Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2016
Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on Monday 18th April, 2016 at 11am in Meeting Room 1, Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Martin Baker
- Councillor Michael Clarke
- Councillor Margaret Gormley
- Councillor Jerry Lundy
- Councillor Dara Mulvey
- Councillor Joe Queenan
- Councillor Keith Henry
- Councillor Paul Taylor (chair)
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
- Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. David Golden, Area Engineer
- Ms. Lorraine Fitzgerald, Staff Officer
APOLOGIES:
No apologies
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 15th FEBRUARY, 2016.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry dated 15th February, 2016”
2. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTETOBERCURRY DRAFT SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS HELD ON 24TH MARCH, 2016.
Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry dated 15th February, 2016”
3. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
4. SOUTH SLIGO 1916 COMMEMORATIVE GARDEN
Mr. Donal Tinney gave his report on the opening of South Sligo 1916 Commemorative Garden at Banada and paid tribute to the great work done by the local community in Banada in helping deliver this project adding that hopefully the weather will stay fine for the event.
Cllr Lundy relayed his thanks to Mr. Tinney for the presentation and especially for all of his help with this Programme. The community is delighted to be hosting this event on the banks of the river Moy. Cllr Lundy also queried whether a few little pieces of work could be done in the area on the potholes in advance of the event.
The members congratulated all involved and acknowledged the effort put in by staff and the local community.
5. DAY OF COMMEMORATION APRIL 24TH
Mr. Donal Tinney gave an update to the Members regarding the Day of Commemoration on Sunday, April 24th, giving the full background and outline of the Procession for the day and also for the Civic Reception that evening. Members are asked to be at the Mercy Convent at 12.04.
Cllrs Taylor and Gormley commented on the huge work and planning that has gone into this and complimented Donal and the staff.
8. ROADSIDE DUMPING AT JUNCTION OF R293 AND N17
With the agreement of the Members, The Cathaoirleach proceeded to move on to take agenda item No. 8 as Cllr Lundy was out of the room at this point:
Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to address the serious roadside dumping which is taking place in the general vicinity of Clarkes Bridge at the junction of the R293 and N17, by erecting signage or installing a camera”.
Cllr Henry made the point that this has become a big problem and with all of the work being done by Tidy Towns committees, it is very disheartening. There was a general discussion in relation to difficulties in the excellent work done by community committees being undermined by littering and encouraging the general public to report issues to the Environmental Section.
The Chief Executive spoke about the need to have evidence for prosecutions agreeing that dumping is carried out by individuals, destroying the work being done by locals and affecting community spirit. The Local Authority is open to all measures in addressing this blight and need the cooperation of communities. If cameras are to be installed, the locations will obviously not be disclosed. This is an ongoing problem which the Council constantly endeavour to address.
9. MAINTENANCE WORK ON THE R293
Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out maintenance work on the bend of the R293 at Knockadalteen. Numerous accidents occur on this bend and there is currently a dip on the road at this location which may
contribute to future accidents.”
Cllr. Henry informed the meeting that not a month goes by where there is not an accident and perhaps if there was a speed limit reminder put up it may help matters.
Cllrs Baker and Taylor added their support to this motion.
Cllr. Mulvey also supported the motion adding that work done on the dip in the road towards the piggery has made a big difference, so if a similar job could be done it would help.
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that The Ballymote Area Engineer will investigate and prepare a report on this matter.
10. POSITION RE TAKING IN CHARGE OF FAIRWAYS ESTATE, TUBBERCURRY
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That we be provided with a detailed report on the position on the completion and taking in charge of Fairways Estate, Tubbercurry”
Cllr. Taylor and Cllr. Lundy added their support to the motion.
Mr. Frank Moylan informed the meeting that:
The Council has made formal claims on the planning bonds which were provided by Ulster Bank. The Bank subsequently informed the Council that the Loans were sold to a third party. A receiver has been appointed to certain assets of the company and are taking an active role in progressing the negotiations for completing the development. The Council understands that the new owner of the loans is willing to engage a contractor to carry out the works as agreed with the Council. However issues relating to way leaves must be finalised prior to the
appointment of the preferred contractor.
Cllr. Gormley thanked Mr. Moylan for his report and asked if there was an indication as to what stage it is at and Mr. Moylan informed her that at the moment it is between Irish Water and the developer, but that progress is being made.
11. WARNING LIGHTS AT N17 JUNCTION AT ACHONY
With the agreement of the meeting it was agreed to deal with Items 11 & 14 at the same time.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“In the past month two accidents have occurred on the N17 at Achonry I am requesting that Flashing Lights warning motorists to reduce speed be erected at this location”
Cllr Lundy commented that it shows how important this matter is when there are 2 notices of motion regarding the junctions at this very busy location.
The other members also added their support to the motions.
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that:
The location will be inspected in the coming weeks to confirm if accidents are as a result of driver error / behaviour or road alignment. If an engineering solution is possible this location will be discussed with the TII. If accidents are as a result of driver error / behaviour – overtaking on continuous white line etc the matter will be discussed
with An Gardai Siochana.
Mr. Hughes also pointed out that there is a continuous white line on the road and the Council has done works to improve sightlines. Cllr. Gormley thanked Mr. Hughes for his report and asked if the lights currently being used at Ballinacarrow could be moved to this location.
The Chief Executive commented that it is ultimately down to modifying driver behaviour but we will examine the situation in relation to the flashing lights.
6. REMOVING/RELOCATING EIR POLES
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“This Council calls on Telecom Eireann, now “Eir” to remove/relocate all dangerous Eircom poles from along roadsides and housefronts in County Sligo. They (Eir) put them there and they are their property.
This to be carried out in the interest of road safety”.
Cllr. Lundy raised the issue of the huge cost to new homeowners in having the poles relocated and there was a discussion in relation to same and the fact that it is a condition in many planning permissions with the query being raised whether we could change the current policy here in Sligo or look for a lower standard fee from Eir. It was noted that even though this has been raised on numerous occasions and Eir have been invited to respond or to attend a meeting, they have made no response to date. Cllrs Gormley, Clarke, Mulvey, Queenan and Henry
added their support to the motion regarding this ongoing problem.
The Chief Executive informed the meeting that the issue here is cost and that is a national issue. If somebody is looking to develop their land, there is an obligation on them to comply with many requirements of statutory agencies and it is not for us to omit conditions from a planning permission as there is a responsibility there.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather added that changing planning conditions is not a road we can go down because we would be leaving the Council open to exposure in terms of insurance.
Cllr. Gormley suggest having this raised and passed at a full Council meeting and circulating the resolution to other Councils in an effort to raise it at national level. The Chief Executive suggested putting this on the next Council meeting Agenda.
7. TAKING IN CHARGE OF MEADOWBROOK ESTATE IN TUBBERCURRY
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask the Council what plans are in place for the Taking in Charge of “Meadowbrook Estate” on the Mountain Road in Tubbercurry.”
Cllr. Gormley offered her support to this motion.
Mr. Frank Moylan informed the meeting that:
The development has not been completed to the satisfaction of the Council. In this regard, an Enforcement Notice issued on the 16th March 2015 outlining the required steps to be taken to bring the development to a standard that will allow the Council to take the development in charge. A further inspection will be carried out on the development to confirm if there has been any further progress. It should be noted that the bond expired in June 2013.
12. UPDATE ON FAULTY LIGHTS IN FORT HAVEN ESTATE COOLANEY
With the agreement of the meeting it was agreed to deal with Items 12 & 21 at the same time.
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the faulty public lights in Fort Haven estate Coolaney”.
Cllrs Lundy and Clarke added their support to this motion.
The meeting was informed that:
The infrastructural Services section has agreed to take the public lighting for the estate known as Fort Haven in charge. The process for the reconnection of the lights has commenced.
13. MISSING CHEVRON AT BRIDGE ON ROAD L-6804
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to replace the missing chevron at the bridge on road L-6804”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather informed the meeting that:
We will replace the chevron on the L6804-0 in the next two weeks.
In response to a further query, Cllr. Mulvey was advised that the footbridge link with Fort Haven would be checked.
14. SAFETY MEASURES AT ACHONRY ON N17.
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“4 traffic accidents have occurred recently at Achonry on the N17, (beside Aurivo Stores). I will ask the Council to investigate safety measures at this location, as there are 2 very busy junctions off the N17 here, one to Lavagh village and one to Achonry/Bunninadden.”
This item was dealt with along with item No. 11 above.
15. REPAIR OF FOOTPATHS ALONG SLIGO ROAD, TUBBERCURRY
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask if footpaths can be repaired along the Sligo Road, Tubbercurry, where private property is being flooded with water coming in off the public road.”
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that:
The location will be inspected by the local Area Engineer in the coming weeks and an application for funding will be lodged with the TII.
16. MOVING OF SPEED LIMIT SIGNS WHEN SPEED LIMITS REVIEWED
Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask that when speed limits are being reviewed, the speed limit signs on road no.407 Aclare would be moved out past the plastic Factory in the interest of road safety.”
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that:
Consideration to the relocation of the speed limits within Aclare village will be considered during the Speed Limit Review process in the coming months.
Cllr. Clarke queried when this review would be carried out as he has a query regarding Dromore West as well and Mr. Hughes instructed him to make his suggestion and it would be looked at also.
17. WORKS ON R293 AT KILFREE
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
“I call on Sligo Co Council to have works carried out on Regional Road 293 at Kilfree where a section of ditch has slipped in.”
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that:
The location will be inspected by the local Area Engineer in the coming weeks and the matter will be discussed with the relevant landowner or owners to develop a solution to this issue. Once agreement has been reached with all affected parties the required works will be programmed subject to the required resources being available to the Municipal District.
Cllr. Gormley queried when this work is to begin and Mr. David Golden informed her that it should be next week.
18. SPEED CALMING IN BALLINAFAD
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo Co Council to look at the appropriate measures of Speed Calming for the village of Ballinafad.”
Cllrs Baker and Gormley added their support to this motion. There is a big concern here because of the school at this location.
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that:
There is no funding to carry out traffic calming measures in the current year. However Sligo County Council will carry out a speed survey and consider the appropriate traffic calming treatment options.
19. RELOCATE JUNCTION AT DUBAILLE, CLOONLOO
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo co council to approve measures to relocate the junction at Dubaille, Cloonloo due to the danger it poses to all motorists travelling on the Dubaille road and the R294.”
Cllr. Taylor added that he has been in contact with the landowner and there will not be a difficulty in getting permission from them for works. This area attracts a lot of tourist because of Lough Arrow.
Cllrs Gormley and Lundy added their support to this motion.
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that:
The location will be inspected and an application for funding under a low cost accident scheme will be lodged with the Department for consideration for works in 2017
20. REPAIR OF ROAD AT BRICKEEN
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to repair road at Brickeen, Castlebaldwin”.
Cllr. Baker added that he would be willing to use Councillor’s Proposal monies for this section of road to be done.
Mr. Paddy Hughes informed the meeting that:
This will be included in the pothole repair programme.
21. PUBLIC LIGHTING AT KINGSFORT MANOR, BALLINTOTHER
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to investigate public lighting at Kingsfort Manor,Ballintogher”
The meeting was earlier informed that:
Kingsfort Manor is not taken in charge by Sligo County Council. Sligo County Council is engaged in the process of bringing the estate up to a standard for recommendation to be Taken in Charge. The issue regarding public lighting will be dealt with in this process.
22. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr. Gormley raised her concern in relation to speed limits in Estates. The Chief Executive informed the meeting that there is a movement towards reducing limits and Mr. Kilfeather stated that there may have been some correspondence within the past week - he will check and circulate any information.
Cllr. Gormley also raised the issue of flooding a particular private house. Mr. David Golden stated that discussions have taken place with the OPW but there does not appear to be a suitable design solution at a reasonable cost at present. There was a discussion in relation to the situation and the possibility of having to relocate altogether.
Cllr Gormley enquired about the R296-294 road, the condition of which is deteriorating and Cllr. Henry also expressed concern regarding this road. Mr. David Golden informed the meeting that it has been included for funding in the 3 year proposal which will be forwarded to members.
Cllr. Mulvey asked that the markings of the disabled parking bay in Ballymote outside the Post Office be looked at because it is not very visible at present. Cllr’s Baker and Gormley also their added support to this.
In conclusion, the Cathaoirleach thanked all for attending.
The business of the meeting ended at 12.55pm
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Meeting Date 18/04/2016