Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2016
Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on Monday 20th June, 2016 at 10am in Meeting Room 1, Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Martin Baker
- Councillor Michael Clarke
- Councillor Margaret Gormley
- Councillor Dara Mulvey
- Councillor Joe Queenan
- Councillor Keith Henry
- Councillor Paul Taylor (chair)
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Bartley Gavin A/Director of Services
- Mr. Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms. Patricia Guckian A/Head of Finance
- Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr. Conall Calleary, Veterinary Inspector
- Mr. David Golden, Area Engineer
- Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Administrative Officer
APOLOGIES:
- Councillor Jerry Lundy
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 18TH APRIL, 2016.
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To confirm the minutes of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry dated 18th April, 2016”
2. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor Mulvey stated that the public lighting at Fort Haven, Coolaney was out of order; Mr Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer, advised that the estate has not been taken in charge.
3. UPDATE ON THE REDZ PROGRAMME FOR TUBBERCURRY
Ms Margaret McConnell SEO presented a report on the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) Programme. In September 2015, Sligo County Council was approved an allocation of €150,000 in funding from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government under the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) Pilot Initiative which was matched by a local contribution of in excess of €50,000. The REDZ Initiative or the establishment of Rural Economic Development Zones in identified areas was a recommendation of the CEDRA report (Commission for Rural Development in Rural Areas) which was commissioned as a result of the decline and decimation of rural areas compounded by the recent downturn in the economy nationally. This funding enabled the roll-out of the Tubbercurry REDZ Programme.
The initiative was welcomed by the members, and they expressed the hope that this investment will generate employment opportunities in Tubbercurry and South Sligo. The Urban enhancement programme was also commended. The Meeting was advised that the REDZ project is due to be launched on the 24th of June by the Minister for Rural Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and Culture.
4. PRESENTATION ON SLIGO TRAVELLER HORSE PROJECT
Mr Conall Calleary, Veterinary Inspector presented a report on the proposed Traveller Horse Project. Mr Calleary advised members that there are ongoing issues for a number of years in Sligo and Tubbercurry, the main problems relating to illegal grazing, lack of identification and welfare issues.
Following discussions with a Longford-based charity ‘Hungry Horse’, a proposal was submitted to the Department of Agriculture for an Urban Horse Project. The Department approved the project, which has the aim of reducing the number of stray animals stemming from the Travelling Community, to encourage and assist with registration and adequate care of horses. The plan is to provide a semi-permanent base for provide a safe environment for the animals.
In response to queries Mr Calleary advised that sites have been identified for the proposed bases in Sligo and Tubbercurry.
5. CHAIN OF OFFICE BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
Mr Kevin Colreavy Administrative Officer advised the meeting that the Procedures Committee had recommended that the issue of design of the proposed Chain of Office for Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District should be referred to the District Members for consideration.
Councillor Clarke noted that he had previously raised his concerns that the official name of the District disenfranchised a large section of the county’s population as there was no reference to West Sligo.
The Members agreed that the name of the Municipal Area of Ballymote - Tobercurry should be changed to incorporate the area of ‘Dromore’ and requested that the matter be placed on the agenda for the July Council
meeting for discussion.
It was also noted that there was no reference to West Sligo in the proposed design of the chain, and the member agreed to submit any ideas or suggestions as soon as possible in order that the issue could be progressed.
6. AUGHRIS AND PULNADIVVA PIERS
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor Queenan
AND AGREED
“to call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on Aughris and Pulnadivva Piers.
Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer, reported as follows:
Aughris Pier
Repairs have been carried out to Aughris Pier in recent years. These included stabilising the pier head involving underpinning and filling voids, stitching bars and surface treatment to failing concrete walls. The cliff side quay top has also been repaired and seaweed and algae have been treated.
Further funding for works totalling €85,000 for repair works and provision of a winch has been secured for 2016. It is expected that works will be undertaken in the current year within the timeframe allowed to draw down funding from DAFFM. However, resource constraints have delayed the commencement of these works.
Pullnadivva Pier
Various repairs have been carried out at Pullnadivva Pier in the last five years including stabilising the quay walls, some underpinning , stabilising the east end walling, re-grading the slipway and minor quay top repairs. No DAFFM funding is available for this pier during the current year. Minor maintenance measures have also been carried out.
7. AUGHRIS PIER ROAD
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor Queenan
AND AGREED
“to call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on the road to Aughris Pier”.
Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer, reported as follows; The road from the Coast road to Aughris is in a reasonable condition. The road will be maintained with pot-hole repairs etc on an ongoing basis.
8. BRIDGE AT BELVILLE, DROMORE WEST
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor Queenan
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out inspection on a bridge at Belville, Dromore West, that was built in 1970 by this council to provide access to a council spring well and access for a number of farmer s to their farms and home owners, this bridge and road way was upgraded in 2006. now due to the heavy floods, the foundations have been undermine. And that a report to include the cost of the repairs needed be prepared.”
Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer, reported as follows: ‘This bridge was constructed by Sligo County Council and funded under a type of Local Improvement Scheme in 1970 approximately as stated. The road is not a public road and the road was surfaced under an LIS recently. As the bridge is not on a public road the maintenance is not the responsibility of Sligo County Council. The users of the road/bridge will have to carry out any maintenance necessary.’
9. KNOCKBRACK ROAD
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P Taylor
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to build up the ditch across from the 6 cottages on the Knockbrack road at Keash Ballymote along the section of road {just after the recent resurfacing road repairs}”.
Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that the Area Engineer will inspect this location. It is unlikely that Sligo County Council will build up a roadside ditch unless Sligo County Council damaged it or changed its effectiveness.
10. R294 MULLINABREENA
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M Gormley
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to erect SLOW DOWN TRAFFIC EXITING signage on R294 at Mullinabreena, Chaffpool, Ballymote”.
Mr P Hughes Senior Executive Engineer advised the meeting that there are adequate road signs erected along this section of R294. The Area Engineer will inspect the location to see if there are any other measures required to improve traffic safety in the area.
11. FOOTPATH CORRAN LODGE
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor K Henry
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to repair the footpath at Corran Lodge, Station road Ballymote”.
Mr P Hughes S.E.E. reported that the Area Engineer will inspect the footpath and do an estimate of the costs. This can be considered under a future schedule of Municipal Works for Ballymote Tubbercurry Municipal District.
12. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P Taylor
AND AGREED
- “That we call on Transport Infrastructure Ireland to upgrade the Pedestrian Crossing at the top of Humbert Street, Tubbercurry opposite Doohan’s Shop to a Signal Controlled Crossing in the interest of Safety”
- “The pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Tubbercurry outside Super Valu where parking on the crossing is a major safety concern. I ask Sligo Co Council to examine the possibility of further works at this location“
- “When will the pedestrian crossing be provided in Ballymote as funding of €15,000 has been provided for such works?’.
Mr P Hughes S.E.E. reported that the upgrading of the pedestrian crossing at Humbert Street, Tubbercurry, can be discussed with the TII as the TII would be funding any upgrading of this crossing.
In relation to the pedestrian crossing on Main St, Tubbercurry, Mr Hughes advised that the Engineering measures are in place for a safe pedestrian crossing. The local Gardai will have to enforce illegal parking at this crossing.
Mr Hughes confirmed that It is expected that the pedestrian crossing at Ballymote will be completed before the end of November this year.
13. RD 474 AND REGIONAL RD 296
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor K Henry
AND AGREED
“That undulations on Rd 474 at Woodhill be removed, also undulations on Regional Road 296 between Oldrock and Bunninadden at Cloonahinshin be addressed, and that this road is included in the 2017 roads programme”.
Mr P Hughes S.E.E. informed the meeting that the improvement of R296 will be considered in the 2017 Schedule of Municipal Works for Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District. The worst section will be given priority.
14. BRIDGE ON ROAD 677A TOOMOUR, KEASH
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P Taylor
AND AGREED
- “That works be carried out on bridge on road 677A Toomour, Keash in the interest of safety”
- “To ask when verge trimming will be carried out at junctions as vegetation is restricting visibility”.
Mr P Hughes S.E.E. reported that the Area Engineer will inspect the bridge and the works required will be listed. The repair of the bridge can be considered under a future Schedule of Municipal Works for Ballymote Tubbercurry Municipal District.
Mr Hughes informed the meeting that verge trimming on National Roads has commenced. Verge trimming on Non-National Roads will commence shortly (subject to adequate budgets being available). Road junctions on busy roads will be given priority.
15. NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN
Item deferred.
16. ROCKLANDS ESTATE, TUBBERCURRY
Item deferred.
17. TUBBERCURRY AND LOUGH TALT SCHEMES
Item deferred.
18. CORRESPONDENCE
Noted.
19. AOB
In relation to a query from Councillor Baker, Mr Conall Calleary, Veterinary Inspector advised members in relation to restraining of dogs that the law required that ‘they be kept under effective control.’
It was proposed by Councillor Gormley, seconded by Councillor Baker, and agreed, ‘That the Council contact the HSE to establish if they were planning to close the Day Care Centre in Ballymote.’
The meeting concluded at 12.00pm
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Meeting Date 20/06/2016