Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2025
Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 17th November, 2025 at 2 pm in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Cllr. Michael Clarke
- Cllr. Dara Mulvey
- Cllr. Joe Queenan
- Cllr. Paul Taylor
- Cllr. Gerard Mullaney
- Cllr. Barry Gallagher
- Cllr. Liam Brennan
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Service
- Mr. Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer
- Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Dessie Sloyan, A/Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Gary Lavelle, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Alan Anderson, Executive Engineer
- Ms. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer
Cathaoirleach:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE BALLYMOTE TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 29TH SEPTEMBER, 2025:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote Tubbercurry held on 29th September, 2025”.
2. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF THE BALLYMOTE TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 20th OCTOBER, 2025:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote Tubbercurry held on 20th October, 2025”.
3. MATTERS ARISING:
None raised.
4. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND - VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT:
Mr. Declan Noone, SEE noted an error in the figures on the report as circulated and agreed to circulate an updated report. Mr. Noone answered queries regarding grant drawdown and advised that Members contact Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer regarding specific queries.
5. N17 KNOCK TO COLLOONEY (ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR) PROGRESS UPDATE:
Mr. Gary Lavelle, EE gave apologies for Mr. Bernard Scott, Senior Engineer who is unavailable today. Mr. Lavelle updated the Members on the scheme and an updated report was circulated. The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Lavelle for the update and noted the importance of the project for the Municipal District.
6. DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS:
Mr. Declan Noone, SEE reported that 10 applications have been received online to date. The Housing Agency have appointed a Chartered Engineer and Coring Contractor to begin the sampling and testing process – this commenced on 5 buildings last week. Mr. Noone answered queries on this matter and the Members thanked him for his ongoing engagement.
7. PROPOSED BUS STOP ALONG N17:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to work with the NTA to provide a bus stop along the N17 which would be a great help to a wide circle of residents living in that region to use the 977 but have to travel to Collooney currently to get this bus.
One possible location at the gate house Annaghmore [Eircode F91 H512]. There is a wide safe pull in area here off the N17.
Some residents advised they tried to HAIL the 977 bus to stop at this location, but it failed to stop, so I was asked if a stop could be located there.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE reported that the proposal will be forwarded to the NTA for consideration of inclusion in the current Bus Stop Enhancement Program. The provision of a bus stop on the N17 will also be subject to Road Safety Audits and approval of Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
8. REQUEST FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR DAMAGED FOOTPATHS AT MOUNTAIN PARK ESTATE, COOLANEY AND DAMAGED CAPPING AT MOUNTAIN CRESCENT ESTATE, COOLANEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to allocate funds for the repair of damaged footpaths at Mountain Park Estate, Coolaney. Also, to allocate funds to replace the damaged capping along the wall at Mountain Crescent Estate, Coolaney.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE confirmed that this location can be considered for footpath upgrade works in 2026 subject to funding for said works being available within the Roadworks schedule 2026. Regarding the replacement of wall capping’s within other public realm area of Mountain Cresent estate, no such funding is currently available for this type of works within the Roadworks programme.
9. REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES R296 CARROWNANTY, BALLYMOTE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council again on behalf of local residents Ballymote Councillor for traffic calming measures such as solar speed indicator signs to be fitted on road R296 at Carrownanty, Ballymote, due to excessive speed and volumes of traffic entering and exiting the town.
There are over 100 homes such as estates like Castlegrove, Towerhill, also has the busy Business Park, Teagasc building, 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 and the need for this stretch of road to be resurfaced in 2026 roads programme.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE reported that Ballymote will be subject of the speed limit review process in 2026. Engineering interventions for the reduction of speed, if considered appropriate will be considered at that stage. Mr. Paul O’Rourke A/SE added that the speed limit review is a statutory implementation by Government. Local Authorities will be commencing the review in urban areas in 2026 with the speed limit review being implemented by March 2027.
10. PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES BALLINAFAD:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to put traffic calming measures in place in Ballinafad Village at the Mayfly Inn, in the interest of public safety.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE reported that the Area Office does not have funding for traffic calming works. This location will be referred to the Road Design Office for consideration under Safety Improvement Works.
Members noted their disappointment with the reply.
11. ROAD RESURFACING WORKS AT STRADUFF, GEEVAGH:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to resurface the road in Straduff, Geevagh.” https://maps.app.goo.gl/UYW6HeUc41Rar2Z6A?g_st=in
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE confirmed that this road is not on the Restoration Improvement Programme. This road is a Cul-De-Sac Road and therefore should be submitted for funding under a Community Involvement Scheme.
12. REQUEST FOR INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS AT COIS NA DUN, BALLYMOTE:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to install cameras at Cois na Dun, Ballymote, to identify persons dumping bottles of Road L1603 into the estate that is home to young families.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan, A/SEE reported that the installation of a CCTV scheme has to be approved by an internal oversight board, Data Protection and Information Systems Steering Group. The oversight board must demonstrate the necessity and proportionality of the CCTV scheme by means of local data protection impact assessment, DPIA, before it will be able to recommend the installation of the CCTV scheme to the Chief Executive for approval. Under the code of practice, a CCTV proposal shall only be considered justifiable if an authorised person can demonstrate to the oversight board that less intrusive reasonable steps have already been taken to prevent environmental pollution. These proposals include increased lighting in the area prone to the offenses, improved signage, more frequent inspections and increased public awareness campaigns.
13. REQUEST FOR ROAD SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF THE R284 AT SOOEY:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to arrange for a road safety assessment of the R284 at Sooey, in the vicinity of the Primary School, hall and Church, with a view to providing additional traffic calming measures and improved signage. While I acknowledge the existing speed ramp at the location, there are ongoing concerns regarding vehicle speeds going through Sooey. I would be grateful if an Engineer could visit the area to determine whether further signage or other appropriate traffic calming interventions could be introduced to improve safety for children, parents, and all road users.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE confirmed that the area will be examined by the Area Engineer to establish if further interventions are required. Sooey village will be subject to speed limit review process in 2026.
14. REQUEST FOR TII TO CARRY OUT WORKS AT N4 ROUNDABOUT AT CASTLEBALDWIN:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to contact TII requesting that repair works be carried out at the N4 roundabout at Castlebaldwin. The drainage channel sections at the edge of the footpaths leading into the roundabout from the Sligo side, as well as those located on the roundabout itself, have become loose. This is causing erosion and damage to the footpath surface, and the resulting loose debris presents a potential hazard for both motorists and pedestrians.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan, A/SEE agreed that the Area Office will contact the contractor carrying out the maintenance contract on this section of the N4.
15. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT COLAISTE IASCAIGH AND RATHLEEN N.S.:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to confirm that traffic calming measures at Coláiste Iascaigh and Rathlee N.S. will be completed 2025.”
Mr. Paul O’Rourke A/SE notified the Members that Safety Improvement works at Easkey are scheduled to commence on Monday 17th November. Safety Improvement works at Rathlee National School have been suspended pending Active Travel Safe Routes to School works at the same location. Following a query from Councillor Joe Queenan in regard to speed limits in Rathlee, Mr. O’Rourke confirmed that the speed limit review will include Rathlee. Sligo County Council cannot guarantee any change in the current speed limit.
16. ALLOCATION FOR TRAFFIC CALMING ON PIER ROAD, ENNISCRONE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to allocate 2026 funding towards traffic calming measures on Pier Road, Enniscrone.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE reported that a submission for funding has been made under the 2026 Safety Improvement Works for traffic calming measures on Pier Road, Enniscrone.
17. REQUEST FOR FUNDING N59 TULLYLINN AND AT CORBALLA:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to if there will be any funding allocated for road improvements on N59 Tullylinn and at Muddy Burns, Corballa.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE reported that TII is responsible for funding road improvements on national roads. The 2026 TII funding allocations have not been published to date and are not anticipated to be published until Q1 2026.
TII Network Management has identified a 4.8km Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal Scheme on the N59 from Tullylin to Fiddaun (northeast of the R298 to northeast of the L2602). Sligo County Council has sought a 2026 allocation from the TII to progress this scheme.
The TII Network Management has not identified a scheme at Muddy Burns, Corballa.
18. TRAFFIC CALMING WORKS – BOYLE SIDE OF GURTEEN VILLAGE R294, FROM GURTEEN CEMETERY TO MOYDOO ROAD JUNCTION:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for Traffic Calming works to be carried out on the Boyle side of Gurteen Village R294. To include safety works from Gurteen Cemetery to the Moydoo Road, which is the junction where all the children access the primary school.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan, A/SEE replied that the Area Office does not have funding for traffic calming works. This location will be referred to the Road Design Office for consideration under Safety Improvement Works.
Councillor Taylor expressed his disappointment with the reply. He noted Schemes that have been referred to Road Design for consideration and added in his opinion that these schemes are a necessity and are required. Councillor Taylor added that the MD does not receive Active Travel Grants and requested that further funding be made available to the area.
Ms. Emer Concannon DOS outlined that the Design Office prioritise schemes throughout the county for inclusion in Safety Improvement Scheme applications to the Department.
Councillor Taylor thanked the Director for her contribution and asked if an application can be made for this location. Mr. Paul O’Rourke SE to follow up.
19. REPAIRS TO DEFECTIVE EXISITING FOOTPATHS IN THE MD FOR 2026:
Proposed by: Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for a schedule of works for repairs to defect existing footpaths in our towns & villages of this Municipal Area for 2026.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE confirmed that a schedule of footpath repairs will be circulated as part of the 2026 Annual Roadworks Program. The extent of repairs proposed will be subject to funds allocate.
Councillor Gallagher thanked the Council staff for the works already carried out on footpaths in Enniscrone and Ballymote and noted works are required in Tubbercurry, Dromore West, Easkey and Coolaney urgently.
20. EXTENSION OF WHITE LINE ON R284 AT CARROWCASHEL, GEEVAGH:
Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to look at extending the solid white line by 300 meters along the R284 in the location of Carrowcashel, Geevagh, beyond the resident's homes of F52VF21, F52KW58, F52T859, F52RY51.
This action will greatly reduce the risk of cars overtaking along this stretch as residents enter and exit their homes.”
Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE reported that the works will be completed subject to the appropriate funding being in place.
In response to a query from Councillor Michael Clarke regarding the criteria for white lines at T junctions etc, Mr. Paul O’Rourke agreed to follow up and circulate the relevant information.
21. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Francie McDonagh on the recent death of his Sister Eileen. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Philomena Boland and family on the recent death of her Husband Joseph. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Kevin Frain on the recent death of his Father Tom. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Mary Coen on the recent death of her Sister Margaret. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Brendan Gormely on the recent death of his Sister Margaret. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillors Brennan, Mullaney, Mulvey, Taylor, Gallagher and Queenan
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ms. Olivia Black on the recent death of her Uncle Paul Foy. RIP.”
22. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Ms Joann Hosey and the entire Tubbercurry Town Team on winning the Pride of Place First Place award for Category Population of 2,000 to 5,000.”
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Lawrence Engineering Limited on winning the Best Small Business of the Year Award for Connacht and Overall Best Small Family Business at the Family Business Awards, 2025.”
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. Johnny Kenny on the occasion of his Senior International Debut for the Republic of Ireland against Hungary on Sunday, 16th November, 2025.”
23. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted.
24. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
The date and venue for the next meeting of the Municipal District to be confirmed by Ms. Olivia Black, Meeting Administrator.
25. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
TRAFFIC CALMING IN THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:
Councillor Liam Brennan requested a larger allocation of funds in 2026 for traffic calming.
BUS SHELTERS:
In response to a query from Councillor Paul Taylor, Mr. Paul O’Rourke S/SE confirmed that his office is working with the NTA regarding the appointment of design consultants and intend to have works on site on in Q4 2026.
TOWN CENTRE FIRST – TOWN TEAM FORMATION:
Mr. Mícéal McGinty, Town Regeneration Officer informed the meeting of the Town Centre First/Town Team Launch around the County with meetings in Ballymote, Collooney, Ballisodare and Enniscrone. Mr. McGinty noted it is the intention that the Town Teams will include representatives of all interested local groups.
Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Service joined the meeting at 3.00 pm.
RESTRUCTURE IN MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:
Mr. Molloy DOS informed the meeting of the intention to consolidate the administration staff for the MD into Teach Laighne. The Area Administrators for Tubbercurry, Ballymote and Enniscrone will continue their role in their respective Engineering Areas but will work from Teach Laighne. This will provide synergies and additional cover for each Engineering Area. Mr. Molloy confirmed that the Area Engineers will continue to work from their current bases in the Ballymote, Tubbercurry and Enniscrone Area Offices, with the Ballymote Area Engineer reverting to the Ballymote Area Office when the current renovation works have been completed.
All Members expressed their disappointment at this information and Councillor Queenan noted Area Admin Staff had been present in Enniscrone since the 1940s. Mr. Molloy agreed to monitor the new arrangement and confirmed Engineering Staff will continue in their Area Offices.
Following further discussion, Ms. Emer Concannon DOS confirmed that there will be no change to the output of work in any Engineering Area, and all Area Offices can be contacted by the public as normal.
NOTE OF THANKS AND WELCOME:
Members noted their thanks to Mr. Dessie Sloyan A/SEE and ex Ballymote Area Engineer for the courtesy shown to them and the professional manner in which, he carried out his duties while in the Ballymote Office. The Members welcomed Mr. Alan Anderson, Executive Engineer to the position of Ballymote Area Engineer and look forward to a positive working relationship with him.
Councillor Barry Gallagher noted his dissatisfaction with the Councillor App currently in use. Members are advised to contact their local Area Engineer for access to maps.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke wished all Members, Staff and their families a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
The business of the meeting concluded at 3.50 pm.
Meeting Date 17/11/2025