Minutes 2023
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 22nd May 2023 at 10.00 A.M. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Rosaleen O'Grady (Deputy Mayor)
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Sinead Maguire (remotely)
- Councillor Gino O'Boyle
APOLOGIES:
Councillor Tom MacSharry (Mayor)
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services.
- Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Executive Planner.
- Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer.
- Mr. Jude Mannion, Staff Officer(Meetings Administrator).
MAYOR:
Deputy Mayor Rosaleen O'Grady presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 20TH MARCH 2023:
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G O'Boyle
AND AGREED
'To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 20" March 2023"
2. MATTERS ARISING:
No Matters Arising.
3. UPDATE ON THE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
For Noting
Ms Dorothy Clarke introduced and advised the members that Mr. Adrian Grandison has been appointed as the new Vacant Homes Officer and will be working with Mr. Declan Noone who has transferred from the Roads Department and who will be overseeing the Croi Conaithe Scheme and how it was agreed at the April plenary that members of the respective MDs would be updated.
Mr. Frank Moylan delivered the update report to the members advising of how the scheme was launched initially in July 2022 and was confined to properties in Towns & Villages. However, this was extended in November 2022 to extend to rural areas and a further amendment in May 2023 provides for all properties constructed up to 2007.
The grant sums has been increased from €30,000 to €50,000 in respect of vacant properties, and from €50,000 to €70,000 in respect of derelict properties. The scheme has also now be amended to provide for properties which on refurbishment are to be rented out and not just occupied by the owners as their principal private residence as originally set out.
As regards, the Sligo/Strandhill Municipal District, 22 applications have been received. 2 However have been rejected and the reasons for rejection overall are the properties have not been vacant for at least 2 years or were not constructed prior to 1993. 0f the 22, 13 have been inspected and approved to date.
The Deputy Mayor thanked Mr. Moylan for delivering the report and expressed the view that it was heartening to see such interest in this new scheme and opened it up to the members.
Councillor Declan Bree welcomed the report and requested that the members be circulated with the most recent updated circular to the scheme, and also enquired as to whether the members will receive a further update on its roll out given that the parametres have changed resulting in anticipated increase in applications.
4. WORKS TO GIBRALTAR
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
'To seek an indication of when the upgrading works will commence at Gibraltar Rocks now that funding has been secured'
Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that an application for funding to the Department of Rural and Community Development was approved on May 18" and that a Method Statement and Risk Assessment has also now been prepared. It is anticipated that the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report will be completed by end of Qtr 2 2023 and subject to satisfactory screening, the works could proceed this year.
Both the Deputy Mayor and Councillor Bree welcomed this report and development and highlighted the importance of this amenity, particularly during the period of Covid travel restrictions.
5. KEVINSFORT ROADS RESURFACING
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
'That a plan be put in place for the ongoing upgrading of the road surface in Kevinsfort'.
Councillor O'Grady in tabling this motion noted that it is over 30 years since these roads last were upgraded.
Mr. Thomas Kerins Acting Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that these can be included in future years roads programme as they are not provided for in the current year.
6. TREACY AVENUE FOOTPATHS
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'That all footpaths in Treacy Avenue be reviewed and upgrading commenced where required'.
Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Execuive Engineer in response advised that these are included in the 2023 Footpath Enhancement Programme and a selection, which are deemed to be in the worst condition will have budget resources assigned.
Councillor O'Grady thanked Mr. Kerins for this welcome news to one of the oldest local authority estates in the town, whilst Councillor Gibbons highlighted the strong sense of community within the estate.
7. MINI GARDENS ON BUS SHELTERS
Proposed by Councillor G O'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
'That Sligo County Council review the possibility of putting mini gardens on top of bus shelters'.
Councillor O'Boyle in tabling this motion advised the members that the All Ireland Pollinator plan encourages simple initiatives such as this and gave an example of where such a project had been undertaken abroad in the city of Utrecht. Councillor Maguire expressing support commented on how such an concept has been incorporated onto a shelter in Slish Wood. Councillor Bree enquired as to whether this would be in the remit of the NTA, and if so then this matter should be referred to it. Also in the context of the overall costs of providing bus shelters, the inclusion of such a roof garden would be relatively small he felt.
8. PORTABLE TOILETS ON CONNAUGHTON ROAD
Proposed by Councillor G O'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
'That Sligo County put 2 portable toilets at the bus stop on Connaughton Road'
A similar motion had been tabled at a previous meeting of the MD and Ms. Dorothy Clarke reminded the members of a pilot programme involving a partnership with the business community was being investigated. Councillor O'Boyle asked that signage be provided once agreement had been reached with the specific business providers. Councillor Maguire in supporting the motion nonetheless urged that a more permanent toilet facility be provided and that portaloos are not an appropriate solution and that a main bus operator in in fact no longer doing collections in the town centre due to the absence of this.
9. RESURFACING AT FORTHILL
Proposed by Councillor GO'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
'That Sligo County Council give a timeframe on when the road at Forthi/1 will be resurfaced'.
CounciIlor O'Boyle advised that members that this matter has been resolved since he tabled the motion and he thanked Mr. Tomas Kerins for the reply (delivered for all members present) that the section of roadway from Benbulben Terrace to the N16 (Ash Lane) roundabout has been scheduled for attention.
10. BEACH WARDEN FOR STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
'That Sligo County Council provide an update on the appointment of a Beach Warden for Strandhill'.
Councillor O'Grady asked that this motion be deferred.
11. 'DAFFODIL BENCH WITH IRISH CANCER SOCIETY & SLIGO MENS SHED
Proposed by Councillor S Maguire
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council agree in principle, to work with the Irish Cancer Society and the Men' s Shed to identify a suitable bench in the Sligo area to be dedicated as a Daffodil Bench'
Notice of Motion No. 23 was taken concurrently
Councillor Maguire advised the members present that she had been approached by the Irish Cancer Society as regards a new nationwide initiative to identify suitable locations for a place of rest and reflection where a public seating area will be painted in the colours of the Irish Cancer Society's logo and a QR code plate attached to allow users to connect to a link of the societies' services. Councillor Bree who had tabled a similar motion, No. 23 outlined how this initiative had been launched nationally in November 2022. Councillor Gibbons in supporting the motion also acknowledged the work of and contribution by the Mens Shed sector in the Community. The Deputy Mayor in supporting both motions said it would be a wonderful reminder of the work of the Irish Cancer Society
12. FORTHILL BASKETBALL COURTS
Proposed by Councillor GO'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D Bree.
AND AGREED
That Sligo County Council replace the boards on the Basketball Court and reline the court".
Mr Thomas Kerins in response advised that the boards on the Basketball Court were damaged as a result of a recent spring storm and that the Parks Department plan to replace these in the next few weeks.
13. GRASS CUTTING SEA VIEW PARK
Proposed by Councillor G O'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council cut the grass in Sea View Park, Sea Road.."
Mr Thomas Kerins in response advised that the Parks Department cut the grass in Sea View Park on May. This time of year, cuts are planned approximately every 2 weeks. As in the case of all estates, a small area of wildflower meadow is left to encourage biodiversity.
Councillor O'Boyle thanked Mr. Kerins, but called for improved communication with residents & communities on this matter in general as it is the subject of repeated Notices of Motion.
14. RESIDENTS PARKING JOHN STREET
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Due to Councillor Mac Sharrys absence, this item was deferred
'That this Municipal District would put in place measures to accommodate those with residents parking permits on John Street who experience difficulties finding places to park outside or near where the live
15. TRAFFIC CALMING HOLYWELL TONAPHUBBLE ROAD
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Due to Councillor Mac Sharrys absence, this item was deferred
"That Sligo Municipal District Engineering Staff would replace all speeding signs and provide urgent traffic calming measures on the Holywell - Tonaphubble Road in the interests of Health & Safety.
16. SLIGO DOG POUND
Proposed by Councillor G O'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
"That this MD receive an update on dogs being adopted from the dog pound, a/so how many dogs were put into the dog pound in 2023 so far, a/so how many home visits by the dog warden were made?"
In response, Mr. Thomas Kerins advised that the dog shelter has taken in a total of 89 dogs since January 1st 2023. This number is made up of surrendered dogs, stray dogs and seized dogs. 8 dogs were returned to their owners and a total of 66 were rehomed. 2 dogs were seized, 1 of those was due to aggressive behaviour and the second was as a result of welfare issues.
The dog warden does not have resources to do home checks. The dog warden works with a number of welfare groups who help in rehoming dogs from the shelter. Where dogs are rehomed directly from the shelter, judgement of dog rehoming suitability is made on the merit of speaking to the people and meeting them when they arrive at the shelter.
17. LARKHILL ROAD FOOTPATHS
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
"That the footpath on the western side of Larkhi/1 Road be cleaned and all branches and clay removed
In response, Mr. Thomas Kerins advised that this work will commence in the coming period. Acknowledging this reply, Counicllor O'Grady was aware of developments and wished to put her thanks on record to Darren Wall also for his work in this regard.
18. AVONDALE ESTATE GREEN AREA
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
"That a plan be put in place for the upgrading of the Green area on the Bundoran Road side of Avondale Extate
Counicllor O'Grady in tabling this motion advised that she had been contacted by residents regarding some recent weed spraying works which they were not entirely with. The Residents have also sought a new pathway to the Bundoran Road. CIlr O'Grady advised the residents to form a Residents Assocation to help them in their requests and that she feels the existing pathway is sufficient, but CounciIlor O'Grady asks that it receive some works and attention.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised There are no plans to upgrade the green area alongside the N15 adjacent to Avondale Estate. Any specific issues (e.g., routine maintenance or otherwise) regarding this location should be brought to the attention of the Municipal District Manager.
19. SERVICE LANE AT WILLOW PARK
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
'That the Service lane to the rear of houses 16 to 23 Willow Park Maugheraboy, would be cleared of undergrowth and Moss along with cosmetic surface works to be carried out to make the lane safe for the residents bringing their bins out for refuse collection and other delivery services'.
Counicllor Gibbons acknowledged that might be more of an issue for the Housing Department as opposed to the Roads Department, in that the service lane to the rear become very dangerous after rainfull due to the growth of moss and results in great difficulty taking bins out at these times.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that There is no dedicated budget available for the upgrading of service laneways. However, this matter will be reviewed by Sligo County Council Roads Department. He went to suggest the use of Councillor's proposals fund and to also animate the local residents to assist as would occur in other estates.
20. 'BACK LANE' MARTIN SAVAGE TERRACE
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
'That restoration works will be carried out on the Road to the rear of Martin Savage Terrace a/so known as the back lane.'
Councillor Gibbons in tabling this motion advised that he had been contacted by local residents about a deterioration in the laneway and water now lying in large pot holed areas restricting rear access to their properties.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that There is no dedicated budget available for the upgrading of laneways. This matter will be reviewed by Sligo County Council Roads Department. However, there will be contractors on site in the coming months attending to footpaths and whilst there, if some councillors proposals funds could be obtained, this would be an opportunity to address any items of concern such as these highlighted here.
21. PUBLIC SEATING O'CONNELL STREET
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor G O'Boyle
AND AGREED
'That an update be provided on when it is proposed to provide public seating in O'Connell Street and other appropriate areas/streets in the town centre.'
Councillor Bree in tabling this motion advised members that recent studies by Age Friendly Ireland highlighted issues that can negatively affect the quality of life for older people who have to plan their trips around town areas to take in resting points and areas without the recourse to having to use cafés etc thus incurring a cost and CounciIlor Bree wished to enquire on the development of the Street Furniture strategy for the town, but did acknowledge that the Queen Maeve Plaza would include such seating areas and resting points.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that Sligo County Council Roads Department is currently in the process of developing a Street Furniture Design Study for O'Connell Street. Conceptual design drawings have been developed and subject to adequate funding, the strategy for the street furniture (which will incorporate seating) will be further progressed this year with a view to the implementation of the proposed measures in 2024.
Councillor Bree welcomed the report and would appreciate if the MD could be advised on progress in the coming months on the Strategy's development with a view to identifying appropriate funding streams.
22. PARKING AT CULLENMORE
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor R O'Grady
AND AGREED
'Does the Council have any plans to improve car parking facilities at Cullenamore'
Councillor Bree in tabling this motion advised that he had been contacted by a gentleman whos' car was damaged there during a period of bad weather and it was the first time he had received such a report and is the Council in receipt of any similar reports. Councillor O'Grady in supporting the motion advised that this is also a matter of concern for the residents there also.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that Sligo County Council does not have any plans to improve car parking facilities at Culleenamore. In addition to there being no available budget to do so, this is a sensitive location in proximity to the Ballysadare Bay Special Area of Conservation.
Counicllor Bree in acknowledging this nevertheless asked that the Council 'examine' the possibility but accepted that the cost implications would influence the scope of this examination.
CORRESPONDENCE
No Correspondence
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Proposed Date of AGM circulated and agreed by members presents, this being Monday June 26th
The business of the meeting concluded at 10.00 am.
Meeting Date 22/05/2023