Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2025

Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 24th March, 2025 at 2 pm in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Joseph Queenan
Councillor Gerard Mullaney
Councillor Barry Gallagher
Councillor Michael Clarke
Councillor Liam Brennan
Councillor Dara Mulvey
Councillor Paul Taylor

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer Roads
Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer SRDO
Mr. Paul O'Rourke, A/Senior Engineer Roads
Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer Enforcement Section
Mr. Conor Joy, SSE Renewables
Mr. Michael O'Farrell, SSE Renewables
Mr. Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer
Ms. Olivia Black, Staff Officer
Ms. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer

APOLOGIES:

Mr. Dessie Sloyan, Executive Engineer and Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 27^TH JANUARY 2025:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 27^th January 2025.”

2. MATTERS ARISING:

No item raised.

3. PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED CRUMHACH WIND FARM BY SSE RENEWABLES:

Councillor Joe Queenan welcomed Mr. Conor Joy and Mr. Michael O’Farrell from SSE Renewables, who gave a presentation and handouts on the proposed Crumhach Wind Farm. Currently exploring the potential for a new wind energy and battery project at the site of the existing Dunneill and Kingsmountain wind farms.

They have operated the Kingsmountain Wind Farm since 2003 and the neighbouring Dunneill Wind Farm since 2010, with the latter receiving an approval to extend its operational life last year. Together, both wind farms constitute over 36MM of clean energy, power 24,000 homes, remove 29,000 tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions from Ireland’s electricity fuel mix and provide a significant economic boost to the locality.

Through the proposed Crumhach Wind Farm they are now seeking to secure and extend their over two-decade long presence in Co. Sligo.

Crumhach Wind Farm would involve the repowering of the Dunneill and Kingsmountain wind farms, in addition to a greenfield development located in-between the existing wind farms and on lands located south-south-west of the existing wind farms.

Repowering would involve the dismantling and replacement of turbine equipment, with existing infrastructure on site such as roads and grid connection equipment being reused where possible. The benefits of repowering include continuing with the productive use of existing wind farm sites, significantly increasing the clean energy produced at these sites. While the number and layout of turbines will be refined during the upcoming project design stages, the proposed development will likely comprise the removal of the 23 existing wind turbines from Dunneill Wind Farm (13 turbines) and Kingsmountain Wind Farm (10 turbines) and the construction of approximately 25 wind turbines across the proposed site, in addition to an onsite substation that will also include battery storage.

Councillor Michael Clarke thanked Conor Joy and Michael O’Farrell for their presentation and for their contribution to the local community. Councillor Joe Queenan thanked both for their presentation on behalf of all present and advised there will be a presentation at the June Council Meeting.

4. UPDATE ON CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT):

Mr. Adrian Grandison reported the update as circulated on the scheme to the Members. Councillor Michael Clarke asked if the requirements changed when applying for the Grant to which Mr. Grandison advised there is no change. Councillor Joe Queenan asked if the Grant amount increased or will be increasing to which Mr. Grandison advised it has not increased from €50,000 or €70,000 for Derelict. Councillor Paul Taylor praised the Grant scheme and asked if there are any delays with payments to which Mr. Grandison advised there are no delays with 84 payments paid to date. Councillor Dara Mulvey asked if asbestos roofs are covered under this Grant to which Mr. Grandison advised it is under Demolitions / Strip-out / Site Clearance.

5. N17 KNOCK TO COLLOONEY (ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR) PROGRESS UPDATE:

Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer, reported the update as circulated to the Members. A discussion on the proposed Deputation to An Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport and the subsequent response from the Office of An Taoiseach, referring the request to the Minister for Transport followed. It was decided to wait until the 2025 allocation is announced, which could be this week, at which point Councillor Joe Queenan advised the Members to follow up with Mr. Darragh O’Brien D Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and the Minister for Transport.

6. MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS 2025 - ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME

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

And agreed:

“To consider the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2025 - including Draft Roads, Transportation and Infrastructure Programme”.

Councillor Paul Taylor mentioned a large number of roads which have fallen into disrepair due to ongoing bad weather and asked if these roads be looked at as the roads programme is done for 3 years and will have to wait another 3 years for the next programme. Mr. Paul O’Rourke advised sections of roads could be done. Mr. Noel Haran advised they will look into this. Councillor Barry Gallagher asked for a collision history report for the N17 to which Mr. Paul O’Rourke advised Sligo County Council has no access to this data. Mr. Matthew Robb advised this is not publicly available, the SRDO does not have this information as under GDPR this information cannot be disclosed, historically this information could be viewed. Councillor Michael Clarke queried the €210,000 near the Leitrim boundary to which Ms. Concannon advised this is for the progression of a pavement scheme.

7. HENRY'S SHOP IN BALLYMOTE TO THE PLAYGROUND & TO CAMROSS ESTATE

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

And agreed:

“To ask Sligo Co Council to carry out footpath works from Henry's shop in Ballymote to the playground & to Camross Estate.”

Mr. Noel Haran said this would be looked at.

8. FOOTPATH IN GURTEEN VILLAGE IN NEED OF REPAIR

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER

And agreed:

“To ask Sligo Co Council to resurface sections of footpath in Gurteen Village that are in need of repair.”

Councillor Dara Mulvey mentioned the broken boards along footpaths, which are near a river. Mr. Noel Haran advised this would be checked.

9. PROVIDING A MORNING/EVENING COMMUTER TRAIN SERVICE MONDAY-FRIDAY, BETWEEN LONGFORD & SLIGO

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

And agreed:

“To call on Iarnród Eireann & the NTA to examine the possibility of providing a morning and evening commuter train service Monday to Friday, between Longford & Sligo to cater for the large number of people who work, attend college, hospital appointments etc. on a daily basis. There is a demand for such a service and I feel that it would be extensively used and would be welcomed by the communities who live along or close to the Sligo - Dublin Line.”

Councillor Paul Taylor advised there are a lot of people working in construction, factories and attending the ATU that want to avail of an early morning service but there is none available to them. The first train arrives at 10am in Sligo Station and this is too late. There is a train already in Sligo and this could be used but he is unsure if is down to staffing. Councillor Dara Mulvey said a service is urgently needed, the first train that arrives weekly to Sligo is 10am and this is too late for people that want to commute for work or colleague. He mentioned that early morning services are available in other counties so why cannot Sligo get this? Also, you cannot buy a cup of tea/coffee on this route, there is no trolley service since Covid. Councillor Gerard Mullaney said with the ATU and lack of accommodation in Sligo this service is needed.

10. (A) PARKLAND, SPRINGVALE ESTATE (B) CASTLEBALDWIN NS (B) CASTLEBALDWIN NS FROM DROMROE ESTATE

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to seek funding for (a) a raised pedestrian Crossing on the N17 at Tubbercurry to facilitate residents of Parkland, Springvale estates who access Busses for school and work and the GAA Grounds (b) a raised pedestrian Crossing at Castlebaldwin NS to facilitate children from Dromroe estate”.

Councillor Michael Clarke thanked all involved for all the work being done in Castlebaldwin. In Tubbercurry there is a huge volume trying to cross the road at busy times and a crossing will slow traffic. Councillor Barry Gallagher said it is great to see the work going ahead in quarter three. Councillor Paul Taylor welcomed a Pedestrian crossing as this was in previous motions and raised by previous Councillors and the crossing in front of Super Valu would need to be raised as this will slow traffic. Mr. Matthew Robb advised this was looked at by the Engineer and the crossing at Super Valu will be raised but Humber Street will not be raised as it may cause overturning if vehicle is travelling at high speed. Councillor Paul Taylor said vehicles should not be travelling at high speed. He said the crossing at Super Valu should be raised, as people are ready to go on the crossing and then stop. Mr. Matthew Robb said the locations can be reviewed again. Councillor Dara Mulvey asked if the ramps can be painted to which Mr. Matthew Robb advised they will be finished according to standards.

11. CNOC NA SI ESTATE TUBBERCURRY

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

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide a report on Cnoc Na Si estate Tubbercurry, what is the status of the estate and to carry out a safety audit, when will traffic calming measures be put in place”.

Councillor Michael Clarke advised that the Enforcement Section will have to sort this issue. Ms. Emer Concannon advised that no application was received to TIC this estate. Councillor Gerard Mullaney asked if the residence need to apply to which Ms. Emer Concannon advised a certain number of residences will have to apply in order for the Council to TIC the estate. Councillor Paul Taylor said a lot of the houses could be owned by the developer and the houses are only rented. Councillor Liam Brennan asked if the Council could write to the developer to which Councillor Joe Queenan advised to leave it to the residence.

12. L2801 COOLANEY

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

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to extend the 50km speed limit signage out further along L2801 Coolaney as part of the new speed limit review this year”.

Councillor Dara Mulvey thanked for the response issued, and asked who makes application to reduce the speed limit. Mr. Paul O’Rourke advised the speed limit review process has commenced, and Department of Transport Guidelines would be used to determine speed limits of 30kph, 50kph and 60kph, as appropriate. A Public Consultation will be scheduled as part of the process.

13. COMMUNITY CENTRE COOLANEY – PEDESTRAIN CROSSING ZONE & DISABILITY ACCESS

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to install a safe pedestrian crossing zone outside the Community centre Coolaney in the interest of safety for all. The main busy road through the village along with the busy junction adjoining O’Grady’s shop on road L6105 where 3 housing estates are located make crossing the road very dangerous.

Coolaney Development Co. has applied for funding to enhance the disability access to the community centre and when that work is being carried out, it would be the ideal time to install a safe crossing due to the Community Park, playground, etc., all located on the opposite side of the road to the Community Centre”.

Councillor Dara Mulvey asked if the Area Engineer could have a look at this and was advised it would be reviewed.

14. GEEVAGH HALL

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to progress the transfer of Geevagh Hall to the local Community”.

Councillor Gerard Mullaney was happy with the response issued.

15. BOTHER AN CORRAN HOUSING ESTATE

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

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to request a progress report on the replacement of the perimeter fence along the stream in Bother an Corran housing estate Ballymote”.

Councillor Gerard Mullaney advised this motion was in six months ago and nothing has happened since, it is a Health and Safety issue, which cannot continue. He advised it is a death trap and hopes there will be no fatality. Mr. Paul O’Rourke advised there is no budget and suggests in December the Elected members could look at this when determining the 2026 budget. Councillor Gerard Mullaney asked if the Residence Association could raise some money would Sligo County Council match it, to which Mr. Paul O’Rourke advised that this would be considered.

16. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council and Uisce Eireann to solve once and for all the ongoing problem of a foul odour residents have been getting in the Wolfe Tone Street area of Ballymote on and off for some time now. Numerous houses on the street have complained to Uisce Eireann about this issue. The Family Resource Centre has its office on this street and has to open all windows on the days the odour is present when public events are due to take place. Uisce Eireann is coming back to residents after some complaints to say the problem is solved but it is not solved”.

Councillor Dara Mulvey advised that Uisce Eireann has received numerous complaints on this issue from residents, however, they are not responding. The residents have a log of specific times and dates of occurrence. A drain cleaning company carried out a CCTV scan of the drains and advised no blockage showed, yet the problem is continuing. The Family Resource Centre have a record of all contact made to Uisce Eireann. The smell is very bad during the summer, the residents have not gone public yet but may.

17. KILLEENDUFF AND RATHLEE NATIONAL SCHOOLS

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

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to prepare an updated report for safety measures at Killeenduff and Rathlee National Schools.”

Councillor Michael Clarke queried the €20,000 to which Mr. Paul O’Rourke advised that this 2024 funding application was for design work. Mr. Noel Haran advised through the Low-Cost Accident Scheme, a survey and design report is being done at the moment on traffic calming and pedestrian crossing. Work will be done this year.

18. L45045 CASHEL SOUTH CURRY

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council / TII National Roads Project Office Sligo County Council to carry out essential safety works at the junction to road L45045 in Cashel South, Curry, similar to the safety works carried out at the junction across the road in 2024.

The landowner gives full permission for this section of his land to be taken to gain an adequate distance to carry out these safety works, and it would also take away dangerous concrete posts with wire from alongside the main N17 road verge.

It would be a minor job estimate costing in the region of €5k – €7k.”

Councillor Barry Gallagher advised that all junctions on the N17 should be done. Councillor Paul Taylor said all junctions were looked at in 2017, some were done but the majority would need to be done. Mr. Matthew Robb advised he will get the landowner details from Councillor Barry Gallagher as it is great the landowner is willing to come on board.

19. L6608 KILLANLEY

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

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to commence the process of taking in charge of 400 meters of Cul de Sac which has six families living on road off L6608 Killanley, Co. Sligo.”

Councillor Michael Clarke advised the road is in good condition and should be TIC, to which Mr. Noel Haran advised it will be looked at. Ms. Emer Concannon advised that if it adheres with the SCC policy on ‘Taking in Charge of Roads’, it would be considered positively. Councillor Dara Mulvey was advised to contact Mr. Paul O’Rourke regarding a particular link road.

20. (A) R297 THROUGH RATHLEE VILLAGE (B) COLÁISTE IASCAIGH (C) PIER ROAD, ENNISCRONE

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

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to give an update on proposed traffic calming on (a) R297 through Rathlee Village (b) outside Coláiste Iascaigh (c) Pier Road, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.”

21. DRUMSHINNAGH, RIVERSTOWN (F52 Y563)

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to install a culvert structure at Drumshinnagh, Riverstown (F52 Y563) to replace and improve the current drainage, which is failing to prevent a local house, belonging to an elderly woman, from flooding. This house has flooded twice in recent months and has a history of flooding two to three times each year.”

Councillor Liam Brennan advised a person in their eighties is living in this house and this is an ongoing issue, the two pipes are too small. Mr. Noel Haran advised this will be checked and will try to resolve this. Councillor Liam Brennan asked if there is a Bridge Programme and was advised there is.

22. ESSENTIAL SAFETY WORKS FOR TOURLESTRANE

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR

And agreed:

To call on Sligo County Council to look at securing funding for the below essential safety works to be completed in Tourlestrane.

complete the footpath all the way up from the Village Inn to the front of the Church
resurface the road area after the Church where it widens and line the road and parking area to distinguish between both
complete footpath from the village over to the National School. This will connect the School, GAA grounds, village area and Church all together safely
complete works at the Carnagopple Junction (bottom of Kilcoyne’s hill). Grading and resurfacing works need to be completed to allow vehicles to meet and pass safely and take the junctions safely. Currently there is a STOP sign approaching from the Curry side but a STOP line would be needed as vehicles are half way across the road before they can see any approaching vehicles from the Banada side. The signs for Banada and Tourltestrane are not visible when you are approaching from the Tubbercurry side

put a Banada sign at the school junction in Curry”.

Mr. Noel Haran advised he will take a look at the above and that works relating to drainage and footpaths will take place in 2026. He will discuss the erection of the Stop sign and Banada sign with Mr. David Golden.

23. DISABLED PARKING

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to erect vertical signage at the disabled parking bay at the Protestant Church in Ballymote, to improve awareness and visibility of the disabled space for all road users. Also, for a review to be carried out of drop-down kerbing and disabled parking on Lord Edward Street, Ballymote particularly for those using manual wheelchairs who find accessibility to local services challenging.”

Councillor Liam Brennan advised the disabled parking was not very visible, people without badges are parking there. He asked if a pole with a sign could be erected and if the Protestant Church and if the space could be repainted.

24. L3700 (OLD N4)

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY

And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to for clarity on the process of requesting a review of speed limits from the TII, examining the possibly of increasing the speed limit of the L3700 (old N4) from the default 60km/h to 80km/h”.

Mr. Paul O’Rourke advised that if the speed limit was increased to 80km/h would people stay at this speed, when at 60km/h there would be a reduction in incidents as people are driving slower. Ms. Emer Concannon advised that there will be a cycle way proposed so lower speed will be needed and advised that vehicular traffic wishing to go at higher speeds should use the Dual Carriageway. Councillor Joe Queenan advised that it could be reviewed again at a later stage.

25. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN

And agreed:

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Andre Pyne on the recent death of his Dad Andrew RIP”.

26. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“Thank you to Mr. Gerry Connolly, Tubbercurry Outdoor Staff Member on his retirement”.

Councillor Dara Mulvey would like to wish Mr. Gerry Connolly all the best in his recent Retirement and to thank him for all his service to Sligo County Council over the years.

The Cathaoirleach and all Members present wished to record their thanks and appreciation to Mr. Gerry Connolly for his contribution to Sligo County Council.

27. CORRESPONDENCE:

(i) Acknowledgement dated 10^th February 2025 from Minister for Finance regarding TFI Local link service for Bellaghy, Curry, Tourlestrane, Tubbercurry, Cloonacool, Achonry and Ballinacarrow.

(ii) Reply dated 11^th February 2025 from the Minister for Transport’s office regarding TFI Local Link service for Bellaghy, Curry, Tourlestrane, Tubbercurry, Cloonacool, Achonry and Ballinacarrow.

(iii) Reply dated 12^th February 2025 from TII regarding Local Link Service for Sligo.

(iv) Reply dated 13^th February 2025 from HSE regarding shortage of home help staff and letter.

(v) Reply dated 20^th February 2025 advising Deputy Feighan has written to the Taoiseach and Minister O’Brien seeking a meeting as requested.

(vi) Reply dated 21^st February 2025 from Eamon Scanlon TD advising he has requested a meeting with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Darragh O’Brien to discuss the advancement of the N17KCAEC – correspondence attached.

(vii) Acknowledgement dated 25^th February 2025 in response to a letter to An Taoiseach seeking deputation re N17KCAEC.

(viii) Acknowledgement dated 27^th February 2025 from Department of Transport in response to a letter to arrange a deputation in Dáil Eireann.

(ix) Reply dated 4^th March 2025 advising Marian Harkin TD has written to the Minister supporting the request for a Deputation.

28. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER

AND AGREED

“That the next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD be held at 2pm on Monday, 19^th May, 2025 in Teach Laighne.”

29. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

THANK YOU TO MR. GERRY CONNOLLY, TUBBERCURRY OUTDOOR STAFF:

AND AGREED

Councillor Dara Mulvey would like to wish Mr. Gerry Connolly, all the best in his recent Retirement and to thank him for all his service to Sligo County Council over the years.

The Cathaoirleach and all Members present wished to record their thanks and appreciation to Mr. Gerry Connolly for his contribution to Sligo County Council.

Councillor Paul Taylor asked if there is any update on the R293 Gurteen to Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon County Boundary to which Paul O’Rourke advised he would check.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 3.50 pm.

Meeting Date 24/03/2025