Sligo Municipal Minutes 2016
Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District Of Sligo held on Monday 19th December, 2016 At 10.00 am in The Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Marie Casserly (Mayor)
- Councillor Hubert Keaney
- Councillor Seamus Kilgannon
- Councillor Sean Mac Manus
- Councillor Tom MacSharry
- Councillor Sinead Maguire
- Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Mr. John Reilly, Local Enterprise Office
- Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr. Brían Flynn, Senior Resident Engineer
- Mr. John Clancy, Head of Information Systems
- Mr. Nigel Carter, IS Project Leader
- Ms. Lorraine Fitzgerald, Staff Officer
APOLOGIES:
- Councillor Thomas Healy
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
MAYOR:
The Mayor, Councillor Marie Casserly presided and welcomed all to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 17th OCTOBER, 2016.
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo held on 17th October, 2016.”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO TO CONSIDER DRAFT BUDGETARY PLAN HELD ON 9th NOVEMBER, 2016.
Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Sligo to consider the draft budgetary plan held on 9th November, 2016.”
3. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
4. TO HEAR AN UPDATE ON THE NATIONAL BROADBAND ROLLOUT:
Mr. Nigel Carter gave the meeting an update in relation to the National Broadband Rollout whereby he outlined the background and objectives of the Plan. Mr. Carter spoke about the benefits, capacity requirements and implementation strategy of this 5 year plan. It is intended that local implementation will be in 2 stages with stage 1 being the creation of 20 wifi hotspots around the county strategically located where high speed broadband does not currently exist and stage 2 the availability of broadband connection to all premises.
A discussion ensued in relation to the viability of these hotspots and the requirement of fibre to the home being the desired solution for Sligo. The Members expressed their hope that this Plan will indeed be delivered within the timeframe as discussions have been ongoing at a national level for quite some time at this stage.
This is a very ambitious plan which will result in high speed connectivity for all. As the tender for this has not yet been awarded, there are still many aspects that cannot yet be answered.
Mr. Carter has been appointed as Broadband Officer and two steering groups are to be set up as follows
- Planning Issues Steering Group to resolve planning and infrastructural issues associated with the rollout
- Digital Strategy Group whose role will be to prepare a Digital Strategy to take advantage of the rollout
Members expressed an interest in having representation on the steering groups and the Chief Executive suggested that perhaps the Digital Strategy Group would be the most suitable one.
It was proposed by Councillor Keaney, seconded by Councillor Bree and agreed to have a Member on the Digital Strategy Group.
5. TO HEAR UPDATE ON SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE LEO IN 2016:
Mr. John Reilly gave a detailed update to the Members on some of the activities the Local Enterprise Office was involved in during 2016, outlining the type of projects undertaken such as online trading vouchers, grants provided, IBYE awards, work as part of the BIDS company, etc.
Councillor MacManus in his capacity as Chair of the LCDC thanked Mr. Reilly for his report and acknowledged the excellent work and support that is provided by the very small team in the LEO. All Members wished to be associated with these remarks and compliment the team on the vital work they are carrying out in helping entrepreneurs in Sligo.
6. PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT BOTTOM OF NUN’S HILL AND CHURCH STREET:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council engineering department provide an update on my motion for the provision of a pedestrian crossing at the bottom of Nuns Hill and Chapel Street"
Mr. Brian Flynn reported to the meeting that designs have been completed and works are now underway on the installation of a zebra crossing at the bottom of the Nuns Hill. Weather permitted it is anticipated that all works at this location will be completed by the end of January, 2017.
Councillor MacSharry welcomed the news and asked that perhaps traffic calming signs could be erected also.
7. PROVISION OF SAFE CROSSING POINT EXITING URSULINE COLLEGE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“For Sligo County Council to provide for a safe crossing point for students exiting from the Ursuline College to where cars are parked”
Mr. Brian Flynn informed the meeting that personnel from the Council's Road Design Section are liaising with representatives of the Ursuline Convent presently regarding the installation of a crossing point close to the school entrance. It is anticipated that the design will be finalised in the coming weeks.
8. FOOTPATH REPAIRS AT RATHCORMAC CEMETERY, DRUMCLIFFE:
With the agreement of the Members, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the next Sligo Municipal District Meeting.
9. FUNDING BE SECURED FOR UPGRADING OF FOOTPATHS AT ROSEHILL:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Municipal District secures funding for the upgrading of footpaths at Rosehill”
Mr. Brian Flynn delivered his report as follows:
The Roads Management Office (RMO) in association with Irish Public Bodies (IPB) are developing a mobile application which will enable local authorities to carry out condition rating surveys on public footpaths within their municipality. The primary function of the application is to assist each local authority to properly manage and maintain public footpaths within their ownership and control. LA’s will use the app to record all asset data e.g. footpath length, construction type, condition, age, defects present etc.
Sligo County Council has been selected as one of a number of five towns/cities to pilot this application. It is intended to pilot the application within the Sligo City area. Training in the use of this application will be provided later this month, following which a complete survey of all footpaths within the urban/suburban area will be carried out. This baseline data will subsequently be used to better inform technical staff on future funding of footpath refurbishment schemes.
With the exception of planned refurbishment works within the core city streets and until such time as the footpath condition survey is complete it is not intended to carry out footpath upgrades at any other locations other than where works are considered necessary for safety reasons.
Councillor O’Grady expressed her disappointment at this response.
10. REVIEW NEED FOR STOP SIGN AT THE ‘WHITE HOUSE’ ON MARKIEVICZ ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Municipal District reviews the need for a “Stop” sign at the “White House” on Markievicz Road to facilitate traffic turning left”
Mr. Brian Flynn reported that in conjunction with the on-going street refurbishment works, the Council’s Roads Department have altered road markings along Markievicz Road, The Slip and Lower Connaughton Road. The new road layout provides for a greater and much welcomed free flow of traffic through this area, particularly during morning and evening peaks. Under the new system, it is no longer necessary for inbound traffic i.e. traffic approaching from the N15 direction to stop at the junction of Markievicz Road and The Slip. It is acknowledged that this revised layout represents a change in practice for some motorists when using this junction. At this early stage, the Roads Department have received positive feedback that the new layout has brought about a decrease in queuing times for motorists approaching from the N15.
The Roads Department will continue to monitor traffic flows and driver behaviour at this junction, however it is not anticipated that the “Stop” sign will be reinstated.
Councillor O’Grady thanked Mr. Flynn for his report adding that things have settled down at the moment and asked that this continue to be monitored. Councillor Keaney complimented the design team on the design.
As Councillor Kilgannon had to leave the meeting, he requested that his Notice of Motion No. 14 be dealt with at this stage and the Members agreed to this.
14. SLIGO COUNTY MOORINGS PROJECT:
Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To request the Chief Executive to make a short presentation on the Sligo County Moorings Project as presented at the Sligo Harbour Advisory Committee meeting. What plans have Sligo County Council to progress this Project”
Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the Members that this matter will be brought before the full Council Meeting and the Foreshore Licence is the first part of this. The Chief Executive added that it is currently ongoing with the Department.
11. PROPOSAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN FOOTPATH ON R292:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That proposals be brought before the Council for the construction of a pedestrian footpath or footpaths on the R292 linking Strandhill village with the rugby club and Queen Maeve’s Trail.”
Mr. Brian Flynn informed the Members that the Roads Department can certainly prepare proposals for the provision of a footpath linking the Burmah Road, Strandhill with the Sligo Rugby Club. The construction of a footpath at this location however would require significant funding. It is considered that a conservative estimate for the construction of a footpath linking the Burmah Road and the Rugby Club would be of the order of €225,000. The proposed footpath would extend over a distance of 950m. There are approximately 18No. residential entrances, 7/8No. agricultural/field entrances and 2 No. entrances to estates. The above costs estimate factors in footpath construction, diversion/alteration of services, drainage works, accommodation works, road markings etc. Presently the Council has no dedicated funding stream for such works. Mr. Flynn added that in order to fund a project such as this, perhaps Town and Village Scheme funding could be sought.
Councillor Bree queried whether there is a possibility to make an application in the new year for such a project. The Chief Executive stated that if any funding stream and opportunity to apply becomes available, it will be done.
12 . QUERY IN RELATION TO SOCIAL HOUSING SUPPORT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“To ask the Chief Executive why the Council Executive, on the 30th of August 2016, deemed a person (x) and her family ineligible for social housing support; and to ask the Chief Executive how can such a decision be justified; and to ask the Chief Executive to make a statement on the matter”
The Chief Executive stated that it is practice not to discuss individual housing cases at a meeting adding that it is not the appropriate forum. He suggested that representations be made to the Housing Department and the matter will be dealt with accordingly.
Councillor Bree stated that if he had no resolution to this, he will be bringing it up at the next meeting.
13. ISSUES CAUSING DANGERS TO SOME PEDESTRIANS TRAVERSING THE ADELAIDE STREET/ JOHN STREET/TEMPLE STREET JUNCTION:
Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provides a report on addressing issues, such as improper use of the junction box, breaking of red lights etc., that are causing dangers to some pedestrians traversing the Adelaide Street\John Street\Temple Street Junction”
Mr. Brian Flynn reported to the Members as follows
The Roads Department are aware that there are issues regarding the improper use by motorists of both the hatched yellow box and the pedestrian crossing at the junction of Adelaide Street / Upper John Street. This misuse is in turn creating a difficulty for pedestrians and in particular for visually impaired persons, wishing to traverse this junction. The Roads Department are mindful of this and to this end, we regularly inspect and maintain the road markings and signage at this busy junction. There are marking in place advising motorists to “Keep Clear” of the pedestrian crossing. These road markings are supplemented by signage which again request motorists to keep the pedestrian crossing clear. It is considered that from an engineering viewpoint there is little more that the Roads department can do in terms of signage / road markings. However, as this junction continues to be of concern, we have now raised the matter with An Garda Síochána. It is intended that the Council and An Garda Síochána will carry out a joint inspection of the junction in the coming weeks in an effort to determine what further interventions can be made to enhance pedestrian safety at this location.
There was a discussion in relation to the need for greater driver caution to be used.
15. CALL ON MORTGAGE LENDERS TO REDUCE RATES:
With the agreement of the Members, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the next Sligo Municipal District Meeting.
16. CALL FOR INFORMATION REGARDING FUTURE OF SOLAS RESPITE CENTRE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council calls on Minister for Health Simon Harris for all information to be furnished regarding the future of Solas Respite Centre in Sligo. Can he also guarantee that this service which was opened in 2009 remains open and fully staffed in order for families to avail of a much needed rest and break 3-4 times a year so time can be spent with other family members and commitments.”
It was agreed to write to Minister Harris to seek this information.
17. REPORT TO BE PROVIDED WHICH INCLUDES AMOUNT OF INTEREST ON LOAN AND COST FROM JANUARY 2018:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“To ask the Chief Executive to provide the meeting with a report including details of the interest being paid each year on €27 million of the total loans of €34 million drawn down by the Council to fund revenue and unfunded capital balances, and to ask what will the additional cost be when the Council commences paying the principal and interest costs on the loan as and from the 1st of January 2018.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather provided a report to the Members as follows:
Included in the total long term non mortgage loans balance at the end of 2015 is a balance of €34m relating to loans drawn down to fund revenue loans and capital projects - of which €7m relates to loans drawn down to fund machinery depots, libraries and the refurbishment of other buildings. The €7m loan balance referred to above were draw down in advance of the commencement of these capital schemes and are not categorised as loans drawn down to fund unfunded capital balances. These loans are being fully serviced on an annual basis.
The remaining non mortgage loan balance of €27m are currently on interest only repayments with the Housing Finance Agency and can be further analysed into the following loan categories- revenue loans of €12m, loans to fund unfunded capital balances of €6.7m and loans to fund capital projects of €8m. The loan balances outstanding of €8m were drawn down to fund capital projects including refurbishment of County Hall and One Stop Shop in Tubbercurry. These loans were draw down in advance of the commencement of these capital schemes and are not categorised as loans drawn down to fund unfunded capital balances.
The current annual interest repayments of each of the loan categories together with the annual principal repayments on these loans from 2018 is outlined in the table below.
| Loan Category | Current Annual Interest Cost € | Annual Principal from 2018 € |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 209,784 | 309,000 |
| Unfunded capital balance | 115,268 | 112,100 |
| Capital projects | 143,812 | 128,900 |
| Total | 468,864 | 550,000 |
I confirm that surpluses generated over the course of the Financial Plan will be applied to the servicing of the overdraft, revenue bridging loan and long-term loans in that order therefore reducing the annual loan repayments costs.
Councillor Bree thanked Mr. Kilfeather for his report.
There was a discussion around the rates of interest the Council is availing of and the possibility to pursuing a better rate but the Chief Executive pointed out that the rate from the HFA is low. These repayments have all been factored in to the current Financial Plan.
18. REQUEST REPLACEMENT OF SECOND WALL AT DEADMANS POINT:
With the agreement of the Members, this item was deferred to the Agenda of the next Sligo Municipal District Meeting.
19. CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Carrickmacross Municipal District received on 4th November was noted.
20. A.O.B.:
Proposed by the Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy is extended to the family of the late John Fox, Tracey Avenue, Sligo.
Proposed by the Councillor Hubert Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy is extended to Joe O’Connell on the death of Joe’s mother Mary O’Connell.
Proposed by the Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy is extended to Margaret McConnell and Bartley Gavin on the death of Margaret’s father Hugh McConnell.
The business of the meeting ended at 12.05pm.
Meeting Date 19/12/2016