Minutes 2023

Minutes of the Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 27th March 2023 at 3.30pm in St Patrick’s N.S., Calry, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Tom Fox (Cathaoirleach)
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Walsh
  • Councillor Thomas Healy
  • Councillor Marie Casserly

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Victor Cooney, Executive Engineer
  • Keith Monaghan, Executive Engineer
  • Siobhan Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer
  • Karen McMahon, IT Technical Support Officer
  • Yvonne Colreavy, Clerical Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. Fox welcomed all present to St Patrick’s N.S for the meeting.  Members were informed that Councillor M. Casserly would be attending the meeting at 4.20pm.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON  23rd JANUARY 2023:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 23rd January 2023” 

 

2. MATTERS ARISING:

Mr. J. Molloy to revert to Councillor T. Healy with an update on when the public consultation with the Sligo -Drumcliff MD elected members and the local community in Grange will be scheduled.

 

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:

Mr. D. Noone updated the Members and gave a report stating that the Active Travel Team will examine proposals for the local road L-3607-0 Knockbeg subject to available resources. Any proposals brought forward will be subject to NTA approval process and funding. Proposals will also be subject to the required appropriate ecological assessment. No funding has been made available for this project in 2023.

Councillor T. Walsh thanked Mr. D. Noone for the report and stated that an appropriate assessment will be needed and asked for these works to be prioritised.  Mr. T. Brennan reported that a screening report would be required to access the potential impact on the environment and that the project was not listed for funding under Active Travel.  Mr. D. Noone agreed to liaise with the Active Travel Team, however capacity is limited with the delivery of works allocated for completion during 2023.  Mr. J. Molloy agreed to liaise with Ms. E. Concannon regarding the funding.

Members requested that this item be kept on the agenda for the May Meeting of the Sligo – Drumcliff MD.

 

4. TO CONSIDER THE SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS 2023 – INCLUDING DRAFT ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME

Mr. T. Brennan gave a detailed report on the draft schedule of Municipal District works 2023 for the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area including Draft Roads, Transportation and the infrastructural programme which had been circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.

Members were informed that a total of €19.6m has been allocated from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, €17m from the Department of Transport, €3m from the NTA and €1.2m from Sligo County Council for the improvement and maintenance of the public road network in County Sligo for 2023.

Mr. T. Brennan highlighted the following allocations as follows:

  • €642,430 allocated for Restoration Maintenance/Supplementary Restoration Maintenance Programme
  • €2,464,390 allocated for Restoration Improvement Programme
  • €484,073 Discretionary Grant
  • €262,610 allocated for Local Roads Maintenance
  • €123,000 Drainage Grant
  • 3 bridges listed for works in 2023
  • 5 Active Travel Schemes – a significant proportion of the grant allocated to the Sligo – Drumcliff MD
  • CLAR allocation – 2 Schemes
  • N16 – realignment works have started

The Cathaoirleach and Members thanked Mr. T. Brennan for the comprehensive overview of the schedule of works. 

Mr. T. Brennan responded to Members queries as follows:

  • It is not possible to extend the Winter Maintenance Programme further this year
  • Local Improvement Scheme – this is the first allocation – to be checked if this allocation is higher than allocation in 2022
  • Councillors proposals – Members suggested an increase of €2k to bring the total to €16k in each MD area – Mr. J. Molloy to bring this back to the CE
  • It is hoped that the Active Travel Programme will continue after the current round of funding
  • Long Stretch Road – an environment assessment would be required, along with raising the road with an approximate cost from €500,00 - €1m in order to address issues on this road
  • Active Travel Programme – rural footpath schemes are listed together, others are dealt with from council resources
  • The second allocation of the CIS grant is due
  • Suggested to use of the patching unit more frequently – this will be brought back to operations
  • N16 potholes – areas staff will do interventions – this may require additional funding
  • Ongoing support for communities to maintain cemeteries is important
  • Traffic issue in Maugherow was noted
  • Burial grounds – digitalisation of records discussed – GDPR issues
  • Prioritising of road to be gritted discussed – not possible to provide grit to communities – only area offices can spread grit due to Health and Safety and grit is only suitable in extreme weather conditions. Maugherow Road to be considered.
  • Drumcliff car park to be swept and tidied up
  • Resurfacing of cycle lanes in Rosses Point to be completed
  • Success of BOLT Bikes was acknowledged

 

Councillor M. Casserly joined the meeting at 4.25pm.

 

Members agreed by resolution to write to the Department to request an increase in the Community Involvement Scheme.

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To issue correspondence to the Department requesting an increase in CIS funding”

 

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To note the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2023 – including draft roads, transportation and infrastructure programme”

 

5. TO CONSIDER A REVIEW OF THE COUNTY SLIGO HERITAGE PLAN 2023-2027

Ms. S. Ryan gave a presentation on the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2023 – 2027 Pre-Draft Consultation process which is open between 8th – 31st March.  The draft will be presented at SPC 3 on the 10th May and then the Plenary Council Meeting in June/July.

Work on the World Heritage Site Tentative List Bid is ongoing, the application was submitted on 30th June 2021.  The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo was added to Ireland’s World Heritage Tentative List on 21st July 2022.  Engagement continues with the Department, National Monuments Service, farming organisations, landowners, State agencies, key stakeholders and local communities.

Members congratulated Ms. S. Ryan on the work completed to date on

the UNESCO Bid.  This process could continue for 5-10 years.

The importance of access to Innismurray Island, getting young people involved in Heritage and recognition of the Creevykeel Court Cairn were highlighted by Members.

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor m. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To adopt a review of the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2023-2027”

 

6. 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 
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“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”

It was agreed to write to Uisce Eireann to request a timeline for completion of works.

 

7. 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
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“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”

It was agreed to write to Uisce Eireann to request a timeline for completion of works.

 

8.  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:

It was agreed that this item be put on the agenda for the next meeting.

 

9.   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
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“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”

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that Sligo County Council, as part of its ongoing dialogue with Coillte, will seek solutions to address the current surfacing issues along the Sligo Way. The area referred to is within the ownership of Coillte and any proposed works are subject to their approval.

The route referred to which links the mountain foot road to the Sligo Way, known locally as Carrownagh, Ballintogher, Sligo is a private road. Any application for funding aimed at reopening this route will be subject to the written agreement of the relevant landowners.  Sligo County Council will investigate this matter. 

Councillor T. Walsh highlighted that this is a right of way and that people use this walk frequently and it needs to be upgraded.

Members requested that Mr. R. O’ Grady contact Coillte to set up a meeting to discuss the matter.

 

10. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PUT A YELLOW BOX IN PLACE OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE TO ST MARY'S SCHOOL IN BALLISADARE AND ALSO LOOK AT BUS SETDOWN AREA IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to put a yellow box in place outside the entrance to St Mary's school in Ballisadare and also look at bus set down area in the interest of health and safety”

Mr. D. Noone reported that representations have been made on this issue previously. Sligo County Council requested consultants to review the installation of a yellow box at this location. They have reviewed the proposal and are of the opinion that a yellow box will not address the safety concerns at this location. Yellow box markings are usually installed to aid traffic flow at road junctions, roundabouts, railway crossings etc. where cross flow is affected from vehicle ‘stacking’.  There is no suitable location for the provision of a bus set down area adjacent to the public road. 

Mr. D. Noone will arrange for this issue to be looked at again to establish traffic use at school times.  Mr. K. Monaghan to meet with the school Principal to discuss further.

Mr. J. Molloy stated that the main use of a yellow box was at a junction and not at an entrance.

 

11. FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES BE INTRODUCED ON THE STREEDAGH ROAD TO HIGHLIGHT THE NEED FOR DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN ON THAT STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“For traffic calming measures be introduced on the Streedagh road to highlight the need for drivers to slow down on that straight stretch of road”

Mr. D. Noone stated that the Area Engineer will inspect this road to determine appropriate traffic calming measures. Any measures will be in the form of signing/lining. There is no funding available for works of this nature and any interventions will have to be funded through Councillors Proposals.

 

12. TO ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE REDESIGN OF CARRAROE CENTRE RELATIVE TO THE PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AND AN UPDATE ON THE ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMME AT CUILBEG TOWARDS AUGHAMORE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide an update on the redesign of Carraroe Centre relative to the provision of pedestrian crossings and an update on the Active Travel Programme at Cuilbeg towards Aughamore”

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that the project has been examined in terms of preliminary assessment, appropriate alignments and lands required. A number of items have been raised under the umbrella of ecological/environmental assessment. Sligo County Council are considering the most suitable avenue to address these to progress the project. It should be noted that no provision for proposed construction works has been made in the 2023 allowance from the NTA.

This update was welcomed by the Members.

 

13. TO REQUEST AN UPDATE ON THE PARKING AND PEDESTRIAN ISSUES AT ROSSES POINT: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“To request an update on the parking and pedestrian issues at Rosses Point”

Mr. D. Noone informed the Members that there was no update on this. Sligo County Council will investigate and consider cost options for providing a segregated area for pedestrians along the access road to Rosses Point Beach car park. There is no funding available in this year's programme. However, this could be funded through Councillors Proposals. 

Councillor M. Casserly stated that this is an ongoing issue with residents.  Councillor T. Walsh reported that this issue also comes up at SPC meetings, along with the issue of lack of lighting in the car park.  It was hoped that these issues could be resolved as soon as possible.

 

14. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL SEEK AN UPDATE FROM UISCE ÉIREANN ON THE PLANS FOR THE UPGRADE OF THE NORTH SLIGO WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND STORAGE AT LUKE'S BRIDGE IN NORTH SLIGO:

This item was deferred to the next MD Meeting

 

Councillor M. Casserly left the meeting at 5.40pm.

 

15. GIVEN THE WIDESPREAD PUBLIC SUPPORT WITHIN THE SLIGO-DRUMCLIFFE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED EASTERN BRIDGE, I PROPOSE THAT THIS COUNCIL PROVIDE THIS MEETING WITH AN UP TO DATE REPORT:

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Given the widespread public support within the Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District in relation to the proposed Eastern Bridge, I propose that this council provide this meeting with an up to date report:

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that Sligo County Council are currently going through the process of procuring an Engineering Consultant to assist with developing the Eastern Garvogue Bridge and Approach Roads Project through Phases 4 to 7 of the TII Project Management Guidelines (Completion of Detailed Design, Procurement of Construction Contract, Scheme Construction and Closeout). Following successful appointment of the Engineering Consultant, it is planned to complete the Detailed Design of the Scheme by Q4 2023 and proceed with preparing the tender contract documents for Scheme construction during 2024.

Councillor T. Fox welcomed the update and highlighted the importance of the project for communities living both sides of the bridge.

 

16. I AM CALLING ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE HIDDEN DIP SIGNS ON THE FOLLOWING ROADS
-THE N16 AT DUNALLY CROSS
-ON THE COLLOONEY TO COLLANEY ROAD PAST THE RAILWAY STATION:

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

 “I am calling on Sligo County Council to provide hidden dip signs on the following roads

-the N16 at Dunally Cross
-on the Collooney to Coolaney Road past the railway station”

Mr. K. Monaghan will inspect the area involved with Councillor T. Fox and include these works in this year’s works programme if deemed appropriate. 

 

17. THAT THIS COUNCIL MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS TO COMPLETE THE CAR PARK AT THE OLD AND NEW CLOGHER CEMETERIES IN CALRY AND TO ADDRESS THE ROADSIDE DRAINAGE CONNECTING BOTH CEMETERIES:

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“That this Council make the necessary arrangements to complete the car park at the old and new Clogher cemeteries in Calry and to address the roadside drainage connecting both cemeteries”

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that Local Road L-34082 accessing the old and new Clogher cemeteries is included in the Restoration Improvement works for 2023. Any surface drainage issues will be addressed as part of this scheme. The surfacing of both car parks is not included in the scope of works.  The Area Engineer can prepare a cost estimate for these works which could be funded through Councillors Proposals. 

Mr. V. Cooney confirmed that works would be completed as far as the lake.

 

18. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF A ONE-WAY SYSTEM FOR THE VILLAGE OF COLLOONEY RELATIVE TO WHEN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION WILL BEGIN?:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the provision of a one-way system for the village of Collooney relative to when the public consultation will begin?”

Mr. D. Noone gave a report stating that works on the one-way system from the Main St./R290 junction (adjacent to St. Marys N.S) to the Main St./Lower Main St junction (outside Connolly’s public house) will commence in the coming months. Further footpath and road resurfacing improvement works will also commence on the R290 from its junction with Barrack St to the Bridge. All resources will be focused on completing these significant improvement works in Collooney in 2023. Any further improvements to traffic management in Collooney can be considered in future programmes subject to resource availability and identification of appropriate funding streams. 

It was proposed by Councillor T. Walsh and seconded by Councillor T. Healy that these works be included in the 2024 Active Travel Scheme application for consultation and design.  Councillor T. Healy requested that the car park also be looked at.

 

19. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE ROAD SAFETY MEASURES WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING SPEED ON APPROACH TO BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE FROM THE SLIGO SIDE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

" That Sligo County Council provide road safety measures with a view to reducing speed on approach to Ballygawley village from the Sligo side”

Mr. D. Noone reported that an allocation of €20,000 has been provided through the 2023 Safety Improvement Works Programme. The Road Design department will progress this scheme in 2023.

 

20. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were noted.

 

21. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Votes of congratulations were noted.

 

22. CORRESPONDENCE:

Items of correspondence were noted.

 

23. DATES & VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETINGS:

Monday 22nd May at 10am in the Council Chamber, Riverside.

 

24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor T. Walsh expressed his concern at recent staff changes in the Municipal District.  Mr. J. Molloy assured the Members that these staff changes would not impede on the progress of works and services being delivered.  These changes were put in place to ensure and facilitate the progression of staff within the workplace.  Service delivery remains the prime objective.  Members requested that Mr. J. Molloy bring these concerns back to the Management Team.

Councillor D. Gilroy requested that Municipal District meetings not be held in locations where there is no access to Wi-Fi and connectivity issues.

Mr. J. Molloy informed the Members that discussions were ongoing with the owners of the Mill Apartments, Ballisodare and that a solution should be forthcoming in the coming months.

Councillor T. Healy requested that information pertaining to tenants and landlords be put on the Council website as soon as possible. 

Mr. J. Molloy will circulate to the Members, the procedures involved re: Council Housing Lists.

Mr. D. Noone thanked the Members as this was his last Sligo – Drumcliff MD Meeting.

The Members wished Mr. D. Noone well in his new position in Sligo County Council and wished Mr. V. Cooney good luck in his new position in Donegal County Council.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. Fox concluded the meeting and thanked those in attendance.

The business of the meeting concluded at 6.00pm.


Meeting Date 27/03/2023