Minutes 2026
Minutes of February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 9th February, 2026 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
Bree, Brennan, Casserly, Clarke, Gallagher, Gibbons, Gilroy, Healy, Higgins, T. MacSharry, Mullaney, Mulvey, Nealon, Queenan, Taylor and Walsh
APOLOGIES:
E McSharry, O’Boyle
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
- Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance
- Mr. Brían Flynn, Director of Services
- Mr. Kieran O’Gorman, A/Director of Services
- Mr. Bernard Scott, A/Director of Services
- Mr. Paul O’Rourke, Senior Engineer
- Ms. Avril Dooher, Arts Officer
- Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
- Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
- Ms. Sinéad Doherty, Asst. Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dónal Gilroy, presided.
1. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS / CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no Declarations of Interest / Conflicts of Interest noted.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2.1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 12th January 2026”
2.2. MINUTES OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF MD MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Sligo/Drumcliff MD meeting held on 10th November 2025.”
2.3. MINUTES OF SLIGO BOROUGH DISTRICT MD MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Sligo Borough District MD meeting held on 10th November 2025.”
2.4. MINUTES OF STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE - CLIMATE & INFRASTRUCTURE (SPC 2):
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee – Climate & Infrastructure (SPC 2) meeting held on 2nd October 2025.”
2.5. MINUTES OF STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE – HOUSING & GOVERNANCE (SPC 1):
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee – Housing & Governance (SPC 1) meeting held on 10th September 2025.”
2.6. MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY MD MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD meeting held on 17th November 2025.”
3. HEADED ITEMS
3.1. PRESENTATION ON THE PATHFINDER PROJECT
Mr. Stevie Donnelly, Climate Action Coordinator with Sligo County Council, presented an update on the SEAI Pathfinder Project for County Hall and Sligo Fire Station, outlining the following planned milestones:
- Sligo Pathfinder Works Contractor tender published 26th January 2026
- Response deadline 23rd February 2026
- Design Team Report and Recommendation March 2026
- Appoint Contractor April 2026
- Target date for contractor site set up – May 2026
- Target date for works to commence – June 2026
- Target date for works to complete – December 2026/January 2027
In response to a question about project funding, the Chief Executive confirmed that Sligo County Council intends to draw down a loan of €1.5 million, subject to approval by the elected members.
3.2 PART 8 DECARBONISATION PROJECT AT SLIGO COUNTY HALL AND SLIGO FIRE STATION
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“To approve the Chief Executive’s Report on the Part 8 for the decarbonisation project at Sligo County Hall and Sligo Fire Station, St. Anne’s Place, Abbeyquarter North, County Sligo.”
3.3 ADOPTION OF ANNUAL SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN 2026
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To adopt the Annual Service Delivery Plan 2026”.
3.4 ARTS GRANT AWARDS 2026
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To note the recommendations of the Arts Grant Awards 2026 Assessment Panel”.
3.5 DISPOSAL OF THE FREEHOLD INTEREST IN PROPERTY AT NO. 1161 KILLURE, ACLARE, CO SLIGO
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the freehold interest in property at No. 1161 Killure, Aclare, Co Sligo to Leo Gaughan”.
3.6 DELEGATION TO TRAVEL FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY ENGAGEMENTS IN NEW YORK
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“To approve the attendance of a delegation from Sligo County Council to attend the St. Patrick’s Day engagements in New York”.
3.7 REPORT OF ETHICS REGISTRAR
The Members noted the report of the Ethics Registrar under Section 174(b) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
3.8 FREEDOM OF THE COUNTY REQUEST
Members were issued with a report outlining the details and identifying the proposed recipient. Each member was then provided with a ballot paper to cast their vote. The identity of the nominee was to remain confidential until they had been formally notified, and members were asked to honour this discretion. For those unable to attend the meeting, the officials along with the Cathaoirleach would make contact with them individually to collect their vote, as participation from all members was required.
3.9 DISPOSAL OF FREEHOLD INTEREST IN THE ESB SUB-STATION SITE – COLLOONEY TOWNLAND, COLLOONEY, CO SLIGO
Proposed by Councillor T: Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
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 at Collooney Townland, Collooney, Co Sligo”.
3.10 CONTINUATION OF SLIGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
(i) That Sligo County Council approves continued implementation of a Business Improvement District Scheme as submitted by the proponents, Sligo BID CLG. The BID scheme will operate from 1st March 2026 to 28th February 2031, and which will be financed in whole or in part by BID contribution levies; and
(ii)That Councillor Arthur Gibbons continue to serve as a Director of Sligo BID CLG
3.11 MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 2026
The members noted the Monthly Management Report for January 2026.
In response to a query from Councillor Walsh regarding the issuing of the infrastructure report, it was clarified that this report is issued on a quarterly basis.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:
The Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that it was proposed to suspend standing orders at this point to allow consideration of an urgent matter. It was then:
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Noting that no County Sligo Schools are included in the recent NDP Plan for education. A list containing 105 schools scheduled to tender/construction in 2026/27. That this Council writes to the Minister for Education requesting the inclusion of the Ursuline College, Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, Grange Post Primary School and Coola Post Primary School”.
A lengthy discussion followed concerning the omission of several Sligo schools from the recently published NDP Plan for Education. Councillor Walsh asked that it be recorded that party whips and group leaders had not been informed in advance of the proposal to suspend standing orders.
The motion received the full support of the members.
RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS:
Members then resumed consideration of the Ordinary Meeting agenda items.
4. NOTICES OF MOTION
Deferred:
4.1 FUNDING FOR N59 AND N17 ROUTES
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“Given that the N59 Corhownagh to Lugnadeffa realignment is shovel ready for five years and that no funding has being received in recent years and given that the N17 only received one million in 2025 to progress the project, I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D., to commit to providing funding for the N59 and to give assurance that N17 will receive the funding to be completed not like the N59.”
Mr Bernard Scott, Acting Director of Services, reported that Sligo County Council notes the Notice of Motion submitted and wishes to correct the following matters for the record:
The N59 Corhawnagh to Crockacullion Transport Improvement Scheme as opposed to the
“N59 Corhownagh to Lugnadeffa realignment” is not “shovel ready”. It has been progressed as a Minor Project under the TII Project Management Guidelines, and Phase 2 – Options Selection deliverables were submitted to TII in December 2023. TII approval to proceed to Phase 3 – Design and Environmental Evaluation has not yet been granted. Until this approval issues, the project cannot advance through the relevant planning stages.
The €1,000,000 allocation received for the N17 Knock - Collooney (Atlantic Economic Corridor) for 2025 was sufficient to continue to progress the scheme through the relevant phase (Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation) of the TII Project Management Guidelines.
Mr Bernard Scott, Acting Director of Services clarified that the N17 project was developed up to the end of Phase 2 in December 2023. Approval was then sought to proceed to Phase 3 but that approval has not been received, and no response has been received in relation to it. Therefore, it is not on the list for progression.
In response to the discussion around the N59, Mr Bernard Scott, Acting Director of Services advised that projected costs at the time exceeded €20 million, which was the threshold for minor schemes. The threshold for that scheme has recently been increased to €50 million and therefore there is a possibility that a scheme of this nature could be considered in the future.
The members highlighted their disappointment in the lack of response from the Office of the Taoiseach on a previous motion concerning this issue.
New:
4.2 REFORMING OF LEGISLATION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE (THEFT AND FRAUD OFFENCE) ACT 2001 – THEFT OF TOOLS
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“I call that Sligo County Council show its support for the reforming of the legislation to Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offence) Act 2001. Many hard-working tradesmen and women who are fully supportive of this measure. They have spoken of the loss of income and disruption to their employment and service to customers when thieves target their livelihood. The reform to amend the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offence) Act 2001 been brought forward would introduce a mandatory minimum custodial sentence for serious theft-related offences involving work equipment, where the theft directly prevents someone from earning an honest living. The need for a minimum three-year sentence is warranted to deter thieves from targeting hard working people, often self-employed, who suffer expensive losses when they must replace stolen tools and machinery. The need for the bill to be reformed would be welcomed especially by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, other tradespeople, and small businesses. Tradespeople live and work in every community and always provide great services to those who need it. They deserve as much support as possible. Under the proposed legislation, where an adult is convicted of theft, burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery or handing stolen property of work equipment, a court would be required to impose a minimum sentence of three years imprisonment and that the sentence may not be suspended beyond 18 months. The theft of tools and work equipment isn’t a victimless crime. For tradespeople, contractors and sole traders these thefts can shut down their ability to work instantly”.
Following a discussion, the members agreed to write to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Mr Jim O’Callaghan TD, in support of this motion.
4.3 EXTENSION OF FREE TRAVEL SCHEME TO INCLUDE STUDENTS
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to write to TFI Transport for Ireland and the Minister for Transport to include students attending College in the Free travel scheme. Many college students face the burden of daily bus fares, and for some, these costs are simply too high. Providing them with free travel would be a significant help, especially during these times of increasing expense on families. Last year the TFI Leap Card was extended to include free travel for children up to the age of nine years of age”.
4.4 UPDATING OF REGISTER OF ELECTORS
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“I ask that Sligo County Council run a campaign on local radio and print media calling for people to submit information on changes of address etc where a property is receiving polling cards prior to election time for people who no longer live there with a view to Sligo County Council using this information to update the register of electors”.
Ms Marie Whelan, Director of Services, provided a report to the elected members outlining ongoing work by the Corporate Services Team to improve the accuracy of the Register of Electors as part of the implementation of the Voter.ie project.
She advised that this process involves writing to electors whose records do not currently include a date of birth, PPSN or Eircode. The Council has, over a number of years, utilised print, radio and social media campaigns to encourage electors to update their details and intends to continue using all available means and resources to highlight the importance of maintaining a complete and accurate Register of Electors.
In addition, An Coimisiún Toghcháin regularly conducts national media campaigns encouraging members of the public to update their details on the Register of Electors.
4.5 BUS STOPS PROGRAMME FOR 2026
The Cathaoirleach Councillor Gilroy stated that as Councillor O’Boyle had given his apologies for the meeting, the remaining members should amend the motion to remove Councillor O’Boyle’s name to allow the motion to be discussed. This was agreed by the members.
Jointly proposed by Councillors F. Nealon, T. MacSharry, D. Bree, A. Gibbons & A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“Noting the list of Bus Stops being advanced in 2026 as communicated by Director of Services Jim Molloy - that this Council acknowledges that not one of the 21 stops being funded this year is in the Sligo-Strandhill municipal area. That the Council will seek to rectify this omission and work with urgency towards providing bus shelters in the areas of most need in the borough district of Sligo-Strandhill.”
Following a discussion, an amendment to the motion was proposed. It was:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
"Noting the list of bus stops being advanced in 2026 as communicated by Director of Services, Jim Molloy, that this Council acknowledging that not one of 21 stops being funded this year, a further expiration take place re provision of bus shelter in Sligo/Strandhill Municipal District, that there be no change in the 21 stops listed be altered in rural Sligo".
Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services issued a report stating that the bus stop locations for the S1, S2 and S3 routes are not part of the BSEP programme. The Roads Department have engaged with the NTA on this issue and that the NTA and SCC are examining avenues to progress bus stop enhancements within the Sligo/Strandhill and Borough Areas.
After discussion, it was agreed to write to the new Chief Executive Officer of the NTA and to extend an invitation to Sligo to discuss the issues raised.
4.6 TAXATION ON CARERS ALLOWANCE/BENEFIT
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That this Council call on the Minister of Social Protection to urgently review the taxation on Carers allowance/carer's benefit payments to recipients where applicable, and exclude them from taxation on these payments, as they are 'Carer’s', as it’s not a wage for them, but an allowance.”
Following discussion on the above motion it was agreed that the motion be slightly amended as follows:
“That this Council calls on the Minister for Social Protection to urgently review the taxation on Carers’ allowance/carers’ benefit payments to recipients where applicable and exclude them from the means test and increase the tax threshold immediately as they are “carers”, as it’s not a wage for them, but an allowance.”
4.7 ENDOMETRIOSIS SERVICES
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“This Council call on Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for urgent action on endometriosis services and real delivery of the HSE National Framework for Endometriosis. The minister must focus on practical delivery and immediate improvements for patients, including:
- Progress update and accountability on implementing the HSE National Framework for Endometriosis (October 2025), including deliverables for 2026
- Improving access to diagnosis and care, including consistent GP referral pathways nationally and reducing diagnostic delays
- Introducing national imaging and diagnostic standards and increasing radiology expertise for endometriosis imaging/mapping
- Ensuring quality and consistency in surgery outcomes, including audit and quality assurance
- Increasing specialist capacity and multidisciplinary staffing across centres
- Reforming access to the EAISI scheme, tackling barriers to referral and inconsistent practices, and ensuring an escalation pathway where referrals are refused
- Exploring expansion of EAISI options to include additional EU centres, including Romania and Greece, subject to clinical governance and quality standards, as an interim measure to reduce harm and long waiting times
- Improved supports outside surgery including mental health supports, pain management, physiotherapy and nutritional supports
- Education and training, including workforce capacity planning and mandatory training/CPD
One of the most urgent issues is that women are being left with no option but to travel abroad. The EAISI scheme must be accessible, consistent, transparent and timely. It cannot be acceptable that patients”.
4.8 FUNDING FOR YEAR OF CARE CAMPAIGN
The Cathaoirleach clarified to the Members that, as Councillor O’Boyle was not present in the Chamber, his motion would fall and would have to be resubmitted.
4.9 JOB SECURITY FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That this Council recognises the ongoing difficulty faced by Special Needs Assistants in securing permanent employment despite years of experience and dedication, notes the negative impact of repeated fixed-term contracts on job security, wellbeing and workforce retention, and calls on the Department of Education to urgently review SNA recruitment and contract practices to increase access to permanent positions, improve transparency, and ensure experienced SNAs are given fair and meaningful opportunities for secure employment”.
4.10 UPDATE ON INSTALLATION OF BEACH SHELTER AND SHOWER UNITS
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the recently allocated €25,000 to Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership (SSRP) on the installation of a beach shelter and shower units”.
In response Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services, advised that project implementation discussions have commenced between Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and Sligo County Council with a view to preparing relevant tender documents to progress the proposed installation of a beach shelter and shower unit at Dunmoran and beach shelter at Mullaghmore. It is intended, subject to contractor availability and engagement, that works will progress in Q2 2026.
Councillor Walsh welcomed the response and stated that he hoped that Sligo County Council would be applying for additional resources in the next round of funding.
As items 4.11 and 4.12 related to similar matters the Cathaoirleach proposed the two items be taken together. This was agreed by the members.
4.11 REVIEW OF ICT GRADING AND PAY
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“Aware that for over six years, the Forsa trade union has engaged in good faith with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) through detailed reports, proposals, and a WRC process; and aware that despite this, there has been no meaningful action to establish appropriate professional structures for ICT roles within local authorities; Sligo County Council supports the call of Forsa, for a sector-wide review of ICT grading and pay, benchmarking ICT roles against other professional groups and public sector bodies where equivalent roles are graded higher, in addition to the establishment of a national CPD (Continuing Professional Development) committee for these workers, a joint body to oversee career paths, training, and skills development, in addition to a nationally agreed framework for out-of-hours work.”
4.12 ICT WORKFORCE IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That this Council supports the ICT workforce in all local authorities, who are looking for proper grading, a clear career path and recognition of the responsibilities they carry.
We support the establishment of:
- Clear professional recognition of ICT as a distinct discipline
- Appropriate career, capability, and progression structures
- A sustainable ICT function, underpinned by nationally agreed professional frameworks for how ICT services are delivered and supported, capable of supporting both local and national digital services.
In reponse to items 4.11 and 4.12 Ms Marie Whelan, Director of Services, advised that the industrial dispute had been suspended, as a pathway forward has been identified. The members welcomed this update.
4.13 MOTHER AND BABY HOMES
The Cathaoirleach clarified to the Members that, as Councillor O’Boyle was not present in the Chamber, his motion would fall and would have to be resubmitted.
4.14. TOURISM ACTION/STRATEGY PLAN
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Can the Tourism Manager outline the current strategy/action plan for attracting both domestic and international visitors to Sligo throughout 2026”.
Councillor Higgins thanked the Director of Services, Brían Flynn and the Tourism Officer, Aidan McCormack for the comprehensive report that was submitted prior to the meeting, detailing the Council’s promotional and marketing strategy for attracting domestic and international visitors to Sligo in 2026.
In response to a query from Cllr Higgins, Mr Brían Flynn, Director of Services stated that there had not yet been an opportunity to examine the tourist bus initiative. He further noted that budgetary constraints will need to be taken into account when the matter is considered and confirmed that he will revert on same in due course.
4.15 PAID LEAVE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH WORKERS SUFFERING FROM LONG COVID
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“As the special scheme of paid leave for public health sector employees suffering from Long-COVID expired on December 31st, , this motion calls on the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to introduce a long-term support scheme to recognise and support healthcare workers who continue to experience long-COVID”.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12.45 pm.
RESUMPTION
The meeting resumed at 1.15pm.
On resumption, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gilroy, announced that the result of the poll on the Freedom of the County was that the proposal had been carried.
The Cathaoirleach requested that the identity of the nominee remain confidential. He further advised that the matter would be brought to the Corporate Policy Group in March and stated his intention to bring it directly to the March Ordinary Meeting, as there may be time constraints due to the availability of the proposed recipient.
4.16 UISCE EIREANN WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council request clarity from Uisce Eireann on Wastewater Infrastructure in County Sligo;
- what timelines are in place for new wastewater treatment systems which have funding committed,
- what plans Uisce Eireann have to provide an upgrade of the treatment systems which are at capacity”.
4.17 REPORT ON AIR TO WATER HEATING SYSTEM
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an updated report on the Air to Water heating system that is installed, including:
- Feedback from tenants regarding air to water compared to heating oil or solid fuels
- Repaired time on breakdown when the system fails
- Cost savings been made by tenants
- Cost to the Council to install this system
- Are tenants instructed on how to use the system
- How many have been installed to date”
In a report circulated ahead of the meeting, Mr Brían Flynn, Director of Services, responded to the points raised:
Feedback from tenants regarding air to water compared to heating oil or solid fuels
The feedback from tenants regarding heat pumps is generally positive. This positive viewpoint is supported insofar as that the Council have already received 74 expressions of interest from tenants in relation to the 2026 Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme, with circa 40 units likely to be grant aided via this scheme later this year. Occasional power outages tend to give rise to apprehensions re: air to water units.
Repaired time on breakdown when the system fails
In normal circumstances the repair time for a heat pump is the same as for an oil burner but there have been circumstances where sourcing parts for some heat pumps has been an issue. It is still a relatively new technology and difficulties can arise.
Cost savings been made by tenants
We cannot comment on cost savings for tenants as we are not privy to their utility bills and to their previous spending on oil and solid fuel.
Cost to the Council to install this system
The cost of the Air to Water system is built into the overall cost of new builds and Part V units. The Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH) allows up to €16,000 for the heat pump element under the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme.
Are tenants instructed on how to use the system
All tenants receive instructions on how to use the system.
How many have been installed to date
534nr. heat pumps have been installed in our housing stock. This figure includes those installed in New Builds, Part V houses and under the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme.
4.18 CHILD & ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH IN-PATIENT UNIT
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That this Council writes to The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill and Mary Butler Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health to provide details of how often the Child & Adolescent Mental Health In-patient Unit, Merlin Park University Hospital have been full to capacity or exceeded Capacity since the beginning of 2025, and to also confirm how many children and adolescents have been referred to the Unit in 2025 and how many were not admitted as requested by their physician”.
Councillor Gilroy asked that the Members of the Regional Health Forum raise that the admissions policy in Sligo (adult mental health unit) does not state that children cannot be admitted and that in an emergency situation this should be an option for children/teenagers.
Councillor Bree confirmed that he was responding to Councillor Gilroy’s request to have the item on the agenda for the Regional Health Forum meeting later in the month and that he will come back to Councillor Gilroy.
4.19 REVIEW OF SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Aware of the threats of Artificial Intelligence generated material and recent controversy involving the X platform and the Grok AI Assistant, Sligo County Council carry out a review of Social Media Policy and consider if after such a review the council should cease the use of a particular social media platform”.
In a report issued to the members Ms Marie Whelan, Director of Services confirmed that the Executive had taken the decision to suspend the use of the social media platform X as a communication tool from Friday 6th February 2026 and that the decision will be kept under review.
4.20 REVIEW OF CCTV POLICY IN RELATION TO ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Considering reports of anti-social behaviour and intimidation of individuals in both Private and Social Housing locations that Sligo County Council carry out a review of CCTV Policy and target locations where persistent reports of such behaviour occur to protect Tenants and property owners from such behaviour and discourage such anti-social behaviour”.
A discussion ensured regarding the motion and the members noted Mr. Brían Flynn’s report which had been circulated prior to the meeting. In the report, members were advised that the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December 2023, provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of community CCTV schemes. While parts of the Act were commenced in 2024 (by Ministerial Order - May 2024), Part 5 relating to the new regime for CCTV, is yet to be commenced. Its activation requires a further Ministerial Order. The Cathaoirleach Councillor Gilroy then requested that a letter issue to the Minister querying when this part of the Act would be enacted.
4.21 PERMANENT BUS STOP SHELTERS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“Temporary bus stops are not a long-term solution, so I am asking that this local authority write to the NTA to ascertain when will the infrastructure be put in place for Permanent bus stops along all bus routes throughout the county in order to allow wheelchair users full accessibility”.
4.22 SUPPLY OF GRIT OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE MATERIAL TO COMMUNITIES
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That this local authority Roads department would bring forward a plan of action to supply communities on request, with grit or other alternative material to alleviate the dangerous conditions brought about during frosty weather”.
Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services outlined in a report that Sligo County Council do not supply grit to local communities or groups. The Council’s key priority is to ensure that there are sufficient stocks of material available to service demands.
The Chief Executive reiterated Mr. Molloy’s comments that the Council will not supply community groups with sand or grit.
4.23 CAMHS WAITING TIMES
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“Given the average acceptance rate nationally for CAMHS to end November 2025 was approximately 57%, the concerns around referral thresholds between CAMHS teams, and the current waiting list in CAMHS currently and the lengthy time young people are waiting for ADHD Assessments; that Sligo County Council write to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, the Minister for Health, the Chief Executive of the HSE and ask them to urgently revise the model that is in place to ensure no child or young person`s mental health is negatively affected from being on a waiting list CAMHS”.
Councillor Casserly advised that she would place the item on the agenda for the next Regional Health Forum meeting.
5. VOTES OF SYMPATHY
Votes of sympathy were recorded.
6. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
DR. JOSEPH MOONEY
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Dr Mooney on being named in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for 2026 in the Energy and Green Tech Category, recognising his contribution to climate and sustainability focused Engineering and entrepreneurship”.
EDWIN MULLANE, ADAM O’KEEFFE AND CAROLYN BRACKEN
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended on the nomination of ‘Horseshoe’ for a IPTA award in the categories of Best Director and Best Lead Actress in the Film Category”
ATLANTIC SHEEPDOGS (TRISH & MARTIN FEENEY)
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended on being named for the 8th year running as CIE Tours highest rated tourism provider decided by guests of CIE Tours winning a gold medal yet again – a brilliant achievement”.
7. APPROVAL OF TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To approve the Conferences/Training events as circulated.”
and
“To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5)(f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.”
8. CORRESPONDENCE
The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.
9. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
No item was raised under this heading.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Cathaoirleach informed the members of correspondence received from Longford County Council proposing a meeting between Longford, Leitrim and Sligo County Councils and Iarnród Éireann to discuss extending the fast‑track rail line to Connolly Station. Members expressed their support for such a meeting and noted that, as the rail line also passes through County Roscommon, Roscommon County Council should be included in the discussions. It was agreed that a letter would issue after the meeting.
END OF MEETING:
The business of the Meeting concluded at 2.10 pm
Meeting Date 09/02/2026