Minutes 2024

Minutes of February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 12th February 2024 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker
  • Councillor Bree
  • Councillor Casserly
  • Councillor Clarke
  • Councillor Connolly
  • Councillor Gibbons
  • Councillor Gilroy
  • Councillor MacSharry
  • Councillor Mullaney
  • Councillor Mulvey
  • Councillor O’Boyle
  • Councillor O’Grady
  • Councillor Queenan
  • Councillor Taylor
  • Councillor Walsh.

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
  • Mr. Pete Murtagh, Energy Efficiency & Climate Action Officer
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
  • Mr. Francis Conboy, IS Technical Support Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, presided.

 

OTHER:

Mr. Denis Kelly, Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA).

Mr. Brendan Mooney, Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA).

Mr. John Daly, Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA).

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillors Fox, Healy and Maguire.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

At the outset of the meeting, it was:

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

AND AGREED

“To postpone the meeting for fifteen minutes as a mark of respect on the passing of former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton”

The Members paid tribute to Mr. Bruton and his tireless work as a contributor to the Northern Ireland peace process through the launch of the Anglo Irish Framework.  Mr. Bruton was remembered as a man of great faith who was honest, decent, committed and courageous, defined by love of family, country and politics.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, on behalf of the Executive and staff of Sligo County Council wished to extend his sympathies to the Bruton family on the passing of former Taoiseach, Mr. Bruton.

The meeting was then adjourned, to resume at 10.22am.

With the agreement of the Members, the Cathaoirleach agreed to take Item 13 on the agenda at this point in the meeting.

 

13.  PRESENTATION BY THE NORTHERN & WESTERN REGIONAL ASSEMBLY:

“Presentation by the Northern & Western Regional Assembly.”

Mr. Denis Kelly, Mr. Brendan Mooney and Mr. John Daly from the Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) presented the Members with an overview of the work of the NWRA, together with its functional and EU responsibilities. A copy of the presentation was circulated to the Members following the meeting.

Members thanked the NWRA representatives for their informative presentation and continued support and engagement with Members on issued raised. Following points and concerns were raised, with Members advised as follows:

The growing disparity in regional funding has been acknowledged by the Taoiseach and is being raised repeatedly by the NWRA at central government and EU level as this region ranks 218th out of 234 designated regions for infrastructure. The National Planning Framework (NPF) which is currently being reviewed, will present a window of opportunity for the NWRA to raise the issue of the funding gap, particularly around capital projects such as the N17, the N15 and the Western Rail Corridor. Opportunities for the region, and for the country are being missed due to lack of funding. Elected Members were also urged to raise this matter with their Oireachtas Members.  Regional autonomy is vitally important and is one of the main issues raised in a recent report by the OECD.

In relation to co-financing of URDF and RRDF projects by local authorities, the NWRA would like to see this requirement reduced or removed as it is ultimately undermining the delivery of key projects for the region, despite the fact that they are badly needed.  The meeting was informed that details of the presentation had not issued to Minister Ryan. However, correspondence has issued to his office in relation to positive discrimination and a response is awaited on this.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF SLIGO BOROUGH DISTRICT HELD ON (A) 17TH JULY 2023, (B) 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023, AND (C) 20TH NOVEMBER 2023:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Meetings of Sligo Borough District held on (a) 17th July 2023, (b) 18th September 2023, and (c) 20th November 2023.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF (A) SPECIAL CORPORATE POLICY GROUP BUDGET MEETING HELD ON 6TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 9.00AM AND (B) MEETING OF THE CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 6TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 9.30AM:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of (a) Special Corporate Policy Group Budget Meeting held on 6th November 2023 at 9.00am and (b) Meeting of the Corporate Policy Group held on 6th November 2023 at 9.30am.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 13TH NOVEMBER 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 13th November 2023.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 20TH NOVEMBER 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 20th November 2023.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 15TH JANUARY 2024:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 15th January 2024.”

 

6.  CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION – 29 RUSHEEN ARD, CALTRAGH, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

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 €197,513 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 29 Rusheen Ard, Caltragh, Sligo.”

 

7.  DELEGATION TO ATTEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY ENGAGEMENTS IN NEW YORK:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve delegation to attend St. Patrick’s Day Engagements in New York.”

 

8.  NOAC LOCAL AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR REPORT FOR 2022:

In relation to data contained in the 2022 Performance Indicator Reports regarding times taken to mobilise fire brigades, Cllr. 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.

 

9.  DRAFT LA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024-2029:

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

AND AGREED

“To consider and adopt the Draft LA Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.”

Acting Director of Services, Mr. Fineen O’Driscoll gave a brief synopsis of the Draft LA Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.  A report was also circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting. The Members commended all those involved in the preparation of the Draft Plan.

 

10.  CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND PROCESS/PROCEDURES:

As items 10, 24 and 28 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take these three items at this time.

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

AND AGREED

“Update on the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund Process/Procedures.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council if an assessment of the level of vacancy over commercial premises has/is being undertaken in towns throughout county Sligo to identify what can be brought back into residential use for people seeking rental accommodation and to promote the grants available from the Croí Cónaithe funding stream to carry out these works.”

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That this local authority Calls on the government urgently revise the vacant property refurbishment grant.”

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, Senior Executive Engineer, Mr. Noone and Vacant Homes Officer, Mr. Grandison updated the Members on the timelines and process involved for applications under the Croí Cónaithe scheme.  It was suggested that further promotion of the scheme is needed in order that the grant can be utilised to bring vacant/derelict properties back into use. It was also suggested that the scheme should be revised to allow for quicker access by applicants to the grant monies available.  

 

11.  REPORT OF ETHICS REGISTRAR:

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

This item was noted by the Members. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mullaney, reminded Members that all Ethics Declaration forms must be returned to the Council by 29th February 2024.

 

12.  REMOTE ATTENDANCE AT COUNCIL MEETINGS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Ordinary meetings of Sligo County Council and Municipal District meetings of each Municipal District return to full in person meetings where members can contribute or be recorded as being in attendance by in person attendance only. Exceptions to be facilitated in exceptional circumstances with the agreement of the Cathaoirleach in cases where:

A. Members are unavoidably absent due to illness or travel to a maximum of two meetings in any year between Annual General Meetings.
B. A national emergency such as an epidemic or pandemic.
C. Any exceptional circumstances agreed by the Corporate Policy Group.”

In response to a query from Councillor MacSharry, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that, following an Order under Section 29 of the Civil and Criminal Law Miscellaneous Act 2020 passed in the Oireachtas allowing meetings of local authorities to be held remotely, a Circular was issued on 30th October 2020, outlining that it is a Reserved Function of Elected Members to decide how or if they wish to avail of the Order allowing remote meetings. The members were advised that the matter went to the CPG meeting on 15th January 2024 where it was agreed that a recommendation be put to the Council that ordinary meetings of Sligo County Council and Municipal Districts return to full in person meetings, subject to the exceptions outlined in the report circulated in advance of the meeting, and that the proposal be trialled for a six-month period with a review to take place in due course.

Following a further query from Councillor MacSharry on the matter of whether sanctions would be imposed on Councillors for tuning in to meetings remotely, the Chief Executive confirmed that no sanctions would be imposed but that any decision with regards to the operation of meetings, whether hybrid or otherwise is a reserved function of the members.

Following the decision of the Elected Members on the matter of attendance at meetings, Standing Orders will need to be amended accordingly.

 

14.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 2024:

“To note the Monthly Management Report for January 2024.”

This item was noted by the Members.

 

15.  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 March Ordinary meeting.

With the agreement of the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Walsh’s motions were taken at this point in the meeting:

 

17.  CONCERN AROUND RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL WINTER MAINTENANCE PLAN:

Proposed by Councillors T. Walsh and D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“Concern in relation to the level of resources allocated to Sligo County Councils annual Winter Maintenance Plan

‘Winter maintenance on national roads is carried out by Sligo County Council for the TII and is funded by the TII. Winter maintenance on Non-National Roads is funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Sligo County Council. The winter maintenance season for the current term is from Monday 16th October 2023 to Sunday 28th April 2024. All of the above is subject to the availability of resources. Resources include finance, salt, plant and labour’.

Noting the above, That Sligo County Council undertake a review of the Winter Service Plan and hold a consultation with members and stakeholders in relation to the same. As the plan (annually) is subject to the availability of resources, that the review will explore the need as identified against the resources in situ and that any additional resources required to meet the need are sought by this Local Authority.”

A report on this motion, circulated to Members in advance of the meeting, was noted.

Following a discussion, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that a review of the Machinery Yard is being undertaken with a view to updating the Council’s machinery stock. Mr. Lydon added that there is an additional €300,000 in the Roads Budget and it is a matter for the Members if they wish to spend this money on salting of roads. However, if this were the case, it would mean that other works could not then proceed.   In conclusion, Mr. Lydon stated that Sligo has the same number of drivers as most Level 5 local authorities and there is adequate staffing in place to deliver on works needed.

 

40.  MEASLES VACCINE:

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

AND AGREED

“Given the recent report which has found that the uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine had fallen to 87pc among junior infant schoolchildren, along with the four in one vaccine, that Sligo County Council write to the Minister of Health to ascertain what urgent strategy is being put in place to encourage uptake of the vaccine and prevent an outbreak of Measles.

That the same correspondence be copied to the Chief Medical Officer and the Area Director of Public Health: Dr Áine McNamara, Department of Public Health - HSE West and North-West.”

It was further agreed that the letter be copied to all Local Authorities.

 

41.  REFURBISHMENT OF THE FORMER MARKIEVICZ HOUSING BUILDING ON BARRACK STREET, SLIGO:

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

 

With the agreement of the Cathaoirleach, Councillor MacSharry’s motions were taken at this point in the meeting:

21 & 22

 

21.  9% VAT RATE FOR HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

"That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to re-introduce the 9% Vat rate for the Hospitality sector with immediate effect.”

 

22.  HOSPITAL PARKING CHARGES

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

"That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to abolish hospital parking charges.”

A discussion ensued over the merits of abolishing hospital parking charges and whether alternative arrangements could be put in place for patients and visitors.  Following further discussion, it was agreed that a vote be called on the motion.

The results of the vote were as follows.

For (2): Councillor MacSharry
            Councillor Casserly           

Abstain (1): Councillor Gibbons

Against (9): Councillor Baker                    
                   Councillor Clarke
                   Councillor Connolly
                   Councillor Gilroy
                   Councillor Mullaney
                   Councillor Mulvey 
                   Councillor O’Grady
                   Councillor Queenan
                   Councillor Taylor

The Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

At this point, it was proposed and agreed that a short break in proceedings would be taken.

Upon, the resumption of the meeting, the Cathaoirleach moved to take item 16.

 

16. INCREASED RESOURCES FOR INCLUSION OF TFI SLIGO BUS ROUTES IN WINTER MAINTENANCE PLAN

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That funding be sought and allocated for increased resources to allow all TFI Sligo bus routes be added to the list of roads in the Winter Service Plan.” 

Following discussion, the members agreed to amend the motion to the following:

“To write to the Minister for Transport to seek funding to be allocated to allow all TFI Sligo bus and school bus service routes to be added to the list of roads in the Winter Service Plan”.

 

18.  USE OF MODULAR OR PREFABRICATED HOUSING FOR EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION:

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

 

19. TII FUNDING FOR NATIONAL ROADS:

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

 

20. SPEED LIMIT ZONES:

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

 

23. DANGEROUS TREE SURVEY:

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

 

25.  POLLING BOOTHS FOR REFERENDUM:

Proposed by Councillors J. Queenan and M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“A list is provided of polling booths to be used within County Sligo for the upcoming referendums.”

 

26. WOMEN’S REFUGE IN SLIGO

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

 

27.  TOURISM 2024:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Service to outline what plan is in place to drive tourism numbers in County Sligo in 2024.”

Members welcomed the report which was circulated in advance of the meeting and took the opportunity to congratulate the Sligo team who represented the county so ably at the recent Holiday World Show in Dublin.  In response to a query from Councillor Bree, it was clarified that it is Sligo County Council staff members who administer the www.sligo.ie platform.

 

29.  DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That this local authority calls on the Government, to ensure: The new Deposit Return Scheme has transformative potential, but measures must be taken to ensure that it is fair and competitive.”

 

30.  FUTURE ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEMES:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on future active travel schemes (A) what schemes are expected to proceed in 2024 (B) what schemes are expected to proceed in 2025. “

A discussion took place regarding the funding allocations for the three Municipal District areas.  The Chief Executive Mr Lydon stated that Sligo County Council must follow prescribed listings and are working within the parameters advised by the Department of Transport.

 

31.  N15 NATIONAL PRIMARY ROUTE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request a meeting with Minister Jack Chambers and TII at the Minister’s Office to discuss the urgent need for resources for the N15 National Primary Route. This Road from Hughes Bridge to the County Boundary with Leitrim urgently requires upgrading and needs to be made safer for all road users. This road appears to no longer be maintained to an acceptable National Primary Route standard and has no timeline as part of National Development Plan for a substantial upgrading. And that Sligo County Council send a strong representative group of Members, Management and Officials to convey how serious the regression of the route in National Planning is having on County Sligo and the ability of the county to prosper successfully.”

 

32.  DOG FOULING REGULATIONS:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Gilroy, was deferred until the March Ordinary meeting.  Councillor Gilroy requested that a full report be provided to members for the March meeting.

 

33. ASH DIE-BACK IN TREES ALONG PUBLIC ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to outline what action it will take to address the trees along every public road with ash die-back that are dangerous and are littering the county.”

 

34. SUPPORT AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE PALESTINIAN-LED BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT AND SANCTIONS MOVEMENT FOR FREEDOM, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council endorses the reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories that show Israel is committing the crime of apartheid against the Palestinian people; and further noting that the United Nations has declared apartheid a crime against humanity under the ‘The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid’; this Council, in line with our commitment to the principles of international law, declares itself an Apartheid Free Zone, and in doing so, fully supports and endorses the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement for freedom, justice and equality.”

 

35.  NEOLITHIC MONUMENT AT CAIRNS (CARNS) HILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“That the Council executive seek a meeting with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Public Works with a view to investigating the possibility of developing public access to the Neolithic monument located above the Fox’s Den on Cairns (Carns) Hill.”

 

36.  RENTAL PROPERTIES AND PLANS FOR FORMER AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE/VEC PROPERTY AT RIVERSIDE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“That we be provided with a report indicating each property the Council is renting in the town and county, the annual rent paid on each property, and the proposals, if any, which the Council may have to develop offices in the old agricultural committee/VEC property at Riverside”.

The members thanked the executive for the report circulated and welcomed the reduction in annual rental costs.

 

37.  ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHILD MAINTENANCE AGENCY:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That this council support the establishment of a child maintenance agency.”

 

38.  FINANCIAL SUPPORTS FOR FAMILIES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OVER 18 YEARS OLD IN FULL TIME EDUCATION:

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

 

39. ROAD SAFEETY WORKSHOPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:

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

 

42.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of Sympathy were recorded.

Councillor Gilroy proposed a vote of sympathy to the family of Ann Hoey, North Sligo. The vote of sympathy was seconded by Councillor Casserly.  Ann was remembered as an exceptional lady who gave her all to the community. 

Councillor Baker proposed a vote of sympathy to staff member Mary Farrell on the recent passing of her mother.  A vote of sympathy was also recorded for the Dwyer family in Riverstown on the recent passing of Colm Dwyer.  The votes of sympathy were seconded by Councillor Mulvey.

 

39.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Martin Duffy (Scruffy Duffy) on his recent award of  wedding entertainer of the year at the wedding industry awards 2024”.

 

44.  CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the Conferences/Training events list as circulated.”

 

45.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

It was agreed to note the items under this heading.

 

46.  CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

 

47.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

48.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

No other matter was raised under this heading.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the Meeting concluded at 2.25 p.m.


Meeting Date 12/02/2024