Minutes 2022
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 28th March 2022 at 10.00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons (Mayor)
- Councillor Tom MacSharry (virtual via MS Teams)
- Councillor Sinéad Maguire (virtual via MS Teams)
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle (virtual via MS Teams)
- Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer
- Jude Mannion, Staff Officer (Meetings Administrator)
MAYOR:
The Mayor, Councillor Arthur Gibbons presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 24th JANUARY 2022:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 24th January 2022”.
2. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 14th MARCH 2022 to CONSIDER SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL WORKS
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 14th March 2022 to consider the Schedule of Municipal Works
3. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
4. BROOKLAWNS ESTATE TIC:
To consider the following motion by Councillor R. O’Grady
“That Sligo County Council commence the Taking in Charge of Brooklawns Estate”.
Councillor O’Grady requested that the motion be deferred until the next meeting.
5. BUS SHELTER AT OR NEAR SCOIL URSULA
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
“That Sligo County Council can upon the NTA to provide a Bus Shelter to cater for students and parents at or near Scoil Ursula Strandhill Road
Councillor Mac Sharry in putting down this motion advised that he had done so at the behest of the principal of Scoil Ursula. Councillor Mac Sharry welcomed the 2 new bus stops provided but acknowledged that provision of an actual shelter would be the remit of the NTA.
Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of bus shelters rests with the National Transport Authority (NTA), but only in the context of designated bus stops along existing public services bus routes. In the case of Scoil Ursula, the set-down area outside the school is not a designated bus stop. It serves as a specific drop-off and collection point for pupils and staff of Scoil Ursula and as such it could not be considered for inclusion under the NTA bus shelter programme. He added that the Council are not aware of any other funding stream for the provision of bus shelters at locations such as this.
Councillor Mac Sharry replied that this tallied with his own observations and thanked Mr. Flynn for his report as he had submitted the motion to seek clarification.
6. DEVELOPMENT OF PUMP PARK AT SURF CENTRE STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council will outline proposals for the development of a pump park at the new surf centre in Strandhill.
Councillor Maguire in putting down this motion advised that she had done so following approaches and representations from several people. She outlined that a pump park is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping"—generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing. It can be used by cyclists and skateboarders. Councillor Maguire advised that one of those who had approached her was a member of the surf club as the skills involved in both are transferable. Councillor Maguire felt the funding required for such a development would be minimal due to the contractors being on site at the Maritime Centre and so it was an opportune time. Councillor Maguire went on to say that a few years previously that she had called for the development of a skate park in Strandhill which would be a much more expensive development and seeing as there hasn’t been any further development on this, she was now bringing forward this proposal as an alternative.
Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services in response advised that there are no current proposals for such a development. It hadn’t been included in the funding application for the Surf Centre, nor had it been provided for in the Planning Application. As such it would be considered as a separate project. An examination of the site suitability as regards, space and environmental considerations would need to be undertaken. Also due to the significant workload at present, it wouldn’t be a project that could be advanced in 2022. However, it will be brought to the attention of relevant staff for consideration when and if future funding scheme(s) would allow.
Councillor Maguire thanked Ms. Clarke for the report, advised that she had visited a similar project beside a Mountain Biking Centre and looked forward to meeting and discussing it further with Mr Carty
7. REVIEW OF BYE-LAWS
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That the Councils bye-laws be reviewed to regularise 20 minutes parking and to consider the relocation of parking bays and taxi ranks
Councillor Bree in putting down this motion said that the creation of 20-minute click and collect parking spaces during the pandemic was a successful initiative and believed their retention would be welcomed by both traders and public alike.
Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in the response to the Notice advised The Car Park Bye-Laws were last reviewed in 2018. Changes such as the introduction of Free Park 20 will be regularized during the next review of the Council’s Parking Bye-Laws. The review will also examine the locations and hours of operation of loading bays throughout the Urban Area.
It is also proposed to commence a review of the Council’s Appointed Stands (Taxi) Bye-Laws. A preliminary meeting has already taken place with taxi representatives in this regard (10th February 2022). The review of the Appointed Stands (Taxi) Bye-Laws will run independently of the Parking Bye-Laws review.
Mr. Flynn elaborated that the above is likely to commence in the latter part of this year and in the interim have dialogue with the Business Community.
Councillor Bree welcomed what he described as a very positive response.
Councillor Mac Sharry wished to support the motion and applauded Mr. Flynn and the team. His own observations on High Street for example highlighted no disabled parking on that Street and he hoped to see some accommodation there.
Councillor Maguire echoed the words of the members in thanking Mr. Flynn
Mr. Flynn replied that the overall review will look at the provision of disabled parking, but also went on to say that a balance is required in relation to the 20-minute parking so as to ensure the busier streets benefit and that the system isn’t abused or overprovided overall.
Councillor Gibbons referred also to High Street and the increasing need with the new Centre of Independent living located there.
8. FOOTPATH AND ACCESS STEPS AT GIBRALTAR POINT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a progress report on the proposed construction/reinstatement of the footpath and access steps at Gibraltar’.
Councillor Bree in putting down this motion declared how popular a bathing area Gibraltar Point has been, but since the development of the Wastewater plant had become neglected. However, the travel restrictions during the Covid period have seen the area become a popular attraction once again. Councillor Bree accepts that it is in an area of Special Area of Conservation and so approval for any refurbishment works must be sought from An Bord Pleanála.
Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in the response to the Notice advised During 2021, the Council commissioned a full topographical survey of the area leading from Gibraltar Road to the old swimming pool at Gibraltar Point. Following completion of this survey, a preliminary design proposal was prepared which contained the following:
- Full construction of approx. 60lin.m of concrete footpath between the roadway and the old pool
- Breaking out and reconstruction of c. 30m2 of concrete walkway/platform adjacent to the old pool
- Provision of stainless-steel railings to prevent users falling from the high-level platform down to the rocks below.
- Construction of concrete steps leading from the platform to the seashore together with stainless steel handrail
- Removal of large remnants of old original concrete walls and steps which have broken away and eroded over many years.
Having been reviewed by an Environmental Consultant, it is considered that the works proposal as designed could be deemed to have a significant effect on the adjacent SAC and SPA. Accordingly, a Stage 1 Screening process in isolation is not likely to be sufficient to enable the works to proceed. The advice from the Environmental Consultant is that Sligo County Council as proponent of the project will be required to prepare a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) which describes the works in detail and identifies and characterises all possible implications for the site and sets out mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or offset all such implications. As Sligo County Council would be the project proponent in this instance, the NIS must therefore be submitted to An Bord Pleanála (the competent authority).
In light of the above and prior to commissioning a consultant to prepare an Appropriate Assessment / NIS, it has been decided to explore alternative and possibly less intrusive design options for providing access to the seashore. The Council have commenced enquiries with manufacturers, and it is hoped to schedule on-site meetings with same over the coming weeks.
As noted previously, it is difficult to provide timelines for completion of designs, preparation of AA/NIS etc. as the Council’s priority in this area in more recent times has been around the repair and maintenance of the sea defence wall at Gibraltar. Unfortunately, this important sea defence wall was significantly compromised following Storm Barra (end of Q4 2021) and again during the early par of 2022 requiring repairs costing more than €20,000.
Councillor Bree thanked Mr. Flynn for the report and felt that all would agree if a mechanism could be found for a less intrusive development, essentially a safe mechanism for people to enter and exit the water safely. He referred to the increasing popularity of Sea Swimming.
Councillor Gibbons recalled the popularity of the area at a time when access to transport restricted going to other seaside locations. He also referenced the future potential development of the wider area and so it would increase in importance and usage as a recreational amenity.
Councillor Maguire also referred to the increased popularity of sea swimming and looked forward to developments, but she too was conscious of the environmental considerations.
9. PROPOSED T2 – T12 ROAD LINKING MAIL COACH ROAD AND PEARSE ROAD
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
“That this meeting be provided with a progress report on the proposed T2 – T12 road, linking the junction of Mail Coach Road/Connolly Street with the junction of Burton Street / Pearse Road”.
Councillor Bree in putting down this motion declared that this project is contained in both the County Development Plan and the Spatial & Economic Strategy for the Northwest Region but had been delayed for over 16 years due to the Department not making funding available and that this delay is causing huge congestion problems for the residents of Lower St Brigid’s Place in particular. Councillor Bree recalled the last time he tabled a motion; he was advised that tendering was expected in the 2nd half of 2022. He wished to know if the ‘specific improvement grant’ recently approved is sufficient to complete the project.
Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in the response to the Notice advised the design consultant for the MCR (Mail Coach Road) Burton Street Link Road was appointed on the 10th June 2021. The Consultant has progressed the preliminary site assessments in terms of topographical surveys, site investigation, dealing with utility companies etc. The preliminary design of the junction and the extension of Sidney Gallagher Parade has been completed. It is anticipated that the detailed design of the project will commence in April 2022 with a view to initiating the procurement process for a works contractor in Q4 of 2022.
Mr. Flynn further clarified that the 2022 funding secured would cover design and procurement, but that additional funding would be required in 2023.
Councillor Bree thanked Mr. Flynn and accepted it was positive news, he expressed a hope that local Oireachtas members would assist in seeking funding.
Councillor Mac Sharry, in supporting the motion commended Councillor Bree for having this issue kept to the fore. He also felt it would assist in alleviating traffic congestion at the Mercy and Scoil Fatima School. He advised that he would be raising the matter of further funding with local Oireachtas members.
10. HISTORICAL INFORMATION BOARDS IN THE CRANMORE AREA
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“This local authority along with the Cranmore regeneration will plan for the erection of historical information boards at the entrance of the different estates in the Cranmore area particularly considering the significance of the individuals who have been recognised by Sligo local authorities and whose names lives on in our everyday lives, and to include Martin Savage Terrace in this Historic project as it falls within the remit of the footprint of the Cranmore regeneration.”
Councillor Gibbons in putting down this motion advised that this was the 2nd time he had done so and had hoped this would have been addressed by now given that this is the 100th Anniversary of the deaths of the ‘Noble Six’. Councillor Gibbons also referred to former Mayors Collery and Fallon and felt it was important for the young people to know the background of the address at which they lived, but that this would be of interest to tourist also.
Councillor Bree in supporting the motion recalled the naming of the separate estates in Cranmore after the ‘Noble Six’ and how there was unanimous agreement at the time in doing so and that perhaps in future all such housing developments might have similar information boards.
Councillor O’Grady in support also mentioned a ‘wall of fame’ for the Cranmore area to celebrate its young people who went on to become world cycling champions for example and she agreed with Councillor Brees suggestion for future residential developments.
11. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STUDY AT ST BRENDANS NATIONAL SCHOOL
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T Mac Sharry
AND AGREED
‘At the ordinary meeting Sligo County Council 10/05/ 2021 the following motion was adopted Unanimously. That the roads department of this local authority would carry out a traffic Management study of the road that leads that leads up to St, Brendan's National School, Sunset drive Cartron point in the interest of health and safety of the children attending the School and parents and residents who live along that stretch of Rd. Can we please have an update of what progress has been made and what are the road engineer's recommendations to elevate this situation
Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in the response to the Notice advised A traffic survey was conducted on Sunset Drive, Cartron during the first week in March 2022. We anticipate receipt of the survey data during early April 2022. This data will be used by the Roads Department to ascertain what traffic management measures, if any, are required at this location in the immediate term. It is proposed to meet with the Principal of St. Brendan’s National School to discuss pedestrian and traffic management also.
We will be recommending that the Principal of St. Brendan’s National School should commence dialogue with the Council’s Active Travel Team and the National Transport Authority in order that this school may be considered in the context of the Safe Routes to School Programme.
Councillor Gibbons in putting down the motion felt that a small roundabout might be a practical solution as when the weather is poor, the situation is a nightmare with teachers often having to come out and direct the traffic with less children walking on poor weather days. Whilst he accepts that Cartron is lucky to have a school within the estate confines, appropriate forward planning for future traffic flows didn’t take place, another solution he felt might be a link road to mountain close. However, he was keen to stress any solution must be with the agreement of both the school and all residents.
Mr. Brian Flynn did inform the meeting that the mindset in relation to schools parking is changing and that the more provision that it made for parking, then it is discouraging walking and cycling.
Councillor Mac Sharry in seconding the motion, also concurred with the option of a small roundabout, and that he had meet with the principal Ms. Hurley previously on site.
To conclude, Councillor Gibbons agreed with changing the mindset, but felt this will not occur overnight and so he put down the motion on the basis on an immediate Health & Safety issue.
12. STRANDHILL PUBLIC REALM PROJECT:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That no decision will be made by this local district council of Sligo/Strandhill, on the Strandhill public realm enhancement project at the sea front until the planning department of this local authority meet with a delegation from the business community of Strandhill along with elected representatives.”
Councillor Gibbons in putting down this motion referred to the recent meeting that took place between business persons from Strandhill and the members of the MD in which they (S/Hill Business persons) expressed the view that they had not been properly consulted about the proposed plans and how they had asked that a meeting be arranged between a small number of them and officials of the Planning Department. Councillor Gibbons had suggested that one or two councillors also attend along perhaps with 3 of the Strandhill group, keeping the numbers small to keep focus.
The Director of Services advised that the next public consultation in the process will possibly be organised for some time in May. Notwithstanding that, members of the executive (Chief Executive, Senior Planner, Executive Planner & Director of Services) have also met with representatives of the business community. The representatives of the business community at that meeting were very much against the removal of or reduction in parking at the shore front.
Councillor Gibbons advised he will take his direction from the consultation process. He is willing to chair the meeting to listen only.
Councillor MacSharry commended the Mayor in organising the initial meeting and also acknowledged the Director of Services for organising the subsequent meeting.
He felt that everyone in the round supported an enhancement process, but that as a Local Authority, we must be cognisant of any decision the members take that might negatively impact business and that the shore front business community are steadfast in their opposition to having parking spaces removed and that there should be an impartial business impact survey conducted.
Councillor Maguire advised that both she and Strandhill Community Development Association have worked closely on this project from the outset and in one survey conducted had engagement of approximately ¼ the population of Strandhill. In this, a desire was expressed for greater safety measure and community facilities along the sea front. Councillor Maguire feels that Strandhill is very fortunate to have a car park 150 metres from the sea front which adequately provides for car parking for most of the year. She feels that projects such as this have been shown to increase business. She is happy to attend any further meeting and would like to see more engagement with the Community Development Association itself.
Councillor Bree, in supporting the motion, understands a further phase of consultation is due, but his taking from the meeting that the mayor organised is that the business community are totally opposed to any reduction in space, but on the other hand most of the general public in fact are in favour based on approaches to him. He also observes on occasion that cars parked on the sea front are in fact empty and so persons with mobility issues etc are unable to access these spaces. He wants adequate space provided for such persons and wishes for this message to go out, he feels notwithstanding business concerns, everyone must be listened too.
Councillor O’Grady agreed that everyone must be listened too and complimented the Mayor for calling the initial meeting with the business persons. Both Councillor Bree and O’Grady suggested that Councillors Mac Sharry & Maguire represent the members at any meeting to be arranged on foot of this motion and that this is sufficient
Councillor Gibbons again repeated, he wishes simply for all sides to be heard and it not ‘nailing any colours to the mast’ so to speak and is happy to chair any such meeting.
Clarity was provided that the meeting with provide for the business community only.
13. ADDITONAL TENNIS COURTS ON PUBLIC AREAS:
Proposed by Councillor G O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Plans by Sligo County Council on putting Tennis Courts in any of the public areas.
Councillor O’Boyle in putting down the motion advised he has been approached by several constituents about this but is conscious of other priorities and workloads.Mr. Brian Flynn in response advised that Sligo County Council Parks Department are currently progressing plans for the installation of a second tennis court at Cleveragh Regional Park. It is hoped to progress to tender stage on this project during Q2 2022.
Councillor O’Boyle thanked Mr Flynn for his response. Councillor Gibbons commented that it was a fantastic pastime and that he has fond memories of the court in Merville.
14. OPERATIONS OF THE DOG SHELTER
Proposed by Councillor G O’Boyle
“That Can Sligo County Council give a breakdown of operational expenses of monies giving to the dog shelter?
- Who are reports from the dog shelter sent to? If Sligo dog pound and Sligo animal rescue are the same place as recorded by dog’s trust, there are 494 dogs unaccounted for.
- Where do these dogs end up? Where is the documentation to record the whereabouts of these dogs from 2014-2021Councillor O’Boyle withdrew this motion and indicated that he would re-enter it for the April monthly meeting of the Council.
Councillor O’Boyle withdrew this motion and indicated that he would re-enter it for the April monthly meeting of the Council.
15. TREACY AVENUE ALLEYWAY
Proposed by Councillor R O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council upgrade the surface on the alleyway leading to Treacy Avenue and clean the surrounding area’.
Councillor O’Grady in putting down the motion advised she is very conscious of the reduced staffing levels available in the Borough areas from that of 20 or even 10 years ago. She acknowledges that the Council has done work on it several times, but it is again in poor condition. It is used as a link to come through Maugheraboy to the bus station and the surface is quite uneven.
Mr. Brian Flynn in his response advised that this work is included on the Council’s schedule of maintenance works for Summer 2022.
Councillor Gibbons in supporting the motion said the small number of staff available often respond to requests immediately when something is bought to their attention such as littering of areas, and he commended them for that.
16. REMOVAL OF STUMPS IN TREACY AVENUE
Proposed by Councillor R O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council remove the tree stumps in the park at Treacy Avenue.”
Councillor O’Grady in putting down the motion advised she is very conscious of the very active residents committee in the avenue, and mentioned Mr. Vincent Hopkins, but the Residents would not have the means to carry out this body of work. It is their intention to create flower beds at these locations.
Mr. Brian Flynn in response advised that Council personnel will visit Treacy Avenue in the coming weeks to ascertain the works involved in the removal of tree stumps from the green area. Subject to availability of funding the works will be schedule for completion over the coming months.
Councillor O’Grady thanked and welcomed this news. Councillor Gibbons in seconding the motion wished to commend all Residents Associations for the work they do and felt any help that the local authority could give them would be well served.
17. UPDATE ON THE NUMBER OF VACANT HOUSES IN SLIGO /STRANDHILL AREA
Proposed by Councillor R O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“An update on the number of derelict houses in the Sligo / Strandhill area
Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services in response advised that There are currently 13 No. properties on the Derelict Site Register in the Sligo/Strandhill area.
The Council are also monitoring a further 45 No properties in the Sligo/Strandhill area with a view to entering them on the Derelict Site Register if improvement works are not carried out.
Councillor O’Grady thanked and welcomed the report and expressed concern that with Housing supply being such a pressing issue and with the availability of incentives to bring properties back into letting market, this is a matter that we must keep on the agenda.
18. CORRESPONDENCE
There were no items of correspondence.
19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor O’Grady asked that the members sympathies be extended to the Cunningham family Doorly Park on the death of Mary. mother of Paul in the Planning Section and Grandmother of Thomas Kerins in the Roads Dept.
The Mayor thanked Members for their co-operation during the meeting.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.23 a.m.
Meeting Date 28/03/2022