Minutes 2023
Minutes of Sligo–Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting held on Monday 13th November 2023 at 09.30 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Marie Casserly
- Councillor Tom Fox(R)
- Councillor Donal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Healy
- Councillor Thomas Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services
- Mr. Frank Moylan(R) ,Senior Planner
- Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms. Jane Golden, Staff Officer
(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
APOLOGIES:
There were no apologies.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Walsh, presided.
Members recorded a vote of sympathy to the family and work colleagues of Ms. Majella Sweeney Noone who sadly passed away over the weekend. Ms. Sweeney Noone worked in the Environment Department of Sligo County Council. May she rest in peace.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present and online to the meeting. Reports on Notices of Motions were circulated to Members prior to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 18th September 2023”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 22ND SEPTEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo – Drumcliff held on 22nd September 2023:
3. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 31ST OCTOBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo – Drumcliff held on 31st October 2023:
4. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
5. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
Members agreed to take this item later.
6. TO SEEK AN UPDATE RE: GARDEN AND HORTICULTURE AREAS AT CLOONAMAHON NATIVE WOODLAND PARK:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to seek an update from the HSE and Western Forestry on the upgrade of the old farmyard and orchard relative to the provision of a sensory garden and horticulture area at Cloonamahon Native Woodland Park”
Councillor T. Walsh welcomed the reply given by Sligo County Council and also that a Strategy Committee was going to be put in place to progress this.
5. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
Mr. F. Moylan reported that applications for this fund were on the rise, with an even spread throughout all three Municipal District areas. 183 applications have been received to date, with forty-five of these in the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area. Inspections will continue in a timely manner, grants in respect of these applications will be approved as they comply with the criteria. A legal agreement has to be put in place before grants can be awarded. The Department is working on a solution to some delays being experienced by people in the putting in place of these legal agreement.
7. WRITE TO IRISH WATER OUTLINING URGENCYOF NEW PIPES AT FINNID, CARNEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To ask that Sligo County Council write to Irish Water to outline the urgency of having new water pipes fitted at Finnid in Carney as soon as possible”
Councillor M. Casserly thanked Sligo County Council and Irish Water for the report. It was requested that this item be kept on the agenda for an update in January/February when more is known about the Programme of Works. This was agreed by Members.
8. IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT OLD BUNDORAN ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“That improvement works be carried out on the old Bundoran Road to facilitate increased pedestrian numbers on that section of road”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report which was welcomed by Members. Councillor M. Casserly thanked Sligo County Council staff for works completed to date and requested that this item be kept on the agenda. This was agreed by Members.
9. PUBLIC LIGHTING EXTENDED TO ROSSES POINT BEACH CAR PARK
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That public lighting be extending to Rosses Point beach Car Park”
Members agreed that any improvements would be welcomed.
10. WRITE TO TII OR NTA FOR UPDATE ON BUS SHELTERS IN COLLOONEY AND BALLINTOGHER AND OTHER AREAS IN SLIGO DRUMCLIFF:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the TII or the NTA for a update on bus shelters in Collooney and Ballintogher and other areas in the Sligo Drumcliffe with the increase used of bus services in the County”
It was confirmed that Sligo County Council are currently constructing bus shelters in Cliffoney, Grange, Cartron and Cairns Road, Sligo. The Council is currently developing a 4 year priority list for future Bus Shelter locations throughout the County. Members expressed their concerns at the length of time it takes to put a Bus Shelter in place, the spec/cost of shelters was also discussed as to whether a lesser spec would suffice for some areas. Mr. P. Hampson confirmed that the NTA have a certain spec for bus shelters which must be adhered to in order to ensure that they are maintained.
11. WRITE TO MINISTER TO SEEK A REVIEW OF UNSHIN CATCHMENT SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister to seek a review of the Unshin catchment scheme which includes the Unshin, Owenmore, Owenbeg & Arrow River & request funding for maintenance & drainage of these rivers”
Councillor T. Healy queried if funding was available to deal with this issue. It was confirmed that the Winter Management Programme was only for roads. As other funding does not include these rivers, a resolution was passed that a letter be sent to the Minister seeking a review of the Unshin catchment scheme.
12. UPDATE ON ROUNDABOUT/JUNCTION AT SCOIL MHUIRE AGHUS IOSAF, COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for a update report regarding the roundabout and junction at Scoil Mhuire agus Iosaf in Collooney”
Councillor T. Healy thanked Sligo County Council for works completed at Scoil Mhuire agus Iosaf. The Council will review the existing layout with a view to addressing current safety concerns. Any intervention will require funding and at present there is no funding available. Mr. P. Hampson will bring the Members concerns back to the Road Design Team.
13. UPDATE ON PEDRSTRIAN CROSSING IN MULLAGHMORE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update relative to the provision of a buildout and pedestrian crossing in the centre of Mullaghmore adjacent to roundabout”
A report stated that funding has been allocated for a new junction layout and a pedestrian crossing at the Mullaghmore Pier Junction. It is anticipated that works will commence in Q4 2023/Q1 2024. Members welcomed this update. Concerns were raised regarding the location of the current bus stop and Members queried if this could be relocated for safety reasons. Mr. P. Hampson stated that a detailed design will be made available to Members prior to works commencing.
14. UPDATE ON FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR BURIAL GROUNDS IN GRANGE/ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To seek an update on the feasibility study of access to the lands that may be suitable for a new burial ground in Grange. And also to see any further updates on the feasibility of sites in Rosses Point for new burial grounds”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that the Area Office has conducted trial hole inspections in Rosses Point and Grange on lands identified as possible sites for burial grounds. In Grange, a location on the site was identified that may be suitable and access options are being investigated. In Rosses Point, site rock was found close to ground level making it an unsuitable burial ground site. Further identification of a suitable site is now required.
Councillor M. Casserly stated that it was positive that a suitable site has been identified in Grange. Mr. P. Hampson reported that one of the access options would be at the housing site/car park at Grange, with a road to go up and over the hill, another access option is near the GAA pitch. Councillor M. Casserly requested that Members be kept up to date with progress on the identification of a suitable site in Rosses Point.
Councillor D. Gilroy hoped that a letter of thanks had been issued to the landowner in Rosses Point and he thanked Mr. J. Feeney. Councillor D. Gilroy requested that Mr. J. Molloy, Director of Services get this item progressed as a priority.
Mr. T. Healy welcomed the update and use of Council lands for the cemetery and housing in Grange and queried if there was funding available. Mr. P. Hampson confirmed that the site at Grange was at an early stage with options for access still being considered. Mr. J. Molloy stated that Sligo County Council will not be applying for funding until a plan and planning permission had been approved. Planning permission will not be sought until the Development Plan is approved. It is hoped that a plan and planning would be approved towards the end of 2024. Potential for funding through the Council Budget and Government Departments will then have to be considered.
All Members supported the motion.
Councillor M. Casserly highlighted the importance of not referencing people by name in a public forum, given sensitivities and confidentiality regarding these issues, while also taking into consideration the fact that these people are not present in the Council Chamber when being discussed.
15. REQUEST UPGRADE OF PRIMARY CARE CENTRE IN COLLOONEY FROM HSE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the HSE and ask them to conduct an upgrade of the current Primary Care Centre in Collooney. That this Motion be relayed to the CE of Saolta Group, the Minister for Health, the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste”
Councillor T. Walsh stated that this facility has lacked any investment for some time and is not fit for purpose given the population that it now serves. Additional space along with car parking is required for the facility which requires a complete upgrade. Councillor T. Walsh requested that Councillor D. Gilroy take this issue up with the Health Forum which Councillor D. Gilroy agreed to do. It was agreed that letters be sent to the Minister, the CEO of the Saolta Group and An Taoiseach and an Tanaiste asking for an update on the upgrading of the facility. Councillor T. Healy stated that he had met with the HSE some time ago and that they had reported that there was not enough space for car parking, however, investment in the facility was hoped for over the coming years. All Members supported the motion.
16. CONTACT NTA RE: PROVISION OF SIGNAGE/TIMETABLES ALONG NEW LOCAL LINK ROUTES:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the National Transport Authority relative to the provision of bus stop signs/poles/timetables along all stops on the new and existing Local Link Routes in County Sligo”
Councillor T. Walsh welcomed all of the new routes and the level of investment going into public transport at present. However, information is required on where bus stops are located, who the transport providers are, along with bus timetables in order to complete the service. Sligo County Council will contact the NTA with regards to the provision of bus stops, signs/poles/timetables along all stops on the new and existing Local Link routes in County Sligo.
17. URGENT REPAIRS PAST SCOTSMAN WALK TO SHANNON EIGHTER:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out the urgent repairs on the N15 as you ascend the hill past Scotsmans Walk northbound at Shannon Eighter”
Councillor D. Gilroy stated that this road is not being maintained and is in need of repair. Members expressed their concern at the danger to residents while accessing this road. Mr. P. Hampson stated that Sligo County Council Area Office will conduct maintenance on this section of road as required. Sligo Road Design Office has identified this section of National Primary Road as a future overlay scheme, however there is no timeframe on this as present. Mr. P. Hampson will meet with Members at this location as requested. Councillor D. Gilroy requested a definitive answer regarding the timeframe of the overlay works and requested that this be kept on the agenda for the next meeting. This was agreed by Members.
18. COSTINGS FOR TARRED FOOTPATHS IN AHAMLISH GRAVEYARD AND REMOVAL OF RUBBLE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to provide costing on the provision of tarred footpaths in Ahamlish Graveyard to allow for easier access to burial plots for older members of the community and to remove any rubble that may be lying around in the graveyard from grave digging”
Councillor D. Gilroy suggested that Councillors Proposals be considered for funding of this footpath. The local community might also consider providing some funding towards costs. It was requested that Mr. P. Hampson provide Members with a costing for these works. It was also highlighted that there is a drainage issue at this Graveyard.
Members requested that Mr. J. Molloy provide an update on what monies are collected from burial costs along with an update on how and where these funds are allocated. Mr. P. Hampson reported that a small budget is allocated for the maintenance of graveyards throughout the County.
Councillor D. Gilroy thanked Sligo County Council for circulating reports on Notices of Motions prior to the MD Meeting and stated that it was helpful to have these replies in advance of the meeting.
19. URGENT REPAIRS ON THE L3304 BETWEEN COOLDRUMMAN UPPER AND COOLDRUMMAN LOWER:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to conduct the urgent repairs on the L3304 at the bridge between Cooldrumman Upper and Cooldrumman Lower. This road is repaired several times every year and urgently needs to be repaired as soon as possible as a Restoration Improvement over a very short distance. And that traffic calming and increased lighting be installed at the Cooldrumman Cottages”
Mr. P. Hampson reported that the L3304 will be considered for inclusion on the next Three Year Roads Programme.
20. VOTES OF SYMPATHY
Noted.
21. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
Councillor D. Gilroy requested that a vote of thanks and congratulations be sent to Sligo County Council’s Heritage Officer, Ms. S. Ryan acknowledging the work that went into organising of the recent event to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Evacuation of Innismurray.
Councillor D. Gilroy also requested a vote of congratulations for Mr. Danny McHugh on receiving the Netwatch Family Carer’s Award.
22. CORRESPONDENCE
Noted.
23. DATE & VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING
As the January 2024 Council Plenary Meeting will potentially be held on Monday 15th January 2024, it was
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
To hold the next Sligo – Drumcliff MD Meeting on Monday 22nd January 2024 at 9.30 am in the Council Chamber. Other dates for meetings were agreed for 2024 as follows:
- Monday 11th March at 9.30 am
- Monday 20th May (as May Council Plenary Meeting will potentially be held on Monday 13th May)
These dates to be circulated to Members.
24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor T. Fox requested that the L74282 be considered for the Roads Programme and that consideration be given to having access to the toilets in Rosses Point over the winter months. It was noted the door on these toilets needs to be repaired.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.00am.
Meeting Date 13/11/2023