Minutes 2021
Minutes of Meeting of The Borough District of Sligo held on Monday 17th May 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 (via video link)
- Councillor Sinéad Maguire (via video link)
- 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)
- Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
- John Moran, A/Director of Services
- Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
- Aine Carr, Staff Officer (Meetings Administrator)
- Geraldine Flanagan, Clerical Officer
- Jimmy O’Brien, Acting Head of IT
MAYOR:
The Mayor, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 15TH MARCH 2021:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 15th March 2021”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
3. GAMING & LOTTERIES ACT 1956-SHORE ROAD/TED NEALON ROAD:
To consider proposal “that the Borough District indicates its intention to commence the process of adopting Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 in respect of Shore Road, Strandhill, and Ted Nealon Road, Sligo.”
Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services, gave a brief background to the proposal under consideration, referring to the report circulated, outlining how a proposal was first considered to adopt Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 in respect of the whole of the Borough District of Sligo at the meeting of 18th January. Following this public notice of the intention to propose such a resolution was published in the local press. Submissions were invited from members of the public, a total of 21 submissions were received.
At the Borough District of Sligo meeting held on 15th March, 2021, having considered the submissions received, a proposal was put forward that “that the Borough District indicates its intention to commence the process of adopting Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 in respect of Shore Road, Strandhill, and Ted Nealon Road, Sligo”. It was agreed to defer the proposal and seek legal advice. The legal advice and a map outlining the extent of the area concerned were circulated to the members in advance of the meeting. Mr. Moran referred the members to the contents of the letter from the Council’s solicitors Hegarty & Armstrong on the matter.
Mr. Moran also advised the members that, since the report before the members issued, records have been located which confirm that Strandhill village is already designated under the Act - at a meeting of the Council held on 8th October, 1960, Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 was adopted in respect of “the village of Strandhill in the Townland of Carrowbunnaun”.
Councillor MacSharry asked Mr Moran to clarify if the content of the submission by Hickey Coghill Solicitors (dated 8th April) is correct with regard to the following paragraph: “on the 14th of January 1985, the elected representatives of the people of Sligo rescinded Section 13(1) of the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act and in so doing prohibiting the operation of gaming arcades and the use of gaming machines in Sligo Town as there was serious public opposition to same.” Councillor MacSharry also sought clarification in relation to the number of properties on Ted Nealon Road.
Mr. Moran confirmed that the letter is correct in so far as the Borough area was designated at a point in time but that this was rescinded by the members of the Borough Council in 1985. Mr. Moran also stated that there appears to be four premises on Ted Nealon Road.
Councillor MacSharry stated that he would be voting against it and noted that it was fair that it goes out to public consultation.
Councillor Bree thanked Mr. Moran for his report and noted the concerns raised in the public consultation with regard to arcade operators opening gambling halls and installing slot machines in vacant premises in a host of locations including pubs and shopping centres. Councillor Bree said that motion allows the Council to take on board the valid concerns and to allow the two existing operators in the areas in question to continue to operate. Councillor Bree stated that these premises are responsibly operated, employ local people and no complaint has been received with regard to their operation. Councillor Bree noted that the motion put forward would allow for the proposal to go forward for public consultation and that the matter would come back to the members for further consideration.
It was then
Proposed by Councillor Declan Bree
Seconded by Councillor Gino O’Boyle
AGREED
“that the Borough District indicates its intention to commence the process of adopting Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 in respect of Shore Road, Strandhill, and Ted Nealon Road, Sligo.”
4. ARRANGEMENTS FOR MUNICIPAL AGM:
Acting Chief Executive Tom Kilfeather confirmed that the AGM can be held between the dates of 3rd June and 1st July. It was agreed to hold the AGM on Monday 28th June at 10am.
5. DEVELOPMENT AT REAR OF RIVER ROAD, CARTRON:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
“That Sligo County Council would provide members with an update on what action Sligo County Council is taking on the development at the rear of River Road, Cartron”.
As Councillor MacSharry had to leave the meeting early, this motion was deferred.
6. UPDATE ON FOOTPATH IN THE TONAPHUBBLE AREA:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
“That Sligo County Council would provide members with an update on the footpath programme in the Tonaphubble area”.
As Councillor MacSharry had to leave the meeting early, this motion was deferred.
7. LIDL JUNCTION FINISKLIN ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons:
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“To call on the Roads Department of this Local Authority to carry out a Road Impact Study to see what measures are needed at the entrance into Lidl supermarket, Finisklin Road, to alleviate the ongoing congestion that occurs on a daily basis”.
Councillor Gibbons highlighted the backlog of traffic at peak times at this junction. He mentioned that the solution to a new layout could consider a yard in the ownership of the Harbour and managed by Sligo County Council. He added that the new traffic lights will assist traffic management and that a management study by the Roads Department is needed. He also suggested that moving the roundabout might be considered.
Councillor O’Boyle referred to the difficult traffic situation and called for the big building sign to be removed.
A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon, stated that the developers of the Lidl supermarket on Finisklin Road have submitted a revised layout for the main vehicular entrance to the store. This revised layout has been approved by Sligo County Council Roads and Planning and Enforcement sections respectively. The developers are in the process of seeking the necessary Road Opening Licence approvals and it is anticipated that the associated works will be carried out shortly.
Councillor O’Boyle requested a copy of the report. Emer Concannon agreed to forward report.
Councillor O’Grady welcomed and added her support to the proposal.
8. ALLOTMENTS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor O’Grady
“That this local authority would bring forward an up to date report on the progress of the allotments projects that were included in the county development plan”
Acting Director of Service, Ms. Emer Concannon stated that in accordance with Sligo County Council Development Plan, the Council will “facilitate the development of allotments at suitable locations throughout the County. Any such facility should be located within or close to an existing settlement and should be easily accessible.”
An allotment is defined as an area of land comprising not more than 1,000 square metres that is let for cultivation by someone who is a member of the local community and lives close to the allotment. There are no allotment projects included in the county development plan. If any community identifies a potential location for an allotment on public land, they are advised to contact the local area engineer to initially determine suitability. The Council will thereafter facilitate the local community in the development of the allotment.
Councillor Gibbons highlighted the benefits of allotments for mental wellbeing and supported their development in both rural and urban areas and in particular new housing developments and referred to a project in Carton.
Councillor O’Grady concluded that any area that wishes to develop an allotment, should make a proposal to the area engineer.
Councillor Maguire encouraged members of the public to identify lands. She asked for assistance in identifying public lands in Strandhill.
Councillor Bree responded to say that in response to a motion over 18 months ago, a list of all Council owned properties/lands was provided and was happy to share this document with Councillor Maguire.
9. MAUGHERABOY ESTATE:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That this Local Authority would bring forward a full progress report and timescale on what measures are being taken to remove the old all weather pitch and to clean up the site at the top of the Maugheraboy Estate”.
Councillor Gibbons reminded the meeting of the commitment given to clean up this area in June 2020 and requested an update.
A/Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon, stated that there is no funding available to the council to remove the old all weather pitch at Maugheraboy. However in the short term the area will be inspected and remedial works undertaken to ensure the area is safe.
Sligo County Council Housing Section/Architects Department are preparing designs for a new Social Housing Development on the site to the south of the existing all-weather pitch at Robbers Lane in Maugheraboy. During the design phase for this proposed development the Council will explore options in order to determine the most appropriate long-term use of this space.
The Mayor welcomed the report.
Councillor O’Boyle asked if the area could be designated as a green area in the plans for the new housing development.
Ms. Emer Concannon responded to say that she will forward this suggestion to the Housing section.
Councillor Gibbons suggested that the area could be developed as an allotment and recommended contacting the Parks Department in this regard.
10. WORKS IN CARTRON:
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
"That Sligo County Council engineering staff undertake the following works in Cartron in the interests of Health & Safety
As Councillor MacSharry had to leave the meeting earlier, this motion was deferred.
11. HOUSING CRISIS-INVESTMENT IN COUNCIL HOUSING:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That in view of the ever intensifying housing crisis, with prices spiralling out of control, this meeting calls on the Government and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as a matter of urgency, to immediately commit to a realistic investment programme in Council housing in addition to introducing a programme to restrict the sale of new developments to individual home buyers and to ensure that the housing market will deliver genuinely affordable homes.”
It was agreed to write to the Minister for Housing on this matter.
Councillor Bree stated that the housing crisis is causing damage to mental health due to high rents and the lack of affordable housing. He added that housing is a basic human right. There are over a thousand households on the Sligo County Council housing list while there is no council housing being built. He praised the Knappagh Road development where 28households were provided. He concluded by calling on the government to commit to a public building programme of investment in affordable housing.
Councillor O’Boyle stated his support and commented that elected members are inundated with calls on a daily basis given the fact that there are 2,000 people on the housing list including RAS/HAP. He pointed to the fact that there are 4,000 vacant properties which could be renovated through an apprentice scheme to provide housing.
Councillor Gibbons likened the crisis to the tenement housing of the early 20th century and remembered the council housing building programmes in 1950s/1960s when estates such as Maugheraboy, St Joseph’s Terrace and Tracey Avenue were developed. He called for the council to use their own architects to design these housing schemes themselves and called on the government for the money to support.
Councillor O’Grady added her support to the motion. She also acknowledged the quality developments at Fr Flanagan Terrace, Rosses Point Road and Strandhill Road. She concluded by acknowledging the work of the Housing Section.
12. RAY MACSHARRY PARK PITCH FUNDING DEFICIT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this meeting, noting that additional funding is required to complete the Sligo Leitrim and District Soccer League football pitch facility at Ray Mac Sharry Park, Cranmore Road, Sligo; requests the Minister and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make good the shortfall of €36,415, through the Sports Capital Programme.”
Councillor Bree outlined the shortfall in funding and also noted that he was unaware of any local funding that would be available.
Councillor O’Boyle who jointly proposed the motion asked if there could be any funding available from Sligo County Council or the Cranmore Regeneration project.
Councillor O’Grady also noted her support of the motion and asked if the footprint of the Cranmore regeneration could be extended to include the pitch.
Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather confirmed that the council would not have resources for this project. He added that all options would be looked at. An application was recently submitted under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund for Cranmore but unfortunately it was unsuccessful.
It was agreed to write to the Minister for Sports as per the motion.
Councillor Bree added that he understood the situation as outlined by the Chief Executive and expected that the Department may refer the project back to the Sports Capital Programme again.
13. UPDATE ON PROTECTED STRUCTURE AT LOWER QUAY STREET:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with an up-to-date report on the action taken by the Council to ensure the protection of the three-story stone structure in Lower Quay Street, Sligo, which is included in the Council’s Record of Protected Structures. (Ref: A-29-R.P.S.)”
Councillor Bree noted the uniqueness of the building and concern expressed about its condition and further deterioration.
He referred to local historian Dr Fiona Gallagher’s assessment of it as an important example of vernacular housing in an industrial seaport. Councillor Bree requested that the necessary action be taken.
Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke, advised the three-storey stone structure (Ref No RPS 300 SE) was first added to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) during the last County Development Plan review and was adopted on the 28th August 2017.
The structure is essentially two houses. The property is unregistered but to best available knowledge, it is owned by two parties.
Sligo County Council carried out an inspection of this property in December 2020. Following that inspection, contact was made with the owner of the house to the north of the property enquiring about their plans for the property and also informing them of the poor condition of it. They then arranged to carry out some remedial works and a timber lintel was inserted above a second floor window. However due to Covid-19 restrictions work then ceased. They were also informed of potential Heritage Grants that may be available. The ownership of the other house to the south needs to be confirmed.
Ms. Clarke went on to outline that a further inspection was carried out on the 7th May 2021 and a report was prepared recommending that the steps should be taken to place this property on the Derelict Site Register. The first step in this procedure is to send the owners of both houses a Notice of Intention to place the property on the Derelict Site Register. We await hearing back from both owners (subject to confirming ownership of the 2nd property).
Councillor Bree thanked Ms. Clarke for her report and appealed to the executive that works be carried out to protect the property.
14.UPDATE ON UPKEEP OF OLD CEMETARY:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Can Sligo County Council do a clean-up of the old cemetery and cutting of overgrown bushes trees and grass”.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, confirmed that Strimming / grass cutting and a general tidy up of the Old Sligo Cemetery is scheduled to commence over the coming weeks.
Councillor O’Boyle thanked Ms. Concannon for her report.
Councillor O’Grady and Councillor Gibbons recalled that a lot of work had been carried out by the Cemetery Committee during the time of the Borough Council.
15. FOOTPATH BUS STOP CAIRNS ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council seeks funding to upgrade the Footpath adjacent to the Bus Stop on Cairns Road.”
Acting Director of Service, Ms. Emer Concannon reported that the footpath adjacent to the bus stop on Cairns Road is not included in the Programme of Works for 2021. Notwithstanding, the area engineer will carry out an inspection of the footpaths in this area. Should it be determined that improvement works are necessary, same can be considered in the context of the 2022 Programme of Works
Councillor O’Grady stated that she would be willing to contribute from her allocation to this project.
16. REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT NEW CEMETERY:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council seek funding for the provision of a Pedestrian Crossing adjacent to the entrance of the New Cemetery.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon stated that the installation of a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Cemetery Gates is not included in the Programme of Works for 2021. Notwithstanding, the Roads Engineer will undertake a survey of this area with a view to determining the most appropriate location for a pedestrian crossing. It may then be considered in the context of funding under the 2022 Programme of Works or under Active Travel 2022 allocations.
Councillor O’Grady thanked Ms. Concannon and welcomed the response.
17. ISSUES WITH GRASS CUTTING:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council reviews the standard of grass cutting within the Borough.”
Councillor O’Grady stated that there is an issue with grass being cut on wet days. Councillor Gibbons also noted that in the Maugheraboy Estate that grass was strewn over footpaths two weeks previously and that grass was left at the entrance. Councillor Maguire described the grass cutting as a hit and miss exercise with some sections left uncut. Councillor O’Boyle commented on problems at Maugheraboy pitch and lack of communication with communities. Councillor Bree commended Councillor O’Grady for putting this on the agenda and raised issues with Seaview Park/Maugheraboy Estate.
Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services, stated that the Parks & Roads Department personnel will, as always, continue to monitor the standard of grass cutting within the Urban Area. It is worth noting the following however:
- There has been a significant decrease in the number of pollinators in the last few decades, mostly due to overcutting of green areas and the use of harsh pesticides. Accordingly, in order to encourage pollination, the majority of grass cutting in public areas within the Urban Area has been postponed until early May.
- As a consequence of the late start, many of our public green areas will have a very heavy covering of grass. In the majority of locations, it will not be possible to collect the grass on the first and sometimes even the second cut. However as the season progresses, these green areas will take a neater form.
Over the coming years and in an effort to support and encourage pollination, the Council will be seeking to work with local communities to reduce the extent of mowing of public green areas
Ms. Concannon concluded by committing to reviewing the grass cutting contract and to a review of how green spaces are managed in the context of biodiversity and pollinators.
Councillor Maguire commented that the report helped clarify the situation and acknowledged the importance of pollinators. She added that consultation with communities and signage to explain the grass cutting rationale would help with wider understanding.
Councillor O’Boyle added that it would be helpful to notify residents regarding grass cutting arrangements.
Councillor O’Grady concluded by welcoming the report and the quality review. She remembered the wonderful work of Micheal Condren in the Parks Department.
18. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted.
19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor Gibbons requested that the stone base of the Lady Erin statue be cleaned as this would complement the excellent cleaning of the statue.
The Mayor replied that this would be completed with the assistance of the Infrastructure Directorate.
19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Mayor thanked Members for their co-operation during the meeting. She also extended her sympathy to Councillor O’Boyle and to the Kilfeather family on the death of his uncle, Josie McHugh.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.00 a.m.
Meeting Date 17/05/2021