Minutes 2020
Minutes of Meeting of The Borough District of Sligo held on Monday 20th July 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Tom MacSharry
- Councillor Sinéad Maguire
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
- Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady (Mayor)
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
- Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
- Mr. John Clancy, Head of I.T.
- Mr. Nigel Carter, I.S. Project Leader
- Ms. Emer Concannon, Senior Engineer
- Mr. Mícéal McGinty, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Administrative Officer
- Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
- Ms. Clodagh Quinn, Staff Officer
MAYOR:
The Mayor, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
Before the meeting got formally underway, Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Administrative Officer, informed Members that the Corporate section of the Council website is being re-modelled to include a specific section dedicated to Municipal Districts. Members’ co-operation and input is sought in this regard.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 20TH JANUARY 2020:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 20th January 2020”.
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 17TH FEBRUARY 2020:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 17th February 2020”.
3. MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 19TH JUNE 2020:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 19th June 2020”.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
Councillor Declan Bree asked for an update on pier protection works and dune fencing on Coney Island which had been the subject of a notice of motion at the 20th January Borough District meeting.
Director of Services, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, advised that the Covid-19 restrictions had delayed site inspections to date. However, following contact with the Structures and Marine S.E.E., an initial inspection at the location is scheduled to take place in advance of the August Bank Holiday weekend.
5. PROVISION OF SAFETY BOOMS ON GARAVOGUE RIVER:
Ms. Emer Concannon, Senior Engineer, informed Members that Sligo Kayak Development Association (SKDA) identified and prioritised hazards on the Garavogue River for kayaking and water users earlier in the year and subsequently initiated a project to improve safety around 4 no. hazards under the footbridge at Riverside.
The provision of safety booms on the river is a partnership between Sligo County Council, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP) and SKDA.
Ms. Concannon advised that provision of the infrastructure is being funded by SSRP and managed by SKDA. The installation of the booms is due to take place before 30th September 2020.
6. POSITIVE IMPACT OF ICT DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY:
Before handing proceedings over to Mr. John Clancy, Head of I.T., the Chief Executive, Mr. Ciarán Hayes, advised Members that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the requirement for Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The Digital Strategy currently being prepared by the Council and which will be presented to Members in the coming months, takes account of this fact and will strive to position and promote Sligo as a Smart City/County.
Mr. Clancy then outlined to Members the contribution ICT made to the Council’s capacity to continue the provision of services during the pandemic which included the following:
- Enabled in excess of 200 no. staff to work from home
- Promotion of Covid-19 safety messages through the website and social media
- Provision of support for the Community Response Forum
- Set-up of facilities to allow virtual meetings to take place
- Set-up of facilities and support to allow Council meetings to be convened in I.T. Sligo
Mr. Clancy went on to inform Members of the increase in the use of the Council’s online services during the emergency, particularly in the areas of motor tax, BID payments and housing rents and loans. He advised of the future development of digital services within the Council before handing over to Mr. Nigel Carter, I.S. Project Leader, to explain a telecoms infra project which the Council is currently involved in.
Mr. Carter described the initiative as “connecting the unconnected” as it involves the provision of wi-fi hotspots in locations which experience mobile signal issues or slow broadband speeds. Dublin and Sligo are currently being used as a testbed for evaluating new connectivity approaches for cost effectively improving the network capacity. The project is being funded by Facebook Connectivity and will trial in Strandhill shortly.
In conclusion, the Chief Executive, Mr. Ciarán Hayes, highlighted to Members the various online programmes being provided to businesses by the Local Enterprise Office and the recently announced funding by Enterprise Ireland of the Digital Futures Manufacturing Centre in the Market Yard which will also help to define Sligo as a Smart City destination.
7. ASSESSMENT OF WALL BETWEEN MULBERRY PARK AND GLENARD AND CLEARING OF FOOTPATH:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That an assessment of the wall along the Calry Road between Mulberry Park and Glenard be carried out and that the footpath be cleared of overgrowth, for the safety of pedestrians using it”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, advised that the Area Engineer will assess the wall and the overgrowth on the footpaths will be removed as soon as resources allow.
8. UPDATE ON ‘THE FAIR GREEN’, TEMPLE STREET:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“I request an update on ‘The Fair Green’, Temple Street”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, informed the meeting that the ‘Fair Green’ was closed some time ago due to vandalism of the astro-turf pitch. A costing will be prepared for remedial works required to leave the pitch safe for use, however funds are not currently available for any significant works.
Mr. Kilfeather advised that the Council will engage with local community groups to see if any mechanism can be agreed to open/close the ‘Fair Green’ to avoid further anti-social behaviour occurring as the Council do not have the resources to provide this service.
Councillor O’Grady expressed her disappointment at the lack of resources but welcomed the proposed collaboration with local residents.
9. PROVISION OF BUS SERVICE FOR RESIDENTS OF MAUGHERABOY, CALTRAGH & THE STRANDHILL ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That once more we request the provision of a bus service for the residents of Maugheraboy, Caltragh and the Strandhill Road”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, stated that the Council will write to the National Transport Authority (NTA) asking them to consider the above request.
Members vented their frustration on what was described as an “ongoing” issue and were disappointed with the lack of engagement by the NTA in recent years.
10. PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON CALTRAGH ROAD:
As this issue had been previously dealt with at a full Council meeting, it was withdrawn.
11. CONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN FOOTPATH ON R292:
As this issue had been previously dealt with at a full Council meeting, it was withdrawn.
12. CAR PARKING SPACES FOR ELDERLY & DISABLED DRIVERS IN PEDESTRIANISED STEPHEN STREET CAR-PARK:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“What steps does the Council intend to take to provide alternative car parking spaces for elderly and disabled drivers when Stephen Street car park becomes pedestrianised?”.
Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, informed the meeting that previous reports from the Roads Section have highlighted the significant extent of availability of parking within 500m of the city centre which should be sufficient to satisfy all users including disabled drivers’ requirements. The creation of a car free space in the existing Stephen Street car-park will result in the displacement of 2 no. disabled parking spaces and at present there are no existing spaces specifically identified for elderly drivers within existing arrangements.
Ms. Clarke advised that car parking arrangements will be kept under review however and additional spaces to satisfy Age Friendly and disabled drivers can be considered, in conjunction with the Roads Department, as part of ongoing traffic management needs.
Future developments around the city centre area may also allow for opportunities to include car parking spaces for the above mentioned drivers to ensure suitable access to the centre.
13. PROPOSALS FOR DISTINCTION BETWEEN LEVELS ON NEWLY REFURBISHED O’CONNELL STREET:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“Noting that the new paving on the road and footpath in the refurbished O’Connell Street consist of a similar bright stone; further noting that it can be difficult for pedestrians to distinguish the change in levels between road and footpath, which can lead to accidents occurring; this meeting requests the Roads Department to bring forward proposals which will ensure that there is a clear distinction between the road, kerb and footpath”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported that two distinctly different granite materials were used in the enhancement works to distinguish between loading bays and parking areas and the pedestrian footpath. The scheme has been designed to provide increased priority for pedestrian movement and 4 no. dedicated pedestrian crossing points are provided long the length of the street. They are constructed in the same material as the footpath and there is no change in level at the crossing points.
Mr. Kilfeather advised that prior to completion of the scheme, a detailed road marking plan for bus bays, loading areas and parking areas shall be implemented.
14. TAKING IN CHARGE OF BROOKLAWNS ESTATE, FIRST SEA ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council commence the taking in charge of Brooklawns Estate, First Sea Road”.
Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke, stated that the Council has not received a taking in charge application from the developer nor a request from the majority of homeowners by way of a plebiscite to commence the process of taking the estate in charge. Ms. Clarke noted that should such a request be received, the areas including the apartments and crèche will not be taken in charge.
The Mayor, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, understood that the management company may have submitted a request for the estate to be taken in charge and asked that same be investigated.
15. MAINTENANCE WORKS AT STEPHEN MCDONAGH PLACE:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Can Sligo County Council cut down all the bushes at the back of the houses at Stephen McDonagh Place and replace all the wooden fences at the back of the houses with concrete walls due to rat infestations?”
A/Director of Services, Mr. Bartley Gavin, informed Members that the shrubbery was cut back last year however the Council will investigate the area with a view to reducing or eliminating the shrubbery to obtain an understanding of current boundary fencing and what may be possible by way of resolving inadequate or damaged boundaries. Mr. Gavin stated that it would not be possible to provide block walls from the maintenance budget.
16. PROVISION OF PUBLIC AMENITY IN CARTRON POINT AREA:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Can Sligo County Council put in place a public amenity in the Cartron Point area for residents?”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported that a masterplan for the central green space in Cartron Point would need to be developed in consultation with local residents. A resource would need to be identified to progress this scheme and to consider any funding streams available.
17. UPDATE ON WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE SWING:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To receive an update from Sligo County Council on the wheelchair accessible swing”.
Director of Services, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, explained that it was agreed that the most appropriate playground for the installation of a wheelchair accessible swing was Ballymote as it had sufficient space and so works commenced in 2019. The infrastructure is fully installed however the playground is closed at present due to necessary maintenance work required on site but will re-open later in the year.
The meeting was advised that Doorly Park playground was selected as the playground most suitable for an “all inclusive roundabout” i.e. for disabled and able-bodied children and it is envisaged that the equipment would be installed in the coming weeks.
In future, it is hoped that similar infrastructure will be installed in all playgrounds throughout the County.
18. TRAFFIC SURVEY ON SECOND SEA ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council carry out a traffic survey on the Second Sea Road as requested by the residents in that area”.
Director of Services, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, informed Members that the Council will organise for a speed survey to be carried out as resources allow.
19. CLEARING OF DRAINS ON R292 FROM LARKHILL ROAD JUNCTION TO FIRST SEA ROAD JUNCTION:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council unblock the drains on the Strandhill Road R292 from the Larkhill Road junction to the First Sea Road junction to prevent footpath flooding in the area”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, advised that the work is included in the 2020 gully maintenance programme.
20. REQUEST TO RECONSIDER CLOSING O’CONNELL STREET TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council re-consider the closing of O’Connell Street during the day to vehicular traffic”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, stated that following consultation with a number of O’Connell Street traders, the street will be opened to vehicular traffic following the completion of the current works. Mr. Kilfeather added that this will be subject to review and dependant on Government Public Health advice.
21. PROVISION OF PENSION ENTITLEMENT TO SUPERVISORS ON COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That we request the Government to deliver on the 2008 Labour Court recommendation to provide pension entitlement to supervisors on Community Employment Schemes”.
22. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER GULLIES:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this Municipal District Council would call on the Roads Department to carry out a programme of works that includes the cleaning and maintenance of all water gullies at the sides of the roads and within housing estates on a continuous basis within the Borough of Sligo and Strandhill village”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, informed the meeting that the 2020 gully maintenance programme will recommence in the next few weeks and completion of the programme will be subject to adequate resources and funding being available. It is hoped that gullies would be cleaned on a few occasions throughout the year subject to the availability of resources.
23. STORM DRAINS AT CLEVERAGH, ASH LANE, DUCK STREET & FIRST SEA ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this Municipal District Council calls on the Roads Department to carry out a full investigation on why the storm drains are not able to alleviate flooding at Cleveragh, Ash Lane, Duck Street and the junction at the bottom of the First Sea Road every time we have a heavy rainfall. I request a full report of this investigation to be circulated to this Council”.
In relation to flooding at the particular locations, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported as follows:
Cleveragh:
Investigation works are ongoing however the main outfall for the surface water flows through a Special Area of Conservation which will cause environmental constraints. There is no funding to carry out any major remedial works in the current road works programme.
Duck Street:
The existing drainage network adjacent to Feehily’s Funeral Home was found to be silted up and partially blocked. A temporary outfall pipe has been installed pending more permanent works to be carried out as part of the N4-N15 scheme.
Ash Lane:
Following the flooding at this location, the contractor for the N4-N15 scheme lifted a number of sheet piles on the temporary dams to alleviate the flooding and to assist in reducing the heavy flows in the Copper River. Water levels continue to be monitored in the Copper River as part of temporary works for Structure 04 (N4-N15 scheme).
First Sea Road:
The Area Engineer will review the issue at this location.
24. PROVISION OF DISHED FOOTPATH & DISABLED PARKING BAY AT HIGH STREET:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That a dished footpath would be provided on either side of the road at the upper side of the junction of High Street and West Gardens along with the provision of one disabled parking bay in very close proximity on High Street”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, advised that the Area Engineer will investigate the suitability of the location for an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing. The proposed location for the disabled bay will be referred to the Disability Consultative Committee for review. Mr. Kilfeather stated however that there is no funding in the 2020 road works programme to undertake such works.
25. REVIEW OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT ADELAIDE STREET:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council review the drainage system at Adelaide Street as soon as possible”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, confirmed that the matter is currently being investigated.
26. REVIEW OF JINKS AVENUE CHURCHILL JUNCTION:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council review the Jinks Avenue / Churchill junction”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, stated that the Area Engineer will review the junction.
27. ASSESSMENT OF COUNCIL DWELLINGS IN RELATION TO INSTALLATION OF “HEAT PUMP” HEATING SYSTEMS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“What assessment of Council dwellings is carried out before a “Heat Pump” heating system is installed; is the elemental u-values of walls, floors, roofs, windows and doors together with a reasonable air leakage rate, in accordance with the current building regulations, ensuring that a heat loss indicator of less than 2.0 is achieved; and further can it be confirmed that all the dwellings in Cranmore where heat pumps are currently being installed, meet with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) standards?”
A/Director of Services, Mr. Bartley Gavin, informed the meeting that in new build housing, construction of dwellings is in accordance with the applicable building regulations; in the case of an air to water heat pump, the unit is designed and sized to meet the hot water and space heating demand taking into account the elemental u-values of walls, floors, roofs, windows and doors together with a measured air leakage rate.
In existing dwellings, Mr. Gavin explained that heat pumps generally require a retrofit of wall insulation, roof insulation, windows and doors to achieve the heat loss indicator of ≤2 W/K/m2.
The Cranmore Design Team have been advised by the Department to use the same method of assessment (use of heat loss indicator of ≤2 W/K/m2 ) which the SEAI use to assess if a homeowner is eligible for grant aid towards the installation of a heat pump. Mr. Gavin advised that the team have demonstrated to the Department that when assessed against other forms of space heating and hot water systems, the units fitted with heat pumps in the pilot project area, will provide the most cost effective solution currently available.
Councillor Declan Bree queried whether a registered technical advisor was employed by the Council to carry out a technical assessment as he raised concerns that failure to meet SEAI standards may have significant financial consequences for the residents of Cranmore.
Mr. Gavin confirmed that a technical advisor was employed and the Council’s aim is to achieve a heat loss indicator of ≤2 W/K/m2. Mr. Mícéal McGinty, Senior Executive Architect, confirmed that out of 96 no. houses concerned, only 2 no. are not expected to achieve the indicator of ≤2 W/K/m2 .
The Chief Executive, Mr. Ciarán Hayes, assured Members that each house will benefit from energy savings and an improvement in air quality as a result of the reduction in energy costs.
Councillor Sinéad Maguire welcomed the report from an environmental perspective while the Mayor thanked all for their contribution to the discussion.
28. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted
29. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
None.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.50 a.m.
Meeting Date 20/07/2020