Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2015

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on Monday 13th July, 2015 at 11am in Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Michael Clarke
  • Councillor Margaret Gormley
  • Councillor Jerry Lundy
  • Councillor Dara Mulvey
  • Councillor Joe Queenan
  • Councillor Eamonn Scanlon
  • Councillor Paul Taylor (chair)

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr. John O’Flaherty, A/ Senior Engineer Engineer
  • Ms. Mihaela Davidescu, A/Senior Executive Planner
  • Ms. Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
  • Mr. Noel Ballantyne, A/Executive Technician
  • Mr. John O’Hara, Assistant Architect
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Martin Baker

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach Councillor P. Taylor presided.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 18TH MAY, 2015:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry dated 18th May, 2015”

 

2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 22ND JUNE, 2015:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry dated 22nd June, 2015”

 

3. MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

 

With the agreement of the meeting the Cathaoirleach Councillor Taylor moved to take items 5 and 6 on the agenda next.

5. SALE OF LANDS AT MULLAGHROE, GURTEEN, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To note report on sale of Sligo County Council lands at Mullaghroe, Gurteen, Co. Sligo to Ann McLoughlin”

 

6. N17/R294 JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS 2015 SCHEME:

Mr. John O’Flaherty, A/Senior Engineer gave an overview of the scheme including the need for the scheme, how the scheme developed and how the scheme will progress.  He stated that the scheme will involve the acquisition of 0.7422 Ha of land (and 0.1410 Ha of land temporarily) and 2 No. Residential Dwellings permanently.  16 known landowners, lessees and occupiers and a total of 31 permanent and 7 temporary individual plots are affected.  He also outlined details of the Compulsory Purchase Order process to the meeting.  While the Compulsory Purchase Order process is in train, Sligo County Council Road Design team will endeavour to prepare a detailed design and contract documents for issue to tender.  The tender could potentially be advertised and a contractor identified in late 2015 with a construction start in early 2016.  It is estimated that a 20 week construction period would be sufficient to complete the contract.

The members welcomed the works and thanked Mr. O’Flaherty and the Road Design Section for their hard work.

 

4. DRAFT TOBERCURRY LOCAL AREA PLAN 2015-2021 (LAP):

Mr. Joe Murphy, A/Director of Services introduced this item and Ms. M. Davidescu, A/Senior Executive Planner then proceeded to present an overview of the First Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Tobercurry Local Area Plan 2015-2021.  Following pre-draft consultations in June/July 2014, a Draft LAP was prepared and placed on public display from 2nd April to 15th May, 2015.  A total of fifteen submissions were received in response to the invitation to comment on the Draft LAP including one internal submission from within Sligo County Council, the contents of which were summarised in the Chief Executive’s report. 

Ms. Davidescu then proceeded to outline each submission to the members.  Following discussion on each of the submissions, the members proposed the following amendments:

 

Submission No. 7

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“1) Extend the development limit to include the site marked 7B on the submissions map, 2) change the zoning of the site from buffer to residential, 3) Amend the zoning map and Chapter 5 – Housing to incorporate H03 on the zoning map permit the construction of 2 houses, 4) amend map 4 to include the site as infill”

 

Submission No. 9

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“Page 72 – Transport and Circulation objectives - Omit “One way systems and access restrictions” and reword objective TCO-5 to state “carry out traffic study and prepare and implement traffic management plan for town centre”

 

Submission No. 15

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“Reject the Chief Executives recommendation on submission No. 15 and for the zoning on this site to be retained for transport and parking node”

 

With the agreement of the meeting the Cathaoirleach Councillor Taylor moved to take Councillor Queenan’s motion no. 17 at this time.

17. BUFFER ZONES – TOBERCURRY LOCAL AREA PLAN:

“I will ask Sligo County Council to review the Tubbercurry Local Development Plan in relation to the buffer zones, due to the negative effect it will have on rural development”. 

Councillor Queenan asked for clarity with regards to buffer zones in the LAP.  Ms. Davidescu provided the members with a report explaining the rationale for their inclusion in the plan.  Following a lengthy discussion among the members it was then:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“Propose to reject the buffer zone as proposed in the Tobercurry Local Area Plan 2015-2021”

 

4. DRAFT TOBERCURRY LOCAL AREA PLAN 2015-2021 (LAP):

Following further discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“Having considered Draft Local Area Plan for Tobercurry, the associated SEA and AA Reports and the Chief Executive’s Report dated 26 June 2015, it appeared to the members of the Planning Authority that the Draft Plan should be altered in accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Executive and the resolution(s) passed at this meeting.  The proposed changes, if made, would represent a material alteration of the Draft Plan.  It is hereby resolved, in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 20000 (as amended), that the proposed amendments be put on public display for a period of not less than four weeks and that submissions and observations be invited from the public for further consideration by the Planning Authority.

 

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:

At this point it was agreed to suspend the meeting at 1.30pm and reconvene later in the afternoon following the conclusion of the Special meeting which was scheduled to start at 2.00pm.

 

RESUMPTION OF MEETING:

The meeting resumed at 4.00pm with the Cathaoirleach Councillor P. Taylor presiding.

 

7. SLIGO GREENWAY CO-OP LTD:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred to the October meeting of the Municipal District.

 

8. PLAYGROUND FUNDING:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“The Minister for Children James Reilly T.D. has recently allocated €5,000 Euro each for necessary repair works for playgrounds in 3 areas in County Donegal.  I will ask if this Council can apply for similar funding for repair works and re-open the playground on the Mountain Road, Tubbercurry”

Mr. J. Murphy, A/Director of Services advised that the playground in Tubbercurry was previously the responsibility of the Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre; Sligo County Council was not involved in the running of the playground.  It is the Council’s understanding that the community had sought to relocate the existing playground and is in discussions with Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB.  The funding referred to was provided under the DCYA Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation 2015 all of which has been allocated for this year.

 

9. ERECTION OF ART PIECE/MONUMENT IN RECOGNITION OF GALLAGHER FAMILY, TUBBERCURRRY:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“I will ask the Council to consider erecting an art piece or monument to the Gallagher Family of Cashel, Curry in Tubbercurry in recognition of their contribution to the business life of South Sligo.  The Gallagher Family set up several businesses in Tubbercurry, including Basta and Tool and Guage, which continues to give employment in the area”

Mr. J. Murphy, A/Director of Services advised the meeting that this is a matter for the members.  A sum will have to be provided in the Budget in 2016 for erecting such a piece if approved by the Members.

 

10. WATER TREATMENT PLANT AT LOUGH TALT:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

“I will ask for a report on the upgrade of the water treatment plant at Lough Talt”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that it is proposed that a new water treatment plant will be constructed approximately 200m on the Tubbercurry side of the current water treatment plant.  The planning application for the new plant was submitted on behalf of Irish Water on 3 July.  Subject to planning approval etc, it is estimated that the construction of the new plant should commence in 2016, and that the work will be substantially completed in early 2017.  Regarding the existing water treatment plant, some interim upgrade work is proposed to be carried out. It is estimated that this will be completed by the end of 2015.

 

11. TEACH LAIGHNE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“Now that the Library has reopened in Teach Laighne after its temporary closure in June causing major inconvenience to the general public, we the members of the Municipal District of  Ballymote/Tubbercurry call on the management of the Council to give a commitment that there will be no further closures and that all services including Library and Motor Tax remain  in Teach Laighne in a building the Council own”

The Chief Executive, Mr. Ciarán Hayes advised the meeting that the operation of services within Teach Laighne is currently under review.  While it is the Council’s desire to keep all services open at this location, nothing can be confirmed as negotiations are still ongoing with staff and Unions.  This matter is also tied in to ongoing discussions between the Council and the Department in relation to workforce planning and the financial plan.  The meeting was advised that members would be informed as soon as an update was available.

 

12. TEMPLEBOY GRAVEYARD

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To consider the erection of lights at Templeboy graveyard”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that the Area Engineer will look at this location however it is unlikely that the Council will be able to erect public lighting at this location due to the cost of installation and ongoing running costs.  However an estimate of costs will be prepared and the Council will revert to the members on the matter.

 

13. TITLE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to take the necessary action to have this Municipal District officially named Ballymote-Tobercurry-Dromore Municipal District”

Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services advised the meeting that the titles of the Municipal Districts in Sligo are fixed by Statutory Instrument, i. e. “County of Sligo Local Electoral Areas and Municipal Districts Order 2014” (S.I. No. 64 of 2014).  The changing of the name of the Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District would require a revision of this order by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.   A letter issued to the Minister on 06/07/15 advising him of the motion submitted and asking if the matter can be addressed.  Members will be advised when a response is received from the Minister.

 

14. ESTATES TAKEN IN CHARGE

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley 
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That we be provided with the up-to-date position on the completion and taking in charge of the following estates;

  • Flowerhill Estate, Bunninadden
  • Woodbrook Estate, Culfadda
  • Cois na Habhainn Estate, Gurteen
  • Springvale, Fairways, and Parklands Estates, Tubbercurry”

Mr. J. Murphy, A/Director of Services provided a detailed update to the members on the various estates.  The members asked that this report be circulated to them.  This was agreed to by Mr. Murphy.

 

15. ROAD REPAIRS

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That the section of road on Regional Road 296 in the village of Bunninadden (section out the Tubbercurry Road from the village very dangerous) and section at Cloonahinshin where an undulation is a major safety issue, that both sections be repaired as a matter of urgency”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that the Area Engineer is currently obtaining estimates for the above repairs.  This process will be finalised in the coming week with repairs to be undertaken within 6 weeks subject to the necessary funds being available in the Roads Budget.

 

16. MOUNT IRWIN GRAVEYARD:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“As Mount Irwin graveyard is reaching capacity, I will ask Sligo County Council for a report on the intentions to extend the grounds”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that investigations took place several years ago in an attempt to identify and purchase additional lands for an extension to this cemetery however these investigations were not successful.  The remaining capacity of this burial ground will initially have to be quantified to determine the extent of extension required.  It should be noted that any extension will be subject to land purchase and also consideration by the Heritage Office due to the presence of a National Monument within the boundary of the existing graveyard.

 

18. SPEED LIMITS ON THE R297 AT MAIN STREET, ENNISCRONE:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

19. BUFFER ZONES – ENNISCRONE LOCAL AREA PLAN:

Councillor Queenan advised that his motion was sufficiently addressed as part of the discussions for item no. 17.

 

20. LICENCES FOR COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY ON ENNISCRONE BEACH AND UNAUTHORISED TRADING IN ENNISCRONE:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

21. DISABLED PARKING BAY IN BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey 
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to repaint the disabled parking bay outside the Post Office in Ballymote”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that this will be included in the 2015 lining programme.

 

22. OVERGROWN HEDGES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey 
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to cut the overgrown hedges along the road from Ballindoon Cross to Des McDonagh’s Pub, Ballyrush”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that the cutting back of boundary hedges is the land owner’s responsibility.  However they will be contacted to cut back their hedges when it is appropriate to do so.

 

23. CORRESPONDENCE:

This was noted by the members.

 

24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor E. Scanlon raised the matter of mobile phone coverage in the Ballymote area.  He enquired if there was any update from the phone providers following the Council’s letter to them and asked if a further reminder letter could be sent.

The Cathaoirleach Councillor Taylor took the opportunity to wish the Senior and Minor Sligo GAA teams all the best in their respective Connaught finals at the weekend. 

The Chief Executive Mr. Ciarán Hayes took the opportunity to wish the Cathaoirleach Councillor Taylor all the best in his new role as manager of the U21 Sligo GAA team.

 

 

The business of the meeting ended at 4.40 pm.

 

 


Meeting Date 13/07/2015