Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2024
Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 23rd September, 2024 at 2 pm in Teach Laigne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.
- Councillor Joe Queenan
- Councillor Liam Brennan
- Councillor Paul Taylor
- Councillor Gerard Mullaney
- Councillor Barry Gallagher
- Councillor Michael Clarke
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Paul O'Rourke, A/Senior Engineer
- Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer Enforcement Section
- Mr. Dessie Sloyan, Executive Engineer
- Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
- Mr Joe Davey, Executive Engineer
- Ms. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer
APOLOGIES:
Councillor Dara Mulvey
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 29TH JULY, 2024:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 29th July, 2024.”
2. MATTERS ARISING:
No item was raised.
3. UPDATE ON CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT):
Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer, Enforcement Section reported the update as circulated on the scheme to the Members present. Mr. Grandison added that a new Loan scheme is now available to the public.
4. TO NOTE PUBLICATION OF DECISION - TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME N17 BALLINACARROW ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT SCHEME:
At the outset, some Members expressed concern at the Co Council progressing this Scheme when the residents of the Ballinacarrow area had noted their objections and disapproval to the Scheme going ahead.
Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer SRDO informed the members of the background of the Scheme and gave an insight into the Road Safety Improvement Schemes – how collision data is collated – grant allocations – scheme design and costings. It is noted that funding made available to one scheme cannot be transferred to a different scheme as the funding is awarded nationally. Mr. Robb added that all persons who had engaged with the public consultation were responded to. Mr. Peadar Kelly, Executive Engineer SRDO informed the meeting that the scheme is scheduled to commence is 3-4 weeks approximately with traffic management being kept to a minimum where possible.
In addition, Mr. Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer confirmed that the Roads Office in Riverside deal with Low Cost Accident Scheme, Schemes on Local and Regional roads while the SRDO deal with National Roads Schemes.
Following further discussions and queries regarding the progress on the N17,
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
AND AGREED
“That the Progress of the N17 Scheme be included on the agenda for future Municipal District.”
7. RESURFACING WORKS ON THE N17:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
AND AGREED:
“To ask Sligo Co Council when will resurfacing works take place on the N17 in Tubbercurry.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that TII Network Management undertake annual surveys on the national road network which are inputted into their Pavement Asset Management System and analysed to determine Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal Schemes (PARR) on a network wide basis, taking account of budgetary constraints. Once PARR schemes are identified via the Pavement Asset Management System, TII inform Sligo County Council and ask them to develop and progress the scheme through the overall PARR Process in accordance with TII Publications AM-PAV-06049 Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal – Scheme Approval Procedures.
Sligo County Council have not been notified by TII of a PARR scheme at the N17 at Tobercurry and no allocation has been received from TII to progress the design of a Pavement Asset Repair & Renewal (PARR) Scheme on the N17 at Tobercurry in the current year.
Sligo County Council submitted an application for funding in 2024 for emergency repair works. The application was not approved by the TII. A further application will be submitted in 2025.
Councillor Taylor expressed his disappointment with the reply. Mr. Paul O’Rourke A/SE confirmed that Sligo Co Co did submit an application from the SRDO for emergency repair works on the N17, he further confirmed that the application is still live.
20. TRAFFIC CALMING N17:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAHGER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council Roads / Infrastructure team to contact the TII to look at a traffic calming system on the N17 in Tubbercurry coming towards the football pitch from the Sligo side of Tubbercurry and coming from the town side heading to Sligo. There are two estates (Springvale and Parklands) and a creche (Lollipop Lane) here, where the children of both estates and the creche get a school bus at the entrance to Parklands and Parklands Cresent estate. Along with this by no means been safe with the children having to cross a busy N17 road in the mornings and evenings it also brings all the traffic to a stop. Along this stretch also is the entrance to the Tubbercurry GAA pitch and on training / game days it is a nightmare getting into and out of the grounds onto the N17. Parents also use this area outside of the grounds as a car park for dropping off and picking up children from school each day, this poses a further health and safety risk. The entry to the GAA grounds is between the 50kph and 60kph speed zone but traffic coming from the Sligo side are often well in excess of this. Also to look at the pedestrian crossing beside the Top / Day Break Garage on the same stretch of road closer to the town. Vehicles approach this crossing at high speed and most of the time do not stop for the people crossing. I ask that more signage be put in place before this pedestrian crossing to bring it to the attention of the motorists and as it is on a bend in the road and there also may be the need to look at installing speed ramps on both sides to slow down the traffic approaching this crossing.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer informed the meeting that Sligo County Council through the Sligo Regional Design Office is currently advancing a number of Road Safety Improvement Schemes along the national roads in County Sligo. The location of each Road Safety Improvement Scheme is determined by analysing collision history and through road safety inspections (which highlight road safety issues) completed on behalf of Transport Infrastructure Ireland by road safety experts. Road Safety Improvement Schemes are funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The location mentioned in the Notice of Motion has been identified as a High Collision Location in the Transport Infrastructure Ireland high collision analysis (Round M – 2018-2020). As this is an identified high collision location, Sligo County Council will be identifying possible engineering road safety interventions for this location.
It is anticipated that the identification of possible road safety interventions at this location, and their subsequent feasibility assessment and design will be advanced in 2025.
Subject to successful outcomes on any required public consultations, statutory processes, and subject to TII approval of funding, Sligo County Council expect the construction of a Road Safety Improvement Scheme at this high collision location will occur in 2026.
Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that two schemes have been identified through the analysis of the feasibility study which will progress in 2025/2026. Mr Robb agreed to forward results from the N17High Collision Location data 2018-2020 and 2020-2022.
5. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ROADS TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENTATION:
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer presented his report to the meeting and answered all questions regarding pot hole repair, machinery yard, winter maintenance programme, CIS and Clar allocations. It is noted an update re Clar funding is expected.
The Cathaoirleach and all members thanked Mr. Haran for his detailed presentation.
6. VERGE STRENGTHENING AND REALIGNMENT WORKS R293:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To ask for an update on the application for funding for verge strengthening and re alignment works for the R293.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that an application was made to the Department of Transport for funding under a Specific Improvement Grant, but no funding was granted. A further application will be made for funding in 2025.
Mr. Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer added that an application for Specific Improvement Grant was made in 2023 but no grant had been awarded. He confirmed that a further application will be made in respect of funding for road strengthening and verges etc.
8. TRAFFIC CALMING R295 AT KEENAGHAN CRESCENT BALLYMOTE:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County to apply for a traffic calming grant for Regional Road R295 at Keenaghan Crescent Ballymote.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer informed the meeting that an application for traffic calming along the R295 was submitted to the Department of Transport under a Non-National Safety Improvement Scheme in 2024 but the scheme did not receive funding. The scheme may be included again for funding in 2025 application if considered appropriate.
Mr. Paul O’Rourke A/Senior Engineer added that a list of 15 schemes is currently on hand, 5 in each Municipal District, and these are prioritised by the Engineering staff.
9. PROPOSAL TO INCLUDE L 5701 IN THREE YEAR ROAD WORKS PROGRAM:
ROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to have local road number L5701 including in the first year of the three-year program.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that the L-5701 will be included on the next 3-year Roads Program and will be considered for inclusion in the first year.
10. PROPOSED WORKS IN KNOCKBRACK BURIAL GROUND:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to have the necessary excavation work carried out in Knockbrack Cemetery to prepare for 28 extra plots at the North West end as a matter of urgency. If this work isn't done before 3 new plots are required there will be no access to the area for removing soil. The safety barrier along the internal road is in a state of decay and needs to be replaced.”
Mr. Noel Haran Senior Executive Engineer reported that the Ballymote Area Office does not have funding to carry out works on extending the burial ground. This will be considered as part of a countywide examination of works required to maintain capacity of burial plots.
11. PROPOSED EXTENSION OF BYE LAWS ON PROHIBITION OF COMSUMPTION OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR – ENNISCRONE PIER:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“Ask the Director of Services to commence the process of extension of the application of the Sligo County Council bye-laws on the prohibition of consumption of intoxicating liquor on the Pier in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that it is intended to bring a draft document for discussion before the relevant SPC in Q2 of 2025 and it is hoped to have the matter finalized for the next Summer season.
12. CLEANING OF BELLAWADDY RIVER AT ENNISCRONE:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“Ask the Director of Services to liaise with Inland Fisheries to ensure that the Bellawaddy River at Enniscrone is cleaned as a number of houses are in danger of being flooded this winter.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo County Council will liaise with Inland Fisheries and other stakeholders regarding the Bellawaddy River. Any works that may be agreed will require funding to be allocated.
13. WORKS AT BOTHAR-AN-CORRAN HOUSING ESTATE KEENAGHAN, BALLYMOTE:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to replace the timber fence running along the river in Bother- an-Corran house estate Keenaghan Ballymote in the interest of public safety.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer informed the meeting that Sligo County Council has no funding available to carry out these works. Following some discussion, Mr. Haran agreed to liaise with the Area Engineer to get a costing for the necessary works. It is noted that there are some estates in a similar state of repair that representations could also be made on their behalf but Sligo County Council has no funding available for these works.
14. INTERSECTION OF L1303 AND L1201 AND R284:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to put in place safety measures to make motorists aware that they are approaching a regional road at L1303 and L1201 intersection with the R284 as serious accidents has taken place recently.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that the Junction ahead sign, STOP signs and junction road markings are all in place at this junction. These are in accordance with traffic management standards and the traffic signs manual.
15, 16 AND 17 DEFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
18. R294 AT DRIMINIA NATIONAL SCHOOL:
PROPOSED BY: CONCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council Roads / Infrastructure team to contact the department of transport in relation to the R294 road outside Drimina NS, Co. Sligo. There is an accident waiting to happen here at the drop off times to the school and I bring the following to your attention.
The speed limit is 80kph. There needs to be a 40kph school zone speed limit put in place. More safety signage needs to be installed. New warning lights system installed in place of the older lights system. The broken white line which allows vehicles to pass needs to be put to a solid white line. The slowdown zone markings SLOW SCHOOL AHEAD need to be painted again to make them more visible.
Can an ATC system be put in place to measure the volume of traffic on this road to show the department of transport the need for all the above safety actions. At minimum I would ask Sligo County Council roads / infrastructure department to investigate all of my above findings and do a costings for the works to make the road area outside the school safer for everyone.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that this location will be assessed and an application can be made to the Department of Transport for Safety Improvement funding in 2025, if appropriate.
It should be noted that the school warning lights have been inspected and repairs undertaken. Road Markings will be renewed in the vicinity of the school.
19. ADDITIONAL DISABLED PARKING BAYS IN TUBBERCURRY TOWN CENTRE:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council Roads / Infrastructure team to look at putting in at minimum 2 new disabled parking bays with drop kerbs in Tubbercurry town. Positions for these could be outside Cawley’s / the Credit Union and possibly the butcher shop beside Bonanza. I have had numerous wheelchair users contact me with the lack of ( NO ) disabled parking in the actual town and the difficulties they face daily to get around the town to the bank, credit union and shops.”
Mr. Noel Haran Senior Executive Engineer confirmed this issue will be addressed as part of the Town Regeneration development.
21. FUNDING FOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE IN LOCAL CEMETERIES:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“I propose that funding, when available, be ringfenced for the repair and maintenance of local cemeteries. In particular, Ballyrush Cemetery requires an extension to be completed with the addition of topsoil, a tarmac driveway, kerbing, and a plot plan. Corrig Cemetery requires drainage improvements, Sooey requires a pathway and the Old Kilmorgan Cemetery needs general maintenance.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that it is proposed to carry out a review of all Cemetery locations within the county. Any proposed works, or capacity issues will be identified at that stage, and a prioritised programme of work put in place.
22. PROPOSED INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN RIVERTOWN VILLAGE:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“I request that Sligo County Council engineers plan to install a pedestrian crossing and associated signage and warning lights in Riverstown village to improve the safety of children walking between the crèche and Ardkeeran Primary School.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that this location will be assessed and an application can be made to the Department of Transport for Safety Improvement funding in 2025, if appropriate.
23. BUS SHELTERS CASTLEBALDWIN, RIVERSTOWN AND GEEVAGH:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“To encourage greater use of public transport and support the expansion of Local Link and Bus Eireann bus services, I propose the installation of bus shelters in Castlebaldwin, Riverstown, and Geevagh to enhance the safety and comfort of passengers, particularly schoolchildren, during the winter months.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that the provision of bus shelters ae prioritised based on a number of criteria set out by the NTA. The 3 No. locations are on the rolling list of bus shelters to be delivered in County Sligo.
26(A). ROLLOUT OF BUS SHELTERS IN THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
To ask for an update on
A) The roll out of much needed Bus Shelters in this Municipal District.
REPLY A: The NTA's design consultants are preparing draft concept designs for bus stops in County Sligo, which include bus shelters, under the "Bus Stop Enhancement Programme". It is anticipated to have updated final design drawing received after stakeholder consultation and NTA approvals where necessary, by end of Q4/start Q1 2025. Appointment of Contractor will follow thereafter in Q2 2025.
Mr. Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer agreed to provide the Members with the list of bus shelters for their own information only.
24. REQUEST SUPPORT FOR GP IN GURTEEN FROM HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE IN NORTHWEST:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council, to request support from the Health Service Executive in the Northwest to seek support for the local General Practitioner in Gurteen to expand their current services, which will enable them to meet the demand of the growing population within the area. Ensuring all people living in Gurteen and surrounding areas have access to essential GP services.
Mr. Noel Haran Senior Executive Engineer noted a signed resolution is required here.
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“That the meeting administrator also write to Regional Health Forum West, H. S. E. West,
Merlin Park, Galway in support of the motion above.”
25. UPDATE ON CIS FUNDING:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“To ask for an Update on the CIS funding.”
Mr. Noel Haran Senior Executive Engineer stated that regarding update on CIS, in 2023 there were 13 No. Schemes completed at total cost of €433,552.61.
For 2024 there were 12 schemes (11 No. in Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD) approved, all now completed at total approved cost of €387,000.
We await a response from the Department regarding further funding in 2024 & 2025.
Following further discussions, it was agreed that Mr. Noel Haran investigate if monies can be transferred from the Roads Programme to carry out works on CIS Schemes.
26(B). LOW COST ACCIDENT SCHEMES:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
To ask for an update on
B) The Low Cost Accidental Scheme on National and Regional roads.
REPLY B: Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer informed the meeting that twelve applications received funding under Low Cost Accident Schemes in 2024. The total allocation for the County under this funding stream was €264,000.00. All necessary design works are complete. Negotiations are ongoing with regard to land acquisition on a number of schemes and one scheme has been completed. Tenders have been sought for further schemes and tenders are due to be returned on Friday 27th September 2024. The tender prices will be assessed in the context of overall funding available and a decision will then be made on the number schemes that can be progressed in 2024.
A discussion followed in regard to the procurement of road making materials. Mr. Paul O’Rourke A/Senior Engineer confirmed that Sligo Co Council are receiving value for money in all procurement concerned.
27. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Adrian Tansey and family on the recent death of his father Sean, RIP.”
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Richard Taylor and family on the recent death of his wife Dorothy, RIP.”
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Seamus and Gerald Lavin on the recent death of their mother Ita, RIP.”
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Tom McGowan on the recent death of his father Christy, RIP.”
28. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“that a vote of congratulations be extended to Dr. Helen Fitzsimons, Gurteen Health Centre on the occasion of her being awarded with the Best Rural Practice of the Year Award 2024 for the Gurteen Family Practice. Congratulations are extended to all staff in the Health Centre.”
29. CORRESPONDENCE:
No correspondence.
30. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
AND AGREED
“That the next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD be held at 2pm on Monday, 11th November, 2024 in Teach Laighne.”
26. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
No item was raised.
END OF MEETING:
The meeting ended at 4 pm.
Meeting Date 23/09/2024