Sligo Municipal Minutes 2014

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District Of Sligo held on Monday, 21st July, 2014 at 2pm in The Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Declan Bree
  • Councillor Marie Casserly
  • Councillor Thomas Healy
  • Councillor Hubert Keaney
  • Councillor Seamus Kilgannon
  • Councillor Sean Mac Manus
  • Councillor Tom Mac Sharry
  • Councillor Seamus O’Boyle
  • Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Siofra Kilcullen, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Sinéad Maguire

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. MacSharry presided.

At the outset the Cathaoirleach Councillor T. Mac Sharry proposed that a minutes silence be held as a mark of respect to a Tubbercurry family on the death of two of their sons and whose names had yet to be released to the public.

 

REQUEST TO SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS:

On resumption of the minute’s silence, Councillor S. MacManus asked for standing orders to be suspended to discuss the current Israeli attacks on Gaza.  The Cathaoirleach suggested that the matter be taken after item 4 on the agenda.  Councillor D. Bree asked that with the agreement of the meeting Councillor Mac Manus’s Emergency Motion, be taken at that time.  This was agreed by the members present.

 

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Mr. Brian McHugh of the Sligo Weekender to the meeting and stated that this was Mr. McHugh’s last Council meeting as he was due to retire shortly.  He commended Mr. McHugh on his community work and wished him well in his retirement.  Cllr’s O’Grady, Mac Manus, Bree, O’Boyle, Healy, Keaney, Casserly and Kilgannon all joined in wishing Mr. Hugh well in his retirement.

 

The Chief Executive Mr. Ciarán Hayes, on his own behalf and on behalf of the staff also wished Mr. McHugh well in his retirement and thanked him for his commitment to fair and balanced reporting.  Mr. McHugh, with the permission of the Cathaoirleach, thanked those present for their good wishes.

 

1. MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SLIGO MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 16TH JUNE, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Sligo Municipal District held on 16th June, 2014.”

 

2. MATTERS ARISING:

None were noted

 

3. TITLE OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“In accordance with Section 37 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, and Circular LG 20/2014, that the Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach of the Borough District of Sligo shall be given the titles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively”.

A discussion took place on the matter.  Following the discussion, the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

FOR: Casserly, Healy, Keaney, Kilgannon, Maguire, Mac Manus, Mac Sharry, O’Boyle, O’Grady.

AGAINST: Bree

NOT PRESENT: Maguire

As the result was 8 for, with 1 against, the Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

4. STRATEGIC ISSUES

Mr. C. Hayes, Chief Executive outlined his vision for Sligo to 2020.  He sought the Members views on the priorities as outlined and having regard to the stated priorities, advised that they should inform the agenda for the new Municipal District Committee.

The Chief Executive’s presentation covered the following areas:

  • Social and Community Development
  • Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Arts and Culture
  • Environment

Councillor O’Boyle stated that he was glad to see a community element included in the presentation.  Councillor Keaney welcomed the Chief Executive’s presentation and stated it was a reasonable assessment of a blueprint for the future.  Councillor Mac Manus stated that it would be a foolish person who would disagree with the content of the document.  However given the Council’s financial position, further departmental assistance would be required.  Councillor Kilgannon welcomed the presentation and stated that it was a plan of where the Council wanted to go but that the Council needed to bring people together to start developing the county.  Infrastructure and job creation was important in this regard.  Councillor O’Grady stated that it was imperative that the members have involvement in the formulation of the vision for Sligo and it is up to the members to put out a positive message.  Community development and tourism were major factors to be considered and harnessed.  Councillor Bree thanked the Chief Executive for his presentation and said the main issue for future development was the development plan which is not due to be reviewed in the near future.  The Mayor agreed with the sentiments expressed by the other members and was optimistic for Sligo’s future. 

Mr Hayes thanked the members for their positive comments.  With regard to the development plan, he agreed that it was an important document but that the community and economic plan was equally important and would occupy a large portion of the committee’s time in the coming months.  He advised that the members deliberations would also inform the Council’s Corporate Plan.

 

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS TO DISCUSS ISRAELI ATTACKS ON GAZA:

At this point it was agreed to suspend standing orders.  Councillor Mac Manus outlined the details of the current Israeli attacks on Gaza and made reference to the demonstration which was held in Sligo on Saturday 19th July, 2014.  At this point, Councillor T. Healy proposed a minute’s silence but the proposal was not seconded. 

The members proceed to consider the following motion:

  • “That Sligo Municipal Council calls for an immediate end to Israeli attacks on the people of Gaza as a vital precondition to a lasting ceasefire agreement;
  • calls for an end to the illegal Israeli imposed siege of Gaza;
  • calls for the EU to suspend Israel from the Euro-Med preferential trade agreement:
  • supports the international call from Palestinian civil society and human rights organisations like Amnesty International for an arms embargo if Israel;
  • calls on the Irish Government to expel the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland”

7 no. Councillors including Councillor Mac Manus, Councillor Healy, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Bree, Councillor MacSharry and Councillor O’Boyle signed the resolution.

 

5. DRAFT TOURISM STRATEGY:

The Chief Executive Mr. C. Hayes made reference to the draft tourism strategy which had been circulated to the Members by email and which is currently in consultation.  A Draft Tourism Policy published by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport envisaged the creation of 50,000 extra jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector and an increase of €1.7 B in annual tourism  revenue. The Tourism Sector currently supports 137,000 jobs in the accommodation and food sector alone, with overall employment in tourism estimated to be in the region of 200,000. Among the policies outlined in the draft strategy was a fund to support capital investment in tourism, due to be launched in 2016.

The meeting was advised that submissions on a Draft Tourism Policy were invited until 31st July 2014.

 

6. TOWN TWINNING

The benefits of developing and promoting Sligo’s twinning associations were discussed, as many useful contacts had been established which had facilitated links in the areas of culture, sport, tourism and education.

It was’

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council continues to engage in the programme of Town Twinning previously initiated by Sligo Borough Council”.

Councillor S. McManus congratulated those involved with the Town Twinning and acknowledged the huge effort put into it.  Councillor Mac Manus, Councillor Bree and the Mayor Councillor Mac Sharry all had concerns over the funding resources available for Town Twinning.

 

7. COMMUNITY PLAN:

A presentation was delivered to the members by Ms. Siofra Kilcullen entitled “Local Economic and Community Plan Overview”.  A handout of the presentation was also circulated to the members present.  Following a discussion among the members on the Local Economic and Community Plan Ms. Kilcullen responded to a number of queries as follows:

  • Baseline data is to be collated. 
  • It is not envisaged that external consultants will be employed
  • The Municipal Districts will have a role to play in the formulation of the Plan.  At this point the Chief Executive suggested that this item be included as a standing item on the agenda for future meetings.

 

8. QUARTERLY REPORTS:

The Chief Executive stated that 2 sets of quarterly reports had been circulated to date in 2014 and queried if this information was sufficient for the members.

Following a discussion among the members it was agreed that the Quarterly Reports would be left as an item on the agenda.

 

9. PROCEDURES COMMITTEE:

The Chief Executive stated that some details regarding meeting procedures could be agreed at this meeting.  Following a discussion it was agreed that City Hall would continue to be the venue for the Municipal District of Sligo meetings.  The members then had a brief discussion regarding the start and finish times for the meeting.  In order to fully discuss relevant matters it was agreed that the Municipal District meetings would commence at 2.00pm and finish no later than 5.30pm.  Clarification was then sought regarding the date and time of the next procedures committee meeting.  The Chief Executive stated that the next meeting had been scheduled for Wednesday 23rd June at 11am.  However Councillors Bree and Mac Manus said they had no recollection of a notification having been circulated.  The Chief Executive gave an undertaking to have the matter checked and to revert to the members.

A further discussion took place among the members regarding the standing orders.  The Chief Executive stated that the draft standing orders would be circulated to the members in advance of the procedures committee meeting.  Councillor Bree had concerns over the standing orders being drafted by the executive.  However the Chief Executive said the standing orders would be drafted based on the legislation and guidelines issued by the department and the old standing orders would be used as a baseline document.

 

10. TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO THE CRANMORE STEERING COMMITTEE:

Following a discussion on this item 8 of the 9 members present (excluding Councillor S. Kilgannon) expressed an interest in having their names put forward for inclusion on the Cranmore Steering Committee.  The Mayor stated that clarification will need to be sought on how many members can be appointed.  It was agreed by the members present that the 8 who expressed an interest would have their names put before the general Council meeting for ratification.

 

11. SPEED RAMP AT MARKREE HEIGHTS, COLLOONEY:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council accede to the request of local residents and provide a speed ramp on the road at Markree Heights, Collooney.”

In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

“Since the discontinuance of the Discretionary Improvement Grant, no funding is available for the provision of a speed ramp on the road at Markree Heights, Collooney, although such a ramp would be feasible near House No. 6.”

 

12. AHAMLISH BURIAL GROUND:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MAC MANUS

AND AGREED

“That a report containing a list of the sites suggested as an alternative burial ground to Ahamlish be circulated to Councillors, the report to include details of why the sites were considered unsuitable.”

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report on the matter to the meeting.  Councillor D. Bree welcomed Mr. Kilfeather’s report and thanked Mr. Kilfeather for his effort.

 

13. ADVANCE CLEANERS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report providing details of the contract and the cost of employing Advance Cleaners to carry out street cleaning in Sligo be circulated to Councillors.”

In response Mr. Brian Flynn read a report to the members on the item.  Councillor Bree thanked Mr. Flynn for the report and acknowledged the difficulties encountered with chewing gum.  Councillor Bree queried the overall cost and Mr. Flynn responded by saying it was in the region of €11,000 plus VAT.

 

14. TAKE IN CHARGE RUSHEEN ARD ESTATE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council undertake all necessary steps to enable the Council to take in charge Rusheen Ard estate, Sligo.”

Mr. Brian Flynn read a report to the meeting.  The members thanked Mr. Flynn for the report and queried when the process of taking the estate in charge would commence.  The Chief Executive clarified that it is a reserved function of the members to take the estate in charge not to initiate the process.  Mr. Kilfeather stated that the formal taking in charge application had not yet been submitted.  Councillor Mac Manus queried if there was any way the process could be expedited.  Mr. Kilfeather stated that the Council would follow up with the necessary parties to encourage them to submit a formal application.

 

15. TAKE IN CHARGE LARKHILL COURT:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of ‘Taking in Charge’ Larkhill Court, Larkhill Road, Sligo”

Mr. Brian Flynn read a report to the meeting.  A number of works remain outstanding in the estate and there are no funds available to undertake the necessary works.  Councillor MacManus asked the Chief Executive to clarify where funds could be found to resolve the matter.  The Chief Executive in response stated that the solution lies in providing funding on an annual basis in the budget.  Councillor Mac Manus stated that there were difficulties in doing this due to the current financial climate.  Mr. Flynn stated that his department would check the situation with regards to the bond on this development and revert in due course.

 

16. PUBLIC LIGHTING:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To provide Sligo Municipal Council with an update on the Public Lighting at Oyster Bay, Rosses Point, and at Waterside Lane and Sandycove, Strandhill.”

Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer read a report on the matter to the meeting.  Councillor D. Bree welcomed the report and asked that the reports be circulated to the members at the meeting.

 

17. TRAFFIC SYSTEM:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo Municipal Council to review the traffic system in Sligo City Centre and the feasibility of traffic going right and left at the top of O’Connell Street.”

Mr. Brian Flynn read a report to the meeting.  A general discussion followed regarding the need for an overall review of the traffic flow within the urban area.  It was agreed that a further report would be submitted to the members on the matter.

  

18. USE OF DISABLED PARKING BAYS:

The Chief Executive apologised and stated that there was no report available on this item and requested that it be left on the agenda for the next meeting. 

 

19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor R. O’Grady wished the Sligo Rovers team the best of luck in their forthcoming Europa Cup Match in the Showgrounds on Thursday 24th July.  Councillor S. Mac Manus wished to express his best wishes to the Sligo Senior GAA Football Team in their forthcoming match against Cork in Tullamore on Saturday 26th July.

The Mayor Councillor T. Mac Sharry in continuing the tradition of previous meetings invited all those present to tea and coffee in the Mayor’s Parlour.

 

The business of the meeting ended at 5.15 pm.

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 21/07/2014