Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2021

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 19th April 2021 at 15.00 p.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Michael Clarke (Cathaoirleach)
  • Councillor Martin Baker
  • Councillor Martin Connolly
  • Councillor Gerard Mullaney
  • Councillor Dara Mulvey
  • Councillor Joseph Queenan
  • Councillor Paul Taylor

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (via video link)
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Clodagh Quinn, Staff Officer
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer
  • Aine Carr, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke, presided and welcomed those present to the meeting.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 15th FEBRUARY 2021:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 15th February 2021”.

 

2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 16TH MARCH 2021

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CONNOLLY

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote – Tubbercurry held on 16th March 2021”.

 

3.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

 

4.  OUTDOOR RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME (ORIS) 2020:

Mr. T. Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive informed the members that development and design works had begun on this project but onsite works were disrupted as a result of the current Covid 19 Level 5 restrictions.  It is hoped to progress the project as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Councillor Connolly welcomed the funding to the area and stated that the facility would be good for tourism and result in being a great amenity for the area.

Councillor Taylor complimented Sligo County Council and the local community on work completed to date and stated that it would enhance tourism in the South Sligo area.

 

5. ERECTION OF SAFETY BARRIERS ON N59 AT LUGAWARRY, BELTRA:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN

AND AGREED

“To call on the TII to erect safety barriers on the N59 at Lugawarry, Beltra across from Eircode F91 VE28 in the interest of public safety”.

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service stated that Sligo County Council would refer the request to the TII for them to survey the area and install a safety barrier if they determined that the need was warranted.

 

6. WIDENING OF BRIDGES AT TRAWEE AND TAYLORS BRIDGE, DOONFLIN UPPER, SKREEN:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to give an update as to when works will be carried out on widening bridges at Trawee and Taylors Bridge, Doonflin Upper, Skreen”.

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service informed the members that the Enniscrone Area Engineer will widen the bridge at Trawee by approximately two foot to facilitate wide vehicles.  It is hoped to have this completed by the end of the year.  Ms. Concannon also stated that there are no plans at present to widen the bridge at Doonflin.

Councillor Clarke conveyed his disappointment that the Doonflin bridge was not going to be widened as he considered this to be a strategic bridge which could be used should traffic need to be diverted.  Councillor Clarke felt that the width of the bridge was a health and safety risk and he hoped that this request would be considered as he had raised the matter before and did not want to have to revisit the matter again.

 

7. A SSIGNMENT OF FULL TIME LIFEGUARDS AT DUNMORAN BEACH:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to assign full time lifeguards at Dunmoran beach given that we will again experience huge crowds because of staycations and to outline the councils plan for enhanced cover in the County”.

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service, informed the members that Sligo County Council were constrained as to how many lifeguards they can have on duty at any one time as a result of budget constraints and the number of successful applicants that are received.  As the recruitment process is ongoing, it is not possible to determine what the situation will be for the coming season.  Lifeguard cover will be provided at this beach at weekends during July and August as proposed and budgeted for in the 2021 budget.

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service, also stated that recruitment was ongoing for Amenity Wardens, who will be based throughout the county on a trial basis for the summer at beaches and amenity areas.  These wardens will deal with parking and littering.  It was highlighted that Sligo County Council are committed to working with all relevant partners to ensure that water safety issues are addressed as quickly and comprehensively as possible.

Councillor Clarke stated that he was satisfied with this response and Councillor Mulvey also supported the motion.  Councillor Queenan supported the motion and welcomed the proposed addition of the Amenity Wardens.

 

8.  RUBBISH SKIPS AT TUBBERCURRY RECYCLING CENTRE/WASTE DISPOSAL COMPANIES:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CONNOLLY

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council, in light of the very successful community clean ups and litter picks around the County and unfortunately the usual mountain of rubbish collected, can the possibility be explored to have rubbish skips located at the Tubbercurry recycling facility as it appears there is adequate space at this location? Also, it would discourage some of the dreadful fly tipping that is now blighting our countryside. Has Sligo County Council considered working with waste disposal companies who provide self-compacting skips which are clean and self-serviceable?”

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service informed the members that Tubbercurry recycling facility is operated by Barna Waste on behalf of Sligo County Council.   Sligo County Council would not be in a position to put skips at this facility given the costs and maintenance involved and the potential for the skips to be misused.  The council will continue to support the community with the clean ups while considering other possible solutions to address the issue of waste management in the area.

Councillor Mulvey suggested the possibility of looking at having a self-compacting bin at the recycling centre in Tubbercurry given the distance it is to alternative waste disposal centres from South Sligo.

Councillor Baker and Councillor Taylor supported the motion and Councillor Connolly welcomed the possibility of having a general waste management facility in Tubbercurry. 

 

9.  ROAD VERGE OF R293 FROM CLARKES BRIDGE TOWARDS CARNEE, BALLYMOTE:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D.MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to inspect the deteriorating road verge of R293 along sections from Clarke’s bridge towards Carnaree, Ballymote.  Local residents have contacted me to state there have already been some accidents in this area with vehicle owners highlighting that crumbling road verges could be a factor”

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service, stated that an inspection of the R293 would be carried out to assess any damage and that Sligo County Council are unaware of any accidents that may have happened on this road. Ms. Concannon also informed the members that works on a 1.2km stretch of the road are scheduled for later on this year.

Councillor Mulvey welcomed the works at Cloonacurragh and hopes that this will resolve the issue.  Councillor Mulvey stated that he would submit photographs of the verge on the R293 for the attention of the area engineer as a follow up.

 

10. DRAINAGE AND RESURFACING OF L5508 FROM CARRIGANS UPPER, BALLYMOTE TO L1502:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to prioritise the damaged section of road along the L5508 from Carrigans Upper, Ballymote down to where it meets L1502, which is in need of drainage and resurfacing, which I was locally informed was last resurfaced 21 years ago”

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service, informed the members that substantial funding has been applied for to carry out drainage works on this road and that the L5508 would be included in the 2022 Roads Works Programme for strengthening and resurfacing of the road.  It was also highlighted that Covid 19 restrictions at level 5 had also restricted the work that could be done on roads in recent times.

Councillor Mulvey and Councillor Mullaney highlighted the need for drainage works to be completed prior to the road being resurfaced.  Councillor Baker expressed the importance of value for money.

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service stated that she would pursue the details of costs involved, while highlighting the impact of Covid 19 restrictions on the progression of works.

Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive informed the members that the council had been very successful in getting substantial grant funding over the last two years to carry out drainage works and that such work was ongoing. Mr. Kilfeather, also requested that any particular issues in this regard should be brought to the attention of the council.

Councillor Clarke, Councillor Taylor and Councillor Mulvey complimented the work being carried out by the outdoor council staff in regard to drainage works.

 

11. BALLYMOTE COMMUNITY PARK INCLUDING PLAY FACILITIES:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P.TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to engage with the Ballymote community with a view to the development and improvement of the facilities in the Community Park including play facilities”.

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service, gave a report and stated that Ballymote Enterprise Centre were responsible for the opening of the playground at present.  It was also clarified that the Ballymote Development Association had received funding towards the reopening of the playground and that works were ongoing.

Councillor Taylor gave a background to the Community Park and requested that a meeting be set up between Ballymote Enterprise Centre and Sligo County Council to progress works, particularly in relation to the playground. 

It was agreed to set up a meeting between the Ballymote Enterprise Centre, members of the community and Sligo County Council.

Councillor Mulvey complimented the work of the community and stated that the park was an excellent facility.  Councillor Mullaney acknowledged funding allocated to improve the walkways through the park.  Councillor Baker suggested the possibility of putting funding aside for communities to access supports for projects in the future.

 

12. GARDA STATION IN TUBBERCURRY:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CONNOLLY

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to ask the OPW for an update on the proposed new Garda Station for Tubbercurry, to request a detailed plan to ensure the project moves forward in a timely manner for the health, safety and wellbeing of the Gardaí”.

It was agreed to write to the OPW for an update on progress on the new Garda Station for Tubbercurry.

 

13. THE ANGLER’S REST, BALLINAFAD:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. BAKER

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council Enforcement Section to provide an update on progress made in making the building in Ballinafad known as “The Angler’s Rest” from a public safety point of view”.

Councillor Mullaney had received a report stating that an inspection of this building was imminent.  Councillor Mullaney requested that the perimeter wall also be included in this inspection, particularly the back perimeter wall which he considered dangerous as it is adjacent to a Cluid Housing estate.

 

14. HEALTH CENTRE IN TUBBERCURRY:

PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR M.CONNOLLY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on progress with the new Health Care Centre in Tubbercurry”.

It was agreed to write to the HSE for an update on progress on the Health Centre in Tubbercurry.

 

15. PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES IN ENNISCRONE AND EASKEY:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director to give an update regarding opening and management of public toilets in Enniscrone and Easkey”.

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service, gave an update stating that it was hoped to have both sets of toilets in Enniscrone open for the May Bank Holiday weekend.  A contractor has been secured by Sligo County Council to open/close and clean these toilets.  Ms. E. Concannon also stated that the toilets in Easkey are being maintained by Easkey Community Council.

Councillor Queenan welcomed this update and highlighted the importance of having clean public toilet facilitates in every tourist area for people to access.   

Councillor Clarke, Councillor Baker and Councillor Taylor supported the motion and agreed that it was positive to have a contractor in place to maintain the toilets in Enniscrone.

 

16. TRAFFIC CALMING AT RD99:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director when will works be completed re: traffic calming on Rd 99 at Kilglass junction and at Kilglass N.S.”

Ms. E. Concannon, A/Director of Service, informed the members that works at Kilglass N.S. are ongoing with additional works to be completed by August 2021.  Tender documents for the design of the Kilglass junction are being prepared with the intention of having these works completed by October.

Councillor Queenan welcomed this update.

 

17. CORRESPONDENCE:

(a) Pyrite Remediation Scheme

Councillor Queenan enquired as to how County Sligo could access funding for this scheme.

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive informed the members that there are two schemes – one for blockwork and one for subfloors and that he has written to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government requesting that County Sligo be included in the scheme that Counties Donegal and Mayo are currently availing of.  It was also acknowledged that there are potentially far more houses affected by this than has been documented to date.

Mr. T. Kilfeather also stated that the local authority would be responsible for administering the scheme should County Sligo be included in the scheme.

Councillor Queenan, Councillor Taylor and Councillor Clarke thanked Mr T. Kilfeather for his support and work to date on progressing this issue. 

Councillors also felt that it was important to note that this situation has resulted in damage to people’s properties through no fault of their own.

Councillor Clarke suggested that a letter be sent to local T.D’s requesting their support with this issue.

 

18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

 None. 

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 15.50 pm.

 


Meeting Date 19/04/2021