Minutes 2022
Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on Monday 19th September 2022 at 10.00am in The Ballintogher Community Hub, Ballintogher & Via Ms Teams
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Tom Fox (Cathaoirleach)
- Councillor Marie Casserly
- Councillor Donal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
- Victor Cooney, Executive Engineer
- Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
- Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
- A. Smyth, Administrative Officer
- Dorothy Gillen, Staff Officer
- Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer
- Jane Golden, Staff Officer
APOLOGIES:
- Councillor Thomas Healy
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Fox welcomed all present and online to the meeting and to the Ballintogher Community Hub.
Councillor Walsh thanked the members for agreeing to hold the MD Meeting in the new Ballintogher Community Hub and welcomed them to the facility. The hub was funded through Town and Village Collected Hubs Funding. All members congratulated Councillor Walsh, the community and volunteers on the facility and agreed that it was a great credit to all involved.
Councillor Walsh highlighted the importance of holding Municipal District Meetings within local areas so as to bring democracy into local communities.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 20th JUNE 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 20th June 2022”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF AGM MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 20th JUNE 2022:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the AGM Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 20th June 2022”
3. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
4. UPDATE ON ROSSES POINT PUBLIC REALM ENHANCEMENT PROJECT:
Ms. L. McConville gave an update report on the RRDF funded project in Rosses Point following a public consultation event held in June 2022. As previous consultations had been conducted online due to Covid restrictions, it was considered important that face to face consultations were held to further engage with the community.
This consultation was an all-day event located on the Prom in Rosses Point. Local business owner’s concerns were also addressed through one-to-one consultation with the planners. Submissions were also received online. There were 33 submissions received covering topics including, the speed of traffic through the village, parking provision, green spaces and cycling infrastructure. Proposals and designs are being revised to reflect the concerns highlighted in the submissions with a view to moving to a Part 8.
Councillor Fox thanked Ms. L. McConville for the presentation and the update.
Councillor Walsh requested an update on a timeline for the Part 8 and highlighted the need for provision of adequate facilities and parking for camper vans. It was also queried as to why the project does not go past the T junction in the village.
Councillor Casserly acknowledged the time and effort staff had spent conducting the consultations. A timeline for next steps was requested. The issue of cars/campervans parking on the grass verges and blocking access was highlighted. The work of outdoor staff in removing graffiti from signs in Rosses Point was also acknowledged.
Councillor Gilroy concurred that parking was an issue. It was highlighted that the works are restricted to the designated areas that can be worked on and that the enhancements need to be part of a wider plan so as to include more of the village.
Ms. L. McConville confirmed that further discussions with the local businesses is required to talk about how their concerns are being addressed. It is hoped that the Part 8 process can commence by year end. An application for the detailed design and construction will be submitted to the Department once they put out a call for funding. It was confirmed that the focus for the project will be the village.
Councillor T. Walsh requested clarity on criteria for the works and decisions around the project extending past the T junction.
Ms. L. McConville confirmed that the RRDF funding focuses on villages and town centres and that this project will focus on the village centre.
Mr. J. Molloy concurred and stated that going outside of the village centre is where the challenge lies and that any areas considered outside of this would be outside the remit of what the funding had been allocated for.
Active Travel will be working closely with the project to link up the areas. Mr. T. Brennan stated that there is a limit to how far out from the village the project can go and that the focus was on the top road. Active Travel will look at the improvement of active travel linkages, e.g. improving footpaths and cycle lanes. Any areas that may benefit from Active Travel will be considered.
The update report on the Rosses Point Public Realm Enhancement Project was then:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To note an update on Rosses Point Public Realm Enhancement Project”
5. TO NOMINATE AND AGREE A MEMBER OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF TO SIT ON THE PEACE PLUS PARTNERSHIP:
Councillor D. Gilroy was nominated by Councillor T. Walsh to sit on the PEACE Plus Partnership. This was then:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To nominate Councillor D. Gilroy as a member of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff to sit on the Sligo PEACE Plus Partnership”
7. UPDATE ON THE UPKEEP OF THE TEELING MONUMENT FOLLOWING ON FROM A PREVIOUS MOTION:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the provision of a footpath between Collooney and Ballisodare at Carricknagat towards Collooney and same from Collooney town to Collooney Railway Station”.
Mr. V. Cooney have a report stating that the section of R290 from Ballisodare to Collooney is being delivered in two separate footpath construction contracts. The first contract from Ballisodare to Carrignagat Bridge is at construction stage and it is anticipated that works will be completed by mid-November 2022. The second contract from Carrignagat Bridge to Collooney is currently being examined with a view to finalising the detail design and going to tender for construction later this year. It is anticipated that construction works will commence in Q1 of 2023.
Councillor T. Walsh welcomed the report and thanked staff for works completed on this stretch of footpath. The importance of linking Collooney and Ballisodare was highlighted given that they are satellite towns. Councillor T. Walsh welcomed the news that the design for the area over to Quigleys Pub is going out for tender and it was hoped that the linkage to Collooney Train Station would be improved.
Councillor T. Walsh requested that the provision of a light under the Carrignagat Bridge be reviewed.
Councillor D. Gilroy welcomed the report and stated that access to the Railway Station could be looked at from the Quigley’s Pub area and also from the back of the station. A footbridge to facilitate access was suggested.
Councillor M. Casserly stated that the public consultation had been important in facilitating locals to contribute to the discussion.
Councillor T. Fox highlighted the need for these improvements given the increase in population in these areas.
7. UPDATE ON THE UPKEEP OF THE TEELING MONUMENT FOLLOWING ON FROM A PREVIOUS MOTION:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To seek an update on the upkeep of the Teeling Monument following on from a previous notice of motion”
Mr. V. Cooney gave a report and stated that following a previous report regarding this Notice of Motion, the National Graves Association had sought a meeting with Sligo County Council to discuss this matter. Sligo County Council proposed dates for this meeting. However, the meeting did not take place. Sligo County Council will contact the National Graves Association to arrange a meeting in Q4 2022.
Councillor M. Casserly highlighted the importance of this historical monument and the forthcoming anniversaries on the 5th and 24th September 2023. It is positive that the National Graves Association will work in partnership with Sligo County Council and the local community and it is hoped that funding can be sourced for these works so that an event can be held to mark the anniversary. Councillor M. Casserly requested that this be kept on the agenda for an update at the end of the year.
Collooney Tidy Towns and the local community have expressed an interest in the ongoing maintenance of the monument once the works are completed. It was agreed that it would timely to arrange for the return of the missing piece of the monument.
All members supported the motion.
8. COMMEND SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR ASSESSING HOW A SAFE FOOTPATH CAN BE FACILITATED AT THE PROTECTED STRUCTURE BRIDGE BETWEEN GRANGE AND NEWTOWN RPS206 BY PROVISION OF FOOTPATHS, DRAINAGE AND LIGHTING, AND TO COMPLETE THIS WORK BY THE PROVISION OF A WALKWAY OUTSIDE THE BRIDGE WALL ON THE NORTHERN SIDE AS A SAFE OPTION THAT WOULD OFFER A SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO WALKING ON THE SPACE SHARED BY MOTOR VEHICLES LSO TO CALL ON SCC TO REPORT WITH A PLAN FOR ALL REQUIRED NEW FOOTPATHS, CROSSINGS AND SPEED LIMITS ON ALL ROADS APPROACHING THE VILLAGE CENTRE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To commend the efforts of Sligo County Council for acting promptly following my January 2020 Motion on assessing how a safe footpath can be facilitated for students attending Grange Post Primary School at the Protected Structure Bridge between Grange and Newtown (RPS 206) by providing the Footpaths, Drainage and Lighting, and to complete this work by the provision of a walkway outside the Bridge wall on the Northern side as a safe option that would not in any way impact on the protected Structure and offer a safe alternative to walking on the space shared with motor vehicles.
This motion also calls on the council to report to members with a plan for all the required new footpaths, crossings and speed limits on all roads approaching the village centre. (N15, L-72042-0, L3203-0, L7209-0 and L3204-0)”
V. Cooney gave a report stating that the N15 in Grange Village, in terms of location, scale, size and length has complex design requirements. This is compounded with the fact that Sligo County Council must engage with both the TII and the NTA and follow the requirements of both agencies and approval processes. Preliminary design, in terms of scoping, surveying and some preliminary design layout for Grange village has been completed including from the extents of the speed limits in the village. Initial discussions have taken place with the TII and the NTA. It is likely that both agencies will be involved in funding any works and indeed from, different headings and funding streams from both agencies. Sligo County Council is currently considering the most appropriate means of progressing improvement works in this village in 2023.
Councillor D. Gilroy highlighted that these issues have been on the agenda for a considerable time and that they now needed to be addressed. Safety concerns within Grange Village were highlighted. Although it was acknowledged that the situation is complex, the members felt that it was time that they had information and an update to bring to the local community.
Councillor M. Casserly queried if there was a definitive response to the first part of the motion. It was suggested that the report for Motion No. 9 be given as it was a similar motion and would provide a response to Councillor M. Casserly’s query.
Mr. V. Cooney gave a report stating that the proposal for a footbridge was initially considered under the headings of:
- Appropriate Assessment, (Ecological assessment)
- Archaeological Assessment (impacts under architectural and heritage)
- NTA approval process
- Land requirements (Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) – and Land Costs)
- Planning Requirements (e.g. Part 8 Planning Process)
- Construction – (Additional Construction Costs and Additional Construction Risks)
- Longer programme for delivery
On consideration of the above it was concluded that the best solution at this location was to construct a footpath on the road inside the existing bridge parapets. The provision of a footbridge at this location is not currently on the list of projects to be provided under the Active Travel funding stream.
Councillor D. Gilroy stated that following on from a motion he had agreed by all members early in 2020, that no progress has been made and that this issue now needed to be revisited. It was agreed that this would be a substantial piece of engineering and would take some time to complete.
Councillor M. Casserly stated her concerns for the safety of people walking on this unfinished footpath and the dangers involved, particularly for those walking their children to school. The priority was to make the road safe for all road users.
Councillor T. Walsh concurred with the other members and requested a update.
Mr. T. Brennan stated that the village of Grange had been looked at in 2021 and drawings had been completed which were presented to the TII. They concluded that works would cost in the region of €3 million and referred Sligo County Council to the NTA to whom a presentation was made.
Mr. T. Brennan referred to a document detailing 40 different projects to be funded under the Active Travel Scheme. It was agreed that Grange is a complicated area to progress works as these would have to be funded by two different agencies with different sets of requirements i.e. footpaths under the NTA and safety schemes/general surfacing contracts under the TII.
Drawings include the provision of a footpath from one end of the village to the other. Better crossing facilities are required in the centre of the village. Resources will be required to do these works and it was suggested that any assistance members could give that may produce quicker results would be welcomed.
The initial scheme covering the footpath from the village centre out to the Post Primary School/Sports Centre was considered straight forward and was therefore scheduled for this year.
Mr. T. Brennan commented that initial considerations had looked at the provision of a footbridge, however, this option proved complicated requiring more resources for design and could take years to complete. Environmental considerations, local consultation and Part 8 would also need to be looked at. Given these considerations, The Active Travel Team decided the best solution would be a put in a footpath on the inside of the bridge. This would create a safe space for pedestrians with vehicles giving way as per the ethos of the Active Travel Scheme. The footpath has not been built although there are resources available to complete it. Mr. T. Brennan informed members that drawings were available to view and discuss after the meeting.
Councillor D. Gilroy welcomed the opportunity to look at the drawings and commented on recent events in the village pertaining to the bridge and the proposed building of the footbridge. He highlighted the safety issue and stated that it was an accident waiting to happen.
Councillor D. Gilroy proposed that a public consultation be carried out, to include a walk through the village to identify what people feel needed to be done from the Health Centre to the GAA pitch, including the expansion of the speed limits on both sides of the village. He proposed this be carried out in partnership with Councillor M. Casserly.
Councillor T. Walsh thanked Mr. T. Brennan for the report and queried if the Active Travel Scheme could provide resources for the proposed works.
Mr. T. Brennan stated that as this was a national road, the TII would be responsible for funding it and have oversight of any works and approval procedures for these. Any works TII do have to be in accordance with the Active Travel Scheme requirements. TII are promoting the Active Travel Scheme given the funding this scheme has for improvement works. Costs for the proposed footbridge i.e. €3 million would use all of the funding allocated to Sligo County Council for Active Travel Scheme projects in 2022.
Councillor D. Gilroy proposed that Mr. T. Brennan work on a proposal for the short term for the area in partnership with the Cathaoirleach as a matter of urgency. Members would then meet to discuss how to progress this. Councillor D. Gilroy’s preference was for a meeting to be arranged between members of the Municipal District along with staff members from Sligo County Council, representatives from the TII, NTA and the Department of Transport.
All members present were in agreement.
Councillor M. Casserly highlighted that this issue was one of the first motions she had submitted in 2014. It was suggested that funding be sought for the entire project from the various agencies given the safety issues involved. Works completed on the climbing lane outside the village was acknowledged along with other recent works. A timeline of within the next three months was suggested for this meeting.
Councillor T. Fox thanked everyone for their input and welcomed the issue being taken to the next level.
Mr. J. Molloy suggested that this be looked at again at the next meeting in response to Agenda Item No. 9 which had been deferred.
9. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO MAKE FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE ACTIVE TRAVEL FOOTPATH LINKAGE PROJECT L-7209 IN GRANGE, FOR THE PROVISION OF A FOOTBRIDGE IN THE ADJACENT LAND BESIDE THE EXISTING BRIDGE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A SAFER ENVIRONMENT:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
This motion was deferred.
10. TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE UPGRADING OF THE SEWERAGE SCHEME IN MULLAGHMORE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To receive a progress report on the upgrading of the sewerage scheme in Mullaghmore”
V. Cooney stated that progress reports for Irish water projects are issued directly from Irish Water. Sligo County Councils understanding is the following –
Irish Waters current Capital Investment Plan is covered by the Water Services Regulators (CRU) Revenue Control Period RC3 covering the period 2020-2024. Given the substantial amount of planning work required for the Mullaghmore project the likelihood is that the Mullaghmore Project will not commence construction until Revenue Control Period RC4 covering the period 2025-2029.
Councillor T. Fox highlighted the importance of this issue for the village of Mullaghmore and the concerns of local families and businesses. This issue was also impacting on local tourism and action was required as soon as possible.
Councillor T. Walsh expressed his disappointment at the update and the timeframe of 2025 – 2029 proposed for the start of the new scheme, particularly for businesses in the village. It was proposed to write to Irish Water and the Minister to express the members disappointment. Councillor T. Walsh stated the progress of developments and housing in particular was being hindered by the lack of progress with regard to the upgrading of sewage systems generally. The Cathaoirleach supported this proposal.
Councillor D. Gilroy stated that the large increase in tourists visiting the area over the peak summer months was resulting in the beach being closed due to pollution as a result of sewage. It was queried if Cliffoney would be included in this scheme in order to meet with the developing needs of the village.
Councillor M. Casserly voiced her disappointment at the date for the works being delayed. It was stated that Irish Water be contacted earlier in the year regarding the emptying of the holding tanks, and this had been done on a more regular basis.
11. REPORT ON THE N16 LUGATOBER REALIGNMENT ROAD DEVELOPMENT:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a report on the N16 Lugatober realignment road development”
Mr. V. Cooney gave a report and stated that the N16 Lugatober (Drumkilsellagh to Lugnagall) Road Development consists of the realignment of approximately 2.54km of the N16 National Primary Road. Commencing at the junction of the N16 and L3406 Drum Road, the new alignment travels predominantly off-line in a North-to-North Easterly direction before tying into the existing N16 at Lugnagall.
The proposed works include junction improvements including one at grade roundabout together with six simple T junctions, circa 1.5km of realignment to the existing local road network, a new clear span bridge over the Tully River and a vulnerable road user subway underpass. Proposed works also include the provision of circa 1.5km of Vulnerable Road Users tracks located predominately within the mainline verge space, interlinking as necessary with alternative offline routes.
The following is a brief overview of the current status:
- Statutory consent (EIAR, NIS & CPO) from An Bord Pleanála has been received for the scheme and land acquisition is ongoing
- JB Barry Transportation have been appointed to fulfil the Technical Advisors role for the construction of the project (Detailed Design, Preparation of Contract Documents, Site Supervision, etc.)
- The project is currently at Phase 5 (Enabling & Procurement) of the TII Project Management Guidelines
- Advance works including archaeology, fencing and site clearance is complete
- The tender process is currently underway for the Main Construction Contract
- Subject to TII approval, anticipated commencement date is Q4 2022 and
- The expected duration for construction of the scheme is 20 months.
Councillor T. Fox thanked Mr. V. Cooney for the detailed report and stated that this project was a very important project for County Sligo. Councillor T. Fox stated that action is required now in order for this project to be brought to completion. The link into the proposed Eastern Bridge was highlighted as being of considerable importance in the development of the County.
12. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE NATIONAL GRAVES ASSOCIATION TO ADDRESS THE TEELING MONUMENT ON COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
This motion was deferred.
13. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF FOOTPATHS IN GRANGE AND CLIFFONEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To ask for an update on the provision of footpaths in the villages of Grange and Cliffoney”
T. Brennan gave a report stating that the N15 in Grange Village, in terms of location, scale, size and length has complex design requirements. This is compounded with the fact that Sligo County Council must engage with both the TII and the NTA and follow the requirements of both agencies and approval processes. Preliminary design, in terms of scoping, surveying and some a preliminary design layout for Grange village has been completed including from the extents of the speed limits in the village. Initial discussions have taken place with the TII and the NTA. It is likely that both agencies will be involved in funding any works and indeed from, different headings and funding streams from both agencies. Sligo County Council is currently considering the most appropriate means of progressing improvement works in this village in 2023.
V. Cooney gave a report stating that Sligo County Council will explore this. It will take some time to identify a specific potential site along the county’s coast. Any potential site will have its own issues re Environmental, foreshore licencing, design, planning, land access, land ownership, and car parking. Once a potential site is identified it may be possible to apply for funding for a Feasibility Study for the site from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
Cliffoney Village is in a very similar position to Grange Village and Sligo County Council is currently considering the most appropriate means of progressing improvement works in this village in 2023.
The NTA are involved in works in Cliffoney Village, a technical upgrading of the pedestrian crossing is ongoing and work is required on some of the footpaths. Consideration of additional footpaths leading down the Mullaghmore Road is required. Surfacing is required in the village and parking for the school remains an issue. Two bus shelters have been requested and contracts are being put in place for the groundworks for the shelters so that the NTA can then install the bus shelters.
Councillor M. Casserly reiterated the need for work on the footpaths in Cliffoney, particularly around the Cliffoney Hall area and from the main road down to Mullaghmore. A plan and timeline were requested. The issue of a car park for the school remains an issue.
Councillor D. Gilroy reported that the community are currently working on a new village plan which was encouraging. He concurred with Councillor Casserly and highlighted that some footpaths were not fit for purpose, particularly for vulnerable adults who live in the area.
Councillor D. Gilroy extended his congratulations to the pupils of Cliffoney N.S who had received a Garda Youth Award at a recent award ceremony for their transport project which they had presented to the members earlier in the year.
All members conveyed their congratulations to the pupils.
14. EXPLORE DEVELOPING OUTDOOR POOL IN ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council explore the possibility of developing an outdoor tidal swimming pool at Rosses Point, Gibraltar or a similar suitable coastal location.”
Councillor M. Casserly welcomed the report and highlighted the benefits to both tourists and locals of having an outdoor pool. It was acknowledged that this would take time and that there appeared to be funding available to put such outdoor facilities in place. It was suggested that a start could be made on this. The pop-up pool in Tubbercurry was also acknowledged and complimented.
Councillor T. Walsh stated that these facilities should be available within the county given that funding streams were available. It was hoped that when the workforce plan was completed that more staff may be available to look into initiatives such as a tidal pool and a skatepark which have been raised previously on a number of occasions.
Councillor D. Gilroy supported the motion.
15. UPDATE ON ADDRESSING SPEEDING IN BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Following on from my Notice of Motion in October 2021, to ask Sligo County Council for an update relative to addressing speeding in Ballygawley Village and what measures are proposed to address same.”
V. Cooney reported that significant traffic calming works were carried out in Ballygawley in 2013 which included the provision of a traffic calming gateway’s approaching the village, construction of build outs and lining. The provision of a footpath opposite Riocht an Si housing estate linking with the existing footpath in the village as referred to in the Notice of Motion from, October 2021 should further enhance traffic calming measures through the village. The design of this footpath will be included with the design of the Ballygawley to Castledargan Active Travel scheme. A source of funding will then have to be agreed.
T. Brennan confirmed that consultants had been appointed for the design of these works. An application to the local safety scheme could also be considered.
The relining of the R290 junction through the village will also be considered in the maintenance programme for this year.
Councillor T. Walsh stated that it was important that the Castle Dargan to Ballygawley road be included as part of the Active Travel Scheme for 2022.
The three speed ramps installed in Ballintogher are having a significant impact on speeding in the village. Speeding is also an issue in Ballygawley and speed ramps may have to be considered there also.
Councillor T. Walsh welcomed these updates and stressed that works should commence as soon as possible given how serious the issue of speeding is in this area.
16. APPLICATION FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY TO LINK CARRAROE CENTRE WITH UNION WOOD:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo Council to make application for a feasibility study via the Outdoor Recreation Fund/Active Travel to link Carraroe Centre with Union Wood/Sligo Way by way of trail or path.”
Mr. V. Cooney gave a report stating that the proposal may be included for consideration in ORIS 2023, under the project development measure although eligibility criteria was not yet available. In previous years ORIS Project Development Measure prioritised capital works only. Feasibility study awards for route selection may not be eligible.
Councillor T. Walsh reported that the issue with the criteria is being looked at nationally and queried if Active Travel would be a natural route?
J. Molloy proposed that potential funding streams be looked at, to include a discussion with Mr. M. Carty with an update to be brought back to the members.
The St Molaise Park, Grange where trees appear to have grown to a dangerous height where trees now dangerously overhang the adjacent housing at Newtown estate and to consult with Fisheries Ireland as to the impact of pine needles on fish in the Grange River
The Rathcormac Park where trees appear to have grown to a dangerous height which endangers and blocks the view of the Markievicz Monument and may be at risk of falling onto the National Primary Road N15”
Councillor M. Casserly acknowledged and complimented the works completed by Sligo County Council and Coillte on the Yeats Trail, including seating and markers. The promotion of these and other walks was seen as important in presenting Sligo’s many unique attractions.
Councillor T. Fox acknowledged all of the work being done on recreational sites.
17. EMPLOY SERVICES OF AN ARBORIST TO ADVICE ON A) ST MOLAISE PARK, GRANGE & B) RATHCORMAC PARK WHERE TREES ARE BECOMING AN ISSUE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to employ the services of an Arborist to report and advise on the best measures to deal with trees at
V. Cooney reported that Sligo County Council will engage an Arborist to prepare a report for St. Molaise Park. The grounds in Rathcormac Park are in private ownership. Following an inspection by the Area Engineer, it was determined that the trees in Rathcormac Park adjacent to the N15 are not a public hazard.
Councillor D. Gilroy thanked Mr. V. Cooney for the report and highlighted that that the trees in St Molaise Park, Grange were very overgrown with nearby residents concerned that they would fall and damage their properties. The engagement of an Arborist was welcomed.
Councillor D. Gilroy proposed that the park in Rathcormac be taken into public ownership and the Markievicz Monument be taken into ownership by Sligo County Council.
Mr. J. Molloy stated that the taking in charge of the park would be looked into. All members supported the motion.
18. SCC MAINTAN AND KEEP LIFE SAVING RINGS AT EACH OF THE BEACHES IN THE MD AREA FOR ALL YEAR SWIMMING & KEEP OFFSHORE BUOYS IN PLACE IN MULLAGHMORE AND ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to maintain and keep the Life Saving Rings at each of the beaches in our Municipal District over the winter period as a safety measure for all year swimming, and to keep the offshore buoys in place at Mullaghmore and Rosses Point to further assist the safety of open water swimmers”
Mr. V. Cooney gave a report stating that Sligo County Council staff will assess each beach and where possible leave ring buoys in place over the winter months. There will, however, be a reduced number as many of those deployed over the bathing season would be damaged or swept away during the winter weather. With regard to the offshore buoys, Sligo County Council does not provide these in place at Rosses Point but will review the situation at Mullaghmore. It was noted that these buoys are not designed to remain in place over the winter period and may become dislodged as a result of sea conditions.
Councillor D. Gilroy thanked Mr. V. Cooney for the report and highlighted that it was a safety issue and that life buoys should be available at both locations year-round. The type of life buoy being used could also be reviewed.
Councillor T. Walsh supported the motion and stated that the issue was raised at a public meeting in Cliffoney recently.
19. RESURFACING OF ROADSIDE ON R286 AT CALRY COMMUNITY PARK, ALSO PARKING LINES TO INCLUDE AT LEAST TWO PARKING BAYS AND AM EMERGENCY EXIT YELLOW BOX AT MAIN ENTRANCE GATES:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council in the interest of public safety to resurface the roadside on the (R286) outside Calry Community Park, Kiltycahill, Hazelwood, Sligo F91YT98 as this area is used for parking at this busy community park which is used daily for various community events. Also, as a matter of urgency to have parking lines drawn for parking to include at least 2 disabled parking bays and an emergency exit yellow box at the main entrance gates”
Mr. V. Cooney gave a report stating that the car park outside Calry Community Park and adjacent to the R286 is privately owned and cannot be resurfaced or lined with public funding.
Councillor T. Fox thanked Mr. V. Cooney for the report and reiterated that it was a very busy community park situated on a regional road and therefore should attract regional funding and be considered by Sligo County Council. A similar example was given of road markings at the car park in Rathcormac which had been completed.
Councillor T. Walsh supported the motion and stated that it was part of a wider conversation in relation to house fronts and public amenity fronts which needed to be looked at from a policy perspective.
Councillor D. Gilroy and Councillor M. Casserly supported the motion.
Mr. T. Brennan stated that this situation will be looked at in the context of hard shoulders and house fronts.
20. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of sympathy were noted.
21. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Congratulation were extended to Brian Colsh on being selected for the Irish Rowing Team for the World Championships:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Congratulation were extended to The Spanish Armada Committee in Grange on the success of their recent festival:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
22. CORRESPONDENCE:
There was no correspondence.
23. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
Members agreed to hold the next MD Meeting on Monday 21st November at 10am in the Council Chamber, Riverside.
24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Members agreed to hold three meetings in the community and three meetings in the Council Chamber annually.
It was proposed and agreed to hold the January MD Meeting in Calry N.S.
It was noted that the Annual MD Budget Meeting is proposed to be held on Monday 24th October. Time to be determined.
Councillor D. Gilroy requested clarification on deferred motions and if they should be put on the agenda of the next MD Meeting if they had already been dealt with at a meeting within the previous 6 months.
Mr. J. Molloy confirmed that this would be reviewed.
Councillor T. Walsh queried who got the contract for the lining of roads and if this would be completed in East Sligo soon as there were a number of areas that required attention.
Mr. T. Brennan clarified that the lining machine went around the County on a rotation basis and that he would discuss the matter with area staff.
Councillor T. Fox queried if hedge cutting would commence in North Sligo. Mr. V. Cooney confirmed this would commence on the 19th October.
Councillor M. Casserly acknowledged the work completed on road markings to date in North Sligo.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. Fox concluded the meeting and thanked the members of the public who were in attendance.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.22pm.
Meeting Date 19/09/2022