Sligo Municipal Minutes 2015

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Sligo held on Monday 16th February, 2015 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 (Mayor)
  • Councillor Sinéad Maguire
  • Councillor Seamus O’Boyle

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Ms. Patricia Guckian, Financial Accountant
  • Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, A/ Senior Executive Architect
  • Ms. Mary Blowick, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

 

MAYOR:

The Mayor, Councillor T. MacSharry presided and welcomed the members of the press and Mr. Derek Parle, Maritime Board and County Sligo Surf Club, Strandhill to the meeting.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 15TH DECEMBER, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor S. O’Boyle 
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 15th December, 2014.”

 

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:

Councillor Bree proposed that standing orders be suspended to allow the members receive Mr. Derek Parle’s presentation on the Maritime Board Proposal for Strandhill.  This was agreed by the members.

 

5. PRESENTATION ON THE MARITIME BOARD PROPOSAL FOR STRANDHILL:

Mr. Derek Parle, board member of the Strandhill Community Maritime Company, gave a power point presentation to the meeting the main points of which were:

  • Historical background and overview of current facilities
  • Description of proposed facility including site layout and artists impression of centre as drawn by Mr. Sean Martin, Sligo County Council.
  • Challenges with financing and the possibility of developing the centre in phases
  • Consultation with local community and the need to inform the community about each stage of development
  • Commercial aspect – the project needs to be able to pay for itself.
  • The need for inclusion of public toilets in the new development
  • Next steps including further community consultation, meeting with representatives from the various tourism bodies including Failte Ireland, securing funding etc.

The Mayor and members thanked Mr. Parle for his presentation and agreed that the project will provided a defined centre in the village. 

Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive added his thanks for the informative presentation and the innovative nature of the project.  He stressed that the project is good for Sligo and the support of the members will be critical to its success.

In response to further queries from members, the Chief Executive stated:

  • The project does not require a formal recommendation from the Municipal District Committee but it will come before the full Council for consideration at a later stage.
  • Match funding: The Council’s involvement will be by way of a land contribution and planning will be required to be applied for on the entire site.

 

Councillor MacManus then put forward a motion on the project as follows:

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

AND AGREED

“Propose to recommend the project to the full Council and advise of the Municipal District’s support  for the project in principle”

 

2. MATTERS ARISING

Councillor Bree queried if there was any further update with regards to rights of way on Hudson’s Lane.  The meeting was advised that there had been a recent change of ownership with regards to the adjoining licensed premises but that the matter would be revisited and the Council would revert to the Municipal District Committee on the matter.

Councillor MacManus queried when the members would be presented with a schedule of municipal district works and stressed the importance of having a dedicated engineer for both the Sligo and Strandhill areas.  The meeting was advised that the Schedule of Municipal District Works is currently being worked on.  There had been a delay as a result of getting the SPC’s up and running as not all nominations had been received from the PPN’s in a timely manner.  The meeting was advised that the entire Council engineering function is being reviewed.

 

3. SCHEDULE FOR REVISION OF SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL CAR PARK BYE-LAWS 2010 AND SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL PARKING SPACES BYE-LAWS 2010

Ms. Patricia Guckian delivered a report on the proposed schedule for the revision of the Sligo Borough Council Car Park Bye-Laws 2010 and Sligo Borough Council Parking Places Bye-Laws 2010.  Members were asked to make submissions to the Head of Finance on any proposals in advance of the issue of the draft bye laws for the April Sligo Municipal District meeting.

In response to members queries, the Chief Executive Mr. Hayes added:

  • The schedule of charges for Abbey Street car park can be reviewed under the draft bye laws
  • Sunday parking charges will be looked at in the context of the income stream coming into the Council under the umbrella of the financial plan
  • Parking enforcement:  additional staff resources will be redeployed to this area
  • Parking at Easkey Castle: Parking of camper vans has caused access difficulties at this location in the past.  Item to be reviewed in context of review of bye-laws.

The Mayor Councillor MacSharry proposed to take item 6 of the agenda next which was seconded by Councillor MacManus and agreed.

 

6. 2016 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

The Chief Executive Mr. Ciarán Hayes introduced this item and welcomed Mr. John Concannon to the meeting.  Mr. Concannon proceeded to deliver a presentation on the 2016 Centenary Celebrations, the main points being:

  • Ireland 2016, led by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will develop, coordinate and deliver a programme of activity to honour and remember those who fought and those who died in the 1916 Rising, to reflect on the legacy of that period and to look towards our future.
  • The programme of events will have a major focus on the 1916 Proclamation
  • A number of formal State events will be held over Easter weekend 2016
  • 4 Key Stakeholder Groups including Government, Community and Relatives, Diaspora and Enterprise
  • Ireland 2016 is based on five intersecting themes:
  • Remember: recalling our shared history on the island of Ireland;
  • Reconcile: honouring all who have built peace and brought people together;
  • Imagine:  releasing the creativity of our people, in particular our young people;
  • Present: creatively showing our achievements to the world;
  • Celebrate:  family, community and friendship and renew our commitment to the Proclamation ideals of liberty and equality. 
  • Local Authorities will play a central role in co-ordinating and developing projects and events in each county
  • An Ireland 2016 co-ordinator is to be appointed in each county and will have responsibility for appointing a steering group to assist shape and drive the county programme of events.

The Mayor thanked Mr. Concannon for his presentation and as a fellow Sligo man welcomed his appointment to the role.  Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services added her thanks to Mr. Concannon for the presentation and advised that at a local level, Mr. Donal Tinney had been appointed to the role of Ireland 2016 co-ordinator.

Concerns were expressed by Cllr’s MacManus and Bree with regards to the quality of the Ireland 2016 launch video. 

The Chief Executive Mr. Hayes advised that the matter would come before the full Council in due course and the main purpose now was to focus on how Sligo can celebrate 2016.  Input from the members and the public will be required.

 

4. ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING POINTS IN SLIGO

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that Council representatives met with Electric Ireland on 17th December, 2014 to progress the issue.  Arising from that meeting the ESB have identified 3 sites in the City as their desired location for the provision of charging points.  These are:

  • The Mall Car Park
  • Union Place
  • Riverside

Councillor MacManus welcomed the progress and thanked Mr. Kilfeather for the update.

 

7. PROVISION OF COACH PARKING FACILITIES IN CITY CENTRE

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services introduced this item and made reference to the report which he circulated to Members by email on the Friday prior to the meeting.  In summary he stated that in identifying potential sites for coach parking the following factors must be considered:

  • Proximity to the main National Primary Road Network through the City
  • Proximity to and ease of access/egress to and from the City Centre and main attractions (including accessibility for all users)
  • Ease of access/egress for coach drivers to the coach parking location
  • Land ownership
  • Capacity
  • Potential Cost

He proceeded to state that 6 possible sites/locations have been identified including:

  • Markievicz Road
  • Quay Street Car Park
  • Connaughton Road Car Park
  • Pirn Mill Road
  • Pearse Road
  • Adelaide Street Car Park

Mr. Kilfeather added that the pros and cons of each location were set out fully in the report.

In response to members queries Mr. Kilfeather stated:

The timescale for implementation will depend on the preferred location.  There are a number of different issues outlined for each site.  The Council will look to progress the matter and the item can be left on the agenda for future meetings.

 

8. UPDATE ON R292 ROAD SAFETY REVIEW

Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised the meeting that the following recommendations had been implemented to date:

  • Additional secondary traffic signal head installed for traffic approaching this junction from the First Sea Road
  • 2 second increase in inter-green times on traffic signals
  • Directional signage installed on all arms of the junction, thereby improving junction visibility for approaching motorists

Other recommendations were proposed to be implemented later in the year as part of the Schedule of Municipal Works.  Mr. Kilfeather stated that he would circulate his report on this item to the members after the meeting.

 

9. FLOOD DRAINS ON CHAPEL STREET

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review whether flood drains on Chapel Street are adequate to deal with surface water after heavy rainfall”

Mr. Tom Brennan advised the meeting that the Roads Department had inspected the existing drainage on the street and arrangements have been made to carry out essential repairs.

 

13. ROSSES POINT OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL

Councillor Kilgannon raised a query with regards to this motion being placed on the agenda when he had a similar motion on a previous agenda.  Councillor Casserly in response stated that she had been asked by locals to include it as an agenda item as works are this location are still incomplete.  The matter was discussed further and it was agreed to take this motion at this time.  It was then

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the urgent repairs needed to Rosses Point outdoor swimming pool at Dead Man’s Point”

Mr. Tom Brennan advised the meeting that some repairs had been carried out to the steps at this location in 2014.  Further works are about to commence on the seawall.  Favourable tidal conditions are awaited.

 

10. FOOTPATH AT THE ENTRANCE TO THORNHILL/STRANDHILL ROAD

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

 

11. PUBLIC LIGHTING AT OYSTER BAY, ROSSES POINT

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry 
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“"That Sligo Council Executive provide an update on the public lighting situation at Oyster Bay, Rosses Point, Sligo”
In response, Mr. Joe Murphy advised the meeting that arrangements are being made on behalf of the developer for connections to be made to the public lighting network.  The Council will then take it in charge.   

 

12. PARKING CHARGES AT SLIGO REGIONAL HOSPITAL Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“We call on Euro Car Parks operating the car parks at Sligo Regional Hospital to have a one hour parking charge of one Euro for members of the public visiting for short stays”

In response the Chief Executive advised that the Council would write to the HSE on the matter.

 

14. COASTAL EROSION WORKS ON THE SECOND BEACH AT THE COUNTY SLIGO GOLF COURSE

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly 
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on the Coastal Erosion works on the second beach at County Sligo Golf Course. Much of the course is low lying with as many as 10 of the 18 holes of the Championship course threatened by coastal erosion and all of the 9 hole course threatened. The loss of these holes would be devastating for the local economy and would have a significant adverse impact of the Tourism offering of the North West of Ireland”.

In response, Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised the meeting that the Council met with Minister Simon Harris on Friday last in Rosses Point.  The Minister was briefed and advised that the Council would be following up with a formal request to the OPW to fund a detailed report.  It was impressed on the Minister that a favourable and early response to such a request would allow a report to be completed by mid year and planning issues also dealt with in the current year.  It was also impressed upon the Minister and OPW officials that where any required works would fall within the remit of the local authority that OPW support would be critical.

 

15. FLOODING ON ROADS L7109, L7108, L3101, L3104 AT LOWER BUNDUFF BETWEEN CASTLEGAL AND MULLAGHMORE

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

AND AGREED

"To ask Sligo County Council to deal urgently with very serious flooding on roads L7109, L7108, L3101, L3104 at Lower Bunduff between Castlegal and Mullaghmore”.

In response, Mr. Tom Brennan advised the Area Engineer will further investigate and endeavour to do his best to alleviate some of the flooding within the confines of extremely limited funding for local roads.  However these roads pass through environmentally sensitive lands which are also tidal.  This limits the amount of works that can be done in this area.  Mr. Brennan added that the Habitats Directive takes precedent but the matter will be looked at.

At this point Councillor Healy queried if details of maps with road numbers listed could be circulated to members.  The meeting was advised that there may be issues with copyright but the Council could examine the matter in due course.

 

16. LIBRARY CLOSURES

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Executive of Sligo County Council to refrain from any attempt to close any library in County Sligo”.

In response Ms. Dorothy Clarke advised the meeting that the operation of the library service is currently under review, due to the significant reduction in staff numbers with Sligo County Council which has impacted acutely on the Library Services.  The inability of the Council to recruit staff to fill vacant posts, due to the recruitment embargo, has meant that the operation and manning of all of the branch libraries is proving a major challenge at this present time.  The impact of the reduced staff numbers has impacted on the Library Service over the last number of years.

The Council cannot confirm that no branch will close. 

All options which might assist in keeping the branch libraries open are being considered at present.

All the members present added their support to the motion.

 

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

At this point Councillor Bree requested that standing orders be suspended to allow the agenda to be cleared.  This was seconded by Councillor O’Boyle and agreed by the meeting.

 

17. PEDESTRAIN CROSSING AT CARTRON HILL

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry 
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

"That Sligo Council review the pedestrian crossing at Cartron Hill as residents in the area, especially elderly residents have difficulty using the crossing as the traffic flow moves too fast"  

In response, Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised that the pedestrian crossing will be examined by the Area Engineer to assess dangers in respect of elderly people and to address same.  Mr. Brennan added that he would have no difficulty meeting with representative groups if contact could perhaps first be established through the Mayor Councillor MacSharry.

 

18. FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT LOWER JOHN STREET

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

AND AGREED

“To request a report on when footpath improvement works will be carried out in Lower John Street”.

In response Mr. Tom Brennan advised that footpath improvements in Lower John Street are dependent on finance and will be investigated by the Area Engineer for consideration in future works proposals.

 

19. GATE LODGE AT DOORLY PARK

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

AND AGREED

“That the Municipal District Committee be provided with a report outlining the Councils proposals for the renovation and refurbishment of the Gate Lodge at Doorly Park”.

In response, Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services advised the meeting that proposals for the Gate Lodge are considered as part of the ongoing master planning process. Stage 3 of the master plan, in draft, views the Lodge as a publicly owned building which could be used as community/information/cafe. There is a strong level of support for this in the community. Given its location, close to the river, many people feel it has business potential catering for amenities and refreshments and could provide seasonal employment. It could also provide a community space for the adjoining community.  The floor area and site area are quite small and limit development that can be achieved.

The master plan suggests the way forward should involve a business plan

 

  • What potential does it hold for local community uses?
  • If the Lodge is a seasonal tourist facility what services should it deliver?
  • What can it’s out of season use(s) be?
  • How can the facility best be linked with the river and the park over the full year?
  • How is it to be funded and sustained

A submission was made to the department for funding in 2013. The submission sought funding, essentially, to secure the building and halt its ongoing deterioration with its ultimate fate to be determined as part of the master planning process and public consultation. The department responded that a purpose for the building was not properly identified or the full cost provided.

It is intended following publication of Stage 3 of the master plan to revert to the department. The design team have recommended, as a starting point, the preparation of a brief business plan, with the input of the community. The challenge is to find a sustainable community driven project for the Lodge which can contribute to the community and to the area with its many attractions.

Given the Council’s financial situation it is not likely that the Council will be in a position to support the ongoing operation of a project within the Lodge. However a community based and run project is seen as the way forward. A community driven initiative would open opportunities to access funding and put an operational model in place as will sustain a useful purpose for the building.

 

20. GIBRALTAR AMENITY AREA

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

AND AGREED

“That a draft plan be prepared and grant aid sought for the refurbishment of the Gibraltar amenity area and for the development of a linear park system along the seashore from Gibraltar to the Sligo urban area at the docks.”

In response, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that the attainment of a linear park was investigated by Sligo County Council previously and is reflected as an objective in the Sligo and Environs Development Plan.  From mid-year work will commence on the preparation of a new County Development Plan for Sligo to cover the period 2017-2023. 

This new Plan will cover the entire county with the Sligo and Environs Plan 2010-2016 to be subsumed in to the new Development Plan.  Achievement of a linear route will be informed by

  1. achievement of control of the necessary significant private landholdings in the proposed amenity area,
  2. addressing environmental compliance requirements as the Cumeen area lies with a SAC,
  3. inclusion in an overall Docklands Master Plan Development,
  4. planning consents and
  5. attainment of necessary funding to deliver on the objective. 

Previous workings will be reviewed later in the year subject to appropriate resources being available.

 

21. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON REGIONAL ROAD NO. 286 AT COMMUNITY SPORTS GROUNDS IN CALRY

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

AND AGREED

“To request Sligo County council Roads Department to  construct traffic calming measures on the Regional Road No 286 in Calry along the Community Sports grounds”.

In response, Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised that some traffic calming works have taken place immediately to the west of this location and the speed limit in this area is under review.  The Roads Department will examine the need for further traffic calming at this specific location but funding for this type of work is limited and may require an application to the Department.

 

Councillor Keaney was in support of this motion and also sought an update with regards to works at Calry Church.

 

22. CAR PARKING FACILITIES AT SLIGO TRAIN STATION

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon 
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry

AND AGREED

“That Irish Rail and Sligo County Council investigate the possibility of providing Car Parking facilities to the rear of the Sligo train station for Passengers using the Trains out of Sligo”.

In response, Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised that Irish Rail will be written to regarding this proposal to see if a plan can be considered and implemented by them.

 

23. CONDITION OF ROAD LEADING FROM SCOIL MHUIRE AGUS IASOF SENIOR SCHOOL IN COLLOONEY TO OWENMORE GAELS GAA PITCH

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to make funding available to  carry out resurfacing on the road leading from Scoil Mhuire agus Iasof Senior school in Collooney to the Owenmore Gaels Gaa Pitch and also address the ramps which is causing concerns to the residents in this area”.

In response Mr. Tom Brennan advised the meeting that this area will be examined by the Area Engineer and considered for inclusion in future works proposals.

 

24. ILLEGAL DUMPING AND POTHOLES AT MUD LANE

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

AND AGREED

“To bring to the attention of Sligo County Council that there is illegal dumping taking place on Mud Lane which is a heavily pedestrianised route linking Cartron with the Rosses Point road and request that Sligo Co Council erect no dumping signs  on the boundary wall on both ends of Mud Lane and also address the potholes on this route”.

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised that the illegal dumping problem and potholes will be examined by the Area Engineer so as to assess what measures are appropriate.

 

25. FLOODING ON N4 BETWEEN BALLISODARE AND COLLOONEY

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council what is the current problem with regard to water lying heavily on the N4 road between Ballisodare and Collooney as flood signs are erected frequently”

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised that there is a problem along the old N4 between Ballisodare and Collooney which is worst in heavy rain.  The Area Engineer hopes to identify a solution so that funding avenues can be explored.

 

26. PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION

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

AND AGREED

“I would like to put a motion forward seeking the support of the Sligo Municipal authority in condemning the actions of private landlords and their agents who are evicting tenants from their properties they have leased. The company who are involved in these evictions are coming in during the day while the tenants are out at work etc, and changing all the locks and in turn leaving tenants no access to get their belongings and in some cases their family pets and that process is leaving people homeless”.

In response Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services advised that tenants in private rented accommodation are covered by the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004.  Under this Act, a landlord must give a statutory minimum period of notice to terminate a tenant’s tenancy. 

 

27. FOOTPATH AT HAZELGROVE, MAUGHERABOY

Proposed by Councillor S. O’Boyle 
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“I would like to put forward a motion that the footpath in Hazelgrove Maugheraboy, outside number 19 repaired as subsidence has occurred with it and some people have gotten falls on it the last few weeks”.

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised that this section of foothpath will be examined with a view to carrying out repairs.

 

28. FOOTPATH FROM CARBURY CLOSE TO FINISKLIN ROUNDABOUT

Proposed by Councillor S. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“I would like to put forward a motion that the Sligo Municipal Authority could extend the footpath from Carbury Close to connect it up with the roundabout at Finisklin as a lot of people use this area and they have to walk on the grass as it’s unsafe to walk on the road due to the large volumes of traffic”.

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised that this work could be considered in future works proposals.  It is unlikely that funding will be available to extend the footpath this year.

 

29. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN HOUSING ESTATES

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

AND AGREED

“To call on this council to draw up  traffic management/ speeding plans for our housing estates and to make submissions to the department for funding for this programme given the announcement of funding two weeks ago”.

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised the meeting that it is proposed to have a survey carried out in our housing estates so as to make a submission to the department as soon as staffing resources allow. 

 

30. BUS SHELTERS

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would contact Bus Eireann to request that they review the provision of bus shelters along the various routes in County Sligo.  In particular, we urge immediate attention to the bus stop in Upper John Street, Sligo”.

Councillor MacManus asked that the motion be amended to reflect that the bus shelter was located in Lower John Street and not Upper John Street.  In response to the revised motion, Mr. Tom Brennan advised the meeting that it is proposed to contact Bus Éireann to relation to bus shelters and in particular the bus stop in Lower John Street.  It was agreed that the Council would write to Bus Éireann and details would be circulated to the members in due course.

 

31. INNISFREE COURT HOUSING ESTATE

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

AND AGREED

“That the Municipal District committee be provided with a full report on the status of the Innisfree Court housing estate Tonaphubble; the report to include the proposed action which the planning authority intends to take to ensure that public lighting is restored to the estate.”

In response Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer advised that Innisfree Court is a private housing development which was built following the grant of planning permission by an Bord Pleanála on 23/01/02.-pd 00/145 refers. A schedule of outstanding works is currently being prepared on behalf of the developer. A draft tender package is then to be completed and submitted to the Council for approval. The next stage following Council approval would be the tender process, appointment of contractor and the carrying out of the outstanding works. This stage is subject to funding being made available to carry out the works.  The lighting system in the estate has been surveyed with some remedial works necessary.  This will be included in the schedule of outstanding works.  There is a Bond in place. It would be the intention of the Council to lodge a claim against the Bond if the outstanding works are not carried out within a reasonable timescale.  The developer has been advised that the public lighting is not operational and he has been asked to have the lights reconnected again. His response is awaited.  I do not believe that the funds of the Bond can be utilised to pay for outstanding public lighting bills.

 

32. FORUM FOR START UP BUSINESSES

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

33. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor Bree raised a query with regards to the setting up of a specific committee by the Municipal District to deal with the allocation of grant aid to community groups.  The Chief Executive in response advised that this had already been raised at the full Council meeting and the item was to be referred to the relevant SPC to draw up a policy on the matter.  The allocation of funding would then be matter for the full Council. 

The Chief Executive asked the meeting if the members would like a presentation on the housing application process on the agenda for the next meeting.  This was agreed by the members.

Councillor O’Boyle extended good wishes to ESB staff.

The Mayor Councillor MacSharry thanked his colleagues and members of the executive for a productive meeting and welcomed Ms. Sorcha Crowley from the Sligo Champion to the meeting.

 

34. VOTE OF SYMPATHY

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the McPartland family on the death of their cousin/nephew Oisin McGrath”.

 

 

The business of the meeting ended at 2.30 pm.

 

 

 


Meeting Date 16/02/2015