Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2025

Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 26th May, 2025 at 2 pm in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Co. Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Services
  • Mr. Noel Haran, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Dessie Sloyan, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
  • Ms. Olivia Black, Staff Officer

 

APOLOGIES:  

Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer and Mr. Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 24TH MARCH 2025:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY 
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER 

AND AGREED 

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 24th March 2025.” 

 

2. MATTERS ARISING:  

Councillor Paul Taylor asked at the last meeting for an update on the R293 Gurteen to Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon County Boundary. 

Mr. Noel Haran advised he was in contact with the Department Inspector (Richard Dowling) and the submission was under a Specific Improvement Grant. Funding was not approved by the Department for 2025, but we will resubmit an application seeking funding for 2026. 

Councillor Joe Queenan congratulated Mr Dessie Sloyan on his appointment to A/Senior Executive Engineer taking over from Mr. Noel Haran and wishes Mr. Haran all the best in his new role and would like to thank both for all their help and support.  All the Councillors wished to be associated with this also. 

 

3. DATE FOR THE BALLYMOTE TUBBERCURRY 2025 AGM:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR 
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY 

And agreed:  

“To select a date for the Ballymote Tubbercurry 2025 Annual General Meeting.” 

It was agreed Monday, 7th July, 2025 at 3pm in the County Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo. 

 

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.  

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR 
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY 

AND AGREED  

“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to request that the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is increased from €50,000 to €70,000 and €70,000 increased to €100,000.” 

 

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

Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer, circulated an update for the meeting in advance. 

 

6. SPEED REDUCTION WORKS AT BALLINACARROW VILLAGE: 

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

And agreed:  

“To ask Sligo County Council to request an update from the TII on the speed reduction works at Ballinacarrow village.” 

REPLY: 

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. These Schemes are funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Locations of Road Safety Improvement Schemes are identified 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.  

Prioritisation is given to high-collision locations when advancing Road Safety Improvement Schemes, while areas with identified safety issues are considered secondary.  

The stretch of the N17 through Ballinacarrow village has not been identified as a high-collision location in the two most recent analyses (2018-2020 and 2020-2022). Additionally, no issues related to traffic calming have been flagged at this location through TII road safety inspection process. 

Sligo Regional Design Office currently has a full program of Road Safety Improvement Schemes planned for 2025. It is important to note that a Road Safety Improvement Scheme was conducted in 2024 at the local road (L6108) / N17 junction in Ballinacarrow. Following a ‘Section 38 public consultation’ for that scheme, Sligo Regional Design Office applied to TII for an Active Travel/Traffic Calming scheme for Ballinacarrow; however, that application was unsuccessful, and no funding was provided through TII’s 2025 allocations.  

The location can be considered in the review of Road Safety Improvement Schemes for 2026, in discussions with the TII Regional Road Safety Inspection Engineer. However, there is no guarantee that a scheme at this location will be funded or prioritized, as high-collision locations and areas with identified issues from (TII led) road safety inspections to take precedence. 

A discussion followed on the need for a pedestrian crossing in Ballinacarrow, with the housing estate and bus stop on the opposite sides of the road. Ms Emer Concannon advised that there is limited funding nationally for safety schemes on National Roads, and that they are prioritised based on collision rates. However, this would be kept on the long list. 

Councillor Michael Clarke queried if funding was on hold for the N17 Knock to Collooney Scheme, but Ms Emer Concannon advised that there is no impediment to the progression of the N17 Scheme and that a budget had been allocated for 2025. 

Councillor Dara Mulvey asked if some work could be done each year, the public would not expect all to be done together. Councillor Paul Taylor said Ballinacarrow and Tubbercurry are not really looked at due to the proposed N17. Bellaghy has traffic calming and each village in North Sligo, yet Ballinacarrow and Tubbercurry have no traffic calming.  

 

7. UPDATE ON FLOODING AT STONE PARK, BALLYMOTE:

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

And agreed:  

 “To ask Sligo County Council for an update on my previous motion calling for investigation works at Stone Park Ballymote due to the flooding suffered by residents, businesses and road users last winter in that area. As the good spell of weather continues and the water flow through the town park is almost non-existent, can the overgrowth of algae and weeds in the stream be cleared out and all blockages be removed.  With a new playground due to open in the town park shortly, the park will be busier than ever, but the issue of the water flow in must be resolved.” 

REPLY: 

A survey of the existing pipe network was carried out and a section of damaged drainage pipe (approximately 20 meters) was replaced and a new manhole constructed. Clearing of the vegetation will take place later in the summer following the completion of the roads program. 

A discussion followed - Councillor Dara Mulvey would like to compliment Ballymote town on the new playground and works done. The Community Council will not proceed with the official opening until this matter is resolved. He said there is major problems with water flowing and does not want business flooded again. He suggested a survey to be done when water levels are low and will keep this on the agenda until it is resolved. Councillor Gerard Mullaney said Stonepark bridge needs cleaning also. Councillor Liam Brennan said he is disappointed to hear the playground opening is postponed until these works are completed. 

 

8. PROJECT CODE SO/BS/24/012: – ITEM DEFERRED

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY 

And agreed:  

“To ask Sligo Co Council to carry out the work where funding has been allocated to Project Code SO/BS/24/012 to improve sight lines on L5801 at 2 locations.” 

This motion was deferred. 

 

9. UPGRADING, RESURFACING AND SCORE OF ALL ROADS IN THIS MD: 

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

And agreed:  

“To ask Sligo County Council for: 

  1. A report for the next 2-year development plan for the upgrading and resurfacing of all roads in the municipal area.
  2. List of all roads in the municipal area and what score the roads are at presently for resurfacing works to be completed.
  3. Monies allocated to LIS & CIS schemes in the municipal area for 2025 / 2026.” 

REPLY: 

  1. MD Budget Number of roads on program (RI) 
    2025 €1.6 M 43
    2025 €5.7 M 38
    2025 €5.8 M 38
     
  2. Roads in the Ballymote area complete under the 2025 Restoration Improvement Program have a rating of 5 or lower. The roads completed under the restoration maintenance program have a rating of 7 or 8.   A table with the Engineering area, road numbers, locations, length (m) and ratings was circulated prior to the meeting. 
  3. Regarding funding allocated to LIS & CIS schemes in this municipal area for 2025 / 2026 

LIS 

Late April letters of offer were issued in post to the representatives of the 12 LIS schemes. The 2024 & 2025 LIS allocations were announced in May 2024  

  • 2024 LIS = €674,891- 15 schemes (B/T MD - 13 schemes) 
  • 2025 LIS = €497,776 - 12 schemes (B/T MD  12 schemes) 

There is no indication of what the allocation for 2026 might be.  

CIS 

The CIS allocation; 

  • 2024 CIS = €387,000, No of schemes 12 (B/T MD 11 schemes) 
  • 2025 CIS= €473,000, No of schemes 11 (B/T MD 9 schemes) 

There is no indication what the CIS allocation for 2026 might be. 

A discussion followed - Councillor Barry Gallagher thanked the staff for the response, as he is a new Councillor he wanted to know the programme. All Councillors agreed that there is not adequate funding for CIS Schemes, with some applications 15 years old. This needs to be reviewed and a suggestion that no more applications are added to the list until the review takes place. A suggestion to use €600,000 annual from the roads programme was made.  

 

10. RESURFACING IN TUBERCURRY:

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

And agreed:  

 “To call on Sligo County Council to allocate money for the resurfacing of the main road through the town of Tubbercurry from the junction at the Day break filling station at the top of Humbert Street all the way down to the pedestrian crossing at Surles's Valu and the Total Health Pharmacy. For these works to be completed can we contact the NTA to ask when they will be installing bus shelters in Tubbercurry for the Bus Eireann Route 64 service.” 

REPLY: 

The R294 Teeling St, Tubbercurry has been list for upgrade via the RI 2026 plan subject to funding in 2026. It should be noted that this work is linked to the installation of a bus shelter in the Square area / and or the upgrade of the Square via Town Regeneration plan all of which will result in the excavation of significant section of the R294 in the Square and dialogue between Road Design and the Town Regeneration team should occur at the earliest opportunity to develop a works programme or risk having to relocate the RI funding for the R294 in late 2025 / early 2026. 

A revised priority Bus Stop Enhancement Programme list for Sligo County was received from NTA April 2025 in which Bus Stop Enhancement Works for Tubbercurry are planned. Sligo County is currently engaging engineering consultancy services to advance the design, procurement & construction of BSEP. 

A discussion followed - Councillor Barry Gallagher asked if the footpaths could be looked at also as Tubbercurry needs more footpaths which are user friendly for wheelchair users. 

 

11. UPDATE ON OLD GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN TUBBERCURRY BESIDE GARDA STATION: 

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

And agreed:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to make correspondence with the OPW for an update on the old government building in Tubbercurry beside the Garda Station. The usage design of this building has been ongoing since 2021. Can we get an update on where the design is at currently and I also propose for the OPW to consider the building to be used as a new state of the art Garda Station on the ground floor with a much-needed Passport office for the Northwest on the first floor.” 

Councillor Barry Gallagher noted that four years later this is still at the design process.  This building is suitable for a Garda Station and a Passport office upstairs.  Councillor Paul Taylor noted that it is going on ten years or more overall and needs to be advanced.  

 

12. L12016-0 UPGRADE:

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

And agreed:  

“To call on Sligo County Council when will Road L12016-0 be upgraded.” 

REPLY: 

The road L-12015 is part of the current 3 year restoration improvement program and works are scheduled for 2027. 

Councillor Gerard Mullaney would like this road to be upgraded as soon as possible. 

 

13. ADDITIONAL LOCAL LINK SERVICES:

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

And agreed:  

“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the Transport Authority to request funding for the below local link services: 

  1. Local link services for residents living along the N17 road from South Sligo to Sligo town, SUH, ATU and ST Angelas College 
  2. Can an additional 977 morning service be made available between the hours of 7:30am and 07:45am from Ballymote to Sligo town for workers, students etc. to start work at 09:00 – 09:30am 

Also, to ask why does the 977 evening service from Sligo town to Ballymote does not stop in Ballisodare or Collooney. Many workers in these towns live in Ballymote due to lack of accommodation near Sligo town.” 

 

14. EXTENSION OF FOORPATH IN MONESTERADEN: 

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR 
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY 

And agreed:  

“To ask Sligo County Council that the Public Footpath in Monesteraden be extended from the National School / Church to the new Community grounds that will consist of a New Playground.” 

REPLY: 

Sligo County Council do not currently have the funding in 2025 necessary to provide a new footpath along this route. Funding for a project of this nature may be considered for Active Travel Scheme funding. 

Councillor Paul Taylor advised to discuss No.14 and No.15 together as same item.  Councillor Taylor asked that other sources of funding be considered. Mr. Haran advised that €100,000 is split between the three areas (Ballymote, Tubbercurry and Enniscrone) for footpath repair and extension. All agreed that there was not enough of an allocation for footpaths in this MD area and this needs to be looked at. 

 

15. NEW FOOTPATH MIDOO ROAD, GURTEEN:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR 
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR G. MULLANEY 

And agreed:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to construct a New Footpath down the Midoo Road in Gurteen to serve as a safety measure for children & parents walking to Carn NS.” 

REPLY: 

Sligo County Council do not currently have funding in 2025 necessary to provide a new footpath along this route. Funding for a project of this nature may be considered for Active Travel Scheme funding. 

Discussed under No.14. 

 

16. ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT CARRICK, COLA: 

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

And agreed:  

“To call on Sligo County Council  

(a) to include under the road safety improvements at Carrick Coola, works to remove a small amount of road edging/bank on a sharp bend to improve vision of oncoming traffic for children walking to Coola school. This bend is located between house F52 WK46 and F52 CX34 on the L13038 

(b) to add extra road markings and signage on each side of Coola secondary school to improve safety for everyone.”   

REPLY: 

(a) The Ballymote Area office does not have the funding to carry out the works required. This scheme may be included for funding under the non-national safety improvement scheme for 2026. 

(b) The area office will consider this location and if funding is available the road marking will be installed. 

A discussion followed on the need for the above interventions, with over 500 pupils at Coola secondary school, a lot of traffic and pedestrians. Parents are looking for this for over twenty years. 

 

17. MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF LOCAL RIVERS:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN 
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN 

And agreed:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to clarify and give direction on, who or what bodies are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our local rivers, for example, trees growing in and on the side of riverbanks, weeds, trees and other shrubs causing blockages, which is evident in a lot of rivers, resulting in flooding of land, roads and houses.” 

REPLY 

In the vast majority of cases, responsibility lies with the landowners whose lands adjoin the river.  

The Owenmore Drainage Scheme is the responsibility of Sligo County Council and the O.P.W. have responsibilities in relation to the River Moy. However, it must be noted that no river related works can take place without permission (where necessary) from bodies such as Inland Fisheries Ireland, the National Parks & Wildlife Service and the OPW. 

Environmental and hydrological reports are required in most cases, when seeking permissions. 

 

18. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES IN RIVERSTOWN VILLAGE:

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

And agreed:  

“To call on Sligo County Council look at introducing traffic calming measures in Riverstown village due to the ongoing concerns of parents with regards to children safety.” 

REPLY 

A traffic calming scheme may be applied for under the non-nation safety improvement scheme for 2026. A detailed survey of the area will be conducted to establish what traffic calming measures may be put in place. 

A discussion followed - Councillor Liam Brennan mentioned the walk that took place on Wednesday and thanked Mr. Sloyan for the additional road markings and signage. He asked if signage and a pedestrian crossing could be done, as all want this, but some do not want the signs or crossing outside houses or their premises.  Safety is everyone’s concern, and he welcomes the survey to take place. Councillor Gerard Mullaney cold not attend the walk but supports this survey. 

 

19. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON L1401:

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

And agreed:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to put in place traffic calming measures on L1401 close to Taunagh National School and the bridge at the approaching to Riverstown village in the interest of public safety.” 

REPLY: 

A traffic calming scheme may be applied for under the non-national safety improvement scheme for 2026.  A detailed survey of the area will be required to establish what traffic calming measures may be put in place. This survey and design will be carried out by the road design office. 

Councillor Gerard Mullaney said the road is very wide and just before the road gets wide, a ramp, may be an option.  Parents concerns are very high, with the creche and National School at that location. He thanked Mr. Sloyan for his involvement. 

 

20. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

And agreed:  

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy Maxwell and Maura Higgins.“ 

 

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN  
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR 

And agreed:  

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Beatrice Fletcher; Maura Higgins; Padraig Galvin; Annie Jo Duignan and Bridie Fallon.” 

 

21. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR 
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN  

And agreed:  

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Gurteen Celtic Ladies.” 

 

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN  
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR P. TAYLOR 

And agreed:  

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Arrow Harps FC senior ladies for winning the Connacht Shield Championship.” 

 

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

And agreed:  

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Coolaney United under 13 girls.” 

 

22. CORRESPONDENCE:

(i) Response dated 18th March 2025 on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding Ash Dieback. 

(ii) Response dated 4th April 2025 from Chief Executive, Iarnród Éireann regarding Longford to Sligo Rail Service. 

(iii) Response dated 7th April 2025 from Chief Executive (Interim), National Transport  Authority regarding Longford to Sligo Rail Service. 

(iv) Response dated 10th April 2025 from Uisce Éireann regarding Malodours Wolfe Tone Street. 

 

23. DATE AND VENUE FOR THE 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 on Monday, 21st July 2025 in Teach Laighne.” 

 

24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:  

Councillor Dara Mulvey asked when toilets would be in situ at Dunmoran Beach, it is a very busy beach and with all the good weather there was no toilets, and the lifebuoys need to be put up.  Ms. Concannon said she will look into this. 

 

END OF MEETING: 

The meeting ended at 3:20 pm. 


Meeting Date 26/05/2025