Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2024
Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 11th November, 2024 at 2 pm in Teach Laigne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Joe Queenan
- Councillor Gerard Mullaney
- Councillor Barry Gallagher
- Councillor Michael Clarke
- Councillor Liam Brennan
- Councillor Paul Taylor
- Councillor Dara Mulvey
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
- Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Bernard Scott, Senior Executive Engineer SRDO
- Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer SRDO
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer Enforcement Section
- Mr. Dessie Sloyan, Executive Engineer
- Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
- Mr Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer
- Ms. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 23RD SEPTEMBER, 2024:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 23rd September, 2024.”
2. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE TUBBERCURRY HELD 4TH NOVEMBER, 2024:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
AND AGREED
“to confirm Minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote Tubbercurry held on 4th November, 2024.”
3. MATTERS ARISING:
BELLAWADDY RIVER:
Cathaoirleach Joe Queenan requested an update on the cleaning of the Bellawaddy River. Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer replied that he and Mr. Joe Devaney Enniscrone Area Engineer met with the Inspector from IFI on site to discuss this matter. It was agreed that weeds in the river could be cut as they inflicted on the flow of water. Mr. Haran added this is a manual job and no machines will be entering the river. It is planned to meet with the Inspector again in 2025.
4. 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. Mr. Grandison confirmed that payments are made within a three month period of all necessary documentation being approved.
5. N17 KNOCK TO COLLOONEY (ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR) PROGRESS UPDATE:
Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer, presented the Members with a detailed update on the above scheme and answered queries in regard to grant allocation, proposed planning applications along the preferred route, proposed Tubbercurry and Charlestown By-Pass schemes. Mr. Bernard Scott, A/Senior Engineer informed the meeting that there is a condition on funding from the Minister that we are to progress the Charlestown and Tubbercurry By-Pass elements of the Scheme only. Cathaoirleach Joe Queenan expressed his disappointment in the Collooney to Tubbercurry route not being progressed at this time. Ms. Emer Concannon A/Director of Service confirmed that the survey works being undertaken presently by TII will be beneficial should current political decisions change nationally to progress the N17 Knock to Collooney (Atlantic Economic Corridor).
Mr. Bernard Scott Senior Executive Engineer informed the meeting that Active Travel Schemes are progressing at Ballisodare and Grange with Curry village already receiving funding. It was agreed that funding for safety works at Ballinacarrow be sought in 2025.
6. SLIGO REGIONAL DESIGN OFFICE REMIT AND OVERVIEW OF PROJECTS:
Mr. Bernard Scott, Senior Executive Engineer presented a detailed overview of the SRDO and projects they plan to progress to the Members. It should be noted that all schemes advanced by the SRDO involve National Roads only, with Regional Roads being under the remit of the Sligo Co Co Roads office at Riverside, former Teagasc Office building.
Mr. Scott answered queries regarding Low Cost Accident Schemes, budgets, grant allocations and follow up on the Collooney Castlebaldwin road project.
23. WORKS ON BRIDGE AT CALTERAN, GURTEEN:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
AND AGREED:
“To ask Sligo Co Council to report on what plans are in place to carry out works to the Bridge at Calteran, Gurteen , Co Sligo. “
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that repair works have been programmed to be carried out to the damaged part of the Bridge Structure in the forthcoming 3 weeks.
24. WORKS ON R295 BALLYMOTE TO KEASH ROAD:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo Co Co to carry out road lining works to include cats eyes on the Regional Road R295 from Ballymote to Keash.”
Councillor D. Mulvey requested that road markings be improved at Five Crossroads and at Templehouse Gate.
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo Co Co carried out center lining and edge lining to over half the length of the R295 in 2024. Further works will be carried out in 2025. No funding is available for cats-eyes in 2024.
25. INSTALLATION OF DISABLED PARKING BAYS AT COMMUNITY FACILITES/CHURCH CAR PARKS:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
AND AGREED
“To ask this Council what criteria is on place for the facilitation & installation of disabled parking bays at Community facilities , including Church Car Parks.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that road traffic legislation can only be enforced on public roads and public car parks. The installation and enforcement of disabled bays in private car parks is the responsibility of the car park's owner. Mr. Haran added that relevant markings should be carried out at the time of the works to ensure adequate grant funding remains.
7. REQUEST FOR ROADS TO BE INCLUDED IN 3 YEAR ROADS PROGRAMME:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“I ask if the following roads can be included in the next 3-year programme.
L1806 at Emlagh, Ballymote
L5508-0 road at Cloonagashel, Ballymote”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed both roads will be surveyed and considered for the 3-year roads programme 2025-2027.
8. PROPOSED CLEANING OF CLOONEEN RIVER AT KILLAVEL:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR
AND AGREED
“Can I ask Sligo County Council what plans it has to clear the blockages along the Clooneen river at Killavel south Sligo.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo County Council has no plans to clear the Clooneen River at this location. Ms. Emer Concannon A/Director of Service confirmed that the river is owned by the landowners abutting it and any cleaning of the river should be carried out by owners in accordance with IFI Policies.
9. TRAFFIC CALMING AT MULLINABRENA:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to investigate what traffic calming measures can be put in place in Mullinabrena village as requested by the local community group due to the speeding issue been reported by locals.”
Mr. Noel Haran Senior Executive Engineer reported that the matter of speed exiting / entering the village of Lavagh/Mullinabreana will be addressed in Q4 of 2024 when the speed limit entering/exiting the village reduces from 80kph to 60kph as part of the national review of speed limits of local roads.
This location will be assessed and considered for an application for funding to the Department of Environment for Low-Cost Accident Scheme funding 2025 if considered appropriate.
10. EV CHARGING POINTS IN BALLYMOTE CAR PARK:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To ask this Council to write to the ESB requesting them to install two EV charging points Ballymote Carpark as a matter of urgency.”
Ms. Emer Concannon A/DOS informed the meeting that a County EV Infrastructure Strategy is being developed in 2025 which will inform the optimum locations for EV charging points to include neighborhood and destination locations. An implementation plan will be developed thereafter.
11. POLLUTION CONCERS AT GEEVAGH WWTP:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
AND AGREED
“To ask this Council to write Uisce Eireann to address the serious air pollution concerns at Geevagh Wastewater Treatment Plant in the interest of public health and safety.”
Mr. Noel Haran Senior Executive Engineer read the following response as received from Uisce Eireann.
“Uisce Éireann is committed to safeguarding the local environment and returning wastewater safely to the environment. Uisce Éireann is aware of reports of odour issues reported in the Geevagh area. Crews on the ground investigated the matter and it is understood the odour coming from the plant may be attributed to current low flow conditions. Odours can occur when flows are less than average operating flows. Uisce Éireann has organised for desludging at the plant to maintain optimum operating conditions and will monitor the situation to minimise any further issues. I trust that this update provides clarity to both you and your constituents. Should you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us on the details below.
Thank you for using Uisce Éireann’s Elected Representative Support Desk. “
Councillor Brennan added that two manholes at the church in Geevagh also required attention and Councillor Barry noted manholes at Curry NS that also required maintenance. Cathaoirleach confirmed a representative from Uisce Eireann will be attending the January 2025 County Council Meeting.
12. REQUEST FOR SAFETY MEASURES ON N4 AT AGHANAGH AND HOLLYBROOK:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo Regional Design Office and TII to put in place safety measures to ensure motors can safely turn right off the N4 at the locations outlined below.
Junction A - issue with turning right heading north from N4 onto local Rd L18012,
Junction B - issue with turning right heading south from N4 onto local Rd L58039 at Aghanagh,
Junction C - issue with turning right heading south from N4 onto local Rd L58039 at Hollybrook.”
Mr. Bernard Scott, Senior Executive Engineer reported 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 (to identify high collision locations) 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 locations listed in the NOM have not been identified as high collision locations in the two most recent rounds of analysis (2018-2020 and 2020-2022). As the locations have not been identified as High Collision Locations, we will not be advancing road safety improvement schemes at these locations.
Councillor Mullaney noted his disappointment with the response.
13. REQUEST FOR REPORT ON CURRENT POSITION OF TUBERCULOSIS IN IRELAND:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLORS B. GALLAGHER AND J. QUEENAN
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to seek a report from The Department of Agriculture on the current position of Tuberculosis in Cattle in Ireland. (A) what percentage of on farm reactors has liaisons when slaughtered? (B) how many false positives are recorded? (C) what is the cost of the testing program to the executer?”
Ms. Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact Department of Agriculture as outlined above.
14. LOW COST ACCIDENT SCHEME CLOONACURRA BALLINACARROW:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“Can I ask please that the bad bend on link road L55044 at Cloonacurra Ballinacarrow be included in the low-cost accident scheme for 2025. This link road has been highlighted as a short cut to avoid the traffic build up at peak times exiting at Clarkes bridge junction. The landowner has given support to realign the dangerous bend some years ago. Can priority please be given to this junction.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that submissions were made to the Department of Transport in September of this year for funding for Safety Improvement Works 2025. The above location on the L 55044 was not listed for funding on the submission. However, the location has been assessed and consideration will be given for inclusion for funding in a submission for Safety Improvement Works 2026.
15. BRIDGE AT ARDCONNELL BALLYMOTE:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“Residents at Ardconnell Ballymote living on road L56018 are concerned that the wire mesh is continuously coming loose on the outside of the steel bridge. Residents informed me the road was blocked for some time recently due to tractors-lorries catching on the loose edges of the mesh fitted due to very narrow width of the bridge and the road curve. Currently there are exposed gaps in the mesh with a step drop into a fast-flowing river which could be dangerous to children walking along that road. Can this please be inspected?”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that this structure has been assessed and temporary repairs will take place in the next three weeks. Permanent Repairs will be carried out in Q1 2025.
16. SAFETY MEASURES ON R296 AT CARROWNANTY:
PROPOSED BY: CONCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“I ask this MD again that signage, rumble strips or traffic calming ramps be installed along the road R296 at Carrownanty Ballymote as a matter of urgency to slow motorists & prevent an accident waiting to happen in that area.
There are over 100 homes such as estates like Castlegrove, Towerhill, also has the busy Train station, Nursing home. and many private houses located along this busy regional road which is a 50 KM stretch but locals are encountering speeding daily and have requested such signage be fitted.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that this section of road will be assessed as part of Phase 2 of the Review of Speed Limits due to take place in Q2 2025. If deemed appropriate, an application for funding to the Department of Environment for Low-Cost Accident Scheme funding 2026 will be considered.
17. UISCE EIREANN – NO BOIL WATER NOTICE IN RIVERSTOWN:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to ask Uisce Eireann why there was no notice given to people of Riverstown with ref to the recent Boil Water notice.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo County Council have contacted Uisce Éireann regarding the Motion and are awaiting a response.
18. INSTALLATION OF AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES IN TUBBERCURRY:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to install Audible Pedestrian crossing facilities for the partially sighted people in Tubbercurry at 3 locations, 2 of which are existing locations, above Cawley’s hotel, & Surlis, with the 3rd on the Mountain Rd Junction.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that the 3 existing crossing (Emmet St, Teeling St, Mountain Rd) are belisha beacons in design/ construction and not traffic lights. No funds are available to upgrade these controlled crossings to traffic light systems at this time.
19. PROPOSED ADDITIONAL ROUTES TO WINTER GRITTING PROGRAMME:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to include 3 extra roads in the winter gritting program, Taylor’s cross / Coola to Riverstown Rd. L1303, used by local link and a large number of school buses, Castlebaldwin to Ballymote, L1404 and Drumfin to Ballymote L1502.”
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer reported that the Winter Maintenance Plan 2024/2025 has been reviewed and there are no changes to the 2023/2024 Plan. Any proposed additional routes, based on issues raised by members in 2024 would require an equal number of routes to be removed from the Plan. During severe weather, Sligo County Council’s winter maintenance crew are at maximum capacity, servicing the 7 No. prioritised salting routes in the county, which involves a total of 486km. These routes are prioritised based on the strategic importance of the roads, the volume of traffic on the roads and roads that are important to the region. Priority 1 are all the national roads, which are essential to be kept serviceable in all weather conditions, as far as reasonably practical. Priority 2 routes are all the regional roads and roads serving principal public transport routes, or the main commuter routes.
Mr. Haran added that two mini gritters which will be mounted on the rear of Council pick-ups have been purchased so far this year. It is proposed to purchase a further mini gritter in 2025.
20. IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON R296 BUNNANADDEN TO BALLYMOTE ROAD:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“Call on Sligo County council to contact the Department of Transport to ask can improvement works be carried out / money put towards the R296 road from Bunnanaddan to Ballymote. Works to involve improvements works to the road surface, signage and drainage works. “
Ms. Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact Department of Transport as outlined above.
21. OPW BUILDING IN TEELING STREET, TUBBERCURRY:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
AND AGREED
“Call on Sligo County Council to contact the OPW in relation to the previous government building on Teeling Street, Tubbercurry which the OPW acquired back in late 2020. Has a design process now been completed and have the OPW looked at using the building as a new state of the art Garda Station. “
Ms. Sarah McNamara, Meeting administrator to contact OPW as outlined above.
22. REMARKING OF N17 FROM BALLAGHY TO BALLINACARROW:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to contact the TII and department of transport about the remarking of the N17 road from Bellaghy to Ballinacarrow. The markings are very poor and, in some places, not even visible. I would ask that particular attention is taken to alert markings coming up to junctions and where a vehicle is exiting / entering a domestic dwelling. One example house Eircode F56P499 where when the house owner is exiting her house, she looks to the right for oncoming traffic but there is also a possibility of a car coming towards her from the left as the road marking has a broken white line to let vehicles pass out even with the 80Km / h speed limit.”
The Roads Department have contacted the TII Office responsible for National Road signing and lining with this request and are awaiting a response.
26. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Seadna Owens and family on the recent death of his father Sean, RIP.”
Cathaoirleach Joe Queenan together with all the members paid tribute to Mr. Sean Owens RIP. Mr. Owens spent his life in Banda working for the good of the Community and it was noted his likes doesn’t come along every day. May he rest in peace.
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Stephen Devine on the recent death of his brother Joe. RIP.”
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Eileen Scanlon and family on the recent death of her husband Pauric. RIP.”
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Sharon Perry on the recent death of her mother Margaret. RIP.”
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Dawn O’Brien on the recent death of her mother Muriel. RIP.”
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Andy Robus on the recent death of his brother Mike. RIP.”
27. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
AND AGREED
“that a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. Liam Óg Gormley, Manager of the Ballymote GAA Junior A team on winning the Connacht Gold Junior A County Championship after a replay against Cloonacool. Congratulations are extended to the entire Background Team, Players and everyone involved in this great achievement and best wishes for the Connacht GAA Club Junior Football Championship.
28. CORRESPONDENCE:
Reply from HSE Regional Health Forum West regarding Gurteen GP Family Practice dated 4th October, 2024 was noted.
29. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
AND AGREED
“That the next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD be held at 2pm on Monday, 27th January, 2025 in Teach Laighne.”
30. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
SPEED LIMIT REVIEW:
A brief discussion took place in regard to the Speed Limit Review. Councillor L. Brennan queried the speed limit on the Old N4, the L-3700. Ms. Emer Concannon A/Director of Service confirmed all Local Road speed limit will be reduced to 80kpm with all residential areas having a speed limit of 30kph.
END OF MEETING:
The meeting ended at 4 pm.
Meeting Date 11/11/2024