Minutes 2024

Minutes of Sligo–Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting held on Monday 15th July 2024 at 09.30 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Marie Casserly
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Healy
  • Councillor Edel McSharry
  • Councillor Thomas Walsh

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Ray O'Grady, Executive Planner
  • Mr. Dermot McTernan, Area Engineer
  • Mr. Conleth Whelan, Area Engineer
  • Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
  • Ms. Jane Golden, Staff Officer

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

 

APOLOGIES:

None

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dónal Gilroy, presided. The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 27TH MAY 2024:

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 27TH May 2024”.

 

2. MINUTES OF AGM MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 28TH JUNE 2024:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor E. Mc Sharry

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the AGM Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 28th June 2024”.

 

3.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

 

4. 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:

  • 81 applications have been received
  • 62 initial inspections have been completed
  • 62 grants were approved
  • 2 grants were rejected
  • 5 applications were withdrawn

There were fifty - three urban grants and twenty-seven rural grants allocated. Eight applicants have received payment. A review of the scheme has been completed and recommendations have gone to the Minister for bringing to the Dáil after the summer recess in September.  It was clarified that the grant was for individuals, not businesses or companies.

 

5. TO ASK FOR AN UPDATE ON THE TAKING IN CHARGE OF CEOL NA MARA AND SEAVIEW PARK IN CLIFFONEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for an update on the taking in charge of Ceol na Mara and Seaview Park in Cliffoney”

Meetings have been held with the bondholder of Ceol na Mara and they are currently looking at costs for completion of the estate.  Mr. D. Noone to contact the bondholder and get back to members with an update.

A site meeting has been held in Sea View Park and works are required on footpaths.  Uisce Eiréann has been contacted.  Works will continue to progress.  This is to be kept on the agenda for updates.

 

6. TO REQUEST THAT VERGES BE TRIMMED AT ALL JUNCTIONS IN THE MD IN THE INTEREST OF ROAD SAFETY:

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

AND AGREED

“To request that verges be trimmed at all junctions in the MD in the interest of road safety”

Works have been carried out.  It was requested that all junctions on local roads be reviewed given the recent growth.  It was suggested that stone be used at verges at T junctions, not grass given safety concerns.  Members supported the motion.

 

7. TO SEEK AN UPDATE ON THE R278 RE PLANS FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON THAT ROAD TO THE LEITRIM BORDER:

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

AND AGREED

“To seek an update on the R278 re plans for safety improvement works on that road to the Leitrim border”

To be kept on the agenda for the 2025 Roads Safety Improvement Works Scheme.

 

8. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO WRITE TO THE HSE TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT SUBMISSION TO BRING COLLOONEY PRIMARY CARE & DAYCARE CENTRE UP TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF STANDARD FOR THE GROWING POPULATION THAT AVAIL OF THIS SERVICE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the HSE to receive an update on the Capital Development submission to bring Collooney Primary Care & Daycare Centre up to a higher level of standard for the growing population that avail of this service”

This issue to be kept high on the agenda.  Cllr. D. Gilroy to circulate a response he received regarding this issue to members.  Members supported the motion.

 

9. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR A FULL REPORT ON THE FUNDING RECEIVED TO BALLISODARE UNDER THE RURAL REGENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND IN 2022 OF €580.000 PLUS MATCHING FUNDING FROM SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL OF €145.000 BRINGING A TOTAL OF €725.000:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for a full report on the funding received to Ballisodare under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2022 of €580.000 plus matching funding from Sligo County Council of €145.000 bringing a total of €725.000 

  1. What money has been spent to date and where and who decided this 
  2. What level of engagement with the residents has taken place or other stakeholders in Ballisodare 
  3. When will plans be put up for public consultation on where and how the money will be spent 
  4. What is the date that all funding has to be spent by and who is leading out on this project 
  5. When will a full presentation be given to the Sligo/Drumcliffe MD area” 

Two sites have been purchased in Ballisodare.  Consultants are being appointed to put forward design concepts which will then go to public consultation.  Ballisodare Community Council involved in documenting local history.  It was suggested that displaying this local information should be included in any plans.  The importance of consultation with property owners was highlighted.  It was clarified that spend on the project is drawn down as required.  Members supported the motion.

 

10. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PUT A PLAN IN PLACE FOR THE COMMITMENT OF PROVIDING AN INITIAL TRIAL OF A ONE-WAY SYSTEM IN COLLOONEY COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER AND THAT ALL STAKEHOLDERS ARE NOTIFIED IN TIME:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to put a plan in place for the commitment of providing an initial trial of a one-way system in Collooney commencing in September and that all stakeholders are notified in time” 

Members highlighted the importance of communication and requested that contact be made with the following regarding this pilot one – way system:

  • Local Link
  • Bus Eireann
  • Businesses in the area
  • Parish Priests

Councillor T. Healy requested that a meeting be held with all rate payers and community groups in the area, prior to the commencement of the system,  to go through the plan.  It was suggested that this meeting would take place in the Old School in Collooney.  Mr. P. Hampson to revert to members.  Members supported the motion.

 

11. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL REVIEW THE UNPRECEDENTED SPEED LEVELS ON APPROACH TO BALLYFREE BRIDGE BETWEEN CARRAROE AND OAKFIELD WITH A VIEW OF A LCAS APPLICATION:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review the unprecedented speed levels on approach to Ballyfree Bridge between Carraroe and Oakfield with a view of a LCAS application”

Councillor T. Walsh highlighted the issue of speeding in this area and that yellow road lines had not been reinstated after recent works.  Mr. P. Hampson clarified that it was policy to reinstate what was there before and that this can be looked at.  Mr. P. Hampson to revert to members regarding a speed survey and associated costs.    The survey will have to be requested from Roads Design and fit into their work programme.  Councillor T. Healy highlighted how roads had been left after recent works by Uisce Eireann.  Members supported the motion.

 

12. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF BUS SHELTERS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS FOR BALLISODARE VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provides an update on the provision of bus shelters and pedestrian crossings for Ballisodare village”

Progress on works was welcomed by members.  Councillor T. Walsh queried if works on the pedestrian crossing could be brought forward.  Councillor T. Healy to discuss the drawing for the project with Mr. P. Hampson after the meeting.

 

13. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL DEAL WITH THE DRAINAGE ISSUES AND THE DAMAGE CONSISTENTLY DONE TO THE ROAD SURFACE ON THE L-7229-0 AT BALLYMULDERRY/ARDTARMON ON THE MAIN ACCESS ROAD TO RAGHLY HARBOUR:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council deal with the drainage issues and the damage consistently done to the road surface on the L-7229-0 at Ballymulderry/Ardtarmon on the main access road to Raghly Harbour”

A CCTV survey was carried out last Friday, blockages were identified, which will require works.  Members to be informed once works are completed.  Mr. P. Hampson to seek clarification as to whether a larger pipe is required.  Members supported the motion.

 

14. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CARRY OUT A SURVEY OF ROAD SIGNAGE ALONG THE N15 AND IDENTIFY ANY ROAD SIGNS THAT INHIBIT SIGHT LINES FROM ACCESS ROADS OR FROM DWELLINGS, AND THAT THESE SIGNS ARE REMOVED OR RELOCATED TO A SAFER LOCATION:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council carry out a survey of road signage along the N15 and identify any road signs that inhibit sight lines from access roads or from dwellings, and that these signs are removed or relocated to a safer location”

Members suggested that TII be contacted requesting that a survey of road signage be carried out.

 

15. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH A LIST OF THE ROADS (RM OR RI) ON THE ROADS PROGRAMME 2024 THAT HAVE SO FAR NOT HAD THE AGREED WORKS AS DESCRIBED IN THE ROADS SCHEDULE CARRIED OUT AND TO PROVIDE A REASON WHY EACH OF THESE ROADS HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETED:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide members with a list of the roads (RM or RI) on the Roads Programme 2024 that have so far not had the agreed works as described in the roads schedule carried out and to provide a reason why each of these roads have not been completed”

Councillor D. Gilroy requested that members be informed of any updates.  Mr. P. Hampson stated that there have been no changes to what had been agreed at the start of the year.  Councillor M. Casserly highlighted that works being completed earlier in the year has been positive and suggested that other areas of work could be considered for being brought forward where possible.

 

16. GIVEN THE FACT THAT THERE HAS BEEN TWO FATALITIES ON THE SECTION OF ROAD, I CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO MAKE AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT TO REALIGN A SECTION OF THE R290 BETWEEN KILROSS AND CASTLEDARGAN AT DUNAMURRAY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“Given the fact that there has been two fatalities on the section of road, I call on Sligo County Council to make an application for funding to the Department of Transport to realign a section of the R290 between Kilross and CastleDargan at Dunamurray”

Councillor T. Walsh stated that this response was not adequate and could not be accepted.  Mr. J. Molloy to revert to the Director of Services and request a further update, considering previous reports given on this issue.  Members requested that this item be placed as a headed item on the agenda for the next MD Meeting.  Members supported the motion.

 

17. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNCIL TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF PURCHASING ADJACENT AVAILABLE LAND TO REOPEN KILMACOWEN CEMETERY:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo Council to explore the possibility of purchasing adjacent available land to reopen Kilmacowen cemetery”

Mr. P. Hampson to revert to members with a timeline as to when a review of all cemeteries within the County will be completed.  It was suggested that this could be put as an agenda item for the September Plenary Council Meeting.

 

18. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNCIL TO WIDEN THE ROAD AT THE VERY DANGEROUS CORNER ON R292 PAST THE RANSBORO ROUNDABOUT ON THE ROUTE TO STRANDHILL. THERE IS NO VISIBILITY ON THE CORNER FOR ONCOMING CYCLIST WALKERS OR CARS:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo Council to widen the road at the very dangerous corner on R292 past the Ransboro roundabout on the route to Strandhill. There is no visibility on the corner for oncoming cyclist walkers or cars”

Mr. P. Hampson stated that this location is being investigated and considered for an application to the Department of Transport for funding under the Safety Improvement Works Scheme 2025.  It was noted that there is a long list of projects.  Councillor E. Mc Sharry requested that this issue be kept on the agenda.  Members supported the motion.

 

19. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING IN ROSSES POINT: BASIC SHOWERS AND A SAFETY RAIL AT THE SWIMMING ACCESS, REPAIRS TO THE PUBLIC TOILET AND A SAFE WALKING ACCESS TO THE BEACH:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo Council to provide the following in Rosses Point:

  1. basic showers and a safety rail at the swimming access
  2. repairs to the public toilet
  3. a safe walking access to the beach”

Mr. P. Hampson gave a report.  Councillor E. Mc Sharry welcomed the report and requested that signage be erected to direct people to the safety rail and that actions would be taken to advance the new amenity planned for Rosses Point.

 

20. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were noted.  Members joined in a vote of sympathy for Mr. Michael White RIP, ex teacher at Grange Post Primary School.

 

21. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Votes of congratulations were noted.  Members joined in wishing Ms. Mona McSharry, Mr. Christopher O’ Donnell, Ms. Lauren Caden and Mr. Dean Clancy well as they prepare to participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Members extended a vote of congratulations to the Spanish Ambassador on the Spanish Team winning the UEFA EUROS 2024.

 

22. CORRESPONDENCE:

None.

 

23. DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING:

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

AND AGREED

“To hold the next Sligo – Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting in Cliffoney Community Hall on Monday 16th September at 09.30am”

It was confirmed that it is not required for potential meeting locations to have access to Information Technology to hold Municipal District Meetings.

 

24. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Members welcomed that staff were present at the meeting, and it was suggested that staff from the Road Design office attend meetings.  Councillor M. Casserly suggested that a presentation from the Road Design Team be given to members at Plenary Council Meetings, a few times a year, to keep members up to date.

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.30am.


Meeting Date 15/07/2024