Minutes 2023
Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 22nd May 2023 at 10am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo & Via Ms Teams
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Tom Fox (Cathaoirleach)
- Councillor Donal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Walsh
- Councillor Thomas Healy
- Councillor Marie Casserly
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
- Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- John Moran, A/Director of Services
- Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
- Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
- Jane Golden, Staff Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Fox welcomed all present to the meeting.
It was noted that Councillor M. Casserly would be attending the meeting later.
Councillor T. Healy requested that Standing Orders be suspended in order for Members to discuss a recent visit by Minister E. Ryan and updates he gave in relation to the progression of works on roads, N15, N17 and N59 and the Eastern Garavogue Bridge.
Members agreed that this item would be dealt with under A.O.B.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 27th MARCH 2023:
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 27th March 2023”
2. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
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. P. Hampson gave a report stating that the Active Travel Team will examine proposals for local road L-3607-0 Knockbeg, Collooney, subject to available resources. Any proposals brought forward will be subject to the 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 proposed that this item be deferred to the next MD Meeting for an update from the Active Travel Team.
Members agreed that this item be kept on the agenda for the July Meeting of the Sligo – Drumcliff MD.
3.1. EMERGENCY ITEM -
“THAT THE SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL AREA, SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL, REQUEST, BASED ON THE ACCEPTANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, EQUALITY, DISABILITY, INTEGRATION AND YOUTH OF IRELAND THAT THE COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN INADEQUATE RELATIVE TO THE HOUSING OF APPLICANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION.
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
That an Emergency Motion would be taken before Item No. 4 as follows:
“That the Sligo – Drumcliff Municipal Area, Sligo County Council, request, based on the acceptance from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland that the communication with the community has been inadequate relative to the housing of applicants for International Protection.
- Communicate effectively around current and future arrivals at the location
- Identify what supports are in place for the children, women and men relative to their needs and integration within the community
- That a liaison officer be appointed to engage with the residents and the community
- That a meeting be set up with officials, the owners of the facility, a representative group and public reps as soon as possible
Following a meeting with the Ballisodare Community Council, members agreed that this motion would be tabled at today’s MD Meeting and taken before Item No. 4.
The community have concerns regarding new arrivals to the area and the lack of infrastructure available to support them. A lack of consultation with the community was also highlighted as an issue.
Councillor T. Healy highlighted that the lack of communication with elected members in relation to this issue was unacceptable. A brief from the DCEDIY to Councillors or the Local Authority had not issued. Mr. J. Moran stated that he had contacted the Department regarding the lack of communication and had received correspondence on 28th May dated the 8th April.
Mr. M. Lydon informed Members that Sligo County Council had been contacted by the Department to see if it was interested in a property in Ballisodare, potentially for social housing. A response was forwarded to the Department stating that Sligo County Council were not interested in the property as this was not part of Sligo County Council’s Housing Action Delivery Plan.
Mr. J. Moran confirmed that no further correspondence had been received from the Department.
Councillor T. Walsh thanked the Chief Executive for his response and the Cathaoirleach for allowing the Motion to be heard. The need for clarity on who is in the facility now was reiterated, given that Phase 2 is imminent.
Councillor D. Gilroy stated that it was important not to be gender specific when referring to new arrivals.
Mr. M. Lydon stated that Sligo County Council had not seen the briefing document from the Department and were unaware that the facility in Ballisodare was going to be used as accommodation. It was confirmed that Sligo County Council have no role in the allocation of accommodation to people seeking International Protection. This is managed by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). Sligo County Council have been working with the Department on the provision of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) i.e. Ukrainian people seeking accommodation. Mr. M. Lydon highlighted the need for greater supports and communication for the management of accommodation. It was also highlighted that Sligo County Council inform elected members of information as soon as it is received.
Mr. M. Lydon concluded that it was important that government departments and relevant organisations were recognised as where the ownership and responsibility lay. An Integration Team will be set up in Sligo County Council in the next six months which will to deal with integration work.
It was agreed that correspondence be issued to the Department as soon as possible in regard to the Members concerns.
Mr. M. Lydon left the meeting at 10.30am.
4. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
Mr. D. Noone gave an update as follows:
Stream 1 - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched in July 2022 and extended to Rural Areas in November 2022. It was extended to Rental Properties and the size of grants increased in May 2023.
Stream 2 - The Ready to Build Scheme - Serviced Sites for New Homes was launched in September 2022 and there is no update at present.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been expanded. This Scheme came into effect on the 1st May, 2023. Sligo County Council was provided with details of the new Scheme on the 11th May, 2023. This will now be made available on the Council’s website. More details of the Scheme will be available at the next Municipal District Meeting, with reports to be given every two months. A summary of applications received to date includes:
- There have been 85 applications received to date (12.5.2023)
- 21 of these are in the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area
- 14 site inspections have been completed
- 13 grants have been approved
- 1 application was rejected and withdrawn by the applicant as the property was not vacant for 2 years
Reasons for rejection of applicants include if the property has not been vacant for 2 years and/or was built after 1993.
It was clarified that proof of vacancy can be established via low ESB usage, other criteria can be found on the FAQ’s on the website. Most of the 85 properties are in rural locations, the expansion of the grant to include rental properties should see more urban properties availing of the grant. Works must be completed within 13 months.
Mr. D. Noone to revert to Members re: query on how long the property has to be registered in the person’s name in order to avail of the grant.
Further queries can be forwarded to Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer at vacanthomes@sligococo.ie .
Mr. D. Noone left the meeting at 10.40am.
5. 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
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“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”
A resolution was passed calling on Sligo County Council to request an update from the NTA. An update on the Rural Link survey was also requested.
It was agreed to take Councillor M. Casserly’s Motion No. 6 at the end of the meeting.
7. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO REVIEW THE MINI ROUNDABOUT AT THE ENTRANCE INTO KIERNAN AVE ESTATE AND BESIDE SCOIL MHUIRE AGUS ÍOSAF PRIMARY SCHOOL IN COLLOONEY AND ALSO LOOK AT PUTTING IN A PEDESTRAIN CROSSING IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Councillor T. Healy stated that he was satisfied with the response he got back regarding this Motion.
8. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR AN UPDATE REPORT ON THE PEDESTRAIN CROSSING FOR THE MAIN STREET IN BALLISODARE. THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION HAS TAKEN PLACE OVER A YEAR AND HALF AGO AND NO FUNDS OR DATE
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Councillor T. Healy stated that he was satisfied with the response he got back regarding this Motion.
9. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR AN UJPDATE ON ACTIVE TRAVEL FROM TOBERBRIDE TO COLLOONEY. WHAT STAGE ARE WE AT AND WHEN WILL PUBLIC CONSULTATION START IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY?”
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Councillor T. Healy stated that he was satisfied with the response he got back regarding this Motion.
Councillor D. Gilroy stated that it was important that the Sligo County Council Plenary Meeting did not determine what went on Agendas for the MD.
Councillor T. Fox stated that this had been discussed at the Plenary Meeting and at the Corporate Policy Meeting
10. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO APPLY FOR SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS GRANT IN 2024 TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE R290 WITH VERGE STRENGTHENING AND OTHER SAFETY WORKERS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to apply for specific improvements grant in 2024 towards the improvement of the R290 with verge strengthening and other safety workers”
Councillor T. Healy highlighted the need for funding for these road improvements. Councillor T. Walsh thanked staff for work completed through the roads programme.
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that in the context of the condition of the Regional Roads throughout County Sligo and as capacity and works programming allows, Sligo County Council Road Design office will review this road. If appropriate, consideration can be given to making an application for future Specific Improvement Grant funding.
11. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO APPLY FOR FUNDING TO PUT A RAMP ON THE R290 ON THE BALLYGAWLEY SIDE JUST PASS THE ENTRANCE TO KING FORT MANOR ESTATE IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to apply for funding to put a ramp on the R290 on the Ballygawley side just pass the entrance to King Fort Manor estate in the interest of health and safety”
Councillor T. Healy highlighted the health and safety concerns local residents and the school have regarding this issue.
Mr. P. Hampson reported that Sligo County Council Road Design office will review this location and consider an application for funding under future Low Cost Accident funding.
Councillor T. Walsh acknowledged the work of Sligo County Council and funding received from the Department and investment into Ballintogher. It was highlighted that the road into King Fort is falling away and is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. The surface outside St Theresa’s School also requires attention.
Councillor T. Healy informed Members that the developers working at the school will address the surface outside the school as part of their remit.
Councillor D. Gilroy noted that €404,000 will be spent on the R290 over the next three years, 35% of spend on regional roads.
Mr. P. Hampson will revert to Councillor T. Walsh re: issue outside of the school.
12. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PUT UP WARNING SIGNS ON THE COLLOONEY TO COOLANEY ROAD REGARDING DEER AS A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS HAS OCCURRED ON THIS ROUTE DUE TO DEERS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to put up warning signs on the Collooney to Coolaney road regarding deer as a number of accidents has occurred on this route due to deer”
Mr. P. Hampson stated that Sligo County Council will erect 2 No. ‘Deer Warning’ signs, one at each end of the road.
Councillor T. Healy welcomed this update.
It was agreed to take Councillor Casserly’s Motions Nos. 13, 14 and 15 at the end of the meeting.
16. TO ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO ADDRESS SPEEDING ISSUES ALONG THE R284 AT DRUMISKABOLE AND CARRY OUT A REVIEW OF SAME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to address speeding issues along the R284 at Drumiskabole and carry out a review of same”
Councillor T. Walsh stated that this has been an issue for some time and that a letter has been issued to the CE regarding the matter. Residents want the speed sign be moved out towards the Ballygawley side and the speed limit reduced to 60km.
Councillor T. Healy supported the motion.
Mr. P. Hampson stated that speed was a matter for an Garda Siochana and queried if anything could be done from a design point of view regarding the overtaking lane. Councillor T. Walsh responded stating that the overtaking lane was a separate issue and did need to be looked at. Mr. P. Hampson will revert regarding a speed review. Mr. J. Molloy informed Members that speed reviews are usually carried out per County as Bye Laws may be required.
Members requested that this be put on the agenda for the next Infrastructure SPC Meeting.
Councillor T. Walsh thanked Mr. K. Monaghan for work in securing funding for this area.
Mr. P. Hampson to discuss design issues and moving of the speed sign with Councillor Walsh.
17. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME FROM CASTLE DARGAN RESORT TO BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide an update on Active Travel Scheme from Castle Dargan resort to Ballygawley village”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that Sligo County Council have appointed a Consultant Engineer to progress the project. The initial gateway approval has been received for the options assessment report from the National Transport Authority. The preliminary design of the scheme is at an advanced stage. Initial contact has been made with landowners along the route. It is envisaged that meetings with the landowners will take place in the near future.
Councillor T. Walsh thanked Mr. P. O’Rourke for work completed and requested a date for when the preliminary design would be carried out. Mr. P. Hampson to revert to Councillor T. Walsh regarding this.
Councillor T. Walsh also thanked Sligo County Council for correspondence sent to local residents and highlighted the importance of communication with communities. Councillor T. Healy supported the Motion and requested that Sligo County Council check if all residents on this road had received correspondence.
Councillor T. Walsh emphasised the need for a footpath between Castle Dargan and Ballygawley as a matter of urgency given the safety concerns involved.
18. TO ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO REVIEW SET-DOWN AREA AT ST JOHN’S NATIONAL SCHOOL IN BALLISODARE (WOODBROOK HEIGHTS SIDE) AND UPGRADE LININGS WITH A VIEW TO MAKING THE AREA SAFER. THAT THIS AREA BE CONSIDERED FOR A SAFE CROSSING UNDER THE LOW COST ACCIDENT SCHEME IN THE 2023 APPLICATION PROCESS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to review set-down area at St John’s National School in Ballisodare (Woodbrook Heights side) and upgrade linings with a view to making the area safer. That this area be considered for a safe crossing under the low cost accident scheme in the 2023 application process”
Mr. P. Hampson reported that Sligo County Council Road Design office will review this location and consider an application for funding under future Low Cost Accident funding.
Councillor T. Walsh thanked Mr. P. Hampson and stated that a set down area and pedestrian crossing are required. It was requested that the yellow box would be repainted and that enquiries would be made as to who owns the two grass verges. These could be removed to provide additional parking. Additional signage was also requested.
Councillor D. Gilroy supported the motion.
Councillor T. Healy stated that there was also a number of housing estates involved and that speed ramps had been requested previously in order to address the issue of speeding. Mr. P. Hampson will look into short term solutions.
Councillor M. Casserly joined the meeting at 11.20am.
19. THAT MEMBERS OF SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BE INFORMED WHO IS ACTING NORTH SLIGO AREA ENGINEER UNTIL A NEW AREA ENGINEER IS APPOINTED AND WHEN WILL A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT AS AREA ENGINEER FOR NORTH SLIGO BE IN PLACE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That members of Sligo Drumcliffe Municipal District be informed who is acting North Sligo Area Engineer until a new Area Engineer is appointed and when will a permanent replacement as Area Engineer for North Sligo be in place”
Mr. J. Molloy stated that recruitment of staff is an Executive Function and that any issues should be directed to Mr. P. Hampson as MD Engineer. The vacancy will be filled as soon as possible.
Councillor D. Gilroy emphasised the need for an Acting Area Engineer in the interim given the amount of work to be carried out in the MD area and their roles as Elected Members in ensuring service delivery in the MD area.
Councillor T. Fox supported the motion and highlighted the need for this to be prioritised. Councillor T. Fox welcomed Mr. P. Hampson to his first MD Meeting in his role as MD Engineer. Mr. D. Noone was thanked for his work in the role previously.
Councillor T. Walsh stated that service provision is a matter for the Members and that the community of North Sligo is entitled to have an Area Engineer. Councillor T. Walsh enquired as to when an Area Engineer would be recruited/redeployed and what the timeline would be.
It was acknowledged that Mr. K. Monaghan was covering the areas North and East of the County.
Members thanked Mr. D. Noone, Mr. V. Cooney and the outdoor staff for works completed over the years and requested that the recruitment of an Area Engineer be kept on the top of the agenda.
Councillor T. Healy and Councillor D. Gilroy highlighted the need for additional outdoor staff in the MD area.
Mr. J. Molloy acknowledged Members concerns and stated that recruitment was ongoing and that there will be General Operatives coming in which will bring other changes. Mr. J. Molloy confirmed that there was a competition ongoing for engineers, however, it is difficult to get suitable people given the current challenging environment within recruitment at all grades and levels. It was confirmed that there would be a competition for the Area Engineer, it was hoped that a person would be in situ over the summer dependent on the suitability of applicants. It was also highlighted that any recruitment process cannot begin until the position being recruited for becomes vacant.
20. THAT MEMBERS OF SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BE INFORMED HOW MUCH MONEY WAS SPENT ON THE REFURBISHMENT OF MULLAGHMORE TOILETS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS AND IF THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR CLEANERS REFERRED TO AT ITEM 35 (APRIL 2023 PLENARY MEETING) HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND WHEN THE TOILETS WILL BE OPENED AND A CLEANER APPOINTED?
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That members of Sligo Drumcliffe Municipal District be informed how much money was spent on the refurbishment of Mullaghmore toilets in the last three years and if the procurement process for cleaners referred to at item 35 (April 2023 Plenary Meeting) has been completed and when the toilets will be opened and a cleaner appointed
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that as part of a Village Enhancement Scheme in 2020, refurbishment works were undertaken on the toilet block in Mullaghmore, to the value of €11,500 (ex. VAT).
The Tender to clean the public toilets in Mullaghmore, Rosses Point and Enniscrone was issued on 10th March 2023 to 7 No. Cleaning Contractors. No responses were received, so the Tender was reissued on 05th April, which included a further 5 No. Cleaning Contractors. Again, no responses were received. The Environment Team contacted the Cleaning Contractors individually, but no Contractor was interested due to lack of staff, availability and the geographical spread of the sites. Discussions are ongoing between community groups in Mullaghmore and Area Staff, to see if an alternative viable solution can be reached, and in the interim, portaloos have been provided by Sligo County Council.
Councillor D. Gilroy enquired as to why no tenders had been received and suggested that this be reviewed as it was vital to have this facility given the volume of tourists visiting the area. There is an issue with campervan users using the portaloos to dispose of waste matter, resulting in the portaloos filling up very quickly and then not being available to visiting tourists.
Councillor T. Walsh supported the motion and queried what the situation was in Rosses Point.
Mr. P. Hampson stated that Sligo County Council staff were servicing the toilets in Rosses Point.
Councillor M. Casserly queried if Sligo County Council staff could service the toiles in Mullaghmore, particularly for the summer months?
Mr. P. Hampson responded that there may be an opportunity for local community groups to take on the servicing of the toilets at all three locations, Mullaghmore, Rosses Point and Enniscrone. Some funding may be available through Environment, however public indemnity insurance may be an issue.
Mr. P. Hampson confirmed that a swing barrier will be put in place into the carpark at Mullaghmore beach.
21. FOLLOWING FROM MOTION PASSED AT THE NOVEMBER 2022 MOTION:
“TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ESTATES
a) SPRINGHILL CLOSE ROSSES POINT N(FROM EIRCODE F91 NH93)
b) THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF SPRINGHILL CLOSE (FROM EIRCODE F91 EF44)
c) THE ESTATE ON DRUM ROAD RATHCORMAC (FROM EIRCODE F91 P9C3)
IN THE ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME FOR 2024. CAN THE COUNCIL CONFIRM IF SIX MONTHS AFTER MY PREVIOUS MOTION THESE ROADS HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND WHAT PLANS ARE IN PLACE, SHOULD ADDITIONAL FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE TO ACCESS SUCH ADDITIONAL FUNDS IN A TIMELY MANNER. PLEASE CONFIRM WITH REGARD TO EACH ROAD WHEN THEY WERE INSPECTED AND WHAT LEVEL OF DISREPAIR WAS REPORTED ON EACH ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“Following from motion passed at the November 2022 Motion:
“To call on Sligo County Council to include the following estates
- Springhill Close Rosses Point n(from Eircode F91 NH93)
- The road immediately North of Springhill Close (from Eircode F91 EF44)
- The estate on Drum Road Rathcormac (from Eircode F91 P9C3)
in the Road Maintenance Programme for 2024. Can the Council confirm if six months after my previous motion these roads have been inspected and what plans are in place, should additional funds become available to access such additional funds in a timely manner. Please confirm with regard to each road when they were inspected and what level of disrepair was reported on each road”
Mr. P. Hampson stated that the response to the NOM in November 2022 was as follows:
“None of the above road mentioned roads are included on the 2022-2024 Multi Annual Restoration Improvement Programme. However, if additional funds become available, they can be included for consideration.”
And that this response still stands. There are no additional funds available.
Councillor D. Gilroy will follow up on this.
6. 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:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“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”
The following response received from Uisce Éireann was circulated to the Members prior to the MD Meeting and read out by Mr. P. Hampson as follows:
“Uisce Éireann is currently conducting investigation works (studies and trial wells) on the potential for additional groundwater in the area of North Sligo Water Treatment Plant. Subject to successful conclusion of this work an upgrade at the Water Treatment may be undertaken to secure this supply in line with the National Water Resource Plan”
Councillor M. Casserly stated that it was good to hear that the work is ongoing and progressing. Another update will be requested in 6-9 months.
Councillor D. Gilroy acknowledged the work of Joe O’ Connell, retired from Water Services.
Councillor T. Healy spoke about the affect poor quality water provision has on local communities and businesses and the need for this to be prioritised.
13. THAT THE ISSUES OF ACCESS, DOG CONTROL, CAMPING ETC AT ROSSES POINT BE ADDRESSED AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BEACH MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE BE DISCUSSED:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That the issues of access, dog control, camping etc at Rosses Point be addressed and the establishment of a beach management committee be discussed”
Councillor M. Casserly queried if flexible bollards could be used to alleviate the issue of caravans and campervans blocking pedestrian access in Rosses Point and that Bye Laws need to be adhered to. Mr. P. Hampson will revert.
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that access issues are being considered by the Piers & Harbours Team. Dog Control signs will be reviewed and any missing signs will be put up again in the coming weeks, in advance of the new season. Litter Wardens and area staff will be doing regular patrols to manage unauthorised camping for the 2023 season. The Water Safety Officer works closely with members of the Rosses Point Development Association, RNLI, Coastguard and the Area Staff with regard to beach management issues.
Members agreed that Bye Laws with regard to dogs and camping are not being enforced. Infrastructure is required to be provided for tourists and this needs to be looked at by Sligo County Council. An application under the Towns and Villages Renewal Scheme for 200k was suggested for the redesign and redevelopment of the car park in Rosses Point.
14. TO SEEK AN UPDATE ON THE ROAD AND BRIDGE RESTORATION WORKS THAT ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT AT COLLINSFORD, DRUMCLIFFE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To seek an update on the road and bridge restoration works that are to be carried out at Collinsford, Drumcliffe”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that this road no L74121- 0 is located at the top of a ravine adjacent to the Drumcliffe River. In recent years during adverse weather, sections of the road verge eroded and slid into the ravine adjacent to the river compromising the integrity of the road structure. Road No L74121- 0 is a cul-de-sac and provides access to a house and agricultural lands. The progression of remedial works has been very complex due to the fact that the site is adjacent to a recorded monument & registered archaeological site (ringfort). It is also located directly above the Drumcliffe River. Sligo County Council will progress with recommendations outlined in the Section 12 notice issued by the National Monument Service, with respect to the recorded monument, which includes an archaeological assessment. Remedial works require the re-routing of the road into agricultural land to the south of the recorded monument which will also require land acquisition. Negotiations are ongoing with the landowner to acquire the necessary lands. Sligo County Council have applied for funding to the Department of Transport to progress this scheme.
Councillor M. Casserly requested a timeline. Mr. P. Hampson responded that it was difficult to give a timeline for this as discussions were ongoing with the landowner.
Councillor M. Casserly requested to be kept informed of progress on this.
Councillor T. Walsh left the meeting at 12.05pm.
15. TO SEEK AN UPDATE ON FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN GRANGE VILLAGE UNDER THE ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To seek an update on footpath improvement works in Grange Village under the Active Travel Scheme”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that Sligo County Council has had detailed discussions with the TII and the NTA. The project must comply with the TII approval process. The NTA will provide input in terms of design requirements. The project will be progressed subject to capacity and programming of works within the Active Travel Department.
Councillor M. Casserly and Members voiced their frustration at how slow progress is on progressing these works and that this was an ongoing issue for some time.
Mr. P. Hampson spoke about the lack of recourses and stated that he would revert to Councillor M. Casserly with an update.
It was
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy and Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To request a meeting with the TII to discuss footpath improvement works in Grange under the Active Travel Scheme”
It was also agreed that Members would meet with Mr. B. Scott, Mr. P.O’ Rourke and Mr. B. Hampson prior to any meeting with the TII.
21. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Noted.
22. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Councillor M. Casserly congratulated the U15 Naomh Molaise Gaelic Team on winning the County Féile Competition A Championship and wished them well in the Connacht Final in early July. Councillor D. Gilroy seconded this.
23. CORRESPONDENCE:
There was no correspondence.
24. DATE & VENUE OF THE NEXT MD MEETING:
To be agreed at the AGM.
25. DATE & LOCATION OF THE AGM MEETING
Monday 19th June at 11.30am in the Council Chamber.
26. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor T. Healy proposed that a meeting be held with Members from other MD areas and relevant Ministers to discuss infrastructure in this MD area, particularly, the N15, N59, N17 and the Eastern Garavogue Bridge. This was seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy.
Councillor D. Gilroy stated that meetings with Minister’s should be focused with a short agenda. It was suggested that the Chief Executive’s from Counties Sligo and Mayo be present at the meeting to discuss the N17 as it is a regional issue.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor T. Fox concluded the meeting and thanked those in attendance.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.25pm.
Meeting Date 22/05/2023