Minutes 2021

Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on Monday 13th December 2021 at 10.00am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Marie Casserly (Cathaoirleach)
  • Councillor Tom Fox
  • Councillor Thomas Healy (virtually)
  • Councillor Dónal Gilroy

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Thomas Walsh

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (virtually)
  • Frank Moylan, Senior Planner (virtually)
  • Declan Noone, Acting Senior Executive Engineer (virtually)
  • Conor McCann, Area Engineer (virtually)
  • Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer (virtually)
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer

 

IN ATTENDANCE:

  • David McGlinchey, KPMG Future Analytics (virtually)
  • James Clinton, KPMG Future Analytics (virtually)

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Marie Casserly welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 11th OCTOBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor D. GILROY
Seconded by Councillor T. FOX

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 11th October 2021”.

 

2.  MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 1ST NOVEMBER 2021:

Proposed by Councillor D. GILROY
Seconded by Councillor T. FOX

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 1st November 2021”.

 

3.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising

 

4.  TO CONSIDER DRAFT REVISED AND UPDATED SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATEMENT & HIGH- LEVEL GOALS FOR THE NEW LECP PROCESS SLIGO 2030:

Ms. M. McConnell gave the background to the work completed to date on the draft Sligo 2030 Strategy, the new Local Economic & Community Plan for Sligo.  It was highlighted that this draft document was being presented to members in all Municipal Districts, before presentation to the full council once the strategy is completed.

Mr. D. McGlinchey, KPMG gave a presentation on the data findings and the socio-economic profile of Sligo as per the draft document, including a revised draft vision and six revised draft High-Level Goals as follows:

Vision: “Our vision is for a smart, sustainable and socially inclusive Sligo; one that cherishes its vibrant communities, protects and celebrates its

unique environment and rich culture, and is a champion of innovative

growth and development”

Goal 1: Sligo will be a Key Regional Growth Centre that drives sustainable economic activity and employment throughout the region and increases the population across the County

Gaol 2: Sligo will become a smart leader in the utilisation of smart technology through partnership with educational and commercial third parties

Goal 3: Sligo will be a proactive county in the fight against climate change and a model of best practice in climate action with sustainability central to all areas of life

Goal 4: Sligo will be an inclusive, healthy and equitable society that supports its vibrant communities

Goal 5: Sligo will celebrate its rich cultural heritage and realise its tourism potential

Goal 6: A collaborative and innovative Sligo

Next steps of the process will include the collaborative development of objectives and actions in partnership with the identification and agreement from owners.

Members thanked KPMG for the presentation and raised the following observations and queries as follows:

  • How can Sligo attract investment/business/jobs and promote the availability of graduates in the area?
  • Emphasis on greenways/cycleways was considered positive
  • Issue of housing - downsizing for people living alone as a possible solution, commercial rates on vacant commercial/domestic properties, development of large-scale developments, holiday homes vacant most of the year
  • How will the strategy tie in with the Western Seaboard?
  • The importance of Sligo’s connectivity to neighbouring counties and Knock Airport was highlighted
  • The new Atlantic Technological University was considered a major development for Sligo and the region
  • Sligo as a Smart region – not only in relation to technology
  • The importance of rail in developing Sligo as a strategic link to and from other counties
  • Issue of lack of Broadband/no Broadband restricts working from home opportunities/limits small businesses and businesses now using online sales due to Covid restrictions

Mr D. McGlinchey and Mr. J. Clinton responded and stated that a whole system partnership approach will be required to deliver the goals in the strategy, with Sligo County Council being a key player.

It was confirmed that there is a section in the draft plan covering all aspects of health within the County.

It was agreed that a smart Sligo includes more than technology and involves smart concepts also.

A focus on the provision of adequate housing was emphasised so that Sligo could be promoted as a vibrant place to live and invest.

The Geo Directory was used as a point of reference for the statistics relating to the commercial vacancy rate.  Statistics were also collected through Sligo BID and a Town Health Check.  It was noted that the vacancy rate is high and has remained high over several years.  This issue is included in the plan as an area of importance that will need to be addressed.

Ms. D. Clarke thanked Mr. D. McGlinchey and Mr. J. Clinton for their presentation.  It was highlighted that the plan is a collaborative document.  Ms. D. Clarke emphasised that there will be a focus on Sligo as a smart and green County within the strategy.  It is expected that future employment opportunities will come from within the Digital Transformation and Climate Action areas.

It was acknowledged that Broadband had not featured as a significant need during the consultations.  It was appreciated that although the National Broadband Plan had not been completely rolled out, there had been significant improvement in Broadband infrastructure.  A section on Broadband infrastructure is included in the draft plan.

It is intended to present a draft strategy document to the full Council in the first quarter of 2022.

Ms. McConnell thanks the members for their contributions.

The Draft Revised and Updated Socio-Economic Statement & High-Level Goals for the new LECP process was then

AGREED AND

Proposed by Councillor M. CASSERLY
Seconded by Councillor T. FOX

 

5.  ADOPTION OF DRAFT MULTI ANNUAL RESTORATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME 2022-2024:

Mr. T. Kilfeather stated that Sligo County Council is required to submit the draft programme to the Department.  The programme of work is dependent on the funding that will be allocated.

Members welcomed the Draft Multi Annual Restoration Improvement Programme for 2022 – 2024 and made the following observations:

  • Reports to be circulated in a timely manner prior to meetings so that they could be reviewed – this was noted
  • Roads to be completed in one visit to avoid multiple visits to complete a road where possible
  • The issue of melting tar on roads was raised
  • It was requested that the entrances to people’s homes and verges could be dealt with when the road was being tarred
  • The need for members to lobby government for additional funding was highlighted
  • It was requested to bring work on the R287 forward to 2022

Members thanked the outdoor staff and area engineers for work completed with limited resources and during continuing Covid–19 restrictions.

Mr. T. Kilfeather responded by stating that there is a degree of flexibility and that should members agree that specific roads need to be prioritised/brought forward for completion, that this is possible dependent on funding.

The challenge of spreading modest funding for the completion of roads across a rural County was emphasised.

The issue of melting tar was noted.

The importance of good communication between area engineers and members regarding road works, particularly work on verges was highlighted.  This will ensure the best possible outcomes.

Requests for particular roads to be prioritised and brought forward in the schedule of works could be considered should additional funding become available.  Sligo County Council are committed to working with members to facilitate their requests where resources allow so that as much work as possible can be completed.

The adoption of the Draft Multi Annual Restoration Improvement Programme 2022-2024 was

AGREED AND

Proposed by Councillor D. GILROY
Seconded by Councillor T. FOX

 

6.  TRAFFIC SURVEY AT ST MARYS SCHOOL, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor T. HEALY
Seconded by Councillor D. GILROY

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out a traffic survey in Ballisadare at St Mary's school where a number of accidents have occurred and to look at putting in pedestrian crossings on both the N59 and the R290 roads in the interest of pedestrian safety”

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report stating that Sligo County Council will carry out a speed survey on the western approach to the junction at St Mary’s School.  Initial contact has been made with the TII regarding the pedestrian crossing in Ballisodare Village as approval and funding will be required from the TII in order to complete these works.  Sligo County Council will review the pedestrian crossing on the R290 to determine a suitable location.  Funding for this scheme will have to be considered.

It was requested that a report with an update from the TII would be brought to the next meeting.  It was requested that an extension of speed limits to include the area out to Corrownagh Church be also presented to the TII for consideration.

Inadequate signage into the Primary School in Ballisodare was raised as an issue.  Mr. T. Kilfeather confirmed to members that a sign had been erected at the entrance into the Primary School.

 

7.  ASK CORPORATE POLICY GROUP TO INVITE CLIFFONEY SCHOOL CHILDREN TO GIVE A PRESENTATION OF THEIR TRAFFIC SAFETY SURVEY TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MD:

Proposed by Councillor D. GILROY
Seconded by Councillor M. CASSERLY

AND AGREED

“To ask the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group to invite in the Children from Cliffoney National School who have recently done a traffic safety survey in the Village and outside their school and that they make a presentation to the members of this Municipal District on their concerns and their findings”

Pupils of 5th and 6th Classes from Cliffoney N.S. have been working on a project for their next Green School Award on the theme of ‘Travel’.  For this project, a replica model of Cliffoney Village was made from recyclable materials and pupils conducted a walkabout survey of the village and recorded the speed of vehicles driving through the village.  52.7% of vehicles were found to be driving over the speed limit through the village. 

Other concerns included:

  • The green man is on solid green for only 6 seconds
  • There is no footpath on the road to Mullaghmore
  • There is a blind spot on the entrance into Sea View Park Estate

All members supported the motion, and the children were complimented on their project which had presented interesting and useful statistics.

Members raised concerns for the safety of pupils attending Cliffoney N.S. given that the school grounds open out onto a busy national primary road.  The parking of cars on pavements was also highlighted as a concern, although it was appreciated that this scenario was as a result of a lack of appropriate places for cars to park during school drop off/pick-ups.

It was agreed that more cautionary signage was needed to ensure that drivers were aware that they were approaching a busy village and school entrance.

The issue of speeding through Cliffoney Village was also brought up at a recent Joint Policing Committee meeting.

It was agreed by members to bring this motion to the Corporate Policy Group for their consideration.

 

8.  PROVISION OF SAFE ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES TO OUTDOOR POOL AT ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor D. GILROY
Seconded by Councillor T. FOX

AND AGREED

“To ask the Sligo County Council to provide a safe access for people with disabilities to access the outdoor Pool Bathing area at Rosses Point. This would include safe ramps and railings as required”

People with disabilities have no specific outdoor bathing area in the county and this would be an ideal central location as a flagship for our commitment to people with disabilities who wish to bathe in the immediate area of our only Blue Flag beach.

All members supported the motion.

Mr. T. Kilfeather gave a report stating that Sligo County Council will examine this location to determine the feasibility of constructing a safe access for people with disabilities.  If deemed feasible, planning, environmental and funding issues will need to be considered.

Sligo County Council’s Disability Officer has recently conducted a survey on all beaches in the County in terms of disability access to determine the needs and how these might be met.

This update was welcomed by the members.

 

9.  UPDATE ON PROVISION OF YEATS INTERPRETIVE CENTRE:

Proposed by Councillor D. GILROY & Councillor T. HEALY
Seconded by Councillor T. FOX

AND AGREED

“To ask the Sligo County Council for an update on the provision of a Yeats Interpretive Centre and previous motions of this MD to have the Yeats Interpretive centre situated in Drumcliffe near the burial place of WB Yeats and at the very heart of Yeats country”

It was highlighted that the provision of a Yeats Interpretive Centre belongs in this Municipal District and would be a flagship project for North Sligo.  As Drumcliffe is visited by tourists year-round, members felt that an Interpretive Centre would further develop tourism in the area.

Ms. D. Clarke gave an update stating that a Geo Physical Survey is being tendered and should be completed during Q1 2022.  Following this, a Conversation Plan will be required which will determine what can be accommodated on the site and how it might be developed.

The importance of Drumcliff as a monastic and archaeological site was emphasised.

An application for capital funding for a Yeats World Centre in Sligo was submitted in late 2019 to Fáilte Ireland’s Platform for Growth Programme for Immersive Heritage and Cultural Attractions.  This application was unsuccessful.  No further funding programmes for such a centre are currently available from Fáilte Ireland or from any other external funding source.

Members felt that alternative locations near the site could be considered.  The need for permanent toilet facilities was also highlighted. 

Members confirmed that they will continue to highlight the need for a Yeats Interpretive Centre in Drumcliff.  It was proposed to hold a meeting of members to discuss the report once it is completed.  Members committed to continuing to work closely with the Director of Services to progress this project.

 

10.  UPDATE ON TAKING IN CHARGE OF RIOCHT AN SI ESTATE IN BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE:

Councillor Walsh’s motion was deferred.

 

11.  SUPPORT FOR FACILITIES WHO STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY DUE TO THE IMPACT OF COVID-19:

Councillor Walsh’s motion was deferred.

 

12.  UPDATE ON ASSESSMENT RELATIVE TO SIGHT LINES AS AGREED ON AUGHAMORE JUNCTION, CARRAROE:

Councillor Walsh’s motion was deferred.

 

13.  CORRESPONDENCE:

None

 

14.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Congratulations were extended to:

  • Naomh Molaise U20 Team on winning of the County Final
  • Keelin Kilrehill and the Cross-Country Team on winning gold at the European U23’s Cross Country Championships
  • Sligo/Leitrim Soccer underage teams who performed well in the Gaynor Cup in Limerick, particularly Andrew Callaghan and Conor Devaney from Calry
  • Sligo Rovers Women’s Team in their progression to the Women’s League in 2022

The dedication of parents, coaches and volunteers to continue to support and involve young people in sport during Covid was acknowledged.

The provision of Christmas events in communities was also appreciated.

Mr. T. Kilfeather responded to a query regarding the availability of funding for storm damage as a result of Storm Barra.  Sligo County Council is hopeful that they will be asked to make a submission for funding to the Department.

The work of outdoor staff, staff manning phonelines, staff responsible for social media updates and all staff involved in the response to Storm Barra was complimented and acknowledged.  Members thanked staff for their hard work and dedication in keeping Sligo’s communities safe.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Casserly thanked members, the executive and staff for their support and wished everyone a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2022.

The date for the next meeting was agreed for Monday 14th February 2022 at 10.00am.

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.50am.

 


Meeting Date 13/12/2021