Minutes 2024

Minutes of Adjourned Special Meeting of Sligo County Council to consider The Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030 and The Second Chief Executive’s Report on Submissions and Observations relating to The Draft CDP 2024-2030 held at 9.30 am on Monday 22nd 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 Maguire
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. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
Ms. Mihaela Davidescu, Senior Executive Planner
Ms. Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
Mr. Barry Ward, Executive Planner
Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, A/Staff Officer
Mr. Francis Conboy, IS Technical Support Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor MacSharry.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

At the outset, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mullaney extended his congratulations to Councillor Declan Bree and his wife Margaret on their recent marriage and wished them good health and happiness in the future. The Members wished to be associated with the Cathaoirleach’s good wishes to Councillor Bree.

Senior Planner, Mr. Moylan, at the start of proceedings, briefed the Members on the sequence of proceedings for today’s meeting. Firstly, the remaining submissions from Volume 2 will be taken, followed by a number of motions deferred from last week’s meeting, with one submission to be re-visited in relation to the CE response on that submission. When Volume 2 has been completed, all other motions lodged, relating to parcels of land not the subject of a submission and general submissions, primarily relating to Volume 1, will be taken.

VOLUME 2 – RESPONSES TO 168 NO. SUBMISSIONS (CONTD.)

SUBMISSION 116 – BRIAN MINOGUE, TOM PHILLIPS & ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF OF BRISTOW IRELAND LTD.

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 117 – CATHERINE O’NEILL ON BEHALF OF NOEL HIGGINS:

No change.

SUBMISSION 118 – KALLE & KAMILA CONBOY

No change.

SUBMISSION 120 – GERRY FOX, OPERATIONS MANAGER ON BEHALF OF SLIGO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

No change

SUBMISSION 121 – STEPHEN BARRETT, TOM PHILLIPS AND ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF OF TOM SHERIDAN (TAHC ON BEHALF OF KENROCK TAVERNS LIMITED)

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 122 – JAMES O’HARA ON BEHALF OF KEVIN MAYE

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

AND AGREED

“Submission 122 – Tubbercurry Plan. Relates to 0.28 ha of land to the southwest of Tubbercurry requesting that 50% of the lands are re-zoned from Open Space to Residential. Site is serviced and very central location in town.”

It was clarified that the 50% being referred to in this submission is close to the existing vacant house on the landholdings, on the west side.

SUBMISSION 123 – CONALL DORAN

No change.

SUBMISSION 125 – ALBERT CONNEALLY ON BEHALF OF GLENMAN CORPORATION (DAYBLEAK PROPERTIES)

No change.

SUBMISSION 126 – DECLAN OATES

No change.

SUBMISSION 127 – VIRTUS PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF SLIGO ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 128 – MARTINA BUTLER ON BEHALF OF FORTHILL MEN’S GROUP ART & HISTORY SOCIETY

No change.

SUBMISSION 129 – JOHN BOURKE, POLICY ANALYST ON BEHALF OF WIND ENERGY IRELAND (WEI)

No change.

SUBMISSION 130 – JAMES O’HARA ON BEHALF OF TREVOR MATTHEWS

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

AND AGREED

“Relates to 1.01 ha of land in Tubbercurry; request that 0.83ha of land are re-zoned from Green Belt to Residential Purposes. Residential would be natural development of the existing Highfield Estate and fully serviced site.”

SUBMISSION 131 – WILLIAM BRITTON

No change.

SUBMISSION 132 – BRENDAN WARD

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 133 – DEBBIE ORMISTONE ON BEHALF OF EASKY ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATION

Issue 1 – agreed
Issue 2 – no change
Issue 3 – no change
Issue 4 – no change
Issue 5 – no change
Issue 6 – no change
Issue 7 – no change
Issue 8 – no change

SUBMISSION 134 – BRENDAN WARD

No change

SUBMISSION 135 – KEN AND NATASHA GALLAGHER

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

AND AGREED

“That the lands referred to in submission 135 (2.20 ha in total) in Rathcormac be included inside the Village Limit. The Haulage business referred to in the submission was in operation before the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1963 and would not have required planning permission. The referenced lands are inside the 50 kph speed limit of the village and clearly part of the village. The lands align with the alignment of the Farmers Market and Carpark immediately across the road from the reference land and it would facilitate sequential development of the village.”

It was clarified that the request in this motion is that the red line be extended around the area of the submission and that the green belt is therefore removed from it.

SUBMISSION 136 – KEN GALLAGHER

No change.

SUBMISSION 137 – TOM WATTERS

This item was deferred.

SUBMISSION 138 – JADE POWER, MKO PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF NOVOT HOLDINGS LIMITED

Issue A – noted;
Issue B – CE recommendation agreed;
Issue C – No change to the Draft Plan as per CE recommendation. Agreed.
Issue D – No change to the Draft Plan as per CE recommendation. Agreed.
Mr. Moylan advised the Members that the lands referred to in Issue D, i.e. the lands
immediately North of the Retail Park, is marked as ‘C’ on the amendments map previously
circulated. However, this area should in fact, be marked as ‘D’ on the amendments map.
Issue E – No change to the Draft Plan as per CE recommendation. Agreed.
Issue F – No change to the Draft Plan as per CE recommendation. Agreed.
Issue G – CE recommendation agreed;
Issue H – CE recommendation agreed;
Issue I - CE recommendation agreed.

SUBMISSION 139 – DECLAN GALLAGHER

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 140 – JOHN MULLANEY

No change.

SUBMISSION 141 – MEL CASSERLY, CONSULTING ENGINEER ON BEHALF OF MARTIN TIMONEY

Councillor Casserly excused herself from the meeting at this point due to a conflict of interest.

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

AND AGREED

“That submission 141 be accepted and land outlined in 141 be changed to RV from Greenbelt to meet the housing need in North Sligo.”

SUBMISSION 142 – JULIE FARRELL

No change.

SUBMISSION 143 – SLIGO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK (PPN)

No change.

SUBMISSION 144 – MATTHEW & MONICA KENNEDY

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 145 – PATRICK GALLAGHER

No change.

SUBMISSION 146 – PATRICK BRENNAN ON BEHALF OF THE BRENNAN FAMILY

CE recommendations agreed.

Site 1 – No change
Site 2 – Agreed.

SUBMISSION 148 – ENDA O’BRIEN

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 149 – SLIGO CYCLING CAMPAIGN

Item deferred.

SUBMISSION 151 – MICHAEL CONMY, BURY ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF FERGAL BURKE

No change.

SUBMISSION 152 – VINCENT HANNON ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF CARTY CONTRACTORS LTD.

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

AND AGREED

“That lands identified as 1A site 10 (6.9 ha) in the above submission be zoned as Business & Enterprise and not Greenbelt.”

Mr. Moylan pointed out that this site is located outside of the 60 km speed control zone so therefore, the development of the lands is likely to be in conflict with spatial and planning guidance in respect of such new access points. In response, Councillor Walsh states that a review of the speed control zone will be carried out later this year.

SUBMISSION 153 – LAURA MCHUGH

No change.

SUBMISSION 154 – MFA CONSULTING ENGINEEERS ON BEHALF OF MICHAEL SCANLON

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To amend the Ballisodare draft zoning map designate the site identified as no S-154 in the map presented in section 2.1 and table 2.3 of appendix A infrastructural assessment of the draft plan with the zoning objective nRES-new residential use rather than zoning as Greenbelt Sligo in the County Development Plan 2024 to 2030. Having regard to the house needs for Sligo, that this Council respectfully request that the subject site submission S-154 Ballisodare be rezoned from Greenbelt to residential and it’s included within the development limit in the emerging SCDP.”

SUBMISSION 155 – VINCENT HANNON ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF CARNARVON LTD.

No change.

SUBMISSION 157 – SHANE RAFFERTY ON BEHALF OF BALLYMOTE COMMUNITY COUNCIL (BCC)

No change.

SUBMISSION 158 – HOUSING AND DISABILITY STEERING GROUP

No change.

SUBMISSION 159 – CHRIS KENNEDY

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 160 – MARTINA KEENAN RIVERO, MCCUTCHEON HALLEY PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF CATHAL O’CONNOR & DAVID MCMUNN

Consideration of the motion on submission 160 deferred until the motion is to hand.

SUBMISSION 161 – MICHAEL DOHERTY

No change.

SUBMISSION 163 – MICHAEL CONMY, BURY ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF JONATHAN RUANE

No change.

SUBMISSION 164 – MICHAEL CONMY, BURY ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF BERNARD FOX (OR PENTICO CONTRACTING)

Consideration of the motion on submission 164 deferred until the motion is to hand.

SUBMISSION 165 – FLORIAN LEAVY

No change.

SUBMISSION 166 / 196 – JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LTD., CONSULTING ENGINEERS ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS AND MANAGEMENT OF STRANDHILL GOLF CLUB

Issue 1 – No change.
Issue 2 – No change.
Issue 3 – No change.
Issue 4 – No change.
Issue 5 – Agreed.

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

AND AGREED

“That the lands on which Strandhill Golf Course are situated, are not rezoned to Green Belt. It is requested that the lands maintain their zoning or be re-zoned as a Sport and Playing Fields or Open Space and Recreation type zoning, appropriate to the use of the lands as a Golf Course. This would not conflict with the objectives associated with Green Belts which are to contain and consolidate settlements, to safeguard lands for their future expansion, and for the provision of strategic infrastructure.”

It was clarified that the zoning requested to be placed on these lands would be Open Space and Recreational amenities.

It was agreed to go back to submission 164 at this point in the meeting.

SUBMISSION 164 – MICHAEL CONMY, BURY ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF BERNARD FOX (OR PENTICO CONTRACTING)

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

“That this Council accept the submission made and to zone 0.79 ha as nRES to allow the development of 18 houses.”

Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to amend this motion to remove the words ‘of 18 houses’ from the motion. It was then:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council accept the submission made and to zone 0.79 ha as nRES to allow the development.”

SUBMISSION 167 – CLIFFONY COMMUNITY FORUM

No change.

SUBMISSION 168 – MKO PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF TONY MCCAUL AND PATRICK CARTY

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

AND AGREED

“That the lands referred to in submission 168 (4.02 ha in total) in Strandhill Village be zoned nRES (New Residential) as shown on attached Map marked S-168 to facilitate the building of much needed homes required in this area.

These lands are Tier 1 and fully serviced. The lands are sequential as they are adjacent to existing housing in the village and a proposed new social housing scheme by Sligo County Council.
The lands are adjacent to the school and will reduce traffic numbers at school times as the children from these houses can access the school on foot.
The site is within 360m of the village centre.
The development of the lands will not impact on the landscape character of the area.”

SUBMISSION 169 – VINCENT HANNON ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF OMNICREST LTD.

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

AND AGREED

“That the lands referred to in submission 169 (7.432 ha in total) the area is zoned partly SLR and partly Community facilities. That the area zoned SLR be changed to nRES New Residential for the reason that
The subject lands are designated as Tier 1 and meet all the requirements`.
The site shares an entrance with the Burma Road site identified as No. 5 which was zoned.
The site is closer to the village than other sites included. Compact growth would see these lands developed ahead of these more distant sites.
The subject site is part of a two-year LRD planning application.
With the provision of retirement bungalows, this development will help meet the Housing Policy for Age Friendly Housing and ‘Right Sizing’.
Inclusion of the site would provide a link road between the Burma and Airport Roads, on Local Policy Objective in the last Strandhill mini plan.
Bordering the Traffic Node, development no the site would provide a safe pedestrian and cycle link to the Airport Road and Shore Road.
The subject site would provide badly needed supply of residential housing.
The Waste Water Treatment plan in Strandhill was designed and constructed to take a lot more houses and Irish Water have confirmed that it has capacity.”

Senior Planner, Mr. Moylan, pointed out to Members that, based on what was agreed in submission 168, and if submission 169 is agreed today, sufficient lands will have been zoned, from these two submissions alone, for an additional 190 units for Strandhill. This is a significant additional allocation above the 141 units already allocated in the Core Strategy to the Draft Plan.

It was agreed to go back to submission 160 at this point in the meeting.

SUBMISSION 160 – MARTINA KEENAN RIVERO, MCCUTCHEON HALLEY PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF CATHAL O’CONNOR & DAVID MCMUNN

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

“That the enclosed submission to site 1, site 2 and site 3 be accepted, namely amendment No 2, No. 3 and No. 4.”

The motion on this submission was further deferred to allow Mr. Moylan time to examine the motion in detail.

SUBMISSION 170 – ORLAGH CAWLEY

Issue 1 – no change
Issue 2 – no change
Issue 3 – no change
Issue 4 – no change
Issue 5 – no change
Issue 6 – no change.

SUBMISSION 171 – MKO PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF GARY MULLANE & ALAN MCCARRICK

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

AND AGREED

“Proposed Amendment No. 1: To amend the zoning of the site related to submission 171, map attached, from greenbelt to nRES as the site is fully serviced and there is a clear housing need for additional lands as per the NWRA population increase.”

Councillor Bree wished to be recorded as dissenting. Councillor Maguire wished to abstain.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon noted that while the Development Plan is open to decisions by the Elected Members, Mr. Lydon has concerns at the levels of land being zoned at this meeting. The Plan is prepared based on advices given to the planning authority by the OPR, therefore, the likelihood is that a lot of the lands being zoned today will be coming before the Council again. To zone this amount of additional lands on top of what has already been zoned in the Draft Plan is phenomenal, Mr. Lydon added.

SUBMISSION 172 – MARTINA KEENAN RIVERO, MCCUTCHEON HALLEY PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF MARGARET AND WALTER BURKE

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

AND AGREED

“That site 3 outlined in the submission 172 from SLR to Residential and lifting the SLR, hence site 4 (27.08ha) from Strategic Land Reserve (SLR) to New Residential (nRES).”

Councillor Bree wished to be recorded as dissenting.

Mr. Moylan advised the Members that he would have significant concerns about any development on this site as development of these lands would be totally premature and they are not suitable for development within the life of the upcoming Plan.

SUBMISSION 173 – JOHN MONAHAN

No change.

SUBMISSION 174 – SEAN VESEY

Item deferred.

SUBMISSION 175 – SEAMUS TUFFY

SUBMISSION 176 – DAVID MCGOWAN

As submissions 175 and 176 related to similar matters to do with the proposed Enniscrone By-Pass, it was agreed to take both submissions at this time.

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

AND AGREED

“Re submissions 175 and 176, having read the CE report, we accept the submission in 175 and 176 and remove the road corridor from the Plan.”

SUBMISSION 178 – KASSIE IRWIN

No change.

SUBMISSION 179 – VIRTUS PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF ALTITUDE DISTRIBUTION LTD.

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

AND AGREED

“And resolved: re submission 179 to the Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030, lands at Ballinode/Hazelwood, Sligo:

That Sligo County Council amend the Draft CDP, Appendix A, Infrastructure Assessment, for Site no. 44 to a Tier 1 site and carry out a settlement capacity audit on the site, per the report attached.
That Sligo County Council rezone the lands, as identified on the attached map as follows:

Site A: Green Belt to nRes (New Residential) – 8.5 Hectares

This is in line with the propopsed amended infrastructure assessment and the available exceptions to the sequential approach as provided for in the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2022.

Site B: Green Belt to Strategic Land Reserve (SLR) – 23 Hectares

The partial SLR zoning proposed on the site complies with the additional provision of sites to come forward during the end or as part of the next County Development Plan.

Site C: Green Belt to Open Space – 3 Hectares

To provide for suitable zoned space for the development of playing fields and associated infrastructure.”

It was agreed to defer this item pending circulation of a map to Members on the proposed changes detailed in this motion.

SUBMISSION 181 – EOIN CASSERLY

No change.

SUBMISSION 182 – ACHONRY FARMERS MARKET – COOLANEY / MULLINABREENA GAA

Agreed.

SUBMISSION 183 – BRIAN MCCANN ON BEHALF OF ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Issue 1 – no change
Issue 2 – no change
Issue 3 – no change
Issue 4 – no change
Issue 5 – no change
Issue 6 – no change.
Issue 7 - no change
Issue 8 – no change.

SUBMISSION 185 – RONAN GILROY

No change.

SUBMISSION 186 – PATRICIA CONWAY

No change.

SUBMISSION 187 – SLIGO COASTAL MOBILITY ACTION GROUP

No change.

SUBMISSION 188 – DECLAN BRENNAN

Consideration of the motion on submission 188 deferred until the motion is to hand.

SUBMISSION 189 – ENNISCRONE PIER IMPROVEMENT STEERING GROUP

Agreed.

Councillor Queenan asked if the community group submitted a planning application to erect a shelter on Enniscrone pier, would it be approved. Mr Moylan advised that the area Planner would be happy to meet with the Group to discuss their proposals to enhance the facilities at the pier.

SUBMISSION 197 – STUDIO C21 ON BEHALF OF TONY O'BEIRNE

No change.

SUBMISSION 200 – PIPPA BLACK ON BEHALF OF SLIGO DISABLED PERSONS’ ORGANISATION

No change.

SUBMISSION 201 – PIPPA BLACK ON BEHALF OF SLIGO PPN HOUSING THEMATIC NETWORK

Issue 1 – no change
Issue 2 – no change
Issue 3 – no change
Issue 4 – no change
Issue 5 – no change.

SUBMISSION 203 – CAROLINE GRAY ON BEHALF OF MONASTERADEN COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT GROUP

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

AND AGREED

“That 1.30 hectares of land in Monasteraden village, requests that the land be zoned for Community Facilities. It’s of the utmost importance to the community of Monasteraden that this is agreed.”

SUBMISSION 204 – ALEXANDER SZNAJDER

No change.

SUBMISSION 205 – BRIAN ROCHE, CONSULTING ENGINEERS ON BEHALF OF JOHN HOWLEY

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

AND AGREED

“That the above submission 205 lands (2.78ha), northwest of Curry village, are rezoned from Green Belt to Rural Village.”

Mr. Moylan stated that it was his understanding that the person who made this submission was referring to the need for a house for his daughter and, therefore, it would seem excessive to start zoning lands of around 3ha on a site removed from the village core and at a location where there are no facilities. It would be totally inconsistent with national policy to start zoning lands at a peripheral location like this, Mr. Moylan concluded.

SUBMISSION 206 – MARCUS AND KAREN JACKSON

Councillor Taylor excused himself from the meeting at this point due to a conflict of interest.

Agreed

SUBMISSION 208 – ROGER GARLAND ON BEHALF OF KEEP IRELAND OPEN

No change.

SUBMISSION 210 – GERARD SCANLON ON BEHALF OF ADRIAN HARAN

No change.

SUBMISSION 212 – PETER BOWEN WALSH ON BEHALF OF WEST=ON=TRACK

No change.

Mr. Moylan advised that all submissions have now been taken. It was agreed to take a short break and to go through the deferred submssions when the meeting resumes.

The meeting resumed at 12.20pm.

Mr. Moylan advised that at this point in the meeting he will take those motions whose consideration was deferred, to be taken in sequence.

SUBMISSION 25 – MICHAEL CONMY, BURY ARCHITECTS ON BEHALF OF FERGAL CAWLEY

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

“That Sligo County Council do not accept the Chief Executive’s response that the lands remained zoned open space and it is resolved that the lands the subject matter of submission 25 are rezoned from open space to mixed uses (MIX).”

Following a discussion, a revised motion was submitted, and it was:

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

AND AGREED

“Change zoning from Mixed Use to 2 residential units as shown on map.”

SUBMISSION 32 – PETER KINGHAN, QUARRY MINERAL CONSULTING LIMITED ON BEHALF OF HARRINGTON CONCRETE

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

“To request that 2.8 hectares of land to the north of Ballisodare village be re-zoned for Natural Resource Reservation (NRR). Motion relates to Harrington Concrete Quarry.”

Following a discussion, a vote was called by the Cathaoirleach in relation to this motion.

The result of the vote was as follows:

FOR: Councillors. Baker, Casserly, Clarke, Connolly, Fox, Mullaney, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan, Taylor (10)

AGAINST: Councillors. Bree, Healy, Maguire, O’Boyle (4)

ABSTAIN: Councillor Walsh (1)

ABSENT: Councillors. Gibbons, Gilroy, MacSharry (3)

The Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

SUBMISSION 54 – BREENA COYLE, JENNINGS O’DONOVAN ON BEHALF OF SLIGO NORTH WEST AIRPORT COMPANY LIMITED

No change.

SUBMISSION 55 – CATHAL MCMUNN

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

AGREED

“That lands in Folio SL-18061F, their current zoning to Business, Industry & Enterprise (BIE) or equivalent.”

Councillor Bree wished to be recorded as dissenting.

SUBMISSION 56 – JOHN TUFFY

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

AND AGREED

“That zoning on this land to provide for the development of one house for the owner.”

SUBMISSION 74 – VIRTUS PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF CONOR MCENIFF

Mr. Moylan advised Members that a vote was held on this submission and the motion thereon at last week’s meeting.

Since then, Mr. Moylan added, the person who made the submission has indicated that there is a statement in the Chief Executive’s response which is incorrect, which Mr. Moylan then proceeded to point out to the meeting, as follows:

In the Chief Executive’s response, in the 3^rd bullet point down, the sentence “The consent of each adjacent landowner would be required for the use of the access road to serve a residential development.” is incorrect. The person who owns the lands and made the submission has provided details clearly showing that he is in full ownership of the road and, therefore, to carry out any improvements on that road would not require the consent of other people who live on the road.
In the next (4^th) bullet point of the Chief Executive’s response, in the sentence starting “The sewer does extend along the access road to the subject lands…..”, the word ‘not’ is missing from that sentence, which should, in fact, read “The sewer does not extend along the access road to the subject lands….”.

Ultimately, Mr. Moylan added, the Chief Executive’s recommendation on submission 74 remains unchanged, i.e. ‘no change to the Draft Plan’ and that is what was voted on at last Monday’s meeting.

In response to a query from Councillor Walsh, Mr. Moylan further clarified that the Chief Executive, in the report, indicates that the site, the subject of the submission, is not considered to be serviced, having regard to the fact that there is no footpath, or public lighting or sewer along the road.

Councillor Gilroy expressed concern that Members voted last week on information that was not accurate. In response to a query from Councillor Gilroy on the triangular piece of land directly below the site in question, Mr. Moylan advised that this triangular piece of land is zoned for residential purposes in the Current Development Plan and for that reason the planning department probably gave it a bit higher weighting in respect of zoning it in the draft plan. Mr. Moylan stated that Councillor Gilroy is correct, in that it is not serviced, stating that there is probably a good argument for not zoning this piece of land either, if that is what the Councillor wants to propose now. Councillor Gilroy stated that the entrance to this landholding is serviced, adding that the owner of the lands can bring all the services he requires, through his property, without permission or consent from anyone else. Councillor Gilroy is still unsure from whom the information was given, that consent would be required on that piece of land. Councillor Gilroy stated that he brought this matter up at last week’s meeting and asked that it be deferred, which he stated it wasn’t, adding that it is being re-visited today due to inaccurate information being provided at last week’s meeting. In Councillor Gilroy’s opinion, another vote is required on this matter.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, stated that he was taking full responsibility for the mistake made in the CE report on this submission, which has been openly discussed and corrected at today’s meeting. Furthermore, Mr. Lydon added, no one is looking to mislead anyone. The Council’s role is to provide advice, which has been done, and the Planners, with a very detailed report on over 200 submissions, has provided that advice in order that Members can make decisions.

In response to Councillor Gilroy’s question in relation to the entrance to the lands being serviced, Mr. Moylan stated that, in terms of the portion of land the subject of this submission, they would require the laying of a sewer over an extent of approximately 140 metres so, therefore, the lands are not considered to be serviced.

In response to a statement read by Councillor O’Boyle on a recent permission granted to the Radisson Hotel, during which process design report was prepared following a FI request from Sligo County Council, Councillor Gilroy stated that there was no mention of any capacity issues to the proposed development, adding that is, therefore, reasonable to assume that there is no capacity issue with the current public sewerage system. Mr. Moylan stated that it’s not a capacity issue but rather that the sewer goes along the Rosses Point road and the Radisson would now have a direct connection into that sewer, whereas the lands, the subject of this submission, would require an extension of the sewer of approximately 140 metres to get up into the site.

As a point of order, Councillor Bree stated that, as per Standing Orders, if a vote was taken at last week’s meeting on this submission, and a decision made as a result of that vote, which was the case, that decision cannot be rescinded or revoked at today’s meeting.

The Cathaoirleach then requested that the meeting proceed to consider the next deferred motion.

SUBMISSION 92– BARRY FLYNN

No change.

Councillor Clarke advised that he was withdrawing his motion previously lodged on this submission.

SUBMISSION 106 – STEPHEN BARRETT, DIRECTOR, TOM PHILLIPS & ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF OF TAHC (ON BEHALF OF KENROCK TAVERNS LTD.)

Councillor Fox excused himself from the meeting at this point due to a conflict of interest.

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillors. D. Mulvey and M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To amend the Draft County Development Plan, the zoning map S106 in relation to the Kilcawley lands at Tonaphubble, Sligo Folio Number 16207 so that the lands are considered for residential zoning.
The reason we are changing the zoning is because in the current Development Plan the lands are zoned SLR, residential. The subject lands are currently underutilised and represent well serviced and strategically located lands in Sligo.

The lands are Tier 1 serviced lands with pedestrian access to the town centre which is within walking distance.

The lands are close to public transport routes, public parks, sports complex, churches and schools.

The subject lands at Tonaphubble should be zoned to provide for “R2 – Low to Medium Density Residential Area”, RE – Existing Residential” and “OS – Open Space” uses, as per the Current Development Plan, and that the residentially zoned serviced lands such as this, should not be subject to de-zoning as proposed under the Draft Sligo County Council Development Plan 2024-2030.”

Mr. Moylan advised that the DHLGH have expressed serious concerns regarding zoning of lands, the subject of this submission, and a number of other submissions in and around the Cairns Hill area, due to the setting of archaeological features on Cairns Hill and also because of our application for UNESCO status for a number of neolithic sites around Sligo. It is important, therefore, Mr. Moylan added, that the Elected Members are aware of the significance of what is being proposed in this motion, which is essentially to allow the development of houses on elevated sites just below Cairns Hill in a very prominent location which will, undoubtedly have an effect on the setting of those national monuments.

Councillors. Bree and Maguire wished to be recorded as dissenting.

At this point, Mr. Moylan advised that a motion had been submitted in respect of submission 97 but as a vote had already been carried out on this submission, it cannot be dealt with again.

SUBMISSION 112 – SIMON O’DOWD ON BEHALF OF KIERAN WALSH

Councillor Walsh excused himself from the meeting at this point due to a conflict of interest.

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That the lands referred to in submission 112 (5.76ha in total) in Ballintogher village town be zoned RV (Rural Village) on a smaller site of 2.885 ha as shown on attached map marked S-112-A to facilitate the building of much needed homes required in this area. And that the development limit be adjusted to include these lands:

By reducing the area of the specified lands the lands are sequential as they are adjacent to existing housing in the village
The lands are serviceable within the lifetime of the plan as shown on attached letter from Irish Water an extension of 250m would be required and the cost of this would be met by the developer.
The wastewater infrastructure has the ability to accept up to 40 additional dwellings as per email from Irish Water dated April 18^th”

Councillor Bree wished to be recorded as dissenting.

SUBMISSION 137 – TOM WATTERS

Mr. Moylan advised Members that this lengthy submission is requesting additional text be inserted into the Draft Plan. Mr. Moylan advised that there is no objection to the inclusion of the additional text as proposed, as an amendment to the Draft plan. However, Mr. Moylan strongly recommends that the following sentence, as submitted, be removed from proposed additional text: “There is no reasons why lands cannot be zoned for residential and mixed uses so that the growth of the village can be managed and contribute to the compact growth of Cliffoney.” This was agreed.

The following text was agreed to be included in the Draft Plan:

Cliffoney is the last village on the N15 before the Sligo/Leitrim border which is located 6km to the North.

2022 Census	521 persons: +5.8% increase 2016-2022
2016 Census	492 persons: +1.8% increase 2011-2016
2002-2022	+194 residents: +59% increase since 2002
Road network	Located along the N-15 with the R279 spur starting in Cliffony village connecting Mullaghmore to the N15.
Churches	One St Molaise church
Sports facilities	Soccer pitch to the north-west of the village
Other assets	Health centre Community hall & Montessori school (Health centre recently closed down by HSE)

Creevykeel – one of the largest court cairns in Ireland is located 1km north of Cliffoney

Support the provision and improvement of pedestrian links/access from the village to the natural amenities by providing walkways and open space by requiring the provision of such facilities in conjunction with any development of adjoining lands.

Facilitate the development of tourism-related local enterprise initiatives and facilitate establishment of local businesses.

SUBMISSION 149 – SLIGO CYCLING CAMPAIGN

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“That the plan prioritise a single coastal mobility route between Strandhill and Rosses Point and list it as an objective within the County Development Plan. This will facilitate a significant economic benefit and increase active travel, sustainable tourism and health and wellbeing.”

SUBMISSION 160 – MARTINA KEENAN RIVERO, MCCUTCHEON HALLEY PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF CATHAL O’CONNOR & DAVID MCMUNN

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

AND AGREED

“That the enclosed submission to site 1, site 2 and site 3 be accepted namely Amendment No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4.

Proposed Amendment No. 2: To partially rezone the lands, the subject of Submission No. 160 (Site no. 1), as identified on the attached map, from community facilities to new residential (nRES) 2 Ha. This is in line with an error in the infrastructure assessment carried out on the site, the additional provision of 25% of zoned land as set out in 4.4.3. (a) & (e) as set out in the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities (June 2022) and 6.2.3. Sequential Approach to Zoning for Residential Development as set out in the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities (June 2022).

Proposed Amendment No. 3: To retain the existing Business & Enterprise zoning on the site, the subject of Submission No. 160 (Site no 2), as identified on the attached map. This is in line with the NPF strategy National Strategic Objectives of Tackling the damaging and inefficient pattern of urban sprawl through favouring compact forms of development that focus on consolidating the footprint of our existing settlements with new development.

Proposed Amendment No. 4: To rezone the lands, the subject of Submission No 160 (Site no. 3), as identified and amended on the attached map, from greenbelt (GB) to new residential (nRES) 0.96 Ha and retain o.18 Ha of greenbelt. This is in line with the site being classed at Tier 1 site in line with an updated infrastructure assessment and sequential development.”

SUBMISSION 174 – SEAN VESEY

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

AND AGREED

“To ask that the lands in question to the west of Ballymote town, is retained / kept in the Strategic Land Reserve.”

SUBMISSION 179 – VIRTUS PLANNING CONSULTANTS ON BEHALF OF ALTITUDE DISTRIBUTION LTD.

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

AND AGREED

“And resolved re submission 179 to the Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030, lands at Ballinode / Hazelwood, Sligo:

That Sligo County Council amend the Draft CDP, Appendix A, Infrastructure Assessment, for Site no. 44 to a Tier 1 site and carry out a settlement capacity audit on the site, per the report attached.
That Sligo County Council rezone the lands, as identified on the attached map as follows:

Site A: Green Belt to nRes (New Residential) – 8.5 Hectares

Site B: Green Belt to Strategic Land Reserve (SLR) – 23 Hectares

The partial SLR zoning proposed on the site complies with the additional provision of sites to come forward during the end or as part of the next County Development Plan.

Site C: Green Belt to Open Space – 3 Hectares

To provide for suitable zoned space for the development of playing fields and associated infrastructure.”

Councillor Bree wished to be recorded as dissenting.

SUBMISSION 188 – DECLAN BRENNAN

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council accepts submission 188 and zone this land as Green Belt.”

Mr. Moylan advised that all motions lodged on foot of submissions have now been completed.

At this point in the meeting, Mr. Moylan commented on a point raised earlier in the meeting on the NPF and new figures to be released shortly. Mr. Moylan stated that the NPF is due to be reviewed this year and as part of that review, the Department will be looking at population projections based on changing demographics over the last number of years since the NPF was last prepared in 2018. Early indications are that the population figures will need to be revised and possibly the housing targets set out at national and regional level. There is a timeframe within which that work must be completed, before they become relevant to this local authority in respect of the Development Plan to be adopted for Sligo. Later in the year a revised NPF will be put on public display, which will likely contain new population figures. All stakeholders will then have an opportunity to comment on it. When the public consultation period on the revised NPF is complete, the likelihood is that the Regional Strategies will then have to be amended. Once this happens, individual Development Plans within local authorities will then have to be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with the new population figures set out at national and regional level. It would be expected that this will happen over the next two years. There will then be an opportunity to review the CDP in light of the revised population figures, to assess what changes need to be made to bring our Core Strategy back in line with the revisions at national and regional level. It is premature at this time, Mr. Moylan concluded, to start making decisions on the basis of housing and population figures which have not, as yet, been published.

At this point, Mr. Moylan advised that other motions will now be taken, in sequence as they were submitted.

Item A – received at 9.49am on 15.04.2024:

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

“To amend the Draft Sligo County Development Plan and draft zoning map 2024-2030 relating to lands outlined in red on the map below at Rathedmond House, Rathedmond, Strandhill Road, Sligo so that this land is included in the “nRes - New Residential” land-use zoning as indicated below and in the attached report.”

This motion was withdrawn.

Item B – received at 9.50am on 15.04.2024:

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

“To request that the planning department review this error and amend Core Strategy, Table 3.2 in Section 3.3 of the CE report accordingly to account for the additional units required and the additional 17 hectares of zoned land required. As such column 3 row 10 should read ‘4,492 units’ and column 5 row 10 should read ‘149.5 hectares’. It is likely an upgrade is also required to the associated Table 5.2, page 28 of CE Report to account for the NWRA figure.”

This motion was withdrawn.

Item C – received at 10.00am on 15.04.2024:

It was proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

“To request provision of an additional 500 student units and 14 hectares of zoned land in Sligo Town to account for the ATU possible future expansion plans and associated impact on the private rented market in line with town first policies, proper planning and sustainable development. As such, column 3, row 10 should read 4,992 units and column 5, row 10 read 163.5 hectares.”

This motion was withdrawn.

Item D – received at 10.08am on 15.04.2024:

It was proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

“To amend the HST target to account for the Ukrainian population of 2,507 persons, the quarter of which will likely remain here long term and add an additional 7ha. As such column 3, row 10 should read 5,233 units and column 5, row 10 should read 170.5 ha.”

This motion was withdrawn.

Item E - received at 10.42am on 15.04.2024:

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

“That Sligo County Council, having considered and having taken into account the increased zoning of lands resulting from the submissions by Members today, hereby resolve that the Core Strategy is amended accordingly to reflect and facilitate this increase.”

This motion was withdrawn.

Item F - received at 1.15pm on 15.04.2024:

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

AGREED

“That Sligo County Council considering that zoning has been removed from five villages within the county that do not have waste water infrastructure available within the life of this plan should not have a green belt zone as there should be no zones in these villages. We therefore remove the green belt zoning from these. NOTE: Villages to be removed – Banada, Ballygawley, Ransboro, Rathcormac and Tourlestrane.”

Councillor Maguire wished to be recorded as dissenting.

Item G - received at 9.42am on 22.04.2024:

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

AGREED

“Change zoning on map marked A from Open Space to Residential including SLR.”

Item H - received at 9.46am on 22.04.2024:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor Casserly

AGREED

“Re Green Belt along L-3203 Cloontyprocklis, Grange, Co Sligo; That the zoning of lands marked A on attached map and outlined in blue are changed from eRES Existing Residential within the village of Grange to (GB) Green Belt. These two dwellings were built by brothers from the same family in a rural area 600m from the village edge. The properties are not serviced by wastewater or footpaths and should not be zoned as part of the urban area. The families do not want their homes zoned as eRES or RV as they are clearly rural and all other one off standalone houses are zoned as Green Belt.”

Item I - received at 9.46am on 22.04.2024:

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

AGREED

“Re zoned land at L-3203 Cloontyprocklis, Grange, Co Sligo; That the zoning of lands marked A on attached map and outlined in blue are changed from (nRES) New Residential (SLR) Strategic Land Reserve as the land owner has no intention of developing this land within the lifetime of this plan. The land is immediately adjacent to the landowner’s family home and is currently being used for agricultural purposes by the family of the landowner. SLR zoniing would protect this land from any other type of development. The removal of this piece of land from nRES to SLR would allow for other lands to be zoned nRES without affecting the overall quantum of lands zoned New Residential.”

Item J - received at 9.46am on 22.04.2024:

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

“Re Green Belt along L-3203 Cloontyprocklis, Grange, Co Sligo; That the zoning of lands marked A and A1 on attached map and outlined in blue are changed from (GB) Green Belt A and (OS) Open Space A1 to (MIX) Mixed Use and the Development Limit is moved out to include these lands. These lands are surrounded on three sides by lands zoned as part of the village. As the specified lands are central to the village and failing to include this within the Village Plan would result in a sequential approach to planning cannot be achieved if these lands are zoned Green Belt while lands further from the village are zoned for development.”

This motion was withdrawn.

Item K - received at 9.46am on 22.04.2024:

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

“Re CE-18Z-02 ; That the lands marked CE-18Z-02 on attached map is zoned SLR Strategic Land Reserve as per 1st Draft County Development Plan. The lands are fully serviced with water and wastewater and although the footpaths do not currently go as far as these lands it is noted that CE-18-02 states that in Section 18.3.3. Transport and Circulation (Chapter 18 Grange Village Plan) objective C require the provision of a footpath along the L-3203 (Grange-Streedagh road) to serve the zoned lands on the southern side of the road in conjunction with the development of these lands.

If these lands were to be zoned SLR for the duration of this plan it would allow ample time for the construction of the footpath and consideration could then be given to zoning the lands as New Residential.”

This motion was withdrawn.

Item L - received at 10.16am on 22.04.2024:

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

“I propose that the lands indicated in the map below are in blue and zoned nRES (6.5 Ha approx) rather than Strategic Land Reserve in line with the regional policy objective 3.7.42 of the nRES.”

Item deferred until a map was circulated to Members.

Item M - received at 13.06pm on 22.04.2024:

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

AND AGREED

“Michael Lee Munnelly; Area hatched in purple – land is current agricultural land with a derelict house on same. It is proposed to provide tourism based accommodation on the site, the sea road is regularly lined with camper vans and tents in particular during the summer months, on occasions there has been in excess of 50 vans and caravans parked along the shore road and on the common at Munnelly’s cove.

The proposal is to provide a multi-use site with pitches for tents, camper vans, caravans, children’s play area, parking area, recreational greens and convert the existing derelict dwelling to a building ancillary to the use for laundry, showers etc.

The proposed site will hope to meet damand for tourism based accommodation within the Easkey area, the sites currently zoned for tourism based activities are already developed and the demand is not catered for.

This site is ideally located for connection to public services and is contained between the local road access to the sea shore on the eastern boundary and the river to the west within walking distance of the village, the catel, poll gorm and the local amenities.

The development proposal includes provision for temporary accommodation only on the higher end of the site with proposed pods located along the river end, i.e. the lower portion of the site, therefore there will be little or no impact on the aesthetics of the area along the scenic route, there will in fact be an improvement if the extensive lines of camper vans are removed from directly along the sea shore with no sanitary facilities.”

Mr. Moylan, as a clarification, stated that the amendment to be put on public display is the zoning of these lands as identified in the map for Tourism (TOU), the rest of the text will not be added to same.

Item L was returned to at this point in the meeting.

Item L - received at 10.16am on 22.04.2024:

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

This motion was withdrawn.

Item N - received at 13.14pm on 22.04.2024:

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

AND AGREED

“That land identified by R.W., as attached, be changed to SLR.”

Item O - received at 13.30pm on 22.04.2024:

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

AND AGREED

“That the following strategic objective be included after SO-TRA-6: ‘Support the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor in order to deliver the Sligo-Claremorris-Tuam-Athenry Rail to an appropriate level of service and at a standard capable of facilitating passenger and freight transport and present an opportunity to provide an integrated rail linkage to the Ireland West Airport Knock’.”

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mullaney, advised that all motions have now been dealt with.

Mr. Moylan advised Members that the next stage of the process is to to prepare the amendments for putting on public display but firstly they will be subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) and forwarded to our Consultants responsible for carrying out the flood risk assessment. Amendments will be on public display for a period of 4 weeks, but that will likely be some time off because of the work to be done on the SEA and AA flood risk assessment, due to the substantial portions of zoned lands added to the Draft Plan at these meetings, some of which are in close promimity to SACs and SPAs.

In response to queries, Mr. Moylan advised as follows:

Occupancy conditions are an operational issue for the Planning authority and are not dealt with in the context of the County Development Plan. Sustainable rural housing guidelines specify that occupancy conditions be used as a tool to ensure the information provided by the applicant to secure planning permission is enforced over the life of the occupancy condition, which is 7 years. If someone wishes to sell a property with an occupancy conditon, such matters will be dealt, sympathetically, on a case by case basis.

In relation to scenic routes once the new Plan is adopted the Landscape Character Assessment will be reviewed, and decisions taken on which scenic routes are to be retained or amended.

Regarding green belts, and in relation to Enniscrone, the green belt has commenced significantly. Any planning applications lodged at this time will be considered against the current Development Plan. Revisions to the green belt boundaries will only apply after the adoption of the 2024-2030 County Development Plan.

Ms. Branley then proceed to read out the final motion of the meeting, and it was:

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

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030 and the Second Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), and taking account of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the statutory obligations of the Local Authority and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or of any Minister of the Government, it is hereby agreed to amend the Draft Plan in accordance with the Second Chief Executive’s Report, subject to the further amendments proposed and adopted at the Special Meetings of Sligo County Council held on 15 April and on the 22 April 2024.

It is further considered that the proposed amendments, if made, will be a material alteration of the Draft Plan, and it is hereby resolved in accordance with the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended), that the proposed amendments be put on public display for a period of not less than 4 weeks.”

Cathaoirlech, Councillor Mullaney wished to thank all in Planning section for all their work on the Draft Plan so far and for their support and guidance to the Members during the process to date.

Councillor Mullaney also thanked the Chief Executive for his help and support on the Draft Plan and also the Corporate Services administration staff for their help and support during the CDP meetings.

It was confirmed that the minutes of the two Special CDP meetings will come before the Members at the May plenary meeting for approval.

Councillor Baker echoed the Cathaoirleach’s remarks and thanked the Executive, staff and his colleagues on the Council, for their support on the Development Plan, which will be his last one to attend as a sitting councillor.

Councillor Clarke, and the Members, wished to be associated with the above remarks, adding that the Members work closely with the Planners and the Executive, on behalf of their constituents and for the betterment and future development of the county.

END OF MEETING:

The business of the Meeting concluded at 2.30 p.m.

Meeting Date 22/04/2024