Minutes 2025
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 31st March 2025 at 10.00 A.M. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Fergal Nealon
- Councillor Gino O'Boyle
- Councillor Ann Higgins
APOLOGIES:
- Ms. Maria Walsh MEP
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Donal Tinney, A/Director of Service.
- Mr. Joseph Murphy, Senior Executive Officer.
- Mr. Sorcha Sheehy, Executive Engineer.
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Paul O'Rourke, Senior Engineer.
- Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner.
- Ms. Orla Murrin, Staff Officer.
MAYOR:
Councillor T. MacSharry presided.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Mayor welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. CONFIRM MINUTES OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD AGM MEETING HELD ON THE 27TH JUNE 2022
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED.
“To confirm the Minutes of the Borough District of Sligo MD AGM meeting held on 27th June 2022”.
2. CONFIRM MINUTES OF THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO BUDGET MEETING HELD ON THE 24TH OCTOBER 2022:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED.
“To confirm the Minutes of the Borough District of Sligo MD Budget meeting held on 24th October 2022”.
3. CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD AGM MEETING HELD ON 26TH JUNE 2023.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED.
“To confirm the Minutes of the Borough District of Sligo MD AGM meeting held on 26th June 2023”.
4. CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD MEETING HELD ON 20TH JANUARY 2025.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED.
“To confirm the Minutes of the Borough District of Sligo MD meeting held on 20th January 2025”
5. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor A. Higgins noted that Nessa Cosgrove was included under Councillors present in the minutes dated 20th January 2025 it was agreed to amend the minutes.
6. UPDATE ON THE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHNENT GRANT).
Mr. Adrian Grandison (Vacant Homes Officer) took the members through the updated figures (circulated in advance). Total of 122 applications received for the Borough District to date, there are 111 initial site inspections carried out, 111 grants approved, and 8 grants rejected. Eight applications withdrawn by the applicant, 104 applications in the urban area, 89 in Sligo City, 44 final inspections completed, and 26 applications paid to date. Mr Grandison informed the meeting that the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was to extend to 2030.
The Mayor thanked Mr. Adrian Grandison for his report.
7. TO NOMINATE 1 MEMBER OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT TO SIT ON THE ARTS ASSESSMENT PANEL
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED.
“To Nominate 1 member of the Municipal District to sit on the Arts Assessment Panel”.
It was agreed, by the members to co-opt Councillor A. Higgins to the Arts Assessment Panel.
8. TO NOMINATE 1 MEMBER OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT TO SIT ON THE SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PEACE PLUS PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To Nominate 1 member of the Municipal District to sit on the Sligo County Council Peace Plus Partnership Committee”.
It was agreed by the members to co-opt Councillor A. Higgins to the Peace Plus Partnership Committee.
9. TO CONSIDER THE SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS 2025 – INCLUDING THE DRAFT ROADS TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
Councillor Bree thanked the engineering staff for the work they had done and welcomed the allocation of €27,000 for the purpose of providing seating in O’Connell Street, highlighting the need for the street furniture.
The Mayor thanked the Executive for their work to date.
Councillor Nealon welcomed the draft Roads Programme; however, he commented that the volume of traffic was much higher in the Borough and Strandhill areas than in other parts of the county. That the funding basis of KM and not volume was inequitable. Yet, the footpath allocation was divided equally, this would need to be reviewed.
Councillor Higgins agreed with Councillor Nealon and felt that the methodology used for the allocation of funding of KM divided by population is not appropriate for the Borough area.
Councillor Gibbons asked if the bike stands would be put into O’Connell Street and Castle Street.
Mr O’Rourke said that this was under consideration.
At this point of the meeting, with the agreement of the members moved to item 20 on the agenda.
20. CLARIFICATION RE WHAT PLANNING NEEDED BY APPLICANTS TO THE SEAI WARMER HOME SCHEME
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD planning department clarify what planning if any is needed by applicants to meet the criteria for the SEAI Warmer Home Scheme”.
The Mayor requested that a letter from the Municipal District is sent to the Minister and the Department requesting clarification on which applicants need planning when applying to the SEAI Warmer Home Scheme and if it is possible to have a ‘fast tracked’ planning application solely for applicants applying to the scheme.
Mr. Frank Moylan stated that only a small number of applications to the scheme require planning permission. That the planning department would ask those applicants who have any queries about the scheme to contact planning directly for advice.
With the agreement of the members, the Mayor moved to take item 23 next.
23. SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR UPGRADING WORKS TO THE TOP ROAD IN STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the total amount paid to date on foot of the special contributions for upgrading the top road in Strandhill Village is utilised by the Roads department of this local authority to carry out traffic calming & essential repairs and other health and safety issues that will alleviate the risk to pedestrians and in particularly young children and the elderly who are living on the eastern side of the R292 Top Road Strandhill Village”.
Councillor Gibbons welcomed the works already completed and the report from the roads department. However, Councillor Gibbons stated that more works to enhance road safety are needed, particularly in the area of the school for safe access. Councillor Gibbons asked if the contractor working in the area was still going to re-instate the footpath.
Mr Paul O’Rourke stated that when funding becomes available that a full schedule of works for the “Top Road” R292 can be progressed. That the roads department are working on a final figure that is available, in the special contribution fund and revert to members, with same.
Councillor Gibbons asked that instead of waiting for funding to do the whole schedule of works at once, that the funds available be used for the areas of work urgently needed.
Councillor Nealon, Councillor O’Boyle formally supported that motion.
The Mayor Councillor MacSharry indicated that the Deputy Mayor Councillor O’Boyle assumed the position of chair. It was agreed that the meeting would now revert to item 10 on the agenda.
10. FUNDING FOR CRANMORE COMMUNITY CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd known locally as ‘the Co-op’ is a charity that provides community development, youth services, and community support for Cranmore and all communities in the Sligo East City Area and beyond.
It appears that their core funding under regeneration from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage is coming to an end.
I ask that this council writes to the Minister to confirm if this is the case and if so what plans do the department have to ensure an alternative continuous funding stream is found so that the co-op can continue it's great work in the community?”
All members supported the motion.
11. FENCE GABLE AT TONAPHUBBLE (MEADOWVALE).
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo Co Co finishes off the fenced gable at the back of the homes in Tonaphubble leading into the cemetery due to recent accidents and damage done to the wall.”
Councillor O’Boyle requested that the matter is dealt with in a timely manner.
12. REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF PARKING AT ST JOHN’S TCE/DUCK STREET
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo Co Co review the area over at St John“’s Tce/Duck street regarding parking concerns.”
Councillor O’Boyle asked that the council consider widening the area at the road due to residents having difficulty with parking.
Councillor Gibbons supported the motion.
13. ROAD SURFACING WORKS AND FOOTPATH EXTENSION WORKS CALTRAGH ROAD
“That Sligo MD engineering staff undertake urgently needed road resurfacing works and footpath extension works on the Caltragh road as a matter of urgency in the interests of Health & Safety”.
WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE MEETING THIS MOTION WAS DEFERRED.
14. PURCHASE OF VACANT PROPERTIES HOLBORN HILL
“Sligo Co Co purchase the vacant homes at Holborn Hill now that they are up for sale to provide much needed housing”.
WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE MEETING THIS MOTION WAS DEFERRED.
15. INSTALLATION OF PLAYGROUND IN THE CROZON/CALTRAGH AREA
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That the Park Department in Sligo County Council identifies a suitable location and install a playground in the Crozon/Caltragh area for the enjoyment of the children and residents of this area”.
Councillor Higgins stated that the €450,000 National allocation, for upgrades and maintenance of parks, with Sligo receiving only €15,000 in funding, was disappointing. Councillor Higgins welcomed the reply from the parks department.
Councillor Nealon and Councillor Gibbons supported the motion. Councillor O’Boyle in support of the motion agreed that funding is certainly an issue.
16. MOTIONS 16 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING/TRAFFIC CALMING CLEVERAGH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE & 18. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS CLEVERAGH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
TAKEN TOGETHER WITH AGREEMENT OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR & MEMBERS.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED.
“That the Roads Department of this local authority provides a much-needed pedestrian crossing and traffic calming measures on The Back Avenue at Cleveragh Industrial Estate linking to the Doorly Park walkway”.
18 MOTIONS 16 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING/TRAFFIC CALMING CLEVERAGH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE & 18. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS CLEVERAGH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
TAKEN TOGETHER WITH AGREEMENT OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR & MEMBERS.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor D.Bree
AND AGREED.
“Noting that representations have been made to the Council regarding the need for a pedestrian crossing on the road at Cleveragh Industrial Park, particularly for individuals using wheelchairs, can the meeting be advised if there is a possibility of sourcing the necessary funding for a crossing from Government departments in the current year.”
Councillor Higgins stressed the need for a pedestrian crossing and traffic calming measures for the use of the 60 service users to Iona Day Services, many of whom have limited mobility.
Councillor Bree stated that the relocation of the Iona Day Services centre had necessitated the need for a pedestrian crossing and welcomed the report from the Roads Department.
All members were in support of the motions.
17. REPAIRS TO FOOTPATHS ON CHURCHILL
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD engineering staff assess the paved footpaths on Churchill and repair or replace broken paving slabs that have become a dangerous trip hazard”.
Councillor Higgins stated that the footpaths on Churchill needed urgent attention.
Councillor O’Boyle supported the motion.
19. REPAIRS TO COUNCIL PROPERTY IN THE EAST WARD AREA
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Aware that a Council tenant residing in the Sligo East Ward area, submitted complaints to the Council on a number of occasions regarding work which was uncompleted in the home; and aware that a member of the Council staff carried out an inspection in the house in early February; and aware that a public representative submitted written representations on behalf of the tenant on two occasions; can the meeting be advised (1|) why the Council has not made any attempt to communicate with the tenant in the period since the Council staff member carried out the inspection of the house; (2) will the Council management introduce protocols to ensure that when a complaint is submitted that the tenant will be treated with respect and advised of what action, if any, the Council intends to take in respect of the complaint: (3) when will the necessary repairs be carried out on the house in question.”
Councillor Bree stated that he and the tenant were disappointed with the level of communication from the housing department and that the works are incomplete to date. The reply from the housing department were noted. Councillor Bree asked for a review of this matter by the housing department.
Councillor Gibbons formally supported the motion.
Mr Joe Murphy agreed to review the matter.
21. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES TO INCLUDE SIGNAGE AT CLEVERAGH
“That Sligo MD engineering staff introduce urgently needed traffic calming measures to include signage on the back avenue at Cleveragh as requested by the residents in the area”.
WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE MEETING THIS MOTION WAS DEFERRED.
22. UPDATE ON PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WINE STREET CARPARK
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with an update on proposals for the development of the Wine Street Car Park area.”
Councillor Bree stated that the report was disappointing and expected a more detailed response on the development of Wine Street Carpark.
Mr Donal Tinney stated that the Wine Street carpark is included in the proposals for the ‘Sligo Public Realm’ project.
Councillor Gibbons supported the motion.
24. SURVEY OF THE ROADS IN CARTRON HEIGHTS/CARTRON POINT
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“This local authority called on the Roads department to carry out a full survey of all the Roads in Cartron Heights Cartron Point that need replacing and put in place a full program of works that can realistically be carried out over a period of three years”.
Councillor Gibbons stated that the works being carried out are done on a piece meal basis, and that it would be advantageous to have a 3 year plan to show the work being carried out to date.
All members agreed that the lack of funding available was an issue.
Councillor Bree formally supported the motion.
25. PLANS TO UPGRADE THE ROADS AT MAUGHERABOY/LYNDALE AREA
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Recognising the ongoing housing development at Maugheraboy, what plans are being put in place to upgrade the roads, Junctions and footpaths in the greater Maugheraboy / Lyndale area”.
Councillor O’Boyle acknowledged the report, stating that it did not go into enough detail and that the whole area needs upgrading, the increase in housing in the area and extra vehicles would necessitate further restoration and resurfacing works.
Councillor Gibbons requested a report from the Roads department on the recommended upgrades and reinstatement works needed to both the footpaths and the roads.
Councillor Bree supported the motion.
Councillor O’Boyle queried if the road will be resurfaced once the estate is completed.
Mr Paul O’Rourke will look at the 2026 schedule of works and liaise with housing.
26. REQUEST FOR CONSULTATON WITH STAKEHOLDERS IN THE GOLF CLUB ROAD IN STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That prior to any new housing developments on the Golf club road in Strandhill that this Council engages in a full consultation with the main stakeholders on the road; namely-the Church, National School and Golf Club in regard to the planned road upgrades.
Noting that the addressing of the safety needs of the landowners and users on this very dangerous road should be a priority for all”.
Councillor Nealon stated that a proactive approach prior to developments in the area and the early engagement with stakeholders was vital.
Councillor Gibbons, Councillor O’Boyle and Councillor Higgins highlighted the importance of addressing safety issues and early consultation.
Mr Paul O’Rourke stated that all statutory public consultation is carried out, and that the public consultation portal is kept up to date.
27. REQUEST THE NTA TO EXTEND THE S2 ROUTE DOWN TO THE AIRPORT DURING PEAK TIMES
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Recognising the increased volume of people working in or using Sligo airport, the expanded Strand campus and the Strandhill airport business park, this Council writes to the NTA requesting the s2 bus route diverts down to the airport at key times throughout the working day”.
Councillor Nealon highlighted the increased footfall in the area and that to bring the S2 bus route down would increase the use of public transport.
All members supported the motion.
28. CORRESPONDANCE.
Noted, receipt of acknowledgement letter from the Minister of Finance.
29. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
A further discussion took place on Item 9: Schedule of Municipal District Works 2025
30. DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT ORDINARY BI-MONTHLY MEETING
Monday 19th May 2025, Council Chamber, City Hall at 10am.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11:38 am.
Meeting Date 31/03/2025