Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2023

Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Held on Monday 27th March, 2023 at 1.30 Pm In Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
David Golden, Executive Engineer
Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer
Siobhan Ryan, Heritage Officer
Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer

1.MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 23^RD JANUARY 2023:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 23^rd January, 2023.”

2.MATTERS ARISING:

No matters raised.

3.REVIEW OF COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2023-2027:

Ms. Siobhan Ryan, Heritage Officer presented the Review of the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2023-2027 to the meeting. She noted this is a draft plan going before the Plenary Council meeting in June, 2023 for approval.

Councillor M. Clarke noted with thanks the works carried out by Ms. Ryan especially works recently in Easkey.

4. CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULE OF MD WORKS 2023:

Mr.T. Brennan, SE, presented the draft Schedule of Municipal District Works 2023 including Draft Roads, Transportation and Infrastructural Programme to the meeting. He informed Members that a total of €19.6m has been allocated from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), €17m from the Dept. of Transport, €3m from the NTA and Sligo County Council €1.2m for the improvement and maintenance of the public road network in Co. Sligo for 2023.

Mr. Brennan then proceeded to guide Members through the proposed programme of works which had been circulated in advance of the meeting. The programme specified the allocation of funding received, together with a detailed breakdown of all planned expenditure for the year in relation to specific projects and categorised headings and outlined each individual category that related to the Municipal District. Mr. Brennan advised that the Active Travel Scheme has an allocation of €3.02m for 2023.

In conclusion, Mr. Brennan informed Members of the continuation of Community Involvement Schemes (C.I.S.) with an allocation of €387,000, Local Improvement Schemes (L.I.S.) with allocation of €320,752 and CLÁR Schemes. It is noted that the allocation for CLÁR Schemes has not been announced to date.

The Cathaoirleach and Councillors thanked all Roads Staff for the works carried out in the past. Discussion took place regarding solar limit indicators, solar lighting, L1502 to Ballymote, declining levels of outdoor staff, Moylough Road to Co Boundary, R293 Gurteen to Co Boundary Road, Lack of space in Kilglass Burial Ground, CIS, LIS and CLÁR funding.

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN

AND AGREED:

To note the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2023 – including Draft Roads, Transportation & Infrastructure Programme”.

5. TAKING IN CHARGE ROAD AT BUNNINA DROMARD:

At the request of Councillor J. Queenan this item was deferred to the agenda of the next Municipal District meeting.

6.L 56018 AT ARD CONNELL:

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

AND AGREED:

“(A) To ask Sligo County Council to carry out resurface works on road L56018 at Ard Connell Ballymote.

Also, if the pull in bays could be enlarged and re-surfaced.

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported that the L-56018 has a current Pavement Index Rating (PSCI) rating of 8 and 9 in sections, therefore it is deemed in good condition and not requiring surfacing works at the moment. This road will be considered in the next roads programme for surfacing. Funding to enlarge and surface the pull in bays may be applied for under a safety scheme.

(B) Can a sign be fitted along this stretch of road indicating NARROW BRIDGE ahead, while there are small signs in place on the R296 with this wording,

Lorries etc apparently do not see them and have got stuck and had to reverse out.”

Mr. P Hughes SEE reported that the narrow bridge is on a local road off R296. The Area Engineer will look at the advance signage for this narrow bridge and erect additional signage if appropriate. Councillor Mulvey thanked Mr. Hughes for his reports and agreed to contact Mr. D. Sloyan Area Engineer.

7. ACTIVE TRAVEL DROMORE WEST VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to include Dromore West village in an application under active travel to redevelop a footpath to St Mary's church and the McGee Hall, From Dromore west bridge to enhance the river walk loop.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported there is currently a multitude of projects under the Active travel portfolio at various stages of the approval process for the NTA. The current funding stream provided will be utilised to progress the current projects to completion over the next number of years. It is not anticipated that further projects will be added to the current portfolio.

Following further discussion, it was agreed that a quotation for works for a new footpath be sought.

8. TRAFFIC CALMING KEENAGHAN:

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

AND AGREED:

“I ask if Sligo County Council has any update on my previous NOM calling for traffic calming measures for residents living in Keenaghan Ballymote.”

Mr. Hughes SEE reported to the meeting that footpath and drainage works were carried out here in 2019. A grant of €15,000 has been provided in 2023 for Safety Improvement works. This work will be completed this year. Mr. Hughes agreed to source a costing for speed indicator lights at this location.

9. TOILETS AT DUNMORAN, AUGHRIS AND TRAWEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to ensure that funding is in place to provide toilets on the wild Atlantic way at Dunmoran strand, Aughris head walk and pier and Trawee beach, to accommodate the huge numbers of people who visit those attractions.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported that portaloos will be provided at Dunmoran and Aughris Head Pier from 2 June 2023 until 15 September 2023. Funding is not available to cover Trawee for the 2023 season. Public toilets will also be open at Enniscrone, Mullaghmore, Rosses Point and Strandhill.

10.PUBLIC TOILETS AT ENNISCRONE BEACH:

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

AND AGREED:

“Ask the Director of Services to give update on Fáilte Ireland beach facility public toilets Enniscrone.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported that Sligo County Council has successfully attracted funding via Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Tourism Investment Fund for the development of watersports facilities and associated toilets at Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.

The Failte Ireland beach facilities proposed for Enniscrone are currently at preplanning stage and it is envisaged that an application to An Bord Pleanála will be made in Q2 2023.

The Planning and Development Act requires Local Authorities to make an application to An Bord Pleanála for any proposed development in their functional area, or on the foreshore, where an appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive is required and such is the case in respect of the proposed facility.

11. JUNCTIONS ON N59:

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

AND AGREED:

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on what works are going to be carried out to make safe the following junctions on the N59. L6209, L6208, L6416, L6513 and L2402~8. All those roads are blind with no sight line onto a very fast national road.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE informed the meeting that the N59 junctions are not on the Programme of Works for 2023. This can be considered in future years under the National Roads Safety Schemes Programme.

12.PUBLIC LIGHTING ABBEY TERRACE, BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED:

“I call on Sligo County Council to fit public lighting along the new stretch of footpath at Abbey Terrace Ballymote. This is a very popular local walking and running route in Ballymote and as the main busy road R293 into Ballymote from Sligo it is unsafe due to lack of public lighting.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported there is currently no capital funding available for investment in new public lighting. Mr. Hughes confirmed public lighting was acquired under the Active Travel Scheme at Ballisodare to Collooney Road. Mr. Hughes agreed to contact Mr. Paul O’Rourke SEE on the Active Travel Team.

13. R-O-W ON L14045 CASTLEBALDWIN:

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

AND AGREED:

“To call on Sligo County Council to extinguish the right of way on L14045 Castlebaldwin as it's no longer in use.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported that construction works are ongoing at this location as part of the Castlebaldwin Remedial Works. Consideration will be given to extinguishing the right of way on L14045 Castlebaldwin when these works are complete.

14.DISABLED PARKING BAYS LORD EDWARD ST BALLYMOTE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide 2 Disabled Parking Bays in Lord Edward Street close to Ballymote Day Centre.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported that one disabled parking bay was installed in this area recently. The Ballymote Area Engineer will assess if a further disabled space is warranted there and consult with Councillor Mullaney.

15. EXTENSION TO BALLYRUSH CEMETERY:

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

AND AGREED:

“To call on Sligo County Council to complete the extension to Ballyrush Cemetery by levelling the surface and laying walks.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE informed the meeting there are a number of cemeteries in the County that require improvement and extension works. The Ballymote Area Engineer will cost the works required at Ballyrush Cemetery. Works throughout the county will be done on a phased basis as funding allows.

16.DISABLED PARKING BELLAGHY CHARLESTOWN:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to install a disabled parking space outside the centra shop in Bellaghy Charlestown.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported there are disabled car parking spaces within the Centra shop car park at present.The Tubbercurry Area Engineer will consult with the owner of the shop in relation to the need for an additional space on the road close to the shop.

17.FLASHING SPEED SIGN BELLAGHY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to erect a digital flashing speed sign on the N17 at Bellaghy to reduce the speed entering the village.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE confirmed Sligo County Council will liaise with TII regarding the provision of a digital flashing speed sign at this location.

18.OVERLAY N59 DROMORE WEST:

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

AND AGREED:

“Ask the Director of Services to outline the proposed overlay on N59 Dromore West to Culleens i.e. time span and cost.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported to the meeting that the N59 Owenbeg (Phase 3) – Pavement Recycling and Resurfacing Contract 2023 is currently at tender assessment stage. This scheme, which is over 3.7km in length, will have a total cost in the region of €2.5 million and is anticipated to commence construction in late Q2/early Q3 2023.

Mr. Hughes added the associated pavement recycling and resurfacing works will require a full road closure of the N59 between Camcuill Td and Culleens for a period up to 14 weeks which will be subject to a full statutory road closure application. Local access to resident and adjacent landowners will be maintained by the contractor during the period of any closure of the N59. The two-way diversion of N59 traffic will be via the R297 Regional Road at Dromore West, on through Easkey village and via the R298 Regional Road back to the N59 at Tullylin.

Following further discussion regarding Traffic Management Plans, loss of business to Hilltop Shop, it was agreed that a meeting would be arranged with Mr. K. Crawley, SEE within the next few weeks to discuss all matters involved with the proposed works. It was further agreed that Ms. E. Concannon A/DOS contact Finance Section and investigate a possible Rates rebate for businesses affected by the works.

19.WALKWAY R297 KINARD TO CARROWHUBBOCK NORTH:

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

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director of Services to approve a stone path for people to walk safety along r297 from Kinard to Carrowhubbock north.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported this area is located outside the “built up “area of Enniscrone but is a popular walking route. There is no funding available at present for this work, but it could be considered under some appropriate grant scheme in the future.

20.BRIDGE OVER RIVER UNSHIN:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide safety measures on Bridge over Unshin In Riverstown.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported there is no funding available at present to provide a footpath / footbridge at this location.

21. SAFETY MEASURES R293 GURTEEN TO ROSCOMMON BORDER:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to put a plan in place for safety measures to verges on the R293, with special attention being directed to the Section from Gurteen to The Roscommon Border.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported that works for safety measures such as widening roadside verges are required along R293. There is no funding available to do this in 2023.

An application for funding to carry out verge works on this road will be made to DOT in 2024. It is proposed to surface dress 2km of R293 at Emlaghgissan this year.

22.SEWERAGE SYSTEM BUNNINADDEN VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To Ask that this Municipal District write to Irish Water to ask, What plans are in Place to Improve the Sewerage System in the Village of Bunninadden.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE read the following report as received from Irish Water. “Bunnanaddan Village is serviced by wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure. The wastewater treatment plant currently has sufficient capacity to accept new connections and is operating in compliance with the authorisation issued by the EPA. There are currently no plans to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant or collection network.”

Following further representations, Mr. P. Hughes agreed to contact Irish Water again in this case.

23.N17 IMPROVEMENT WORKS:

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

AND AGREED

“To Ask for An Update on Improvement Works to the N17, Locations & junctions that need urgent works.”

Mr. P. Hughes SEE reported an examination of these junctions is in the work programme for 2023. This will be advanced in Q3 of this year.