Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2024

Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Held on Monday 22nd January, 2024 at 2pm in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

APOLOGIES:

Councillor Martin Baker

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Joseph Devaney, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Dessie Sloyan, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Ray O’Grady, Executive Planner
  • Mrs. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer

 

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Bryan Fox, Director Electric Skyline
  • Mr. Cormac MacNally, Head of Commercial and Estimating, Electric Skyline
  • Ms. Aisling Donegan, Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer, Inland Fisheries Ireland Ballina

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Joseph Queenan presided.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present and thanked the Representatives from Electric Skyline and Inland Fisheries Ireland for attending the meeting.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 20TH NOVEMBER, 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 20th November, 2023.”

 

2. MATTERS ARISING:

No item was raised.

 

3. PRESENTATION FROM REPRESENTATIVE OF ELECTRIC SKYLINE:

Mr. Cormac McNally, Head of Commercial and Estimating, Electric Skyline, presented the meeting with information regarding the advancement of Solar Public Lighting, including its uses, costs, maintenance etc.  A very informative question and answer session followed.  Cathaoirleach Joe Queenan thanked Mr. MacNally and Mr. Fox for the information provided.

   

4. PRESENTATION FROM INLAND FISHERIES IRELAND:

Ms. Aisling Donegan, Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer, Inland Fisheries Ireland, noted queries submitted from the Members and addressed same, e.g. Land at Lough Talt, proposed cleaning of rivers, flooding, costal erosion. Cathaoirleach Joe Queenan thanked Ms. Donegan for her presence at the meeting and for the information provided. Following further discussion:

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

AND AGREED

“that a representative from the Office of Public Works be invited to attend the next meeting of the Municipal District.”

5.UPDATE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT):

Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer, presented an update on Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund (Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant).   Mr. Grandison answered queries presented.  Mr. Grandison confirmed all information is available on the Council’s website.  He added that an information evening is being held on 1st February 2024 in Ballymote, pre-registration is required to attend this event.

 

6. RELEASE OF CULLEENS NATIONAL SCHOOL TO MUREDACH TRUST

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

AND AGREED:

“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Dept of Education to release Culleens National School back to Muredach Trust so it can be brought into use for the local people and the community.” 

It was agreed that Ms. McNamara, Meeting Facilitator, write to the Department of Education in this regard.

 

7. RRDF FUNDING CLIFF BATH HOUSE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County council to seek funding under RRDF Fund to progress the development for demolition of existing pavilion and construction of new development on same site and upgrade of Cliff Bath House in 2024.” 

Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer, reported that Sligo County Council plan to submit funding applications for a total of three projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Fifth Call for Category 1 funding, one of which will include the proposed development known as the Enniscrone Pavilion / Cliff Bath House project. The closing date for applications is 8th February 2024. 

Cathaoirleach Joe Queenan thanked Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services and all her team on the funding allocated to date.

 

8. YOUTH CENTRE BALLYMOTE TOWN:

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

AND AGREED:

“I call on Sligo County Council to offer assistance to establishment of a youth facility-drop-in centre in Ballymote town. The County Council owns vacant buildings at the old Courthouse site, along with the adjacent buildings, which I understand are the subject of an upcoming feasibility study that will take place in 2024 and will concentrate on repurposing the buildings for alternative uses. I ask that consideration be given to the establishment of a youth facility in this study on behalf of the young people of Ballymote.” 

Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer, reported that Sligo County Council are in the process of appointing consultants to carry out a feasibility study and to develop a business case in respect to the repurposing of the former Ballymote Courthouse and adjacent buildings. The Consultants will be required to engage with all local stakeholder groups and to determine feasibility of a range of possible uses with a view to establishing the most appropriate future use for these buildings.

 

9. SLOW DOWN SIGNAGE AT BALLINACARROW ALONG N17:

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

AND AGREED:

“I ask Sligo County Council to seek funding from TII to erect more adequate signage to alert traffic entering Ballinacarrow along the N17 to SLOW DOWN. Recently the local Green schools committee carried out a speed detection survey on the road outside the school. The speed of 179 vehicles was monitored at the drop-off time at the NS, which showed 94 vehicles were travelling at speed over the permitted limit. This survey was carried out again on a second date which showed 83 vehicles were over the limit with speeds of over 85k mph. The committee has sent the survey report to An Garda and are also requesting Sligo County Councils help.” 

Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer, reported that Sligo County Council (Regional Design Office) will seek direction from the TII as to whether there is a funding stream available to investigate and pursue this matter.

 

10. STRENGTHEN ROAD SIDINGS ALONG L5502 AT DRUMFIN:

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

AND AGREED:

“I ask Sligo County Council to build up and strengthen the road sidings along L5502 Drumfin. 

Local traffic users have stated that the road width after the new flyover bridge is under 6 meters, and when two large vehicles meet, they fear sliding down the embankment.” 

Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer, agreed that Sligo County Council will complete the remaining verge works when the weather becomes more suitable for the laying of topsoil and similar works. 

 

11. UPDATE ON BRIDGES IN WEST SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED:

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide an update on progress on bridges in west Sligo. Taylors bridge, Dunmoran bridge and Tra Bhui bridge.” 

Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer, reported that Sligo County Council has made a submission for funding to the Department of Transport for Taylors Bridge, Skreen under the 2024 Bridge Rehabilitation Programme. Announcement of 2024 fund should be forthcoming by March 2024. A condition assessment will be carried out on Tra Bhui and Dunmoran Bridges and considered for funding applications under the 2025 Bridge Rehabilitation Programme. 

 

12. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF FOOTPATH FROM DROMORE WEST VILLAGE TO ST. MARYS CHURCH:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council To provide an update on a footpath from the village of Dromore West to St Mary’s Church.“ 

Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer, reported that there is no current proposal to provide a footpath from the village of Dromore West to St Mary’s Church.

Following further discussion, Ms. Emer Concannon A/Director of Services agreed to contact Sligo Co Council TII Office regarding the inclusion this project on future programme of works. Ms. Concannon to report on this matter at the March MD Meeting.

 

13. PROVISION OF SIGNAGE ON N59 AT DROMORE WEST RC CHURCH:  

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

AND AGREED:

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide signage on the N59 for Dromore West RC church.” 

Ms. Emer Concannon A/Director of Service, informed the meeting that the TII Office hope to erect this signage before end Q1 2024.

 

14. 2024 TOWN AND VILLAGE SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED:

“Ask the Director of Services to insure that Easkey is included in 2024 town and village scheme.” 

Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer, reported that the closing date for applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development under the 2023 Town & Village Renewal Scheme (i.e. schemes to be approved/funded in 2024) was 10th November 2023. He confirmed that Sligo County Council submitted a total of five applications to DRCD in advance of this deadline, one of which relates to public realm enhancements incorporating paving, landscaping, signage and seating in and around the village of Easkey. SCC is awaitng confirmation of funding approval, or otherwise, from the Department of Rural and Community development.

Mr. Ray O’Grady, Executive Planner, added he understood that the Grant Announcements will be made shortly. 

 

15. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

 “that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Benny Lang on the recent death of his Mother Annie, RIP.”

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Pearse Burke on the recent death of his mother Anglea, RIP.”

 

16. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

None raised.

 

17. CORRESPONDENCE:

(i) Letter from Aidan Glacken, Chief Superintendent re proposed Tubbercurry Garda Station,

(ii) Email from Secretary for the Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan TD re emergency funding request following damage by Storm Debi,

(iii) Noted – no reply from Mr. John Hayes, CO, Community Health Organisation re proposed new Health Centre in Tubbercurry,

(iv) Noted – no reply from Leo Varadkar TD re emergency funding request following damage by Storm Debi.

 

18. NEXT MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“That the next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry Municipal District be held at 2pm on Monday, 25th March, 2024 in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry.”

 

19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

None raised.

 

The meeting ended at 3.45pm.

 


Meeting Date 22/01/2024