Minutes 2023
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 17th July 2023 at 10.00 A.M. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree (Mayor)
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady
- Councillor Tom MacSharry
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
APOLOGIES:
Councillor Sinead Maguire
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Jude Mannion, Staff Officer (Meetings Administrator)
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
- Mr. John Moran, Acting Director of Services (Remotley)
- Ms. Leonora McConville, Executive Planner (Remotely)
MAYOR:
Mayor Declan Bree presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 22nd MAY 2023:
Proposed by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on
2. MATTERS ARISING:
No Matters Arising.
3. UPDATE ON THE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
The Mayor noted that quite an amount of documentation had been circulated to the members on this prior to the meeting and then invited Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer to deliver his report. This was an update to that delivered at the last Borough District meeting, as since 1 May 2023, the grant was further expanded to provide for applications for one property which will be made available for rent, in addition to one property which will be a principal private residence of the owner. Since the last meeting, a total of 35 applications have now been received in respect of the Borough District (up from 22) and 19 have been inspected with 16 approvals made.
The Mayor welcomed the report and invited questions from the members. Councillor MacSharry too welcomed the report and said the scheme was a positive development in assisting persons getting onto the property ladder. In relation to the requirement that the property in question had to be vacant for at least 2 years, he enquired as to what evidence is required here as it may be difficult to contact previous owner.
Mr. Grandison replied that data from the ESB on electricity usage, connection status etc would help establish this and that a sworn affidavit by the applicants would be satisfactory also.
Counicllor O’Grady sought some clarity on the requirement to produce property history and of one such instance where an applicant had to go back through census data from the early 1900s. Mr. Grandison asked that Councillor O’Grady contact him to discuss that specific case as he was not aware of it.
4. RESIDENTS PARKING ON JOHN STREET
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
‘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 they live on John St
Councillor Mac Sharry in tabling this motion acknowledged that it is a busy thoroughfare and that a solution may be difficult to find, but he has had representations from one young family with a special needs child in this regard.
Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that it is not possible to put measures in place to guarantee any residents with permits, the availability of a parking space outside of or close to where they live. Councillor Mac Sharry was disappointed with this and asked that the Traffic Wardens be made aware of the situation at this location and monitor accordingly.
5. TRAFFIC CALMING HOLYWELL TONAPHUBBLE ROAD
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
‘That Sligo Municipal District engineering staff would replace all speeding signs and provide urgent traffic calming measures on the Holy Well – Tonaphubble road in the interests of Health & Safety
This was a motion deferred from the May 22nd meeting and Councillor Mac Sharry was pleased to say that progress had been made since then, but nonetheless invited Mr. Thomas Kerins to deliver his report.
Mr. Thomas Kerins Acting Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that any specific roads issues e.g. road warning signage should be bought to the attention of Sligo County Council Roads Department. The matter should also be referred to An Garda Siochana as the appropriate Enforcing Authority. He added that the ‘slow-down’ unit which had been removed for repairs will be reinstated shortly.
Counicllor Mac Sharry replied that he was aware of this development and expressed thanks to the engineering staff for this. The Mayor wished to be associated with these remarks also.
6. DOORLY PARK ALLEYWAY
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
‘That Sligo MD outdoor staff clean up and cut back the overgrowth at the alleyway in Doorly Park
In tabling this motion, Councillor Mac Sharry commented on how well the landscaping around the new modular homes has been developed and expressed disappointment on how the condition of alleyway stands relative to this. Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that maintenance work on this alleyway will be carried out over the coming period.
Counicllor Mac Sharry thanked Mr. Kerins for this and asked that given the age profile of the residents, that it be attended too on an annual basis.
7. S1 BUS ROUTE
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
‘That Sligo MD make contact with the NTA to extend the S1 bus route to cover Rusheen Ard & Caltragh
Councillor Mac Sharry reminded all present that this have been raised previously by all the members at the plenary and acknowledged that the NTA had engaged positively with the members on other areas, but that this S1 route now needs just a minor tweaking to provide for the area where there are hundreds of families and which did enjoy a bus service for many years before it was withdrawn. Counicllor Mac Sharry also called up the 4 Oireachtas members to assist in this lobbying of the NTA and acknowledged their efforts in this regard in the past with respect to other routes.
Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer advised the members that in recent discussions held between the NTA/Bus Eireann and the Roads Department of Sligo County Council, it was indicated that that the delivery of the new S3 route is imminent and that increased services are planned for the S2 route, subject to the securement of adequate drivers by Bus Éireann.
Mr. Kerins suggested requesting a meeting with the NTA in September which Councillor Mac Sharry and all members present were in agreement.
The Mayor recalled the many meetings that the members had in 2021 with the NTA and acknowledged it for the work which it had put into the development of the imminent S3 route. However, he agreed that it has been difficult to get the NTA to reconfigure existing routes.
8. BUSINESS INTERUPTION SURVEY – STRANDHILL SHORE FRONT
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
‘That Sligo MD provide members with an update on the Business Interruption Survey promised to the business community adversely affected in Strandhill by the proposed reduction in car parking spaces at the shore front
Councillor Mac Sharry in introducing the motion referred to the recent spell of fine weather and the energy and activity along the shore front which it encouraged and the excellent tourism experience generated by the business owners who are concerned with the car parking proposals.
Ms. Leonora Mc Conville, Executive Planner in response advised that this survey has not yet been carried out, but that over the coming months, and as resources commit, the Council will develop the Terms of Reference and proceed to commission the relevant business/market research.
9. REINSTITUTION OF NATIONAL DAY OF COMMEMORATION
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle
AND AGREED
‘“Recognising the commitment of the members of the Defence Forces to the people of Ireland; and conscious that three members of the Defence Forces from Sligo were killed in Lebanon while serving with United Nations Peace Keeping Forces (UNIFUL); this Council expresses its deep dismay at the failure of the Department of the Taoiseach to organise the traditional annual National Day of Commemoration Ceremony in Sligo, and further, the Council requests the Taoiseach to take all necessary action to ensure that the National Day of Commemoration Ceremony in Sligo is reinstituted.”
Counicllor Bree in tabling this motion reminded members that the National Day of Commemoration takes places on the Sunday nearest July 11th, which is the anniversary of the truce which ended the War of Independence from Britian in 1921. It has been the tradition that events have taken place at 6 regional venues of which Sligo is one, but that no event took place this year in Sligo. Mindful of the fact that three members of the Defence Forces who were from Sligo, namely Privates, Armstrong, Walsh & Mc Loughlin lost their lives in UN Peace Keeping services, this was particularly disappointing and upsetting for the relatives concerned.
Mr. John Moran, Acting Director of Services in response said The Annual National Day of Commemoration Ceremony was held in Collins Barracks in Cork on Sunday, 9th July 2023. This event was organised via the Department of the Taoiseach. Locally arranged ceremonies also took place in four other locations, i.e. Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford. A local event has not taken place in Sligo since 2019. A local event was not arranged in Sligo this year due to the close proximity to the recently held public dedication ceremony for the County Sligo Great War Memorial Garden in Cleveragh which took place on 28th April last. This event was organised by “Lest Sligo Forgets” in conjunction with Sligo County Council and was attended by representatives of the Defence Forces, a number of visiting Ambassadors, and was addressed by the Cathaoirleach. It is intended that a local event will be organised as part of the next National Day of Commemoration in 2024.
Councillor Bree noted the response, but pointed out that the event at Cleveragh was specific to World War 1. All members present were supportive of the motion and looked for to the reinstitution of the local National Day of Commemoration next year.
10. STRANDHILL ROAD SPEED LIMITS
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor R O’Grady
AND AGREED
‘To ask if there are proposals to reduce the speed limit on the Strandhill Road on the stretch of road linking the Second Sea Road with the First Sea Road junction, and to ask if the Council has received a request from the Garda Authorities to reduce the speed limit’
Councillor Bree advised that he had been contacted by some concerned residents on the matter. Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that the speed limit along the section of road is the standard 50 kph urban speed limit. The road width over most of this section is relatively narrow and should encourage adherence to the posted speed limit. Enforcement of this speed limit is a matter for An Garda Siochana and that the Council is not aware of a request from the Garda authorities to reduce this speed limit.
Councillor O’Grady in support of the motion suggested it be raised at the next meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.
11. FAIRGREEN RECREATIONAL PARK
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle.
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a progress report in regard to improvements being planned for the Fairgreen Recreational Park
Councillor Bree reminded members that the Fairgreen has been closed for a number of years due to vandalism, and that its first phase of improvements were carried out in 2017, but unfortunately a subsequent application to the Sports Capital Fund was unsuccessful.
Mr Thomas Kerins in response advised In June 2023, formal approval was sought from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media to appoint a contractor to progress the Fairgreen Jogging and Cycleways project, which is supported by Sports Capital Grant funding of €30,500. Pending formal approval from the Department, it is expected that works on the Fairgreen will progress in Q4 of this year. Works will include the provision of looped walking pathways and some additional landscaping.
Councillor Bree welcomed this update on what is a unique facility in the centre of town.
12. SLIGO CEMETARY
Proposed by Councillor G O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
“To seek a report on what plans are in place to extend the existing Sligo cemetery and what plans are in place to apply for funding for the gate lodge in the old cemetery and whether this could be used as a memorial centre.”
Mr Thomas Kerins in response advised that It is planned to progress the design of the cemetery extension in late 2023/early 2024. A funding mechanism will need to be determined to progress the capital works thereafter. Phase 1 conservation works to the cemetery gate lodge was completed in 2022, to address dereliction and to secure the historic fabric of the structure, which is of National importance. Works to the value of €149,592 were completed with the assistance of grants secured under the Historic Structures Fund. Funding of €37,500 has been secured this year to continue with Phase 2 conservation works, with a priority focus on the installation of windows and doors. If additional funding can be identified and secured, it is intended to proceed with the installation of floors. As part of the ongoing conservation works, SCC has engaged a conservation architect to examine future sustainable and appropriate uses for the Cemetery Gate Lodge.
Councillor O’Boyle welcomed this report and in particular asked that the works to the Gate Lodge continue as this would make an ideal centre for checking records, archives etc.
13. PUBLIC NOTICE – GRASS CUTTING
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
‘That Sligo County Council put a notice in the local papers/radio/social media regarding grass cutting in public spaces
Councillor O’Boyle reminded members that the issue of grass cutting features repeatedly in Notices of Motion and asked that an information campaign be undertaken for residents benefits that would explain the processes involved them in the hope that it will lead to a reduction in complaints and queries to the members
In response, Mr. Thomas Kerins advised that SCC will develop suitable media messaging to highlight the approach been taken by the Council, and to assist the community in supporting and understanding the reasons for the range of different mowing intervention strategies undertaken. These strategies support initiatives including those associated with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, No Mow May, the establishment of wildflower areas and wildflower meadows and the promotion of pollinator friendly planting.
14. FOOTPATHS ON CITY VIEW
Proposed by Councillor R O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D Bree
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to cut the overgrown branches and leaves growing out on the footpath in City View as its causing obstruction to pedestrians with disabilities
Since putting down the motion, Councillor O’Boyle is aware that some works have been attended too and wished to have his thanks recorded. The area around the steps is something which requires particular attention.
In response, Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer advised that further works will be carried out
15. BUNDORAN ROAD – RATHBRAUGHAN PEDESTRIAN ALLEY
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the roads department of this local authority carry out the necessary cosmetic works to the pedestrian alley that runs from the old Bundoran Road into Rathbraughan housing estate
Councillor Gibbons in tabling this motion advised that the alleyway has become heavily covered in moss and perhaps some Tar & Chips could be laid.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised maintenance works would be carried out in the coming period, but that some Councillor's Allocation funds would be required to provide a more thorough finish such as Tar & Chips or Asphalt.
16. LADY ERIN MONUMENT
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T Mac Sharry
AND AGREED
‘That this local authority make provision to have the Lady Erin Monument and base stone cleaned
Councillor Gibbons acknowledged that when this matter was raised previously that it was subsequently addressed. However, the base stone was not cleaned and this detracts from what is a significant landmark in the town, being the exact centre point of the Borough area and which is a significant tourist attraction in being 124 years old.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that the monument was professionally cleaned in 2021 and given its age, it would not be appropriate to treat the stone work at any lesser interval than 3-4 years, notwithstanding funds not being specifically set aside for such a purpose. However, in response to a further query from Councillor Gibbons concerning potential collaboration with the Sligo Tidy Towns Committee, a maintenance program could be explored.
17. OPEN SPACES MOLLOWAY HILL, ST EDWARDS & KNAPPAGHBEG
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle
AND AGREED
‘That this local authority enter into meaningful talks with the residents of Molloway Place, St Edwards (concerning the ‘Bank’ area) and the new development at Knappaghbeg to bring the estates up to an acceptable standard
Councillor Gibbons in tabling this motion acknowledged that it covers a wider area and different areas, but that there is a common thread of lack of engagement with and support for residents in the first instance in maintaining the green areas by the authority and also in supporting residents and facilitating residents associations themselves in maintaining their areas. Councillor O’Grady agreed and said we need to be empowering residents in supporting them in taking ownership of their areas, and that whilst the authority is responsible ultimately for works when required, local residents that she has spoken too are very interested in setting up their own associations too where they could accordingly be then eligible for some grant aid of their own.
Mr. Tomas Kerins in response advised SCC will continue to undertake maintenance of the open space areas at Molloway Place and St. Edwards Terrace. Works have recently been completed by staff on cleaning and tidying the access stairs to St Edwards Terrace, to attend to residents’ concerns.
A plan is being put in place to deal with the ongoing maintenance of green areas in new LA Estates, including Knappaghmore Beg.
The establishment of resident associations to assist in maintaining open space green areas in all LA Estates is encouraged.
18. CHEWING GUM ON TOWN CENTRE STREETS
Proposed by Councillor R O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T Mac Sharry
AND AGREED
‘That a schedule of work be put in place on an ongoing basis for the removal of chewing gum from the Town Centre streets
Councillor O’Grady in tabling this motion acknowledged the wonderful work in putting in place new streetscaped on both O’Connell Street and Lower Knox Street, but expressed sadness at the effects of which casually discarded chewing gum is now having on these. Councillor Mac Sharry in supporting the motion advised that enforcement is key, but along with Councillor O’Grady acknowledged that resources to both do and and to deal with the effects is a challenge. Councillor Gibbons enquired as to the position with the chewing gum tax that was introduced some years back and as to why this authority has not seen some funds on foot of this.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that Sligo County Council Roads Department commenced the carrying out of chewing gum removal from our core streets in 2022. The removal works are carried out periodically throughout the year and it is done primarily on those streets that have been recently upgraded as part of our Public Realm projects (i.e., O’Connell Street and Lower Knox Street) This gum removal exercise is expensive and time consuming and there is no budget available for an extension of the works beyond the core streets.
Councillor O’Grady thanked Mr. Kerins for his report and referenced her next motion which hopefully will be of assistance overall.
19. CHEWING GUM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Proposed by Councillor R O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T Mac Sharry
AND AGREED
‘That an awareness campaign be launched highlighting the proper disposal of chewing gum’
Councillor Bree in tabling this motion advised members that she had done so previously and recalled similar initiatives along with a project whereby Sligo BID had installed some gum ‘bins’ in key areas around the town.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that SCC has partnered with the Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign and a Gum Roadshow has been booked in Sligo for 9th August. This interactive Roadshow works with Local Authorities and communities across the country to carry out fun and engaging education and awareness initiatives that demonstrate the proper means of gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental and fiscal impacts of gum litter. More information will be distributed to MD Members in advance of the Roadshow.
Councillor O’Grady welcomed this and looked forward to the event on August 9th.
20. SLIGO TO STRANDHILL BUS ROUTES
Proposed by Councillor R O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle
AND AGREED
‘That this Municipal District write to the NTA requesting an update on the Bus service in the Sligo – Strandhill area highlighting the need to reconfigure the existing service to serve the needs of the people of Crozon, Maugheraboy and part of Strandhill Road’
Councillor O’Grady in tabling this motion reminded members that this has been an important issue for her for many years and noted that there are presently 13 services to Strandhill on an hourly basis, but that none of these provide for a number of locations in Maugheraboy such as Treacy Avenue areas now, when in the past they was a service. She enquired as to whether even half of these 13 services could now do so by reconfiguration and that to her this was more important than an increased service to that of half hourly from the present hourly.
Mr.Thomas Kerins, Acting Senior Executive Engineer in response advise that the imminent new S3 service would extend to some of the Maugheraboy area, but that it was not feasible to extend to all estates.
Councillor O’Grady remained hopeful and positive that the meeting which the members agreed to progress with the NTA would see this issue progressed.
21. PADDLE BOARDS AT STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor S Maguire
IN COUNCILLOR MAGUIRES ABSENCE, THIS WAS DEFERRED
‘In light of the recent near drowning incident in Strandhill, that this Council would purchase paddle boards and place them on the southern end of the promenade to assist rescue efforts.
22. SPEED ANALYSIS on R292
Proposed by Councillor S Maguire
IN COUNCILLOR MAGUIRES ABSENCE, THIS WAS DEFERRED
This council provide results of the speed analysis of the Strandhill at Cummeen which was undertaken last year, providing for an outline of what plans are proposed by the engineering department to deal with increasing speed & traffic along the Strandhill road from the centre of excellence at Scarden and to enquire as to suggestions to ensure people exiting and entering the R292 and pedestrians on this stretch can do so safely”
CORRESPONDENCE
No Items of Correspondence.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Mayor advised the members that meetings going forward would sit at the earlier time of 9:30am
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.30 am.
Meeting Date 17/07/2023