Minutes 2024
Minutes of April Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 8th April 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
- Councillor Maguire(R)
- Councillor Mullaney
- Councillor Mulvey
- Councillor O’Boyle
- Councillor O’Grady
- Councillor Queenan
- Councillor Taylor
- Councillor Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
- Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
- Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services
- Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
- Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
- Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer
- Mr. Francis Conboy, IS Technical Support Officer
- Mr. Aidan McCormack, Tourism Officer
- Ms. Aisling Symth, Administrative Officer
- Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
- Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
- Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, presided.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 12TH DECEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Sligo County Council Audit Committee held on 12th December 2023.”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP (CPG) HELD ON 15TH JANUARY 2024:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Corporate Policy Group (CPG) held on 15th January 2024.”
3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 22ND JANUARY 2024:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 22nd January 2024.”
4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF ballymote-tubbercurry municipal district held on 22nd january 2024:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 22nd January 2024.”
5. MINUTES OF MEETING OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 4TH MARCH 2024:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th March 2024.”
Councillor MacSharry queried why the item on coastal erosion (listed on the March minutes as item 25) was not included in the April agenda. It was his understanding that it was to be listed as an agenda item for the April plenary meeting.
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon advised that the consultants were unable to attend the April meeting and a date would be agreed in due course. Councillor MacSharry was adamant that this presentation was urgent and asked if consideration would be given to have the presentation before the Local Elections. Following a brief discussion, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon suggested that the consultants could attend the next Sligo Borough District meeting as it is pertinent to the Sligo – Strandhill area. This was agreed by the Members.
6. CIVIC RECEPTION FOR RYAN O'SULLIVAN (SEVEN SUMMITS CHALLENGE):
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To consider holding a civic reception for Ryan O'Sullivan (Seven Summits Challenge).”
7. DISPOSAL OF FREEHOLD INTEREST IN PROPERTY AT GLANN, CULLEENS, CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the freehold interest in property at Glann, Culleens, Co. Sligo to Padraic Hannon.”
8. NOTE REVENUE OUTTURN FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023:
This item was noted by the Members.
9. APPROVE DRAFT SCC DISABILITY INCLUSION & ACCESS STRATEGY 2024-2027:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To approve the final draft of the Sligo County Council, Disability Inclusion and Access Strategy 2024-2027 as recommended by the Disability Consultative Committee and SPC1 Housing and Corporate.”
Councillor D. Bree, Chair of the Disability Consultative Committee, in proposing the adoption of the Draft Strategy, wished to acknowledge the contribution of staff, Members of the Disability Consultative Committee, the SPC1 Group and stakeholders involved in the preparation of the Draft Strategy, for their valued input into the Strategy, which is one of the most important documents published by this Council over its five year term.
10. APPROVE ALLOCATION OF REGIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS FUND 2024 FOR CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To approve the allocation of the Regional Festivals and Events Fund 2024 for County Sligo.”
In response to a query from Councillor Gilroy regarding which Members were in attendance at the meeting held on 6th March last concerning this item, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, in response, stated that Councillors Healy and O’Boyle were in attendance.
11. NOTE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COUNCIL’S CREATIVE IRELAND OPEN CALL PROGRAMME FOR 2024:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To note recommendations of the Council’s Creative Ireland Open Call programme for 2024.”
12. NOTE UPDATE ON SLIGO CITY PUBLIC REALM URDF PROJECTS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To note update on Sligo City Public Realm URDF Projects.”
Members noted the report circulated in advance of the meeting, which outlined the status of each of the Sligo City Public Realm URDF projects, together with the steps needed to advance the projects.
In response to a query from Councillor Walsh, Acting Director of Services, Mr. Moran advised that there is currently no timeline on the detailed design for the projects. However, Members will be updated on any developments. Members were informed that the Holborn Street project will form part of the first stages of the development, for which Part 8 approval has been granted, with the next step comprising finalising the design and going to tender.
In response to a query from Councillor Bree, Mr. Moran stated that there will be further consultation with the traders in the Stephen Street area on the Stephen Street / Holborn Street / Rockwood Parade / Waterlane / Tobergal Lane project, as the detailed design phase commences.
13. CONSIDER AND ADOPT THE SCHEDULES OF WORKS FOR 2024 FOR ROADS, TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE THREE MD AREAS:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To consider and adopt for the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry, the Municipal District of Sligo Borough and the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff, the Schedules of Works for 2024 for Roads, Transportation & Infrastructure.”
14. SPECIAL MEETING TO CONSIDER SECOND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS RECEIVED ON THE DRAFT CO SLIGO DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2024-2030.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To convene a special meeting to consider the Second Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received on the Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030.”
It was agreed to convene a special meeting on Monday 15th April 2024 at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, to consider the Second Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received on the Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030. It was also agreed to hold a workshop for Members on Friday 12th April 2024 at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall.
15. QUARTERLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR Q1 2024:
“To note the Quarterly Management Report for Q1 2024.”
This item was noted by the Members.
Councillor Gilroy referred to an item in the Management Report regarding SCC’s Archivist, who recently appeared on RTE to showcase items from the Museum’s collection. He asked if the article could be shared on the Council’s website.
Councillor Gilroy also wished to publicly compliment and thank all those involved in the recent works that took place on the N15 in Rathcormac.
16. 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 May Ordinary meeting/
17. CONCERN AROUND RESOURSES ALLOCATED TO THE COUNCIL'S ANNUAL WINTER MAINTENANCE PLAN:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council utilises lands where planning permission has been granted but no works have taken place to erect modular or prefabricated housing for the needs of emergency accommodation as a matter of urgency.”
In response to a query from Councillor O’Boyle on sourcing accommodation in the short term for families exiting rented properties, Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, stated that modular housing is subject to the same requirements as all other sources of housing. The Council is currently trying to advance long term housing schemes on Council owned lands and if some of these sites were to be converted for modular use, this would delay the long-term housing schemes in the pipeline. In relation to emergency accommodation, the Council is trying to source other options and is looking at extending agreements currently in place that are due to expire. Mr. Molloy further added that families presenting for emergency accommodation are currently being placed in rented/leased accommodation, or hotel accommodation, in the short-term, pending availability. This remains a struggle for the Council, and families with young children are prioritised for such accommodation.
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon stated for Q1 2024, there was a 20% refusal rate on housing offers made, which remains a concern for the Council. Every effort is being made to secure more emergency accommodation for use by the Council.
Councillor O’Grady wished to acknowledge the role of private landlords in providing an invaluable service in the rented sector, and she also wished to acknowledge the high standards of social housing being delivered by Sligo County Council and thanked all involved in these processes.
As items 18 and 21 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take these items at this time.
18. ALLOCATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (SET) HOURS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“For Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Education and other relevant Ministers to ensure that complex educational needs remain as a criterion within schools for the allocation of Special Education Teacher (SET) hours.”
21. ALLOCATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (SET) HOURS:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister of Education to reverse SET allocation changes.”
19. UPDATE ON RISK ASSESSMENT AND SECURITY REVIEW IN ED AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the HSE and the Saolta team to ascertain when the last risk assessment and security review was carried out in the Emergency Department at Sligo University Hospital. And that this Local Authority be provided with an update on the same.”
Councillor Gilroy informed the meeting that he has tabled a question on this issue for the upcoming meeting of the Regional Health Forum.
20. UPDATE OF PROVISION OF AN OUTDOOR SKATE PARK IN SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Following my notice of motion which was agreed by members in November 2020, in February 2022 and in May 2023, ‘seeking Sligo County Council to explore the provision of an outdoor skate park in Sligo’, that this Council now be provided with an update and overview since May 2023 on:
What scoping exercise has been carried out on possible site location/s?
- When will the same go to consultation with the stakeholders including skateboard/skatepark users?
- When will a detailed design be ready?
- When will an application be made for funding?”
A report on this item, circulated in advance of the meeting, was read out by Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, at Councillor Walsh’s request.
In response to a query from Councillor Queenan on allocation of funding for this project, Ms. Concannon, advised that, to date, the work has been done in-house by Council staff. Tenders are to be sought for the detailed design, the cost of which will likely be accommodated within the Parks budget, but the bulk of the funding for this project will be mainly from external sources.
22. INCLUSION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSES IN FUTURE SOCIAL HOUSING SCHEMES:
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 Housing to include affordable houses in any housing scheme where we are building social housing on local authorities land in the county as this is not the case at present.”
Following a discussion, Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, advised Members that Sligo County Council has carried out a survey and sent a recommendation to the Department to be included in the Affordable Housing scheme, initially for the Borough and Strandhill areas as these are the areas with the greatest demand and greatest disparity in house prices. It is hoped that a meeting can be set up in the coming weeks to advance the position of this Council to try and get an Affordable scheme launched for Sligo. Once it can be demonstrated that such a scheme would be successful in the Borough area, the Council can then look at trying to progress the scheme in other towns throughout the county.
23. EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY WAIVER OF DEVELOPMENT LEVIES CHARGES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on government to extend the temporary waiver of development levies and the refund of Uisce Éireann water and wastewater connection charges to further boost the supply of new housing stock. The Temporary Development Contribution Waiver Scheme applies for 1 year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between 25th April 2023 and 24th April 2024, and is completed no later than 31st December 2025. The waiver covers the full cost of the development contribution levy due from the developer/project promoter under the development contribution scheme operated by the relevant local authority.”
24. MEASURES TO SECURE ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the OPW and Minister Noonan to request that an urgent plan and measures be put in place to urgently secure all archaeological sites in Sligo to prevent any further damage and vandalism. I request that this be undertaken before the summer season.”
A report on this item was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.
As items 25 and 28 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach asked if the Members would be willing to take both of these items at this time. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to take these two items separately.
25. POSTPONE REQUIREMENT OF CHART OF ACCOUNT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
"That Sligo County Council write to Minister O'Gorman asking that the Minister postpone the requirement of the Chart of Accounts in their current form until all issues have been resolved.
I also ask instead that revenue accounts be accepted by the Minister's department as sufficient evidence of income reporting and that these be submitted by service providers themselves without the need to use the services of a chartered accountant.
Can this be shared with every local authority in the country and ask every county councillor and TD to support this."
Following a discussion, Councillor Casserly agreed to submit an amendment to her motion. Councillor Gilroy also spoke on his proposed amendment to this motion. It was agreed to further discuss the motion at a later point in the meeting.
26. MOTHER AND BABY HOMES REDRESS SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the government to open up the mother and baby homes redress scheme for all survivors.”
The Members commended Councillor O’Boyle for keeping this extremely important issue on the agenda and for his tireless works and commitment to the issue, on behalf of all those affected.
27. ALLOCATION OF AGE-FRIENDLY PROPERTIES TO SAFE HOME IRELAND QUALIFYING APPLICANTS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“To ask Sligo County Council; Where need has been identified and a qualifying applicant has been approved by Safe Home Ireland, it is proposed that Sligo County Council will allocate one age-friendly property per year (in each of the Council's electoral areas) to a returning Irish emigrant. The proposed applicant must have their housing needs assessed by the local authority and be approved for inclusion on the social housing waiting list.
Safe Home Ireland is an Irish emigrant support service that provides a range of services for returning and returned Irish emigrants. They provide an advice and information service, undertake outreach visits, and provide housing assistance to eligible applicants. Safe Home Ireland was established in 2000 to assist older, qualifying Irish born emigrants to explore the option of returning to live in their native areas.”
Following a discussion, Councillor Gilroy proposed the following amendment and it was:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council; Where need has been identified and a qualifying applicant has been approved by Safe Home Ireland, it is proposed that Sligo County Council will allocate up to one age-friendly property per year (in each of the Council's electoral areas) to a returning Irish emigrant. The proposed applicant must have their housing needs assessed by the local authority and be approved for inclusion on the social housing waiting list.
Safe Home Ireland is an Irish emigrant support service that provides a range of services for returning and returned Irish emigrants. They provide an advice and information service, undertake outreach visits, and provide housing assistance to eligible applicants. Safe Home Ireland was established in 2000 to assist older, qualifying Irish born emigrants to explore the option of returning to live in their native areas.”
Following a short break, the meeting resumed at 12.35pm.
As agreed earlier, Item 25 was taken again at this point in the meeting. Councillor Casserly submitted the following amendment to her motion, which was read to the meeting, and it was:
25. POSTPONE REQUIREMENT OF CHART OF ACCOUNT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to Minister O’Gorman asking that the Minister postpone the requirement of the Chart of Accounts which will lead to a further increase in administration in their financial reporting, with consideration that the providers are already submitting annual financial accounts. Can the Minister direct his officials to engage with the sector on this matter.”
Councillor Gilroy agreed to withdraw his amendment to this motion.
28. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO DCEDIY BY PROVIDERS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL AGED CARE IN COUNTIES SLIGO AND LEITRIM:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Noting the concern expressed by a significant number of independent providers of Early Childhood and School Aged Care, both community and private in counties Sligo and Leitrim regarding new reporting requirements imposed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, this Council calls on the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to favourably consider the proposals submitted to him by the providers on the 10th of March 2024.”
29. NEW RENAL DIALYSIS UNIT FOR SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Health & the Minister for Finance for the provision of a new Renal Dialysis Unit for Sligo University Hospital.”
Councillor Gilroy advised that this matter is listed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Regional Health Forum and, having raised the matter on a number of occasions previously, he is hopeful of a positive outcome on the issue.
Councillor O’Grady thanked Councillor MacSharry for placing this item on the agenda and suggested a fundraiser to raise funds for this worthy cause which, if delivered, will be of huge benefit to Sligo and the region.
The Members commended Councillor O’Grady for all her hard work on this issue, advocating for this unit for so long and for raising monies for the unit that is in place.
30. ESTABLISHMENT OF A VICTIMS OF CRIME COMPENSATION FUND:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor MacSharry, was deferred until the May Ordinary meeting.
31. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF NEW BUS SERVICE IN COUNTY SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Transport requesting an urgent update on the provision of any new bus services in the county of Sligo.”
Members agreed that a meeting with the Minister is urgently required to discuss new bus services in both Sligo town and various areas of the county.
32. COUNCIL'S ROLE WITH REGARDS TO APPROVED HOUSING BODY TENANCIES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for a report on the following:
- What is Sligo County Council's role with Approved Housing Bodies with regard to tenancies.
- What follow up checks are carried out to ensure that the properties are kept up to standard.
- Who is responsible for the welfare of these tenants?”
Councillor Connolly thanked the Director of Services for the report on this item, adding that, in relation to Sophia Housing Association in Tubbercurry, the apartments are not fit for purpose and requested that the Council liaise with Sophia HA in relation to funding for carrying out improvements to the apartments.
Director of Services, Mr. Molloy advised that the Council is engaging with Sophia Housing Association on the carrying out of inspections of the apartments and will follow up with them on how best to fund/carry out any remedial works required, as quickly as possible. Mr. Molloy added that, while the Council have a programme of inspections for Approved Housing Bodies, they may not all be inspected on an annual basis. Mr. Molloy asked that if any issues come to light in any of the properties, Members would engage with the Council on this, and inspections can be fast tracked for those properties.
33. CALL ON AXA INSURANCE TO CEASE ITS INVESTMENTS IN ALL BANKS AND COMPANIES THAT SUBSIDISE OR ENGAGE ISRAEL'S ILLEGAL SETTLEMENTS IN OCCUPIED PALESTINE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on AXA Insurance Co. Ireland, to cease its investments in all banks and companies that subsidise or otherwise enable Israel’s illegal settlements in occupied Palestine.”
34. PROVISION OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATION IN VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council write to all local businesses with commercial vacancies as we have the highest commercial vacancy rate, to look at putting suitable housing accommodation in place as an urgent priority.”
Councillor O’Boyle noted the report previously circulated on this item and suggested that it could be beneficial to write to owners of vacant commercial properties with options available to them to put such properties back into residential use, even though such information is already available on the Council’s website.
35. SCRAPPING OF GREEN PAPER ON DISABILITY REFORM:
Proposed by Councillor Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Government to listen to disabled people and bin the Green Paper on Disability Reform.”
36. REFORM TO THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Government to bring reform to the insurance industry.”
37. REPORT ON PAVEMENT ASSET REPAIR AND RENEWAL SCHEMES (PARR):
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report to members on how many of the surfacing issues identified when TII undertook the annual surveys on the national road network 2023 which were inputted into the Pavement Asset Management System and analysed to determine Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal schemes (PARR) on a network wide basis, on National Primary and National Secondary roads in 2023 have been repaired and how many still have to be repaired?
Who is responsible for implementing the Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal schemes (PARR) on National Primary and National Secondary roads in County Sligo?
When will the surface repairs identified in the Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal schemes (PARR) on National Primary and National Secondary roads in County Sligo be carried out?”
The report on this item, circulated in advance of the meeting, was read out to the Members at the request of Councillor Gilroy, who expressed disappointment at the fact that some of the works identified on the PARR system have not yet been carried out, adding that there should be a clear timeline for the carrying out of such works.
Councillor Gilroy wished to compliment Catherine from OceanFM, present in the Chamber today, for the piece she covered on the OceanFM this week, supporting the workers who have recently carried out the works on the N15 at Rathcormac.
38. REPORT ON RATES PAYABLE BY EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL AGED CARE CENTRES IN COUNTY SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report to members on how many Early Childhood and School Aged care centres pay rates in County Sligo and what the total rates income from this sector is.
And to provide members with advice on the regulations regarding the charging of Rates to these types of centres and if members can decide in a future budget to give some rates reduction to providers of education to our youngest citizens.”
A report on this item was circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.
39. USE OF LITHIUM IN BUSES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport to ask:
What amount of Lithium and Copper (in Kg) was used in each of the new buses in the electrified Athlone Bus Fleet, as announced by the Minister. What amount of the Lithium and Copper can be reused after the effects of Metal Fatigue and to confirm that the Minister had asked these questions before he announced the introduction of Electrified Buses in Athlone. This question is to the Minister who provided funding for this project and not for Bus Eireann or Transport for Ireland as they were not the Minister in charge if the department that funded this project, and accordingly this council requests that the Minister reply directly to this council and not send the letter to another agency.”
40. REFERENDUM TO ENSHRINE THE RIGHT TO HOUSING IN THE CONSTITUTION:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Aware of the current housing crisis and recognising that access to secure and genuinely affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many people, this Council expresses its disappointment that no date has yet been set to hold a referendum to enshrine the right to housing in the Constitution, and furthermore we call on the government to hold a referendum on the issue in the current year.”
41. ROAD SAFEETY WORKSHOPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That this Local Authority contact the Director of the HSE relevant to the final phase of the capital programme at Nazareth House, Sligo and when the €8 million will be provided for the capital build that is anticipated in 2024.
That this motion be brought to the attention of the Saolta Chief Officer, The Taoiseach and Tánaiste for reply.”
Councillor Walsh stated that it would not be acceptable that funding earmarked for this project would be assigned to other areas where budgets have been overspent.
42. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of Sympathy were recorded.
39. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Helen O’Donnell, on being nominated to contest the Mayor of Limerick election 2024.”
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor R. O'Grady
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Megan McCormack on winning the Sligo Rose title and becoming Sligo’s representative at the Rose of Tralee.”
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Gurteen Celtic Ladies team on winning the Connacht final on Sunday 7th April 2024. Congratulations to all involved, a fantastic achievement.
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to John McDermott, Sligo Athletic Club on winning Gold in the 400m, setting a new European Record of 71.08 seconds (at age 80) at the 2024 European Masters Athletics Indoor Championships.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Lauren Cadden, Sligo Athletic Club on winning Gold in the 400m Irish Universities Track and Field Championships at Queens University Belfast. Her time broke the Irish Universities record which has been in place for 20 years. Congratulations also to Dermot McDermott.
44. CONFERENCES/TRAINING:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly
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
Councillor Gilroy noted that, at meetings, Votes of Congratulations and Votes of Sympathy are being taken by people who are not present in the Chamber. It is Councillor Gilroy’s belief that for such items to be taken at a meeting, that Member should be present for the full meeting, and that this should be clarified for the next Council term, out of respect for those who attend the full meetings.
Councillor Bree stated that he has recently been contacted by traders and people from High Street, who expressed their growing concern and frustration in relation to the bollards and metal fencing erected on the street leading to the subsequent reduction in car parking spaces which is having a very serious and negative impact on every commercial outlet in the street. While those affected understand that the Council had no option but to cordon off the area due to the dangerous state of No. 9 High Street, and thankful for the updates being provided on the situation by engineering staff, it was expected that action would have been taken by now to have the building made safer or demolished. Councillor Bree added that commitments given by the reputed owners of the dangerous building have not been adhered to. Councillor Bree requested that the Executive take immediate action to resolve the matter, adding that this is in no way being critical of the work being done on this by the engineering staff in very difficult conditions.
Councillor O’Grady wished to acknowledge the return of Jo-Anne McGonigle to the Council and to the Chamber. It is wonderful, Councillor O’Grady continued, to have both Jo-Anne and Sinéad Branley back in the Chamber at the meetings. All Councillors have benefited hugely in their work from the generosity and support shown to them by Jo-Anne and Sinéad. All the Members wished to be associated with this sentiment.
END OF MEETING:
The business of the Meeting concluded at 1.45 p.m.
Meeting Date 08/04/2024