Minutes 2020
Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on Monday 21st September 2020 at 2.00 p.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Thomas Walsh (Chair)
- Councillor Tom Fox
- Councillor Dónal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Healy
- Councillor Marie Casserly
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr. Stephen Ward, Senior Executive Planner
- Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
- Mr. Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
- Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
APOLOGIES/ABSENT:
- Mr Ciarán Hayes, CE
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Walsh, welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 20TH JULY 2020:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 20th July 2020”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
None.
3. UPDATE ON PREPARATION OF A LOCAL AREA PLAN FOR THE SLIGO & ENVIRONS AREA (VERBAL):
Mr. Stephen Ward, Senior Executive Planner updated the Members on the preparation of a Local Area Plan for the Sligo and Environs area. He advised that the Plan covers the Borough and the Sligo/Drumcliff area. When a strategy for the County Development Plan has been completed preparation of the Local Area Plan will commence, before year end. Submissions will be invited from the public and a draft Plan will be published in Q1 2021 and the Plan will be finalised and adopted in 2021. There will be a lot of online activity to highlight the upcoming consultation process to the public.
Mr. Ward stated that the boundaries for the Plan has not been finalised but it will probably not include areas such as Strandhill or Rosses Point but this is open to debate. He explained that the Local Area Plan only relates to urban areas and Sligo town.
Concern was expressed that areas such as Calry and Carraroe may not be included. Mr. Ward explained that zoning will not be changed for smaller areas as these could be included in a Mini Plan which will be reviewed next year as part of the County Development Plan and matters like this can then be looked at, but Carraroe may be eligible to be included in the Local Area Plan.
4. FUNDING FOR BOG ROAD AT MOUNTEDWARD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That a survey be carried out on the Bog Road at Mountedward and funding sought for strengthening works and repair.”
Director of Services Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised that this road is not included in the 2019-2021 multi annual restoration improvement programme but will be included for consideration if additional funds become available.
5. URGENT REPAIRS & DRAINAGE WORKS AT ROAD AT LUKE’S BRIDGE & SURROUNDING AREA:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That emergency funding be applied for to undertake urgent repairs to the road at Luke's Bridge and surrounds and for further drainage works to take place in that particular area to ensure this doesn't happen again.”
Director of Services Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised that funding for this scheme was achieved through the Climate Adaption fund recently announced. Planning and design is currently taking place with a view of completing these works in Q4 of 2020.
6. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT ROAD IN CARNEY OUTSIDE LISSADELL PARK HOUSING ESTATE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That rumble strips/traffic calming measures and road safety signs be fitted on the road outside Lissadell Park Housing Estate on the Oxfield Road at Carney.”
Director of Services Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised that the Area Engineer will investigate the matter to determine the appropriate traffic calming interventions required but that there is no funding to carry out any works in the current road works programme.
7. TIMELINE FOR PROPOSED ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COLLOONEY TOWN:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to outline a timeline on design and consultation process for a proposed one-way system for Collooney Town”.
Director of Services Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised that an application made under the RRDF scheme for works which would have incorporated key elements of the proposed one way system was unsuccessful. A preliminary design incorporating a one way system, developed in 2008/2009 needs to be revised if necessary and public consultation carried out on any changes. Any proposed one way system would then have to be implemented on a trial basis initially but funding would need to be in place for this first. Sligo County Council will endeavour to assign resources to progress this scheme.
Councillor Thomas Healy proposed that the wording of this Notice of Motion be amended as follows:
“To ask Sligo County Council to outline a timeline on design and consultation process for a proposed one-way system for Collooney Town and to ring fence development fees in the Collooney and surrounding areas to fund this enhancement project”.
The amendment was seconded by Councillor Dónal Gilroy and was agreed by the Members and Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services.
8. UPGRADE OF SLIGO WAY TRAIL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. fox
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to engage with Coillte and Sligo Leader (Walkways Officer) to consider an application to the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Fund under Measure 2 or Measure 3 to upgrade the Sligo Way trail including improvement of the trail itself following recent damage, to improve on point signage, provision of map boards for local villages including Coolaney, Collooney, Ballygawley and Ballintogher and to fund new linkages”.
Director of Services Ms. Dorothy Clarke advised that Sligo County Council is currently investigating potential projects for Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020 funding and outlined the three measures which can be considered for funding and the methods for determining successful applications. Measure 2 & 3 deadline is November 2020 and all agreements must be in place to qualify for consideration.
Coillte are proposing to undertake improvement works along the Sligo Way in Q3 2020 to enhance existing trail conditions around Ballygawley and Slishwood. Directional signage and way marking can be considered as part of these trail rehabilitation works.
Signage supporting mapboards at the villages not situated along the Sligo Way directly can be considered under separate funding schemes in collaboration with community groups. Directional fingerpost signage can be considered by Sligo County Council in conjunction with Area Engineers in accordance with road safety considerations.
The Members paid tribute to local groups for their work and efforts in this area such as mountain rescue and the Sligo Camino organisers.
9. ROADS PROGRAMME FOR SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF MD:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to confirm that the Roads Programme of the Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District that was passed at the February meeting remains in place and to ask will works be carried out before the end of this year?”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported that the Restoration Improvement Programme is complete and works on Local Road L-3404 at Gortnagrelly will not be carried out in 2020 due to expenditure on other schemes requiring more than the estimated costs. These roads will be included for consideration in next year’s programme. The Restoration Maintenance programme will be complete before the end of September weather permitting.
10. IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES ON THE OLD BUNDORAN ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To ask if Sligo County Council have any plans to improve services on the Old Bundoran Road, in particular from Rathbraughan Estate up to the Red Cottage junction. There is a need for road widening, bends removal, street lighting, footpaths and bus stops to provide for current and future developments. At present this route is currently taking all southbound traffic including HGV’s from Donegal to Cork. When any accidents happen on the N16 traffic is always diverted down the Old Bundoran Road leading to serious safety concerns.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, informed Members that there are no plans to carry out works along this stretch of road apart from normal routine maintenance works. The current diversion in place at the moment is temporary and will be removed in line with the N4/N15 Urban Improvement works programme.
11. SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS AT DRUM ROAD IN RATHCORMAC:
Proposed by Councillors M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That pedestrian and cyclists safety be addressed on the Drum road, a Local road (L3405) with a primary school situated just at the end of the road in the village of Rathcormac. It was once a quiet residential road but is now an extremely busy road. It is used by cars, buses, vans and trucks and is getting busier and busier, exacerbated by ever increasing numbers using it as an alternative route into town because of road works.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised that the Area Engineer will inspect this location with a view to improving signage along this stretch of road.
12. DANGEROUS BEND ON R287 NEAR DOONEY ROCK:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to appeal for funding under the low cost accidents scheme to address a dangerous bend on the R287 near Dooney Rock where a number of cars have turned over.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, advised the Members that advance warning signs were erected at this location in the last number of years as part of a Non-National Road safety improvement scheme. However Sligo County Council will inspect the location and if deemed appropriate will include for consideration in the 2021 Non-National Safety Improvement applications.
13. PROGRAMME OF WORKS FOR STORM DRAINS IN THE SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF AREA:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to run a programme of work on all the storm drains in the Sligo/Drumcliff area similar to the one in Sligo Town.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, reported that there is a gully maintenance programme in place. However this is very much dependent on resources from a financial and staff point of view.
14. PROPOSAL TO NAME A SLIGO STREET/BUILDING AFTER JACK CHARLTON, FORMER ROI MANAGER:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Place Names Committee considers the proposal to name a Sligo street, walkway or building after former Republic of Ireland Manager and 1966 World Cup winner Jack Charlton.”
Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, advised that the Motion will be considered at the next meeting of the Placenames Committee scheduled for October 2020, following which their recommendation can be considered at the next available monthly meeting.
Councillor Dónal Gilroy stated that he wished to distance himself from this Motion and that it may be more appropriate to bestow such a privilege to a local person who was more involved in soccer in Sligo.
15. URGENTLY REVIEW SPEED LIMITS ON DRUM ROAD / PROVIDE FOOTPATH AT CAR PARK AT RATHCORMAC SCHOOL:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo county council to urgently review the speed limit (currently 80kph) on the Drum Road (L3405) before there is a serious accident.
Also, to urgently provide a footpath on the stretch of road adjoining the carpark at Rathcormac School to be included in the footpath improvement programme.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised that the Area Engineer will inspect this location with a view to improving signage and that any changes to speed limits need to comply with DTTAS Guidelines. The matter will be considered under the next speed limit review for the County.
Mr. Kilfeather also advised that the Area Engineer will examine the stretch of road adjoining the car park at Rathcormac School and include any proposals for consideration in the 2021 Road Works programme.
16. IMPROVEMENTS TO PIER AND CAR PARK AT LAKE ISLE OF INNISFREE & ENTRANCE TO CAR PARK AT SLISHWOOD:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to make improvements to the pier and adjacent car park at the Lake Isle of Innisfree and also entrance road and the car-park surface at Slishwood.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, stated that the Structures and Marine Section will be asked to assess the pier. Sligo County Council will also inspect the car park and approach road and include any maintenance works required in the road maintenance programme. Coillte are responsible for maintaining Slishwood Car Park.
17. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF BUS SERVICE TO CARRAROE RETAIL PARK:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to seek an update from Bus Éireann and the CEO of the National Transport Authority with regards the status of the review of bus services in county Sligo and to again call on them to extend the Sligo bus service to Carraroe incorporating Carraroe Retail Park. To once again ensure they are aware there is a bus stop in situ with no bus service.
And to invite the CEO of the NTA to a meeting with members to discuss the same.”
It was agreed to write to the NTA and invite the CEO to a meeting with Members to discuss the issue.
18. HAZARDOUS POLE ON R278 AT LOUGHANELTON, CALRY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask who is responsible for the pole that is in a hazardous position on the R278 opposite the premises formerly known as Hargadon’s Pub, Loughanelton, Calry.”
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, stated planning was granted in 2007 for “Retention of car parking area and Permission to construct of new roadside boundary wall and surfacing to existing car parking area.” The applicant was conditioned at the time to remove the existing isolated pole along the roadside.
19. UPKEEP OF GREEN AREAS IN WOODBROOK HEIGHTS, BALLISODARE & FAIRWAYS ESTATE, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to clarify who owns and who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the large green areas in Woodbrook Heights estate in Ballisodare and the Fairways Estate in Collooney and to outline a plan on how these large green areas are to be maintained into the future and to write to the owner to carry out the necessary ‘action’ regarding these green areas.”
Mr. Bartley Gavin, Director of Services, advised the Members that arrangements are being made to establish whether Sligo County Council own the two areas of land referred to and whether these green areas were originally part of the housing estates concerned. He advised that due to inadequate resources in housing maintenance budgets, funding for grass cutting in these green areas will not be possible from this source.
20. REVIEW OF SPEED LIMITS IN ROSSES POINT VILLAGE:
Councillor Dónal Gilroy stated that due to earlier discussions at the meeting regarding speed limits, he would now instead include this Motion as part of the next speed limit review.
21. RECRUITMENT OF COMMUNITY WARDENS IN RURAL AREAS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council examine possible ways of recruiting (Volunteer or Paid) summer-time Community Wardens to carry out enforcement work on breaches of Bye Laws in Rural Areas. These Community Wardens could work with and assist full time council officials and Gardai in the enforcement of the Bye Laws. Offences such as Parking in special areas of conservation, obstructing of roads, Littering, Overnight Camping, Control of Dogs, control of Horses and acts of vandalism against public and private property could all be dealt with by a team of properly trained Community Wardens”.
Mr. Bartley Gavin, Director of Services advised that Sligo County Council does not have the financial resources to employ additional staff at this time. He further advised that it would not be appropriate to seek volunteers to fill the roles as set out in the Notice of Motion, due to statutory obligations on the Council as an employer. Mr. Gavin stated that the best workable solution is good communication with Gardaí in conjunction with effective Bye-Laws, and acknowledged the importance of enforcing the Bye-Laws in place.
22. SPEED MEASURES ON L7408 IN DRUMCLIFF:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council Roads Department introduce speed control measures such as speed ramps or rumble strips on L7408 from Flannery Motors to Drumcliff RC Church, Vehicle speeds in this area have increased substantially as have the number of walkers and cyclists with access to the burial ground and childcare facility in the area”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised that a speed survey will be carried out to determine the extent of the problem subject to the availability of resources.
23. INCLUSION OF TWO ROADS IN SCHEDULE OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MD WORKS FOR 2021 FOR ROADS, TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to include the following roads in the Schedule of Sligo - Drumcliffe Municipal District Works for 2021 for Roads, Transportation & Infrastructure:
L34061 at Kiltycooly, Drum
R286 Hazelwood Road to Leitrim County boundary”.
Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services advised that these roads are not included in the 2019-2021 multi annual restoration improvement programme but will be included for consideration if funding becomes available.
24. CORRESPONDENCE:
None.
AOB:
Councillor D. Gilroy submitted a Resolution as follows:
“That this Local Authority write to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, TD;
According to the European Commission, regional disparities in Ireland are among the highest in the European Union. As a result of our poor economic performance the west and border region (NUTS II) has been downgraded from ‘Developed’ to ‘in Transition’. All the economic indicators show a trend towards widening regional inequality. Management and delivery of European Regional Development Funds is essential to the region’s performance and we ask that these funds continue to be managed by the regions (NWRA), in the regions with increased flexibility and consistent with regional priorities.”
The Motion, as proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy, was seconded by Councillor T. Healy. It was agreed to write to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard.
Councillor M. Casserly proposed votes of congratulations to the following on their recent sporting achievements:
- Curry Intermediate Team on winning the Intermediate Title;
- Eamon McAndrew on winning gold at the National Masters Track and Field 040 5,000m event.
- Eamon Murphy on winning bronze at the National Masters Track and Field 050 1,500m event.
- Sligo GAA Volunteers & Management on a very successful series of tournaments run under difficult conditions.
- Naomh Molaise Gaels Minor Team and Management on winning the County Minor A title.
- Players and Management of Tourlestrane Senior Team on retaining the Senior County title.
It was agreed to issue letters of Congratulations to the above named.
The next of the Sligo/Drumcliff Municipal District meeting was set for Monday 16th November 2020.
The business of the meeting concluded at 3.45 p.m.
Meeting Date 21/09/2020