Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2025

Minutes of the Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday, 21st July, 2025 at 2pm in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT: 

  • Cllr. Michael Clarke
  • Cllr. Joe Queenan 
  • Cllr. Gerard Mullaney 
  • Cllr. Dara Mulvey 
  • Cllr. Paul Taylor 
  • Cllr. Barry Gallagher 
  • Cllr. Liam Brennan 

   

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Services 
  • Mr. Dessie Sloyan, Executive Engineer 
  • Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer 
  • Mr. Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer 
  • Ms. Olivia Black, Meeting Administrator

 

APOLOGIES:

Mr. Matthew Robb, A/Senior Executive Engineer

 

1.      MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 26TH May 2025: 

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER

AND AGREED 

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 26th May 2025.” 

 

MINUTES OF AGM MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 7TH July 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 7th July 2025.” 

 

2.  MATTERS ARISING:

None

 

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

Mr. Adrian Grandison reported the update as circulated on the scheme to the Members.  

A discussion followed – Councillor Liam Brennan asked what is classified as a vacant derelict property, to which Mr. Adrian Grandison responded that it has to have four walls, the roof can be gone and not an outbuilding or shed. Councillor Michael Clarke asked why there are 7 No. rejections to which Mr. Adrian Grandison advised it could be a house that was demolished, not completed by 2007 or not vacant for two years.  Councillor Paul Taylor asked if it is up to potential buyer of a property to obtain the proof of vacancy to which, Mr. Adrian Grandison advised it is and this can be obtained through the electrical provider.

 

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

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

A discussion followed – Councillor Barry Gallagher said the 2025 TII Grant Allocation for one million is welcome.  People are still concerned over what route will be selected, especially farmers, yard owners, one person does not know if they should go ahead with their extension or not.  Ms. Emer Concannon said there are technical surveys and design work to be completed to inform the final footprint of the Scheme. Multidisciplinary consultants are being procured to assist with this process. Regarding any planning issue, the applicant is advised to contact the Sligo Regional Design Office to determine the risk of the application being on or close to the route footprint. Councillor Michael Clarke said people are anxious to know what is happening and the route that will be selected. Councillor Liam Brennan advised in order for the Topographical Surveys to be carried out, all farmers should allow the people on to their lands.

 

5.  LOCAL LINK SERVICE BETWEEN BALLYMOTE AND TUBBERCURRY:  

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

AND AGREED:

“To ask Sligo County Council that the following request be sent back to NTA – calling for a local link service to be put in place to run between Ballymote and Tubbercurry.

Also, asking if the 977 local link service, which travels from Ballymote via R293 towards Clarkes bridge onto the lower section of the N17, can this service reroute via road L1603 from Ballymote onto Summerton Road to facilitate a pickup and drop off in Ballinacarrow village. While the local link route 977 is performing well on its current alignment and at present, the NTA needs to examine how a service can be provided for the growing population in Ballinacarrow.” 

 

RESOLUTION:

Councillor Dara Mulvey advised there are six trains to Ballymote daily with no transport to Tubbercurry.  Ballinacarrow is in the middle of three routes with no service.  People are buying houses and then realise there is no services from this station.  Bus Éireann and Freda O’Donnell services have expanded due to the success of the services.  Councillor Gerard Mullaney advised there is huge demand between Ballymote and Tubbercurry.  Local Link cannot run on national roads.  Councillor Barry Gallagher mentioned the speed limits and it can be a slow journey.  Councill Paul Taylor said the Local Link has to be funded by the Department, it is a huge area and the buses are full daily.  Councillor Dara Mulvey advised the response from the NTA is not sufficient. 

 

6.  ROAD MARKINGS TEMPEHOUSE JUNCTION GATE:

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

AND AGREED:

 

“To ask Sligo County Council that road markings be painted in the interest of motorist safety at the Temple House junction gate, along road L1601.” 

REPLY: 

This work will be carried out when the line markers are available. 

 

7.  CLOONAMEEHAN CEMETERY – OLD BOUNDARY WALL:

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

AND AGREED:  

“To ask Sligo County Council that the old boundary wall which is falling in be repaired at Cloonameehan Cemetery near Buninnadden.” 

REPLY: 

The approximate cost of this work is 80K.  Funding will be sought to enable the works to be carried out in 2026.

Councillor Dara Mulvey advised the walls are so bad they are falling and need to be repaired.

 

8.  SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROADS:  

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

AND AGREED:  

“To ask Sligo County Council to carry out the work where funding has been allocated under 2024 Safety Improvement Works on Regional and Local Roads to Project Code SO/BS/24/013 to improve sight lines on L1905 at 2 locations.” 

REPLY: 

Sligo County Council will carry out safety Improvement Measures on L1905.  

Mr. Dessie Sloyan advised this will be done this year.

 

9.  UPGRADE AND MAINTAIN L3700: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to the TII requesting that they provide funding to upgrade and maintain L3700 because they use this road on a regular basis while the N4 Castlebaldwin to Tubberbride is closed due to verge trimming, maintenance work and accidents.” 

RESOLUTION: 

REPLY:

An application for funding will be made to the TII under ‘Former National Roads Grant’ for funding to be provided in 2026. This grant was applied for in 2025, but no funding was received.  

Councillor Gerard Mullaney advised the TII close the N4 if accidents and traffic is diverted to the local road at 60 km speed limit and pay for no works.  They need to allocate a budget and keep at a level as this route is used so much.  Councillor Liam Brennan said the TII maintain the N4 and the Area Engineer has no funding to maintain the L3700.  Mr. Dessie Sloyan advised that Sligo County Council have applied for funding but have not received funding for this road to date.  

 

10.  DUNMORAN BEACH:  

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

AND AGREED:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to fit a cold water shower, foot washing and drinking water unit at Dunmoran beach beside the lifeguard station.” 

REPLY:

Funding will be sought to enable these works to be carried out in 2026. 

Councillor Michael Clarke was happy with the response and would like to see this at all beaches in Sligo.

 

11.  UPDATE ON BRIDGE REPAIRS: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to give an update date on bridge repairs – Taylors Bridge, Dunmoran Bridge at Kavanagh's, Tra Bhui Bridge and at Gerrib little Skreen.” 

REPLY: 

Taylors Bridge - is funded under the 2025 Non-National Road Bridges Programme - Tenders were returned on 12th of July 2025. Rehabilitation works are expected to commence in Q3 2025.

Ardnaglass Bridge – (Dunmoran Bridge at Kavanagh's) is funded under the 2025 Non-National Road Bridges Programme – Rehabilitation Works are due to be tendered in Q3 2025 and works are expected to commence in Q4 2025.

Tra Bhui Bridge – this bridge was inspected but no structural elements were highlighted as been of concern. The traffic volumes do not warrant bridge widening as was previously proposed.

Gerrib Little Bridge – This bridge will be reassessed to determine appropriate safety measures. Once assessed and an estimate of costs is known, funding will be sought to carry out the required works.

Councillor Michael Clarke was happy with the response.

 

12.  SUPPORT TO BUILD 9TH CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN SLIGO PROVIDE AN ENHANCED COMMUNITY INTERVENTION TEAM (CIT): 

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

AND AGREED:  

“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD & the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill.

  1. that this council supports calls by Catherina McGoldrick to build the 9th centre of excellence in Sligo giving that the population of the Northwest now supports the numbers required and that cancer outcomes in the northwest are the worst in Ireland
  2. to provide an enhanced Community Intervention Team (CIT) is a specialist, health professional team which provides a rapid and integrated response to a patient with an acute episode of illness who requires enhanced services/acute intervention for a defined short period of time. This may be provided at home, in a residential setting or in the community as deemed appropriate, thereby avoiding acute hospital attendance or admission, or facilitating early discharge. 

The CIT through its fast-tracked provision of services enhances the overall primary care system, providing access to nursing and home care support, usually from 8am to 9pm, seven days per week.  Referrals are accepted from hospitals, GP’s and other community sources. 

Services provided include:

  • Administration of IV antibiotics
  • Acute anticoagulation management
  • Urinary related care
  • Ostomy Care
  • Medication Management
  • Enhanced Nurse Monitoring
  • Care of patients with respiratory illness
  • Acute wound care and dressings.” 

RESOLUTION: 

Councillor Michael Clarke advised of the importance of this service for Sligo.  This service is available in Dublin, Meath, Galway and Longford.  It would be of major benefit to the elderly, instead of having to go into hospital they call the ambulance to get a catheter fitted. 

 

13.  DERELICT / VACANT PROPERTIES IN SOUTH SLIGO:  

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN
And agreed:  

“To ask Sligo County Council how many properties derelict / vacant properties in South Sligo.  Is there a derelict / vacant property register for these properties. What money is ringfenced for South Sligo / Tubbercurry as part of the public realm area allocation of money.” 

REPLY: 

Following the completion of a countywide survey, our Derelict Site (DS) Database now includes 275 derelict properties, 83 of which are in the Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD.

There are currently 41 properties on the Derelict Sites (DS) Register, 8 of which are in the Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD. Properties are added to the DS Register where there is no meaningful engagement from the owner or there is no progress being made to bring the property back into use. 

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development & Gealtacht, is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First (TCF) policy. 

The RRDF Cliff Baths project at Enniscrone includes public realm upgrades to Prominade.

An allocation of €30,000 for the Development of a TCF for Ballymote along with the establishment of a Town Team.  The TCF Plan will seek to identify appropriate interventions aimed at the regeneration of Ballymote over the coming years.

Sligo County Council intends to submit an application to the upcoming RRDF Category 1 Funding Call for the Tubbercurry Regeneration Scheme.  The project involves public realm upgrades at Wolf Tone Square Tubbercurry along with upgrades to adjacent buildings including the disused “Brennan’s” building. 

A discussion followed – Councillor Barry Gallagher advised there are a lot of vacant properties and the price of houses is increasing.  He asked are the owners contacted, to which Ms. Emer Concanon advised a survey was done, engaging with the property owners and outing the options available i.e. Croí Cónaithe etc.  When the owner is not engaging, the property is put on the Derelict Sites register.  A lot of owners are making an effort and engaging, as a levy will apply in 2026.  Councillor Dara Mulvey said this was evident when they were canvassing for the local election and asked if the owners of a property cannot be located, can we take it over, to which Ms. Emer Concannon advised if we don’t know who the owner is we can CPO the property and put it onto the open market. Councillor Michael Clarke asked if the owners will be invoiced for the levy and if the property is done up can the owner get a refund, to which Ms. Emer Concannon advised that if the property is done up, they will be removed from the Derelict Sites Register and not invoiced the following year.

 

14.  OX CRESENT ESTATE, TUBBERCURRY: 

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR B. GALLAGHER
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR L. BRENNAN

AND AGREED: 

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update for the taking in charge of the Ox Cresent Estate on the Charlestown Road, Tubbercurry. Residents have contacted me in relation to their worries of issues with footpaths, road markings, drainage, speeding in the estate, why the footpath was not completed alongside the N17 road heading towards Charlestown which was part of the original planning and why the estate has not been fully completed.” 

REPLY: 

Ox Cresent Estate is not included in the 2025 Taking in Charge programme. It is the intention to progress this in 2026. However, there are still substantial works required to bring the estate up to standard and the extent of these works will depend on the funds available. 

The footpath on the N17 is part of the Phase 2 development, which has not been fully completed on site.  

Ms. Emer Concannon advised this is with the Enforcement Section.

 

15.  LOW-COST ACCIDENT SCHEME FOR REMOVAL OF HEDGINT AT TWO LOCATIONS:  

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

AND AGREED:  

“To call on Sligo County Council Roads section to look at allocating monies through a low-cost accident scheme for the removal of the hedging at:

  1. F91P593 Sessuecommon, Cloonacool, Co. Sligo – there have been numerous accidents at this corner and there is also a busy junction on it. Trimming of the hedge is simply not sufficient.
  2. F91F516 Castleloye, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo – the house owner has contacted me to see if Sligo County Council would assist him in the removal of the hedging along the busy N17 road. He is willing to cover 50% of the cost of the works to complete the removal of the hedging and building of a small wall or erecting a fence. This would give a clear sighting and be far safer for traffic approaching the next corner if this hedging was removed.”   

REPLY: 

  1. Funding to set back the existing boundary was received previously at this location but the landowner in question would not agree with the proposed works, therefore Sligo County Council were unable to remedy the issue at this location. If an agreement may be reached with the landowner, funding may be sought for this location again.The potential for alternative solutions shall also be explored.
  2. An application for funding at this location will be made under a ‘Non-national Safety Improvement Scheme’ for 2026. 

Councillor Barry Gallagher was happy with the response.  Councillor Dara Mulvey on point 1, outlined that speed is an issue.

 

16.  CALMING MEASURE ON L1102: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to put in place traffic calming measure on L1102 Geevagh and the road past Geevagh NS.” 

REPLY 

Funding will be applied for under a ‘Non-national Safety Improvement Scheme’ for 2026. 

Councillor Gerard Mullaney was happy with the response.  Traffic Calming is needed.

 

17.  IMPROVE ENTRANCES AT SOME CEMETERY’S: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“To call on Sligo County Council to improve the entrance to Killycloghan Cemetery, Drumee, Sooey (moving pier to increase pier width and small wall rebuild).  Also, the existing agricultural entrance gates are replaced with gates of a similar design to those located at Sooey and Corrig Cemetery.” 

REPLY 

Funding has been allocated for three burial grounds in the Ballymote Area for 2025, Kilmorgan BG, Bellarush BG and Ballymote BG. Similar funding will be sought to enable these works to be carried out in 2026. 

Councillor Liam Brennan advised the agricultural gates need replacing and hopes that in 2026 this will be done with widening the piers and a wall is needed also.

 

18.  MAINTAIN OLD N4: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“To call on Sligo County Council the following;

  • to ask the TII to provide funding to maintain the ‘Old N4’ (L3700) stretch from Collooney to Castlebaldwin for verge trimming and hedge cutting as this route is regularly used as a diversion when maintenance of traffic collisions occur on the new N4
  • to include in advance, when N4 Road Maintenance occurs so that we can notify local people along the L3700 in advance of diverted traffic as many people walk and cycle on this road
  • to ask Sligo County Council to liaise with Roscommon County Council colleagues to repair/resurface a stretch of road on the N4 located above Ballinafad turn off heading towards Roscommon border and beyond for approximately one and a half kilometres, this stretch of road is badly degraded in places.” 

REPLY: 

(a)   The TII does not provide funding for hedge cutting on the ‘Old N4’.  Sligo County Council carry out hedge cutting to this route annually within the permitted hedge cutting season dates. 

(b)        Sligo County Council will request that the TII provide the information prior to any works taking place. 

(c)        Sligo County Council will contact the TII as regards the N4 section referred to. 

Councillor Liam Brennan on point (b) advised no notification is given to people and this is used by a lot of people and suggested if 2-3 days notice could be given in advance and if it could be advertised on local media.  Mr. Dessie Sloyan advised it is not up to Sligo County Council it will have to be from the TII.  Councillor Liam Brennan on point (c) advised that work needs to be carried out as it was done on the Roscommon side.  Councillor Gerard Mullaney on point (b) people need notice before work should be carried out.

 

19.  VILLAGE LOOP THROUGH RIVERSTOWN PARK: 

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

“To call on Sligo County Council To take two measures to improve the safety of those

who walk the village loop through Riverstown Park:

  • install additional lighting along a 70-meter black spot between the water treatment plant and the dwelling F52 YW24 on the Park Lane. This black spot prevents many people from completing the full village loop during winter nights and it is the only blackspot along this walkway
  • install temporary bollard posts, with reflective strips, to extend the footpath where it ends at Taunagh school to the entrance of the Park Lane. This would make motorists more aware of the need to leave space for walkers as they complete the village loop.” 

REPLY: 

(a)  Sligo County Council will assess the area in question to determine what works are required and an estimate for same. Funding may then be sought for this in 2026. 

(b) There is not sufficient space to erect bollards at this location. The erection of bollards at this location will create a hazard as pedestrians may walk outside the bollards and onto the public road due to the lack of width for a footpath.  

Councillor Liam Brennan on point (a) one area is a black spot, lighting is needed and hopefully funding will be given.  Point (b) temporary bollards are not a runner to which Mr. Dessie Sloyan advised that width is a problem there.  Councillor Gerard Mullaney on point (a) in by the river lights are needed which would make the loop of the village safe and complete.

 

20.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to William Ryan, Noreen Gildea and Delia Coleman.“ 

 

PROPOSED BY: COUNCILLOR D. MULVEY
SECONDED BY: COUNCILLOR J. QUEENAN

AND AGREED:  

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Esther Goulden.” 

 

 21.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Shamrock Gales GAA Senior Team on winning the Pinergy Division 1 football league final, beating Tourlestrane by 21-point victory.” 

 

22.  CORRESPONDENCE: 

(i) Response dated 4th June 2025 on behalf of the Minister of State, in relation to the Government building in Tubbercurry.

(ii) Response dated 24th June 2025 on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, regarding the request that the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is increased from €50,000 to €70,000 and €70,000 increased to €100,000.

(iii) Response dated 24th June 2025 on behalf of the National Transport Authority to      request funding for the Local Link Funding along the N17.

 

23.  DATE AND VENUE FOR THE NEXT MEETING: 

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

AND AGREED:  

“That the next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD be held on Monday, 29th September 2025 at 2pm in Teach Laighne.” 

 

24.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:  

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

AND AGREED:

“To write to the Superintendent to thank him and all the Garda involved in the Tom Niland case RIP. Three men were arrested thanks to all the hard work by this great Team.”

Councillor Paul Taylor asked about money for the R293 to which Mr. Dessie Sloyan said he will check this.

Councillor Gerard Mullaney mentioned that no press attended today’s meeting.  He did receive a phone call from Ocean FM advising that two employees have left.  Councillor Dara Mulvey asked if they could zoom into the meeting.  A discussion followed to which Ms. Emer Concannon advised she would check the Standing Orders in relation to the media.

Councillor Barry Gallagher mentioned the speed limit at Lough Talt and Driminigh NS to which Mr. Dessie Sloyan advised he will check this.  He also asked about money for cemeteries to which Ms. Emer Concannon advised this will be followed up on.

Councillor Dara Mulvey would like to express his thanks to all concerned on behalf of the Camino.

Councillor Joe Queenan mentioned the housing problem all over the country and asked why Sligo County Council acquired no land from landowners in Enniscrone to which Ms. Emer Concannon advised it will be September before she will have answers.  She advised the 2022-2026 Housing Plan Programme is the focus with 517 houses to be delivered and now need to get ready for the next plan and can have a look at Enniscrone.  Ms. Emer Concannon advised they are waiting for figures from the National Framework, which could be released in October.  Need to figure out what villages/towns, number of houses required and where the land is.

Councillor Michael Clarke advised of the suspension of the Housing Aid for Older People Grant to get more money, these Grants are so important and should not be stopped.  Councillor Gerard Mullaney advised letters issued in May of this year advising this scheme was suspended.

 

PROPOSED BY:  COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY:  ALL COUNCILLORS WERE IN AGREEMENT
And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to seek sufficient funding to ensure the Housing Aid for Older People Grant continues.”

 

PROPOSED BY:  COUNCILLOR M. CLARKE
SECONDED BY:  ALL COUNCILLORS WERE IN AGREEMENT
And agreed:

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to seek sufficient funding to ensure the Housing Aid for Older People Grant continues.”

 

END OF MEETING: 

The meeting ended at 3:20 pm. 

 


Meeting Date 21/07/2025