Sligo Municipal Minutes 2016

Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on Monday 16th May, 2016


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Declan Bree
  • Councillor Marie Casserly
  • Councillor Thomas Healy
  • Councillor Seamus Kilgannon (Mayor)
  • Councillor Sean Mac Manus
  • Councillor Tom Mac Sharry
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle
  • Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Patricia Guckian, A/Head of Finance
  • Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr. Brían Flynn, Senior Resident Engineer
  • Mr. Conall Calleary, Veterinary Inspector
  • Ms. Lorraine Fitzgerald, Staff Officer

  

MAYOR:

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

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO HELD ON 21ST MARCH, 2016.

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 21st March, 2016." 
  

2. MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising. 
 

3. TOWN TWINNING KEMPTON FESTIVAL AUGUST 2016.

Kevin Colreavy informed the meeting that the organisers of the Festival wish to establish as early as possible the number in the delegation travelling from Sligo and Kevin will correspond with Kempten in this regard.

Councillor O’Grady stated that she was delighted to see this item on the Agenda, welcomed the invitation and suggested it be put on the conference list also.

Councillor Bree also wished his support be noted saying that he would expect the Cathaoirleach and Mayor would be chosen to attend if they are available in August and that other interested Councillors. should revert regarding their availability before the next Council Meeting.

The Chief Executive suggested that for the response to Kempten, we indicate that it is the intention of the Council that a deputation will attend.
  

4. TO HEAR AN UPDATE ON BIDS

Mr. John Reilly gave an update to the meeting regarding the BID project and how it is progressing. He outlined the membership of the BID company committee and progress to date in Sligo re the set up including the appointment of the CEO Gail McGibbon, the identification of office space which is soon to be open, work regarding compliance with CRO and banking requirements. Work on the various areas e.g. festivals and events, tourism, retail, industry, media, etc. are advancing and the local business have received their BIDs demand recently.

Councillor Casserly thanked John for his report and congratulated Gail McGibbon on her appointment, stating that she is looking forward to working with Gail on future projects. Councillor Casserly queried whether there are any pilot projects being launched and asked that a voucher system be looked at whereby vouchers could be purchased at a low cost to employers and given to employees as their bonus, thereby ensuring local spending.

Councillor O’Grady also thanked John for the presentation and congratulated Gail on her appointment, adding that she is aware that this will be a bedding-in time for the project and wished the best of luck and this can only be good for Sligo.
 

5. REPORT ON AREA BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Mr. John Reilly read the report on the area based community development programme for Ballytivnan and Caltragh. The Chief Executive added that this report is to give notice that the project is happening and when the Programme is up and running, there will be a more detailed presentation given to the Members.

Councillor Mac Manus welcomed the project and any funding for projects like this and queried if further funding could be sought because of the large cost in relation to set up and salary.

Councillor Bree also queried the duration of the project and the method of appointing the Project Officer.

Mr. Reilly informed the meeting that his understanding is that we currently have the maximum funding available at the present time for the project and that the position will be advertised.

6. SLIGO TRAVELLER HORSE PROJECT

Mr. Conall Calleary, Veterinary Inspector gave the presentation outlining the emphasis of the project and the parties involved.

In response to queries from the Members, Mr. Calleary informed the meeting that if we seize a horse and the horse is not claimed back, we use a charity who assess the horses and in most cases are able to rehome them. Regarding Molloway Place, the horse there is on HSE lands and we are currently trying to engage with the HSE and the owner of the horse to resolve this matter. On the issue of costs, the Department of Agriculture will fund the Project once we have identified a suitable site and there would eventually be a charge to the community and they would be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep. Because the horses are currently not microchipped, the major difficulty is establishing ownership. There have been no prosecutions to date. In relation to identifying sites, the area needs to be nearby, most likely the areas around the hospital and Ballytivnan are most suitable and discussions are taking place with the HSE.
 

7.  SPEED AND CONGESTION ON THE DOORLY PARK ROAD

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

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council address the “dire traffic situation in relation to speed and congestion on the Doorly Park Road. The area concerned is from the old Gate Lodge stretching up to the top of the road to where there is a right hand turn that goes up to Lidl and the road widens considerably”.

In response Mr. Brian Flynn advised the meeting that The Roads Department is conscious that this matter has appeared on the Council Agenda on a number of occasions previously. It is understood that various options including minor road widening have been proposed in the past. This matter has also been considered in the context of the design for the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and Approach Roads and in that regard proposals have been advanced in terms of traffic calming this section of roadway and such proposals will be delivered upon in conjunction with the development of the bridge.

Notwithstanding the above, the Roads Department will carry out a traffic survey at this location over the coming months, the output of which may be used to determine whether or not traffic calming measures are necessary in the short term.

Councillor Casserly questioned if she could forward the report to the residents and Mr. Flynn said that was fine but to be aware that widening of the road here may lead to speeding.

Councillor MacSharry asked if there was any update on funding for the CPO aspect of the new bridge and Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised him that we have a modest amount of funding in relation to lands on the North side and have an application in to progress matters.
 

8. JUNCTION AT MONEYLAHAN ROAD, BALLINTRILLICK.

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council Roads Department address the following issues of the dangerous junction on the Moneylahan road in Ballintrillick:

There is a mirror in-situ but the ditch on the left hand side of the road which exits onto the main Ballintrillick road causes a huge visibility problem as it is a bad blind spot and oncoming traffic cannot be seen. Also, the road needs to be resurfaced in areas and potholes are a frequent problem.

Another issue is the speed at which vehicles are travelling and as it is such a narrow road and drivers are frequently in the ditch to avoid the oncoming large vehicles and haulage trucks.

Mr. Brian Flynn informed the meeting that the Area Engineer will examine this location and investigate the issues raised. However, improving the visibility to the left will be difficult due to a bridge structure/parapet located at the junction.

The issue of the road surface will also be examined. However, it should be noted that the main Ballintrillick Road at this location was surface dressed in 2015. Road widening works would not be a practical solution to any traffic problems in this area.

Councillor Kilgannon welcomed the fact that almost 2km of the road has been resurfaced but he would like perhaps see some more passing bays in place due to the number of HGVs using the road.
 

9. RAMPS ON MULLAGHMORE ROAD LEADING FROM CASTLE GATEHOUSE TO VILLAGE

It was agreed that this item had been dealt with at the May Ordinary meeting and there was therefore no requirement to hear the report again.

10. CLEANING OF CYCLE PATHS

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

ND AGREED

“That the cycle paths around Sligo town and on the Rosses Point and Strandhill Roads be cleaned and hedges and overhanging branches be cut back for walkers, runners, utility and club cyclists.

There is no specific programme in place in respect to the maintenance of cycle paths throughout the county. The cycle paths in and around the urban area are generally swept in conjunction with our regular road sweeping programme. Consequently the cycle paths on regional roads such as the R292 Strandhill and the R287 Pearse Road within the urban area are typically swept on a fortnightly / three week basis. Outside of the urban area the cycle lanes are typically swept two/three times per year.

Maintenance of trees/hedgerows is a matter for individual landowners/occupiers. Owners/occupiers of land are obliged under the Roads Act 1993 to take all necessary care to ensure that trees, shrubs, hedges or any other vegetation on their land is not a danger to those using a public road. If there are areas of particular concern the Roads Department will be happy to liaise with the relevant landowners and request that the necessary maintenance works be carried out. It is important to note however that Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 prohibits the cutting of any vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in a hedge or ditch during the period 1st March to 31st August.

Councillor Casserly thanked Mr. Flynn for the report and asked that the cycle lane on the way to Rosses Point be checked more regularly between March and September.

Councillor MacManus added his support to the motion saying that people are cycling on the road because of small potholes or ruts in the cycle lanes.

Councillor MacSharry asked that perhaps signage could be erected at the cycle lane in Rosses Point to deter people from parking on the lane.

Councillor O’Grady added her support and wanted to acknowledge the terrific work done by CIE under the bridge.

11. UPGRADING OF FOOTPATH ON WESTERN SIDE IN CARNEY

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

AND AGREED

“That funding be put in place for the upgrading of the footpath on the Western side in Carney and to extend the footpath around the corner on the Lissadell road, also the speed limit sign be moved out past the Oxfield Sports Ground on road no 253.

Mr. Brian Flynn advised the meeting that quotations are being sought presently for the repair of approximately 50 metres of footpath on the western side of Carney Village. There is no funding stream available for this work, and nevertheless once we have obtained an outline cost we will revert to members thereon.

Councillor O’Grady added her support to this motion saying that she has been in discussion with members of the tidy towns committee and the Engineer in the area and that hopefully some Councillor’s funding could be put towards this.

Councillor Kilgannon added that this should be done if we want to promote North Sligo and Lissadell.

The Chief Executive added that at the time of the Royal visit, the focus was on improvement of the road which was in a particularly bad state.
 

12. RESIDENT’S ONLY PARKING SIGN AT ST. EDWARDS TERRACE

With the agreement of the meeting it was agreed to deal with Items 12 & 21 together

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

AND AGREED

“The Residents of St. Edwards Terrace (down beside the Grotto) would like to know if they could have the parking area for Residents only as there is a lot of trouble with other people parking there.

Mr. Brian Flynn informed the meeting that ‘Residents Only parking signs can be provided at the location in question. It should be noted that in this context the terms and conditions of the Sligo County Council Parking Places Bye-Laws 2015 will apply.

Mr. Flynn emphasised that the residents will need to clearly display the permit.

In relation to the residents at Carroll Drive, this falls outside of the pay & display area and it will be more difficult to enforce.
 

13. CAR PARKING AT NEW LITTLE COTTAGE CAFE AND ROSSES POINT POST OFFICE

After some discussion it was agreed that this item had been dealt with at the May Ordinary meeting and there was therefore no requirement to hear the report again. It was also agreed to have a look at the area of Standing Orders in relation to what items should come before each meeting at the next Procedures Committee Meeting.
 

14. GIBRALTER AMENITY AREA

It was agreed to defer this item until the next meeting so that a full report could be received. 
 

15. PROGRESS REPORT ON COACH PARKING

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

AND AGREED

“That a progress report on the provision of Coach Parking in the Borough of Sligo be provided to the meeting.

Mr. Brian Flynn informed the meeting as follows: At the Sligo Municipal District meeting of 16th November 2015, and following the presentation of a report in this matter, it was agreed by Members that dedicated coach parking would be provided on Council owned property to the rear of The Model, Connaughton Road.

This report outlined that the site in question could deliver up approx. 7/8No. coach parking spaces subject to the following works being carried out:

  • Alterations to the front boundary wall to provide dedicated entry / exit points
  • Surfacing repairs
  • Upgrading of public lighting
  • Installation of CCTV
  • Road markings / re-lining
  • Directional signage

Mr. Flynn informed the Members that as of 10th May civil works have commenced on the provision of this coach parking facility. Works will be on-going over the coming 3 to 4 weeks. It is anticipated that the parking area will be available for use by week beginning 20th June.

Councillor Bree welcomed the report and hopes that it will be in operation on schedule.

Councillor McSharry wished to acknowledge the work done and that it has to be greatly welcomed as it is important that the tour operators be advised.

Councillor O’Grady thanked Mr. Flynn and welcomed the news, adding that hopefully it is a temporary solution until a more convenient location with easy access to Sligo’s shops and cafes is in place.

Councillor Keaney also welcomed the news and made the point that the bays must be monitored continually for illegal parking

Mr. Flynn clarified that this work relates specifically to parking at the back of the Model and that we are currently analysing tenders received for Markievicz Road Project and are hopeful that the work will commence on that in the next 3-4 weeks.

The Chief Executive added that there is agreement in relation to the enforcement of parking requirements and that it will only be successful if this is done.

16.  LEGISLATION RE CONTROL OF OVERGROWN TREES IN HOUSING ESTATES AND BUILD UP AREAS 

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

AND AGREED

“To request Sligo County Council to call on the Department of Environment to bring forward legislation as is in force in other EU Countries for the control of overgrown trees in housing estates and built up areas.

Mr. Brian Flynn informed that meeting that at present there is no legislation the Council can call upon but that he understands it is being progressed. At present, if there is a difficulty with trees on the boundary between two properties, that is a private matter but if tree branches are impinging onto public road it can be brought to the Council’s attention.

17. IMPROVE SIGHTLINES AT CARNCASH

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

AND AGREED

“To request Sligo County Council Roads department to improve sight lines at the junction on the N15 with Road No. L-3407 at Carncash.

Mr. Brian Flynn informed the meeting that: we will request the Road Design Department to investigate this matter in an effort to arrive at an appropriate solution. As this local road adjoins the N15 national primary road any proposal to carry out works at this location will require the approval of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Furthermore any works at this junction are likely to have a direct affect on the boundary wall of the adjacent property.

We will revert on this matter in due course.

18. WRITE TO BUS EIREANN RE BUS SERVICE IN OAKFIELD

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to allocate funding in the 2017 Roads Programme for the construction of a footpath from the roundabout on the N16 road to the end of the housing at Barroe.

The road in question forms part of the N16 National Primary Route and as such any proposal to carry out works along this route would require the prior approval of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Furthermore any such proposal to provide a footpath along the route in question could really only be provided in the context of re-alignment of this section of the N16. The matter will be referred to TII but it is considered unlikely that a proposal such as this would be regarded as priority by TII.

Councillor Kilgannon added that it is a dangerous area where people are trying to walk on the road, and asked if a hard shoulder could be put in while waiting for the re-alignment which will take some time.

The Chief Executive said that we can refer it to the TII and impress upon them the situation and we don’t have control over it we will do what we can.

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

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“That the pedestrian lights in the villages of Grange and Cliffoney be fully serviced as quickly as possible as they are regularly faulty and are a safety concern to users in the said areas.

Mr. Brian Flynn informed the meeting that this matter has been referred to the Council’s public lighting maintenance contract and we are assured that the necessary inspections will be carried out very shortly and in accordance with the terms of the public lighting maintenance contract.

Mr. Flynn added that he would speak to the providers of the quarterly inspection reports to include these lights on the list for inspection.

20. CORRESPONDENCE IN RELATION TO THE TRANSFER OF THE YEATS NOBEL PRIZE MEDAL

“That all correspondence, documentation, copies of minutes etc relating to the transfer of the Yeats Nobel Prize Medal be made available for inspection by councillors.

Councillor Bree, in raising the issue of the Nobel Medal, referred to its importance to Sligo from a tourism perspective and he questioned the efforts made to have it retained in Sligo.

In response, the Members were informed of the efforts made since the Yeats family first decided to have the medal returned to them in 2010. They were advised that it was ultimately a matter personal to the Yeats family and it was not appropriate to release the documentation without the express permission of the family.

It was confirmed that the Chief Executive, previous County Manager and County Librarian engaged with the family in the matter since the issue was first raised. The Members were further advised of legislation applying to specific bodies, including the National Library, whereby the owners of national treasures can avail of tax incentives where such treasures are donated or loaned to the State. It was confirmed that the Model had previously applied for such designation but was not approved.

Following a proposal by Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, seconded by Councillor Seamus Kilgannon, it was agreed that the Model would again seek designated status under the legislation.

21. RESIDENTS ONLY PARKING SIGN AT CARROLL DRIVE

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

“Can the residents of Carroll Drive get a ‘Residents Only parking sign.

This item was dealt with along with Item 12 above.

22. UPDATE ON MEETING WITH BUS SERVICES

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

“to ask the Council if there is any update on a meeting over the bus services."

The Chief Executive informed the meeting that as yet there has been no response to date but we will follow up on it.

23. CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence

  1. Letter from the Department of Finance dated 4th April, 2016.
  2. Letter from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform dated 25th April, 2016.
  3. Letter from Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport dated 6th May, 2016.
  4. Letter from Bus Eireann regarding Route S2: Strandhill / Sligo town Centre/Rosses Point dated 7th April 2016.

 

24. A.O.B.

Councillor O’Grady on behalf of the people of Sligo wished to sincerely thank the staff and especially Donal Tinney for the work done in relation to the 1916 Commemoration adding that from the moment the library staff contacted the families they were treated with dignity and respect and that as Cathaoirleach, it was a great pleasure to be associated with it and how Sligo was portrayed.

Councillor Casserly added her thanks also and stated that the word that kept coming up from the people on the day was respectful. It was an honour to be there on the day and wished to congratulate the staff on how they arranged the day in such a quiet no fuss manner.

Councillor Bree stated that while he was not part of the Committee, he would like to be associated with the thanks and congratulations to Donal Tinney and staff and also commented that it just shows how well Sligo can do the job and we are fortunate to have these staff members.

Councillor Keaney stated that the day was superb and one of the most enjoyable events he had attended. Councillor Keaney also spoke about the event last weekend run by the Field Club in Lissadell and stated that it is great to see such events happening in Sligo.

Councillors. O’Grady, Kilgannon and Keaney also wished to acknowledge the work going on in Wine Street including the lighting of the Old Western Wholesale building and the trees and the new lanterns and footpaths. There was a discussion in relation to the huge cost of removing chewing gum from the footpaths and how difficult it is to address this problem.

Councillor Keaney also complimented the roads department on the amount and speed of resurfacing that is going on around the county.

The business of the meeting ended at 11.50am.

 

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Meeting Date 16/05/2016