Minutes 2025

Minutes of April Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 7th Apirl, 2025 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Bree,
Councillor Brennan,
Councillor Casserly,
Councillor Clarke,
Councillor Gallagher,
Councillor Gibbons,
Councillor Gilroy,
Councillor Higgins,
Councillor T. MacSharry,
Councillor E. McSharry,
Councillor Mullaney,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor Nealon,
Councillor O’Boyle,
Councillor Queenan,
Councillor Taylor
Councillor Walsh

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor T. Healy.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance
Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Services
Mr. Dónal Tinney, Acting Director of Services
Ms. Averyl Dooher, Arts Officer
Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Declan Bree, presided.

1. MINUTES OF CRANMORE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP MEETINGS

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

AND AGREED

“To note minutes of Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group meetings held on
a) 11th April, 2024, b) 5th September, 2024 and c) 5th December, 2024.”

2. MINUTES OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP MEETING

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

AND AGREED

“To note minutes of the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) Meeting held on 13th January 2025.”

3. MINUTES OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING

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

AND AGREED

“To note minutes of Sligo County Council Audit Committee meeting held on 14th January, 2025.”

4. MINUTES OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF M.D. MEETING

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“To note minutes of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District meeting held on 20th January 2025”.

5. MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY M.D. MEETING

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

AND AGREED

“To note minutes of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District meeting held on 27th January 2025”.

6. MINUTES OF MARCH ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 3rd March, 2025.”

7. SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – GEEVAGH HALL, STRADUFF

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of Geevagh Hall and forecourt at Straduff, Geevagh, Co. Sligo F52 RR62.”

8. SECTION 183 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 – ESB SUB-STATION AND CABLE WAYLEAVES AT FINISKLIN TOWNLAND, SLIGO

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of freehold interest in the ESB sub-station site and associated cable wayleaves to ESB Networks, (€1 nominal fee) subject to contract at Finisklin Townland, Sligo, Co. Sligo.”

9. 2024 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Annual Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2024.”

10. AUTHORISE OVER EXPENDITURE IN 2024 AFS AND APPROVAL OF TRANSFERS TO CAPITAL

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

AND AGREED

“To authorise over expenditure of €25,420,620 reported in the 2024 Annual Financial Statement in accordance with section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001 and approve transfers to Capital of €1,419,581.”

11. LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (LCDC) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon

AND AGREED

“To approve the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Annual Report 2024.”

12. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS ASSESSMENT PANEL 2025

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the recommended funding of the Contributions to the Arts Assessment Panel 2025.”

13. REGIONAL FESTIVAL AND EVENTS FUND FOR COUNTY SLIGO 2025

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To agree the allocation of the Regional Festival & Events Fund for County Sligo 2025.”

14. ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEDULES OF WORKS FOR 2025

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt for the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry, the Municipal District of Sligo Borough and the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff, the Schedules of Works for 2025 for Roads, Transportation & Infrastructure.”

Councillor Gilroy noted that the Members had not received the three-year plan as yet. This would allow them to be aware of works planned for 2026 and 2027. It was his understanding that it had been approved by the Department at the end of 2024.

In reply, the Chief Executive confirmed that this would be followed up on and the Members contacted in the coming days.

15. SLIGO COUNTY OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN 2025-2030

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Sligo County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025–2030.”

16. FEE STRUCTURE FOR BOOKING OF QUEEN MAEVE SQUARE

The Cathaoirleach noted that the recommended fee structure had been circulated to the Members in advance of the meeting.

Councillor O’Boyle enquired about the possibility of a minimum pricing structure being put in place. Representations had also been made to him by people being charged for re-entering the venue.

In response, the Chief Executive commented that the pricing for access to the venue would be examined with Sligo B.I.D. but that he was unaware of how the charging mechanism could be changed. If a quality act/event is booked in to the Square there had to be an entry fee. The fee of €8 charged for the St. Patrick’s Weekend events was considered reasonable. It is the Council’s desire is to make Queen Maeve Square a success. However access and re-entry would be looked at. It was then outlined that there may be issues with capacity when it goes above a certain figure. If it goes above 5,000, it would then become a Planning issue. This, in turn, would bring additional costs. There were several factors at play relating to the management of the venue but the points raised would be taken on board.

Councillor O’Boyle agreed with the points made and said he was trying to ensure that, in future years, costs would not become prohibitive for event goers. It was recognised that it is a great venue for Sligo to have and he had attended the majority of events held there since its opening.

Ms. Concannon advised the meeting that there is a Service Level Agreement in place with Sligo B.I.D. Within this, the charge is maximised, and this should give an element of comfort.

Having received similar representations regarding re-entry to the venue, the CE advised he had spoken with Ms. Gail McGibbon, C.E.O. of Sligo B.I.D. Ms. McGibbon had clarified that there was a miscommunication on their notices. What they were saying was that, if you leave, they cannot guarantee you re-entry. . Ms. McGibbon had also advised Councillor Higgins that there are “Early Bird” offers for online bookings, e.g. the €8 entry fee was reduced to €5 for an advance booking.

It was then

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To adopt a fee structure for (i) the booking of events in Queen Maeve Square (QMS) and (ii) for commercial hire of Queen Maeve Square.”

17. ICBAN STUDY VISIT TO SCOTLAND-ENGLAND BORDER REGION

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“To approve the attendance of Members at the ICBAN study visit to Scotland-England border.”

18. HOLDING OF CIVIC RECEPTIONS

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon

AND AGREED

“To hold Civic Receptions for
a) Coolera-Strandhill G.A.A. Teams and
b) Dr. Una Mannion.”

19. DELEGATION FOR TOWN TWINNING TRIPS

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

AND AGREED

“To approve delegation to travel on Twinning trips to Crozon and Kempten.”

20. MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR QUARTER 1 OF 2025

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Management Report for Q1 2025.”

21. COMPETENCY TEST FOR DRIVERS

This item had been deferred from the March Ordinary meeting at the request of Councillor D. Gilroy:

“That Sligo County Council write to the RSA and the Minister for Transport to ask that a regular competency test be but in place for all drivers to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Vehicles have required regular safety checks for many years, and it is now time for drivers to be regularly checked.”

A revised wording was submitted to the April meeting as follows:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County council write to the RSA and the Minister for Transport to ask that a cost neutral competency test be but in place for drivers to ensure that basic standards of driving are maintained and to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Vehicles have required regular safety checks for many years, and it is now time for drivers to be regularly checked.”

22. FEASIBILITY STUDY OF NEW RAIL LINE BETWEEN COLLOONEY AND CHARLESTOWN

As Councillor Casserly was not present at this time, the Cathaoirleach deferred consideration of the matter until later in the meeting.

23. UPDATE ON TEXTILE BANKS IN COUNTY SLIGO

As Councillor Healy was not present at the meeting, the Cathaoirleach deferred consideration of this item.

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update on the textile banks throughout the county.

Where is Sligo County Council on the current tenant with the textile company and

Is that company still going to continue the service as there are major changes coming in the textile industry.”

24. RIGHT TO HOUSING

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that a home is a moral human right, this local authority calls on the Government to start the process to have the right to housing enshrined in the constitution. A copy of this motion to be sent to all local authorities within the state.”

25. SLIGO B.I.D.

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

AND AGREED

“To ask how many businesses in each Municipal District pay into Sligo BID and how much of the money raised is spent by BID in each district.”

Councillor Gilroy advised the meeting that the Members of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District had met with the representatives from the CADRA community organisation (Carraroe and District Regeneration Association).

A report had been issued to the Members in advance of the meeting by Director of Services, Ms. Whelan. Having the examined the map with the report, Cllr Gilroy stated that quite a few of the businesses are based in the Carraroe area. This brought extra traffic, movement and people into their area. Yet, from the report, the funds did not appear to be reinvested in their area. A proportion of the funds needed to be spent in other areas, not just the town centre. Councillor Gilroy sought a clearer answer on figures provided, should they be available. Having met with CADRA and as Chair of the Municipal District, he had agreed to bring the matter before a plenary meeting.

As Sligo County Council’s representative on Sligo B.I.D., Councillor Gibbons said it represents businesses in Sligo, and they are well represented on it. If they were happy with how their funding was being used, which was a percentage of their rates, and they saw it as promoting their business, it was difficult to see how the community could change that. Their role was similar to that of the Chamber of Commerce. They received their funds, and they decided how to use those funds. Sligo B.I.D. worked directly with the businesses and the local authority. Councillor Gibbons’s role on the Board was to ensure oversight and accountability.

Members proceeded to discuss issues in Sligo town centre which were being highlighted in local media at present. The involvement of Sligo B.I.D. in overseeing the running of Queen Maeve Square was also referred to.

Councillor Gilroy said he had not referred to Queen Maeve Square in his motion. In noting points made about Sligo B.I.D. promoting businesses, this was also the role of the Chamber of Commerce. Sligo County Council’s involvement was that it collected the levy for them. Some of the largest businesses are based in the areas just outside the town. Sligo has so much to offer from walking trails provided by Sligo County Council to beaches maintained by the Council. It has fishing, golf, surfing etc. The community group felt that the traffic going to and from brings a lot of traffic and dirt to their area, as with any area, but they did not see any of the B.I.D. funds being spent in their area. In concluding, Councillor Gilroy asked that Councillor Gibbons would bring the message back to Sligo B.I.D. that they would like to see a little bit of diversity to other areas.

26. GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR PURCHASE OF HEATING BOILERS

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

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for housing and the Minister for environment to remove the clause on the elderly person's Grant that States you can only avail of the grant for a second-hand heating boiler the Grant since January 1st this year does not allow you to purchase a new boiler.”

22. FEASIBILITY STUDY OF NEW RAIL LINE BETWEEN COLLOONEY AND CHARLESTOWN

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

“That this Council requests the relevant government departments, including the Department of Transport, the National Transport Authority (NTA), and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to commission a feasibility study on the development of a new rail line between Collooney and Charlestown along the proposed new N17 route.”

Councillor Casserly set out the background to the listing of this item on the agenda. Several Members raised their concerns surrounding its funding and the effects it may have on further delaying progress on the N17 route.

Following the input from several Members, they then requested a vote on this motion which resulted as follows:

FOR: Councillors Casserly, Gallagher, Mulvey and Nealon (4)

AGAINST: Councillors Bree, Brennnan, Clarke, Gibbons, Gilroy, Higgins, Mullaney, O’Boyle, Queenan and Taylor (10)

ABSENT: Councillors Healy, MacSharry, T., McSharry, E. and Walsh (4)

The Cathaoirleach deemed the resolution LOST.

27. LANDS AT ARDAGHOWEN

As Councillor Walsh had been delayed, the Cathaoirleach agreed to defer consideration of this item until later in the meeting.

28. RIGHTS BASED ETHICAL PROCUREMENT POLICY

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“This Council deplores those corporations that profit from protracted armed conflict and systematic violations of human rights, particularly in the context of Israel’s continuing brutal assault on the people of Gaza and escalating settler terrorism in the West Bank, Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, and other conflicts around the world. With this motion, the Council encourages companies to meet their obligations to avoid contributing to adverse human rights impacts through their own activities, and to prevent or mitigate human rights abuses linked to their operations.

The Council is aware of the crucial role of local authorities and their public procurement procedures in ensuring respect for human rights by companies, as well as their obligations under widely accepted business and human rights norms – as laid down in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the Global Sullivan Principles (1999) – to promote respect for human rights by companies with which they do business.

The Council affirms that every endeavour is made to ensure that councils tender processes are consistent with the above principles, including under the Fourth Geneva convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and under customary international humanitarian law, prohibiting the importation or sale of goods or services originating in occupied territories.

This Council resolves to adopt a rights-based Ethical Procurement Policy (EPP) that takes fully into account existing obligations and standards. The EPP will incorporate widely accepted and precisely formulated international standards and explain clearly how the policy will be implemented. The primary aim of the EPP is to ensure that human rights obligations are properly acknowledged, observed and respected at all stages of the procurement process.”

29. PROPOSED LINK WITH REGION OF FERROL IN GALICIA

At the request of Councillor Gilroy, the Cathaoirleach agreed to defer this matter to the agenda of the May Ordinary meeting:

“That further to the request of his excellency the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland Ion de la Riva Guzmán de Frutos and with his assistance, that Sligo County Council open communications with the Region of Ferrol in Galicia with a view to establishing a Town Twinning that would honour the links and shared heritage between Sligo and Spain, with particular reference to the Spanish Armada Disaster of September 1588 at Streedagh, where the ships, La Lavia, La Juliana and Santa Maria de Visión were wrecked with the loss of over 1,000 lives.”

30. INFORMATION FOR BUYERS OF USED CARS

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo Council to write to the Minister for Transport to deliver better and easier access to information for buyers of used cars, which would allow consumers to more easily access this information. This would help limit the number of dangerous, clocked, or poorly repaired cars on Irish roads. Before buying a used car, consumers must have access to important information about a car’s mileage, past accidents, safety recalls, and import status. Currently, much of this information is collected by the state but is either inaccessible or available only for a fee from commercial car history providers. This FREE service is available in many other countries so why not in Ireland.”

Councillors Gilroy and Queenan asked to be recorded as dissenting.

31. FUNDING FOR HEARTWATCH PROGRAMME

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

AND AGREED

“This Council calls on the Minister for Health to reinstate funding for the Heartwatch Programme, which has provided vital cardiovascular care for over 18 years. While the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDM) now supports medical card patients, it does not cover all those previously benefitting from Heartwatch.

Ending this programme leaves many patients without essential care. We urge the Government to restore funding or provide an alternative that ensures equitable access to heart disease prevention and management for all”.

27. LANDS AT ARDAGHOWEN

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon

AND AGREED

“In light of correspondence from ATU Sligo to Sligo County Council dated 1st October 2024 relative to the sale of 16 acres of lands at Ardaghowen, Sligo stating ‘This land has been identified by the University as the preferred option for the development of student accommodation in a March 2024 submission to the Higher Education Authority, with three options indicated (circa 300 beds, 600 beds and 900 beds) depending on the level of future funding available.

The University views the land in Ardaghowen as ideal for student accommodation and that is our immediate priority for its development. This would also address the wider general housing crisis and particular issues facing our students in Sligo with regards to accommodation’.

That this council now be provided with an update relative to the stated submission.”

Councillor Walsh referred to the background concerning the proposed sale of those lands and noted that the previous Council had spent a lot of time on the issue, as did the current and former Chief Executive, together with the current and former President of the A.T.U. Sligo County Council had agreed to sell the lands to the A.T.U. but had been very clear in terms of student accommodation being built thereon.

Councillor Walsh referred to correspondence received from the A.T.U., dated 1st October, 2024 which was discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Corporate Policy Group on 7th October, 2024, and quoted from same “that the site was identified as part of the University’s campus plan as a significant, strategic acquisition with development potential for several uses. Student accommodation has been prioritised for the site, given that the existing campus has substantial spare capacity to accommodate growth in core Under-Graduate and Graduate teaching and research facilities”. Councillor Walsh further quoted that “this land has been identified by the University as the preferred option for the development of student accommodation and, in March 2024, submitted a submission to the HEA (Higher Education Authority) with three options indicated circa 300 beds, 600 beds and 900 beds, depending on the level of funding available.

The University views the land at Ardaghowen as ideal for student accommodation and that is our immediate priority for its development. This would also address the general wider housing crisis and particular issues facing our students in Sligo with regards to accommodation. The University expects a favourable response from the HEA on the submission in relation to the proposal.”

Cllr Walsh proceeded to refer to a recent interview on Ocean FM by Minister James Lawless, T.D. That interview had not given Councillor Walsh any confidence in relation to a capital funding allocation for the development of student accommodation on the site. Councillor Walsh felt that the onus was now on the A.T.U. to come back to the local authority and provide an update on the provision of the much-needed student accommodation. Some pilot schemes had been undertaken at the University of Galway and Dublin City University. This is the way forward where campuses are built on-site.

Sligo County Council was very clear that a minimum part of these lands would be used for student accommodation. Councillor Walsh noted that there was some concern, not only among the staff at the A.T.U. but in the community that this is not progressing at the pace anticipated. It appeared, but the Minister had not given them any confidence, that he would continue with the policy put in place where funding would be made available through the HEA to Universities/Third level institutions to build accommodation on campus grounds. During the interview on Ocean FM, a direct reply had not been forthcoming from the Minister.

In conclusion, Councillor Walsh said there were concerns, and the local authority should go back to the A.T.U. for a direct reply in relation to the provision of student accommodation on the site. Many of the Elected Members, having been Members of the previous Council, would recall it being discussed at Corporate Policy Group meetings on many occasions. It had been made very clear that student accommodation had to be built on part of this site. The A.T.U. had clearly outlined its position that they have ample lands available for the expansion of the campus itself in terms of teaching needs and infrastructure and asked if the Chief Executive wished to comment on the matter. Councillor Walsh asked that a direct reply would be sought from the A.T.U. indicating what their plans are in terms of funding, i.e. have they been unsuccessful in sourcing funding from the HEA as this was unclear. It was his opinion that all options should now be explored for the lands.

Councillor Nealon added his support to the points made by Councillor Walsh. The matter had been comprehensively covered by him with the issues highlighted. Members were aware that students had to turn down places due to lack of accommodation. There had also been the loss of Milligan and Benbulben Court student accommodation. This must be a top priority and Members had to pursue this matter at all levels. The aim should also be for the provision of 900 beds as this, and more, is what is required. Councillor Nealon concluded by outlining the resultant difficulties for students with them commuting lengthy distances each day. There were benefits for all, not just the students, when they lived in a town.

Further support was added by Councillor Taylor who said the current priority has to be the development of the site, in whatever way by whoever could develop it because of its proximity to the A.T.U. This needed to happen in the short term. If this was not possible, based on what Councillor Walsh had outlined, another way had to be found for its development in the short term.

In reply to the points made Councillor Higgins said that having read the motion on the agenda, she had contacted the President and the Vice-President (V.P.) for Finance in A.T.U. Sligo for an update. The V.P. for Finance is leading this out on behalf of the A.T.U. A formal response would be provided, once requested, but comments from the President’s reply to Councillor Higgins were provided to the meeting

The information from the statement referred to the A.T.U.’s position remaining exactly the same as was stated in October 2024. It was stated that the machinery of Government has been moving very slowly and the mechanisms to enable A.T.U. to start development on those or indeed any lands are not yet in place, i.e. the HEA to fund it directly or provide the framework for it. To continue in the process the HEA has undertaken on student accommodation for Sligo and across the country, the A.T.U. will need to have suitable land in their ownership in Sligo, as well as elsewhere. The discussions with the HEA are ongoing at present and the President of the A.T.U. had met with them on Thursday of the previous week. The University is also in discussions with non-Government organisations (NGOs) who have expressed an interest in developing student accommodation in Sligo and Letterkenny. Again, having land in their ownership which is suitable for such development places us at considerable advantage in these discussions.

Councillor Higgins informed the meeting that A.T.U. has purchased a site in Letterkenny for student accommodation and as Councillor Walsh had referenced, a 340 unit, privately owned, student accommodation project was under development in Galway. The A.T.U. also has other land in its ownership in Galway but it did not have land in Sligo as the deal was not yet closed. The A.T.U. was not in the business of land speculation or would not be sitting on the site for several years doing nothing. They were actively pursuing other funding mechanisms if the HEA would not fund it, including P.P.P.s. Phase I was to get the site; Phase II would be to get the funding in place.

The Members were informed by Councillor Higgins that the A.T.U. is an ambitious, fast-growing University with 2,500 staff and 28,000 students making it the largest T.U. in Ireland. It was planned to continue to expand, and an example of this is that a “Pharmacy” course will be coming to Sligo in September. This is a major advancement into a high points career which, heretofore, would have been the domain of the traditional University. The A.T.U. was not going to be able to expand and attract staff and students if they did not have somewhere for them to live. Having carried out a conservative analysis based on 100 students, noting Councillor Nealon’s comments about students deferring their places and being aware of the numbers involved in the current academic year, each of those students would tend to invest approximately €10,000 to €15,000. This money was being lost to the area as they were not spending on local taxis, restaurants, bar and grocery providers. Student accommodation was desperately needed and that was the main aim of the site. There was a requirement from the Department to say what other uses this site could be put to and the A.T.U. had reverted to them to say that student accommodation was number one but that there may be other supports like a student creche on the site. The number one priority is for student accommodation.

The final comment from the V.P. of Finance in the A.T.U. read to the meeting stated that Sligo County Council has not been in contact regarding the sale for months and the A.T.U. has not been informed why the process was delayed.

Councillor Higgins concluded that it would be important that there would be direct engagement between the President, the relevant Vice-President and the Chief Executive to see if it could be moved forward.

In response to the update from Councillor Higgins, the Chief Executive advised the meeting that he did not appreciate the last comment from the V.P. If the discussion was open and transparent, the Chief Executive said that he had not been informed that the A.T.U. were having discussions with non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in relation to funding student accommodation. If that was the case, he was quite happy to talk to non-Government organisations as the Council still currently own the land. The Council could talk to private providers who would be willing to develop student accommodation. This would give the local authority the flexibility to use the remaining land as it saw fit.

The other issue of speaking with non-Government organisations was that it did not remove the borrowing requirement as it will go on the balance sheet of the national Government. This is what also happens with County Councils. , Eamon Scanlon, T.D. put in a Parliamentary Question (PQ) and the Chief Executive had read the answer to the PQ. The response had been ambiguous to say the least, with a number of hurdles to jump in relation to borrowing funds. The Chief Executive had been committed since October 2021 when discussions commenced with Mr. Brendan McCormack wanting student accommodation within the town and that is still there. The Chief Executive shares the concerns of Councillor Walsh that they keep coming up against different roadblocks/situations in relation to the student accommodation. Mr. Lydon was quite happy to write to the A.T.U. if Councillors wished and ask what exactly what was going on. If needs be, he would also ask for a commitment from central government that the building will go ahead. It was his opinion that the worst thing that could possibly happen for the Council is, and he fully appreciated that the A.T.U. is not into land speculation, that the land is sold and nothing happens for five to ten years. This was not a situation that could be even considered. The Eastern Garavogue bridge would be opening up those lands and, now that he was aware that there is an NGO involved, as the landowner (as no one had come forward from the A.T.U. before to advise the Executive that this was the case), they would be more than happy if the Members wished him to, to do so, to talk to those NGOs as well to see what could be done with the whole of the land bank, i.e. student accommodation plus what else could happen to those lands. That was the reason there had been no response and, before that, in fairness to the County Council, they had waited two and a half years for a response from the A.T.U. in relation to those lands. For him, not coming back for three months was not too much of an issue when you consider the whole timeline involved in relation to the sale of the land.

Councillor Walsh thanked the Chief Executive for his comments and Councillor Higgins for the update. With no disrespect to Councillor Higgins, he felt it was very disrespectful that the A.T.U. would not have sent a formal response/update directly to the Elected Members. He noted from Councillor Higgins’s comments that the A.T.U. is looking at other funding options. Sligo County Council had not been updated in relation to the process with the HEA and all stages they should have been. The sale of the lands had not been closed and he did not feel that it should be closed until such a time that legalities are in place with a sound, clear understanding that the lands were going to be used for student accommodation. If the A.T.U. are now looking at other funding sources, there is obviously an issue. If they were dealing directly with the HEA, they would not require other funding options. He also referred to Deputy Scanlon’s PQ and outlined some details from same in this regard. Following noting the contents, Councillor Walsh said Sligo County Council needs to be very clear where the A.T.U. is at, if anywhere, with the HEA. In recognising the importance of the A.T.U. to the county and the northwest, Sligo County Council were selling lands in good faith. The Chief Executive had been very clear throughout the process that it was for student accommodation.

The A.T.U. needed to provide Sligo County Council with their plans, setting out a timeline on it, directly to the Members elected to the local authority. In terms of communications, what had happened at the meeting was a little bit disrespectful and the Executive was asked to seek that update.

It was then

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

AND AGREED

“That approval is given to the Chief Executive to hold discussions with N.G.O.s regarding development of the lands at Ardaghowen.”

Apologies were given to the Members by Councillor Higgins if the update she had brought to the meeting was seen as disrespectful. This was not her intention or that of the President or V.P. in the A.T.U.

ADJOURNMENT

The Meeting was adjourned at 12.35 p.m. and resumed at 1.20 p.m. Members attended the launch of “Bike Week” during this adjournment.

32. N15 ROUTE

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

AND AGREED

“Given the lack of investment in the Programme for Government in the North West, Sligo County Council calls on the Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD and the Minister for Transport Darragh O Brien T.D., to (A) immediately include the N15 in the NDP; (B) immediately commence the route selection process that will combine a new Rail Line, a Greenway alongside the N15 between Sligo and Donegal; (C) immediately put in place safety measures at the National schools and at all the dangerous junctions along the Route.”

33. GUIDELINES RE. COMPENSATION UNDER HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE SCHEME

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

AND AGREED

“To write to the Minister for Social Protection and Rural Community Development, Dara Calleary, T.D. requesting him to issue clear guidelines to all community welfare officers regarding compensation under Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for applicants who were without electricity in the aftermath of storm Éowyn.”

34. DRIVING TESTS

As Councillor Casserly was not present at this time, the Cathaoirleach agreed to defer consideration of the matter to the agenda of the May Ordinary meeting:

“To request that this Council call on the Minister for Transport and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to:

1-Immediately implement a structured cancellation waiting list to allow driving test applicants to take up available slots as they arise.

2-Introduce a clear and fair process for applicants to appeal delays or request priority testing where employment or essential travel is impacted.

3- Allocate additional resources, including examiners and test slots, to reduce the backlog and ensure timely access to driving tests.”

35. PROVISION OF CARDIOLOGY CT SCANNER AND FULL-TIME CATH LAB IN S.U.H.

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

AND AGREED

“Given that no Cardiology CT Scanner and full time Cath Lab service have been delivered in Sligo University Hospital, Sligo County Council now calls on the Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD and the HSE to provide this service to the Northwest immediately.”

It was further agreed that a copy of the resolution would also be forwarded to the Minister for Health.

36. DISPARITIES BETWEEN DEIS AND NON-DEIS SCHOOLS

As Councillor Casserly was not present at this time, the Cathaoirleach agreed to defer consideration of the matter to the agenda of the May Ordinary meeting:

“Given the ongoing disparities between DEIS and non-DEIS schools within the Irish education system Sligo County Council calls on the Department of Education to implement targeted measures to address this inequality. These measures should include increased funding for schools in need, expanded support services such as guidance counselling and special education resources, and equitable access to extracurricular activities, wellbeing programs, and digital learning tools. By ensuring fair opportunities for all students, regardless of school designation, we can work towards a more inclusive and balanced education system.”

37. SUPPORT FOR TOWN AND CITY GIFT CARDS ROLLOUT

Councillor Walsh asked, and the Cathaoirleach consented, that this matter would be deferred to the agenda of the May Ordinary meeting.

“Given the huge success of the Love Sligo Gift Card since its launch in 2024, and it having achieved over €1M in sales within a year in Sligo, over €10M in gift card sales in Ireland, driving an estimated 150,000 in-store consumers across the country that Sligo County Council writes to Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Rural Affairs to ask them to consider supporting the Town and City Gift Card rollout across every county. That this motion be shared with each Local Authority in the country.”

38. C.I.S. ROAD RESURFACING GRANT

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

AND AGREED

“I ask Sligo County Council to contact Uisce Éireann to seek a monetary contribution from them for inclusion in a CIS road resurfacing grant application similar to the way Coillte give a contribution to the upgrade of roads that they have access to and assets along.”

With Members having sought clarification regarding the proposal, Ms. Concannon confirmed that it would be appropriate to write to Uisce Éireann in this regard. As had been mentioned, the precedent had been set with Coillte.

39. OPPOSITION TO GAS FRACKING

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

AND AGREED

“I propose that Sligo County Council affirms its opposition to fracked Gas on the Island of Ireland

(A) The elected members express our serious concerns that the government has changed the policy of keeping large quantities of fracked gas out of the Irish energy mix.

(B) We ask that our four Teachta Dala representatives and Senators work together with our affected communities and step up to the task of fighting against fracking of Gas and its storage on this Island as is their duty to the people living in the Lough Allen Gas Basin, Sligo Leitrim and South Donegal and demand to have this policy reviewed and reversed in line with our values to protect public health and the environment.”

40. UPDATE ON WALK/TRAIL DEVELOPMENTS

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide an update on all planned walk/trail developments and upgrades including the Garavogue River Walk from Queen Maeve Square to Lough Gill, the Lady Anne Trail from the hospital to Hazelwood and the Ray Flynn Walk.”

A detailed report had been provided to the Members in advance of the meeting. Ms. Concannon responded to queries raised regarding some locations and their status.

41. A.T.U. #NAILTHESTIGMA CAMPAIGN

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“#NailtheStigma is an ATU student-led campaign aimed at breaking the stigma around periods, promoting open conversations and encourage period positivity.

This motion calls on Sligo County Council to support the #NailtheStigma campaign by

a) Providing free, ethically sourced, period products in all Sligo council buildings and;

b) Writing to the Minister of Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill calling on the government to i) honour their commitment to support The Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper published in 2021 which is included within the current Programme for Government and;
ii) enact legislation to obligate local authorities, education providers, all public buildings and all publicly funded services to make ethically sourced period products available free of charge, and; iii) engage with the trade union collation on the #StoptheSigma campaign , which calls for workforce policy reform around the introduction of menstruation and menopause policies in all organisations.”

42. ADAPTIVE RE-USE DEPARTMENT FOR HOUSING STOCK

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“In recognising a policy shift is required in expanding the housing stock, adaptive re-use and subdivision are initiatives that could help alleviate pressure on both housing and healthcare system.

This motion requests that
a) Sligo County Council liaises with Dublin City Council to share learnings from the establishment of their new Adaptive Re-use Department and;
b) Write to the Ministers James Brown, John Cummins and Kieran O’Donnell in The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to establish an Adaptive Re-Use Scheme across the country.”

43. PROPOSAL FOR COMMUTER TRAIN FROM CARRICK-ON-SHANNON TO SLIGO

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon

AND AGREED

“There is currently no train running on the Sligo-Dublin line between Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon from the times of 07.26 a.m. and 9.05 a.m. (more than 90 minutes). The time of a train journey between Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon is approximately 40 minutes. This gives enough time for a commuter train to leave Carrick-on-Shannon before 7.50 a.m. and arrive in Sligo at 8.30 a.m. bringing commuters from the surrounding areas to work, school and college. A morning commuter train also has the potential to alleviate morning traffic congestion that occurs on the Inner Relief Road from the N4 direction.

This motion calls on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Transport Darragh O’ Brien, The National Transport Authority and Irish Rail to establish a daily morning commuter train from Carrick-on-Shannon to Sligo that will arrive in Sligo no later than 8.30 a.m. and include the output of the recent research undertaken by ATU Sligo on this topic.”

44. LOCAL LINK BUS SERVICES AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY

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

AND AGREED

“To ask that Sligo County Council to write to the NTA & Bus Eireann regarding:

1. When will all towns and villages throughout Sligo be serviced with a local link bus. What criteria needs to be met for this to happen. This was in review by the NTA last summer. What are the findings to date.
2. What is the process for a wheelchair user to get a bus at any bus stop to and from Galway/Sligo daily.”

45. CRITERIA FOR PROVISION OF BUS STOP SHELTERS

Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the NTA and ask what criteria needs to be met for Bus Stop shelters throughout Sligo”.

Councillor Walsh referred to a previous request for details of works planned for 2025. The Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that this was under the Directorate of Ms. Jim Molloy. However, he was not present at the meeting due to a bereavement. Details would be furnished to the Members as soon as possible.

46. AFTERSCHOOL FACILITIES IN SLIGO AND ENVIRONS

Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Given the chronic shortage of spaces in afterschools around Sligo and environs.

That this Council calls on the Minister for Children to outline her plans to increase supports for the provision of after school services in the region.”

47. CONCERNS ABOUT EARLY ACCESS TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Noting recent studies as well as increased media coverage on the matter through the success of Netflix's "Adolescence".

That this Council writes to the Minister for Children and Minister of Education expressing our concerns about early access to social media as well as smartphones use in early teenagers and ask what government plans are in place to combat the problem?”

48. RESOURCES FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE

With the Cathaoirleach’s consent, Councillor Gibbons deferred consideration of this matter to the May Ordinary meeting.

“This local authority calls on government to properly fund and resource the ambulance service. Paramedics are being driven to exhaustion and burnout by under staffing and under resourcing by this Government.”

49. BUDGET FOR HOME CARE HOURS

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That the Council writes to the Minister for Health and the Chief Executive of the HSE to request an increase in the current budget for home care hours in this region and an expansion of staff allocations beyond the current inadequate cap of 125,420. This is essential, as our region has an unacceptable waiting list for home care support, and the 2024 budget is insufficient to provide adequate home care packages for both new and existing service users. Given that Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal have the highest proportion of people over 65, with increasing care needs, additional resources must be allocated to this region to meet its unique and growing demographic demand.”

50. FREE SCHOOLBOOKS SCHEME

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the Minister of Education to request that church of Ireland post primary schools (such as Sligo Grammar School) be included this year in the free schoolbooks scheme to ensure all children of every religious denomination and none have equal access to the state provided free book scheme.”

51. PRIORITISATION OF N17 UPGRADE

“That this Council formally writes to the Minister for Transport Darragh O Brien, urging the prioritisation of the N17 upgrade by allocating increased funding to the project. Given its critical importance for safety and regional connectivity, particularly in linking the airport and the nearest city, Galway, we request that the project be expedited through adequate funding from Stage 2 to Stage 4 without delay.”

Prior to the discussion on this matter, Councillor McSharry confirmed that the motion was being amended to read “from Stage 3 to Stage 4without delay”.

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

52. GRANT AID FUNDING TO UPGRADE SEPTIC TANK WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to ask the Minister of the Environment Department to allocate extra funding to support householders with grant aid funding to upgrade septic tank wastewater treatment systems, who currently do not qualify for the High Status Grant Scheme.”

53. DERELICT SITE LEVY

As Councillor Nealon was absent, the Cathaoirleach said he would take item 54 on the agenda at this time.

“The most recent Department of Housing figures for 2023 show that Sligo County Council have not levied a single derelict site owner.

This Council recommends the setting up of a dedicated derelict sites unit with the necessary staff, resources and powers to enforce levies in line with Limerick's derelict and vacant unit which in 2023 alone it collected €286,076 from site owners.”

54. PAYMENTS TO PRIVATE LANDLORDS UNDER H.A.P. SCHEME

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be provided indicating (A) the sum of money paid to private landlords under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme in 2024 (B) the sum of money paid to private landlords under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) Scheme in 2024 (C) the sum of money paid to private landlords under the Long-Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme in 2024.”

Having received the report in advance of the meeting, the Cathaoirleach thanked the Director of Services for providing the information sought and noted the sums involved.

Councillor Gilroy also informed the meeting that anyone in receipt of HAP was not “housed” and has no fixture of tenure.

53. DERELICT SITE LEVY

Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“The most recent Department of Housing figures for 2023 show that Sligo County Council have not levied a single derelict site owner.

Councillor Nealon thanked Ms. Concannon for the report received. While he appreciated the efforts of all involved, there appeared to be a small portion collected and he had concerns and made comparisons to regeneration works carried out in Limerick and Westport. The Council had to be seen to be serious about tackling dereliction. The steps outlined in the report were then referred to and Councillor Nealon noted that there had not been any reference to collection and enforcement which was the most important step. Clarification was sought regarding the consequences of not paying the levies and the properties boarded up/lying idle. This dereliction should be dealt with using the focus and drive it deserves. Sligo County Council needed to do its bit to solve the housing crisis and he urged the Council to take stronger action to create a more thriving, sustainable and welcome place for all those who live in Sligo.

In supporting the motion, Councillor Walsh said an example would be the old Mill in Ballisodare. He hoped that there would be a positive response from its owners to the pre-Easter deadline they had been given.

Councillor Gilroy welcomed the report and noted that the work had commenced. A good start had been made and the pressure had to be kept on and referred to several developments in his Municipal District area he would like to see being made available. The percentage of collection referred to was a ‘start up’ and he expected that this would grow. This bill remained with the property owner and should they wish to sell it, the bill remained.

The Cathaoirleach added his support for the motion and welcomed the report that a Derelict Sites team had been set up within the Enforcement Section. He sought confirmation that the levy/charge would remain on the properties, if unpaid. If the properties were sold in the future, that the Council would still receive their payment.

In reply, Ms. Concannon confirmed that it is the situation. Also, some further statistics furnished to the Members were that the Unit are dealing with 289 derelict sites at the moment with 35 sites on the Derelict Sites Register. Putting a site on the Register is not always the solution to bring the site back into use. 410 applications had been dealt with through the Croí Cónaithe scheme. As the report had stated, there are many ways the local authority is addressing dereliction. This was not just through the Derelict Sites levy but unpaid levies are being followed up.

55. SUPPLY OF ARMS AND WEAPONS TO THE ISRAELI REGIME

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

AND AGREED

“Aware of Israel's ongoing occupation of Palestinian lands, its continued building of illegal colonial settlements in violation of international law, its human rights abuses, its war crimes, and its campaign of genocide in Gaza; and further aware that the U.S. has been consistently supplying Israel with a significant amount of armaments; this Council calls on the U.S. administration to cease supplying arms and weapons to the Israeli regime.”

56. REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTION SCHEME AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISATION ASSESSMENT

With the Cathaoirleach’s consent, Councillor Gilroy deferred this item to the May Ordinary meeting agenda.

“Now that the County Development Plan 2024-2029 has been adopted, when will Sligo County Council instigate a review of the June 2018 Development Contribution Scheme and the Landscape Characterisation assessment that has been in place since the 1990s.

Can the reply also include details of how long these reviews will take and when the draft Development Contribution Scheme and Landscape Characterisation Assessment will be brought before the members for consideration.”

57. DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY BOAT PARK/MARINA IN ROSSES POINT

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a report in regard to the application for grant aid from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the development of a community boat park/marina in Rosses Point.”

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Director of Services for the report. This development would be a significant advantage for the local boat owners, operators and anglers. It was generally accepted that the existing facilities, while improved in recent years, are still inadequate in terms of meeting demand and health and safety. It was his understanding that the proposed development would have separate facilities to cater for commercial and domestic use.

The report received by the Members indicated that the design and statutory consent process would require specialist input and would be complex in nature. In this context, RRDF grant aid is being sought to finance the project to allow it to reach the stage where a formal application could be made.

The Cathaoirleach was aware that the initiative would be welcomed by all Members of the Council and extended thanks to all those in the Rosses Point community who had worked on the project to date.

All Members now needed to lobby the Government to ensure that the necessary funding was provided to advance the development.

In supporting the motion, Councillor Gilroy welcomed the report. It is his hope that RRDF funding would be provided. This would be an invaluable piece of infrastructure.

58. TOILET FACILITIES AT FOREST WALKS AND AMENITY BEAUTY SPOTS

As Councillor Gibbons had to attend another meeting, the Cathaoirleach deferred consideration of this matter to the May Ordinary meeting.

“That this local authority supply Portaloo or other types of toilet facilities at all popular forest walks and amenity beauty spots within the County.”

59. RESTORATION OF EIR/OPEN EIR BROADBAND AND ‘PHONE SERVICES

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

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to request from Eir/Open Eir, when will all broadband and phone services be fully reinstated in Co Sligo. I seek an actual timeline not a briefing note.”

40. UPDATE ON WALK/TRAIL DEVELOPMENTS

Further to the discussion on this motion earlier in the meeting where Councillor Walsh had sought clarification on the wayfinding signage, Ms. Concannon said this is directional signage and tourist information on the southern side of the Garavogue river, i.e. from Queen Maeve Square, along Doorly Park and into Cleveragh Park.

60. VOTES OF SYMPATHY

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

61. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

Votes of congratulations were recorded.

62. CONFERENCES/TRAINING

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

AND AGREED

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

63. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES

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

AND AGREED
“To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5)(f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.”

64. CORRESPONDENCE

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

65. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

No item was raised under this heading.

66. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Date for June Ordinary meeting – due to the attendance of some Members on a Town Twinning trip to Crozon, it was agreed to hold the June Ordinary meeting on Friday, 6th June, 2025.

END OF MEETING:

The business of the Meeting concluded at 3.45 p.m.

Meeting Date 07/04/2025