Minutes 2023
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 18th September 2023 at 10.00 A.M. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree (Mayor)
- Councillor Sinead Maguire
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Tom MacSharry
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
APOLOGIES:
Councillor Rosaleen O'Grady
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. Thomas Kerins, Acting senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Jude Mannion, Staff Officer (Meetings Administrator)
- Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
- Mr. Conleth Whelan, Executive Engineer
MAYOR:
Mayor Declan Bree presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 1TH JULY 2023:
Proposed by Councillor G O'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
"To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 17" July 2023
2. MATTERS ARISING:
No Maters Arising.
3. UPDATE ON THE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
For Noting
The most recent update had been circulated in advance to the members and it was agreed that subsequent updates would appear as a recurring item on the agenda of the MD. There were no queries from the members. Mr Frank Moylan asked the members if the current format in which the report is presented
is satisfactory, to which the Mayor replied that it is.
4. TO NOTE THE PLACING OF THE DRAFT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PARKING PLACES BYE-LAWS 2024 AND DRAFT CAR PARK BYE-LAWS
For Noting
A report on this had been circulated prior to the meeting and Mr. Thomas Kerins also gave a presentation summarising the main points. Mr. Kerins advised that the need to update the Bye Laws is on account of the substantial changes to the street scape since the last iteration in 2018. Examples of proposed changes are to regularize and give definition to the concepts of Age Friendly Parkin & Free Parking 20, to provide for the removal of Stephen Street Car Park and the inclusion of Riverside Car Park as a new hourly car park. Mr Kerins also noted that it is likely that these byelaws will require more frequent updating, as for example the roll out of Electric Vehicle charging points continues.
The Mayor then opened it up to the members for their comments. Councillor O'Boyle sought clarity on the distinction between a Residents Parking Permit and a new annual permit and expressed concern at its proposed annual fee of €1,680. Councillor Gibbons welcomed the additional numbers overall in the provision of disabled parking areas, but said that greater enforcement to prevent abuse of these space is necessary. Councillor Maguire asked if the recently announced new national speed reduction measures would form part of the proposed bye-law changes, to which the reply was no as a separate speed review will be carried out in 2024. Both the Mayor & Councillor Mac Sharry raised the issue of the Taxi Rank on Harmony Hill and the possibility of it reverting to street parking. Councillor Bree also asked that a review be carried out of the Residential on Street Parking areas prior to publishing these proposals as High St is omitted on the documents as currently presented. It has always been the custom and practice that High St fell under the Residential on Street Parking category according to the Mayor. The Mayor proposed that High St be included in the updated proposals and this was seconded by Councillor O'Boyle. The Director of Services and Mr. Kerins undertook to carry out the review of the Residential on Street Parking Areas. Mr. Kerins reminded the members that these are still just the draft proposals and that it was expected the final recommendation would come before the members in January 2024.
5. RESCUE PADDLE BOARDS AT STRANDHILL BEACH
Proposed by Councillor S Maguire
Seconded by Councillor T Mac Sharry
AND AGREED
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
Councillor Maguire in tabling the motion acknowledged that a rescue board is available at the Northern end of the promenade, but that in rescue situations, minutes if not seconds are critical and so another accessible board is required. Councillor Mac Sharry in supporting the motion felt the broader issue of water safety in Strandhill needs to be discussed and called for more awareness and signage on the approaches. Councillor Gibbons was anxious that a misconstrued message wouldn't go out from the meeting about swimming in Strandhill.
In response, Mr. Thomas Kerins advised the members that it was agreed at the Water Safety Forum, a rescue paddle board was purchased and the storage of this has been facilitated by sec in the cabinet where the rescue boat was previously housed.
6. SPEED ANALYSIS AT STRANDHILL ROAD
Proposed by Councillor S Maguire
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'That the Council provide results of the speed analysis of the Strandhi/1 Road at Cummeen, which was undertaken last year, providing for an outline of what plans are proposed by the Engineering Department to deal with increasing speeds & traffic along the Strandhi/1 Road from the Centre of Excellence at Scarden and to enquire as to suggestions to ensure people existing and entering the R292 and pedestrians on this stretch can do so safely
Mr. Thomas Kerins in delivering his report advised that Sligo County Council Roads Department carried out a speed survey on the R292 Strandhill Road near St. Annes Church in March 2023. The Area Engineer can provide results of this survey.
Additional surveys at Scarden and Cummeen are being carried out through September.
Sligo County Council Roads Department continue to engage with An Garda Sioch~na regarding information on any collision issues along the R292 in the Scarden/Cummeen areas. We are currently not aware of any speeding issues or collisions along the R292 in this vicinity and there are currently no plans to carry out any traffic calming measures along this section of the R292. Enforcement of the speed limit is a matter for the An Garda Sioch~na.
Councillor Maguire in response advised that she receives representations on a weekly basis, but acknowledged that people may not be then formally reporting incidents of near misses to AGS but that she looked forward to engaging further with the Engineering Staff when the results of the speeding survey are known.
7.BUS SHELTER AT DOORLY PARK
Proposed by Councillor G O'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T Mac Sharry
AND AGREED
'That Sligo County Council contact the OPW asking them to revert the Bus Stop at Doorly Park to its original location
In tabling this motion, Councillor O'Boyle advised that the relocating of the Bus Shelter was done without any consultation with the residents and that damage to a number of cars has resulted.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response said the stop was moved approximately 25 metres to facilitate access to the new modular homes and that this was an emergency measure. The Roads Department are not aware of any negative implications of this, nor are AGS. Councillor O'Boyle asked that the Council write to the OPW, but was agreeable to an alternative proposal by the Mayor that a full report on the matter be bought before the members at the next meeting.
8. SPEED RAMPS AT CROZON PARK
Proposed by Councillor G O'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'That Sligo County Council examine putting back in speed ramps in Crozon Park and also a pedestrian crossing at the roundabout if possible.
Councillor O'Boyle told the meeting that the speed ramps were removed over 2 years ago and representations that he is now receiving from the public is that these now be reinstated.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that following resurfacing works along Crozon Road in 2021, it was decided to refrain from immediately reinstating the speed cushions in order to ascertain if such traffic calming interventions were still a requirement along this section of roadway. The Roads Department will review speed survey data to determine if these traffic calming measures need to be reinstated. With respect to the request for a pedestrian crossing at the roundabout, Mr. Kerins advised that the Active Travel are currently designing the Newtownholmes Road Upgrade and this will go to Part VIII in approximately 12 months' time.
9. DERELICT HOUSES ON HOLBORN STREET
Proposed by Councillor GO'Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'That Sligo County Council does a CPO on the derelict houses on Holborn Street and build social housing
Councillor O'Boyle reminded members that he had tabled motions previously concerning these properties and their general condition, but that they have deteriorated so much further in the intervening period and that considering that we have constructed social housing units to one side of them it seems to be the only solution now to CPO these derelict properties and build similar units. Councillor Gibbons in seconding the motion felt the large site was suitable. All members present agreed.
10. STAFFING LEVELS AT SLIGO CEMETARY
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor G O'Boyle
AND AGREED
'Conscious that Sligo Municipal Cemetery has been successfully managed and staffed by employees of the Local Authority for over century and recognising the need to maintain the highest standards into the future, this Council confirms its policy to employ adequate Council staff in the cemetery so as to ensure the cemetery can continue to operate its normal schedule." '
Councillor Bree in tabling this motion advised members that he did so due to concerns over a possible privatisation of its maintenance operations and that similar privatisation of other council services did not result in an improved service. In response the Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke advised that Sligo County Council intends to ensure that Sligo Cemetery operates to the highest standards into the future and will be staffed as deemed appropriate by the Council Executive.
11. FORSA INDUSTRIAL ACTION
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'Noting that Council staff - members of the FORSA trade union, have commenced industrial action to achieve job evaluation in the local government sector; and noting that local authority workers in much of Europe have access to job evaluation; and further noting that negotiations regarding the issue at the Workplace Relations Commission broke down on the 20th of July; this meeting calls on the Local Government Management Agency and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to take appropriate action so as to ensure that the Local Government Management Agency enters into meaningful and constructive engagement with the FOR SA trade union so as to bring about a fair resolution of the dispute.'
Councillor Bree in tabling this motion said this dispute is impacting on the representational work of the elected members and will have a knock effect on constituents. Councillor Gibbons in seconding the motion said everyone should be treating with respect and get what they are entitled too.
12. GRASS CUTTING SLIGO CEMETARY
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor G O'Boyle
AND AGREED
'That Sligo Municipal District implement a grass cutting programme for Sligo Cemetery
Councillor Mac Sharry in tabling this motion advised that it was the old and middle cemeteries in particular that were the focus of his motion. He described at how at the recent unveiling ceremony of a memorial to PA Mc Hugh, that he felt embarrassed at the poor condition overall of what is the main burial ground for the urban area. He went on to recommend that some of the additional property tax funds of 1.5 million earmarked for a programme of upkeep. He also suggested that Sligo Tidy Towns might be bought on board. Councillor Gibbons enquired as to the feasibility of a CE type scheme. Councillor O'Boyle enquired as to whether the Council might remove grass and cuttings if some volunteers from the community did that actual clean ups, whilst the Mayor felt it was fundamentally a staffing issue.
In response, the Director of Services advised that the Local Authority itself wouldn't be eligible to apply for a CE type scheme, that it would have to be a community structured organisation that did so. She also added that both the Department of Social Protection and Sligo LEADER have indicated that it is proving very difficult to recruit participants to such schemes.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in his response advised that a grass cutting program is in place in the public areas and that striming takes place 3-4 times per annum in the Old & Middle Cemeteries.
The Director of Services said that the members concerns will be bought back to the Parks Department.
13. FOOTPATHS CARROWDOUGH
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'That Sligo Municipal District provide a footpath at Carrowdough, Strandhill in the interests of pedestrian safety
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that the Area Engineer will examine this location, but added that land acquisition would be required and that would be the main hurdle to cross.
14. TRAFFIC CALMING SECOND SEA ROAD
Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'That Sligo MD would implement traffic calming measures on the Second Sea Road to accommodate residents at Woodville Court and Aylesbury Park and along the Second Sea Road
Councillor Mac Sharry in tabling this motion said that there are cogent and legitimate concerns over the levels of traffic being experienced here at Peak times and this was supported by Councillor Gibbons who expressed the view that the road in its entirety down to Gibraltar needs complete addressing.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that a speed survey was carried out by the Roads Department in 2022 on the Second Sea Road. The survey determined that speeding was not an issue at this location. Therefore, traffic calming measures are not considered necessary at this time. Junction tightening and visibility improvement measures were undertaken at the junction of the 2nd Sea Road and Woodville Court in 2020. Mr Kerins subsequently added that there would be significant land acquisition challenges involved in any works here.
At the request of Councillor Mac Sharry, Mr. Kerins undertook to share the results of the survey with the members.
15. REFURBISHMENT OF GIBRALTOR
Proposed by Councillor D Bree
Seconded by Councillor A Gibbons
AND AGREED
'That the meeting be provided with a report relating to Phase 7 of the proposed footpath construction/ reinstatement and provision of access steps at Gibraltar; and when it is expected that tenders will be sought for the refurbishment work; and if it is expected that the works will be carried out in the current year.'
Councillor Bree in tabling this motion reminded members present that this site in located in a Special Areas of Conservation and so acknowledges that there are significant issues to comply with prior to even minor works being carried out, however, it has been over two years since a topographical survey was commissioned and so is anxious for an update.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that following completion of the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report earlier this year, the design drawings and tender documents were prepared. These documents were finalised in early September. It is anticipated that a contractor will be selected for the works by the middle of October 2023.
Sufficient funding will have to be confirmed and available before any contract is awarded. Subject to said funding and contractor availability, it is expected that the footpaths and access enhancements will commence in Q4 2023.
The Mayor warmly welcomed this update and thanked Mr. Kerins and his predecessor, Mr. Brian Flynn for what he described as their going over and above the call of duty on this project.
16. SEATING ALONG N4 FROM HUGHES BRIDGE
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G O'Boyle
AND AGREED
'That this Council start the process through the Active travel programme or other financial means available to having a number of bench seating installed along the route of N4, from Hughes Bridge to the junction at Cartron Cross as a means to promote and assist members of the public walking along that route'.
Councillor Gibbons reminded members of similar motions in the past on this matter and that the population now of the Cartron area is maturing, but that to encourage people to get out walking a number of seats are required similar to those that have been on Pearse Road or the 'line' for as long as he can remember.
Mr. Thomas Kerins, in response advised Sligo County Council Roads Department will carry out an assessment for the requirement and feasibility for additional seating along this section of roadway.
17. TOP ROAD STRANDHILL ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMME
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G O'Boyle
AND AGREED
That this Council provide an up to date progress report on the R292 top road Strandhill Village and Mud-lane Cartron foreshore II Active Travel Programme 11
Mr. Thomas Kerins delivered his report to advise that the R292 Top Road in Strandhill formed part of the NTA Active Travel Options Assessment Process for Strandhill Village. This process has been completed. The NTA have directed that the first project to be funded within Strandhill Village under the Active Travel Programme shall be from the Rugby Club (R292) to St. Patricks RC Church, along the Burma Road. An intervention on the R292 Top Road will be considered thereafter. It is anticipated that the works on Mud Lane Cartron will commence in Q4 of 2023.
Councillor Gibbons replied that he was very disappointed in the decision to proceed first with the Burma Road as he felt that this road was in far better condition than the Top Road and that this matter has been lobbied for back to the time of his predecessors Councillor's Sean & Chris Mac Manus respectively. He asked that the NTA review their decision.
18. TOP ROAD STRANDHILL ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMME
Proposed by Councillor A Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G O'Boyle
AND AGREED
'That the following works would be carried out on the R297 in the interest of safety. That the 3 wooden ESB poles adjacent to the road close to the entrance of Cartron Heights be removed or reinstalled further back from the roadside Curb & that a yellow box would be installed on the road for traffic exiting Cartron Heights. There is also a need for a Bus Shelter with some safety measures put in place at the Bus Stop on the same stretch of road'.
Councillor Gibbons wished to acknowledge at the outset the €3,000 contribution that each of his Borough District colleagues allocated towards upgrading the entrance to Cartron Heights, but that additional issues need addressing and these have been in the domain since 1999 when both he and his then colleague from the area, Cllr Devins began raising them.
The ESB poles in particular are a problem, but more recently, the absence of a Bus Shelter to accommodate the additional children coming to school in Cartron from the Ukranian Community is now more significant than it ever was.
Mr. Thomas Kerins in response advised that Sligo County Council Roads Department has had ongoing consultation with the ESB over the past 12 months regarding the three ESB poles along the R291 Rosses Point Road. Subject to third party agreement by a private landowner, there is the potential to set back one of the three poles to a point behind the footpath, on to private property. Two of the three poles can be set back onto the public green area. The Roads Department will continue to investigate options with ESB. There is currently no source of funding for this work.
The yellow box that was recently removed as part of resurfacing works will soon be reinstated.
There are currently no plans for a bus shelter in this vicinity. The Council in collaboration with the National Transport Authority can consider the provision of a shelter at this location as part of the ongoing review and development of a programme of bus shelter installations throughout Sligo.
19. ROAD MARKINGS AT KEVINSFORT
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
In Councillor O'Gradys absence, this was deferred
"That road markings at Kevinsfort be upgraded where needed'
20. FOOTPATHS AT ORCHARD ROAD KEVINSFORT
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
In Councillor O'Gradys absence, this was deferred
'That works be carried out on the footpath at the Orchard Kevinsfort' "
21. FOOTPATH AT WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROUTE
Proposed by Councillor R O'Grady
In Councillor O'Gradys absence, this was deferred
"That an update be provided on the provision of the extension of the footpath from the Western Distributor Road to Oakfield Estate'
CORRESPONDENCE
Members were advised of the correspondence that was issued to the NTA on July 19" on foot of 2 No. Notices of Motion agreed at the July 17" MD meeting. Councillor Mac Sharry asked that a reminder be sent as the NTA had not acknowledged the correspondence or issued a reply
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.45 am.
Meeting Date 18/09/2023