Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2015

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on Monday, 19th January, 2015 at 11 am in Sligo Folk Park, Riverstown, 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. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr. Michael Carty, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. John O’Hara, Assistant Architect
  • Mr. Declan Noone, Area Engineer
  • Mr. Joe Gethin, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Caroline McManus, Senior Staff Officer
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach Councillor M. Baker presided and welcomed those present to the Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown.

 

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:

At the outset, Councillor Lundy asked for standing orders to be suspended to discuss the recent terror attacks in Paris and for the Council to open a book of condolence in memory of the seventeen people who lost their lives.  This was agreed by the members.

On resumption of the meeting, it was

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 17TH NOVEMBER, 2014:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 17th November, 2014.”

 

2. MATTERS ARISING:

Councillor Gormley raised the matter of works at Gurteen Cross and requested that a report on the matter be circulated to members.  Councillor Taylor added that he was aware that discussions had taken place with local landowners but that because of conflicting views it was difficult to reach agreement.  The Committee was advised that the Council will do what it can at this location within funding limits available to it.

 

3. UPDATE ON OPEN LIBRARIES PILOT PROJECT:

Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian gave a report to the meeting which set out the current status of the Open Libraries Pilot Project.  A handout of the report was also circulated to the members present some of the main points being:

  • Commencement date was 17th November 2014
  • After two weeks membership stood at 42 members
  • Roof repairs led to reduction in Open Libraries from week beginning 8th December to the 30th December
  • Open Libraries has experienced some technical problems with the automatic light controls and alarms
  • The alarm system is not suited to the Open Libraries model  as 57 individuals have access to the alarm at all times
  • Bibliotecha and the alarm company were in Tubbercurry on Friday last sorting out the technical problems
  • The scaffolding for the roof repairs are still in situ and due to be removed in the next two weeks.  After the roof has been signed off on a major membership and promotion drive will take place
  • The Open Libraries in Banagher and Tullamore have operated successfully since opening in December 2014.  Over 200 members used the facility in Tullamore over the Christmas period.  In the main it was used by students to study and no problems were reported.

 

4. PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF LAND TO THE HSE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIMARY CARE UNIT AT EARLSFIELD, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO:

A report on the proposed sale was circulated to members prior to the meeting.  In response to queries from the members on the report Mr. Hayes, CE stated the following:

  • The tender process for the appointment of a contractor will be guided by procurement rules

Following further queries from the members regarding the location of a car park in the centre of Ballymote, Mr. Hayes, CE stated the following:

  • Car park – agreement has not been reached with all the relevant landowners
  • The Council will also have to have regard to the financial plan and the requirement to reduce €1m from the annual budget

 

5. PROPOSED NATIONAL BIKE CENTRE AT COOLANEY:

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, DOS delivered a report on proposed National Bike Centre at Coolaney, the main points being:

  • Within the context of Coillte Teo’s ‘Off Road Cycling Strategy’,  developed in partnership with the National Trails Office, the Rural Recreation Section of the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government, Cycling Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, lands at Coolaney have received designation as one of only four national mountain biking centres in Ireland
  • The area of land to which the designation refers is 1500 Ha and will allow for the construction of circa. 80km of mountain biking trail and associated facilities
  • Sligo County Council in conjunction with Coillte Teo and the Coolaney Development Company has been actively pursuing delivery of the project.
  • LEADER funding was obtained which enabled a feasibility study to be carried out.  The study confirmed the feasibility of the project and the next step will be to pursue all potential funding streams in order to deliver the project.

The members thanked Ms. Clarke for her report and acknowledged the work of Sligo County Council and the Coolaney Development Company in getting the project to this point.

At this point, Councillor Mulvey proposed “to ask the Coolaney Development Company to make a presentation to the full Council at the next Council meeting”.  This was seconded by Councillor Clarke and agreed.  The scheduling of the presentation is to be a matter for the full Council.

 

6. LOCAL, ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN (LECP):

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, DOS delivered a report to the meeting on the Local, Economic and Community Plan (LECP) with special emphasis placed on exploring the tourism potential for South Sligo.  The main points being:

  • Sligo County Council are currently preparing a Local, Economic and Community Plan  the purpose of which shall be for the promotion of economic development in its functional area and the promotion of local and community development
  • Economic Element: to be prepared by the local authority through the Strategic Policy Committee with responsibility for Planning and Economic Development
  • Local and Community Element: to be prepared by the Local Community Development Committee
  • Profile of the area: From the waves to the caves.
  • Strengths and weaknesses of the existing “tourism” product offering, assets, environment and infrastructure
  • Opportunities that can be explored to further enhance the tourism product in the area
  • Marketing and promotion of the area
  • Challenges and issues
  • CEDRA – Commission for the Economic Development of Rural areas.  Should the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry seek to be considered as a pilot REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zone)?

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Ms. Clarke’s report and invited comments from members.  In response to the member’s comments, Ms. Clarke stated that there is potential for Sligo to put itself forward as a pilot REDZ.  At this point the Cathaoirleach welcomed Ms. Fiona Candon, a local entrepreneur in the Riverstown area, to the meeting and invited Ms. Candon to add her comments.  Ms. Candon stressed the need for small businesses in the area to hook onto the bigger attractions including the Wild Atlantic Way.  She also recommended that local websites list distances to local tourism sites.

 

7. TRANSFER OF LAND TO THE HOLY FAMILY N.S., TUBBERCURRY:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Baker advised that as this matter had been already discussed at the full Ordinary Council meeting in December that the meeting would move to the next motion.  This was agreed. 

 

8. RECOGNITION OF THE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE IN THE SOUTH, EAST AND WEST OF THE COUNTY:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Baker advised that as this matter had been already comprehensively discussed under item 6, that the meeting would move to the next motion.  This was agreed. 

 

9. FUNDING FOR UPGRADE WORKS ON THE R294:

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

AND AGREED

“As the Regional Road, R294 is now entirely in the Ballymote, Tubbercurry, West Sligo Municipal District Area, I will ask that a special case for funding be made to upgrade this very important road link between Tubbercurry and Ballina, and Tubbercurry and Boyle.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that funding will continue to be allocated where the need exists rather than which municipal district it may be located in.  It is recognised however that the R294 will need considerable funding over the next few years.  Councillor Gormley added her support to the motion and paid tribute to the work of the Area Engineer.

 

10. FOOTPATH REPAIRS ON THE R296 OUT OF BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask that (a) the footpath and lighting be extended on the Bunninadden/Tubbercurry road R296 out of Ballymote to the two factories at Ballybrennan Tente and Ophard in the interest of safety (b) repairs to section of footpath along St. John Evangelist Church, Tubbercurry.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that while a new footpath with public lighting is desirable on the Bunninadden/Tubbercurry road R296 out of Ballymote, no funding exists for the works.  In addition no specific funding is available for repairs to the footpath adjacent to St. John Evangelist Church at Tubbercurry. This work can be included however in the list of proposals for consideration as part of a Schedule of Works for 2015.

Councillor's Gormley, Baker, Mulvey and Lundy added their support to the motion.  Mr. O’Toole agreed to provide members with costings in respect of Item (a).

 

11. SPEED RAMPS IN GURTEEN VIEW ESTATE, GURTEEN:

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

AND AGREED

“Calling on Sligo County Council to install speed ramps in Gurteen View Estate, Gurteen.”

Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that work can be carried out as soon as a source of funding can be identified.

 

12. CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND IN TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“The Children’s Community Playground in Tubbercurry, which is run by the Family Resource Centre has been closed down for the past year and a half. I am asking that Sligo County Council make contact with the Family Resource Centre to see if progress can be made to have it re-opened.”

In response Ms. Dorothy Clarke, DOS advised the meeting that the playground in Tubbercurry is the responsibility of the Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre and it was her understanding that a decision was made by them to close the playground on Health and Safety grounds.  Council staff will contact the Family Resource Centre to discuss the issues and investigate options available.  Councillors Mulvey and Taylor also wished to note their support of this motion.

 

13. FOOTPATH REPAIRS ON THE CHARLESTOWN ROAD, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“I will ask if the footpath along Gallagher Terrace on the Charlestown Road, Tubbercurry can be repaired, or a new footpath constructed as part of the Ballina Rd. R294/Charlestown Rd. N17 junction works.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that a new footpath along Gallagher Terrace is being considered as part of the N17/R294 junction improvement works, the detailed design of which is ongoing. 

 

14. ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON ROAD NO. 511.C LEITRIM SOUTH, CHAFFPOOL:

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

AND AGREED

“I will ask if any funding has been approved by the Department to carry out road improvement/drainage works on Road No. 511.c in Leitrim South, Chaffpool, where 2 families were marooned for 10 weeks last February due to flooding on this public road.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that no funding has been forthcoming from the Department of the Environment to solve the flooding problem at this location. It will also be necessary to devise a solution acceptable to the parties involved, prior to any schemes inclusion for consideration as part of a Schedule of Works for 2015.

 

15. CASHEL GARES JUNCTION ON THE N17 BETWEEN TUBBERCURRY AND CURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“Cashel gates junction on the N17 between Tubbercurry and Curry is one of the most dangerous junctions along the entire N17. I will ask this council to apply again for Department funding to make this junction safe for all road users.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that there is no funding available from the NRA to construct this scheme which was already designed and submitted to them. The location continues to be discussed with the NRA at every opportunity.

 

16. SURFACE WATER ON R296 AT CARROWNANTY, BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to address the surface water on road R296 at Carrownanty  Ballymote.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that the surface water drainage problem on the R296 at Carrownanty is being addressed by the Area Engineer.

 

17. SAFETY ISSUE AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON MIAN STREET, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to examine the safety issue at the Pedestrian crossing outside SuperValu on Main Street Tubbercurry.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that the proper use of this pedestrian crossing is being impeded by illegal parking and this continues to be brought to the attention of the local Gardai.

 

18. DERELICT BUILDING AT SEEVINESS, COOLANEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to examine the dangerous derelict building at Seeviness, Coolaney with a view to making it safe for cars and walkers.”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that the owner of the structure at Seeviness, Coolaney has been written to and it is hoped that he will make the building safe. The Area Engineer will also ensure that the location is kept as safe as possible for the public.

 

19. PUBLIC LIGHTING IN ESTATES:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to consider connecting public lighting in the following estates:

  • Castlecove, Frankford Close, Ocean View & Pebble Beach”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised the meeting that the estates mentioned are holiday developments and are not in the charge of Sligo County Council.  The Council does not have a policy or indeed financial resources to underwrite such costs for private estates.

In response the Members asked for a report to be provided in relation to the Council’s policy on public lighting.  The CE agreed and stated a report would be provided to the members in due course.

 

20. APPLICATIONS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor 
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to indicate have Sligo County Council applied for infrastructure projects on the Wild Atlantic way in County Sligo.”

In response Mr. Michael Carty, Senior Executive Engineer advised the meeting that Sligo County Council was awarded grant funding of €110,769 including Vat from Fáilte Ireland in 2014 under the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) Capital Investment Programme.  The County Sligo Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points Remedial Works Project involved remedial works at the following locations:

  1. Enniscrone
  2. Easkey
  3. Aughris Head
  4. Strandhill
  5. Rosses Point
  6. Streedagh
  7. Mullaghmore

Sligo County Council continues to liaise with Fáilte Ireland in marketing of the WAW and pursuit of additional capital funding for future infrastructural projects along the route.

 

21. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

*Workshop on ‘Assessment/Application Process for Social Housing Supports’.  This item was introduced by Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services who advised that the process provides an indication to the housing authority as to how its supply programme should be planned.  Mr. Joe Gethin, Administrative Officer then proceeded to outline the assessment/application process for social housing supports.  The Cathaoirleach Councillor Baker and the members thanked Mr. Gavin and Mr. Gethin for the presentation and complimented the staff of the housing department.

*The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes thanked the Cathaoirleach and Sligo Folk Park for facilitating the meeting in Riverstown.  The Cathaoirleach apologised for the lack of heating in the room and invited those present to lunch in the Folk Park cafe.

 

The business of the meeting ended at 1.55 pm.

 

 

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Meeting Date 19/01/2015