Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2015

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on Monday, 23rd March, 2015 at 11 am in Meeting Room 1, Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Ms. Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Executive Planner
  • Mr. Bernard Scott, A/Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms. Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach Councillor M. Baker presided.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 19TH JANUARY, 2015.

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 19th January, 2015.”

 

2. MATTERS ARISING:

Councillor Mulvey raised the matter of the surface water on the R296 at Carrownanty, Ballymote.  He wished to express his thanks to the Area Engineer Mr. Declan Noone and his staff for the works which were carried out at this location in the interim.

Councillor Gormley queried if a costing had been prepared in respect of footpath repairs on the R296 out of Ballymote.  In response Mr. O’Toole advised the meeting that a costing had not been prepared due to funding difficulties.  Councillor Scanlon and Councillor Mulvey were in agreement with Councillor Gormley’s comments regarding the footpath and queried if the grass verge could be removed with a layer of Cl 804 stone put in its place.  Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised that this was a matter for consideration by the members as part of the roadworks programme.

Councillor Queenan queried if there was a programme of footpath works provided for in the estimates.  Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that this was being considered in the context of the roadworks programme under the Schedule of Municipal District Works.  Councillor Queenan then queried when the programme would be put before the members.  In response Mr. Kilfeather stated that it was intended to hold a special meeting to discuss the Schedule of Municipal District Works in April.  A date had yet to be agreed for the meeting.

 

3. PROPOSAL TO WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (WDC) ON ACTION PROGRAMME ON SMALL TOWNS:

The Chief Executive Mr. Hayes introduced this item by stating that the proposal had been raised at the last full Ordinary Meeting of the Council and that it was on the agenda today for the member’s consideration and comments.  The meeting was advised that the document is yet only a proposal which is still awaiting ratification by the WDC.  Whilst it contains some very positive and common sense ideas there were some reservations with regards to some of its contents.  Many of the proposals contained in the document are already being achieved through the Council structure including PPN’s, SPC’s as well as being covered by the LECP under the Planning, Community & Economic Development, Arts & Culture Directorate. 

Councillor Mulvey stated that he had hoped the document’s author would have been invited to give a presentation at the meeting.  He advised that some changes had been made to the proposal which now has a slightly altered approach and a shift in emphasis on the involvement of the WDC.  

The CE recommended that the best way forward would be for the documents author to meet with Ms. Dorothy Clarke’s directorate.  In response Ms. Clarke stated that she had no problem facilitating a meeting but urged caution as the document is not yet government policy.  The members were supportive of some of its contents but expressed reservations due to its status.  Councillor Mulvey endeavoured to keep the Council updated on the matter.

Councillor Queenan then queried who would be administering the recent announcement of €7.5m LEADER funding for County Sligo.  Ms. Dorothy Clarke advised the new LCDC’s will be the new local action groups who will deliver funding.  However LEADER would still be the delivery mechanism at a local level.

 

4. COMMENCEMENT OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT TOBERCURRY LOCAL AREA PLAN 2015-2021:

Ms. Leonora McConville advised the meeting that the draft Tobercurry LAP 2015-2021 had now been finalised.  It will go on public display from Thursday 2nd April for a period of 6 weeks until Friday 15th May, 2015.  A public information session will be held in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry on Thursday 23rd April, 2015.  Submissions are invited from members of the public on the plan.  Following the public consultation period, a report on the submissions will be prepared and circulated to members.  The plan may then go before the members for adoption at the July meeting.

 

The members thanked Ms. McConville for her report.

 

5. N4 COLLOONEY-CASTLEBALDWIN ROAD SCHEME UPDATE:

This item was introduced Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Senior Engineer who gave an overview of the project.  Mr. Bernard Scott, A/Senior Executive Engineer then proceeded to give a detailed analysis of the current status of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin proposed road development, the main points of which included:

  • Scheme Location Map
  • NRA Project Management Guidelines (7 phases, currently at phase 5)
  • Scheme description and benefits
  • Junction strategy (Mainline)
  • Structures
  • Road closures/extinguishments
  • Accident data
  • Cross section details (Mainline)(
  • Land Acquisition
  • Planning and Compulsory Purchase Order
  • Current Status 2015 (€3.5m secured for 2015 to carry out advance work contracts)
  • Detailed design and construction tender document preparation

The Cathaoirleach Councillor Baker and the members thanked Ms. Concannon and Mr. Scott for the presentation and complimented the staff of the Road Design Department.  Ms. Concannon added that the NRA is supportive of the scheme but that there is no government commitment as yet to progress the scheme to the construction stage.  She stressed that there is a window of opportunity within the next 6 months for the scheme to be included as part of a PPP bundle with the N5 project in Mayo. 

At this point Councillor Gormley proposed “that the Council write to the NRA and Minister for Transport to secure funding to progress the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Road Scheme”.  This was seconded by Councillor Scanlon and agreed.

 

With the agreement of the meeting the Cathaoirleach also moved to take agenda item number 9 at this time.

 

6. TEACH LAIGHNE ONE STOP SHOP:

AND

9. TEACH LAIGHNE MOTOR TAX OFFICE AND OTHER SERVICES:

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

AND AGREED

“I am calling on the Chief Executive to give a commitment that the Motor Tax Office will be retained in Teach Laighne along with all other services”

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. 

All of the members present added their support to the motion for the retention of services in Teach Laighne along with the retention of services in Ballymote library.

 

7. POLLNADIVA PIER:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on derrigs or lifting equipment for Pollnadiva Pier”.

In response Mr. O’ Toole, SEE advised the meeting that no funding exists for the replacement of lifting equipment at Pollnadiva Pier which has been missing for a number of years.  Mr. O’Toole added that there are H&S concerns over this matter.  In response to queries from members Mr. Tom Brennan added that the Council only receives approximately €35,000 per annum in respect of piers and harbours and this has to be split between 11 locations. 

 

8. ROAD ISSUES:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on road number L-8508 and the Monasteraden to Killaragh road, drainage at Tommy Gordan’s house outside Dromore West on the Easkey road and P. J. Reilly’s house Rathlee.”.

In response Mr. O’Toole advised that the Area Engineer will be asked for an update on each of the issues. 

In response to further queries from members Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised that reports for motions 7 and 8 will be provided as part of the road works programme for consideration by the members.  The members then queried when this meeting would take place.  Following a discussion on the matter is was agreed that the date for the meeting would be discussed at the CPG meeting which is due to take place on Friday 27th March.

 

10. TRANSFER OF LANDS TO HOLY FAMILY N.S. TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“I will ask for an update on the transfer of lands from the Council to the Holy Family N.S. Tubbercurry, for car park and set-down area”.

In response Ms. Marie Leydon, Head of Finance (on behalf of Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services who had to leave the meeting early) advised that a resolution was passed at a Council meeting held on 7th July, 2014 providing for the transfer by way of exchange a parcel of land at Connaughton Road, Sligo for lands at Ballymote Road.  The necessary documentation has been forwarded to the Council’s legal advisors for execution.  A copy of all documentation has also been forwarded to the solicitor for the HSE.  The HSE had to change to a different Solicitor than Sligo County Council; therefore, the process was delayed for a period.  As soon as legal title to the site has been acquired by Sligo County Council, we will then be in a position to start proceedings and negotiations for transfer of the site to the Holy Family National School, Tubbercurry.

 

11. GATEWAY SCHEME EMPLOYEE IN COUNCIL HOUSING ESTATES IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

“I will ask for a report on the worker in the Council estates on the Mountain Road, Tubbercurry i.e. Summerhill and Mountain View”

In response Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services advised that the Gateway Scheme employee commenced work in Tubbercurry on 9th February, 2015. The duration of his employment is 22 months.  His duties during the term of his employment are to assist in maintaining Council Housing Estates green areas, roads and footpaths in the Tubbercurry urban area. It is also intended that the worker would assist in maintaining gardens of Council dwellings where old age pensioners and persons with disabilities reside and where the tenant would welcome such help.

In response to queries from members regarding the Gateway scheme employee working with residents associations, Mr. Gavin added that contact can be made with the residents associations concerned.  Councillor Gormley added her support to the motion.

 

12. LETTER OF NOTIFICATION REGARDING HOUSING ALLOCATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To ask for further information on the letter received regarding notification to elected members regarding housing allocations”

In response Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services advised that the Council has concerns regarding the practice of notifying Councillors, TDs and MEPs of the making of housing allocations where the identity of the individual(s) being allocated houses is circulated.  The issue has arisen at network meetings of Housing Officers where interaction between some local authorities and the Data Protection Commissioner on this issue came to light.  The Commissioner wrote  to a number of Local authorities advising that  “ the release of lists for housing and allocation decisions in regard to them, to elected representatives constitutes further processing (of data) in a manner incompatible with the purpose for which it was collected” and would be in breach of Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003.  Local Authorities who had come to the attention of the Commissioner’s office in this regard were requested to cease the practice.  Checks with other Counties indicate that the practice has ceased. (Roscommon, Galway City, Galway County, Cavan, Longford, Westmeath, Louth).  To ensure the Council is not exposed for breach of Data Protection legislation it is necessary to cease circulation of allocation details.

In response to further queries from members, Mr. Gavin agreed that he would check if an arrangement could be put in place, within Data Protection requirements, that would enable Councillors who make representations on behalf of Housing applicants, be advised if and when the applicant the councillor represented is being allocated housing.

 

13. PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS FOR HOUSING MAINTENANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“ To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on the procedure used by the Council for payment to contractors, in particular the time it takes for payment to be made (to contractors for house maintenance, plumbing etc.).”

In response Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services advised the meeting that invoices are considered by the relevant Clerk of Works and where in order for payment, they are certified. Housing has looked at the processing of invoices associated with housing maintenance and, where the invoice is in order they will be processed generally within 20 days.  Where funding has been received in advance payment will be processed at following payments run, but if this is out of local authority resources it will depend on cash flow available. Every effort is made to pay Creditors within timescales specified. This is not always possible as the Council is also dependent on the receipt of outstanding monies from Debtors within timescales specified, and has to manage within the bank overdraft limit.

 

14. DUMPING AT CLOONEEN BOG OUTSIDE TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the widespread dumping that is taking place at Clooneen Bog outside Tubbercurry I am asking that Sligo Co Council have cameras erected to deter further dumping”

In response Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised the meeting that the Litter Warden inspects Cloneen Bog weekly and it is intended to erect a camera to monitor this area.

 

15. ROAD EDGE ALONG R293 AT DERRON, BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to improve the road edging along R293 at Derroon, Ballymote”.

In response Mr. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer advised the meeting that there is a dangerous edge along the R293 at Derroon and the Area Engineer will be asked to have it rectified.

 

16. EIRCOM POLE ON COOLANEY-COLLOONEY ROAD:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to contact Eircom with the need for the removal of the telegraph pole that is causing a hazard for traffic emerging onto the Coolaney-Collooney Road”.

In response Mr. O’Toole advised the meeting that the Area Engineer will be asked to acquire a costing from Eircom and he will then carry out an analysis of the benefits versus the cost.

 

17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

None was noted

 

 

The business of the meeting ended at 1.50 pm.

 

 


Meeting Date 23/03/2015