Minutes 2025
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 19th May 2025 at 2.30 P.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:
None.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Brian Flynn, Director of Service.
- Mr. Kieran O'Gorman, Senior Executive Officer.
- Mr. Michael Condren, Senior Executive Park Superintendent.
- Mr. Michael Carty, Senior Engineer.
- Mr. Tony Parkinson, Senior Executive Engineer.
- Ms. Sorcha Sheehy, Executive Engineer.
- Mr. Thomas Kerins, A/Senior Executive Engineer.
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer
- Ms. Orla Murrin, Staff Officer.
MAYOR:
Councillor T. MacSharry presided.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Mayor, Councillor MacSharry presided
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“A vote of sympathy and a minute’s silence for the family of Alan Singh”
The Mayor Councillor T. MacSharry proposed a vote of sympathy for the family and friends of the young boy Alan Singh RIP, who passed away tragically at the weekend. A minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect.
1. CONFIRM MINUTES OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD MEETING HELD ON THE ON 31ST MARCH 2025
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
“To confirm the Minutes of the Borough District of Sligo MD meeting held on 31st March, 2025”
AND AGREED.
2. MATTERS ARISING
None.
3. UPDATE ON THE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHNENT GRANT).
Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer (Vacant Homes Officer) took the members through the updated figures (circulated in advance). Total of 130 applications received for the Borough District received to date, there are 117 initial site inspections conducted, 117 grants approved, and eight grants rejected. Seven applications withdrawn by the applicant, 107 applications in the urban area, 92 in Sligo City, 52 final inspections completed, and 34 applications paid to date.
Councillor Higgins asked how long the scheme will continue and the process time for applicants.
Mr Grandison, EE stated that the scheme is extended till 2030, and outlined the process from start to finish.
The Mayor thank Mr. Grandison for his report.
4. PRESENTATION ON UPCOMING CLEVERAGH PARK PART 8.
Mr Michael Condren, Senior Executive Park Superintendent gave an overview of the plans for the proposed recreation enhancement of the Cleveragh Regional Park, covering the infrastructure put in place since 2006. Outlining the potential recreational opportunities for the park. This can be achieved through the creation of a concrete skate park, a tarmacadam pump track, multi-use games area, basketball court, children's cycle learning area, and large-scale playground. An off-leash dog track for dog walking and exercise area, this is a secure area. A sustainable urban drainage system is included in the plans. It is envisioned to publicly advertise the plans, and following the completion of all statutory processes a Part 8 report will be prepared for Council review and consideration.
A discussion followed.
All members supported the motion.
The Mayor thanked Mr. Condren for his presentation.
5. TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES & CHARGES AT SLIGO CEMETERY
Mr Kieran O’Gorman, Senior Executive Officer gave a report to the members of the proposed increase in fees and charges at Sligo Cemetery. Sligo County Council has recently completed a new cemetery extension to Sligo Town Cemetery, with the provision of an additional 900 grave spaces. The fees & charges have remained unchanged since 2011. The revised Schedule of Fees and Charges is expected to give a modest return of an additional estimated revenue of €6000 plot charges. With an estimated increase of €1200 from permit fees.
Councillor Nealon and Councillor O’Boyle asked what revenue is no longer available as undertakers now carry out the opening and closing of graves.
Councillor Bree and Councillor MacSharry asked if the estimated increase in revenue of approximately €7200 be ringfenced for cemetery maintenance.
Councillor Higgins asked if there would be more demand for the Columbarium wall now that there is a crematorium in Collooney.
Mr Condren, SEPS said that council staff are now reallocated to more maintenance and presentation works and that work continues the cemetery. The columbarium wall fees may be reviewed later.
Mr Brian Flynn, Director of Services went through the cost implications in council staff carrying out the opening and closing of graves.
The members asked that the executive confirm that the increase in revenue from the proposed increases be ringfenced for maintenance works in the Cemetery. The matter is reverted to the executive and deferred to the next ordinary meeting of the Municipal District.
6. UPDATE ON THE PROPOSALS FOR SLIGO GAOL DEVELOPMENT & THRIVE FUNDING APPLICATION
Mr Michael Carty, Senior Engineer gave a presentation on the proposals for the Sligo Gaol Development, (report circulated in advance) the Thrive – (the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme) funding application is available for derelict heritage buildings owned by the Local Authority, it is European funding, and successful applicants can leverage up to 7 million in funding. Stating that with the support of the council the Part 8 planning has been secured. Plans for the Sligo Gaol Development were outlined. Mr Carty, SE said that it is a competitive process with 9 County Councils and asked for the members full support for the next stage of the application process. Highlighting the heritage and tourism potential of the project.
All members fully supported and endorsed the resolution and gave full endorsement of the updated Integrated Urban Strategy and agreed the process undertaken aligned to THRIVE requirements.
All members thanked the team for their work and the professionalism of the project.
7. SET A DATE FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BOROUGH OF SLIGO MD AND AGREED
Monday 14th of July 2025 at 10:00am in the Council Chamber City Hall.
8. THAT ENGINEERING STAFF UNDERTAKE RESURFACING WORKS AND FOOTPATH EXTENSION WORKS ON THE CALTRAGH ROAD
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“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.”
Councillor MacSharry noted the report and highlighted the safety risk to the public and asked that the extension to the footpaths should take priority.
Councillors Gibbons, Councillor Nealon and O’Boyle supported the motion. Councillor Higgins asked if construction in the area needed to be completed before resurfacing works and footpaths are considered.
Mr Thomas Kerins, A/Senior Executive Engineer said that there are significant works planned under the Active Travel scheme in that area and said that reactionary repairs can be considered. That pedestrian crossings are included in the preliminary design of the proposed scheme.
9. TO CONSIDER PURCHASING VACANT HOMES AT HOLBORN HILL
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Sligo Co Co purchase the vacant homes at Holborn Hill now that they are up for sale to provide much needed housing”.
Councillor O’Boyle noted the report, asked that the members be kept informed.
Councillor Gibbons supported the motion.
Councillor Higgins requested figures on house purchases by the council and funding left available for 2025.
10. THAT SLIGO MD STAFF INTRODUCE TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES IN CLEVERAGH
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“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”.
Councillor MacSharry noted the report and asked that the engineering staff liaise with the Garda on speeding on the road.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE said that the Active Travel Team is planning roadway enhancement scheme on the road, and it includes a pedestrian crossing. The National Speed Limit Review is ongoing and that An Garda Siochana are responsible body for the enforcement of the speed limit.
All members supported the motion.
11. ROADS DEPARTMENT CONSIDER AND ADDRESS SAFETY AT THE JUNCTION OF LORD EDWARD STREET AND JOE BANKS ROAD
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That the Roads Department consider and address safety issues at the junction of Lord Edward Street and Joe Banks Road. These issues include:
- When travelling southbound on Joe Banks Road and the lights at the junction with Lord Edward Street are red drivers regularly see the lights go green at the next junction between Ted Nealon Road and Joe Banks Road and start driving southbound through the junction from Joe Banks Road and Lord Edward Street at the same time as traffic starts crossing the junction from both sides of Lord Edward Street resulting in either collisions or near misses on a daily basis.
- When travelling northbound and taking the slip road off Joe Banks Road west onto Lord Edward Street, the slip road is not wide enough to accommodate buses and other large vehicles. When traffic is stopped at the red light at the junction with Joe Banks Road and Lord Edward Street heading east on Lord Edward Street towards town the traffic is usually backed up to the bus station. Buses and large vehicles can get stuck in the slip road junction because there is not enough space to turn west onto Lord Edward Street. This results in the back of the bus or other large vehicles sticking out into oncoming traffic travelling north on Joe Banks Road resulting in some traffic swerving into different lanes with near misses occurring on a regular basis.”
Councillor Higgins thanked the roads team for their commitment to look at the traffic lights at the junction. Welcomed any additional road safety measures that can be considered to address the issues with the slip road.
12. REQUEST THE HOUSING TECHNICAL INVESTIGATE FEEDBACK FROM RESIDENTS IN 7-15 CRANMORE DRIVE
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the Housing (Technical) Department and Cranmore Regeneration Department (as appropriate) investigate the feedback received from the residents in the bungalows no 7-15 Cranmore Drive, who are of the view that the retrofit job is not fit for purpose and further work on insulation is required”.
Councillor Higgins noted the report and asked that the appropriate housing staff contact the residents directly to discuss their concerns.
13. THE RENAMING OF CLARION ROAD
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council begin the process of renaming the Clarion Road, which is named after a hotel franchise that no longer operates in Sligo and has in fact itself rebranded. This motion calls for the commencement of a stakeholder engagement process, using online tools calling on the public to suggest a suitable name that is more in keeping with the local heritage”
Councillor Higgins welcomed the report.
14. REQUEST SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL DO A SPEED SURVEY IN JINKS AVENUE
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council do a speed survey in Jinks Avenue”.
Councillor O’Boyle agreed to meet the engineering team onsite to review.
15. DOES SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL USE GLYPHOSATE
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Does Sligo County Council or its contractors use Glyphosate”.
Councillors asked that signs are erected in areas where Glyphosate is used.
Mr Condren, SEPS stressed that it is only used on a limited basis where alternative methods are unsuitable, and that Sligo County Council are committed to minimising the use of herbicide and pesticides in all operational areas. That it is not practical to erect signage, and that the use of the chemical is legal.
Councillor Nealon asked that a leaflet drop be carried out when Glyphosate is being used.
Councillor Gibbons discussed the benefits of using less chemicals.
16. REVIEW THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON JOHN STREET
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
MOTION DEFERRED
“Sligo County Council review the timing on the traffic lights and review the need for traffic lights on John Street or move it to a new location and outside the glasshouse”.
With the agreement of Councillor O’Boyle, the motion was deferred to the next meeting.
17. MOTIONS 17. REQUEST THAT A MAINTENANCE FUND BE CREATED FOR PUBLIC PARKS IN THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT & 21. LIGHTING AT MICHAEL CURLEY PARK.
TAKEN TOGETHER WITH AGREEMENT OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Co Co establish a maintenance fund to insure the playgrounds at Mitchell Curley park and Doorly park and any other playground areas in Sligo-Strandhill are maintained all year round”.
21. MOTIONS 17. REQUEST THAT A MAINTENANCE FUND BE CREATED FOR PUBLIC PARKS IN THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT & 21. LIGHTING AT MICHAEL CURLEY PARK.
TAKEN TOGETHER WITH AGREEMENT OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That this local authority would look an alternative ways of sourcing funding for the upgrade of the footpaths and play area and the installation of public lighting at Mitchel Curley Park in the interest of health and safety to the general public”.
Councillor MacSharry highlighted the need for public parks and recreational spaces. Highlighting the ongoing maintenance required, to keep them to the highest standards.
Councillor Gibbons suggested that alternate sources of funding should be explored.
All councillors supported the motion and acknowledged the need for additional funding for the maintenance of parks.
Mr. Flynn, DoS said there is the possibility of funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and that all potential funding areas will be explored. That improvement works is being carried out incrementally in line with resources available.
18. REQUEST FOR INSTALLATION OF FOOTPATHS AND TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES SECOND SEA ROAD
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD engineering staff install footpaths and traffic calming measures on the second sea road in the interests of Health and Safety as requested by the residents in the area”.
Councillor MacSharry welcomed the report and continued to highlight the need for the provision of footpaths, and speed reduction measures in the area.
A discussion followed on the possible use of development levies in the provision of infrastructure such as footpaths and traffic calming measures.
19. ROAD RESURFACING WORKS ON SEAFIELD AVENUE & CLASSIBAWN DRIVE
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD undertake urgently needed road resurfacing works along the bus route on Seafield Avenue and Classiebawn Drive in Cartron”.
Councillor MacSharry noted the report and asked that the works be included in next year’s funding allocations.
Councillor Gibbons formally supported the motion.
20. REQUEST AN UPDATE ON OAKFIELD ROAD TO ROUNDABOUT AT WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROAD
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“ In relation to the proposed large scale development of 207 dwellings on Oakfield Road which has been granted planning permission by Sligo County Council, what update and specific assurances can Sligo County Council give the residents regarding the required upgrade to the currently substandard and unsafe Oakfield Rd, from the Roundabout at Ballydoogan Junction to the Roundabout at the Western Distributor road in order for it to safely deal with what will be very significant increases in traffic, additional junctions and increased pedestrian footfall?”.
Councillor Gibbons welcomed the report and the development of new houses and stressed the need for the Oakfield Road Upgrade project.
Councillor O’Boyle formally supported the motion.
The Mayor supported the motion and agreed that with the proposed large-scale development of 207 dwellings on Oakfield Road, the upgrades are needed.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE stated that a preliminary design report has been prepared and is currently with the NTA for consideration, and that roads staff had met with the residents to discuss their concerns.
22. REQUEST THE ROADS DEPARTMENT MEET TO DISCUSS SAFETY MEASURES ALONG THE CLARION ROAD
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the Roads department of this municipal district of Sligo Strandhill, meet with the principal of Ballinode College of further education to discuss and implement safety measures outside the School to protect the children from traffic along Clarion Road”.
Councillor Gibbons stated that he has received a representation from the principal of Ballinode College of further education, regarding safety measures needed outside the school. Highlighting the increase in numbers attending the school.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE said that the SCC Active Travel Dept. are at concept design stage and the scheme includes new footpaths/cycle lanes and narrowing of the roadway to ensure a safer environment for all road users. That a site meeting could be arranged.
The Mayor, asked that some work be done on the road in advance of the active travel scheme.
Mr Kerins stated that a section of the Clarion Road is included under the discretionary fund for resurfacing works.
23. THAT THE COUNCIL CONSIDER THE OLD BUNDORAN ROAD FOR RESURFACING WORKS
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That this Council considers the Old Bundoran rd for resurfacing works”.
Councillor Nealon thanked the staff of the roads department for their site visit and emphasised the need for resurfacing works on the Old Bundoran Road.
24. THAT THIS COUNCIL ADOPT THE PARK AND STRIDE INITIATIVE
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgons
AND AGREED
“That this Council adopts the Park and Stride initiative which has been successfully implemented in other counties such as Longford, Mayo, and Westmeath.
This allows parents of children in the towns national schools to park in public car parks during drop off and pick up times”.
Councillor Nealon welcomed the report from the Active Travel Dept. Highlighting the benefit of the initiative which is implemented during specific times during school drop off and pick up.
Councillor Higgins supported the motion.
25. SURVEY CONDUCTED BY 3RD YEAR CSPE CLASS IN SUMMERHILL COLLEGE
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgons
AND AGREED
“That’s this Council notes a recent survey conducted by 3rd year CSPE class in Summerhill college which shows a majority of students feel there is not enough youth facilities in Sligo town.
What future plans does the council have to add to and improve youth facility options in both Sligo town and Strandhill?”.
Councillor Nealon welcomed and noted the extensive report in response to the motion, stating that the survey highlighted the need for outdoor recreation facilities for teenagers in Sligo. Stating that their may need to be an awareness campaign of the facilities already available.
Councillor Higgins supported the motion, highlighting the tourist opportunities of these facilities in attracting teenagers and families to visit Sligo.
Mr Flynn, DoS said that any initiatives that the Council can lead on in this area, particularly for this cohort are fully supported by the Council and provided in conjunction with other relevant agencies. and requested a copy of the Report.
26. REQUEST AN UPDATE REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED ROAD LINKING THE JUNCTION OF MAIL COACH ROAD/CONNOLLY STREET WITH BURTON STREET/PEARSE ROAD
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with an up-to-date report on the development of the proposed road linking the junction of Mail Coach Road/Connolly Street with the junction of Burton Street/Pearse Road”.
Councillor Bree welcomed the report, after many years of delay due to a lack of adequate funding from the department and successive governments. Stating that the link road has been objective in the Development Plan for many years. Sighting residents need for provision of the link road to reduce traffic and associated noise/pollution and asked that the executive would seek early approval from the department.
Councillor Gibbons formally supported the motion.
Councillor Nealon stated that he has received a representation from a resident regarding the removal of the left slip lane at Gallows Hill and asked the Roads department reply to the query.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE said that he would contact the roads design team in relation to the query.
27. REQUEST A REPORT ON THE LEVEL OF MAINTENANCE WORK CONDUCTED IN THE MUNICIPAL CEMETERY
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a report outlining the level of maintenance work being carried out in the municipal cemetery.”
Councillor Bree acknowledged the report form the executive, that visitors to the cemetery have highlighted the need for further maintenance works needed. That the complaints have never been about council staff. That there is a need for ringfenced funding to facilitate proper maintenance in the cemetery.
All councillors supported the motion.
28. EXPECTED DATE FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF IMPROVEMENT/TRAFFIC CALMING WORKS ON THE ROAD FROM THE RUGBY CLUB TO RC CHAPEL IN STRANDHILL VILLAGE
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“To ask when work is expected to commence on the provision of footpaths, cycling facilities, traffic calming and speed reduction measures on the road stretching from the rugby club and Dorin’s Strand housing estate, along Burma Road to the RC Chapel in Strandhill village.”
Councillor Bree stated concern over the lack of progress on this project since July 2024, and funding only allocated by the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the preliminary design stage. The lack of footpaths on the stretch of road forces pedestrians onto the side of the road and causes safety concerns. Asked if public consultation has been completed.
Councillor Nealon formally supported the motion.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE confirmed that public consultation took place in the last Quarter of 2024 and would follow up with the Active Travel Team for more details on current stage of the project.
29. DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING.
Monday 21st July 2025, at 10am in the Council Chamber City Hall.
30. CORRESPONDANCE
Letters issued on Item 10, Item 20 & Item 27 on 31st March 2025 Meeting.
Acknowledgements recieved on Item 10 & 20 (31st March 2025 meeting).
AND NOTED.
31. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE informed the members of a proposed draft plan to introduce Weight Restricted Access in the Cleveragh area using statutory signage, that is being considered in consultation with An Garda Síochána.
Members had no objections to this proposal in principle on the basis that more details would follow.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12:38 pm.
Meeting Date 19/05/2025