Minutes 2024
Minutes of Sligo–Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting held on Monday 27th May 2024 at 09.30 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Marie Casserly
- Councillor Tom Fox
- Councillor Donal Gilroy
- Councillor Thomas Healy
- Councillor Thomas Walsh
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms. Marian O'Callaghan, A/Senior Architect
- Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms. Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
- Ms. Jane Golden, Staff Officer
(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
APOLOGIES:
None
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Thomas Walsh, presided. The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 11TH MARCH 2024:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 11TH March 2024 be confirmed”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising.
3. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND - VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT:
Mr. A. Grandison gave an update for the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area as follows:
- 71 applications have been received
- 52 first inspections have been completed
- 48 grants were approved
- 2 grants were rejected
- 5 applications were withdrawn
There were forty-eight urban grants and twenty-two rural grants allocated. Six applicants have received payment. A request for additional supports and a proposal to extend the scheme from 12 months to 18 months has been favourably received by the Minister.
4. UPDATE ON THE PREPARATION OF A COUNTY SLIGO BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN:
Ms. R. Hanniffy gave a comprehensive, informative presentation on the County Sligo Biodiversity Plan 2024 – 2030.
The Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan will seek to protect, conserve, and restore Sligo’s rich and diverse natural heritage including wildlife, natural habitats, flora, and fauna. It will outline existing biodiversity and conservation initiatives and identify and prioritise actions and resources to meet current and future pressures, threats and opportunities concerning the natural environment.
The plan will be implemented in parallel with the County Sligo Heritage Strategy 2023-2030 and the Sligo Climate Action Plan. It will review and build on the previous Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2011-2015 while reflecting the approach and objectives of the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan.
The Plan will be developed and implemented in collaboration with the County Sligo Biodiversity Working Group. This non-statutory advisory group includes representation from Sligo County Council, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Irish Farmers Association, LAWPRO, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Atlantic Technical University, local Elected Representatives, local biodiversity organisations and farming representatives.
A Pre-Draft Consultation for the Biodiversity Action Plan is intended to run from mid-May for a six-week period. Submissions to the plan can be made by online survey, by attending a public information and consultation session, or by making a written submission. Following the consultation period, it is in intended to complete the Draft Biodiversity Action Plan in September/October 2024, following which time it will undergo public consultation and review by Members of Sligo County Council and SPC 3.
A success grant application has been made to the Heritage Council to support the preparation and delivery of the County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan.
Members thanked Ms. Hanniffy for her presentation and stated that this was a positive plan. Members highlighted the importance of education, especially through schools and Tidy Towns Committees. Landowners are key as ownership is not always easy to establish. The Members noted the plan.
5. THAT SLIGO CO CO COLLABORATE WITH FÁILTE IRELAND TO DEVELOP A NEW TOURISM AND MARKETING PLAN FOR THE VILLAGE OF MULLAGHMORE AS IT IS AN IMPORTANT DESTINATION POINT ON THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Co Co collaborate with Fáilte Ireland to develop a new Tourism and Marketing Plan for the village of Mullaghmore as it is an important destination point on the Wild Atlantic Way”
Councillor Casserly welcomed the report and highlighted the need for more public lighting on the top road and additional bike stands. Provision is also required for campervans. It was hoped that the public toilets would be open for the summer season. Members agreed that there is untapped potential for tourism in the area and they looked forward to Fáilte Ireland’s plans.
6. TO SEEK AN UPDATE ON ALL VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT WORKS IN ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To seek an update on all village enhancement works in Rosses Point”
Members requested that the reason the recent RRDF funding application was not successful be sought while exploring the possibility of another application being submitted. Failte Ireland funding received was welcomed. The finishing of footpaths was discussed, along with the issue of speeding coming into the village. It was suggested that new Councillors get a briefing on options for the Assessment Stage of the Active Travel Scheme in Rosses Point.
The Members acknowledged the work of the Rosses Point Development Association.
7. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ASK AS A MATTER OF URGENCY THAT TII PROVIDE FUNDING FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE FORM OF NEW ROAD MARKINGS TO INCLUDE DESIGNATED TURNING LANES AT JUNCTIONS BETWEEN THE VILLAGES OF GRANGE AND CLIFFONEY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council ask as a matter of urgency that TII provide funding for safety improvement works in the form of new road markings to include designated turning lanes at junctions between the villages of Grange and Cliffoney”
Councillor M. Casserly hoped that after a meeting held with the TII last week which Members had attended, that these issues would be brought to the Minister. This issue needs to be kept on the agenda for updates. The assessment of a junction at Cloysparra for a possible Safety Improvement Scheme was welcomed. An increase in funding is required to address these issues.
8. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO CARRY OUT A SAFETY SURVEY TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH SPEEDING GOING THROUGH THE VILLAGES AT BOTH ENTRANCES INTO BALLYGAWLEY, CARROWROE, SOOEY AND OTHER VILLAGES ALONG THE R284 IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AND TO MAKE SIGNAGE MORE VISIBLE WHEN ENTERING THESE VILLAGES:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out a safety survey to address concerns with speeding going through the villages at both entrances into Ballygawley, Carrowroe, Sooey and other villages along the R284 in the interest of health and safety and to make signage more visible when entering these villages”
Councillor T. Healy welcomed the report and highlighted the need to address the issue of speed coming into the village.
9. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO EXTEND THE FOOTPATH ON THE R286 FROM CALRY/ST JOSEPH GAA CLUB TO ST. ANGELA'S COLLEGE, THIS WOULD BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE STUDENTS TRAVELLING TO THE COLLEGE UNDER THE ACHIEVE TRAVEL SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to extend the footpath on the R286 from Calry/St Joseph GAA Club to St. Angela's College, this would be of great benefit to the community and the students travelling to the college under the achieve travel scheme”
Councillor T. Healy welcomed the work done through the Active Travel Schemes. The importance of infrastructure being in place for students travelling to St Angela’s was highlighted.
Members agreed to take items No. 10 and No. 11 together.
10. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO ADDRESS THE ONGOING CONCERNS AT CARRAROE NATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE INTEREST OF PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND THE NEED FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ON THE APPROACH ROADS AND AROUND OUR SCHOOL AREA:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to address the ongoing concerns at Carraroe National School in the interest of pedestrian safety and the need for traffic management on the approach roads and around our school area”
11. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF THE URGENTLY REQUIRED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN CARRAROE CENTRE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL CHILDREN:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the provision of the urgently required pedestrian crossings in Carraroe centre to ensure the safety of the local community and school children”
Councillor T. Healy stated that it was important to listen to the school and the community about their concerns.
Councillor T. Walsh thanked Mr. M. Carty for funding received. It was suggested that additional land beside the school could be considered as an option. Council staff were thanked for their work to date and the upcoming realignment. Members agreed that this was a complex piece of work.
12. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON TIMELINE FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF DESIGN TEAM TO DEVELOP A CONCEPT FOR BALLISODARE CENTRE WHICH HAS FUNDS OF €400,000 AVAILABLE TO IT UNDER THE RRDF:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on timeline for the procurement of design team to develop a concept for Ballisodare centre which has funds of €400,000 available to it under the RRDF”
Mr. M. Carty and his team were thanked for their work. Councillor T. Walsh welcomed the report.
Ms. M. O’Callaghan to revert to Members with a report on who the stakeholders are and with an update on the project’s progress. Ballisodare Community Council were thanked for their work over the past two years.
13. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO MAKE PROVISION FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING IN COLLOONEY CENTRE AND TO ENSURE WHERE THERE IS FURTHER DEVELOPMENT THAT THE PROVISION OF PARKING IS CONDITIONED:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
“To call on Sligo County Council to make provision for additional parking in Collooney Centre and to ensure where there is further development that the provision of parking is conditioned”
Councillor T. Walsh stated that there are limited options for car parking in Collooney and asked Sligo County Council to explore and consider all options.
Ms. M. O’Callaghan to revert to Members to clarify if there is a strategic plan in place for Collooney. Members welcomed the fact that funding had been put in place for a Collooney Town Team.
14. TO ASK FOR A TIMELINE FOR THE REPAIR OF FOOTPATHS AT PINE GROVE GRANGE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
“To ask for a timeline for the repair of footpaths at Pine Grove Grange”
Councillor D. Gilroy welcomed the report and update. Mr. P. Hampson stated that there was limited funding available for these works, i.e. €70K.
15. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PUT IN PLACE SAFETY BARRIERS AS WARNING SIGNS ARE BEING IGNORED AT THE BRIDGES APPROX 950M PAST THE DERELICT SCHOOL ON A STEEP DECLINE WHERE THERE IS A DOG’S LEG TURN ON THE ROAD AS IT DESCENDS THE MOUNTAIN TOWNLAND OF GLENIFF ON THE HORSESHOE ROAD L7130 TRAVELLING CLOCKWISE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
“That Sligo County Council put in place safety barriers as warning signs are being ignored at the bridges approx. 950m past the derelict school on a steep decline where there is a dog’s leg turn on the road as it descends the mountain Townland of Gleniff on the Horseshoe Road L7130 travelling clockwise. This Scenic route has become extremely popular with tourists as motorists and cyclists and a number of vehicles have ended up in the Ballaghnairillick (Ballintrillick) River thankfully with no fatalities so far”
Members requested that Mr. P. Hampson revert with a more detailed report to include how strong the walls would be.
16. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PLACENAMES COMMITTEE CONSIDER CALLING THE NEXT ROAD TO BE NAMED IN THE GRANGE AREA TO BE CALLED BARRY ROAD IN RECOGNITION OF SERVICE TO SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL BY THE LATE COUNCILLOR PATSY BARRY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
“That Sligo County Council Placenames Committee consider calling the next road to be named in the Grange Area to be called Barry Road in recognition of service to Sligo County Council by the late Councillor Patsy Barry”
All Members agreed that this would be considered at the next Placenames Committee Meeting in Q3 2024.
17. TO REQUEST THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE FOOTPATHS ON THE N16 NORTH OF THE ABBVIE ROUNDABOUT AT BARRAROE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
“To request that Sligo County Council provide footpaths on the N16 north of the Abbvie roundabout at Barraroe”
Councillor T. Fox welcomed the report.
18. VOTES OF SYMPATHY
Noted.
19. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
Noted.
20. CORRESPONDENCE
Noted.
21. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor T. Walsh thanked everyone for their attendance and their courtesy during his time as Cathaoirleach. He wished everyone well in the forthcoming election.
Councillor T. Healy wished his colleagues the best of luck.
Councillor M. Casserly thanked the Cathaoirleach for his fair chairing of Municipal District meetings and wished everyone well.
Councillor D. Gilroy wished everyone the best of luck and highlighted his concern for this MD area.
Concern was also expressed at other Municipal District area Cathaoirligh officiating at events in the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area.
It was then:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
To write to the Chairperson of the CPG raising Members concerns as follows:
“Members raised their concern at the use of another Municipal District’s chain of office at a recent event in their area. Members ask the CPG to develop a policy around the use of the chain of office and that the correct chain of office be used in every MD area.”
Councillor T. Fox wished everyone well.
Members thanked the staff of SCC for their work and assistance. Members requested an update on the recruitment of a replacement for Mr. K. Monaghan, area engineer. A/DOS and the CE to revert with an update.
The business of the meeting concluded at 12noon.
Meeting Date 27/05/2024