Sligo Municipal Minutes 2014

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Sligo held on Monday, 20th October, 2014 at 11am 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 Sinéad Maguire
  • Councillor Seamus O’Boyle
  • Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, A/Senior Executive Architect
  • Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Mary Blowick, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Caroline Conmy, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

MAYOR:

The Mayor, Councillor T. MacSharry presided.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 21ST JULY, 2014:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 21st July, 2014.”

Councillor Bree asked for an amendment to the minutes of the Sligo Municipal District under the heading Draft Budgetary Plan regarding the putting of a resolution before the Members.

  

2. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 8TH OCTOBER, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 8th October, 2014.”

 

3. MATTERS ARISING:

In response to a query from Councillor MacManus, Ms. Dorothy Clarke undertook to check the status of the Bond in respect of Larkhill Court and revert to him.

 

4. LOCAL, ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN:

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, DIRECTOR OF SERVICES delivered a report on the Local, Economic and Community Plan (LECP), the main points being:

  • The Plan shall be for:
    1. The promotion of economic development
    2. The promotion of local and community development
  • The Plan will form the strategic framework for all public funded local, economic and community development programmes with the economic element prepared by the Local Authority and the community element prepared by the Local Community Development Committee
  • The Plan will form the basis for the SICAP and Rural Development Programme submissions
  • The Plan will be developed over 3 stages and must be adopted by the Local Authority by July 2015
  • Stage one commenced at the end of July 2014 and by the end of September 2014, over 97 submissions were received from a wide variety of individuals, groups, networks, public organisations and businesses.
  • Five main priority areas were identified in the submissions including employment and economic activity, social inclusion and poverty, education and training, climate change and environment and health and well-being.
  • The LCDC is currently analyzing the data.  When this is concluded, area based consultations will commence in the municipal districts which are expected to commence in January 2015.

A copy of the report was also circulated to the members present.

The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes added that the members should revert with additional submissions if they felt there were any areas omitted.

The members discussed the the merits of the LECP and had a query with regards to funding.  In response Ms. Clarke clarified that there was no additional funding available.  The Local Authority had to work within existing budgets however there may be an opportunity for the Local Authority to work with other external agencies to secure additional funding.

 

5. QUARTERLY REPORTS:

The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes stated that at the last meeting of the Municipal District in July it had been agreed to leave Quarterly Reports as a standing item on the agenda.  However, having regard to the statutory obligations to provide a monthly report to the Council, it was agreed that the inclusion of the item was no longer necessary.

6. DRAFT STANDING ORDERS FOR THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS OF COUNTY SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Standing Orders for the Municipal Districts of County Sligo.”

 

7. CRANMORE REGENERATION MASTERPLAN:

Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services introduced this item and Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, A/Senior Executive Architect then proceeded to give a presentation to the meeting which set out the current status of the Cranmore Regeneration Masterplan.  A handout of the presentation was also circulated to the members present

Some of the main points were:

  • The aim of the project is to develop a 10 year social, economic and physical plan for the area in response to needs.
  • The Regeneration Consultation Area covers the core area of Cranmore plus adjacent communities and residential areas to the South,
  • There are 5 stages to the Plan
    2013: Stages 1 and 2 - Establish Baseline for Plan
    2014: Stage 3 – Consultation Process
    2015: Stages 4 and 5 - Refine ideas and publish final plan

The Mayor thanked Ms. O’Callaghan for her presentation and invited members to comment on same.  The members commended the Cranmore Regeneration Team for their efforts and for the vast body of work carried out to date. 

In response to their queries Mr. Gavin, A/Director of Services stated:

  • Members comments regarding the Green Area/Browne’s Field were noted
  • Unemployment figures in the presentation were based on the 2011 Census figures
  • Education:  Need to provide access to courses that the community wants
  • Once finalised the Plan’s duration is 10 years
  • Approach roads/Access to Cranmore:  Endeavor to keep scheme as broad as possible to maximise funding opportunities

The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes added that local government housing service has evolved considerably since the 1950’s and 1960’s.  The strength of community involvement is paramount to the success of any plan.  The Mayor, Councillor MacSharry added that schemes only work if the community get involved.  He also  commended the work of the community groups in the area.

 

8. USE OF DISABLED PARKING BAYS:

The Mayor, Councillor MacSharry asked that with the agreement of the meeting this item with an amendment be deferred to the next meeting of the Sligo Municipal District.  This was agreed.

 

9. VACANT HOUSING STOCK:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“Noting that No 9 St Josephs Terrace is vacant since December 2012; No 38 Seaview Park is vacant since May 2010 and the council house located at Creevykeel, is vacant since January 2012; and further noting that these houses require minor repairs to be carried out on them before they can be made available for persons on the Council Housing Waiting List; this meeting requests Council Management to put a mechanism in place that will ensure that houses which require minor repairs will have the repairs carried out within 3 months of them being vacated.”

In response, Mr. B. Gavin, A/Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated:

Creevykeel, Cliffoney:

This property was originally purchased out of the Traveller Accommodation Programme fund for the provision of accommodation to a member of the travelling community.  It was occupied for this purpose for some time after which it has remained vacant.  It has been the intention of the Housing section that this house, as so funded, would meet this need. Considerations in this regard have taken place with a family which have not materialised.  The property subsequently has incurred fire damage and discussion and negotiations are currently ongoing with Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances re claim for damages.  The works required to this house are substantial and costly and it is not possible to give a time line for completion at this stage, until a budget is established.  In addition the future use of the house in terms of the need to be met from same is to be determined.

38 Seaview Park, Sea Road, Sligo:

This property is included in the 2014 Voids Programme and it is envisaged that work will commence on this property in December 2014.

9 St Josephs, Sligo:

There are substantial works to be carried out to this house and it is also to be included in the 2014 Voids Programme and it is envisaged that work will commence in December 2014.

In general every effort is made by the Housing department to have re-letting works carried out as soon as possible to a property once becoming vacant.  Turnaround is based on a number of considerations such as:

  • Budgets
  • Location and need/demand
  • Extent of works to be carried out

The issue of budgets will determine in many cases how work programmes proceed.  In all of the examples above it has been an inhibiting factor.  In relation to the two Sligo properties both are to be funded from the Programme put in place in 2014 by the Department entitled ‘Returning Vacant properties to productive use’ and this budget stream has been most welcome in supplementing the Revenue budget which by and large will only cover essential maintenance/health and safety works.

As previously advised to members the National service Indicators advise that the length of time taken to re-let a vacant property in the LA sector varies between 6 and 35 weeks.  Sligo stands at 14.38 weeks which is comfortably within the average.

 

10. PUBLIC LIGHTING ON CAIRNS ROAD (NO. 295):

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“Recognising the need for additional public lighting on Cairns Road (No 295) this meeting resolves that plans be brought before the Council (1) indicating where additional lighting can be erected  (2) indicating the cost of the  provision of such lighting; so as the Council can seek the necessary funding from the Department.”

In response, Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated: Our Public lighting maintenance contractor has been asked to carry out an assessment of the existing public lighting on Cairns Road and to revert with recommendations.

 

11. BREAKDOWN OF EXPENDITURE FOR ACTIVE TRAVEL TOWNS PROGRAMME:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a full breakdown of the expenditure to date of the €1,450,000 in grant aid received from the Department of Transport under the Active Travel Towns Programme; and that the Council also receive a report indicating what specific works are to be carried out on the programme in the current year and what level of consultation has taken place with special interest groups and members of the public.” 

In response, Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated: The expenditure to date on Active Travel in Sligo is €950,000.  This has provided cycle lanes on the Rosses Point Road, Pearse Road, Duck Street, Cleveragh Road and Cemetery Road.  Traffic and Bicycle Counters were purchased as part of this grant, as it is a condition of Active Travel to measure any improvements as a result of the infrastructure provided.  A grant of €500,00 was secured this year for further Active Travel Schemes over a three year period 2014-2016.  A design is currently being prepared for cycle lanes on the Finisklin Road.  Consultation has not taken place to date as the design is not yet complete.

 

12. ABBEY STREET CAR PARK:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To ask for a report on the possibility of Sligo County  Council altering the time limits on car parking in Abbey Street Car Park to allow customers to park there at the current charge of 80 cent per hour for a period of up to four hours rather than the present limit of two hours.”

In response, Ms. Caroline Conmy, AO read a report to the meeting which stated: Abbey Street car park has 92 spaces. This had been a daily car park up until the change in bye-laws in 2006.  Long term parking in these spaces by working people was impacting on requirement for retail parking and traders were losing out, particularly the shops on Castle Street. 

In 2010 the charge for this car park was reduced to 0.80 c per hour as it was agreed to keep this rate slightly lower than the other car parks in order to facilitate the businesses at this end of town. Customers can park there for a maximum stay length of 2 hours @ .80c each hour.  To extend the parking term of this Car Park, it will have to be considered in future bye-laws.  There is an adjacent car park in St Anne’s that offers daily car parking facilities which is a viable alternative.

In response Councillor MacManus thanked Ms. Conmy for her report and proposed that the process of reviewing the bye-laws be commenced.  This was seconded by Councillor Healy.  The Chief Executive Mr. Hayes then suggested that the members wait until the budget process had been finalised.  Councillor MacManus agreed to defer the matter until after the budget is adopted.

 

13. ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING POINTS:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To ask for a report on the delay in Sligo County Council providing charging points in Sligo city for electric cars.”

In response, Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated: Charging points for electric cars in public areas are provided by Electric Ireland. Discussions have taken place in the past with Electric Ireland with respect to the provision of charging points in Sligo City.  However no agreement was ever reached on appropriate locations for charging points in public car parks or for the regulation of the use of these proposed spaces.  The ESB was requested to further consider their proposals.   

Acting Director of Services Bartley Gavin had been in correspondence with ESB Networks in July and a meeting was tentatively arranged for this month. ESB networks had advised us at that time that they were committed to a number of projects across the country and would not be available until this month.

He then added that Mr. B. Gavin, A/Director of Services had contacted Electric Ireland on 5th October seeking a meeting but had no update since.  Sligo County Council were seeking assurances in relation to recompense for giving up car park spaces and clarification on insurance issues.  Mr. Kilfeather gave an assurance that the matter would be followed up.  In response, Councillor MacManus thanked Mr. Kilfeather for the update and asked if the matter could be left on the agenda for the next Municipal District meeting.  The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes added that there is no difficulty in providing an update at the next Municipal District meeting.

 

14. ROAD WIDENING WORKS AT HUGHES BRIDGE:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That member’s be updated on time-frame/duration of works and any traffic restrictions which are anticipated due to the road widening works at Hughes Bridge”.

In response, Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated: Works are scheduled to commence on the widening of Hughes Bridge during week commencing 20th October 2014.  The contract duration is nine months and the works are to be carried out by Contractors L and M Keating from Clare. 

As part of the works requirements L and M Keating are obliged to prepare temporary traffic management plans.  Prior to implementation the Contractor will be required to consult with the Councils Roads Department regarding all proposed temporary traffic arrangements.  During the works, it is hoped that at least three of the four traffic lanes will be kept open during day time hours.

Work elements which are likely to give rise to specific delays will be communicated in advance through the Council’s Weekly Road and Traffic Report.  Furthermore all Council Members will be informed in advance via email of significant changes to the temporary traffic management arrangements.  Sligo County Council together with L and M Keating will endeavour to minimise the effects of the works where possible.

Councillor MacManus thanked Mr. Kilfeather for the report but stated that the entire road section along the N15 out to Henderson’s Garage needed to be looked at.  In response Mr. Kilfeather stated that the NRA have asked the Council to look at the design of the scheme out to the junction with the Rosses Point road.  In response to queries from members regarding Mr. Brian Flynn’s replacement.  Mr. Kilfeather stated that the staffing issue is being reviewed in the context of the workforce plan.  In the interim all queries which had previously been directed to Mr. Flynn could now be directed to Mr. Tom Brennan.

 

15. SEA VIEW PARK, CLIFFONEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council what is the present update with Sea View Park estate in Cliffoney and is Sligo County Council in a position to take this estate over”. 

In response Mr. Joe Murphy, SEO read a report to the meeting which stated: Significant progress has been made on this development.  Numerous site meetings have taken place and a Schedule of Remedial Works has been identified to include issues relating to Water, Waste Water and surface water infrastructure, road reinstatement and kerbing.  The Council await completion of the issues.  Sligo County Council is not in a position to recommend that the process of taking the development in charge commence until such time as the remaining times are completed.

 

16. DERELICT HOUSES ON HOLBORN/BARRACK STREET:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to address the concerns that have been raised ‎over the present condition of the derelict houses on Holborn / Barrack Street and especially the roof condition and the loose slates”.

In response Mr. Joe Murphy, SEO read a report to the meeting which stated The Council will arrange to carry out an inspection of the properties in due course and will forward its report to Councillor Healy.

 

17. GRANGE TEMPERANCE HALL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“I propose that Sligo County Council construct a footpath with handrails adjacent to Grange Temperance Hall, on Chapel Road, Grange. There is a significant amount of traffic using this junction, as this is the only vehicular access to Newgrange and Rinroe including Scoil Naomh Molaise, the Doctor's surgery and housing estates. The hall is used for a large number of community activities, many involving small children, who require safe access to the hall”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated:

The Hall is located at the N15/L-7204-0 junction, and is right beside the roads.  There is a bend on the L-7204-0 local road beside the junction.  The L-7204-0 carriageway beside the hall is narrow and the construction of a foot-path along the hall side would make the carriageway even narrower.  There is a double door (which is not used very often) facing northwards along this section section of L7204-0 where there is no footpath on the hall side of the road.  This door should not be used (except in an emergency) as you walk onto a busy local road carriageway.

There is a brick paved footpath beside the two main entrances to the hall (single and double doors) beside N15.

The provision of a short handrail in this area could be considered with the agreement of the hall committee. The area engineer can meet with Councillor Casserly and the Hall Committee to discuss the situation.

  

18. COACH SET DOWN/PARKING AREA and FUNDING:

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

AND AGREED

“Given Sligo City's enviable location on the Wild Atlantic Way route, I am calling on Sligo County Council to: 

  1. identify the most appropriate location for a dedicated Coach set down/parking area in close proximity to Sligo City Centre and,
  2. to identify/ringfence funding for the provision of this facility in advance of the 2015 tourism season”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report which stated: At present there are a number of dedicated Coach Parking spaces available along Markievicz Road and adjacent to the Mercy Primary School on Pearse Road.  Markievicz Road can accommodate a maximum of 5 No. coaches and is frequently at capacity.  Pearse Road, although having been identified by a number of Coach Operators as being an appropriate location for dedicated Coach Parking, has proven unsatisfactory.  In light of the fact that Sligo City is advantageously located along the Wild Atlantic Way route, it is vital that a dedicated Coach Parking facility is developed in order to maximize the opportunity presented by the excellent tourism initiative.  Accordingly the Council will commence the process of identifying a suitable location for a dedicated Coach Parking facility close to the City Centre and will revert to Members thereon as early as possible.  Funding for providing this can be explored as part of next year’s block grant allocation.

Councillor’s Bree, MacManus and Kilgannon queried why this item was placed on the agenda when a similar motion had already been discussed at the full Council meeting earlier in the month.  Councillor O’Boyle asked that the new Councillors be given time to adjust to the formalities associated with Council meetings.  The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes added that the motion was slightly different to the motion which went before the full Council earlier in the month.

 

19. STEPHEN STREET CAR PARK:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council progress the matter of transforming the Stephen Street car park into a multi-use space for the purpose of outdoor markets, outdoor concerts and other events”.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated:

The Council has prepared a series of preliminary designs for the upgrading of a portion of the Stephen St car park to improve its effectiveness / appropriateness for use as a Civic Space.  These designs include for a cantilever structure out over the river which will lend itself to use as a bandstand/performance space.  This is currently undergoing preliminary structural design.  The proposal also includes infrastructural improvements in the form of public lighting columns which would act as supports for temporary covers for market stalls.  The next stage in the process is – AA Screening for these elements, followed by Part 8 Planning.

The stated objective for Stephen Street Car Park in the Sligo and Environs Development Plan, is for it to be developed as a suitably landscaped urban square with a children’s playground.  To achieve this objective it is intended to bring forward proposals for transforming the area into a multi-use space including a children’s play area.

Councillor’s O’Grady, Bree and O’Boyle were in support of the motion.  The Mayor Councillor MacSharry stated he was supportive but it was the ideal location for a car park and unless there was an alternative site for parking then he would have some reservations.

  

20. DRUMCLIFFE:

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

AND AGREED

“I call on this Council to engage with Drumcliffe Development and other local groups in relation to how we can improve the visitors experience to Drumcliffe especially with the significance of Yeats celebrations in 2015”

In response Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services read a report to the meeting which stated: Sligo County Council is currently developing a programme in response to the designation of Yeats 2015.  This will be informed by Council resource allocations and available funding to conduct specific events, including those which could be considered at Drumcliffe.  No programme decisions have been taken at this stage. 

Sligo County Council is open to dialogue and engagement with the community to ensure Drumcliffe visitor experience is maximised during the year of Yeats celebrations in 2015.  Sligo County Council is currently supporting improvement works through the Public Area Enhancement Scheme and has previously engaged with Drumcliffe Development across a range of areas including the new car park at Drumcliffe.  Proposals were advanced previously to introduce a riverside walk, adding to the visitor experience while visiting Drumcliffe and increase dwell time in the area.  This can be reignited with community support.

 

21. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The Mayor Councillor T. MacSharry raised a query with regards to the starting time for the Sligo Municipal District Meetings.  The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes stated that the Standing Orders, which had been adopted earlier in the meeting, stated that the meetings would run from 11.00am to no later than 2.00pm.  Councillor MacSharry queried if members would prefer to have an earlier start time in order to finish by 1.00pm.  Following discussion among the members it was agreed to leave the start time at 11.00am and this could be reviewed going forward. 

Councillor H. Keaney raised a query regarding the change of bus routes and timetables by CIE/Bus Eireann around Sligo Town.  He stated that the changes occurred without any consultation with stakeholders.  Following discussion among the members it was

 

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

AND AGREED

“To call on CIE/Bus Eireann to explain why they have changed the bus routes around Sligo Town and have done this without consultation with communities”.

Councillor M. Casserly congratulated Cliffoney National School on their 100th Year Anniversary and extended an invitation to the members to join in the celebrations on Wednesday 22nd October at 11.30am when President Higgins was due to visit the school. 

Councillor H. Keaney congratulated the Calry St. Joseph’s Intermediate GAA Football Team on their recent win in the County Final.  Councillor S. Kilgannon also wished to be associated with the good wishes.

 

 

The business of the meeting ended at 2.00 pm.

 

 

 


Meeting Date 20/10/2014