Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2021

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 15th November 2021 at 4.00 p.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (via video link)
  • Ray O’Grady, Executive Planner (via video link)
  • Sorcha Sheedy, Executive Engineer (via video link)
  • Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer (via video link)
  • Ms Aisling Smyth, Administrative Officer (via video link)
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer

 

IN ATTENDANCE:

  • David McGlinchey, KPMG (via video link)
  • William Hynes, KPMG (via video link)

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Martin Connolly, presided and welcomed those present to the meeting.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 20TH SEPEMBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 20th September 2021”.

 

2.  MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 1ST NOVEMBER 2021:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 1st November 2021”.

 

3.  MATTERS ARISING:

Mr. T. Kilfeather agreed to investigate a query regarding a survey to be conducted by the TII on a right turning road on the N4 South-East of Castlebaldwin.

 

4.  TO CONSIDER DRAFT REVISED AND UPDATED SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATEMENT & HIGH- LEVEL GOALS FOR THE NEW LECP PROCESS SLIGO 2030:

Ms. D. Clarke informed the members that Sligo County Council have commenced the process of preparing a new Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) for Sligo.  KPMG Future Analytics consultants have been engaged to deliver the plan.  It was highlighted that the presentation of this draft document to all Municipal Districts is a statutory requirement of the LECP.  This part of the process is the first output of the LECP resulting in a draft and revised Socio-Economic Statement and High-Level Goals.  This information will feed into the next phase of the process, resulting in the Sligo 2030 Strategic Plan.

Mr. D. McGlinchey, KPMG gave a presentation on the data findings and the socio-economic profile of Sligo as per the draft document, to include a revised draft vision and six revised draft High-Level Goals as follows:

Vision: “Our vision is for a smart, sustainable and socially inclusive Sligo; one that cherishes its vibrant communities, protects and celebrates its unique environment and rich culture, and is a champion of innovative growth and development”

Goal 1: Sligo will be a Key Regional Growth Centre that drives sustainable economic activity and employment throughout the region and increases the population across the County

Gaol 2: Sligo will become a smart leader in the utilisation of smart technology through partnership with educational and commercial third parties

Goal 3: Sligo will be a proactive county in the fight against climate change and a model of best practice in climate action with sustainability central to all areas of life

Goal 4: Sligo will be an inclusive, healthy and equitable society that supports its vibrant communities

Goal 5: Sligo will celebrate its rich cultural heritage and realise its tourism potential

Goal 6: A collaborative and innovative Sligo

Next steps of the process will include the collaborative development of objectives and actions in partnership with the identification and agreement from owners.

Members thanked KPMG for the presentation and raised the following observations and queries as follows:

  • This is a working document which has involved a considerable amount of work to date
  • Was this process part of any North – West Strategy?
  • The lack of skilled labour available in the County was highlighted
  • A request for the cost of the draft report at estimates
  • Will a multiagency task force be put in place to implement this plan?
  • The timeframe involved in adopting the plan
  • The importance of infrastructure and ‘buy in’ by the Government in order to deliver on the plan was highlighted

Mr. W. Hynes responded by stating that:

  • The plan is grounded in the region with reference to the North-West Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy
  • Future skills have been highlighted in consultations and will be central to the formulation of the economic actions and goals
  • Implementation Mechanism – leaders/champions of actions across numerous agencies/stakeholders will ensure ‘buy in’
  • Actions will be measurable with build in KPI’s

Mr. M. Lydon highlighted the importance of this socio-economic profile in the shaping of County Sligo’s future for the next 8-9 years.  The importance of engaging with the ongoing process to complete the Sligo 2030 Local Economic and Community Plan was also emphasised.

Ms. D. Clarke emphasised that this document was the socio-economic profile for the County and the first step in the LECP process.  It is hoped to have the first draft of the Strategic Plan available in Q1, 2022 which will then be presented to the full Council.

The Draft Revised and Updated Socio-Economic Statement & High-Level Goals for the new LECP process Sligo 2030 was then

AGREED AND

Proposed by:  Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

The Cathaoirleach thanked KPMG for their presentation and Ms. D. Clarke for the comprehensive draft report and the work involved.

 

5.  REPORT ON THE ENNISCRONE REGENERATION PROJECTS:

Ms. D. Clarke stated that Sligo County Council continued to invest in Enniscrone given its importance as a seaside resort along the Wild Atlantic Way.  The need for further development from a tourism infrastructure and a Public Realm perspective was emphasised.  It was highlighted that several projects are ongoing. 

Councillor J. Queenan welcomed the investment in Enniscrone and thanked Sligo County Council staff for their work.  Councillor J. Queenan requested an update on the RRDF funding and queried if the project will be going through Part 8 Planning.

Mr. R. O’ Grady stated that six key projects are being developed as part of the regeneration of Enniscrone with funding of ca. €2.2 million allocated via the following funding streams:

  1. The Tourism Destination Town Project, project totalling €666,483 – intention to be on site in 2022
  2. Rural Regeneration Development Fund (DRCD), project totalling €175,000 – project under development, design phase progressing with the next stage being a public consultation
  3. Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, project totalling €450,000 – Waterpoint Project, with the State Solicitor at present
  4. Town and Village Renewal 2019 & 2020, project totalling €225,000 – recently delivered
  5. Enniscrone Weatherproofing & Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme (Failte Ireland), project totalling €95,000
  6. Platforms for Growth (Failte Ireland), project totalling circa €615,000 (subject to tender price)

Mr. R. O’Grady stated that the RRDF Project had the potential to rebrand Enniscrone.  This project will be a €3-5 million project when it goes for Category 1 funding and it is likely that the project will need to go to An Bord Pleanála for planning as a Natura Impact Statement may be a requirement.  The site is adjacent to a SPA, special area of conversation for flora and fauna and a SPA, special protection area for birds.  Discussions are ongoing with the Environment, Planning and Heritage sections within Sligo County Council.  Members will be appraised of the outcome of these discussions in due course.

It was confirmed that match funding of 25% will be required for the project to progress, this will need to be considered. 

Members thanked staff for the extensive programme of work being delivered and planned and concurred that it was very positive for Enniscrone.

Concern was expressed for the need for a Natura Impact Statement and the impact this could potentially have on the timeline for the delivery of the project.

Mr. M. Lydon expressed his concern at the €1.25m required as match funding for this proposed project.  €625,000 is available through the collection of the Local Property Tax yearly for use as match funding for projects.  Mr. M. Lydon stated that there will be important decisions to the made over the coming 18 months regarding which projects can be advanced as a loan may be required as match funding for projects.

 

6.  INCLUSION OF ROAD L81101 IN THREE YEAR ROADS PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to include road L81101 in the three-year Roads Programme”

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report stating that this road is included in the 2022- 2024 Draft Restoration Improvement Programme and the road will be surfaced in 2023 or earlier if additional funds become available.

 

7.  CARRY OUT EMERGENCY REPAIRS ON ROAD L51027 AND INCLUDE IN THREE YEAR ROADS PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out emergency repairs to road number L51027 and to include it in the 3 Year Roads Programme”

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report stating that this road will be considered for inclusion in the 2022 Restoration Maintenance Programme.

 

8.  CARRY OUT DRAINAGE WORKS ON ROAD L8207-0 AND INCLUDE IN THREE YEAR ROADS PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out drainage work on roads number L8207-0 and to include in the 3 Year Roads Programme” 

Mr. T. Kilfeather confirmed that drainage work and repairs will be carried out on this road in the coming weeks.  This road will not be included on the draft 2022-2024 Multi Annual Restoration Improvement Programme.

 

9.  INCLUDE TRAFFIC CALMING – SPEED REDUCTION SIGNAGE ON ROAD L1603:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to include traffic calming - speed reduction signage along road L1603 Rathdooney More Ballymote in the 2022 roads budget”

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report stating that this is a secondary road which had been recently strengthened and surface dressed.  The road is a single carriageway road with good sightlines and carries a low volume of traffic and therefore it was considered that it did not require speed reduction signs.  It was requested that Councillor D. Mulvey come back with a specific location which will be looked at.

 

10.  BUILD UP ROAD SIDINGS WITH PULL IN BAYS ALONG CLUID-RATHDOONEY ROAD, BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to build up the road sidings with pull in bays along the Cluid-Rathdooney Road, Ballymote due to vehicles meeting and fear of sinking along this area”

Mr. T. Kilfeather confirmed that verge filling and pull-in bays were constructed following recent strengthening and surfacing of this road. 

Councillor D. Mulvey will follow this matter up with the Area Engineer.

 

11. ERECT A SAFETY BARRIER ALONG FOOTPATH FROM TOWERHILL ESTATE, BALLYMOTE ALONG R296:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to erect a safety barrier along the public footpath at the pedestrian exit from Towerhill Estate, Ballymote along the busy R296 road”

Councillor D. Mulvey thanked the Area Engineer for completing these works on this busy road.  

 

12.  TO CALL ON THE HSE TO REOPEN DAY CARE CENTRES AT ENNISCRONE AND EASKEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the HSE in Markievicz House, Sligo to immediately reopen the Day Care Centres at Enniscrone and Easkey.”

Councillor J. Queenan queried why Day Care Centres in Enniscrone and Easkey remained closed while centres in other areas of the County were open.  The importance and benefits of these centres to the people who visit them was emphasised.  All members were in support of this motion.

It was agreed to write to the HSE and call on them to immediately reopen the Day Care Centres at Enniscrone and Easkey.

 

13.  UPDATE ON COASTAL PROTECION STUDY, WEST SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to give update re: Coastal Protection Study, West Sligo”  

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report stating that Sligo County Council had appointed RPS Belfast to undertake a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study of Sligo Bay focusing on Strandhill and Easkey.  Stage 1 of this report has recently been completed which involved reviewing and assessing existing information and identifying any information gaps.

Strandhill has recently been surveyed as part of the OPW’s Coastal Survey Monitoring Programme (CSMP), therefore no additional survey information should be required for this site.

Easkey will require a topographic survey due to insufficient data for the area being available.

Visitor surveys have been undertaken by Sligo County Council staff since last August and these surveys will be forwarded to RPS for their analysis. 

A report on studies in Strandhill and Easkey is due in 2022.

 

14.  OUTLINE OF PROCESS OF UPGRADING BRIDGES ON LOCAL ROADS IN THE COUNTY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Director of Services to outline the process in upgrading bridges on local roads in the County”

Mr. T. Kilfeather reported that Sligo County Council engineers survey bridges every year throughout the County on the Local and Regional Roads Network.  A list of candidates is then drawn up depending on bridge condition and the road type they serve.  Each Autumn, Sligo County Council submits a proposed Bridge Rehabilitation Programme for the following year to the Department of Transport.  The Department confirm each Local Authorities allocation in early Spring for the year ahead.

Three bridges were highlighted as needing extensive works as follows:

  • Taylor’s Bridge, Skreen
  • Bridge on the way to Dunmoran Strand
  • Trawee Bridge

It was requested that progress on these bridges be followed up.

 

15.  PLACE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS AND SIGNAGE ON L5603-0 TO L1603:

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

AND AGREED

“Now that road L-5603-0 from the R296 to the L1603 Ballymote has been resurfaced to a very high standard, I am asking Sligo County Council to place weight restrictions (and signage) on this stretch of road to protect its surface”

Mr. T. Kilfeather stated that Sligo County Council will carry out an inspection and an appropriate loading restriction will be implemented.

 

16.  INSTALL MORE SIGNAGE AT ENTRANCE TO DRIMINA N.S., TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to install more signage to indicate to traffic that they are approaching the entrance to Drimina NS on the R294 Ballina Road, Tubbercurry”

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report stating that Drimina School is located within an 80km speed zone on the R294.  Safety works have been completed over the years to include the installation of signs, school warning signage, road markings, a set down area, a staff car park within the school grounds and the surfacing of housefronts on either side of the school.  Sligo County Council will inspect the school warning signage to confirm that it is operating correctly.  It was suggested that any concerns parents might have in relation to speeding/dangerous driving should be brought to the attention of An Garda Siochana.

It was suggested that the road markings may need reviewing as a result of resurfacing works.

 

17.  SURFACE DRESS THE ROADS FROM CORRY TO CARNAGUILLTY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the Council to surface dress the roads from Corrig to Carnaguillty”

Mr. T. Kilfeather confirmed that this road will be considered for the 2022 Road Maintenance Programme.

 

18.  SURFACE DRESS THE ROADS FROM BALLINKILL TO SOOEY:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. BAKER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CONNOLLY

AND AGREED

“To ask the Council to surface dress the roads from Ballinkill to Sooey”

Mr. T. Kilfeather stated that the R284 was strengthened, and surface dressed in 2019 and therefore, will not require any further works for the next number of years.  It was confirmed that a section of this road will be surfaced dressed from Ballinakill towards Geevagh in 2022.

 

19.  COMMENCE PROCESS OF NAMING BRIDGE BETWEEN CARRANSPRAWN AND KNOCKNARROW IN HONOUR OF MICHAEL BRENNAN, HEADMASTER:

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

AND AGREED

“To commence the process of naming the bridge in the townland between Carransprawn and Knocknarrow in honour of Michael Brennan, Headmaster, who built the first the first school in the area on his own land in 1820”

Members supported this motion, and it was highlighted that there was local support for the naming of this bridge in honour of Michael Brennan.

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report and stated that Sligo County Council adopted a Placenames Policy in 2015, with its implementation being overseen by the County Sligo Placenames Committee.  The proposed motion will be considered at the next meeting of the Placenames Committee, which is scheduled to take place in early 2022.  Following this, the recommendation of the Placenames Committee can be considered by Sligo County Council at the next monthly Plenary Meeting.

Members emphasised the importance of bringing local issues to the Municipal District Meetings.

Mr. M. Lydon, concurred and stated that it was important to bring countywide, national and international issues to the Plenary Meetings, whilst concentrating on local issues at Municipal District Meetings.

It was suggested that the Cathaoirleach and the Meeting Administrator could review motions to ensure that motions more suited to the Municipal Districts could be redirected to these meetings.  This was agreed for the next Plenary Meeting.

The issue of farm safety/safety alarms was discussed by the members and it was suggested that this issue could be brought to a Plenary Meeting.  An App for use by lone farmers was also suggested.

 

21.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Members thanked and congratulated Sligo County Council outdoor staff/engineers on the quality of the work completed during the year in continuing difficult circumstances regarding Covid -19.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Martin Connolly thanked the members, the executive and staff and wished everyone a Happy Christmas.

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 17.30 pm.

 


Meeting Date 15/11/2021