Minutes 2024
Minutes of September Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 9th September 2024 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Bree
- Councillor Brennan
- Councillor Casserly
- Councillor Clarke
- Councillor Cosgrove
- Councillor Gallagher (R)
- Councillor Gibbons
- Councillor Gilroy
- Councillor Healy
- Councillor MacSharry, T
- Councillor McSharry, E
- Councillor Mullaney
- Councillor Mulvey
- Councillor Nealon
- Councillor O’Boyle
- Councillor Taylor
- Councillor Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Jim Molloy, Acting Chief Executive
- Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance
- Ms. Emer Concannon, Acting Director of Services
- Ms. Margaret McConnell, Acting Director of Services
- Mr. John Moran, Acting Director of Services
- Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
- Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer
- Ms. Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer
APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from Councillor J. Queenan.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Declan Bree, presided.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF S.P.C. 1 (HOUSING & CORPORATE) HELD ON 11TH MARCH , 2024:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To confirm Minutes of Meeting of SPC 1 (Housing and Corporate) held on 11th March, 2024.”
2. MINUTES OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP MEETING HELD ON 13TH MAY, 2024:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To note Minutes of minutes of CPG Meeting held on 13th May 2024.”
3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE SLIGO BOROUGH DISTRICT HELD ON 20TH MAY, 2024:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Sligo Borough District held on 20th May, 2024.”
4. MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY M. D.:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 20th May, 2024 and A.G.M. held on 27th June, 2024.”
5. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To confirm Minutes of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Meetings held on 27th May, 2024 and
28th June, 2024.”
6. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 8TH JULY, 2024:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 8th July, 2024.”
7. APPOINTMENTS TO “THE MODEL”:
This matter had been discussed at the Corporate Policy Group Meeting. Party Whips had been requested to discuss this with their members and it would be dealt with following the recess.
8. CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S RECOMMENDATION TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE:
Ms. Whelan, Director of Finance advised the Meeting that two nominees to the new Audit Committee had been members of the previous Audit Committee, i.e. Ms. Helena Boland and Ms. Anne Taheny.
Mr. Bill Walsh, former Local Government Auditor, had retired from the Committee having served on it for a lengthy period of time. Mr. Walsh’s nominated replacement was Mr. Fintan Kennedy formerly of Sligo LEADER Partnership Company. The Members of Sligo County Council, at their July Meeting also had nominated former Councillors Ms. Rosaleen O’Grady and Mr. Tom Fox.
The Director of Finance concluded by confirming that a Meeting of the Audit Committee would be set up in the coming weeks.
9. APPOINTMENTS TO THE PROCEDURES COMMITTEE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the following Members be appointed to Sligo County Council’s Procedures Committee:
- Councillor Declan Bree,
- Councillor Marie Casserly
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Dónal Gilroy
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
- Councillor Joseph Queenan and
- Councillor Thomas Walsh.”
10. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO THE LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To appoint
- Jim Molloy, Director of Services, Sligo County Council
- Marian O’Callaghan, Acting Senior Architect, Sligo County Council
- Pamela Andison, Administrative Officer, Sligo County Council and
- Gary Kelly, Traveller Liaison Officer, Sligo County Council
to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.”
11. DRAFT STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE (SPC) SCHEME 2024-2029:
Documentation on the Draft Strategic Policy Scheme (SPC) Scheme 2024-2029 had been circulated to the Members in advance of the Meeting.
Councillor Gilroy expressed his concerns that the Strategic Policy Committee dealing with Climate had been a stand-alone Committee in the previous Council’s Term. Environment was becoming more important, and he felt it needed to be kept front and centre.
Mr. Moran advised the Meeting that the documentation circulated was the draft Scheme.
It was then
Proposed by Councillor D Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That the draft Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Scheme would go out for public consultation.”
12. MEETING TO CONSIDER THE THIRD CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS RECEIVED ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2024-2030
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor,
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
and AGREED that
“A Meeting to consider the third Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received on the proposed amendments to the draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030 would take place at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 30th September, 2024.”
13. CIVIC RECEPTION FOR SLIGO’S OLYMPIC GAMES COMPETITORS AND SLIGO UNDER 18 L.G.F.A. TEAM:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To hold a Civic Reception for
a) Sligo's Olympic Games competitors and
b) Sligo U18 LGFA Team.”
14. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR JULY-AUGUST 2024:
The Members noted the Report as circulated.
15. ESTABLISHMENT OF A VICTIMS OF CRIME COMPENSATION FUND:
“That Sligo County Council call on the Government to establish a victims of crime compensation fund in the interests of Justice.”
Councillor MacSharry asked that this item would be deferred to the October Ordinary Meeting Agenda and the Cathaoirleach consented to the request.
16. STRATEGIC REVIEW OF FUNDING FOR NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That we write to the Ministers of Sport and Finance requesting a strategic review of funding for national and international athletes and coaches and ask for a significant increase in funding for our athletes competing and performing so well on the international stage.”
17. SENTENCING IN CRIMINAL MATTERS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To request that Sligo County Council contact the Minister for Justice requesting details on what she is doing to ensure consistency of sentencing in criminal matters.”
18. UPGRADING OF THE N15 ROUTE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
“That this Council write to the Minister for Transport, Minister for Public Expenditure and TII to request that the upgrade of the N15 be added to the National Development Plan during the mid-term review.”
Following a discussion on this matter, Councillor Gilroy asked that a copy of the resolution would also be forwarded to Minister James Lawless, Minister with responsibility for Road Safety. The proposer of the resolution, Councillor Casserly, agreed with this proposal.
19. SCHEME TO ASSIST OWNERS OF HOMES AFFECTED BY PYRITE:
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, to seek immediate action on providing application forms for Sligo's homeowners who are affected by Pyrite, and to provide Council staff to ensure those applications are dealt with in a timely fashion.”
The Cathaoirleach agreed to deal with this item, listed by Councillor Michael Clarke, at a later point in the Meeting.
20. REINSTATEMENT OF PAIN CLINIC IN SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
“To request that the H.S.E. reverse the decision to have the Pain Clinic move to Galway University Hospital and to have it reinstated back to Sligo University Hospital to have patients who are waiting for appointments to be treated as soon as possible.”
It was agreed, following a discussion on this item, that a revised resolution would be submitted to the Members for their agreement.
21. ONE STOP SHOP FOR GRANT ASSISTANCE TO SPORTS CLUBS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“To request that central government develop a database or 'one stop shop' of available grants to sports clubs and voluntary organisations to make it easier for volunteers to access and to raise awareness of grants at any given time.”
22. FOOD AND DRINK STRATEGY FOR COUNTY SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
“To request that a Food and Drink Strategy be developed for County Sligo to highlight and promote the excellent unique offerings we have in County Sligo. Focusing on local provenance, best in class food experiences and developing new experiences, to support food and drink business to build capacity and embrace sustainability. This strategy should be included as an integral part of the Sligo Tourism Strategy.”
Ms. McConnell advised the meeting that Ms. Clarke had reported to the Members outlining supports to many artisan food and drink producers by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO). The LEO had commenced the development of a Food and Drinks Strategy and the scope of same was set out.
Members were advised that an audit of existing businesses and support programmes (including the food service and hospitality sector) would be undertaken as an initial step to determine a baseline for the sector in Sligo. Once completed, the Strategy would help to prioritise actions for the industry.
Objectives relating to new and enhanced “food experiences” were also included in Sligo’s Destination and Experience Development Plan which was launched in March 2024.
It was noted that the first “Taste of Sligo” Food Festival was due to take place in the coming weeks in Queen Maeve Square.
19. SCHEME TO ASSIST OWNERS OF HOMES AFFECTED BY PYRITE:
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, to seek immediate action on providing application forms for Sligo's homeowners who are affected by Pyrite, and to provide Council staff to ensure those applications are dealt with in a timely fashion.”
The Cathaoirleach agreed, at the request of Councillor Michael Clarke, to defer this item to the Agenda of the October Ordinary Meeting.
23. DENTAL SERVICES FOR MEDICAL CARD HOLDERS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Health to outline our concerns regarding medical card holders who can't get dental services in Sligo Town and call on the Minister to write to the list of Dentists who are currently taking medical cards and, if not, what is the reason.”
24. FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council endorses the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and urges the Irish Government to support the initiative to create a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
25. FUNDING FOR COASTAL EROSION IN COUNTY SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council would advise members on any funding applications made to the O.P.W. to deal with Coastal erosion in the county.”
Ms. Concannon had reported to the Members setting out funding applications in respect of
- Strandhill and Easkey Coast Road – grant approval of €72,000 for a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study,
- Rosses Point – grant of €124,000 for protection works to the pathway to the Second beach,
- Finned River Mouth, Easkey – grant of €6,300 for study on coastal erosion issues. A further application for the design and construction of identified remedial works was unsuccessful due to poor cost benefits.
26., 38. AND 49. ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR:
As items 26, 38 and 49 dealt with this subject, the Members consented to dealing with these items at this time.
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council would call on the Minister for Finance to again reduce the V.A.T. rate back to 9% to assist struggling businesses in the Hospitality sector.”
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister of Finance to request that the hospitality sector in the Northwest are given the necessary supports to ensure their viability. The excessive cost to run a hospitality business due excise and vat rate increases with increased wage costs has caused many of our pubs and restaurants to close. This is affecting our tourist economy.”
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“This motion calls on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Finance to reinstate the 9% Vat rate for food lead business, splitting food services from the accommodation sector’s Vat rate of 13.5%”
27. AND 30. BUS SERVICES IN COUNTY SLIGO:
As item 30 also dealt with this subject, the Members consented to taking both items at this time.
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council would call on the N.T.A. to again meet with members to discuss bus services in the county.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to seek an update and meeting with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on what proposal can be put in place to provide a rural bus services as part of Connecting Ireland plan for the communities living off the N17 in Co Sligo.”
28. AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
With the Cathaoirleach’s consent, Councillor Healy deferred this item to the Agenda of the October Meeting to await the report on this matter.
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Housing to include affordable houses in any housing scheme where we are building social housing on local authorities land in the county as this is not the case at present.”
29. AND 51. STRUCTURAL WORKS AT CEMETERIES IN COUNTY SLIGO:
As items 29 and 51 both dealt with structural works at Cemeteries, with the Members’ consent, the Cathaoirleach agreed to deal with both items at this time.
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council what funds are in place for structural works such as boundary wall rebuilding at Cemeteries in Co. Sligo. If no such fund is available for such works, can a figure be included in the 2025 budget.”
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to increase the funding available for the repair and maintenance of rural cemeteries in the upcoming budget.”
A report had been issued to the Members advising them that there are currently no funds available for capital investment in Cemeteries. Any proposal to include a figure for capital investment in Cemeteries in 2025 can be reviewed in the context of formulation of the budget for 2025.
ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH
The Meeting adjourned at 12.30 p.m. and resumed at 1.00 p.m.
During this time, the Members also received a preview of a new video developed by the County Council to promote Sligo entitled “Sligo For Everyone”.
31. ACCESS TO HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to contact NBI (National Broadband Ireland) to ask why only some parts of County Sligo can access the roll out of high-speed broadband while others are unable to access it.”
32. CLOONAMAHON NATIVE WOODLAND PARK:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
“Following correspondence from the HSE (ref: REPDR/23/00789. 6th March 2023) in response my Notice of Motion which sought an update on a future strategy for the 105-acre Cloonamahon Native Woodland Park and their reply as outlined below:
‘We expect our considerations of the current, and future, needs to be complete within the next 2 to 4 weeks, at which point, we will engage proactively with Sligo County Council initially to commence discussions on the future usage of the overall site.’
that Sligo County Council advise on what, if any, communication they have had with the HSE on this project.”
Ms. McConnell informed the meeting that Ms. Clarke had reported to the Members that Sligo County Council would work with the H.S.E. in developing the recreational elements that can be incorporated onto the site. They were prepared to be part of a Working Group to advance the planning and implementation of the proposed project.
A meeting with the H.S.E., regarding this project, had taken place in July 2023. An undertaking had been given at that time by the H.S.E. that they would revert to Sligo County Council, following their inhouse discussions. To date, no further communication had been received regarding their development plans for the site. The Council would maintain an open channel of communication with the H.S.E. once they decided to move forward with the development of the project.
Following further discussions, it was
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council contact the Chief Officer (Area 1 H.S.E.), the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Minister of State Pippa Hackett at the Department of Agriculture relative to seeking an urgent meeting on the future strategy for Cloonamahon Native Woodland Park and an outline of what maintenance plan is in place for the 105 acre site.”
33. SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORKS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“In 2024, Sligo County Council received €264,000 for safety improvement works for 15 projects.
That Sligo County Council write to the Department of Transport requesting them to, at minimum, double the allocation of funding to Sligo County Council for Safety Improvement Works on Regional and Local Roads for 2025.”
34. VILLAGE AMBASSADOR/CARETAKER SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Social Protection to request a review of existing community employment schemes in place in the state with a view to putting in place an ambassador/care-taker scheme for every village in Ireland, that a person, or persons be paid accordingly to support tidy towns and community development groups with maintaining and enhancing their communities. For example, a village with a settlement of 1000 or less, may be eligible for one worker, 1000 plus two workers etc.
That this motion be forwarded to the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and all other Local Authorities for consideration.”
It was also agreed that a copy of the resolution would be circulated to all Local Authorities.
35. CONSTRUCTION OF RURAL HOUSING
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to develop and rollout a scheme to build rural housing to support rural families and the rural communities and to seek funding from government for staff to implement the scheme.”
Councillor Clarke outlined the background to the listing of this motion on the Agenda. In recent years, the demand for planning permission in rural areas had declined as people could not afford to develop their own house on their own land. Rural villages, shops etc. depend on keeping people in rural villages. While the scheme to renovate old properties had stemmed the flow out of rural Ireland, he was requesting that a scheme would be devised to develop eight to ten rural houses progressed at the one time.
Several Members supported Councillor Clarke and outlined situations they were also familiar with in this regard.
Mr. Molloy, Director of Services, responded that this is a very challenging area, not least because of resources. As outlined by the Members, there are not active supports from central Government to maintain this and, as had also been outlined, a lot goes against National Planning Policy on one-off housing. A report would be prepared for the Council setting out the different issues involved in the whole area. Once this was properly documented, a submission could be forwarded to the Department advising them that this was a particular issue that the Council had which needed to be addressed. So many factors were involved in this, not least that housing would be provided at specific locations for specific individuals. A lot of policy would call on the Social Housing list if property became available. As had happened in the past when they became vacant, the question was raised as to who was entitled to them with families looking to get into the house or buy it back from the County Council. If there is a social demand locally, the Council should also be filling it from that local list.
An issues paper would be brought back to the Members with a view to making a submission to the Department on a way forward to address the needs of the communities involved.
The Members welcomed the response from the Director of Services and it was further agreed that a copy of the resolution would be circulated to all Local Authorities.
36. FACILITATION OF CYCLING AND GREENWAYS ON ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to instruct the TII to ensure that all new road schemes and existing road infrastructure is designed to facilitate cycling and greenways.”
37. TRANSPORT FOR PATIENTS FROM SLIGO TO GALWAY HOSPITALS:
Proposed by Councillor Edel McSharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister of Health informing him that the current Sligo-Galway Cancer bus which transports patients to Galway University Hospital for essential cancer treatments has reached its end of life and no longer has a toilet on the bus. To request that the minister apply a special once off grant from the HSE National lottery funds to help local charities to purchase a new fit for purpose bus. The current bus was funded in this way by the Department of Health in 2009.”
39. REINSTATEMENT OF SERVICES ON SLIGO-DUBLIN TRAIN:
Proposed by Councillor Edel McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“The Dublin to Sligo train has greatly improved its service with future plans to reduce journey time. However, it currently takes over 3 hours to commute between Dublin and Sligo with no refreshments or hot drinks available on the train. Can I request that Sligo County council write to the TFI to reinstate the food cart as soon as possible.”
40. LAWS ON THE USE OF E-SCOOTERS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Minister for Justice and the RSA to publish a full yearly report of what actions and resources have been put in place since the introduction of the new laws on the use of e-scooters that was introduced in Ireland 20th May 2024 to combat those blatantly breaking the law and being a danger and nuisance to pedestrians and Traffic alike. This report is to be made public every year and it is to include how many offenders were prosecuted and other successful legal actions that have been taken.”
41. ASSISTANCE TO “FORGOTTEN FARMERS” GROUP:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Minister McConalogue who must bring forward a solution for the group known as ‘Forgotten Farmers’ in the upcoming Budget.”
42. FUNDING FOR PLAYGROUNDS AND RECREATIONAL SPACES:
Proposed by Councillor N. Cosgrove
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the relevant Government Department to request additional funding to be ringfenced specifically for playgrounds and recreational spaces."
43. PROVISION OF COMMUNICATION BOARDS IN PLAYGROUNDS/RECREATIONAL SPACES:
Proposed by Councillor N. Cosgrove
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council erects Communication Boards in all of the playgrounds and recreational spaces throughout the county."
Ms. Concannon informed the Meeting that the provision of the Boards would have to be costed for each playground. It was unlikely that they could be installed in every playground but as many places as funding would allow.
44. EXPRESSWAY BUS SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“This local authority writes to Bus Éireann to ascertain the following information; what action plan is in place for scheduled Expressway buses that have to turn back to the Depot due to engine failure.”
45. PAYMENT OF REDRESS – MOTHER AND BABY HOMES:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
“Sligo County Council calls on the Government to compel the religious orders to pay redress for mother and baby home or the state should seize lands and assets owned by the religious orders to pay the redress.”
46. POST-NATAL CARE IN IRELAND:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health to improve post-natal care for women in Ireland.”
47. OVERHAUL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (CAMHS):
At the request of Councillor O’Boyle, with the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the October Meeting:
“Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Health and Taoiseach asking why we are still waiting on an overhaul of CAMHS.”
48. GREENWAY LINKING COLLOONEY WITH BELLAGHY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
“Noting that the restoration of the section of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris has been included in the latest All-Island Strategic Rail Review and further noting that it is an objective in the North West Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy 2020-2032, and the Draft Sligo County Development 2024-2030, to deliver the Athenry-Claremorris-Sligo rail corridor to an appropriate level of service and to a standard capable of facilitating passenger and freight transport, this Council acknowledges the publication of the rail review and confirms its support for the provision of a greenway linking Collooney with Bellaghy that is constructed a safe distance from the Rail Corridor.”
Following discussion on this item, the Cathaoirleach Cllr Bree called for a vote, details of which are as follows:
FOR: Councillors Bree, Brennan, Clarke, Gibbons, Gilroy, Healy and O’Boyle (7)
AGAINST: Councillors Mullaney, Mulvey, Nealon, Taylor and Walsh (5)
ABSTAINED: Councillors Cosgrove, Gallagher and McSharry E. (3)
ABSENT: Councillors Casserly, MacSharry T. and Queenan (3)
The Cathaoirleach deemed the vote CARRIED
50. STAFFING FOR HOME SUPPORT SERVICES:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, asking him to increase the number of staff available for Home Support Services in the HSE West and Northwest region which is at crisis point due to the lack of staffing. I also ask Sligo County Council to ask if the 'staffing ceiling' for Home Support Services can be increased?”
52. BYE-LAWS - JET SKIS AND POWER BOATS ON LOUGH GILL AND GARAVOGUE RIVER:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To ask when the proposed draft Bye-Laws to control the use of jet ski’s and fast power boats on Lough Gill and the Garavogue River, will be brought before the Council for consideration.”
Ms. Concannon advised the Members that it was intended to bring a draft document for discussion before the relevant Strategic Policy Committee in Quarter 1 of 2025.
53. FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SLIGO-LONGFORD COMMUTER TRAIN SERVICE:
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To write to Barry Kenny, Iarnród Eireann to do a feasibility study on the possibilities of
- A daily commuter service running from Longford to Sligo arriving between 8.30-8.45 am.
- A daily nighttime service running from Sligo to Longford at 10-10.30pm
Consulting with key stakeholders such as Sligo ATU, Enterprise Ireland, Sligo chamber of commerce, Sligo County Council and Sligo Bid
Currently there is no train that arrives in Sligo in time for start of the working, school or college day.
A nighttime train would also encourage the evening time economy of live events, hospitality, sports events as well as work and college commutes.”
54. PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES AT ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls on the H.S.E. Older People’s Service to provide Physiotherapy Services at St. John’s Community Hospital, Sligo to assist people who need these services to continue to live at home and not to end up occupying valuable space in Hospital that may be used by those who actually need hospital care.
The excellent work being done by Older People’s Services within CHO1 is being let down by the failure to provide the correct levels of care for older people at Day Centres who require services such as Physiotherapy.”
55. RESTORATION OF ROADS AND PATHS DAMAGED BY SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council put in place that any Service Provider who damages roads or paths repair them to the original standard.”
The Members had been advised by Ms. Concannon that “Service providers must seek a road opening licence prior to carrying out works on the public road or footpaths. The applications are reviewed by the Local Authority and further conditions are attached, if required. This process ensures that the services provider complies with relevant guidelines for the reinstatement of roads and footpaths.”
The Acting Director of Services confirmed that the points raised by the Members were noted and would be taken into account.
56. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of Sympathy were recorded.
57. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Votes of Congratulations were recorded.
58. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To approve the Conferences/Training events list.”
59. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:
The Members noted the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5)(f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
60. CORRESPONDENCE:
The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.
20. REINSTATEMENT OF PAIN CLINIC IN SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To request that the H.S.E. fully reinstate the Pain Clinic back to Sligo University Hospital to have existing Patients who are waiting for appointments to be treated as per their Care Plan as soon as possible and that they be communicated with immediately.”
61. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
Signage re. Lyme Disease – In response to an enquiry from Councillor Gilroy, Ms. Concannon confirmed that figures would be provided to the Members at the October Meeting.
62. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council explore the automatic allocation of Christmas lights funding to each town and village across Sligo instead of Community Groups completing unnecessary amounts of paperwork and seeking unnecessary quotations for amounts below public procurement guidelines.”
END OF MEETING:
The business of the Meeting concluded at 4.00 p.m.
Meeting Date 09/09/2024