Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2015

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on Monday 21st December, 2015 at 11am in Meeting Room 1, Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Michael Clarke
Councillor Margaret Gormley
Councillor Jerry Lundy
Councillor Eamonn Scanlon
Councillor Paul Taylor (chair)

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr. David Golden, Area Engineer
Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

APOLOGIES:

Cllr Martin Baker, Cllr Dara Mulvey, Cllr Joe Queenan

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach Councillor P. Taylor presided.

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

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry dated 19^th October, 2015”

2. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTETOBERCURRY HELD ON 12TH NOVEMBER, 2015

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry dated 12th November, 2015”

3. MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Gormley raised a query with regards to opening hours at Tubbercurry Garda Station and queried if any response had been received from the Minister for Justice, Chief Superintendent or Inspector regarding the matter. In response Ms. Branley advised the meeting that no response had been forthcoming from the Minister’s Office but that both the Chief Superintendent and Inspector had agreed to attend a future Municipal District meeting in the New Year. A date had yet to be agreed.

Cllr Gormley also queried if the process of preparing the draft Local Area Plan for Tobercurry had recommenced. In response Ms. Whelan advised the meeting that there was no representative from planning at the meeting today but that a request would be made to planning department for an update and the members advised in due course.

4. DRAFT LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN (LECP)

Ms. Margaret McConnell, SEO delivered a report on the draft Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP), the main points of which were:

Purpose of an LECP is for a) the promotion of economic development and b) the promotion of local and community development.
The draft Plan will form the strategic framework for collective action for the promotion of economic and community development in Co. Sligo for the next six years.
The Plan has a number of High Level Goals including:
1. Employment & Economic Activity
2. Education & Training
3. Health & Wellbeing
4. Social Inclusion, Equality and Poverty
5. Environment & Climate Change
6. Collaborative Framework
Proposed Strategic Vision – By 2021 “County Sligo will be an enterprising, inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable place which values and celebrates its unique landscape, rich culture and heritage and where the wellbeing of future generations is central to everything we do”.
Action Plan – The supporting draft Action Plan outlines key realisable and tangible actions proposed for delivery over the next six years either directly by the County Council or in partnership and co-operation with other agencies and bodies.
The draft LECP must take account of the SEA Directive and Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and ensure compliance as appropriate.

Ms. McConnell stated that the draft Plan has been the subject of public consultation and public display and has been agreed by both the Strategic Policy Committee and the Local Community Development Committee. The Sligo Municipal District has adopted a statement of Support for the plan. A copy of the plan was also sent to the Northern
and Western Regional Assembly for a statement of support in relation to its consistency with any regional and spatial economic strategy, regional planning guidelines etc. It is proposed that the final draft plan together with supporting statement will be presented to the full Council for adoption in January 2016. Ms. McConnell then invited members to consider the plan and adopt a statement for consideration by the full Council and the LCDC.

The Cathaoirleach Councillor Taylor thanked Ms. McConnell for the presentation and invited comments from Members. In response the Members complimented Ms. McConnell on the plan but queried how the plan would be funded and delivered. In response Ms. McConnell advised that that was no specific funding stream. However the Council would have to identify funding sources both internally and externally and in collaboration with other groups.
It was then;

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt a statement of support on the draft Local Economic and Community Plan for consideration by Sligo County Council in accordance with Section 66C(2)(b) and 66C(3)(b) of the Local Government Reform Act
2014.

5. FLOODING ON THE NEW N59 ROAD AT TEMPLEBOY

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to seek funding from the NRA or the Department of Environment to clean and deepen the stream from the new N59 road at Templeboy to the sea to avert serious flooding that has occurred a number of times, since the new road was built and will continue to flood a number of houses on every red rain weather alert”.

In response Mr. Paddy Hughes advised the meeting that this stream flows through private lands and drains the land in the area. Surface water from a short section of N59 discharges to this stream also. A house close to the stream was flooded in the past and during the recent heavy rain (Storm Desmond). The Area Engineer will investigate the cause of the flooding and identify the works required to reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

Councillors Gormley and Lundy added their support to the motion.

6. A) FUNDING FOR ROADWORKS AT KEASH AND, B) DRAINAGE WORKS ON THE N17 AT TUBBERCURRY GAA
PITCH

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

AND AGREED

A) “Due to the destruction caused to the road by Keash Church as a result of the torrential rain where the sides of it has been ripped up exposing the watermain, debris out on the centre of road water flowing into farmyards leaving the road extremely dangerous for all road users the council calls for special funding to have extensive works carried out to eliminate this happening in the future, and

B) Request the National Transport Authority to carry out drainage works on the N17 at Tubbercurry GAA Pitch”

In response Mr. Paddy Hughes advised the meeting that:

A) With regard to the damage to the road at Keash church, works have been undertaken to make it safe for users and discussions are taking place at a local level to find a solution to this problem. Once a solution is
identified a costing will be developed in the hope that emergency funding can be obtained from the Department of Transport for damage incurred due to Storm Desmond to allow works to be undertaken, and
B) With regard to flooding at the GAA pitch, Tubbercurry, this flooding is as a result of the current system being at capacity and any proposed project will require co-operation from a number of stakeholders to provide a drainage system for the entire Carrowntober area of Tubbercurry. It would be ill-advised to simply allow further waters from
this area of Tubbercurry to discharge into the Town Centre system as this could result in the flooding of the Town Centre as has happened in previous years. There is no funding to do this work at present.

Cllr Taylor added his support to the motion.

7. PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN DROMORE WEST

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

AND AGREED

“As under planning application 05/305, the requirement for a pedestrian crossing is no longer enforceable under the planning permission, I call on Sligo County Council to take immediate action to provide a pedestrian crossing in the village of Dromore West”.

In response Mr. Paddy Hughes advised the meeting that this request can be considered for funding in a future schedule of municipal works for Ballymote/Tubbercurry Municipal District. The TII (formerly NRA) would have to fund this project.

8. EASKEY GRAVEYARD

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

AND AGREED

Mr. Hughes advised the meeting that he was not aware of the sale of land at Rathlee as described above. He proceeded to state that there are some improvements required at the graveyard such as the access road surface, the entrance gates etc. The Enniscrone Area Engineer will prioritise the works required and carry out some repairs in early 2016 with the funding available.

Cllr Clarke stated that €20,000 was to be forwarded to the Council in respect of the sale of land at Rathlee. Ms. Whelan advised that the Council had not received these funds as of yet.

9. A) DRAINAGE AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON THE ACHONRY ROAD OUT OF BUNNINADDEN (R517) AND, B) OVERGROWN SHRUBBERY AT CAMROSS HOUSING ESTATE, BALLYMOTE

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

A) “That drainage and improvement works be carried out on the Achonry road out of Bunninadden (R517) and,
B) Calling on the Council to have overhanging branches on trees opposite Camross Housing Estate, Ballymote cut as they are obstructing the public lighting system”.

In response Mr. Paddy Hughes advised the meeting that:
A) Drainage works to alleviate flooding problems at Gormley villas are being undertaken at present and this location can be considered as part of the Schedule of Municipal works for the Ballymote / Tubbercurry Municipal District for 2016 subject to the appropriate funding levels and Cllrs approval of proposed schedule of works and,
B) Sligo County Council is in the process of engaging a specialist contractor to carry out these works.

10. WORKS TO BRIDGE ON JUNCTION OF ROAD 429/429A MOYLOUGH

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

AND AGREED

“That improvement works be carried out on bridge at the junction of road 429/429A Moylough”.

Mr. Paddy Hughes advised the meeting that there is no funding at present to upgrade this bridge but this scheme can be considered as part of the Schedule of works for the Ballymote / Tubbercurry Municipal District for 2016 subject to the appropriate funding levels and Cllrs approval of proposed schedule of works.

11. FUNDING FOR FLOOD DAMAGE AND ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF RECENT FLOODIN

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

AND AGREED

“This Council calls on the Government to:-
a) put an Emergency Action Plan in place to help victims of flooding,
b) provide extra funding to Sligo Co. Co. to re-instate roads in south Sligo that are severely damaged by the recent flooding,
c) help the families in Leitrim South, Chaffpool, who are marooned yet again by flooding on Public Road 511C.”

Mr. Paddy Hughes advised the meeting that Sligo County Council is currently compiling a report for the Department of the Environment outlining the damage and repair costs of Storm Desmond. It is hoped that funding will be forthcoming to allow the repair to be undertaken in early January / February 2016.

Cllr Taylor added his support to the motion and complimented the area office staff for their work with the recent spell of bad weather. Cllrs Lundy and Scanlon wished to be associated with Cllr Taylor’s comments.

12. SIGNAGE ON THE N17 SLIGO ROAD, TUBBERCURRY AT ENTRANCE TO SPRINGVALE AND PARKLANDS HOUSING ESTATES

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

AND AGREED

“To provide road signage/arrows on the N17 Sligo Road, Tubbercurry, each side of the entrance to “Springvale” and “Parklands” Estates in the interest of road safety.”

Mr. Paddy Hughes advised the meeting that road markings and signage on the National Routes is a matter for the TII. Currently the TII have a programme of works which includes the renewing of road marking and the removal of directional arrows thus the laying of arrows at this location may not meet with the TII approval. The local Area office will inspect the location and augment signage at the location if deficient. Councillor Gormley then asked the proposer of the motion to amend the motion to include all housing estates in the County. This was agreed by Councillor Lundy.

13. VACANT COUNCIL HOUSES IN MOUNTAIN VIEW ESTATE, TUBBERCURRY

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

AND AGREED

“To ask how many Council houses are vacant in “Mountain View” Estate, Tubbercurry, and when will they be allocated to local people who are in need of housing”.

In response Mr. Joe Murphy, SEO advised the meeting that the Council has 7 vacant units in Mountain View, (4 awaiting repairs and 3 requiring major refurbishment). The Council has allocated houses in Mountain View to applicants approved for social housing support in line with adopted policies and procedures and a number of re-lets have recently taken place. Sligo County Council are prudent with regards to refurbishment in Mountain View and do not refurbish properties without an approved prospective tenant in mind.

The Council carried out a Choice Based Letting Scheme towards the end of 2014 with a view to allocating properties in hard to let areas and Mountain View was included in this. The scheme yielded 3 no. applicants with an interest in Mountain View. 2 have been accommodated.1 has withdrawn. The Council is not aware at this moment of any other persons (who meet the requirements for social housing support) who are interested in living in Mountain View. The Council will consider representations from Members for the vacant units provided the persons have been approved for Social housing support. The Council will also again consider carrying out a Choice Based letting Scheme in 2016 which would include Mountain View.

Councillor Gormley then queried the position with regards to Connolly Park, Tubbercurry and called on the Minister for Housing to provide funding to finish the estate. Her comments were supported by Councillors Clarke, Scanlon and Taylor. Councillor Clarke then queried the position with regards to applications for once off housing in West Sligo. In response Mr. Murphy, SEO stated that staff resources were an issue for housing, with the section having
lost 4 staff but that the section would endeavour to progress the applications in 2016.

14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Ms. Whelan referred to the query on the Tubbercurry Local Area Plan from earlier in the meeting, and stated that she had since received an update from the Planning Department. The priority for the first half of 2016 is the County Development Plan. Recommencing the process of the Tubbercurry Local Area Plan would begin in the second half of 2016.

Cllr Lundy extended a vote of congratulations to Sligo County Council and the Sligo Volunteer Centre who were successful on the European stage in securing Sligo as the venue for the Volunteering Capital of Europe for 2016.

15. VOTES OF SYMPATHY

Proposed by Cllr. M. Gormley
Seconded by Cllr. E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

"That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Paddy Hughes, Senior
Executive Engineer on death of his mother."

Proposed by Cllr. J. Lundy
Seconded by Cllr. M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Pearse Burke, Engineer on
the death of his father Gerry Burke, Ballyara, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo."