Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2026

Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 30th March, 2026 at 2pm in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Services
Mr. Dessie Sloyan, A/Senior Executive EngineerMr. Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer
Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer
Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
Mr. Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer
Mr. Alan Anderson, Executive Engineer
Ms. Olivia Black, Meeting Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 27^TH JANUARY 2026

Proposed by: Councillor Joe Queenan
Seconded by: Councillor Paul Taylor

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 27^th January 2026.”

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Noted.

3. HEADED ITEMS

3.1 Update on Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund (Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant) and Derelict Sites Register:

Mr. Adrian Grandison updated the Members on the scheme with an updated report. Following a query, Mr Adrian Grandison advised that applicants are informed that it could take up to three months from final inspection to receipt of payment.

Mr. Grandison further advised that the Department has introduced a new ‘Vacant Above the Shop’ Grant, to be live imminently. All details, including the Application Forms, will be available on SCC’s website as soon as the scheme is live. The new Scheme has 3 grant options as follows:

Vacant Above the Shop Grant
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant – Conversion of former Commercial / Public Use Building
Expert Advise Grant – Vacant above the shop conversions and conversion of former Commercial/Public use buildings to Residential Units

A discussion followed and Ms Emer Concannon advised that staff are moving applications through the system as quickly as possible.

3.2 N17 Knock to Collooney (Atlantic Economic Corridor) Progress update.

An updated report was circulated on the Scheme to the Members.

3.3 Defective Concrete Blocks.

A report was circulated, no update since the last meeting.

3.4 Schedule of Municipal District Works 2026 – including Draft Roads, Transportation and Infrastructure Programme, map.

Proposed by: Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by: Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

There are two amendments, which will be brought to the April Council Meeting.

4. NOTICE OF MOTION

4.1 ROAD SAFETY AT PORTINCH AND ARDCONNELL, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to build up the sidings of two roads to make them safer for motorists who meet and are fearful on the drop downs along the road edging:

section of road close to Eagles Flying, Portinch, Ballymote
section of recently resurfaced road at Ardconnell, Ballymote L56018.”

REPLY:

An assessment of both roads will be carried out to determine the extent and scope of work required. A timeline for the delivery of the Improvement works can then be determined.

Councillor Dara Mulvey was happy with the response issued.

4.2 DUMPING AT CARROWNATY, BALLYMOTE CEMETERY:

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to come up with a solution to the ongoing issue of dumping at Carrownanty, Ballymote, new cemetery. One possible solution which has been established in other cemeteries is a new remembrance area along that section, offering the community a peaceful place to rest, reflect and remember.”

REPLY:

We shall review the situation to see what options can be implemented.

Councillor Dara Mulvey mentioned all the dumping which took place during Christmas and thankfully it was cleaned up very quickly. He suggested putting in a nice garden seat, an area of remembrance as a lot of elderly people visit this graveyard. He said there was CCTV in Tower Hill and suggested installing it again. Councillor Gerard Mullaney thanked the outdoor staff for removing the dumping so quickly and suggested that Environment and Roads Sections could get together to discuss this issue to find a solution.

4.3 RESURFACING WORKS – LINK ROAD, PRIMROSE LANE, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for an update on my previous request in 2021 for resurfacing works to be carried out on a short stretch of link road Primrose Lane, Ballymote.”

REPLY:

The road will be surveyed and a timeline for the delivery of the works will then be determined.

Councillor Dara Mulvey was happy with the response issued.

4.4 BROKEN FENCE ALONG THE STREAM IN BOTHAR AN CORRAN, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to look at funding to replace the broken-down fence along the stream in Bothar an Corran, Ballymote. I acknowledge this issue has been raised before within this municipal, but this is still a real concern for resident's, who fear their children may enter the stream and also exit on to the Keash road.”

REPLY:

The Roads Department will cost the works and then review funding streams in order to carry out the works.

Councillor Liam Brennan said this was brought up before and asked if the work could be done in two stages. Councillor Barry Gallagher asked if it should be the landowner repairing the fence, or perhaps a boundary wall could be put in its place. Councillor Dara Mulvey mentioned the falling trees also. Councillor Paul Taylor suggested the Residents Association should apply to Pobal for Grants or to Tidy Towns. Ms Emer Concannon said Sligo County Council are not in a position fund new boundary infrastructure.

4.5 TOILETS AT TRA BHUE BEACH, TEMPLEBOY:

Proposed by: Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by: Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide toilets at Tra Bhue Beach, Templeboy.”

REPLY:

The Roads Department will cost the works and then review funding streams in order to carry out the works. It is unlikely work will be carried out ahead of the 2026 bathing season.

Councillor Michael Clarke said the base for the Portaloo was put in over two years ago and he was advised that toilets would be in place last year, but this was not the case. Ms Emer Concannon said she will bring this back to the Environment Section.

4.6 IMPROVE SIGHT LINE - CAMROSS JUNCTION L1603 and R293:

Proposed by: Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council and TII to improve sight line in Camross at junction L1603 and R293.”

REPLY:

The junction is located within the 50kph speed limit of Ballymote and is within an urban environment. The junction will be assessed to determine existing sightlines and if improvement is required.

Councillor Gerard Mullaney said this is a very dangerous junction, drivers have to go to the wrong side of the road in order to get visibility. Councillor Dara Mulvey agreed and said it is a very busy junction.

4.7 PEDESTRAIN CROSSING ON R293:

Proposed by: Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council and TII to put in place a pedestrian crossing on the R293 at Creamery Road to facilitate walkers from one side of Ballymote to the other.”

REPLY:

The Council will investigate this location to assess the need and feasibility of a pedestrian crossing. Subject to the outcome of this assessment, efforts will be made to identify and allocate appropriate funding.

Councillor Gerard Mullaney was happy with the response issued.

4.8 UPGRADE EXISTING CAR PARK FOR CARROWKEEL, CAIRNS, PASSAGE TOMBS:

Proposed by: Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by: Councillor L. Brennan

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to seek funding to upgrade existing car park for Carrowkeel, Cairns, Passage Tombs.”

REPLY:

The existing car park at Carrowkeel is located in a Sensitive Rural Landscape as designated in the Sligo County Development Plan 2024–2030. This site is also situated in an archaeologically sensitive location in close proximity to a range of National Monuments. The Carrowkeel complex is part of the upcoming UNESCO World Heritage bid and as such will be the subject of a Management Plan which will be inclusive of access to this site. In addition, the site is subject to significant environmental sensitivities being within the Bricklieve Mountains and Keishcorran SAC.

In the context of the above, any proposed extension to the existing car park at Carrowkeel would require careful consideration prior to any application for funding by Sligo County Council.

Councillor Gerard Mullaney was happy with the response issued, but suggested that maintenance works be carried out.

4.9 TIC WOODSTREAM ESTATE, COOLANEY:

Proposed by: Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to provide an update on the taking in charge of Woodstream Estate, Coolaney.”

REPLY:

Woodstream Estate which includes Phases 1 and 2 are included in the 2026 taking in charge programme.

Councillor Dara Mulvey asked when Phase 3 will take place, and what is the delay on the speed ramps to which Ms Emer Concannon advised that she would will check this.

4.10 ERECT PLAQUE/MONUMENT FOR THE LATE JAMES GALLAGHER:

Proposed by: Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to erect a plaque / monument in Tubbercurry (Centre / Old Basta Building, now Vision Built) for the late James Gallagher and Family (founders of manufacturing company Basta in 1955) to acknowledge the outstanding contribution to the economic and social development of Tubbercurry, particularly through his efforts in bringing industry and creating jobs for the people of South Sligo. This would leave a lasting recognition of his legacy and service to the communities of South Sligo.”

REPLY:

This erection of a plaque / monument as outlined in the Notice of Motion would be a matter for the community in Tubbercurry.

Councillor Barry Gallagher was happy with the response issued.

4.11 RESURFACING WORKS / REFLECTIVE POSTS / LINE MARKINGS:

Proposed by: Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to contact the TII who provide funding for the maintenance and safety improvements of the N17 and request immediately that funding be secured as a matter of urgency for:

1. Resurfacing works to be completed at:

(a) the Achonry side around 600m outside Ballinacarrow Village
(b) outside McSorleys Shop in Tubbercurry down to the Pedestrian crossing at the Daybreak garage
(c) entering the speed zone in Curry coming from Tubbercurry where the existing surface is currently in poor condition and in need of repair, in the interest of road safety and to improve the overall quality of this national route.

2. Fitting of reflective posts and reline the road on the straight stretches of the N17 (Carrowreilly & Rinbane) road between Achonry and Temple House Junction where vehicles have gone off the road over the last number of years and additional 80Km/h speed signs erected at these areas.

3. To ask when the last survey was carried out to check the surface and line markings of the N17 road from Bellaghy to Collooney.”

REPLY:

1. TII released their 2026 funding allocations for Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal Schemes on the 17^th There was no funding provided for the N17. Sligo County Council have engaged with the TII in relation to funding pavement repairs under the following headings:

HD28 funding stream
Emergency Pavement Repairs

Sligo County awaits confirmation of locations and funding amounts.

2. Sligo County Council will liaise with the TII representative engaged with signing and lining of the N17 and request proposal to address these deficiencies.

3. TII undertakes pavement surveys annually on the National Road Network in accordance with their Pavement Management System.

Ms Emer Concannon acknowledges that sections on the N17 pavement overlay need upgrading and advised that SCC are engaging with the TII on this.

4.12 AUTOMATE FRONT DOOR, SEAT OUTSIDE & DEFRIBRILLATOR FOR TEACH LAIGHNE:

Proposed by: Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to:

(a) Automate the front entrance door on Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry for wheelchair users, people with aid walkers and buggies so that they can have access to Council services safely, independently and with dignity. The existing automated door is on the side of the building, and you must get up a steep incline after this door to enter the building which is a struggle to many.

(b) For a seat to be put outside Teach Laighne, or in the vicinity for use by the people young and old of the town, tourists and people coming back with their shopping from the town centre to the estates on the Sligo roadside of the town.

REPLY:

(a) The main entrance to the building currently has existing double doors that were previously automated to provide disability access. Sligo County Council has now instructed a contractor to install new automated disability-access doors, and these works will be carried out in the coming weeks. There is also an alternative disability-access route through the side entrance, which was constructed in compliance with Part M regulations.

(b) Sligo County Council is working in partnership with Tubbercurry Active Retirement Association (TARA) on this request. A suitable location for the seat has been identified. TARA will purchase the seat in the coming weeks, and SCC will assist with its installation thereafter.

(c) A defibrillator is available in the lobby area of the building during opening hours. Sligo County Council will review the current external defibrillator locations in Tubbercurry with a view to installing an external unit at the perimeter of the building.

Councillor Barry Gallagher was happy with the response issued.

4.13 SONAS VILLAGE, ENNISCRONE:

Proposed by: Councillor J. Queenan

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Housing to engage with the landlord of Sonas Housing to resolve the proposed termination of tenancy of house numbers 9, 10, 11, 22, 23 and 25 Sonas Village, Enniscrone.”

RESOLUTION

Councillor Joe Queenan asked if this item could be deferred to the May Municipal Meeting. He wants to give the landlord time to engage with the people and to review the situation.

4.14 UPGRADE PUBLIC TOILETS AT EASKEY:

Proposed by: Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by: Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to allocate funding to upgrade public toilets at Easkey.”

REPLY:

The Roads Department will cost the works and then review funding streams in order to progress the works.

Councillor Joe Queenan outlined that the community clean and maintain the toilets, but a budget is needed to upgrade the toilets. Councillor Queenan and Councillor Michael Clarke stressed the importance of this for surfers and tourism.

4.15 UPDATED REPORT ON BELLOYWADDY RIVER, ENNISCRONE:

Proposed by: Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by: Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for an updated report on Belloywaddy River, Enniscrone.”

REPLY:

A Flood Study Report on the Bellawaddy River has been received from Tobin's and the report is currently under review.

Councillor Joe Queenan asked if the Members could see this report to which, Mr Dessie Sloyan advised the report was only received and is being reviewed by SCC, but is positive. Mr Paul O’Rourke advised that in any event, Inland Fisheries will have to be contacted before any dredging of the river can take place.

4.16 CLOUGHER ROAD WHERE MONASTERADEN MEETS THE R293:

Proposed by: Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out works on the junction at the Clougher Road from where Monasteraden meets the R293.”

REPLY:

The Area office will assess this junction and consider its inclusion in a future programme of works, subject to prioritisation and the availability of funding.

Councillor Paul Taylor advised that the school bus and other vehicles are parking in this area, which is also subject to flooding.

4.17 WORKS FOR R293:

Proposed by: Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGGREED

“The Funding for the R293 is welcome, could I ask Sligo County Council what works will be carried out as a result of this funding? I hope that footpath works would be carried out on the outskirts of Gurteen Village to include lighting along with Safety works.”

REPLY:

Works proposed are pavement widening with verge strengthening of the regional road to both sides of carriageway to provide an adequate pavement width & verge to maintain the road surface and safety of users.

Councillor Paul Taylor thanked Sligo County Council for the funding and suggested traffic calming outside Gurteen Village.

4.18 WORKS IN GURTEEN AND INCLUSION OF PEDESTRAIAN LINKAGE TO CEMETARY:

Proposed by: Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor B. Gallagher

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council what works will be carried out to the main street/pavement areas in Gurteen and to include Pedestrian linkage to the Cemetery.”

REPLY:

Funding has been secured from the local road improvement fund 2026 to commence works to link Gurteen village to the cemetery along the R294. Consultation with adjoining landowners will commence in Q2 of 2026 and subject to agreement, construction to commence in Q3 of 2026. The R294 Gurteen village is included within the Restoration Improvement plan 2027.

Councillor Paul Taylor was happy with the response issued and called for a similar assessment of footpaths in all our towns and villages.

4.19 REPAIR/TRENCH VERGES OF THE N17 FROM COLLOONEY TO CHARLESTOWN:

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to contact TII Road Authority to repair and fill the side trench verges along each side of the N17 in various locations from Collooney to Charlestown. This is a huge concern for drivers and would improve road safety along this stretch.”

REPLY:

Sligo County Council will carry out relevant examinations on specific sections of the N17. Discussions will be progressed to establish the extents and scope of works necessary to provide adequate measures to address issues.

Councillor Liam Brennan was happy with the response issued, and also outlined that the verges are dangerous, with cars going off the road.

4.20 OVERHANGING TREE BRANCHES:

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to look at cutting back large overhanging tree branches at Geevagh NS, Medical Centre, Crèche and church on Straduff side. This is a huge concern for parents and parishioners in the area.”

REPLY:

The Area Office will inspect this location and, where necessary, arrange with relevant landowners for the cutting back of overhanging branches that are causing safety issues.

Councillor Gerard Mullaney asked if landowners are expected to do this work to which, Mr Dessie Sloyan advised they are. Councillor Gerard Mullaney suggested that a tree surgeon would be needed for some of this work. Councillor Michael Clarke asked if farmers / landowners are written to, to which Ms Emer Concannon replied that she will check this out, and reiterated that it is the responsibility of landowners to cut back overhanging branches onto the public road.

5. Votes of Sympathy

Proposed by: Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Linda Shannon on the recent death of her Nephew Paul Kelleher, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dermot Casey on the recent death of his Nephew Paul Kelleher, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by: Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Aisling Walsh on the recent death of her Mum Mary Healy, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Rooney on the recent death of her Husband Gerry Rooney, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridie Sexton on the recent death of her Brother Thomas Mostyn, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Elizabeth Freehill on the recent death of her Husband John Freehill, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paula Murtagh on the recent death of her Mum, Pauline Murtagh RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Marie Tansey on the recent death of her Sister, Anne Roche RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paul Kearns on the recent death of his Uncle, Martin Kearns RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerry Burns on the recent death of his Brother Christopher Burns, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Aidan & Patricia Lyons on the recent death of his Uncle Paul Furlong, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Finlay Family on the recent death of their Dad Noel Finlay, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the McGowan Family on the recent death of their Mum Phil McGowan, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Currid and Family on the recent death of their Husband/Dad Michael Currid, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Aisling and Johnny Walsh on the recent death of her Mum Mary Healy, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann McHugh on the recent death of her Husband Pat McHugh, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to The Kelly Family on the recent death of their Mum Phyllis Kelly, RIP.“

Proposed by: Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by: Cathaoirleach and all Members

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Cyril and Sarah McNamara on the recent death of their Mum/Mum-in-law, Maureen McNamara, RIP.“

6. Votes of Congratulations

Noted

7. Correspondence

Noted.

8. Matters Arising

Councillor Liam Brennan asked if there was any update on the speed limit review, to which Mr Paul O’Rourke advised the traffic surveys for Stage 1 and 2 are completed and the next step is to carry out a traffic count to record the speed of the traffic. Councillor Barry Gallagher asked if schools will be reviewed to which Mr Paul O’Rourke advised this may be done next year.

9. Any other business

Noted

10. Date and venue for next Municipal District Meeting

The next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD be held on Monday, 17^th May 2026 at 2pm in Teach Laighne.”

End of Meeting:

The meeting ended at 15:05 pm.

Meeting Date 30/03/2026