requested that, going forward, further improvements and more detailed information be included in the Quarterly Management Reports for the information of the Members.
12. UPDATE FROM MINISTER FOR HOUSING ON THE DEFECTIVE BLOCK SCHEME:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Clarke, was deferred until the February Ordinary meeting.
13. INCLUSION OF SLIGO IN THE NEW COUNSELLING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To ask for Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Education to ask that Sligo be included in the new Counselling in Primary Schools Programme as soon as possible.”
14. REPORT ON VALID APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM COUNCIL TENANTS FOR HOUSING ADAPTATION WORKS IN 2021, 2022 AND 2023:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a report be provided indicating the number of valid applications received from Council tenants for housing adaptation works in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the estimated cost of the works involved, the number of those cases in each year where the adaptation works have been completed, the number of cases where work has yet to commence, and the funding allocation provided to the Council by the Department in 2021, 2022 and 2023.”
A report circulated in advance of the meeting provided details as requested in the motion.
15. PROGRESS REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON PLANS TO RELOCATE THE FIRE STATION TO THE NEW SITE AT CALTRAGH:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To seek a progress report from the Department of Housing and local government on the plan for relocating the fire station to the new site at Caltragh.”
In response to a query from Councillor Casserly, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that a letter had issued to the Department of Housing & Local Government when this proposal was first put forward, but a response has not been received to date. A further letter will issue to the Office of Public Works, for an update in relation to the new Garda station proposed for Caltragh. It would be preferable to have these two processes proceeding side by side, if possible, Mr. Lydon concluded.
16. ACCESS FOR GUIDE DOGS/ASSISTANCE DOGS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That this Council supports the call from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to highlight that access and participation are huge issue that cause humiliation and upset, not just for the Guide Dog or Assistance Dog owner. This not only effects the person with the dog; it also effects their family or friends who accompany them. This can be particularly distressing for a child with autism who is being supported by an assistance dog. Many people may not be aware that 83% of Guide dog and assistance dog owners have been denied access to businesses and amenities in the last 12 months.”
17. FUNDING FOR WOMEN’S SHEDS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the minister for Rural and Community to explain why she didn't announce €1 million funding for Women's Sheds to match the announcement and funding made for Men's Sheds for 2024". Anything less than equal funding for Men and Women's Sheds this is nothing short of discriminatory. Why are the women of Ireland not on a parity with their male counterparts? And why, oh why are women of Ireland still fighting for equality in this day and age??”
In a report previously circulated, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke informed Members that, of the €6m in capital funding announced on 6th December 2023 under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024, €1 million has been ring-fenced for Women’s Groups. Building on the commitment by DRCD to support Women's Sheds and other women’s groups with a similar ethos, LCDCs are asked to identify Women's Sheds, Groups and Networks in their areas, and to use this ringfenced funding to provide support and assistance to these Groups and Networks. The specific allocation to Sligo LCDC for Women’s Groups is €23,665.44. The grants will be used to support the ethos of women’s sheds and other such groups or projects aimed at providing social networks for women.
In response to a query from Councillor Healy, asking if the Council could provide properties for women’s sheds, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that it would not be feasible for the Council to provide buildings for use as women’s sheds. The Council may, however, be able to assist community groups with the setting up of women’s sheds and opportunities may arise where suitable community facilities could be utilised.
Following further discussion, an amendment was proposed to the motion, and it was:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the minister for Rural and Community to explain why she didn't announce €1 million funding for Women's Sheds to match the announcement and funding made for Men's Sheds for 2024". Anything less than equal funding for Men and Women's Sheds this is nothing short of discriminatory. Why are the women of Ireland not on a parity with their male counterparts? And why, oh why are women of Ireland still fighting for equality in this day and age??
And to call on the Minister to expend the criteria of the capital funding for applying, to include equipment, training and other costs such as rents, insurance and electricity.
18. UPDATE FROM MINISTER ON NEW REGIONAL VET LABORATORY IN SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture for an update on the commitment to build the new regional vet laboratory in Sligo, this is a very important facility for the farming community in this region.”
Following a discussion on this motion, an amendment was proposed to the motion, and it was:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture for an update on the commitment to build the new regional vet laboratory in Sligo, this is a very important facility for the farming community in this region.
And that the Minister write to Irish Water and ask that they provide the necessary services at the site at Dunally veterinary laboratory in Sligo.”
19. ADDITIONAL BUS SERVICES FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT TO SLIGO AT NIGHT:
Councillor Healy requested that the wording for this motion be amended as follows, and it was:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Transport and Bus Éireann to add additional bus services from Dublin Airport to Sligo after 11.15 pm at night for the people in this region as planes continue to come into Dublin airport right through the night.
It was further agreed to circulate this motion to all local authorities.
20. PROVISION OF COLUMBARIUM IN CEMETERIES THROUGHOUT COUNTY:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to investigate the possibility of providing a Columbarium in as many cemeteries as possibly as cremation is grows in popularity.”
In a report circulated, Members were advised that the capacity of burial grounds is an issue in many locations throughout the County. A plan will be developed in 2024 which will prioritise the extension/replacement of burial grounds and examine the option of providing a Columbarium Wall in cemeteries, where deemed appropriate.
It was agreed that a columbarium should be provided in all cemeteries to facilitate family members being laid to rest in their local areas.
21. DRAFT BYE-LAWS TO CONTROL USE OF JET SKIS AND POWER BOATS ON LOUGH GILL AND THE GARAVOGUE RIVER:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To ask when it is expected that the Draft Bye-Laws to control the use of jet ski’s and fast power boats on Lough Gill and the Garavogue River, will be presented to the Council for consideration.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised in a report that this issue is an agenda item for discussion at the next SPC 2 meeting in March 2024. An update will be provided to Members thereafter.
Councillor Bree, noting that the Draft Bye-Laws will be brought to the next meeting of the SPC 2 Group, requested that the Draft subsequently be brought before the full Council at the earliest possible opportunity to enable it to go to public consultation.
22. FLOODING ISSUES IN CEMETERIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council ensure that all Cemeteries in the County with flooding problem issues be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
A report advised that a review of burial grounds is being undertaken in 2024 and any issues relating to flooding will be examined at that stage.
23. GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR CANCER PATIENTS TO HEAT THEIR HOMES:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister of Health requesting that funding is available if needed to ensure that patients with a Cancer diagnosis receiving ongoing treatment have adequate funding to heat their homes.”
24. DATE FOR PROPOSED REFERENDUM ENSHRINING PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF WATER IN THE CONSTITUTION:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Noting that the Government has announced two referendums on proposals to remove the reference in the Constitution to the role of women in the home, and an expansion of the concept of the family, this Council expresses its disappointment that a date has not yet been announced for the proposed referendum enshrining public ownership of water in the Constitution.”
25. CONCERN AROUND LACK OF SPACE AT THE CURRENT GARDA STATION IN SLIGO TOWN / CLARIFICATION ON PROVISION OF ARMED SUPPORT UNIT IN CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That this council write to the Garda Commissioner and the Head of Administrative Services in An Garda Síochána expressing our concern at the lack of lab space, parking, office space, and cell space at the current unfit for purpose Garda Station in Sligo Town and that a report be provided to this council on the same. Furthermore, if the Garda Commissioner can clarify to this Council, that the reason there is no assigned Armed Support Unit based in County Sligo is because there is a lack of available required space for the unit to operate from.
That this motion be forwarded to all 4 Oireachtas members in SLWC.”
Councillor Walsh requested that his colleagues on the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) would table a motion to the JPC group requesting an update on a report that was to be carried out on the feasibility and value for money study commissioned internally by An Garda Siochana approximately 18 months ago, and that the report, if completed, be made available to the Members.
26. UPDATE ON SOFT SPEED ENFORCEMENT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That Members be provided with an update on Soft Speed enforcement - NOM 39. November 2020 passed by this council. “
Members were advised by Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, in a report previously circulated, that Local Authorities are governed by a legislative framework in relation to road signs and lining, including the use of traffic signals. Any proposed changes to the use or employment of a traffic light system may require a review of current roads legislation. Additionally, the Department of Transport (DOT) the National Transport Agency (NTA) and Transport infrastructure Ireland (TII) have together published a significant suite of guidance and policy on the approach to traffic calming and speed reduction, which must be adhered to. The Roads Department will discuss this proposal with these Agencies, who would lead out on any potential pilot scheme.
Following a discussion, Ms. Concannon re-iterated, as per the report circulated, that the Roads department will discuss this proposal with the relevant agencies who would lead out on any pilot scheme and will revert to the Members with an update.
27. EXTENDED CAR PARKING IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council put in place a method of legally parking for exceptional circumstances for more than two hours. An example of how this could be done would be to sell an extra time card/ticket to certain businesses that could then give these to their clients when making their appointment.”
A report circulated to the Members outlined the eight locations within Sligo Borough where all day parking can be facilitated.
Following a discussion, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that caution must be exercised in relation to what may qualify as an exceptional circumstance, and who would be eligible to be placed on such a list, if drawn up. Such a procedure would also entail extra administration and costs for car parking services. For bona fide cases that may require extended parking periods, such as medical emergencies etc, it would be hoped that common sense would prevail and that such circumstances could be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
In response to a query from Councillor Gilroy, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised that it is not possible to top up parking in a zone designated for a maximum of two-hourly parking. This is to enable car parking spaces within the town centre to be used frequently and not have car parking spaces taken up for lengthy amounts of time. In addition, Ms. Concannon concluded, in the new proposed parking bye-laws which will be going before the MD at the end of this month, there are 66 disabled bays proposed within Sligo Borough.
28. ACCESS TO CONNAUGHTON ROAD AND LAKE ISLE ROAD BY MOTORISTS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“That Sligo County Council report to members to clearly identify if:
- motorists entering Connaughton Road from the northern side can cross the solid white line and turn right into Holborn Street and
- motorists entering Connaughton Road from the Southern side can cross the solid white line and turn right into Holborn Hill
And to further confirm if:
- motorists entering Lake Isle Road from Connaughton Road from the Western side can cross the solid white line into the right-hand lane.
- motorists entering Lake Isle Road from Connaughton Road from the Eastern side can cross the solid white line into the left-hand lane. “
Members were advised in a report that a continuous white line along the centreline of a roadway generally signifies to motorists that crossing of the centre line is prohibited. For both Connaughton Road and Lake Isle Road, crossing of the centre line is only legally permitted wherever it is broken.
29. CLARIFICATION BY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ON SELECTION OF AREAS FOR THE SEPTIC TANK AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT UPGRADE GRANT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask that this Council write to the Department of Housing to clarify how the areas selected for the septic tank and wastewater treatment upgrade grant has been selected and whether there are any proposals to extend the eligible areas to other parts of the county.”
During a discussion, it was agreed by the Members that this grant should be made available in all areas of the county. Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, in response to a query, advised that septic tanks no longer need to be registered for the grant to be availed of.
30. UPDATE ON EVACUATION AND EXHUMATION AT TUAM MOTHER AND BABY HOMES:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council writes to Minister Roderic O’Gorman asking for an update of when excavation and exhumation works will take place in the Tuam mother and baby homes.”
The Members commended Councillor O’Boyle for keeping this extremely important issue on the agenda and following a discussion, an amendment was proposed to the motion, and it was:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council writes to Minister Roderic O’Gorman asking for an update of when excavation and exhumation works will take place in the tuam mother and baby homes. We also ask for a deputation to meet with the Minister.”
31. BREAKDOWN OF EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To ask for a breakdown of emergency accommodation services available to Sligo County Council.”
A report previously circulated advised the Members of the breakdown of emergency accommodation services available to Sligo County Council.
In response to queries, Members were advised as follows:
In relation to occupancy of the ten additional beds in Sligo town provided under the 2023 Cold Weather Strategy which are only available until the end of March 2024, this matter will be kept under continual review. The aim is to move people into long term accommodation as soon as possible but additional short-term accommodation will be sought if the need arises. In addition, the Council is currently liaising with Túsla in relation to the provision of a women’s refuge in Sligo town, which may consist of up to ten family units.
On the matter of provision for people/families who may present to the Council having vacated properties following a Court Order, B & B or hotel accommodation may have to be sought in the short term until suitable longer-term accommodation can be sourced. If a number of such cases arises, this will present a challenge for the Council.
It is hoped to progress some modular housing and rapid build schemes at various locations in the county in 2024, with an aim for completion in 2025. It is hoped to bring this to a future plenary meeting of the Council where more detail will be provided. The three-month turnaround period for provision of modular housing units is from starting work on the ground to completion. Planning and design works will require extra time.
On presentation to the emergency accommodation hostels in Sligo town, clients will be assessed as they present and if deemed to be homeless, and if a bed is available, they will be provided with emergency accommodation.
32. CALL FOR GOVERNMENT TO INITIATE/JOIN PROCEEDINGS INITIATED BY SOUTH AFRICA AT THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Noting that South Africa's application to the International Court of Justice presents a rigorous legal argument that Israel has consistently and flagrantly breached international law and specifically the Genocide Convention by its actions over the last number of months, and further noting that as a State party to the Convention, Ireland has an obligation to ensure it is being upheld, this Council calls on the Government to initiate proceedings or join in the proceedings initiated by South Africa at the Court.”
33. CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO EASE BURDEN OF CHILDCARE COSTS FOR PARENTS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this local authority Calls on the government to do more and act to ease the burden on parents with childcare costs”.
34. APPLICATIONS FOR WARMER HOMES AND ENERGY RETROFITTING SCHEMES – PRIORITISATION OF THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Energy Ireland to prioritise the elderly and people with disabilities when they are applying for warmer home’s scheme and energy retrofitting of their homes. A copy of this motion to be sent to every local authority within the State”.
35. INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION IN RELATION TO USE OF BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND ELECTRIC SCOOTERS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Government to take a serious stance and introduce effective laws to prosecute those who wilfully break the law on bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters. A copy of this motion to be sent to every local authority within the State”.
36. UPDATE ON QUEEN MAEVE SQUARE / PLAN FOR MAY BANK HOLIDAY FESTIVAL IN SLIGO TOWN:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on Queen Maeve Square and advise on what plan is being put in place for the €100,000 festival on the May Bank Holiday in Sligo town”.
Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised in a report that works on the construction of QMS are anticipated to be completed in early March 2024 and the Square will be available for use for the St Patrick’s Day Festival in March. A programme of activities is being planned for the May Bank Holiday weekend where, subject to the availability of the relevant Ministers, the official opening of the Square will also take place. The programme will aim to have a wide appeal to all ages and plans to showcase the facilities offered by the new civic space. It will provide an opportunity to celebrate a variety of Sligo music genres with food, family fun and cultural and outdoor events also taking place, over the Bank holiday weekend.
Following a discussion, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke confirmed as follows:
The Council will endeavour to incorporate a celebration of all things Sligo into the event and showcase what Sligo has to offer at the event.
Work on the May Bank Holiday weekend festival, to run from 3rd – 5th May 2024 has been progressing since before Christmas. Once a draft programme is in place, it will be circulated to the Members for their consideration.
While Fáilte Ireland will be largely funding the St. Patrick’s Day festival in QMS, the May Bank Holiday event will be funded by the Council. There will need to be a charge for the use of the facilities in the Square in order that money can be invested back into the Square to cover maintenance and cleaning of the area and to make sure it is kept at a very high standard. Ms. Clarke confirmed that the Festival & Events Steering Committee is to be established in the life of the new Council.
The Members welcomed the new Tourism Officer, Mr. Aidan McCormack to the meeting, adding that this and the recently appointed Festival & Events Manager post are two key posts for the county going forward.
37. SLIGO CITY TO ATU SLIGO AND CARRAROE TO SLIGO ACTIVE TRAVEL PROJECTS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the Sligo City to ATU Sligo and Carraroe to Sligo Active Travel Project”.
A report circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting provided an update on the Sligo City to ATU and Carraroe to City Centre Active Travel projects, with the Statutory Process for both to be completed by the end of 2024.
Councillor Walsh requested the Acting Director of Services to examine the pedestrian crossing in Carraroe as part of the Active Travel project with a view to addressing the issues at the pedestrian crossing.
38. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of Sympathy were recorded.
Councillor O’Grady proposed a vote of sympathy to Ms. Marie Whelan (nee Leydon) and to the extended Leydon family on the recent passing of Marie’s mother, Maura Leydon. The vote of sympathy was seconded by Councillor Gilroy, who remembered Maura as a lovely woman. The Members wished to be associated with the vote of sympathy.
Councillor Taylor wished to offer his deepest sympathies to Jude Mannion, City Hall and to the extended Mannion family on the recent passing of Jude’s brother, Declan. The Members wished to be associated with this vote of sympathy.
Councillor Gibbons requested that, on the passing of a former member of staff, or of an immediate relative of a staff member, a letter of sympathy would automatically issue from this Council from the next Council meeting, to be signed by the Cathaoirleach. This was agreed.
Councillor Baker thanked his colleagues on the Council for the adjournment of today’s meeting for 15 minutes as a mark of respect on the passing of his mother, Kathleen Baker. Councillor Baker wished to acknowledge and thank all Members and staff, past and present, for their attendance at the funeral and for their support at this difficult time.
39. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Laura Gethins, Doonmurray, Ballygawley, Co Sligo on being awarded Salesperson of the year by ALFAPARF Milano Professional “
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Ryan O’Sullivan, Rinroe, Grange, Co Sligo on his achievement of being the youngest Irish person to complete the 7 summits Challenge. This is a fantastic achievement for Ryan, and we extend our congratulations to him and his family.”
40. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To approve the Conferences/Training events list as circulated.”
41. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:
It was agreed to note the items under this heading.
42. CORRESPONDENCE:
The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.
43. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
No matter was raised under this heading.
44. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mullaney, reminded Members to complete the 2023 Reporting of Political Donations statements and submit them to the Corporate Services department by 26th January next.
Councillor Mullaney requested that as many Members as possible remain in the Chamber for the Uisce Éireann workshop, due to take place immediately after the meeting.
END OF MEETING:
The business of the Meeting concluded at 2.00 p.m.
Meeting Date 15/01/2024