Minutes 2025
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 21st July 2025 at 10am in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Tom MacSharry
- Councillor Fergal Nealon
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr Brían Flynn (Director of Services)
- Mr Kieran O’Gorman (Senior Executive Officer)
- Mr Michael Condren (Senior Executive Park Superintendent)
- Mr Thomas Kerins (A/Senior Executive Engineer)
- Mr Adrian Grandison (Executive Engineer)
- Ms Geraldine Timlin (Staff Officer) Meeting Administrator
APOLOGIES:
Councillor Ann Higgins
MAYOR:
Councillor O’Boyle presided
1. CONFIRM MINUTES OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD HELD ON THE 19TH MAY 2025
Proposed by: Cllr D. Bree
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo MD Bi-monthly meeting held on 19th May 2025”
2. CONFIRM MINUTES OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD BRIEFING HELD ON THE 4TH JUNE 2025
Proposed by: Cllr A. Gibbons
Seconded by: Cllr T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo MD Briefing on C.E’s Report – Strandhill Public Realm held on 4th June 2025” (Special Meeting).”
3. CONFIRM MINUTES OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD BRIEFING ON THE 23RD JUNE 2025
Proposed by: Cllr D. Bree
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo MD Briefing on C.E’s Report – Strandhill Public Realm held on 23rd June 2025” (Special Meeting)”
4: MATTERS ARISING
None
5: UPDATE ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
Mr Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer (Vacant Homes Officer), took the members through the updated figures as contained in his report circulated to members in advance of meeting.
6: TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES AT SLIGO CEMETERY
With agreement of the meeting this was deferred to the next meeting.
7: TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON JOHN STREET AND OUTSIDE GLASSHOUSE
“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 agreement of the meeting this was deferred to the next meeting.
8: TRAFFIC CALMING SOLUTIONS ON STRANDHILL ROAD
Proposed by: Cllr F. Nealon
Seconded by: Cllr T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“Given the increased volume and speed of traffic on the Strandhill road between the Rugby club and second sea road, this council requests the Roads Department to consider all available traffic calming solutions to help make the road safer for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.
There has been quite a few accidents in recent months and this matter needs to be made a priority for the Roads Department.
Noting particular dangerous turn offs at St. Anne's Church, Lecarrow, Scarden Beg, the Cemetary, Scardenmore, the GAA Centre of Excellence, Lissawully, Barnasragy, Woodville and Second Sea Road”
Cllr F. Nealon noted the report and asked that Sligo County Council continue to investigate options to reduce speeding on this road.
Mr T. Kerins, A/SEE, confirmed that Sligo County Council have recently requested formal collision data from this stretch of road from An Garda Síochána and will also conduct further speed surveys at the location.
Cllr T. MacSharry supported the motion and asked that Sligo County Council continue liaise with An Garda Síochána in relation to the issue.
Cllr F. Nealon asked that the Roads Section give consideration to improved road markings to alert drivers to upcoming junctions and side roads.
9: FOOTHPATHS IN HAZEL GROVE, MAUGHERABOY
Proposed by: Cllr O’Boyle
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the status of the footpaths in Hazel Grove, Maugheraboy, and outline any plans for repair or upgrade works in the area”.
Mr T. Kerins, A/SEE, confirmed that Hazel Grove, Maugheraboy will be considered for inclusion for funding as part of future Footpath Enhancement Programmes.
Cllr A. Gibbons outlined the dangerous condition of the footpaths in Hazel Grove and the Maugheraboy area in general.
Mr T. Kerins, A/SEE, stated that although there was an allocation for Maugheraboy in the 2025 Footpath Enhancement Programme, it did not include Hazel Grove. He stated that if Members could assign an additional allocation, specifically for Hazel Grove, consideration could be given to include it in this year’s programme.
10: PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT CLEVERAGH
Proposed by: Cllr G. O’Boyle
Seconded by: Cllr D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the status and proposed timeline for the installation of the pedestrian crossing at Cleveragh, opposite Londis.”
Cllr G. O’Boyle thanked the Roads Section for their response and asked that this be considered for inclusion in next year’s Active Travel Plan.
Mr T. Kerins, A/SEE, stated that Sligo County Council would continue to seek funding for this project.
Cllr T. MacSharry formally supported the motion.
11: MUNICIPALLY-RUN DOMESTIC BIN COLLECTION SCHEME
Proposed by: Cllr G. O’Boyle
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council investigate the feasibility of a pilot, municipally-run domestic bin collection scheme within the county, and seek Ministerial support for the introduction of a sustainable and publicly operated waste collection model.”
In his repsonse, Mr K. O’Gorman, SEO, stated that a study is currently being undertaken by the Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment on the “Feasibility of Transitioning Ireland's Waste Collection Market from its current Side-by-Side Licensing System to a Franchise Tendering System” and that Sligo County Council await the outcomes prior to any further consideration of these matters.
All members supported the motion and asked to be kept updated.
12: INSTALLATION OF CCTV ST JOSEPHS TERRACE
“That Sligo County Council install CCTV and improved street lighting in St. Josephs Terrace to address increased anti-social behaviour in the area.”
In the absence of Cllr A. Higgins, the Mayor deferred this for consideration at the next meeting.
13: ROAD RESURFACING FROM LIDL CRANMORE RD TO DOORLY PARK JUNCTION
“That the Roads Department of this Council resurface the section of road from Lidl on the Cranmore Road along Doorly Park as far as the junction to Doorly Park Road.”
In the absence of Cllr A. Higgins, the Mayor deferred this for consideration at the next meeting.
14: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS SYDNEY GALLAGHER PARADE
“That Sligo County Council lower the kerbs and the pedestrian crossing section on the raised island at Sydney Gallagher Parade junction to ensure wheelchairs can safely cross the junction.”
In the absence of Cllr A. Higgins, the Mayor deferred this for consideration at the next meeting.
15: TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES GREENFORT ESTATE
Proposed by: Cllr T. MacSharry
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD engineering staff install traffic calming measures as requested by the residents of Greenfort Estate, from house no 5 to 6 down to house 10 to 12 as a matter of urgency.”
Cllr T. MacSharry submitted a Plebiscite signed by the residents of Greenfort Estate calling for the installation of traffic calming measures on this stretch of road. Cllr T. MacSharry asked that Sligo County Council complete a costing report and gave a commitment that the Members would provide the funding for any such scheme once costings had been made available.
Cllr F. Nealon supported the motion.
16: REFURBISHMENT WORKS TO PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT RIVERSIDE
Proposed by: Cllr T. MacSharry
Seconded by: Cllr D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD undertake refurbishment works to include painting and light bulb replacement to the pedestrian bridge linking Riverside to the Mall.”
Cllr T. MacSharry welcomed the report on plans to upgrade the bridge in the coming months.
17: COASTAL EROSION PLAN STRANDHILL
Proposed by: Cllr T. MacSharry
Seconded by: Cllr F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD provide members with an update on the Coastal Erosion plan for Strandhill to include next steps.”
Cllr T. MacSharry welcomed the report submitted by Sligo County Council to the OPW on the 9th July 2025 and stressed the urgency of the matter.
Cllr T. MacSharry asked to be updated at the next meeting with the OPW’s response to the report and also with any response received from the Ministers Office.
The motion was supported by all Members.
18: RESTORATION OF BOROUGH AND TOWN COUNCILS
Proposed by: Cllr D. Bree
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Aware that the decision by the Fine Gael/Labour government to abolish Sligo Borough Council and all the other Borough and Town Councils was a serious attack on local democracy; recognising the importance of urban local government and the successful manner in which it delivered services to its citizens over the decades; and noting the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish town councils in large towns; this Borough District reiterates its call for the restoration of borough and town councils with a genuine devolution of powers and requests the ‘Local Democracy Task Force’ to prioritise the re-establishment of town councils with directly elected Mayors with executive powers.”
The motion was supported by all Councillor and Resolved that the Borough District of Sligo Municipal District write to the Office of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing Local Government & Heritage, James Browne and also the Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins to call for the restoration of borough and town councils with a genuine devolution of powers and requests the ‘Local Democracy Task Force’ prioritise the re-establishment of town councils with directly elected Mayors with executive powers.
19: PUBLIC ACCESS TO NEOLITHIC MONUMENT AT CARNS HILL
Proposed by: Cllr D. Bree
Seconded by: Cllr F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“To ask what progress, if any, has been made regarding the possibility of developing public access to the Neolithic monument located above the Fox’s Den on Cairns (Carns) Hill, and if there has been any recent communication with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Public Works regarding the issue.”
Cllr D. Bree urged Sligo County Council to continue to encourage the OPW and the Department to engage with landowners at Carns Hill with a view to purchasing lands to develop public access to the site.
Cllr F. Nealon welcomed and supported the motion.
20: INSTALLATION OF CCTV FOR PREVENTION OF LITTER/ILLEGAL DUMPING
Proposed by: Cllr D. Bree
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Noting that Councils may now develop a programme to install CCTV cameras for the sole and primary purpose of preventing litter and illegal dumping; has consideration been given to installing such cameras in any part of the Borough District.”
Cllr D. Bree noted the report but asked for clarity on whether or not Sligo County Council had given consideration to the use of covert cameras as a litter prevention measure in the Borough Municipal District.
Mr K. O’Gorman, SEO, informed Members that other litter prevention measures had been recently introduced and would be reviewed in six months when it will be decided if cameras are necessary.
Cllr D. Bree welcomed the response and awaits the outcome of review.
Members asked that Sligo County Council seek legal advice on the erection of covert cameras and the use of captured data as evidence for the purpose of convictions for illegal dumping offences. An update was requested for next meeting.
21: UPDATE ON PROPOSED BOATHOUSE AT CLEVERAGH
Proposed by: Cllr A. Gibbons
Seconded by: Cllr D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That this local authority provides this Borough District council with a full report on what progress has been made in relation to the proposed Boathouse for Sligo Rowing Club / Kayak Club at Cleveragh Sligo.”
Cllr A. Gibbons acknowledged the report and expressed his support for the project. Clarity was sought on the status of the lease and the planning permssion currently in place should the development not proceed.
Cllr D. Bree expressed his support of the project.
22: UPGRADE ROAD MARKINGS OF CYCLE LANES WITHIN BOROUGH
Proposed by: Cllr A. Gibbons
Seconded by: Cllr D. Bree
AND AGREED
“In the interest of road safety for cyclists this local authority calls on Road Department to upgrade the road markings on the cycle lanes within the borough of Sligo Strandhill.”
Cllr A. Gibbons welcomed the report which stated that specific locations of concern could be brought to the attention of the Roads Department who will carry out assessements on a case-by-case basis.
23: SEATING BENCHES ON FOOTPATH HUGHES BRIDGE TO CARTON CROSS
Proposed by: Cllr A. Gibbons
Seconded by: Cllr D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That this local authority provide seating benches along the footpath from Hughes Bridge to Cartron Cross to assist people walking to town.”
Cllr D. Bree supported the motion.
Mr T. Kerins, A/SEE confirmed that two benches are to be installed along this route.
24: TRAFFIC CALMING ON SEAFIELD AVE, CARTRON POINT
Proposed by: Cllr F. Nealon
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Noting residents concerns of speeding on Seafield Avenue, Cartron. That this Council implements traffic calming measures at this location.”
Cllr A. Gibbons & Cllr T. MacSharry supported the motion.
Cllr T. MacSharry enquired about resurfacing works and the erection of “Children at Play” signage which had been previously raised.
Mr T. Kerins, A/SEE, confirmed that Seafield Avenue will be consider for future resurfacing and that traffic calming measures could also be considered as part of the overall works.
25: FLOODING AT DOORLY PARK/CLEVERAGH DEMENSE
Proposed by: Cllr F. Nealon
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That this Council implements upgrade works to alleviate the regular flooding on the Doorly Park- Cleveragh walk.”
Cllr F. Nealon welcomed the report from the Environment Section which stated that with Council support, consideration of a proposed capital works allocation of €80,000 could be included in capital budget considerations for 2026 to allow for the commencement of a review of design solutions, screening assessments, and progression of some initial pathway repair works.
26: DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ORDINARY MEETING
Monday, 15th September, 2025 at 10 am in Council Chamber, City Hall.
27: CORRESPONDENCE
- NTA 26/05/26, RE: S2 Bus Route – No 27 Meeting 31/03/25
- Minister Browne’s response of 11/06/25, regarding the Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd – No 10 Meeting 31/03/25
AND NOTED
28: AOB
Emergency Motion – Standing Orders suspended
Proposed by: Cllr D. Bree
Seconded by: Cllr A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Noting that the funding of €2,386,054 allocated to Sligo County Council by the Department of Housing and Local Government for the provision of Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability, Mobility Aid Grants and Housing Aid for Older People grants, is inadequate, we call on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing and Local Government to take the necessary action to ensure that increased and adequate funding is allocated to the Council as a matter of urgency.”
Members agreed by Resolution that the Borough District of Sligo Municipal District write to the Office of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing Local Government & Heritage to call for the necessary action to be taken to ensure that increased and adequate funding is allocated to the Council for the Housing Adaptation Grant, Mobility Aid Grant and Housing Aid for Older People Grant, as a matter of urgency.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.53 am.
Meeting Date 21/07/2025