Minutes 2025
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 10th November 2025 at 10am in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
Councillor Declan Bree,
Councillor Arthur Gibbons,
Councillor Ann Higgins,
Councillor Tom MacSharry,
Councillor Fergal Nealon,
Councillor Gino O’Boyle
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr Brían Flynn, Director of Services, Live Invest Visit & Borough of Sligo MD,
Mr Kieran O’Gorman, A/Director of Services, Climate & Infrastructure & Sligo & Drumcliff MD,
Mr Michael Carty, Senior Engineer, Placemaking,
Mr Michael Condren, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent,
Mr Thomas Kerins, A/Senior Executive Engineer, Roads,
Mr Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer, Planning Enforcement,
Mr Kealon Donagher, A/Senior Engineer, Capital Development Team,
Mr Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer, Housing,
Mr Tony Parkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, Facilities Management,
Ms Nola Gibbons, Meeting Administrator
APOLOGIES:
None
MAYOR:
Councillor O’Boyle presided
ITEM 1: CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES:
Proposed: Councillor Bree Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo Ordinary meeting held on 15th September 2025”
ITEM 2: CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES:
Proposed: Councillor Higgins Seconded: Councillor Nealon AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo Budget meeting held on 20th October 2025”
ITEM 3: MATTERS ARISING
None
ITEM 4: CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND & DERELICT SITES REGISTER
A Grandison took the members through the updated figures as contained in the report circulated to members in advance of meeting.
ITEM 5: REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES AT SLIGO CEMETERY
Proposed: Councillor Bree Seconded: Councillor Nealon AND AGREED
To consider approval of revised Schedule of Fees and Charges at Sligo Cemetery.
ITEM 6 & 7: PRESENTATIONS
Presentations were given by M Carty on the updates for the URDF City Campus Masterplan Project and the Harbour Regeneration Project. A discussion followed with members queries responded to by M Carty.
ITEM 8: OUTDOOR GYM AT CLEVERAGH PARK
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
"That Sligo County Council explore a funding stream for an outdoor Gym at Cleveragh Park similar to the outdoor Gym to be constructed in Ballisodare"
M Condron advised members that the Council will continue to explore all avenues of grant funding to support the development of recreational facility infrastructure including outdoor gyms and other playground facilities at Cleveragh Regional Park.
The Community Sports Facilities Fund, (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Fund), is the primary means of providing Government funding for recreational facilities to local authorities, sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Ballisodare outdoor gym achieved funding under this programme based on a 2023 funding application– the funding was announced in May 2024. Since September 2024 there has been no indication, as yet, of a future timeline for any new round of proposed funding under the Community Sports Facility Fund.
Councillor MacSharry thanked the Parks Department for their response and stated that he would make representations with the relevant Minister concerning the lack of direct allocation funding for recreational projects.
ITEM 9: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT REVIEW AT URSULINE COLLEGE SECONDARY SCHOOL
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council engineering staff undertake a full safety & traffic management review at the entrance & exit points of the Ursuline College secondary school in Sligo with particular focus on the bike & scooter lane & traffic speeds in the area.”
T Kerins advised members that the Roads Department will carry out a review of the current position in relation to the entrance and that any proposed interventions recommended from the review process will be subject to adequate funding being available.
Councillor MacSharry requested that a meeting be arranged with staff from the Ursuline College and the Roads Department in relation to the matter.
ITEM 10: NEW BUS SHELTER AT CIRCULAR ROAD/CROZON DOWNS
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry Seconded: Councillor Bree AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council would contact the relevant authority to provide a bus shelter at the bus stop coming off Circular road into Crozon Downs, as requested by the residents in the area.”
A Resolution was carried.
ITEM 11: DAMAGED PAVEMENTS IN ROSE HILL SLIGO
Proposed: Councillor Nealon Seconded: Councillor Higgins AND AGREED
“Can this Council upgrade the damaged pavements in Rose Hill Sligo”
T Kerins advised the members that the footpaths within Rose Hill will be considered for inclusion in future Footpath Enhancement Programmes and that the delivery of any such schemes will be dependent on the availability of adequate funding streams.
Councillor Nealon thanked the Roads Department for their response.
ITEM 12: REVIEW OF ROAD MARKINGS IN THE SLIGO-STRANDHILL AREA
Proposed: Councillor Nealon Seconded: Councillor Higgins AND AGREED
“That this council does a review of road markings in the Sligo-Strandhill area. Some are badly faded such as where airport road meets Strandhill Business Park, at Lynns Place (outside former TD's pub) and at Finisklin Road (GPT premises) to name but a few.”
T Kerins advised members that the Roads Department will examine these specific locations and will carry out any necessary works, subject to budget availability and that any other specific locations within the Municipal District brought to the attention of the Roads Department would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The Motion was supported by Councillor Higgins.
ITEM 13: CAR PARKING AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Proposed: Councillor Nealon Seconded: Councillor Higgins AND AGREED
“That this Council liaises with Sligo University Hospital regarding the infrastructural changes due at the dialysis unit, the loss of car parking outside the unit and the fact that many elderly patients will now have to walk from the main entrance. Some have to make this walk 3 times a week. Can the hospital explore potential measures to alleviate these concerns.”
A Resolution was carried.
ITEM 14: OPENING OF CAR PARK ON CONNAUGHTON ROAD
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry Seconded: Councillor Nealon AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD would open the car park on Connaughton Road immediately to address the lack of parking spaces in town”
T Kerins advised members that Sligo County Council adopted the Local Transport Plan committed to producing a Parking Strategy to assess and support an appropriate level of car parking in Sligo town centre. The Local Transport Plan advised that there is currently a high level of car parking within the town centre. There are approximately 3,973 parking spaces (public and private parking) in the town centre. The site at Connaughton Road is part of the City Campus Masterplan area and any proposed use for this site is premature.
The Motion was supported by Councillor Higgins.
ITEM 15: CUTTING BACK OF HEDGES & BRIARS AT SCARDEN
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry Seconded: Councillor Higgins AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD outdoor team cut back the hedges & briars along the roads at Scarden, Strandhill.”
T Kerins advised that the maintenance of roadside trees, hedges and other vegetation is the responsibility of the landowners/occupiers on whose land they are growing. The Roads Department will undertake an advertisement campaign to highlight the responsibility of landowners/occupiers and their legal obligations under the Roads Act 1993 to maintain hedges and trees along the public road.
Councillor Higgins supported the Motion.
ITEM 16: REPAIR OF PUBLIC LIGHTING LANGAN DRIVE & RACECOURSE VIEW
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD immediately engage with the appropriate bodies to repair the public lighting in Langan Drive & Racecourse view in Cranmore.”
T Kerins advised the members that Sligo County Council is currently seeking costings for the repair and upgrading of the public lighting in Langan Drive and that Racecourse View is not in the charge of Sligo County Council.
Members queried what social housing estates, under the ownership of Cluid and Respond, had been taken in charge by Sligo County Council. B Flynn advised Members that a report would be provided in this regard.
A resolution was carried to write to Cluid in relation to the public lighting issue in Racecourse View.
ITEM 17: EXTRA STREET LIGHTING PILKINGTON TERRACE AND CHAPEL HILL
Proposed: Councillor Higgins Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council install extra street lighting around Pilkington Terrace and Chapel Hill where it is poorly lit at night.”
Members were advised that Sligo County Council will engage public lighting contractor to carry out a lighting assessment at Pilkinton Terrace and Chapel Hill to determine if the existing lights required upgrading or if additional lights were required.
Councillor Higgins welcomed the response received from K O’Gorman.
ITEM 18: ROAD MARKINGS AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT TREACY AVENUE
Proposed: Councillor Higgins Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council paint the road markings associated with a pedestrian crossing at the entrance of Treacy Avenue across from the entrance to Merville where the kerbs and tactile paving are already lowered and installed to maximise its use as a traffic calming measure.”
T Kerins advised that this location could be considered for the installation of a continuous footpath and/or junction tightening measures in order to enhance pedestrian priority at the crossing point and that any works would have to be designed in accordance with national guidelines and specifications and is funding dependant.
Councillor Higgins welcomed the response from the Roads Department.
ITEM 19: CONTRACT FOR MAINTENANCE OF HEAT PUMPS
Proposed: Councillor Higgins Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“Can this Council clarify the existing situation around the contract for ongoing maintenance of the air to water heat pumps, which has recently been an issue for residents in Seaville, Finisklin. Linked to this, can the Council issue a user friendly guide to using/regulating these systems to all tenants, particularly in the summer time.”
Members were advised that Sligo County Council Housing Maintenance Section are currently preparing a tender for a Maintenance Contract for Heat Pumps- to issue Q1/2026. In the meantime, the Section are engaging specialised contractors in its response to issues arising in the estate.
The Heat Pumps were discussed with the Tenants during their pre-tenancy course. They also had the opportunity to get further instruction from the developer’s plumber. It is proposed to issue a ‘user guide’ to the tenants early in 2026.
Councillor Higgins welcomed the report provided by the Director of Services.
ITEM 20: INSTALLATION OF HISTORIC INFORMATION BOARDS IN CRANMORE ESTATE
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons Seconded: Councillor Bree AND AGREED
“That this local authority, along with the Cranmore Regeneration, will plan for the erection of historical information boards at the entrance of the different estates in the Cranmore area particularly considering the significance of the individuals who have been recognised by Sligo local authorities and whose names live on in our everyday lives, and to include Martin Savage Terrace in this historic project as it falls within the remit of the footprint of the Cranmore regeneration.”
Councillor Gibbons welcomed the report from the Director of Services that the proposal will be considered by the Cranmore Regeneration Team and stakeholders in the area.
ITEM 21: SURVEY TO BE CARRIED OUT AT KNAPPAGHMORE
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons Seconded: Councillor Bree AND AGREED
“That this local Authority in the interest of health and safety, calls on the roads department to carry out a survey on the Strandhill Rd, at Knappaghmore on the short stretch of road that leads under the railway bridge.”
Members were advised that a survey will be undertaken by Roads Department of the section of Strandhill Road that leads under the railway bridge and that a report will be provided at the next meeting.
ITEM 22: SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS QUERY – STRANDHILL VILLAGE
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons Seconded: Councillor Nealon AND AGREED
“How much, if any, of the Special Development Contributions for upgrading of the top road in Strandhill Village was utilised by the Roads Department of this local authority to carry out traffic calming, essential repairs and other health and safety issues that would 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”.
Members were advised that a Special Development Contribution was applied to three applications for the Top Road Strandhill. The total monies collected by Finance Department to date is €140,690.00. No works have been undertaken by Roads with the Special Development Contribution monies. A review of the project will be undertaken by Roads Department and a status report provided at the next meeting.
Councillor Nealon fully supported the Motion and stressed the urgent need for a pedestrian crossing at this location.
ITEM 23: RESURFACING OF ABBEY STREET
Proposed: Councillor Bree Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“To ask what plans are in place to resurface the road in Abbey Street.”
Members were advised that development of a consultant brief for progressing a number of Public Realm sub-projects, including Abbey Street, was underway. Allowing for developing of design and consultation (Part 8 Process, detailed design and tendering of works) it is estimated that Public Realm enhancement works should commence on Abbey Street in 2027, this timeframe being subject to receipt of necessary Departmental approvals through URDF approval stages. Subject to progress on URDF for Abbey Street, the Roads Department could consider resurfacing under the roads programme and that the matter will be kept under review.
Councillor Bree noted the response from the Roads Department and asked if Abbey Street could examined for temporary resurfacing works while awaiting the commencement of the Public Realm Enhancement works in 2027.
T Kerins acknowledged the bad condition of the road surface in Abbey Street and advised that temporary resurfacing works would cost in the region of €50k. He further advised that the Roads Department would continue to monitor the situation.
ITEM 24: FUNDS FOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT CLEVERAGH INDUSTRIAL PARK
Proposed: Councillor Bree Seconded: Councillor Higgins AND AGREED
“To ask what progress has been made to date in identifying a source of funding to provide a pedestrian crossing on the road at Cleveragh Industrial Park, particularly for disabled persons and individuals using wheelchairs.”
T Kerins advised that Sligo County Council Roads Department had recently received funding of €40,000 from the Department of Transport under the Eastern Garavogue Bridge Project and the Approach Roads scheme will install a pedestrian crossing at this location by end of Q1 2026.
Councillor Higgins welcomed confirmation that the project was to be delivered in Q1 2026 and thanked T Kerins for his work on this matter.
ITEM 25: LIST OF HOUSEHOLDS AVAILING OF HOMELESS SERVICES Q1 – Q3 2025
Proposed: Councillor Bree Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a list of households availing of homeless services in the first nine months of the year - on 1st January, 1st February, 1st March, 1st April, 1st of May, 1st June; 1st July, 1st August, and 1st September, with a breakdown of those in hostels, B&B’s, hotel rooms.”
Councillor Bree thanked the Director of Services for the report and acknowledged the work of Housing Staff in the provision of Homeless Services.
The Motion was fully supported by Councillor MacSharry who also wished to acknowledge the hard work of the Housing Staff.
ITEM 26: PUBLIC ESTATE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME IN RATHBRAUGHAN PARK
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council undertake a public estate improvement programme in Rathbraughan Park, focused on communal green-areas, lighting, waste / fly-tip removal, and boundary/fence repairs to raise estate standards and support long-term community amenity.”
Members were advised that Rathbraughan Park is a private housing estate and there is no specific funding allocated for estate improvement works. The green area is maintained by the Parks Department, public lighting by Roads Department and waste/fly tipping removal by the Environment Department.
Councillor O’Boyle acknowledged the response from the Director of Services.
Councillor O’Boyle and Councillor Gibbons informed the meeting that they had both received complaints from the residents of Rathbraughan Park in relation to the illegal dumping in the green area of the estate and asked that the Council provide any assistance possible in addressing the issue.
ITEM 27: RESURFACING WORKS AT THE CLARION ROAD ROUNDABOUT
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council carry out urgent resurfacing works at the Clarion Road roundabout due to the deteriorating road surface and safety concerns for both motorists and cyclists.”
Members were advised that resurfacing work at the Clarion Road roundabout will be completed by end of November 2025.
Councillor O’Boyle thanked the Roads Department for their response.
ITEM 28: REQUEST THAT ELECTRIC SKYLINE CARRY OUT PUBLIC LIGHTING AUDIT
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council contact Electric Skyline to carry out a full audit of all public lighting within the Sligo Borough District and ensure that all non-functioning or damaged lights are repaired or replaced as a priority, particularly in residential estates and along main routes during the darker winter months.”
The Members were advised that Sligo County Council Roads Department had contacted Electric Skyline requesting a full review and repair of the non-functioning lights in the Sligo Urban Area and that Electric Skyline had committed to deal with the public lights as a priority.
The Motion was fully supported by Councillor Gibbons, Councillor Nealon, Councillor MacSharry and Councillor Higgins.
ITEM 29: REINSTATMENT OF BUS STOP AT CENTRA, CALTRAGH
Proposed: Councillor Nealon Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That this council writes to the NTA as well as Ministers over transport, O'Brien and Buttimer, calling for the S1 bus service to take a left at Crozon roundabout and serve the people of Caltragh by reinstating the bus stop at Centra, Caltragh.”
The Motion was fully supported by all Members. Following a discussion, it was agreed that the correpsondence should include a request for meeting with NTA officals to be held in Sligo.
B Flynn referred to a previous Motion by Members which requested a bus stop at Cleveragh Regional Park.
Councillor Nealon asked that the correspondence to the NTA now include a request for a meeting and a call for a bus stop at Cleveragh Regional Park.
A Resolution was carried.
ITEM 30: NEW BUS STOP AT SLIGO AIRPORT
Proposed: Councillor Nealon Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“Noting a local petition which currently has over 250 signatures , that this council writes to the NTA, as well as Ministers O'Brien and Buttimer, calling for the S2 bus service to add a stop at Sligo airport.”
Councillor Nealon outlined that there were approximatley 200 staff working in the vicinty of Sligo Airport, which included SocoLab, a creche, the business centre and numerous other businesses which justified his call for an additional bus stop at this location.
Councillor Gibbons supported the Motion.
A Resolution was carried.
ITEM 31: CALL FOR PRIMARY CARE CENTRE IN STRANDHILL
Proposed: Councillor Nealon Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
“That this Council writes to the Minister of Health to address the need for a primary care centre in Strandhill.”
The Motion was supported by Councillor Gibbons & Councillor Higgins.
A Resolution was carried.
Item 32: DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ORDINARY MEETING
Monday, 19th January 2026 at 10 am in Council Chamber, City Hall.
ITEM 33: CORRESPONDANCE
The following correspondance was noted by the Members.
Email from John Noone, Uisce Éireann, dated 22nd September 2025, regarding notification of water outages. (Circulated to Members on 7th October 2025.)
ITEM 34: ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle Seconded: Councillor Gibbons AND AGREED
That on the 29th November 2025 Sligo County Council raise the Palestinian Flag to mark the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine.
WORKS AT STRANDHILL GOLF CLUB
Councillor Bree called on the Planning Department of Sligo County Council to issue a statement relating to the alleged unauthorised works at Strandhill Golf Club to clarify the situation and allay the concerns of the public. Councillor Bree asked if there had been any update on the situation.
B Flynn advised that no further written report had been issued by the Planning Enforcement Section at present but confirmed that they were actively conducting an on-site investigation into the matter and an update would be provided to Members once made available.
MAYOR’S CHAIN OF OFFICE
Councillor Gibbons requested that the Members of the Borough District of Sligo meet to discuss the commissioning of a new chain of office for the Mayor. All Members were in agreement.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.26 pm.
Meeting Date 10/11/2025