Minutes 2021
Minutes of Meeting of The Borough District of Sligo held on Monday 15th March 2021 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:
- Tom Kilfeather, Acting Chief Executive
- Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (via video link)
- Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
- Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services
- Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Ms. Mary McDonagh, A/Arts Officer (via video link)
- Mr. Brían Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer (via video link)
- Mr. Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer (via video link)
- Mr. Conor McCann, Executive Engineer (via video link)
- Mr. Thomas Kerins, Executive Engineer (via video link)
- Clodagh Quinn, Staff Officer
MAYOR:
The Mayor, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, presided and welcomed all present to the meeting. She warmly welcomed the recent announcement of €48m in funding for Sligo through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which will allow projects such as the Sligo Public Realm Plan and the City Campus be realised. Members joined the Mayor in welcoming the funding and complimented all those involved in securing same.
Before formal proceedings got underway, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive, outlined the necessary health and safety procedures to be followed in order to convene the meeting during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 18TH JANUARY 2021:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 18th January 2021”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
3. APPOINTMENT OF TWO MEMBERS TO THE GREEN FORT WORKING GROUP:
Proposed by Councillor Tom MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor Arthur Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To appoint Councillor Declan Bree and Councillor Gino O’Boyle to the Green Fort Working Group”.
4. PART III OF THE GAMING & LOTTERIES ACT 1956:
Under Schedule 14A of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, the adopting or rescinding of Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 is a reserved function to be performed by Municipal District Members.
Public notice of the intention to propose a resolution was published in both the Sligo Champion and Sligo Weekender in late January and submissions were invited from members of the public, of which 21 no. were received by the closing date of 1st March 2021.
A copy of the submissions received formed part of a report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.
A discussion on the matter took place during which Members acknowledged the genuine concerns of the public in relation to gambling and a fear from many that adoption of Part III may lead to the opening of additional gambling establishments in Sligo.
While some Members were anxious that the 2 no. existing establishments located on Ted Nealon Road and Shore Road, Strandhill respectively, be allowed to continue in order to protect the livelihoods of those employed there, other Members expressed concerns that should Part III be adopted, this would present opportunities for other similar facilities to open in the area.
Councillor Declan Bree put forward the following proposal which had been seconded and at his suggestion and agreement by Members will be placed on the May Municipal District meeting agenda. It read as follows:
“That the Borough District indicates its intention to commence the process of adopting Part III of the Gaming & Lotteries Act 1956 in respect of Shore Road, Strandhill and Ted Nealon Road, Sligo”.
At the end of the debate, it was agreed that the issue be deferred to the May Municipal District meeting to allow time for sufficient consideration to be given to the issue including legal advice if necessary, and whether a “piecemeal” approach may be applied to specific areas within the Municipal District.
5. SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS 2021 – INCLUDING DRAFT ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME:
Proposed by Councillor Declan Bree
Seconded by Councillor Tom MacSharry
AND AGREED
“To note the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2021 – including Draft Roads, Transportation and Infrastructure Programme”.
6. DRAFT PARKING CONTROL BYE-LAWS 2021 FOR STRANDHILL VILLAGE:
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, informed the meeting that the Parking Control Bye-Laws 2021 for Strandhill Village (copies of which were circulated to Members in advance of the meeting) are going on public display from 16th March until 28th April next and are being introduced as a response to the various parking issues experienced last summer in and around Strandhill village.
Having considered the proposed bye-laws, two issues were highlighted by Members, namely, the possible introduction of “drop-off points” for surfers/surf schools and the possibility of allowing campervans to park overnight in the Sligo Airport car-park.
Ms. Concannon advised that following public display and subsequent receipt of submissions, the Bye-Laws will come before Members at the Ordinary May Council Meeting for consideration. Should they be adopted, they will come into force 30 no. days later, in time for the commencement of the summer tourist season.
Members thanked Ms. Concannon for her report and look forward to receiving copies of the submissions.
7. UPDATE ON WORKS ON CALTRAGH-RUSHEEN ARD ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council engineering staff would provide Members with an update on the following:
- The resurfacing works on the Caltragh-Rusheen Ard road.
- The footpath extension works in the area.
- The provision of traffic calming measures on the Caltragh-Rusheen Ard road”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, reported that the Caltragh road is not included in the current Multi-Annual Roads Programme but will be considered in future programmes. However, she warned of notable challenges to overcome, primarily the acquisition of lands along the existing road in order to re-align and upgrade the roadway to appropriate standards.
Ms. Concannon advised of minor footpath works planned in the vicinity in the current year which will involve the installation of dropped kerbs and tactile paving for vulnerable road users.
Finally, Ms. Concannon stated that there are no current plans for the installation of traffic calming measures until such time as the roadway can be re-aligned and upgraded properly.
Councillor MacSharry welcomed the minor footpath works and asked that the issue of traffic calming measures be re-visited.
8. SWEEPING OF CYCLING LANES:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council would sweep the cycling lanes around Sligo Town and from Sligo Town to Strandhill as requested by the Innisfree Wheelers”.
A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon, confirmed that the majority of cycle lanes in and around the urban area are swept on a regular basis and arrangements will be made to sweep the cycle lanes between Sligo Town and Strandhill Village over the coming weeks.
9. REPAIR AND UPGRADE OF FOOTPATHS IN THORNHILL:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council engineering staff repair and upgrade the footpaths in Thornhill”.
A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon, advised Members that there are no proposals to carry out footpath upgrade works in Thornhill in 2021. However, the Area Engineer will inspect the footpaths in the estate in the coming months and any identified for repair/replacement may be considered within the context of the Footpath Enhancement Programme for 2022.
Councillor MacSharry suggested that perhaps any urgent repairs could be looked at through Councillor’s allocations.
10. INSTALLATION OF SET-BACK AND DROP-OFF AREA AT SCOIL ASICUS, STRANDHILL UNDER ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“In light of the increase in both pedestrian and cyclist use of the Golf Course Road and the success of the cyclebus, this Council will apply to install a new set-back and drop-off area at Scoil Asicus under the Active Travel Scheme”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, said that the Roads Department will examine all funding streams with a view to working with the Board of Management and staff of Scoil Asicus and other stakeholders to secure funding for improvements to walking/cycling infrastructure in the vicinity of the school.
11. MONITORING OF UNAUTHORISED PARKING IN DISABLED PARKING BAYS:
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Given the reduction in car parking spaces at many of our scenic areas due to Covid restrictions, can this Council ask the Gardaí to monitor that there is no unauthorised parking particularly in disabled places and to ask the traffic wardens to ensure disabled places within the Borough are only used by permit holders”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, advised that the Council will write to An Garda Síochána in the matter. Meanwhile, the traffic wardens will continue to monitor and act on the misuse of designated parking spaces within the Borough District.
In supporting the motion, Members felt that the Gardaí should have more involvement in issuing fines after hours and in areas outside of the town centre where disabled parking bays are misused.
12. UPGRADING OF ROAD SURFACE AT ROSEHILL ESTATE:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That a plan be put in place for the upgrading of the road surface at Rosehill estate”.
A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon, advised Members that the Rosehill estate is not included in the Programme of Road Improvement Works for 2021 however the Area Engineer will inspect the roads within the estate and any sections identified for repair/replacement may be considered in the next three year programme commencing in 2022. Ms. Concannon further advised that the estate will remain on the maintenance programme for repair of potholes etc.
Councillor O’Grady appealed for the estate to be included in the next three year programme.
13. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT JUNCTION OF LARKHILL ROAD/FARMHILL/STRANDHILL ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That a review of traffic lights at the junction of the Larkhill Road/Farmhill/292 Strandhill Road be carried out”.
A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon, explained that following the opening of the Western Distributor Road, it is expected that traffic flows and patterns will have changed somewhat on the west side of the town. Once traffic levels return to normal following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, an overall review of the traffic signal infrastructure will be carried out and the signals at the junction in question will be included in said review.
14. PROVISION OF LIGHTING FROM MAUGHERABOY ROUNDABOUT TO ENTRANCE TO OAKFIELD PARK:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That adequate lighting be put in place from the Maugheraboy roundabout to the entrance to Oakfield Park”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, stated that the Road Design Section are advancing an overall design for the realignment of the roadway between the Maugheraboy roundabout and the roundabout at the junction of Ballydoogan Road/Larkhill Road. Concurrently, an interim plan is being prepared to extend the new footpath east of the Maugheraboy roundabout (constructed as part of the Western Distributor Road Scheme) with the existing footpath at the entrance to Oakfield Crescent, together with the installation of 3 no. additional public lighting columns.
15. SURVEY TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE AREAS FOR THE APPLICATION OF A 30KM SPEED LIMIT:
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“In light of the increasing numbers of people walking and cycling, Sligo County Council will undertake a survey to identify suitable areas in Sligo Municipal area where a 30km speed limit would be a more appropriate speed limit where vulnerable road users mix with traffic”.
A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon, told the meeting that Sligo County Council have sought funding for the preparation of a Local Transport Plan for Sligo City and Environs along with a Cycle and Cycleway Strategy for Sligo City and County. Ms. Concannon explained that subject to National Transport Authority funding approval, these studies will inform the Council regarding the identification of suitable areas for implementation of 30kph slow zone restrictions.
16. PROJECTS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR GRANT AID UNDER OUTDOOR PUBLIC SPACE SCHEME 2021:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Noting that Recommendation No. 9 of the Report of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce specifically proposed that Local Authorities provide artistic spaces, to improve wellbeing and that can provide year-round use; and further noting that local authorities have been invited to propose capital projects for grant aid under the Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021; this meeting requests the Chief Executive to provide a report on the project/s to be submitted for grant aid by Sligo County Council”.
On behalf of Senior Executive Engineer, Mr. Michael Carty, Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke, outlined the premise of Recommendation No. 9 of the “Life Worth Living” report and explained that each local authority can apply for up to €250,000 for a single project under the Scheme, providing 10% in match funding from their own resources.
The Council is currently examining a range of options at various locations throughout the County, however no decision regarding a preferred choice has been determined to date.
17. REQUEST FOR FUNDING APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO RESTORE CONCRETE STEPS AT GIBRALTAR:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Noting that the Accelerated Measure Round 3 of the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding was specifically put in place to help communities respond to Covid-19, this meeting asks that an application be submitted in 2021 for funding to restore the concrete path and steps at Gibraltar”.
On behalf of Senior Executive Engineer, Mr. Michael Carty, Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke, advised that to date, no announcement has been made in relation to a Covid-19 Accelerated Measures Scheme for 2021.
Ms. Clarke went on to outline the process for applications and said that should a community group come forward in support of an application for Gibraltar which satisfies the eligibility criteria, an application can be considered. However, she noted previous concerns with foreshore issues, planning consent regarding a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) etc which would need to be resolved in advance of an application for Gibraltar being put forward.
18. POSSIBILITY OF GROWING WALL CLIMBING PLANTS ON CONCRETE WALL FRONTING THE RIVER AT GARAVOGUE VILLAS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the Parks Department be asked to investigate the possibility of growing appropriate wall climbing plants on the concrete wall fronting the river at Riverside/Garavogue Villas”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, reported that an assessment of the retaining wall will be carried out to determine its suitability for climbing plants but noted that roots could potentially cause structural damage and in addition, a dense covering of climbing plants could block drainage outlets and hinder maintenance work.
As a result, Ms. Concannon advised that the provision of a living wall along a portion of the retaining wall and possibly in combination with a green/biodiversity themed mural might be a more appropriate solution subject to approval from the Planning Authority and the local community.
19. UPGRADING OF ‘TOP ROAD’ SECTION OF R292 IN STRANDHILL:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“How much in contributions has been gathered to date re: special fund to upgrade the Top Road section of the R292 in Strandhill Village? These contributions were attached as planning conditions for the new residential developments along the Top Road in the village”.
Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, advised Members that a total of €130,451 has been paid in special contributions for upgrading of a section of the ‘Top Road’ in Strandhill.
She added that the Road Design Section is currently undertaking a revised topographical survey from Sligo Rugby Club to the junction of the R292 with the L-35053 and detailed design will progress during Q2 subject to resources. It is anticipated that a Part 8 process will also be required.
In reply, Councillor Gibbons stated that local residents are frustrated with the current situation and the continued deterioration of the road. It was then:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“That the Roads Department of this Council start the process and consultation with all the residents along the Top Road R292 to put a programme of work and costings in place for the use of all the funding that has been collected to date from the Special Development Fund for the upgrade of the road and footpaths and the installation of traffic calming measures along that stretch of the Top Road, any delayed or future special contributions from developments within that area to be used to complete any unfinished works on the same stretch of the R292 Top Road”.
A/Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, assured Members that the contributions paid would be spent on the road but a properly designed scheme is required in the first instance.
Following a discussion on the matter, a vote was called for on the above proposal, which resulted as follows:
FOR: Councillor Bree, Councillor Gibbons and Councillor O’Boyle (3)
AGAINST: Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Maguire and Councillor O’Grady (3)
The Mayor then exercised her casting vote, voting against the proposal.
The Mayor deemed the motion lost.
20. REPAIR OF SUNKEN MANHOLE COVERS IN SLIGO/STRANDHILL AND ON R286 UP TO SAWMILL GATES:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this District Council Sligo/Strandhill calls on the Roads Department of this Local Authority to bring forward a full report and a schedule of works to resolve the sunken manhole covers on our roads in Sligo Town/Strandhill and on the R286 up to the Sawmill Gates”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, stated that the Roads Department will compile a schedule of ironworks which require repair/replacement and undertake such works as early as is possible. Utility providers will also be provided with a schedule of defective ironworks under their remit and a programme for replacement agreed with the Roads Department.
Councillor Gibbons highlighted 3 no. manhole covers on the Hazelwood Road which are of concern.
21. PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON CHURCH HILL:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Can Sligo County Council review the possibility of a pedestrian crossing on Church Hill?”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, informed the meeting that there are currently 3 no. controlled pedestrian crossings on Church Hill and there are several factors to be considered before deciding on the provision of an additional crossing. However, over the coming months, the Roads Department will undertake an assessment to establish whether an additional crossing is merited.
22. PROVISION OF FABRIC INSULATION WORKS IN DORRINS STRAND:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Can Sligo County Council do outstanding fabric insulation works in Dorrins Strand?”.
On behalf of Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer, the Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised Members that as the houses in Dorrin’s Strand are timber framed (with no cavity walls), they did not come under the remit of the Energy Efficiency/Retrofitting Scheme which seen 1,367 Council houses retrofitted between 2013 and 2016. Mr. Kilfeather stated that this would only have come to the attention of the Council after the pre-works evaluation was carried out by the Building Energy Specialists appointed by the Council.
Councillor O’Boyle asked that residents of Dorrin’s Strand be notified of the above.
23. PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL LAWN BOWLS PITCH:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Can Sligo County Council review the possibility of putting another lawn bowls pitch in place?”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, said that over the short to medium term, the Council does not foresee a requirement to provide an additional lawn bowls area and it is considered that with the implementation of a booking system, the existing facility at Cleveragh Regional Park should be sufficient to meet current demand.
In reply, Councillor O’Boyle asked that the Council correspond with the PRO of the Lawn Bowls Club as they feel that there is demand for an additional facility in Sligo.
24. BIKELINK PILOT SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To call on this local authority to bring forward a full report on the Bikelink pilot scheme that was in operation prior to the Covid 19 pandemic with a view of operating the scheme in the future to advance a choice of alternative transport to the general public and tourist alike”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, reported that the Roads Department have recently recommenced discussions with operators around the introduction of a bike/e-bike rental scheme for Sligo city, similar to the pilot scheme introduced in 2018. The progression of the scheme is currently being hampered by Covid-19 restrictions and the associated challenges surrounding the supply of bicycles. However, Ms. Concannon advised that a full report will be circulated to Members in due course.
25. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted.
26. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None.
The Mayor thanked Members for their co-operation during the meeting.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.00 p.m.
Meeting Date 15/03/2021