Minutes 2023
Minutes of the Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 10.00am in The Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo & Via Ms Teams
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Tom Fox (Cathaoirleach)
- Marie Casserly
- Donal Gilroy
- Thomas Healy
- Thomas Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ray O’Grady, A/Senior Executive Planner
- Conor McCann, Senior Executive Engineer
- Sean Martin, Senior Architect
- Karen McMahon, IT Technical Support Officer
- Jane Golden, Staff Officer
A Resolution was passed and adopted by the Members:
“To hold this Municipal District Meeting in the Council Chamber at 10am”
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To hold this Municipal District Meeting in the Council Chamber at 10am”
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor. Tom Fox welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 28th NOVEMBER 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 28th November 2022”
2. MATTERS ARISING:
Councillor. T. Healy stated that he had not been allowed to speak on two of his motions at the last MD Meeting and that this was of concern. He asked that this be brought to the Procedures Committee and correspondence relating to same was given to the Cathaoirleach by Councillor. T. Healy.
Councillor. T. Healy requested that Councillor. T. Fox as Cathaoirleach ensure that future Motions of Councillor. T. Healy’s were heard and seconded by him. Councillor. T. Healy enquired as to what concerns there were relating to these motions.
Councillor. T. Fox responded that these Motions had been tabled before and discussed and that this issue would be referred to the Procedures Committee.
3. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE REPORT IN RELATION TO PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC LIGHTING ALONG KNOCKBEG, COLLOONEY, INCLUDING AN UPDATE ON THE ECOLOGICAL ISSUE PREVENTING THESE WORKS FROM PROGRESSING, AND ADVISING WHAT THE NEXT STEPS ARE:
Councillor. T. Walsh stated that he had asked for this item to remain on the agenda.
Mr. D. Noone gave an update stating that as part of the preliminary process for the implementation of this project, a site visit under ecological assessment was carried out. The presence of giant hogweed was identified on the site, together with indicators that otters were present along the banks of the Owenmore River. These conditions necessitated the requirement for the submission of an environmental impact assessment at An Bord Pleanála. The Council propose to re-evaluate the project in terms of extent, design, scope and implementation. The NTA have not allocated any funding for this project in 2023.
Councillor. T. Walsh thanked the Senior Engineer for the report and emphasised that these issues have been highlighted on numerous occasions. It was requested that an EIS be carried out as this was a small project. Councillor. T. Walsh asked that this item be kept on the agenda and referred to the Active Travel Team for them to come back with an update to the next meeting.
Mr. D. Noone responded that an EIS would not be conducted given the size of this project and that alternatives would be looked at.
Councillor. T. Healy proposed that the footpath be moved to the other side of the road and he had written to the Area Engineer regarding this. It was also queried if moving the footpath to the other side of the road would meet with the criteria of the funding as allocated.
Mr. D. Noone confirmed that Active Travel will re-evaluate this project and that an EIS would not be conducted given the costs involved. There is no funding allocated for this project in 2023.
The members agreed to keep this item on the agenda.
4. TO NOMINATE REPRESENTATIVES (2/3) TO ATTEND A MEETING WITH LOCAL LINK DONEGAL SLIGO LEITRIM:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That any Member who wished to attend the Local Link meeting could do so”
5. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR AN UPDATE ON THE RURAL REGENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR BALLISODARE AND WHEN WILL PUBLIC CONSULTATION BEGIN AND WHEN DO SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HOPE TO START THIS PROJECT:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update on the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for Ballisodare and when will public consultation begin and when do Sligo County Council hope to start this project”
Mr. R. O’ Grady reported that Ballisodare was successful in securing “Development Phase” funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) in 2022 for the development of Ballisodare regeneration works. The project award includes provision for the acquisition of privately owned lands adjacent to the Ballisodare River. To date, a site has been purchased, known locally as Brown’s Field, and initial clearance works have been carried out on the site.
The development phase of the project will also include the procurement of external landscape architects/urban designers and the preparation of outline and detailed design proposals which will then be brought forward for planning late 2023. At all stages of the project there will be opportunities for engagement with the local community and public consultation will be included in the project timeline.
Councillor. T. Healy thanked Mr. R. O’ Grady for the report and commended Sligo County Council on securing funding of €580,000 through the RRDF. It was requested that a public consultation be held to inform the Community about the plans for this area and to get their input.
Councillor. T. Walsh welcomed the report and the funding into the area and the purchasing of the site. The importance of getting buy in from the community, local landowners and businesses was highlighted prior to a plan being developed for presentation at consultation stage. The incorporation of the Yeats Trail into the project was seen as positive.
Mr. R. O’ Grady reported that the project is at site assembly phase and that it would be beneficial to fully engage with the community once the site has been secured. An outline application to RRDF outlines a range of possibilities for lands at Ballisodare.
Councillor. M. Casserly supported the project and highlighted the potential that Ballisodare has to offer. It is important to have all of the stakeholders involved and to trust the process.
Councillor. T. Healy requested a breakdown of what is proposed to be included in the project and requested that a meeting be arranged with the Members so that an update could be given when appropriate.
6. TO DISCUSS THE FULL REPORT WE RECEIVED AT THE MAIN MEETING IN NOVEMBER REGARDING LAND IN GRANGE OWNED BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL. AS THE REPORT STATED “THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THIS LAND WILL RENDER ANY DEVELOPMENT VERY COSTLY, THIS WILL NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN ANY DECISION MAKING PROCESS INCLUDING COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC SPENDING CODE. ANY PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE PLANNING PROCESS AND CONSULTATION WITH SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MD MEMBERS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. I WOULD LIKE THIS PROCESS TO HAPPEN:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To discuss the full report we received at the main meeting in November regarding land in Grange owned by Sligo County Council. As the report stated “the topography of this land will render any development very costly, this will need to be considered in any decision making process including compliance with public spending code. Any proposed development will be subject to the planning process and consultation with Sligo-Drumcliff MD members and the local community. I would like this process to happen”
Councillor. T. Healy stated that he wanted to see this process moved on and requested that a public consultation be arranged. This land had been bought by Sligo County Council in 2002 for €1million. Councillor. T. Healy proposed that this land be included in the County Development Plan for consideration for use for housing and a cemetery. Proposed works on footpaths and pedestrian crossings in the village to be included in this consultation.
Mr. J. Molloy stated that a report on this issued last November. Sligo County Council are currently exploring all of the different land options and what can be achieved. The land in Grange is at an awkward site, however, the Housing Capital Team are looking at how this can be progressed. There are a lot on considerations, particularly with regard to the putting in of a cemetery.
Councillor. D. Gilroy stated that part of this land is zoned for Housing and this site is included as part of the three year budget plan. The issue of the junction at the Community Hall was highlighted, this is a dangerous junction and this will need to be considered when looking at site access.
Mr. S. Martin reported that the Grange site is in the Housing Action Delivery Plan for 2022 – 2026, in the 2026 delivery year, with work starting at the latter end of 2023. There will be consultation with the community with regard to the development of the residential element of the site. An Inspector from the Department will visit the site in February 2023 as the first stage of the process. Fifteen houses are proposed for the site, funding for access to the site will have to be discussed with the Department. Members will be kept up to date with progress.
Councillor. T. Healy queried if this project could be started sooner than the scheduled date of 2026.
Mr. S. Martin stated that this would be a question of available resources given other projects to be delivered in the short term and that every effort would be made to do so.
Councillor. T. Healy commended the work that Mr. S. Martin and the team have done to supply houses throughout the County.
Councillor. T. Walsh and Councillor. T. Healy left the meeting at 10.40am
7. DUE TO THE LACK OF THE CONTINUATION OF A FOOTPATH FROM HENDERSON'S GARAGE HEADING NORTH AS FAR THE OLD BUNDORAN ROAD, CAN THE ROADS DEPARTMENT SEEK FUNDING UNDER ACTIVE TRAVEL OR A SIMILAR SCHEME TO MAKE THIS SECTION OF ROAD SAFER FOR PEDESTRIANS IN PARTICULAR:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“Due to the lack of the continuation of a footpath from Henderson's Garage heading north as far the old Bundoran Road, can the Roads Department seek funding under Active Travel or a similar scheme to make this section of road safer for pedestrians in particular”
Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that the existing footpath along the N15 extends to Scotsman’s Walk on the west side which is just outside the 50km speed limit and 125m north of Scotsman’s Walk on the east side. There are no plans to extend this footpath any further.
Councillor. M. Casserly stated that there is a significant increase in the amount of pedestrians using this footpath for walking and cycling and it is a dangerous section of road. It was requested that this motion be revisited in 6-9 months’ time.
Councillor. D. Gilroy and Councillor. T. Fox supported the motion.
8.FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE VILLAGE OF MULLAGHMORE FROM THE GATEHOUSE INTO THE VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“For traffic calming measures to be introduced into the village of Mullaghmore from the gatehouse into the village”
Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating the 50km speed limit is in place just south of the gatehouse on the R279 and that there are traffic calming signs on the approach to the village itself. A one-way system is implemented in Mullaghmore during peak season commencing at the gatehouse to alleviate traffic congestion. Additional signage in terms of 50km speed repeater signs, lining and additional signs to warn drivers of pedestrians can be considered. As there is no funding available for works of this nature, this would have to be funded through Councillors proposals. The Area Engineer will prepare a cost estimate for these works.
Councillor. M. Casserly thanked Mr. D. Noone for the positive report and acknowledged the one way system which had been welcomed by local residents, the new car park and disabled access benches and pathway. These are all of great benefit to the village. It was hoped that Councillor’s proposals will be used to improve safety going into Mullaghmore.
Councillor. D. Gilroy queried if temporary ramps could be installed. Mr. D. Noone confirmed that temporary speed ramps were not appropriate as lighting would be required. It was proposed to add signage and lining.
9. THAT A TRAFFIC SURVEY BE CARRIED OUT AT THE JUNCTION OF THE N15 AND THE L7202 IN ORDER TO COLLECT DATA TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY IN THIS AREA PARTICULARLY FOR RESIDENTS ON THAT ROAD AS THEY ARE HAVING GREAT DIFFICULTY EXITING AND ENTERING THE ROAD SAFELY AT THIS LOCATION:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That a traffic survey be carried out at the junction of the N15 and the L7202 in order to collect data to improve road safety in this area particularly for residents on that road as they are having great difficulty exiting and entering the road safely at this location”
Mr. D. Noone state that the TII carried out Road Safety Inspections covering all National Roads in County Sligo in 2022. The Junction between N15 and L7202 was highlighted as requiring minor intervention by way of cutting back vegetation to make the stop line visible. These works will be included in verge trimming works which will be carried out in May/June of this year.
Councillor. M. Casserly asked if it would be possible to put marking for a right turning lane at the location.
Mr. D. Noone stated that there were particular requirements for right turning lanes regarding volumes of traffic and other safety considerations. Mr. D. Noone and Mr. V. Cooney will visit the location and revert to Councillor. M. Casserly.
Councillor. D. Gilroy spoke about the need for speed limits to be lowered and suggested that the RSI reports should be made available to Councillors.
10. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CALLS ON IRISH WATER TO IMMEDIATELY MAKE FUNDING AVAILABLE TO UPGRADE THE OLD CONCRETE ASBESTOS WATER LINE IN BALLISODARE TO CARRAROE. THIS AREA HAS NOW BEEN DUGOUT UP ON 4 OCCASIONS IN 2022 AS A RESULT OF BURSTS OR LEAKS. THAT IRISH WATER PROVIDE A REPORT ON THE MATTER AND FUNDING FOR UPGRADE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
This motion was deferred in the absence of Councillor. T. Walsh.
11. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO WRITE TO IRISH WATER TO UPGRADE THE CAST-IRON PIPE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FROM BALLISADARE TO CARRAROE AS IT IS NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
This motion was deferred in the absence of Councillor. T. Healy
12. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO REQUEST AN UPDATE FROM THE NATIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY ON THE PROVISION OF A BUS SERVICE TO AND FROM CARRAROE TO SLIGO AND BALLINTOGHER VILLAGE TO SLIGO. THAT AN UPDATE BE PROVIDED AS TO WHEN A MEETING CAN BE SCHEDULED TO MEET WITH THE NTA ON THE MATTER:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
This motion was deferred in the absence of Councillor. T. Walsh.
13. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO WORK WITH COILLTE TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT SURFACE ISSUES ALONG THE SLIGO WAY FROM UNION TOWARDS LOUGH LUMANN AND LOUGH LUMANN TO SLISHWOOD. FURTHERMORE THAT THIS COUNCIL ASKS THE LOCAL AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER MAKING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING TO ADDRESS AN IMPASSABLE ROUTE WHICH WAS IN USE FOR DECADES FROM THE MOUNTAIN FOOT ROAD TO THE SLIGO WAY, KNOWN LOCALLY CARROWNAGH, BALLINTOGHER, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
This motion was deferred in the absence of Councillor. T. Walsh.
14. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TAKE BACK INTO CHARGE THE LAYBY AT THE N15 OPPOSITE THE NEW PRIMARY CARE CENTRE IN GRANGE (EIRCODE OF TWO HOUSES ON ROAD F91Y9V2 AND F91 VY50). THIS ROAD WAS THE OLD SLIGO TO BUNDORAN ROAD AND FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON WAS REMOVED FROM THE LIST OF PUBLIC ROADS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council take back into charge the layby at the N15 opposite the new Primary Care Centre in Grange (Eircode of two houses on road F91Y9V2 and F91 VY50). This road was the old Sligo to Bundoran Road and for some unknown reason was removed from the list of public roads”
Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that this section of road formed part of the old N15 and is in the charge of Sligo County Council. The road schedule on the Pavement Management System will be updated in due course. Pothole repairs will be carried out on this road in 2023.
Councillor. D. Gilroy stated that the report was positive. The need for the removal of a railing with concrete posts was highlighted as a matter of urgency for safety reasons.
Councillor. M. Casserly supported the motion.
15. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE AND TWO IF POSSIBLE CASUAL TRADING BAYS AT MULLAGHMORE SIMILAR TO THOSE PROVIDED AT ROSSES POINT AND ENNISCRONE AND IF IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE THIS FOR THE 2023 SEASON A TRIAL LICENCE BE ISSUED:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide at least one and two if possible casual trading bays at Mullaghmore similar to those provided at Rosses Point and Enniscrone and if it is not possible to provide this for the 2023 season a trial licence be issued”
Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that the Casual Trading Bye Laws were reviewed in 2018 and state that “Casual Trading shall only be carried out at locations designated and times specified in the Schedule 1 or at areas specified in a Licence issued in respect of a specified event or event under Section 4 (1) (a) (iii) of the Casual Trading Act, 1995”
Mullaghmore is not currently included in these designated areas, and the inclusion of it would require a revision of the Bye Laws; this is an extensive process with a minimum time period for public consultation. This would not be completed in advance of the 2023 season but can be considered for the 2024 season.
It is stated in a current Bye Law that “a Trial Licence shall only be issued where vacant trading bays exist within a designated Casual Trading Area at the time of application for such a Licence” and therefore, as a designated Casual Trading Area is not currently in existence, a Trial Licence is unsuitable.
Councillor. D. Gilroy proposed a resolution which was
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to begin the process of amending the Casual Trading Bye Laws to include a designated area in Mullaghmore as soon as possible”
16. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PUT IN PLACE SAFETY BARRIERS AND WARNING SIGNS AT THE TWO BRIDGES ON THE HORSESHOE ROAD L7130 TRAVELLING CLOCKWISE:
1.APPROX 75M PAST THE RTE MAST ENTRANCE F91 VX74 TOWNLANDS OF MOODOGE AND OUGHTAGOREY
2.APPROX 950M PAST THE DERELICT SCHOOL ON A STEEP DECLINE WHERE THERE IS A DOGS LEG TURN ON THE ROAD AS IT DESCENDS THE MOUNTAIN TOWNLAND OF GLENIFF
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council put in place safety barriers and warning signs at the two bridges on the horseshoe road l7130 travelling clockwise:
- 75m past the RTE mast entrance F91 VX74 townlands of Moodoge and Oughtagorey
- 950m past the derelict school on a steep decline where there is a dogs leg turn on the road as it descends the mountain townland of Gleniff
Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that the parapets on both bridges need to be repaired. These will be included in the maintenance programme subject to resources. The Area Engineer will consider appropriate signage.
Councillor. D. Gilroy complimented the Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team for their work in rescuing people off the mountain in this area. The danger presented at these two bridges was highlighted.
17. THAT THIS COUNCIL WRITE TO FÁILTE IRELAND TO REQUEST THAT SIGNAGE BE IMPROVED WHERE NECESSARY, TO ENABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS THROUGHOUT THE SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MD DISTRICT:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
" That this Council write to Fáilte Ireland to request that signage be improved where necessary, to enable tourism development at visitor attractions throughout the Sligo-Drumcliff MD District”
Councillor. T. Fox highlighted the positive work being done regarding tourist locations. Mullaghmore Head and Knocknarea were cited as particular areas where the updating of signage would be beneficial.
18. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
A vote of sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Vincent Sweeney RIP.
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
A vote of sympathy to the family of Mr. Michael Shannon RIP.
19. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
A vote of congratulations to the Sligo Darts Team on winning the West Coast Competition.
20. CORRESPONDENCE:
Items of correspondence were noted.
21. DATES & VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETINGS:
Dates of MD meetings were discussed at a recent CPG Meeting and it was
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
to hold meetings as follows:
- Monday 27th March at 3.30pm in Calry National School
- Monday 22nd May at 10am in Council Chamber, Riverside
Meetings for the rest of 2023 are to be agreed at the AGM in June.
22. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
It was noted that Sligo County Council gave notice that due to a review of its current Arts Plan, the Sligo International Chamber Music Festival will not take place in 2023. Following an independent expert review, Sligo County Council will continue to programme exceptional music performances in future.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor. T. Fox concluded the meeting and thanked those in attendance.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.10am.
Meeting Date 23/01/2023