Sligo Municipal Minutes 2015

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Sligo held on Monday 27th April, 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 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. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr. Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr. Brían Flynn, Senior Resident Engineer
  • Mr. Sean Martin, A/ Senior Architect
  • Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, A/ Senior Executive Architect
  • Ms. Patricia Guckian, Financial Accountant
  • Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. John O’Hara, Assistant Architect
  • Mr. Peter McCarrick, Assistant Planner
  • Mr. Joe Gethin, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Caroline Conmy, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Caroline McManus, Senior Staff Officer
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

MAYOR:

The Mayor, Councillor T. MacSharry presided.

 

VOTE OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ms. Marie Leydon, Head of Finance on the death of her father, Patrick Joe Leydon”.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 16TH FEBRUARY, 2015

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 16th February, 2015.”

 

2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 13TH APRIL, 2015

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 13th April, 2015.”

 

3. MATTERS ARISING

Councillor Maguire referred to the recent correspondence received from Bus Eireann regarding the restructuring of bus routes.  Following further discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That a deputation of Council members seek a meeting with Bus Eireann to discuss the restructuring of bus routes in Sligo”

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 is a draft agreement currently with the Council’s legal advisors and the Council would revert to the Municipal District Committee on the matter in due course.

 

4. TO CONSIDER THE ASSESSMENT/APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING SUPPORTS

The Chief Executive Mr. Hayes introduced this item and Mr. Joe Gethin, Administrative Officer proceeded to outline the application process for Social Housing Supports.  Some of the main points included:

  • Legislation governing the process including the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions Act) 2009 Act and the Social Housing Assessment Regulations,2011
  • Application process including standardised forms
  • Eligibility
  • Income limits
  • Rent Arrears
  • Availability of alternative accommodation
  • Deferrals
  • Update/review of assessment

In response to members queries Mr. Gethin advised:

  • The Council’s housing allocations are on an “Area” basis rather than a “points” basis
  • Differential Rents:  The nationwide scheme has not yet been finalised at Government level
  • Anti Social Behaviour in Estates:  Law enforcement is a matter for the Gardai.  However the Council’s Housing Investigations Officer works closely with the Gardai in these matters
  • Numbers on the housing list seeking to avail of rent supplement will be forwarded to Council members
  • Housing transfers are reviewed on the basis of good estate management
  • The amalgamation of affidavit forms will be reviewed in line with Department guidelines.

Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services added that the Council has a target to provide 301 units of accommodation over a three year period under the Social Housing Strategy.  This figure is comprised of:

  • 132 – RAS
  • 68 – Leasing
  • 101 – Capital Programme (including Building, Acquisitions, CAS)

Mr. Gavin clarified that RAS contracts are signed for a period of 4 years and the contract can rollover on a 4 year basis for an indefinite term.

 

5. TO CONSIDER SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S 2015 DRAFT PARKING PLACES AND CAR PARK BYELAWS

Ms. Patricia Guckian, Financial Accountant delivered a report on Sligo County Council’s 2015 Draft Parking Places and Car Park Bye-laws the main points of which were:

  • Inclusion of 3 new locations in on street parking places at Pirn Mill Road (between Finisklin Rd and Ballast Quay), Finisklin Road (From Pirn Mill Road to Rathedmond Road) and road through City Gate Apts (from MCR to cul de sac end)
  • Abolition of Parking Charges on Sundays
  • Parking permit fees
  • Amendment to schedule of car parks included in the draft car park bye-laws
  • Coach parking
  • Areas designated for parking of street service vehicles
  • Interference with parking meters/compliance with parking bye-laws

Ms. Guckian advised the meeting that the approval of members was sought in order to put the Draft Car Park Bye-Laws 2015 and the Draft Parking Places Bye-Laws 2015 on public display and to invite submissions for same.  Ms. Guckian outlined the timelines involved and concluded by saying that it was expected that the matter would come before the members again at the September meeting of the Sligo Municipal District.

Following a discussion by the members it was

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

AND AGREED

“To put the Draft Car Park Bye-Laws 2015 and the Draft Parking Places Bye-Laws 2015 on public display and to invite submissions for same.”

 

6. TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE PROPOSED SLIGO CITY ALCOHOL STRATEGY – NORTHWEST REGIONAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL TASKFORCE

The Mayor Councillor MacSharry welcomed Mr. Sean O’Connor, Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force Co-ordinator to the meeting and Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services proceeded to give a brief overview of the Council’s involvement.  At this point the Mayor Councillor MacSharry had to leave the meeting and Councillor O’Boyle took up the position of Deputy Mayor. 

Mr. O’Connor then delivered a presentation on the Sligo City Alcohol Strategy to prevent and reduce alcohol related harm, the main points being:

  • Details of RDATF Membership
  • National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016: 4 Key Pillars
  • Role of the Task Force
  • Stakeholders
  • The Actual Process
  • Supply, Access and Availability
  • Treatment
  • Prevention

The Deputy Mayor Councillor O’Boyle thanked Mr. O’Connor for the presentation on behalf of the members.  The Chief Executive added his thanks for the informative presentation.

 

7. COACH PARKING FACILITIES IN CITY CENTRE

The Chief Executive Mr. Hayes delivered an update on the provision of coach parking facilities in the City Centre to the members.  In response to members queries Mr. Hayes stated that coach parking was an issue but the matter is being looked at proactively.  The preferred location was Quay Street but the Council is not in a position to contravene its own Development Plan and is looking at a further option in close proximity to this location.

 

8. LEASE TO CLEARWAY HAMMOND LANE METAL COMPANY LTD AT DEEP WATER QUAY, SLIGO HARBOUR

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services referred to the report circulated to members and advised that a Section 183 Notice will go before the members at the full Council Meeting in May or June.  It was proposed by Councillor Keaney and seconded by Councillor Kilgannon and agreed by the members to support this item.

 

9. DRAFT APPOINTED STANDS (TAXI) BYE-LAWS 2015

Mr. Brían Flynn advised the meeting that the Council intends on revising the Bye-Laws appointing additional Taxi Stands (Taxi Ranks).  He outlined details of the draft Appointed Stands (Taxi) Bye-Laws and the proposed schedule of dates for the revision of same.  The specified locations outlined were Quay Street – 19 spaces, Harmony Hill – 10 spaces, Stephen Street – 11 spaces and Teeling Street – 10 spaces.  It was proposed by Councillor Keaney and seconded by Councillor Healy and agreed by the members to support this item.

 

10. FLEADH CHEOIL NA H-ÉIREANN SLIGO 2015

Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services and Fleadh Chair gave a presentation to the meeting on the 2015 Fleadh event, the main points being:

  • Legal Background
  • Procedures
  • Roles and Responsibilities of personnel
  • Venues for competitions
  • Casual Trading
  • Traffic Management
  • Waste Management
  • Medical Plan

The Deputy Mayor and members thanked Mr. Gavin for his presentation and it was proposed by Councillor Healy and seconded by Councillor O’Boyle and agreed by the meeting to wish the team all the best with the event.

 

11. FOOTPATH AT THE ENTRANCE TO THORNHILL/STRANDHILL ROAD

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

12. ASSISTANCE TO START UP BUSINESSES

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

AND AGREED

“This municipal district will invite interested parties to a forum to discuss how we can assist start up businesses”

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services advised the meeting that through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the Council is involved in assisting start-up businesses through a broad range of interventions.  At a broader level, through its economic remit, the Council is currently in the process of drafting an Economic Plan which will come before the Council in due course.  As part of its preparation, the Council will have met and will be working with other Economic Development Agencies in the context of job creation and economic development.  If a forum would add value to what the relevant agencies are doing for start ups then it could be considered in the context of future work programmes.

 

13. DRAINS AT 46 CHURCHILL

Proposed by Councillor S. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“I would like to put down a motion that the Sligo Municipal Authority carry out cleaning and repair work on the drain at 46 Churchill. It is an ongoing problem that the drain gets blocked and more so after the recent bad weather thereby causing flooding that reached to the doorstep of this house”.

Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised the meeting that this gully has been cleared and the drain will be monitored for future problems.

 

14. BUS EIREANN GARAGE AT LORD EDWARD STREET

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive to report to Sligo Municipal district meeting on 27th April on what progress if any has being made on the re location of Bus Éireann Garage on Lord Edward Street in Sligo”

The Chief Executive Mr. Hayes advised the meeting that the need to address improved coach parking facilities in the City Centre in the short to medium term has to take priority.  Any discussion with Bus Eireann on relocation is likely to be a longer term issue but it is one that the Council would intend to engage with Bus Eireann on.

 

With the agreement of the meeting motion numbers 15 and 20 were taken together.

 

15 AND 20. DREDGING AT MULLAGHMORE HARBOUR

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to deal urgently with Dredging at Mullaghmore Harbour”.

And

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a report outlining the proposals it has to carry out dredging at Mullaghmore Harbour, and further that the Council be advised if it is the intention to apply for grant aid for dredging works.”

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised the meeting that Mullaghmore Harbour has always been a tidal harbour, (since the first portion was constructed in the 1820’s), that is, it dries out at low spring tides. The area outside the harbour entrance to the Pontoon and across the bay to the beach and Mermaids cove is also very shallow.  As a result the pontoon rests on the sea bed at low spring tide and the surrounding area may dry out rendering the pontoon ineffective for a portion of the tidal cycle.  Localised dredging at the Pontoon has not been successful and various possibilities have been mooted but no clear feasible solution is currently available. Sligo County Council has applied for funding previously to have a study and investigations carried out by specialists, to assess the reasons for the shallow seabed, to consider options and realistic solutions, if any, to address the matter.  It should be noted that the Pontoon is however available for the bulk of the tidal cycle each day and night for embarkation and disembarkation. No mooring at the Pontoon should take place for any period in excess of 20 minutes.  Most recently a submission for funding under the Marine Leisure and Marine Tourism Scheme promoted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine was made on March 24th. This application was for the cost of a Study, estimated at €31,000, regarding silting in the Harbour area including bathymetric and current survey, littoral current and sediment transport survey modelling, solutions and recommendations to the siltation problem at the Harbour and breakwater area. This was 1 of 5 Projects the Council applied for under this Scheme. However the Council were advised by letter on April 15th last that this Scheme was not been considered for funding.  The Council consider such a Study as critical in determining what if any action can be taken to resolve this problem as previous works have not been successful.

 

16. ROAD SWEEPING ON ROSSES POINT AND STRANDHILL ROADS

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to have a road sweeper carry out a clean during the summer season on all bicycle routes mainly the Rosses Point and Strandhill Road as this has caused concern for cyclists as debris is coming from the road onto the bicycle lane”

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised the meeting that sweeping of these cycle lanes has taken place in the past especially ahead of significant cycling events.  These two routes in particular will be swept ahead of the summer season.

 

17. ACCESS TO AVENA AND BUSHY PARK, BALLISODARE

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the safety concerns of residents that live in Avena and Bushy Park estate in Ballisodare, along with road users. The concern relates to the 2 large articulated lorries, a number of bread vans and small delivery trucks who are parked along the stretch of road in the morning.  This is causing poor visibility for cars and in turn putting the public’s safety at risk”.

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised the meeting that this matter will be examined by the Area Engineer to see if anything can be done, while also allowing the vehicle owners to carry out their business in these difficult times.

 

18. R284 BALLYGAWLEY

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to seek funding for R284 in Ballygawley. There is a large indentation in the road between Ballygawley and Ballygawley/Union Wood. This has raised a lot of concern as it is on a straight stretch of road and has caused cars to swerve”

In response Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised the meeting that this depression on the R284 near Ballygawley will be examined by the Area Engineer to assess the extent of works required and to see if it can be dealt with within existing funding.

 

19. SLIGO HARBOUR

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would investigate the extension of the Pontoon facility plus all associated works at Sligo Harbour as a matter of urgency as it is now overcrowded in both winter and summer”. 

Mr. Tom Kilfeather and Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Directors of Services advised the meeting that a submission for funding under the Marine Leisure and Marine Tourism Scheme promoted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine was made on March 24th. This application was for the cost of Design, planning and expansion of the Pontoon facility. The allocation sought was €27,000.  The Council have followed up with further information to the Department on April 22nd to support this funding application.

 

21. SLIABH MOR HOUSING ESTATE, CARNEY

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

AND AGREED

“To allocate funding for a name plate for the Sliabh Mór housing estate in Carney”.

Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer advised the meeting that this matter relating to a name plate for Sliabh Mór housing estate in Carney can be funded from Cul de Sac funds if desired.

 

22. AHAMLISH CEMETERY

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

AND AGREED

“To provide an update on any land acquisition agreement for Ahamlish Cemetery in North Sligo”

Mr. Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer advised the meeting that in mid 2012, Archaeologists Dominic Delany and Associates were employed by Sligo County Council at the request of National Monuments Section, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.  Geotechnical testing was carried out on lands directly adjacent to the existing burial ground at Ahamlish. The results of these tests confirmed once and for all that these lands were not suitable for an extension to the burial ground in accordance with the requirements of the National Monuments Section, DoEHLG. These are the only lands that have been subject to this testing.  This matter was last discussed at the Sligo Municipal District meeting of July 10th 2014.  At that time there were two options for the provision of a new Burial Ground under consideration. The first option, which had been the subject of positive preliminary ground investigations, could not be pursued as the landowner is not interested in disposing of only the amount of lands that the Council would require for a new Burial Ground.  Again at time of previous discussions on this matter we advised the Council that another landowner had approached the Council offering a site for consideration. This site was since inspected but is considered unsuitable for a Burial Ground.  Over recent years a number of potential locations have brought to the Councils attention but these sites have been identified at an early stage to be unsuitable for consideration primarily due to access issues.  It is noted that in recent times, due to unavailability of new plots in Ahamlish, there have been burials from the catchment area in Rathcormac Graveyard which has significant capacity.  This matter has been unresolved for a long time despite efforts of SCC staff and in fairness the positive engagement of a number of landowners. Identifying a location which will satisfy ground requirements and also provide a reasonable solution to servicing what is a very large area of the county in a central location is proving difficult. The Council would still welcome any further proposals from the community for investigation.

A discussion on the matter followed among the members with a request to see if the Local Authority would consider putting an advert in the local newspapers asking landowners to come forward.  The meeting was advised that the matter can be looked at.

 

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

At this point the Deputy Mayor Councillor S. O’Boyle asked that the meeting consider suspending standing orders to allow the agenda to be cleared.  Following a discussion on the time required to clear the agenda it was proposed by Councillor D. Bree, seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon and agreed to not limit the extension of time to 15 minutes and instead leave the timeframe open in order to clear the agenda.

 

23. ACCESS ROUTES AT GELDOF DRIVE, LANGAN DRIVE AND MCDONNELL DRIVE

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

“That this meeting resolves that no new access routes be opened/constructed from Geldof Drive, Langan Drive and McDonnell Drive without the consent of local residents”.

In response Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/DOS outlined that the master plan process for Cranmore and the east city area was well underway.  He proceeded to state that the process of developing the regeneration masterplan is a 5 stage one and that stage 3 (the preliminary ideas stage) is now complete.  The next stage of the process requires the design team to refine the set of ideas already drawn up and present them to the community for further discussion. 

In response to Mr. Gavin’s comments Councillor Bree stated that residents in the aforementioned areas did not want new access routes through their estates and he wished to support them in this matter.  The Chief Executive Mr. Hayes urged caution with regards to the passing of this motion as it could set a precedent and the Council needs to make a decision for the common good.  Following a lengthy discussion on the matter among the members, Councillor Bree then called for a vote on the motion:

For: Bree, Healy, Kilgannon, O’Boyle (4)

Against: Casserly, Keaney, Maguire (3)

As the result was 4 For, 3 Against, the Deputy Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

24. CORRESPONDENCE

This was noted by the meeting

 

25. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor H. Keaney raised a query regarding the upcoming visit of members of the British Royal Family.  In response the meeting was advised that significant engagement has taken place between the Council and the British Embassy and Department of Foreign Affairs over the past year.  Clarence House are currently finalising arrangements for the visit and as soon as details are finalised the Council will engage accordingly with all parties.

Councillor D. Bree raised a query with regards to the Community and Voluntary Grants Scheme and whether residents groups would be written to about the scheme.  In response Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services advised the meeting that groups would only be notified if they were registered with the PPN Network.

 

 

The business of the meeting ended at 2.55pm

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 27/04/2015