Minutes 2021
Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on Monday 15th March 2021 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
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive
- Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
- Ms Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
- Mr Jimmy O’Brien, I.S Project Leader
ATTENDING VIRTUALLY:
- Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr Conor McCann, Executive Engineer
- Mr Declan Noone, A/Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Damien Henry, Executive Engineer
APOLOGIES/ABSENT:
None
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Walsh, welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 18th JANUARY 2021:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 18th January 2021”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
None.
3. SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS 2021 – INCLUDING DRAFT ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME:
The members thanked the Executive for the report on the draft schedule of MD Works for 2021, which had been circulated to the members in advance of the meeting and a short discussion ensued on the detail in the report and other areas/projects within this Municipal District that it is hoped will be considered for funding at some stage. Ms E Concannon, A/Director of Services clarified the position regarding funding for some of those areas/projects.
It was then:
Proposed by Councillor Thomas Walsh
Seconded by Councillor Tom Fox
AND AGREED
“To note the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2021 – including Draft Roads, Transportation & Infrastructure Programme”.
4. INTRODUCTION OF DRAFT PARKING BYE-LAWS 2021 FOR ROSSES POINT & MULLAGHMORE:
The members thanked the Executive for the report on the introduction of draft parking bye-laws 2021 for Rosses Point and Mullaghmore, which had been circulated to the members in advance of the meeting. The report was supported by the Members.
It was then:
Proposed by Councillor Thomas Walsh
Seconded by Councillor Marie Casserly
AND AGREED
“To note the Introduction of draft Parking Bye-Laws 2021 for Rosses Point and Mullaghmore”.
5. FUNDING AWARD FROM DRCD RE ORIS SCHEME 2020 FOR TWO LOCATIONS WITH THE SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT:
A report on this matter was circulated to the members in advance of the meeting.
It was:
Proposed by Councillor Marie Casserly
Seconded by Councillor Thomas Walsh
AND AGREED
“To note the recent funding award announcement from the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) Minister Heather Humphreys regarding Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2020 for two locations within Sligo–Drumcliff MD”.
6. CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO ITEM 5 STANDING ORDERS MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF ‘HOUR OF MEETING’:
A discussion was held on holding MD meetings in the mornings going forward as this would be more suitable for the members. In order to allow for the Sligo Borough District meetings to continue to be held on the same day as the Sligo/Drumcliff MD meetings, it was suggested that the times for the two meetings could be alternated between morning and afternoons between the two MDs. It was agreed by the Members that the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Walsh will discuss this matter with the Cathaoirleach of the Sligo Borough District, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady and Councillor Walsh will advise of the outcome of those discussions.
7. AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN CONJUNCTION WITH TIDY TOWNS GROUPS ON HAZARDS OF DOG WASTE IN PUBLIC SPACES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“It is noticeable that there is a significant increase in roadside littering over the last 12 months. Can Sligo County Council in conjunction with Tidy Towns groups launch an awareness/education campaign in advance of organised Spring Clean events. Can this awareness campaign also include information on the serious hazards of dog waste on footpaths and public spaces.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that the ‘National Spring Clean’ starts in April. Community groups should now register their details with An Taisce and bags and gloves will be sent to these groups. The campaign has been promoted on Council social media platforms & local press. Awareness work around littering and dog waste will be considered in conjunction with the Regional Environmental Awareness Office.
8. REPORT ON NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for update report on the new wastewater treatment plant in Collooney”.
Acting Director of Services Emer Concannon informed the members that the Collooney Wastewater Treatment upgrade is nearing completion and commissioning of each element of the works will be followed by a 28-day test period. It is expected that all works will be completed April 2021.
9. REPORT ON WORKS ON ACCESS ROAD INTO UNION WOOD IN COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on when work will start on the access road into Union Wood in Collooney. As a number of accidents have occurred on this road.”
Acting Director of Services Ms. Emer Concannon advised that limited discussions have taken place regarding this proposal. However Sligo County Council will engage with the relevant stakeholders over the coming months.
10. ‘NO DUMPING’ SIGN & SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS AT LAY-BY AT CASTLEGAL ON N15:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That a 'no dumping' sign and possible surveillance cameras be fitted at the newly constructed lay-by at Castlegal on the N15.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that a ‘no dumping’ sign will be installed at this location in the coming weeks and monitoring of the area will be increased by the Litter Warden. Consideration will be also be given to the deployment of covert cameras subject to an appropriate area for installation of same.
11. SAFETY AUDIT/SURVEY ON SOUTHERN PART OF RATHCORMACK VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To request that a safety audit/survey be carried out on the southern part of Rathcormack village in order to seek funds to improve pedestrian and driver safety in that area.”
Acting Director of Service Ms. Emer Concannon advised that the position will be examined and the issue discussed with the TII regional safety inspector. If the proposal for a safety scheme is considered appropriate and/or feasible the procedures for formal scheme approval under the “Road Safety Improvement Scheme Approval Procedure” published by the TII shall be implemented.
12. REMOVAL OF CUT BRANCHES FROM ROAD VERGES & CLEARANCE OF BLOCKED DRAINS IN PREPARATION FOR ROLLOUT OF FAST SPEED BROADBAND:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council engage with the contractors who are responsible for the cutting of roadside trees and hedging in preparation for the rollout of fast speed broadband and insist that the necessary arrangements are made immediately to remove the cut branches that are left on road verges in a dangerous state. Also to clear drains that are now blocked as a result of this, especially in areas that are prone to flooding.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that Sligo County Council have engaged with the Contractor carrying out these works on behalf of National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and understand that works are currently taking place to remove any branches left behind.
13. ADDRESS ONGOING CONCERNS WITH ACCESS TO LUKE’S BRIDGE FOR SHEEP FARMERS TO AND FROM THE MOUNTAIN:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to contact the road department to come up with a road design and funding now that an area of ground has come available to address the ongoing concerns with access to Luke’s Bridge for sheep farmers to and from the Mountain.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that Sligo County Council have engaged with the respective land owner to discuss access arrangements and intend to progress this scheme over the coming months. Ms. Concannon also advised the members that councillor proposals funding was allocated to this scheme in 2020 and that additional councillors proposals will also be required.
14. REPORT ON PLANNED BRIDGE REHABILITATION WORKS AT BALLYGRANIA, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to provide a report on planned bridge rehabilitation works at Ballygrania, Collooney and timeline for same works. (R290).”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that works will take place at Ballygrania Bridge this Summer under the 2021 Bridge Rehabilitation Programme and will comprise removal of vegetation and masonry repairs to arches, abutments and parapets. One of the cutwaters on the upstream face of the bridge needs rebuilding also.
The contract for this bridge is due to be awarded this month and works will take place shortly after the May Bank Holiday. Commencement date for works is subject to suitably low enough river levels to enable the contractor to carry out works safely.
15. ASSESSMENT OF ROUTE BETWEEN RATHCORMAC NS ADN NEW MONTESSORI/AFTER SCHOOL FACILITY AT CLOONEEN:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To Call on Sligo County Council to assess as a matter of extreme urgency the route between Ratchcormac National School and the new Montessori and After School Facility at the former Flannery Garage premises at Clooneen. To Include a safe crossing point on the L7408 at or near St Colmcille’s Church and a footpath from this point to the Facility, such provision of a crossing would also act as a speed control on this busy road.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that this scheme will be included for consideration in the Council’s list of footpath scheme.
16. SURVEY OF SECTION OF NORTH WEST CYCLE TRAIL THAT PASSES THROUGH CO. SLIGO TO ENSURE SAFETY OF ALL USERS OF TRAIL:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To Call on Sligo County Council to survey the section of the North West Cycle Trail that passes through Co. Sligo and report to members on what measures if any need to be taken to ensure that this trail is safe and suitable for use by all cyclists of all abilities and to suggest amendments to the route as required”.
Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke advised that the North West Trail forms part of a cross border Sustrans devised and operated cycling trail between the counties of Omagh, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh. SCC will carry out a survey of North West Trail that passes through Co. Sligo and will revert with report in due course.
17. REPAIR WORKS AT FOUR LOCATIONS ON N15 & SPEED SURVEY AT RATHCORMAC, DRUMCLIFF, GRANGE & CLIFFONEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council call on TII to carry out repair works on the Surface of the N15 that have needed repair for over a year at:
- Each end of Rathcormac Village
- Drumcliff outside the Yeats Tavern
- Cliffoney Village at Northern end of Village
- Numerous Rural Locations from Sligo to the County Boundary.
And that Sligo County Council install speed sensors and carry out a speed survey at Rathcormac, Drumcliff, Grange and Cliffoney where there appears to be a constant issue with speed.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised that the area office will examine the locations identified on the N15, identify any appropriate works to be carried out and seek funding for same.
Ms Concannon also advised that the pavement at the northern end of Cliffoney Village at the beginning of the 50kph speed limit zone will be repaired under the Category B Contract and it is hoped to carry out the repairs within the next 8 weeks. Ms Concannon informed members that while speed enforcement is a matter for the Garda Síochana, SCC can raise the issues of speed at these locations with TII Regional Safety Engineer.
18. PLAN TO ADDRESS SAFETY ISSUES ON UNION TO BALLISODARE ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to provide an update on plan to address the safety issues on the Union to Ballisodare Road as previously raised.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Emer Concannon advised the members that it is intended to carry out a speed assessment on this roadway when resources allow.
19. ISSUES RELATIVE TO SLIGO WAY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“Relative to the Sligo Way I ask Sligo Council:
: to address the surface issues at car park area along R284 at Union leading to the Sligo Way Trail.
: to engage with Coillte about additional signage for the Sligo Way from Ballygawley Village, Collooney and Ballintogher Village.
: to also ask Sligo County Council to engage and work with Coillte to provide additional seating and picnic area at Lough Lumann.”
Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke advised that the Sligo Way is one of three long distance linear walks through Co Sligo, the other being the Miners Way and Historical Trail and the Beara Breifne Way.
As previously advised to the members Coillte are proposing to undertake improvement works along the Sligo Way to enhance the existing trail conditions along the section between Ballygawley and Slish Wood but work has been delayed due to current COVID restrictions regarding essential works. Directional signage and way marking can be considered as part of these trail rehabilitation works.
Signage supporting mapboards at the villages highlighted and not situated along the Sligo Way directly can be considered under separate funding schemes in collaboration with the community groups there. Directional fingerpost signage can also be considered by SCC in accordance with any road safety consideration which may apply.
Ms Clarke advised that funding has been secured in recent years for ongoing maintenance and upgrade of the Sligo Way with the increase in use of the off- road section, from Collooney via Union Wood, Ballygawley lake, Lough Lumann, Slish Wood, and Innisfree proving particularly popular with recreational users.
Regarding surface issues at the car park Ms Clarke advised that the existing area at the entrance to the Sligo Way is essentially a pull in area and not suitable for a car park. The temporary surface can be repaired but the provision of a car park would require additional land take.
20. CORRESPONDENCE:
None.
21. AOB:
Councillor D. Gilroy stated that there were a number of Motions that have been brought to meetings a number of times since the start of this Council term that have still not been resolved. He requested that all such Motions could be resolved as soon as possible.
Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather advised that completion of all requested works has not been possible due to staff shortages and resource issues, but it is expected that some capital schemes will be completed this year which may free up staff as resources allow.
The next Meeting of the Sligo/Drumcliff Municipal District meeting was set for Monday 17th May 2021.
The business of the meeting concluded at 3.20 p.m.
Meeting Date 15/03/2021