Minutes 2022
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 17th October 2022 at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Tom MacSharry (Mayor)
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
APOLOGIES
- Councillor Sinead Maguire
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Dorothy Clarke Director of Services
- Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Jude Mannion, Staff Officer (Meetings Administrator)
- Ms. Aisling Smyth Administrative Officer
MAYOR:
The Mayor, Councillor Tom Mac Sharry presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 18th JULY 2022:
Proposed by Councillor G O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 18th July 2022”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
3. TO NOMINATE AND AGREE A MEMBER OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/STRANDHILL TO SIT ON THE SLIGO PEACE PLUS PARTNERSHIP:
The Mayor proposed Councillor Bree and this was seconded by Councillor O’Grady who felt Councillor Bree would be a very fitting member. All members present wished to be associated with this.
4. REMOVAL OF LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON LARKHILL ROAD ADJACENT TO THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS
Proposed by Councillor R. O ‘Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
That the Council remove the leaves and debris that has accumulated at the end of the footpath on the western side of the Larkhill Road adjacent to the traffic lights
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that this will be added to the Schedule of Routine Maintenance Works. Councillor Gibbons wished to be associated with the motion also.
5. RESURFACING AT ROSEHILL
Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
"That the Council provide a commencement date for the road re-surfacing at Rose Hill Estate
Councillor O’Grady advised that since putting down this motion she is now aware that some works to the footpaths have commenced and she thanked Mr. Brian Flynn and Mr. Thomas Kerins, Executive Engineer. Councillor Gibbons wished to be associated with this
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that re-surfacing works to the road itself are scheduled to commence on October 31st. The Mayor also wished to be associated with the motion and complimented the works of the Roads Staff
6. PAINTING / UPGRADING OF CITY HALL
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
"That the Council would put in place a plan for the painting and upgrading of City Hall
Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services advised that the Facilities Management Team have included City Hall Refurbishment Works in the 2023 Works Programme, but that the extent of these will be subject to funding.
Councillor O’Grady thanked the Director and recalled that as Mayor in 2000, she had the pleasure of reopening City Hall following the extensive refurbishment that had been carried out then and that all members have great pride in the building. Councillor Gibbons in support of the motion spoke of how in the past, the Council had its own team of skilled tradesmen who would attend to this on an ongoing basis.
The Mayor sought some clarity from the Director of Services on the scope of works and emphasised the importance of including the Mayors Parlour, in particular the Wall Plaque recording previous Mayors of the MD from 2014 to date.
Ms. Dorothy Clarke advised that a considerable body of work has been carried out already in recent years, specifically to the Heating and Lighting systems, and that the Mayors parlour will be prioritized in the programme of works, and consultation would take place with members
Councillor Bree welcomed this commitment to consulting with the members.
7. PARKING ON HARMONY HILL
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD would reconsider the 20 minutes free parking spaces initiative at Harmony Hill.
Councillor Mac Sharry in putting down this motion advised that the Genesis of the motion was the measures put in place in response to the Covid Pandemic which was very beneficial to the Business Community and the public particularly for elderly persons in providing parking spaces and he wished to acknowledge Mr. Tom Kilfeather D.O.S. 3 ’20 minute’ parking spaces had been set aside, but that these have now reverted to Taxi Spaces. He went on to say that it is recognised now that these spaces are not heavily utilised by the Taxi providers during the day.
Councillor Bree agreed with this, as did all members. Councillor O’Grady went on to say that she appreciated that the provision of the Taxi Rank was to assist the night-time economy
Mr. Brian Flynn in the response to the Notice advised that any proposal to permanently re - designate this space for parking would require amendments to both the 2016 Taxi Bye-laws and the 2018 Parking Places Bye-Laws. He advised that the 3 temporary spaces that had been put in place as part of the response to the Covid Pandemic have now been relocated to Grattan St. However, discussions have taken place with representatives of the Taxi Providers which included discussions around that rank at Teeling Street, which similar to Harmony Hill does not now much activity in the daytime, but he emphasised the continuing need to have a rank in the East Ward area. It is proposed to further develop these discussions and the process overall into 2023.
Councillor O’Grady emphasised the importance of including the Sligo BID in these future discussions in the context of the night-time economy. Mr. Flynn replied that all stakeholders including BID, An Garda Siochana etc will be involved
8. STREET LIGHTS ON PEARSE ROAD
Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD Engineering Staff would work with the ESB to insure the 2 out of order street lights on Pearse Road are put back into operation
Councillor Mac Sharry clarified that the precise location in question is at the entrance to Rathanna and expressed concerns from a Health & Safety perspective for the residents. Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer advised that the Contractor has been informed and its personnel have been on site and identified defects in the underground cabling. Council Staff are liaising with the Contractor to agree dates to carry out the repairs as traffic management will be required.
9. TRAFFIC SURVEY ON R292
Proposed by Councillor S Maguire
That Sligo County Council would conduct a traffic survey along the R292 between Cummeen and St. Anne’s Church, in conjunction with TII to establish if dedicated turning lanes are required or some form of speed calming measures to facilitate those drivers turning onto or exiting form the minor roads off the R292
In Councillor Maguire’s’ absence, this was deferred to the next meeting.
10. PUBLIC LIGHTING AT MITCHELL CURLEY PARK
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
This motion seeks an update with regard to the Public Lighting application for Mitchell Curley Park
In Councillor Maguire’s absence, this was deferred to the next meeting.
11. ROADS WORKS TO R292 AT TOP ROAD, STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
Recognising that Strandhill is a major tourist attraction, and all interested bodies have its best interests at heart, I am calling on the Roads Department of Sligo County Council to bring forward a full progress report on the works that are essential in the interests of Health & Safety to upgrade the R292 Top Road, Strandhill Village
Councillor Gibbons in putting down this motion advised that this is a long running issue which was previously tabled by his colleague former Councillor Mac Manus. It had been suggested previously that Development Levies funds available which amount to approximately €115,000 be allocated towards the works. However, Councillor Gibbons does not believe that this is sufficient given the scale of works involved given the continued heavy toll that construction traffic has on the road. Councillor Gibbons is also concerned about the lack of traffic calming on the road. Councillor Gibbons enquired as to the possibility of availing of funds from the Active Travel Programme
Mr. Brian Flynn in the response to the Notice of Motion advised that the Active Travel Team has appointed consultants to progress the design of Active Travel Interventions for Strandhill.
In response to a request for Clarification from Councillor Gibbons, Mr Flynn advised that on account of it being a considerable body of work, the works advanced in 2023 will be design only, not construction. Possible CPOs involved, it is anticipated that an Options Assessment Report will be completed at the end of Qtr 1 2023
12. SIGNAGE AT OAK PARK
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
That this District Council calls on the Roads Department of this Local Authority to provide a stand-alone name street sign (Oak Park) to the entrance of the housing estate bearing the same name at Maugheraboy.
In putting down this motion, Councillor Gibbons acknowledges that there is in fact an estate name sign for Oak Park in place, however this is wall mounted and with increased traffic volumes, parking etc, it often gets obscured. This often leads to confusion when deliveries are being made to the area with the wrong properties in the estate on the other side of the road. Councillor O’Grady in support of the motion feared such address confusion could also extend to call outs from the Emergency Services.
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that the Area Engineer will liaise with Councillor Gibbons on this matter.
13. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING HOLBORN STREET
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
That the Roads Department of Sligo County Council install a pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of the play park at Upper Holborn Street to facilitate wheelchair users, children accessing the play park and the general public in accessing the shop, doctors and the town.
Councillor Gibbons in putting down this motion advised that he had put down a similar motion previously and that with the increased use of the play park, a crossing is now required there. For persons crossing at this point current, the path is narrow.
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that a 2nd Pedestrian Crossing will be installed later this year adjacent to the Healthwise Pharmacy at the bottom of Holborn St. Councillor Gibbons sought an elaboration on the associated issue of footpath widths. Mr. Flynn advised that there will be an element of foot path widening in the vicinity of the new crossing.
14. IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT GIBRALTAR ROCKS
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
That an up-to-date report be provided outlining plans/proposals for improvement works at Gibraltar Rocks
Councillor Bree in putting down this motion reminded members that this has been raised quite a number of times over the years and emphasised the renewed interest and popularity of the amenity that came about as a result of the Covid Travel restrictions and how the public are at a loss as to why basic and necessary refurbishment works have not been carried out, though he and the other members appreciate that due to its location in a Special Area of Conversation, it is not straightforward. At a previous MD meeting of this year, it was agreed to look at less intrusive options on repairs as alternative to preparing a costly consultant’s report which would have to be approved by ABP.
All members present spoke in support of the motion and highlighted its importance as a recreational amenity in the borough area.
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that a draft site layout plan in respect of a replacement footpath from the public roadway to the old outdoor pool has been prepared, but that there is no funding presently to advance this further. Improving access from the rocks themselves to the shore will require specialist design, but also there is no funding at present for this. He appreciates the significance of this project to the members, but it is a very challenging one and the aim is to find a solution that will have the least environmental impact, but equally one which can stand up to the conditions.
In a response to a quest for clarity from Councillor O’Grady, Mr. Flynn confirmed that the footpath works would also require an EIS (Enviromental Impact Statement)
Councillor Bree felt everyone concerned is frustrated at the process and asked is there an indicative timescale for looking at less intrusive options and asked that it be left on the Agenda for next meeting
15. FOOTPATH WORKS ON HIGH STREET
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle
AND AGREED
That the meeting be provided with a report on recent works carried out on the footpath on the West side of High Street, the report to include details of the contract for the works including the cost of the works, the length of the footpath on which the works were carried out, the date the works commenced, the date the works were completed, the authorisation to close off pedestrian traffic to and from the Market Yard, the authorisation to close all vehicular traffic from High Street to the Market Yard
Councillor Bree in putting down this motion described how the businesses on High Street welcome any improvement works whilst awaiting the wider redevelopment of the area but were very frustrated at the disruption caused by recent footpath works, which caused significant disruption to their activities and resulted in a loss of car parking spaces for the duration.
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response outlined the length of the works involved (66m) and the cost following a competitive tendering process (€16,048 – to Gerard Love Contracts). It was envisaged that the works would take one week from September 26th, but inclement weather conditions added approximately an additional week to this to allow the pouring and curing of concrete. Given the particularly poor condition of the footpath leading into the Market Yard, it was decided to include these works and as it was not envisaged these would take any longer than a few days, an official road closure was not considered necessary, but again the weather condition impacted this.
16. BUS SHELTER AT CLARION ROAD
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor T Mac Sharry
AND AGREED
Noting the necessity for a Bus Shelter to serve the needs of students attending Ballinode College and the other schools on Clarion Road, this meeting requests the National Transport Authority to favourably consider locating a shelter at the location (Bus Stop near the Clayton Hotel on Clarion Hotel)
Councillor Bree in putting down this motion advised of how he is aware that the NTA in collaborating with Sligo County Council are preparing a multi annual plan for shelters across the County as a whole and in this context, he formally asked that shelter at this location (Clarion Road) be considered for inclusion in the plan
The Mayor in seconding the motion advised that he too had received representations on this matter. Councillor Gibbons added that the absence of a shelter must also be considered in line with recent problems of buses themselves and timing and cancellations and it represents a history of neglect with the services overall. Councillor O’Boyle in support of the motion questioned the cost of providing such shelters and how they can be provided with greater ease in Northern Ireland
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that a total of 7 No. Shelters are included for County Sligo in 2022 and that overall the process is ‘playing catch up’ so to speak and in 2023 other locations will be prioritised on the basis of need
17. PUBLIC USE OF THE GYM AT THE KNOCKNAREA ARENA
Proposed by Councillor G O’Boyle
That this Council writes to the President of Sligo ATU and ask why after receiving millions of tax payers money, have they made the gym at the Knocknarea Arena for use by Students/Staff only. Also write to the relevant department asking if any of the millions in funding Sligo ATU received was any of it for Community Development
Councillor O’Boyle advised that he is deferring this for tabling at the full Council.
18. TREES ON BARRCK STREET
Proposed by Councillor G O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
That this Council removes the shrubbery and trees from Barrack Street in front of the houses
Councillor O’Boyle in putting down this motion commended the Council for its recent works on Barrack Street with for example, new ramps.
However, directly across from Markievicz House, parking is a difficulty and could the shrub beds and planted area be removed to facilitate parking.
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that the Roads Dept would not support removal of any trees, but that the Area Engineer will meet with Residents to see what measures can be taken to improve parking.
19. RAMPS AT GLENDALLON
Proposed by Councillor G O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
That this Council install ramps at Glendallon
Councillor O’Boyle presented the executive with a petition signed by over 60 residents calling for such measures.
Councillor Gibbons in support recalled this issue being raised at the old Borough Council, he also raised the issue of the speed limit in the estate and how it should be reduced and together these would address safety issues.
Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that no funding exists in the current year programmes, but it can be considered for future years programme.
20. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received in July via Corporate Services from the Hawks Well Theatre with a request to present to the members on its Capital Programme. At the July meeting. Councillor Bree proposed that discussion on the latter be deferred until a later meeting when Councillor O’Grady will be in attendance and this was agreed to by all. At today meeting, Councillor O’Grady advised that the Director has meet with the Chief Executive since then. Members agreed to facilitate a presentation at the January 2023 meeting.
21. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There were two items under Any Other Business. Councillor Bree advised the members that since the last MD meeting, one of Sligo long established Business Owners had announced their retirement and that the business would cease trading. John & Mary Mc Donnell of Tir Na nOg Health Foods. They supported and championed local produce and provided an exceptional and quality service and they are owed a debt of gratitude and Councillor Bree proposed that the MD extend its very best wishes on their retirement.
Councillor Bree also raised the ‘Advice Not to enter’ Notice put in place on Friday 14th October in respect of Dorrins Strand due to high levels of bacteria that had been found during water quality monitoring.
In response, the Director of Service advised that no obvious cause has been identified, but that Sligo County Council are working closely with Irish Water in relation to the waste water treatment. The advice is to remain in place until ongoing sampling returns satisfactory results.
The Mayor thanked Members for their co-operation during the meeting.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.20 a.m.
Meeting Date 17/10/2022