Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2026
Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday 25th May, 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 Engineer
Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
Mr. Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer
Mr. Adrian Grandison, 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 30TH MARCH 2026:
Proposed by: Councillor Joe Queenan
Seconded by: Councillor Gerard Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Monday, 30th March 2026.”
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
3. HEADED ITEMS
3.1 Update on the Expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Derelict Sites Register.
Mr Adrian Grandison updated the Members on the scheme. Mr Grandison advised that the following 3 Grant Options went live on the 30th March 2026:
- 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
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been extended from 13 to 18 months. All details, including the Application Forms, are now available on Sligo County Council’s website and social media. As we are moving paperless, if the public could be advised to submit their application online as it will speed up the process and make the process more efficient.
Councillor Gerard Mullaney asked if planning permission will have to be sought when applying for conversion to commercial, to which Mr Adrian Grandison advised contacting the Planning Department and applying for the Expert Advise Grant. Councillor Barry Gallagher asked if the downstairs would have to be kept commercial if applying for the Over the Shop Grant to which Mr Adrian Grandison advised it must remain commercial. Councillor Dara Mulvey asked if the numbers on the Derelict Sites Register would increase in this MD from the current number of 10, to which, Ms Emer Concannon advised Sligo County Council are focusing on the urban areas currently, where there will be a bigger impact, but that will be expanded to all rural areas over time. Councill Dara Mulvey asked if Sligo County Council will CPO properties to which Ms Emer Concannon advised that properties will be CPO’d if owners are not engaging to bring properties back into use.2
3.2 N17 Knock to Collooney (Atlantic Economic Corridor) Progress update.
An updated report was circulated on the scheme to the Members. Ms Emer Concannon advised all is going to plan, with the project progressing through the Design and Environmental Evaluation Stage.
Councillor Liam Brennan asked about funding to which Ms Emer Concannon advised there is currently no issue with funding.
Councillor Michael Clarke asked if the Minister had responded to the request to meet with this MD Members as it must be over 18 months when correspondence was issued. Ms Emer Concannon advised this would be checked.
Councillor Michael Clarke mentioned the poor surface on the N59 and N17. Councillor Dara Mulvey mentioned the bad surface at Templehouse and Councillor Paul Taylor mentioned the Ballinacarrow surface.
3.3 Defective Concrete Blocks.
A report was circulated. Councillor Barry Gallagher queried the low numbers to which Ms Emer Concannon advised that it may be that properties need to be fully compliant with Planning prior to applying, therefore planning retention is required in some cases.
before applying. Councillor Michael Clarke advised there is a lot to get together before you can apply. He asked who to contact as he has a few queries to which Ms Emer Concannon advised Ms Catherina McGowan, and that all details are on the SCC website.
4. NOTICE OF MOTION
4.1 Allocate funding towards maintenance on L55048:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to allocate funding towards the maintenance on road L55048, there are calls by residents to fill potholes and open water tables every winter. Residents have and continue to cut the hedges along this road themselves. This road is just off the R293 and is farmed by many different farmers, it is regularly used by eight residential homes with vehicles, three tractors and various trailers, not to mention visitors and daily deliveries.”
REPLY:
The Area Office will carry out these works once the current surfacing programme in the area has been completed and when a maintenance crew becomes available. This will include pothole repairs and the opening of water tables where required.
Councillor Dara Mulvey was happy with response received.
4.2 Write to Minister for Education for additional resources to Scoil Mhuire gan Smál Primary School:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton TD to allocate additional resources to Scoil Mhuire gan Smál Primary School in Ballymote. Considering the rising population and the lack of available school places for local children due to a cap on enrolment numbers. Parents need clarity ahead of the new school year as they are having to seek places in other National Schools away from the town adding increased worry and expense for the families concerned.”
RESOLUTION:
Councillor Dara Mulvey would like to make the Minister aware of this problem. There is a cap of 25 pupils and there are more than 30 pupils looking to get in, the number has to be increased. He said it is very unfair to parents having to drive their children to other schools and they are trying to get to/from work. Councillor Gerard Mullaney supports this motion, this issue was brought up at a Community Council meeting, and it is vital that the school gets capacity for an increase.
4.3 Request Swim Ireland to have the pop-up swimming pool in Ballymote:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to support Ballymote Community Council in their request to Swim Ireland to have the pop-up swimming pool located in Ballymote.”
REPLY:
Details need to be received from Swim Ireland by the Ballymote Community Council regarding the requirements for a pop-up swimming pool.
Councillor Dara Mulvey advised of the major success for Tubbercurry, when they had the pop-up swimming pool in 2022, which was open from 07:30 – 10pm. It would provide employment for Lifeguards and is badly need in Ballymote. Ms. Emer Concannon advised there are only 2 pop-up swimming pools in the country and that Tubbercurry was a pilot scheme, which received a lot of support from Swim Ireland. A huge commitment in terms of time and money would be requited by the community for such a project in Ballymote.
4.4 Coolaney to Rockfield Active Travel Scheme:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to give an update on the Coolaney to Rockfield Active Travel Scheme.”
REPLY:
Sligo County Council Active Travel Scheme is discussing approval of the Tender process with the NTA.
Councillor Dara Mulvey meet with Active Travel recently, this is going on for years and still not done. The population is increasing, people are buying houses and moving to this area. There is power, so installing lights should not be an issue. Councillor Gerard Mullaney asked if a contractor is appointed to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised there isn’t. Councillor Michael Clarke was not happy with the response received and advised deferring this motion.
4.5 Report on EV charging points in this MD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to provide a report on EV charging points in this Municipal area.”
REPLY:
Proposal was submitted in Q1 2026 for pilot project funding to Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) the dedicated office within Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) which leads the delivery of Ireland’s national EV recharging infrastructure. The proposed pilot includes installing Electric Vehicle charging points in Enniscrone village utilizing existing public car parking. All proposed charging points will be fully accessible for all mobility users. The proposed locations in Enniscrone are the Beach Car Park with secondary location proposed at Waterpoint Leisure Center car park. Initial meetings have been held with ESB Networks regarding new connection agreements. Subject to funding approval and planning the EV charge points should be operational in Q4 2026.
These Electric Vehicle charging points will provide charging for locals & tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way. It should also enhance the proposed Pavillion development work at the car park.
To date in Ballymote Tubbercurry MD the estimated (local EV charging provision) is
- 3no live charging locations
- 5no proposed charging locations
Within the ‘Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan 2025-2030’ ZEVI has allocated Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) 2030 target for Sligo which requires at least 3-fold increase on current publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure in county.
The Regional and Local EV charging strategy & Implementation plan prepared by ZEVI /Sligo County Council will determine charging requirements and consider the best approach in partnership with the private sector to achieve the 2030 target.
Councillor Michael Clarke noticed there was nothing for Dromore West and Easkey to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised it is a pilot scheme for 2026, and there will be further funding for 2027 for which a survey of locations is being carried out. Ms Emer Concannon advised that an overall plan is being prepared so there is equity in where EV chargers are located, and not just in the lucrative areas for providers. Councillor Barry Gallagher advised there are ten in the Tubbercurry area i.e., GAA, Yeats and it would be good for the Council to know where they are so not to duplicate.
4.6 Safety measures at St. Patrick’s graveyard, Kilglass:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to put in place safety measures at St. Patrick's graveyard, Kilglass.”
REPLY:
Sligo County Council will examine St. Patrick's Graveyard, Kilglass and determine what safety measures may be required.
Once completed Sligo County Council will look to progress any required works as soon as is practicable.
Councillor Michael Clarke was happy with the response.
4.7 LIS and CIS schemes to be carried out in this MD in 2026:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to outline how many LIS and CIS schemes will be carried out in the Ballymote Tubbercurry area in 2026.”
REPLY:
Current CIS budget 2026 is 512k with 12 schemes proposed & LIS budget for 2026 is 510K with 12 schemes proposed. Sligo County Council are currently reviewing the costings of the current LIS and CIS list due to the increase in fuel & bitumen costs.
Councillor Joe Queenan asked if they would go ahead to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised that they are reviewing the cost of each road, costs have gone up and it is likely that 9 or 10 LIS and CIS will be done. Councillor Joe Queenan asked if this is for the whole MD to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised it is.
4.8 Traffic calming measures at Rathlee NS R297:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council will traffic calming measures be carried out at Rathlee NS R297 in 2026.”
REPLY:
Sligo County Council is tendering Safe Routes to School Scheme for this School, works to be completed in 2026.
Mr Dessie Sloyan advised that there is more money this year, but if the speed limit is reduced to 50km ramps cannot be put in. Road Design are doing a plan and hope to have it completed next year.
4.9 Outline when the Area Engineer return to the Ballymote Area Office:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to outline when the area engineer will return to the Ballymote area office.”
REPLY:
Works are not yet complete to the courthouse. Once the works are complete to a satisfactory standard the Area Engineer and GSS’s will return to the courthouse.
4.9 and 4.12 were discussed together.
Councillor Gerard Mullaney said there is a lot of travelling over and back. Ms Emer Concannon advised they are working on the design of the library and office, and will soon be at Planning stage. The Area Engineer will have an office in the building and will be going back when the works are completed. Councillor Paul Taylor advised it is important to have the Area Engineer office and need all reinstated sooner rather than later. Councillor Michael Clarke asked about Admin staff for the Enniscrone Area Office, to which, Ms Emer Concannon advised the Administration for the MD is centralised in Tubbercurry.
4.10 To make speed ramps more visible:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to make speed ramps more visible by paint them yellow.”
REPLY
Yellow markings are not permitted under the current road guidelines on speed ramps.
Sligo County Council will examine what other measures may be used to increase ramp visibility.
Councillor Gerard Mullaney advised the ramps need to be more visible. Councillor Barry Gallagher asked if signage was there to which Councillor Liam Brennan advised there are but may need more signs and new markings.
4.11 Seek additional funding for improvements of roads and footpaths in old L.A. estates:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to seek additional funding for the improvements of roads and footpaths in the old local authority estates.”
REPLY:
Improvement works for roads shall be applied for under the restoration improvement grant or road maintenance grant. Footpath repairs shall come under the current funding allocation for footpaths as there is no extra money available specifically for housing estates.
Councillor Gerard Mullaney advised a survey should be done to identify problematic areas. Councillor Paul Taylor said Council estates and some private estates need upgrading. He suggested checking with the Department and maybe get a pilot scheme, as the footpaths are deteriorating rapidly. Councillor Michael Clarke said the footpaths are bad, very high and are dangerous in Tubbercurry.
4.12 Plans for reinstating the Area Engineer and staff to the Ballymote Area Office:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council what plans are in place to reinstate the Ballymote Area Office back to the old Courthouse Ballymote. It is of great importance to the area that our Area Engineer & staff are reinstated also.”
REPLY:
Works are not yet completed to the courthouse. Once the works are complete to a satisfactory standard the Area Engineer and GSS’s will return to the courthouse.
Discussed under item No.4.9.
4.13 Seek a meeting with Minister for Housing, regarding the Housing Aid for Older People/Disability Grants and this Councils Housing Maintenance Grants:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to seek a meeting with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD regarding the Housing Aid for Older People/Disability Grants and this Councils Housing Maintenance Grants.”
RESOLUTION:
Councillor Paul Taylor said the grants are not open. The grants are a priority as a lot of work to be carried out, therefore we need to actively look for a meeting as funding is needed. Councillor Joe Queenan said priority 2 from last year is still not done, some priority 1 is done. We need more money as it is not good enough. Councillor Liam Brennan said applications are in and need addressing, older people need these grants and don’t look for much. Councillor Barry Gallagher asked if they could see the number that are being done and what money is spent, and will the grant be open end of year/early next year. Councillor Michael Clarke said there is no point updating social media if no money as embarrassing not being done for our older people.
4.14 Low accident costs / Safe routes to schools/ Active Travel schemes for this MD:
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the following:
- Low accidents cost schemes currently approved and money allocated to these schemes in this Municipal area
- Safe routes to schools’ schemes in the Municipal area allocated money and awaiting works to be completed
- Active Travel schemes planned or been considered in the Municipal area
I would recommend that if external contractors were not available or too expensive to carry out the above works especially a safe route to school project that the money allocated to these projects be given to the area engineer in that area to carry out the works so that this money does not end up not getting spent.”
REPLY
- Safety Improvement Works Allocation 2026
|
R294-21/L88015-0 |
Gortersluin |
€40,000.00 |
|
L6805-0/L2803-0/L68043-0 |
Carrownleam, Coolaney |
€35,000.00 |
|
L1401-0 / L1402-0 |
Riverstown Village |
€45,000.00 |
|
R284-12 |
Coola/Cloonskirt |
€20,000.00 |
|
R293-11 |
Ardee, South of Ballymote |
€30,000.00 |
|
L66017-0 |
Pier Road, Enniscrone |
€40,000.00 |
|
R297 / L2403-0 |
Moneragh, Easkey |
€20,000.00 |
- Sligo County Council is tendering Safe Routes to School Scheme for Rathlee NS / Banada NS and Moylough NS l, works to be completed in 2026
- Sligo County Council Active Travel is working on the Safe Routes to School schemes only in this area
NTA SRTS funding is only for SRTS and cannot be reallocated to other projects.
Councillor Barry Gallagher asked about Lough Talt to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised it is under design at the moment. Councillor Barry Gallahger asked if he could see this to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised he could and to check with Mr Michael Ryan. Councillor Barry Gallagher advised that Banada and Moylough were to be completed last year but are still not done and that prices are coming back very high. He advised when contractors are putting the prices higher, they are too busy or just don’t need the work and asked if the Outdoor staff could do some of the work as it would save money. Mr Dessie Sloyan advised that this can be considered depending on the scheme and the skilled labour required. Councillor Gerard Mullaney asked about Low-cost accident scheme for Ballinafad to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised that this scheme is going ahead.
4.15 Update on bad bends at Lough Talt:
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on a previous motion I had in last year, in relation to the bad bends at Lough Talt. I would recommend that solar powered dangerous bends signs be installed on both sides (Tubbercurry side at the Lough Talt water treatment plant) and before the layby coming from the Ballina side. Grading back 1 meter of soil from the ditch on the water treatment plant side on the corner would make it also much safer for the families who live down in the village to the right (Road number L88015).”
REPLY:
This section of roadway being referred to on the R294 is situated in the Townland of Gortersluin. The Council received an allocation of €40,000.00 for safety improvement works to be carried out in the current year.
Councillor Barry Gallagher was happy with the response.
4.16 Contact Uisce Éireann regarding water outages at Cloonacool and Tubbercurry:
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to contact Uisce Éireann in relation to all the water outages lately in South Sligo affecting especially Cloonacool and Tubbercurry. Once one leak is fixed another one seems to appear. This is not acceptable for elderly people who are sick, families and farmers who must go without water for days. The old trunk main is not fit for purpose and needs to be upgraded immediately along the R294 from the Plant to Tubbercurry.”
RESOLUTION:
Councillor Barry Gallagher said it is extremely hard on the Dairy farmers, and it is the same every year. There was one family and an elderly man with no water for 10 days. Mr Dessie Sloyan advised he will bring this up at the quarterly meeting with UÉ. Councillor Paul Taylor said there are a lot of problems that need addressing.
4.17 Repair work of a bridge over the Douglas River, L13047-0:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to carry out repair work to both side walls of a bridge over the Douglas River, located on the L13047-0 in the town land of Rossmore, Rivertown. There is a large crack on each side walls of this bridge and will cause a huge safety risk to pedestrians and motorists if they collapse.”
REPLY:
An assessment will be carried out on the parapet walls of this bridge and repairs prioritised as necessary.
Councillor Liam Brennan was happy with the response.
4.18 Contact ESB Networks for an updated report on the continuous power outages in the Emlagh, Ross, Rossmore, Rusheen, Trushvalley, area of Riverstown since Storm Éowyn:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to contact ESB Networks for an updated report on the continuous power outages in the Emlagh, Ross, Rossmore, Rusheen, Trushvalley, area of Riverstown. Those areas have been continuously out of power since Storm Éowyn, which effects over 70 customers, some who are vulnerable priority customers receiving medical treatment.”
RESOLUTION:
Councillor Liam Brennan advised there are vulnerable people in the area who need an update from the ESB. Councillor Gerard Mullaney said 70 customers are affected and a lot of power out over the last year.
4.19 Resurfacing the road into Corrig Cemetery:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to look at resurfacing the road (200 yards) into Corrig Cemetery, Drumnacool, Geevagh and review the layout of improving the car parking area.”
REPLY:
The Area Engineer will carry out a survey of the road and review the layout of the car parking area at Corrig Cemetery, Drumnacool, Geevagh. However, at present there is no identified budget allocation for these works.
Councillor Liam Brennan was happy with the response.
5. Votes of Sympathy
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gary, Darragh and Cathal Scanlon on the recent death of their Dad Gerard RIP.“
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Conlon on the recent death of his Wife Betty RIP.“
6. Votes of Congratulations
Noted
7. Correspondence
None received.
8. Matters Arising
Councillor Joe Queenan advised the Members that the issue at Sonas Village, Enniscrone, is now resolved. A letter is to issue from the landlord imminently that the residents can remain in their homes. Councillor Joe Queenan would like to thank the Members, Oireachtas, Mr Joe Murphy, Housing Department in Sligo County Council for their support. He would like the Media to leave them alone as they are old and vulnerable people.
Councillor Michael Clarke asked about toilets for Tra Bhue Beach to which Mr Dessie Sloyan advised the portaloos will be installed for this summer.
9. Any other business
Councillor Liam Brennan asked if there was any update on the speed limit for the old N4. Mr Dessie Sloyan advised the speed limit review is ongoing and hopefully a decision will be made at the end of the summer. Councillor Liam Brennan advised the speed van is very active in that area, however, if there is any diversion the speed van is not there, and local people feel they are being penalised.
Councillor Michael Clarke mentioned the €93,000 allocated for Pullaheeny Pier, to remove the existing concrete and replace with new rings. He advised there is no need for this work and suggested to wait on funding to extend the pier. He was talking to local swimmers and fisherman who said what is there is fine, just to extend the pier especially for fishermen coming in with their boats. Councillor Joe Queenan agrees with Councillor Michael Clarke.
Councillor Michael Clarke advised his term as Cathaoirleach is coming to an end and he did not attend any Official Function during his term. Councillor Barry Gallagher suggested the MD Cathaoirleach should attend local St. Patrick’s Day parades, the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day and other events in the MD. Ms Emer Concannon suggested that this item be brought up at their Procedure meeting. Councillor Barry Gallagher agreed and suggested the CPG meeting also.
10. Date and venue for next Municipal District Meeting
The AGM for the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD will be held on Monday, 6th July 2026 at 2pm in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside.
The next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD be held on Monday, 20th July 2026 at 2pm in Teach Laighne.”
End of Meeting:
The meeting ended at 3:10pm.
Meeting Date 25/05/2026