Minutes 2024

Minutes of The Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council Held on Monday 21st June 2024 at 10.00 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Bree
  • Councillor Brennan
  • Councillor Casserly
  • Councillor Clarke
  • Councillor Cosgrove
  • Councillor Gallagher
  • Councillor Gibbons
  • Councillor Gilroy
  • Councillor Healy
  • Councillor MacSharry
  • Councillor McSharry
  • Councillor Mullaney
  • Councillor Mulvey
  • Councillor Nealon
  • Councillor O’Boyle
  • Councillor Queenan
  • Councillor Taylor
  • Councillor Walsh

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Jim Molloy, Acting Chief Executive
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms. Emer Concannon, A/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

 

RESULT OF LOCAL ELECTIONS 2024:

The outgoing Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, requested the Meetings Administrator to read the list of those elected following a vote on 7th June, 2024 into the record.

They were as follows:

  • Councillor Declan Bree
  • Councillor Liam Brennan
  • Councillor Marie Casserly
  • Councillor Michael Clarke
  • Councillor Nessa Cosgrove
  • Councillor Barry Gallagher
  • Councillor Arthur Gibbons
  • Councillor Dónal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Healy
  • Councillor Tom MacSharry
  • Councillor Edel McSharry
  • Councillor Gerard Mullaney
  • Councillor Dara Mulvey
  • Councillor Fergal Nealon
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle
  • Councillor Joseph Queenan
  • Councillor Paul Taylor and
  • Councillor Thomas Walsh.

 

ADDRESS BY OUTGOING CATHAOIRLEACH:

Councillor Mullaney welcomed the Elected Members, family members, members of the Executive and Press. 

In welcoming all to the Chamber, he congratulated the Members on their re-election and the newly elected Members.  A special welcome was extended to the new Councillors – Councillors Brennan, Cosgrove, Gallagher, McSharry and Nealon.  It was a special day for them and their families.  He hoped that they could enjoy it and go on to have a very successful five year term. 

Councillor Mullaney also remembered former Colleagues – Councillors Connolly and Fox who had lost their seats.  In recalling their high attendance and commitment to the betterment of the county, he added that he knew how they felt having lost his seat in 2014.  This had been a very difficult experience and he asked that support would be given to them by all the Members.

Thanks were also extended to the Members who had elected him to the position of Cathaoirleach in 2023.  The year had been hectic, enjoyable and a year of high achievement.

The Cathaoirleach thanked the C.E., Martin Lydon, and the Directors of Services for their co-operation, help and work over his term in office. As the Cathaoirleach deals with Corporate Services more than any other Section while in office, he thanked John Moran and his team.  In particular, he wished to thank Dorothy Gillen for her support over the last twelve months.

Among the highlights of his year, Councillor Mullaney referred to the Official Opening of the Surf Centre in Strandhill, the AIM (Advanced Innovation and Marketing) Centre in the Market Yard and the Queen Maeve Square.  He acknowledged the role of Sligo County Council’s staff in ensuring that they came to fruition.  It had placed Sligo in a very good position from a Tourism and Enterprise point of view going forward.  Sligo is the envy of a lot of counties for infrastructure, tourism and the development of enterprise.  A major highlight for him was also the visit to New York.  Ms. Clarke, Director of Services had accompanied him on that trip and he complimented her for the way the county was represented.  It was an excellent visit with the delegation having been very well received by the Sligo Diaspora.  It had been a special and proud occasion for Councillor Mullaney having walked Fifth Avenue with both the United Counties of Ireland and with the Sligo Diaspora.  It was a very important visit and a special place to be on St. Patrick’s Day. In the past, he had doubted the value of the trip but they had held very important meetings and met a lot of people that, at some stage, may be of assistance to County Sligo.  This was something that he felt should be promoted, encouraged and continued.

Another highlight during his term had been the work on the County Development Plan.  In noting that it was not finally completed, it had been brought close to fruition.  He thanked the Members for all their work and co-operation with the Plan.  It was his expectation that it would be completed in September or October.  This would position the county in a good place.  That a lot more land had been zoned for Residential use meant more Industries could come and be confident that their staff will find housing in Sligo.

Further thanks were extended to the Media for their assistance over the year and, also, to the Photographers for their work.

In conclusion, Councillor Mullaney again referred to the commitment of the staff.  He spoke about Irish Language Week and how Edel Mhic Amhlaidh, the Council’s Irish Language and Communications Officer, had decided that she was going to teach him some Irish.  It was something he had not achieved in the past but she put a big effort into it.  While it had not been successful, it was not the fault of the teacher and it had shown the commitment of the staff of the County Council that they always try to position the Council and the county in the best light.

In conclusion, he thanked his wife Róisín and his family.  Róisín had everything ready for him for every occasion and he estimated that there was in excess of 150 Events during his term.  He wanted to extend his thanks to his wife and family for their co-operation and help during his year as Cathaoirleach.

Members extended their thanks to the outgoing Cathaoirleach and outlined how he had carried out his role as first citizen of the county.  They referred to the level of integrity and fairness with which he carried out his role in the Chamber and beyond.  He had been very communicative, inclusive, hard working and always accessible.  He carried out his role in a balanced way.  Reference was made to the three projects he had mentioned as some of his highlights and their huge importance to the county and the north west.  His legacy was outlined in how he had carried out the role of his office and the time he had given up during the year for the betterment of the county and he always put Sligo first. It had been a year he could be proud of. As Cathaoirleach, he had represented the people of the county in an exemplary fashion.  The level of co-operation in the Chamber, due to his efforts, had been invariably good and the business was always conducted in a positive and efficient manner.  Members were aware of the demands on the office of the Cathaoirleach and it was noted that he had taken a leave of absence for the year to carry out his role.  They extended their best wishes and thanks to his wife Róisín and his family for all their help during a demanding year.

Members also acknowledged the role played by former Members – Councillors Baker, Maguire and O’Grady and commiserated with former Councillors Martin Connolly and Tom Fox.  The difficulty of holding down a full time job and carrying out the role of a Councillor was noted.

On behalf of the Chief Executive, Executive and staff, Mr. Molloy said that the Cathaoirleach had exemplified the values of Sligo and the Council.  He had carried out his duties with honesty and integrity wherever he had been.  It had been a trademark of Councillor Mullaney in his role as Cathaoirleach that he had always looked at the interests of Sligo first and had been apolitical throughout.  He had carried out the duties exceptionally.  It would be a hard act to follow, , but he brought his own style to it and did it his own way.  It was important that a authenticity was brought into the role. Mr. Molloy agreed that it was sad to see other colleagues go. It had not been possible to pay tribute to former Councillors Martin Connolly and Tom Fox while they had been in the Chamber.  Members had that opportunity for Councillors Baker, Maguire and O’Grady.  It was incumbent on everyone to remember them and the service they had provided to the Council.  In noting that there were five new Councillors, he said that it is great to see new faces and referred to the challenge they have to fill the shoes of the people that left.  He extended his best wishes to all the Members and thanks to Councillor Mullaney for his work as Cathaoirleach. He had done everyone proud.

Councillor Mullaney thanked everyone for their good wishes and said that, if he had been a good Cathaoirleach, it was because he was sitting in front of a good Council and staff.  Decisions had been made in the best interest of the county and he concluded by thanking the Members from the last Council for their help and co-operation.

 

THANKS TO RETURNING OFFICER:

Members extended their thanks to Mr. John Moran in his role as Returning Officer, and his Team, for the work carried out on the Count at the Local Elections.  

 

1. ELECTION OF CATHAOIRLEACH:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor N. Cosgrove

AND AGREED

“We the Fianna Fail group of six Councillors., together with Councillors. Queenan, Clarke, Casserly, and Cosgrove propose Councillor Declan Bree for Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council for the next term 2024-2025.”

Councillor MacSharry outlined the record of political service by Councillor Bree for the people of Sligo at both local and national level, having been consistently elected over the last 50 years.  He had previously been Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council in 1986.  In recognition of his service and his work with community, voluntary and cultural organisations they were proposing his election as Cathaoirleach.  His family were also welcomed to the Council Chamber.  In seconding the proposal, Councillor Cosgrove said they were proposing to elect Sligo’s longest serving Councillor to the role on the longest day of the year.

As there were no other nominations, the outgoing Cathaoirleach deemed Councillor Bree elected. 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Bree, thanked his Proposer and Seconder and all the Council Members for the honour.  To be unanimously elected without having to canvass a single vote was something he had not dreamt of, and he wished to convey his gratitude to them for placing their confidence and trust in him.  He wished to join with the outgoing Cathaoirleach in congratulating his colleagues for being elected to serve on Sligo County Council for the new term.  He particularly wished to welcome his five new colleagues.  He wished them well as they become accustomed to their role as Public Representatives.  He added his commiserations to those of earlier speakers to outgoing Councillors Tom Fox and Martin Connolly who had lost out on being re-elected on this occasion.  Together with Councillors Martin Baker, Sinéad Maguire and Rosaleen O’Grady, they had played a hugely significant part in developing and expanding the work of Sligo County Council during their terms in office.  The people of Sligo are indebted to every one of them for their work over the years.  A welcome was extended to former Councillor Baker who was attending the Meeting seated in the Public Gallery.

It had always been his goal, since he became involved in politics as a teenager, to make Sligo town and county a better place to live in by improving the quality of life for the citizens and protecting and enhancing the heritage.  He looked forward to the year ahead where he hoped the Council Members would have the opportunity to influence the direction the county would take in the years ahead. He wished to emphasise influence because representative organisations recognised that Ireland has the weakest system of local government in Europe.  The devolution of functions from national government to local authorities was recognised, together with significant and fundamental reform, he added.

Sligo County Council is still in the process of considering the draft 2024-2030 County Development Plan.  This is statutory, over-arching, strategic framework for sustainable spatial economic and social development for County Sligo.  It sets policies for Sligo that meet national and regional planning goals and guides the development of sustainable communities and economic growth.  It identifies key challenges for the development of Sligo including retaining and increasing the county’s population, focusing on the role and development of Sligo town, developing essential pieces of infrastructure, building Sligo’s cultural offer to attract visitors and an internationally mobile workforce, improving the functions and performance of Ballymore, Enniscrone and Tubbercurry and diversifying the rural economy while protecting the county’s natural and cultural heritage.  While there had been significant public consultation on the Draft Plan, there still remained an amount of work for the Members to carry out before a suitably amended, final County Development Plan was adopted. The importance of the Plan could not be over emphasised the Cathaoirleach said.

Sligo had tremendous potential to grow its economy and increase employment levels across the community.  The county has a number of established sectors including Precision Engineering, Med Tech and the important retail and hospitality sector.  A significant level of employment in the creative sector as well as agriculture and tourism.  There is also a growing and ambitious Tech base that offers opportunity to further diversify the economy.  The county, with its appealing work-life balance can also capitalise on the accelerated trend towards remote working.  However, there was work to do.  The county recorded low levels of employment growth in the last census.  It has a high commercial vacancy rate, inflation and cost of living pressures are also affecting the county, its people and the economy.  To achieve its potential, he said, the whole county must work collaboratively to accelerate growth and develop an innovative, diversified and sustainable economy that provides the infrastructure and talent base for employers and meaningful and sustainable employment for the people of the community.  It had to be made clear to National Government that this region wants its fair share of the nation’s financial resources. 

The Northern Western Region of Ireland is officially classified as a “Transition” region by the European Commission.  The title is given to regions in which the GDP per capita is between 75% and 100% of the E. U. 27 average.  This region is the only region in Ireland to hold the status with development challenges ranging from lower productivity and education attainment and a weaker skills base and business environment.  Disposable income per head of population is 84% of the State average which is much lower compared to previous years.  The region’s share of Ireland’s population has been in decline since 2011.  It is ranked 114th most competitive regional economy in the 234 regions in the E. U.’s Regional Competitive Index.  The starkest figure Members needed to consider was the fact that the region ranked 218th out of 234 regions in terms of infrastructure in the 27 countries which make up the European Union which is the bottom 7% alongside some of the poorest regions in the European Union. 

The Cathaoirleach said that, if evidence was required to highlight the urgent need for major investment in infrastructure, these alarming and frightening figures told the tale. The status of the region had been downgraded from a developed region to a region in transition and this, he felt, was reflective of the fact that the region was falling behind and not seeing the same levels of investment in infrastructure by Central Government as other areas of the country.

There was an urgent need to reverse the economic decline in the west and northwest.  The consistent under investment in critical, enabling infrastructure has hampered development.  The constant movement of young people from Sligo and the west was being witnessed as they moved to Dublin, the east and abroad.  It was time to call a halt and demand the major investment in infrastructure which the region was entitled to.  This would give young people the hope for a better and brighter future at home in their own region.  Improving accessibility was key to bringing investment and growing the population and infrastructure needed to be significantly improved.  The rail service to Dublin needed to be improved and the Western Rail Corridor linking Sligo with Galway and Limerick needed to be reopened.  Upgrades of the roads network were required including the N16 to Enniskillen and Belfast, the N17 to Ireland West Airport and Galway, the N15 to Letterkenny in addition to the N4 to Dublin. If the region was to grow and develop, the Housing crisis had to be addressed, not only in terms of the provision of local authority housing but also the lack of available private residential developments to meet current and future needs.  At this time, there were in excess of 1,600 households on the Council’s Housing waiting list while house prices in the private sector continued to soar beyond the reach of ordinary workers and families.  The tradition of Council’s building homes was referred to.  When he had been elected 50 years ago, Councils delivered almost 9,000 homes.  This was a third of all housing delivered in Ireland that year.  Funding had been reduced and the role of private developers expanded.  President Michael D. Higgins had said that housing and the basic needs of society should never have been left to the marketplace and the Cathaoirleach agreed with this.  The Housing Crisis had been Ireland’s great failure. The right to adequate, decent and secure housing had to be the vision for policies. 

The Cathaoirleach felt that Sligo County Council would not be found wanting in terms of delivering good quality social housing. 

Other issues he wished to touch on were the county’s vibrant culture, heritage and creative sector, exceptional education sector including the Atlantic Technical University and issues relating to the Health Services in the region, but he was conscious that there was a lengthy Agenda. 

The Cathaoirleach said he wished to repeat what he had said at the Election Count when he referred to the fact that the candidates of the Far Right were firmly rejected by the people of County Sligo.  While there were people in Sligo who had genuine concerns about the way that the Government had been handling the Refugee and International Protection process, the local election results had clearly shown that they did not wish in any way to be associated with racists or the Far Right.  He was so proud to be part of the Sligo community.  A community which had a long and proud tradition of being warm, compassionate and empathic to those in need.  While the Far Right attempted to sow the seeds of racial hatred, it was noteworthy that the vast majority of decent people recognise and appreciate the significant contribution many migrants have and continue to make to society, regardless of colour, creed or nationality.  For generations, children had emigrated to new lands seeking security, opportunity and employment.  He said it was amazing to note that migrants now make up an important part of Ireland’s modern workforce.  They worked in our Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, Takeaways, Hotels, etc. and contribute in so many other ways.  The country and economy could not function without them. 

In conclusion, he extended his thanks to his wife Margaret, daughters Connie, Megan and Katie, sons Manus and Deaglan, sister Pauline, Campaign Manager Pat Fallon and longtime Director of Elections, Brenda Barr, Election Team and all of his supporters who had given him unwavering support over the years.  It was his intention to preside over meetings in a fair and balanced manner and to ensure that all the Members could participate fully in the work of the Council.  He looked forward to working with all of the Members, the Chief Executive and Council staff in the challenging year ahead. 

 

2. ELECTION OF LEAS-CHATHAOIRLEACH:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Edel McSharry be elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Sligo County Council.”

 

3. ENNISCRONE LEISURE LIMITED:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Joseph Queenan be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Directors of Enniscrone Leisure Limited.

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Michael Clarke be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Directors of Enniscrone Leisure Limited.

 

4. NORTH WEST AIRPORT COMPANY LIMITED:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Edel McSharry be appointed to the Board of North West Airport Company Limited.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Fergal Nealon be appointed to the Board of North West Airport Company Limited.”

 

5. THE MODEL

Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to defer this item to later in the Meeting.

 

6. HAWK’S WELL THEATRE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Edel McSharry be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo.”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Nessa Cosgrove be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo.”

 

7. COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE AND GENEALOGY SOCIETY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Gino O’Boyle be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Society.”

 

8. COUNTY SLIGO LEADER PARTNERSHIP COMPANY LIMITED

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Barry Gallagher be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of County Sligo Leader Partnership Company Limited.”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Michael Clarke be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of County Sligo Leader Partnership Company Limited.”

 

9. SLIGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT COMPANY:

Mr. Moran advised the Meeting that one nomination was required from the Elected Members.  The Chief Executive had responsibility for the second nomination.

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Arthur Gibbons be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Sligo Business District Company.”

 

10. COLEMAN HERITAGE CENTRE LIMITED:

Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Paul Taylor be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Coleman Heritage Centre Limited.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Liam Brennan be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Coleman Heritage Centre Limited.”

Members suggested that the appointment of two Members was sufficient to join this Board. Councillor Taylor confirmed that, as a Board Member in the past, that this was the case.  It was agreed to advise the Coleman Heritage Centre Limited of the two nominations.

 

11. SLIGO SPORT AND RECREATION PARTNERSHIP:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Barry Gallagher be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.”

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“That Councillor Fergal Nealon be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.”

The Meeting was advised that the C.E.O. of the Partnership had notified Sligo County Council of a requirement regarding gender balance on their Board.

Councillor Nealon indicated that he would withdraw his nomination if a female representative wished to be nominated.

The Cathaoirleach noted that, while Members would wish to achieve a gender balance on all Committees, sometimes that was just not possible.  The Members agreed to seek clarification on this matter, particularly in relation to the relevant Regulations.

Councillor Casserly had indicated that she would also be interested in being nominated to the Partnership.

Following a further brief discussion, the Members agreed to defer further consideration of this item to the July Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

 

12. IRISH PUBLIC BODIES (IPB):

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Liam Brennan be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Irish Public Bodies.”

 

13. SLIGO MUSIC FEST COMPANY (T/A SLIGO LIVE):

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Thomas Healy be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Sligo Music Fest (t/a Sligo Live)”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Marie Casserly be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Sligo Music Fest (t/a Sligo Live)”

 

14. SLIGO VOLUNTEER BUREAU:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Dónal Gilroy be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Sligo Volunteer Bureau.”

 

15. WESTERN INTER-COUNTY RAILWAY COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Dónal Gilroy be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Western Inter-County Railway Committee.”

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

AND AGREED

“That the following Councillors be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Western Inter-County Railway Committee:

  • Cathaoirleach, Councillor Declan Bree
  • Councillor Marie Casserly,
  • Councillor Michael Clarke,
  • Councillor Arthur Gibbons,
  • Councillor Thomas Healy,
  • Councillor Edel McSharry and
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle.”

 

16. NORTHWEST REGIONAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL TASK FORCE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Nessa Cosgrove be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Northwest Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force.”

 

17. A.T.U. SLIGO DRUG AND ALCOHOL (REACT):

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Nessa Cosgrove be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the A.T.U. Sligo Drug and Alcohol (REACT).”

 

18. SLIGO YOUTH THEATRE:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Thomas Healy be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Sligo Youth Theatre.”

 

19. ASSOCIATION OF IRISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

The following resolution was submitted to the Meeting and AGREED:

“We the undersigned, nominate Councillor Thomas Healy as a member of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG)”

Councillors D. Bree, T. Walsh, F. Nealon, G. Mullaney, D. Mulvey, G. O’Boyle, T. Healy and A. Gibbons”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Tom MacSharry be appointed to the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG).”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Michael Clarke be appointed to the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG).”

 

20. MAYO, SLIGO AND LEITRIM EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARD (ETB):

The following resolution was submitted to the Meeting and AGREED:

“We the undersigned, nominate Councillor Dara Mulvey as a member of the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).”

Councillors D. Bree, T. Walsh, F. Nealon, G. Mullaney, D. Mulvey, G. O’Boyle, T. Healy and A. Gibbons”.

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Edel McSharry be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Joseph Queenan be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Board of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board.”

 

21. NORTHERN AND WESTERN REGIONAL ASSEMBLY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Dónal Gilroy be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Michael Clarke be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.”

 

22. IRISH CENTRAL BORDER AREA NETWORK (ICBAN):

The following resolution was submitted to the Meeting and AGREED:

“We the undersigned, nominate Councillor Dara Mulvey as a member of the Irish Central Border Area Network (I.C.B.A.N.)

Councillors D. Bree, T. Walsh, F. Nealon, G. Mullaney, D. Mulvey, G. O’Boyle, T. Healy and A. Gibbons”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Barry Gallagher be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Irish Central Border Area Network.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Liam Brennan be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Irish Central Border Area Network.”

 

23. LOCAL AUTHORITIES MEMBERS’ ASSOCIATION (LAMA):

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Paul Taylor be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Local Authorities Members’ Association.”

 

24. REGIONAL HEALTH FORUM WEST:

The following resolution was submitted to the Meeting and AGREED:

“We the undersigned, nominate Councillor Declan Bree as a member of the Regional Health Forum West.”

Councillors D. Bree, T. Walsh, F. Nealon, G. Mullaney, D. Mulvey, G. O’Boyle, T. Healy and A. Gibbons”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Edel McSharry be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Regional Health Forum West.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Marie Casserly be appointed to represent Sligo County Council on the Regional Health Forum West.”

 

25. CHAIRS-DESIGNATE FOR EACH STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE:

Proposals were requested for the Chairs Designate of the four Committees:

Proposed by Councillors. D. Bree, T. Walsh, F. Nealon, G. Mullaney, D. Mulvey, G. O’Boyle, T. Healy and A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“We the undersigned, nominate Councillor Gerry Mullaney as Chairman designate of S.P.C. 1.”

It was noted that the current Strategic Policy Committees were the subject of a review.  It was not, therefore, possible to confirm the Committee structure that would be in place following the review.

It was agreed to nominate four Chair designates and their roles could be assigned at a later date.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Paul Taylor be appointed Chairperson Designate of an S.P.C.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Barry Gallagher be appointed Chairperson Designate of an S.P.C..”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Michael Clarke be appointed Chairperson Designate of an S.P.C.”

 

26. LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (L.C.D.C.):

Proposed by Councillors. T. Walsh, D. Bree, F. Nealon, G. Mullaney, D. Mulvey, G. O’Boyle, T. Healy and A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“We the undersigned nominate Councillor Fergal Nealon as a member of the Local Community Development Committee (L.C.D.C.)”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Dónal Gilroy to the L.C.D.C.”

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Nessa Cosgrove to the L.C.D.C.”

 

27. COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE FORUM:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Dónal Gilroy be appointed to the County Sligo Heritage Forum.”

 

28. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL DISABILITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That the following Councillors be appointed to Sligo County Council’s Disability Consultative Committee -

Councillor D. Bree
Councillor L. Brennan
Councillor M. Casserly
Councillor M. Clarke
Councillor M. Cosgrove
Councillor B. Gallagher
Councillor A. Gibbons
Councillor G. Mullaney
Councillor O’Boyle.”

 

29. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S PROCEDURES COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“That the following Councillors be appointed to Sligo County Council’s Procedures Committee:

Councillor Bree
Councillor Clarke
Councillor Gibbons
Councillor Gilroy
Councillor Mullaney
Councillor O’Boyle
Councillor Queenan
Councillor Taylor.”

 

30. LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Arthur Gibbons to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.”

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Nessa Cosgrove to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.”

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Gino O’Boyle to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.”

Councillor O’Boyle advised the Meeting that the attendance for this Committee over the last nine years had been abysmal.  Anyone taking a place on the Committee should be aware that attendance is key.

 

31. SLIGO HARBOUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Gino O’Boyle to the Sligo Harbour Advisory Committee.”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Edel McSharry to the Sligo Harbour Advisory Committee.”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Marie Casserly to the Sligo Harbour Advisory Committee.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Arthur Gibbons to the Sligo Harbour Advisory Committee.”

 

32. COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE:

It was agreed that this matter would be dealt with at the Municipal District Meetings.

 

33. COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY/FESTIVALS AND EVENTS GRANTS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE:

It was agreed that this matter would be dealt with at the Municipal District Meetings.

 

34. CULTURE TEAM:

Ms. Clarke advised the Members that there is funding from “Creative Ireland” that is made available to all local authorities on the basis of a Plan for five years.  The Culture Team is the Committee that oversees the implementation of the Plan and the allocation and distribution of the funding every year.  The Team would usually meet once per quarter.  Ms. Clarke undertook to having a brief synopsis of the work of the Culture Team circulated. 

It was noted that the required appointments were that of the Cathaoirleach and three additional Members.

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Edel MacSharry be appointed to the Culture Team.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Nessa Cosgrove be appointed to the Culture Team.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Fergal Nealon be appointed to the Culture Team.”

 

35. SLIGO AGE FRIENDLY:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Liam Brennan be appointed to Sligo Age Friendly.”

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Joe Queenan be appointed to Sligo Age Friendly.”

 

36. ARTS ASSESSMENT PANEL:

It was agreed that this item would be referred to the Municipal District Meetings.

 

37. PUBLIC ART STEERING GROUP:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Dónal Gilroy be appointed to the Public Art Steering Group.”

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Councillor D. Bree be appointed to the Public Art Steering Group.”

 

38. NORTHWEST JOINT HOMELESSNESS CONSULTATIVE FORUM:

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor Nessa Cosgrove be appointed to the Northwest Homelessness Consultative Forum.”

 

39. SLIGO TOWN TWINNING:

It was agreed that this item would also be referred to the Municipal District Meetings.

 

40. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PEACE PLUS PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE:

The Members agreed to refer this matter to the Municipal District Meetings.

 

5. THE MODEL

The Members returned to item 5 at this time. 

Mr. Molloy said that, as someone sitting on the Model Board, the Constitution allowed for one Member on the Board and preferably two.  At some Meetings, the Board did require an Elected Member to attend. If one Member was committed to it, that would be what was required.

The Cathaoirleach agreed to defer consideration of this matter to the Agenda of the July Meeting.

Councillor Clarke referred to having been a Board Member for the last five years.  There were four Members on the Board and, though he was the furthest away, he was being contacted as Meetings could not happen without an elected representative.  He was now on two Boards where he would be required to attend Meetings on Fridays so he could not agree to join the Board of the Model again for this term.

The Cathaoirleach commended Councillor Clarke for his participation, attendance and work on the Board of the Model.

 

41. STANDING ORDERS: 

The Members agreed to note the Standing Orders for Meetings of Sligo County Council.

 

42. INDUCTION TRAINING FOR ELECTED MEMBERS:

Ms. Branley advised the Meeting that Induction Training had been held for the five new Elected Members earlier in the week.

The A.I.L.G. are also carrying out Induction Training on the 11th of July in Mullingar.  There is a series of six on-line Webinars taking place commencing on Friday, 28th June and ending on Friday, 2nd August.  Details of this Training had been circulated to Members.

A new Councillors’ Handbook was being finalised and that would be circulated to Members over the coming weeks.

The Cathaoirleach said he would be encouraging the new Members to take advantage of the training provided by the A.I.L.G.  He referred to their all year ‘round Programme.  He said he still attends training sessions on occasions and finds them very useful as Regulations and Legislation changes all the time.

 

43. DATE FOR AGM OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY:

This Meeting was arranged for Thursday, 27th June, 2024 at 2.00 p.m. in Teach Laighne.

 

44. DATE FOR AGM OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF:

The Members agreed to hold this Meeting at 9.30 a.m. on Friday, 28th June, 2024 in the Council Chamber, County Hall.

 

45. DATE FOR AGM OF THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO:

This Meeting was arranged to take place at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 1st July, 2024 in the Council Chamber, City Hall.

 

46. DATE FOR JULY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

Members agreed to hold their July Meeting at 10.00 a.m. 

 

CATHAOIRLEACH DECLAN BREE:

Members extended their best wishes to the new Cathaoirleach and wished him well for the year ahead.

On behalf of the Chief Executive, Executive and staff, Mr. Molloy said it was a pleasure and honour to have Councillor Bree as Cathaoirleach.  With 50 years’ service, it was a very select group of Councillors that have ever achieved that, and it was a great honour for Sligo that one of those was here. 

There was a good balance with the longest serving Member as Cathaoirleach and one of the newly Elected Members as Leas-Cathaoirleach.  He wished them both the best and said that the Executive will be there to support them as best they could to ensure that the Members and Executive delivered for the people of Sligo.

The Cathaoirleach thanked all the Members for their kind wishes and said it was wonderful to get such a positive reaction from Councillors after an Election.  He also wished to thank the Press for being there, particularly the Sligo Champion.  He also welcomed the members of the public in the Gallery witnessing Local Government in action.  He always encouraged people to come along to the public gallery.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.30 a.m.

 


Meeting Date 21/06/2024