Sligo Municipal Minutes 2016

Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on Monday 21st March, 2016


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Declan Bree
  • Councillor Thomas Healy (Mayor)
  • Councillor Hubert Keaney
  • Councillor Seamus Kilgannon
  • Councillor Sean Mac Manus
  • Councillor Sinéad Maguire
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Patricia Guckian, A/Head of Finance
  • Mr. Donal Tinney, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr. Brían Flynn, Senior Resident Engineer
  • Mr. Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Damien Henry, Executive Engineer
  • Ms. Lorraine Fitzgerald, Staff Officer

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Marie Casserly

 

MAYOR:

The Mayor, Councillor T. Healy presided and welcomed the Members, Executive and members of the media to the Municipal District meeting.

 

As previously agreed, Item No. 3 was to be considered first.

3. CONSIDER DRAFT SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS 2016 (ROAD WORKS SCHEME)

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

AND AGREED

“To consider the Draft Schedule of Municipal District Works 2016 (Road Works Scheme)

Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer took the Members through the draft Schedule of Sligo Municipal District Works for 2016 for Roads, Transportation & Infrastructure. The Schedule specified the full allocation of monies by March 2016, the amounts from the various agencies involved together with a detailed breakdown of all planned expenditure for the year in relation to the specific projects and headings.

Councillor MacManus firstly thanked and complimented the Engineering staff and outdoor workers for the effort they have made under severe financial difficulty, stating that we need to recognise that staff are doing everything to alleviate the situation. Welcoming the increase in funding this year due to the major damage caused to the structure of the roads by the storms, he stated that irrespective of what monies we get, we will always find a place for it.

Councillor Mac Manus had a number of queries as follows:

  • In relation to the further application for €3.4m, what is the current situation.
  • While welcoming the fact that we have been allowed to employ 12 more worker, we should appeal to the Department that we be allowed to permanently employ
  • these staff. Also, are those staff costs are included in the funding.
  • In relation to the Western Distributor Road, how much is the 2016 allocation and what is the expectation on when it will be completed
  • Regarding the Strandhill dunes, is there a start date for the fencing. There have been some radical solutions mentioned locally which would hopefully be avoided, including spreading slurry along the top of the dunes.
  • The Maugheraboy Road is very bad with some areas breaking down, can works be done
  • Are there any plans for Tracey Avenue footpaths.

Councillor Keaney thanked the staff for their work and the progress that has been made over the past 3 to 4 years, and acknowledged that this is one of the largest allocations in many years and feels that the distribution of the monies is reasonable while also commenting that South Sligo always seem to get more than North Sligo. He asked if it would be possible to get a map with all of the roads that have had work carried out on them already marked in a different colour. He queried when it is expected that work on Markievicz Road will be done and also asked for an update on the Coastal Protection Project in Rosses Point.

Councillor Maguire thanked staff for the extremely comprehensive report, for the work carried out before Christmas during the flooding and also welcomed the extra funding for flood damage. The N4 works will make a big difference and the works on Hughes Bridge have already made a huge improvement.

In relation to smarter travel, Councillor Maguire queried whether works around manholes on the footpath at the Ursuline which has been ongoing for some time is due to finish soon as it is causing difficulty for people using the footpath. Regarding the sand dunes at Strandhill, Councillor Maguire suggested that perhaps some public education needs to be undertaken in order to improve the situation and she also queried whether any of the €33,000 allocation could be used to repair damage to Culleenamore dunes and whether the Programme is a finite list of all works being carried out in 2016.

Councillor Kilgannon thanked and complimented the staff on the preparation of the report and the work being done this year, also querying what percentage of the county road network is within the Sligo Municipal District as €833,000 of the €4 million is being spent in the district.

Councillor Kilgannon listed some areas that need attention as follows:

  • Rathedmond Road
  • Lighting at Mullaghmore Harbour
  • The Pontoon -there is a concern that the risen water level had nearly taken away the pontoon altogether
  • Could funding be set aside for class 3 roads which cannot now be repaired because of flood damage.

Councillor Bree added his thanks for the works which have been carried out and commented that the report presented is very informative and addresses many of the issues, and while there is never enough funding for this type of work, we have to be thankful to the Government for the additional monies allocated. Regarding works to take place at Deerpark, concern has been raised that works may have an effect on flooding in the area in future.

The Mayor, thanked staff for their work stating that it is great to have received the extra €4million and the go ahead on the extra staff and that perhaps when we have our TDs in place, we may receive more. Issues of concern for him included:

  • The Coolaney/Collooney road and the condition of the footpath there
  • Raughley Pier storm damage

Mr. Tom Kilfeather detailed the 75/25 split of the monies within the county and although 80% of the funding appears to have been allocated already, there will be an opportunity to refine programmes while ensuring the best value for the varying complexity of the programme. He stated that we all agree that we should be keeping the 12 additional temporary staff on a permanent basis, but this is the first time in a long time we have received any positive feedback from the Department and it is important that we deliver this programme and we can then look at going back to them in future.

Mr. Kilfeather and Mr. Brennan proceeded to deal with Councillor’s specific queries as follows:

  • Re an update on the Coastal Protection Scheme, we have met with the consultants and they think they have identified an appropriate technical solution to deal with it. We are proposing to get a report done up on this (part-funded by the OPW)
  • An up-to-date map detailing road works already carried out can certainly be looked at.
  • Regarding fencing of the dunes at Culleenamore, there is an opportunity to allocate some of the funding to that type of work but we have a very busy programme of works to carry out as it stands. The matter will be examined.
  • Re LIS Schemes and works, if there are specific problems come to us and we will try to deal with them as best we can.
  • In relation to the split of funding, over €3 million of the €7.8 million is going to this Municipal District and of the flood damage €4 million, €1.4 million (30%), which is a pretty fair distribution.
  • Regarding the work on the dunes at Strandhill, the fencing will catch the sand and it will grow back -it is a Special Area of Conservation and we have to let it grow back, but we can look at trying to control access.
  • There is funding for the general maintenance works and some could be used for Tracey Avenue, Maugheraboy, they are not specifically included but the matter will be examined.
  • Re smarter travel monies, we will have to check on the works at the Ursuline College, but that area is included in these works.
  • Regarding possible flooding at Deerpark, any local fears will be taken on board.
  • “The long stretch on the R287 is in a difficult location and we have looked at trying to improve it but have run into environmental issues. We did include it but did not get funding for it.
  • Re Coney/Ballisodare, the matter will be examined to see if drains could be installed.
  • Re Coolaney/Collooney, the matter will be examined to see if drains could be installed.
  • Raughley Pier is included in the works to be carried out.
  • With regard to the Western Distributor Route we are working with the IDA and there is funding available to progress that scheme in the short to medium term. Any shortfall will have to be funded by the Department and they would be open to seeing that scheme go forward. We can almost get to the point where we are in a position to sign contracts, but we then have a problem.
  • Works on Markievicz road are due to start in a month’s time.
  • Regarding the temporary staff, we will have to look at the areas which have a particular shortage.

This Road Works Programme will go before the whole Council for adoption and the Chief Executive stated that it is absolutely critical it move forward as we have a short window of opportunity and really can’t afford to wait around. Historically the Roads Programme has always been brought before the Council.
 

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

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 18th January, 2016.

2. MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.

4. ADOPTION OF AMENDED APPOINTED STANDS (TAXI) BYE-LAWS 2016

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt amended Appointed Stands (Taxi) Bye-Laws 2016

Brian Flynn went through the full report and Members were invited to consider it. Councillor Maguire queried as to whether this would be open to review if it were not working and in response, the Chief Executive stated he would suggest that it be reviewed after a period of operation.

Councillor Bree requested that his dissent be noted.

5. TRAFFIC SITUATION IN RELATION TO SPEED AND CONGESTION ON DOORLY PARK ROAD

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred to the next meeting.

6. ISSUES AT JUNCTION ON THE MONEYLAHAN ROAD IN BALLINTRILLICK

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred to the next meeting.

7. POSSIBILITY OF INSTALLING RAMPS ON MULAGHMORE ROAD

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred to the next meeting.

8. CLEANING OF CYCLEPATHS AND HEDGE CUTTING

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred to the next meeting.

9. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT MULLAGHMORE VILLAGE

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To ask for a report on introducing traffic calming measures on the approach road into Mullaghmore Village”.

Mr. Tom Brennan informed the meeting that there are speed limits of 60kph and 50kph on the R279 on the entrance road to Mullaghmore Village at this location. The Gardai should be approached to monitor speed on this road.

The Area Engineer and Road Design Section can be asked to look at the area from the point of view of the introduction of traffic calming measures that might be considered appropriate for this location, subject to available staff resources to look at this issue.

If considered appropriate, an application would have to be made to the Department of Transport for funding to carry out any works.

Councillor Keaney spoke about the non-adherence to speed limits and asked whether it would be worthwhile to look at the possibility of rumble strips or extra signage. Councillor Bree enquired whether it would be normal practice for the engineering staff to ask the guards for statistics on accidents and was informed that it is, but a difficulty is that people do not always report accidents.

10. ROADSIDE SITES FOR ADVERTISING SIGNAGE

Proposed by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To ask the Council to select a number of roadside sites on the approach roads into Sligo City so that signs can be erected which will advertise upcoming events in Sligo City and County

Councillor Keaney felt that it would be best to have a defined site put in place with the Sligo County Council Crest on it and supported by Sligo Tourism for promotion of upcoming events that are being assisted by the County Council. He is of the opinion that many local businesses would be interested in sponsoring such signage and we have access to the most prominent advertising space.

The Chief Executive informed the meeting that the long-term plan for the issue of traffic management and providing advertisement and information to the public is to link up to a control room and use this to manage traffic and information exchange. This would be in the form of digital signs with a network that you can tap into but it will require resources and we are not currently in a position to move forward with this but it is the intention that we would go down that route in the medium term. An issue with the type of advertising structure suggested is that it has to be maintained  for example, you don’t want a Fleadh sign up for a month after the Fleadh has taken place.

Councillor Keaney welcomed this news but would not be happy with the time-frame. His suggestion would be a permanent structure with the facility to advertise 3/4 events that would be taken down after the event and could be achieved at a fairly low cost.

The Chief Executive stated that he is in full agreement but the difficulty is going to be in the area of resources and we have just spent 1 ½ hours discussing the Roads Programme and the lack of resources available. By stating a 5 year timeframe we are trying to be realistic. The digital system would also include parking space information all tied into one system.

Councillor Keaney said that while he appreciated the situation in relation to funding, many businesses spent up to €250,000 a year promoting their own business and they may be interested in sponsoring 1 or 2 signs so they could be self-financing but we need to identify them and get agreement from the Engineering and Roads Departments and then take it from there. He would envisage this structure being used by events that the Council already provide support to, e.g. Sligo Live, and the structure itself could also have the logo of the sponsor on it, e.g. a local hotel.

A discussion followed in relation to whether the Local Authority can be involved in commercial sponsorship as traditionally it is not a route Local Authorities have gone down and there would be a reluctance in terms of being inundated with requests for free advertising together with the difficulties in perhaps being accused of undercutting the current billboard operators.

The Chief Executive reiterated that there is no issue regarding the initiative, but we have to find the funding and this should be referred to the SPC.

Councillor Maguire also wished to support this proposal though she thought 5 years is a bit too long and agreed it should go back to the SPC.

11. WHETHER IPB HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON STATE OF PATHS IN SLIGO CEMETRY

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive if Irish Public Bodies Insurance Company has been advised of the dangerous condition of many of the paths in Sligo Municipal cemetery; and to ask will the insurance company indemnify the Council in the event of mourners or visitors to the cemetery being injured and to ask the Chief Executive what plans there are to make the pathways in the cemetery safe.

Mr. Tom Brennan informed the meeting that the Parks Department are currently carrying out a survey of the condition of the footpaths in Sligo Cemetery. A programme will be put in place to repair/renew any footpaths found to be substandard. A budget will have to be found to carry out this work. It is likely that any necessary works will have to be carried out in stages with higher priority locations repaired initially.

Councillor Bree welcomed the fact that a survey is being carried out and his concern is that in the event of any citizen taking action, will IPB cover us if we have failed to adequately keep the pathways up to standard.

The Chief Executive stated the Sligo County Council has Public Liability cover with IPB and the purpose of having a PL policy is to cover us in the event of any action and each case is fought on the merits of the case.

12. REPORT IN RESPECT OF DORRINS STRAND

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

AND AGREED

“That the Municipal District committee be provided with a report in respect of Dorrins Strand housing estate; and if the costs of taking the estate in charge have been determined and if the claim on the bond is proceeding.

Mr. Donal Tinney informed the meeting that the bond in the sum of €92,000 was drawn down on the 12th of March 2016 for the Dorrins Strand Development. A specification and a bill of quantities have been agreed for a new sewage pumping station. Work on the pumping station and other remedial works will commence in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that these works will bring the development to a standard suitable for recommending for Taking in Charge.

Councillor Bree welcomed the report on behalf of the residents and thanked the staff.

Councillor MacManus stated that he received a similar reply previously and that it is causing a problem for the residents so he welcomed that the work should be completed by end of year.
 

13. PLANS FOR OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL AT DEADMAN’S POINT, ROSSES POINT

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Chief Executive if there are plans to carry out maintenance or improvement works on the outdoor swimming pool at Deadman’s Point, Rosses Point. Mr. Brennan informed the meeting that a grant was received in late 2015 from the Department of Environment to carry out repairs to this swimming area as a result of storm damage which occurred during the winter of 2013/2014. These works will be carried out in the coming months.

Councillor Kilgannon stated that similar works were carried out 2 years ago but it is obvious that it is now in quite a dangerous condition again and accidents could happen.

Mr. Brennan stated that a grant was received in 2015 in the amount of €25,000 to carry out the repairs. It is a difficult area and will have to be done by specialist contractors.

Councillor Bree welcomed the report stating that €25,000 is not an insignificant amount of money and he would hope that the time will be found to carry out these works.

14. RAINWATER ON COOLANEY ROAD FROM COLLOONEY RAILWAY STATION ROAD

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the on-going problem with rainwater coming onto the Coolaney road from the Collooney railway station road."

Mr. Tom Brennan advised the meeting that the Area Engineer will investigate and carry out a survey of the location with a view to determining if there is a suitable solution to the problem.

15. WORKS ON RIGHT OF WAYFROM NO 5 TO NO9 CARTRON ESTATE

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to inspect and carryout the necessary work on the right of way from No 5 to number 9 in Carton estate as the residents have concerns with its condition

Mr. Tom Brennan stated that the laneway in question has been gated for several years. It is not known when these gates were erected, but it is understood that the residents of properties 5  9 Cartron Estate retain keys for the gates. The residents occupy this laneway using it for storage of wheelie bins, fuel etc.

This location can be inspected at some point in the future. However, given current workloads it is extremely unlikely that resources are available to pursue this issue in the immediate term. Furthermore, there is no funding stream available to carry out works in areas such as this.

Councillor MacManus commented that everyone will be putting slabs outside their back doors.
 

16. SAFETY BARRIER AT FOOTPATH ENTRANCE INTO DUN NA RI, BALLINTOGHER

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County council to erect a safety barrier on the footpath entrance into Dun Na Ri, estate in Ballintogher as this runs alongside the main road and residents have concerns for the children who use this entrance.

Mr. Tom Brennan informed the meeting that the Area Engineer will investigate this issue but asked that the members note that funding is limited for works such as this.

Councillor Healy added that the provision of the barrier could save the life of a child.

17. WRITE TO THE ESB RE POLE BLOCKING VIEW OF TRAFFIC AT ST. JOHN’S TERRACE

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

AND AGREED

“Can the Council write to the ESB and see what can be done about a pole that is blocking the view of traffic as you drive out of the one way system at St John’s Tce as it is only a matter of time until there is an accident there.

Mr. Tom Brennan informed the meeting the Council will liaise with the ESB in order to determine if it is possible to relocate the pole in question and to ascertain costs associated with same.

18. WRITE TO BUS EIREANN RE BUS SERVICE IN OAKFIELD

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

AND AGREED

“Can the Council write to Bus Eireann to see if the residents of Oakfield can get another service other than the one that is there, as it is only at 10.30-11.30

Mr. Tom Brennan informed the meeting that Bus Eireann can be written to in connection with the issue raised by this Notice of Motion.

Councillor Maguire stated that similar contact was to be made a few months ago asking for a meeting with Bus Eireann but she did not recall a reply coming back. Councillor McManus also stated that approximately 18 months ago a number of reps had contacted Bus Eireann with a view to meeting with them and no reply had been received then either.

Councillor Bree wished to endorse the Motion for additional services.

The Chief Executive added that the Bus Eireann service has also been raised by Age Action Alliance and suggested a letter be sent again inviting Bus Eireann to a full meeting of the Council or that a deputation from the Sligo Municipal District meet with them.

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred to the next meeting.

19. UPGRADING OF FOOTPATH ON WESTERN SIDE IN CARNEY AND MOVING SPEED LIMIT SIGN

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred to the next meeting.

20. CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS

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

"That this Council calls on the Government and the Minister in charge of the motor insurance industry to urgently investigate why young drivers are expected to pay up to €10,000 for car insurance."

21. PLANS TO REPAIR FOOTPATH FROM CARRICKNAGAT TO COLLOONEY

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

“To ask this Council what plans if any they have to repair and restore the footpath from Carricknagat to Collooney.”

It was discussed earlier that works will be carried out in this area. It is very flat there and the flooding may be due to the level of the river and perhaps it could be looked at.

Mr. Brennan informed the meeting that they will try to deal with any drainage issues also have a look at the footpath.
 

22. Correspondence

  1. Letter from Office of the Minister, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government dated 3rd February 2016.
  2. Letter from National Transport Authority dated 1st March 2016.

 

23. A.O.B. 

Councillor O’Boyle wished to extend his support to the Nursing staff at Cregg House who are currently taking strike action.

Councillor Kilgannon wished Councillor O’Grady and Councillor MacSharry the best of luck in their campaign for Senate.

Councillor Keaney still has heard nothing back the in relation to the cemetery in Ballisodare and is awaiting an update.

On a point of information, Councillor Kilgannon enquired about the cup that Councillor Healy had brought into the Chamber and was informed that the cup had been presented to the Mayor by the Sligo Association in Chicago on his recent visit there. He also met with the Mayor who informed him that they would hoist the Sligo flag for the week of Easter. Members of the Association came over and marched in the Sligo St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The business of the meeting ended at 12.30pm.

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Meeting Date 21/03/2016