Minutes 2024
Minutes of Sligo–Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting held on Monday 16th September 2024 at 9.30 am in Cliffoney Community Hall, Cliffoney, 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 O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer
- Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Michael Conway, Executive 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 Cliffoney Community Hall.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 15th JULY 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 15thJuly 2024”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
Councillor D. Gilroy referred to actions within the minutes that required follow up. Mr. D. Noone to follow up with the bondholder in Ceol na Mara estate and taking in charge of Sea View Park. Mr. P. O’Rourke to follow up with TTI regarding road signage along the N15. Councillor T. Walsh requested that members be given updates on assessments referenced in reports on Notices of Motions as they occur. These updates to be given via the Meetings Administrator.
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:
- 87 applications have been received
- 71 initial inspections have been completed
- 71 grants were approved
- 2 grants were rejected
- 6 applications were withdrawn
There were fifty - five urban grants and thirty-seven rural grants allocated. Thirteen applicants have received payment. It was confirmed that any appeal is internal and there are no further appeals.
Councillor E. McSharry joined the meeting at 9.45am.
4. REFERRED FROM JULY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETING - COUNCILLOR T. WALSH – NOTICE OF MOTION:
GIVEN THE FACT THAT THERE HAVE 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:
Mr. P. O’Rourke informed members that there are several schemes already agreed which are further developed and therefore will take priority. Councillor T. Walsh suggested using the Low Costs Accidents Scheme. Mr. P. O’Rourke to take a closer look at options for update at the next meeting.
Councillor T. Healy joined the meeting at 9.50am.
5. TO NOMINATE ONE MEMBER TO THE SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PEACE PLUS PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
To appoint Councillor T. Healy to the Sligo County Council PEACE Plus Partnership Committee.
6. TO SEEK AN UPDATE ON THE N15 FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES IN THE VILLAGES OF CLIFFONEY AND GRANGE INCLUDING POTENTIAL FUNDING ALLOCATIONS AND COMMENCEMENT DATE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To seek an update on footpath improvement schemes in the villages of Cliffoney and Grange including potential funding allocations and commencement date”
Members agreed to take Items No. 6 and 19 together.
Members highlighted their frustration at the lack of funding allocated to complete these works and at how long this has been on the agenda. Mr. P. O’Rourke concurred and stated that Sligo County Council had to comply with regulations to get funding. It was agreed that a member of the Sligo Regional Design Office would be requested to attend the next MD Meeting with an update.
Mr. J. Molloy joined the meeting at 10.00am.
7. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO CONTACT THE OWNERS OF THE MILL APARTMENTS IN BALLISODARE TO ADDRESS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS AND TO DEMAND THAT THE OWNERS LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THEIR INTENTIONS WITH THE BUILDING IS IT TO BE KNOCKED DOWN OR RESTORED AND GIVE A TIME FRAME WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to contact the owners of the Mill apartments in Ballisodare to address the health and safety concerns and& to demand that the owners Let the council know their intentions with the building is it to be knocked down or restored and give a time frame when this will happen”
Mr. J. Molloy gave an update stating that a report on the independent structural review is due this month. Developers will get a copy of the survey. An executive summary of the report will be forwarded to members in October. Members to be informed when the report is received by Sligo County Council. A meeting with the owners is scheduled for the beginning of October to review best options.
Members requested that the Enforcement Department write to the developers/owners of the building highlighted that it was accessible to the public and a health and safety hazard.
8. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO CARRY OUT A SPEED SURVEY ON CHAPEL ROAD IN GRANGE IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AND TO INSTALL SAFETY MEASURES ON THE OUTCOME OF THE SURVEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out a speed survey on Chapel Road in Grange in the interest of health and safety and to install safety measures on the outcome of the survey”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report. Councillor T. Healy requested that Sligo County Council look at putting in a yellow box before the new houses are built.
9. TO UPGRADE THE R292 ROUTE TO CARROWMORE TOMBS. THIS ROAD NEEDS TO BE WIDENED TO FACILITATE THE FREQUENT BUS, CAR, CYCLIST AND WALKER USAGE AS A RESULT OF THE LOCATION OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ATTRACTION:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To upgrade the R292 route to Carrowmore tombs. This road needs to be widened to facilitate the frequent bus, car, cyclist and walker usage as a result of the location of national and international tourist attraction”
Councillor E. McSharry requested that this road be put on a priority list as the road is not fit for purpose. It was requested that Local Link be contacted to consider the provision of a bus stop at this location.
10. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO CARRY OUT A SURVEY TO ADDRESS THE ONGOING CONCERNS WITH THE JUNCTION WHICH SERVICES THE R287, R284, AT CARRAROE AND MAKE AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY TO CARRY OUT A SPEED SURVEY ON THE CARRAROE TO CUILBEG ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to carry out a survey to address the ongoing concerns with the junction which services the R287, R284, at Carraroe and make an application for funding in the interest of health and safety to carry out a speed survey on the Carraroe to Cuilbeg Road”
Members highlighted the issue of speed at this location and the need for a survey to be carried out. The Active Travel Scheme is at an advanced stage and will provide dedicated walking facilities and traffic calming, along with a pedestrian crossing at the crossing at the junction of R287/R284. The mandate of An Garda Síochána regarding the issue of speeding was highlighted.
11. GIVEN THE FACT THAT WE DO NOT HAVE A DESIGNATED PURPOSE-BUILT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN GRANGE VILLAGE, I WISH TO REQUEST THAT THIS BE EXPLORED BY RELEVANT STAFF AND DEPARTMENTS TO IDENTIFY COUNCIL OWNED LANDS IN THE VILLAGE OF GRANGE THAT WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY CENTRE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“Given the fact that we do not have a designated purpose-built Community Centre in Grange village, I wish to request that this be explored by relevant staff and departments to identify council owned lands in the village of Grange that would be suitable for the development of a Community Centre”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report. Mr. J. Molloy stated that a needs analysis driven by the community would be required to ascertain the need and identify the most appropriate option. Once completed, a meeting with the Community and Economic Development section can be arranged. Mr. J. Molloy to discuss potential supports with Ms. D. Clarke. Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG was suggested as a possible support. Members agreed that a professional would be required to carry out the community plan.
12. TO REQUEST UPGRADES TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE SPEED RAMPS ON SHAWS AVENUE, HAZELWOOD AS THEY HAVE DETERIORATED OVER THE YEARS AND HEIGHTS ARE INCONSISTENT WITH CURRENT STANDARDS:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To request upgrades to be carried out on the speed ramps on Shaws Avenue, Hazelwood as they have deteriorated over the years and heights are inconsistent with current standards”
Speed ramps at Hazelwood Avenue will be assessed and considered for upgrade as necessary.
13. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF BUS SHELTERS AND BUS STOPS ACROSS SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE AND A TIMELINE WITH WHAT WILL BE PROGRESSING IN 2024/2025:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the provision of bus shelters and bus stops across Sligo Drumcliffe and a timeline with what will be progressing in 2024/2025”
Mr. P. O’Rourke stated that there is a comprehensive list of proposed bus stops/shelters under the Enhancement Programme. The first draft of concept designs has been received from the NTA for bus stop locations in the MD area. It is anticipated to have updated final design drawing received after stakeholder consultation and NTA approval, where necessary, by end Q4/Q1 2025. This is a rolling project to be delivered over several years.
Councillor D. Gilroy requested that members be provided with a list of what is being considered and prioritised. The administration of this project requires review. Consent from relevant stakeholders should be acquired prior to information going into the public domain.
Councillor M. Casserly welcomed the new bus shelters at Rosses Point and requested that a bus stop at Dunleavey’s, Maugherow be prioritised, as this is already a Local Link stop and is used regularly.
Mr. J. Molloy stated that a process was required dependent on where the Bus Eireann licences were issued and that bus stops/shelters were provided based on passenger numbers.
14. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CARRY OUT A SPEED SURVEY ON THE SLIGO ROAD OUT OF BALLISODARE ON FOOT OF THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND NEAR MISSES THAT ARE HAPPENING ON A DAILY AND WEEKLY BASIS. THAT IT BE CONSIDERED FOR APPLICATION FOR A SAFETY SCHEME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council carry out a speed survey on the Sligo Road out of Ballisodare on foot of the number of accidents and near misses that are happening on a daily and weekly basis. That it be considered for application for a safety scheme”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report. Mr. P. O’Rourke reported that an issue with GDPR has resulted in data on accidents not being available which is crucial to making decisions and prioritising. This is being worked on and requires a change in legislation.
Mr. P. Hampson to look into hedge cutting, chevrons and signage in the area through the TII procedure.
Councillor D. Gilroy requested that the RSA make a presentation to the relevant SPC regarding this. This request to be processed through the CPG.
15. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL CARRY OUT A SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF THE DANGEROUS CORNER AND ALSO THE CROSSROADS WITH POOR SIGHT LINES AT AUGHAMORE NEAR ALONG THE R287 AND PROVIDE A REPORT ON SAME:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council carry out a safety assessment of the dangerous corner and also the crossroads with poor sight lines at Aughamore Near along the R287 and provide a report on same”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that the junction will be assessed, and an application can be made for Safety Improvement funding in 2025, if appropriate. Mr. P. O’Rourke stated that each low-cost accident scheme costs €30K approximately, with a budget of €250K approx. annually. Members agreed that funding needs to be increased and perhaps smaller projects could be looked at. Trees at the Aughamore junction require attention, a map to be forwarded to the engineer.
16. AS COUNCILLORS REPRESENTING THIS AREA, TO COLLECTIVELY WRITE TO THE TRANSPORT FOR IRELAND OFFICE TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESIDENTS IN THEIR REQUEST TO RE-ROUTE OF LOCAL LINK ROUTE 982 TO SERVICE THE RATHBRAUGHAN, TEESAN, LISNALURG AREA:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“As Councillors representing this area, to collectively write to the Transport for Ireland Office to support local residents in their request to re-route of Local Link Route 982 to service the Rathbraughan, Teesan, Lisnalurg area”
Councillor T. Healy to forward report for sending with the letter.
17. AS COUNCILLORS REPRESENTING THIS AREA TO COLLECTIVELY WRITE TO THE NATIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY TO REINSTATE THE SCHEDULE AND TO ADJUST DEPARTURE TIMES ON THE S2 TO ACCOMMODATE THE SCHOOL TRIP TO ROSSES POINT. CHILDREN PREVIOUSLY WERE ABLE TO TAKE THIS BUS TO SCHOOL HOWEVER DUE TO RECENT DOUBLING OF THE SERVICE THE SCHEDULE TIME HAS MADE IT NOT POSSIBLE FOR CHILDREN TO TAKE THE BUS TO THEIR LOCAL SCHOOL IN ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“As Councillors representing this area to collectively write to the National Transport Authority to reinstate the schedule and to adjust departure times on the S2 to accommodate the school trip to Rosses Point. Children previously were able to take this bus to school however due to recent doubling of the service the schedule time has made it not possible for children to take the bus to their local school in Rosses Point”
The following was added to the Notice of Motion as agreed by Members – “And that the Transport Authority survey the impact of changing the timetable on residents”.
18. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUE A REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE MD DETAILING WHAT ACTIONS THEY ARE TAKING ABOUT THE USE OF LISSADELL BEACH AND WOODS AS A CAMP SITE FOR BOTH HOLIDAY AND PERMANENT RESIDENTIAL USE, WHERE THERE ARE NO FACILITIES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WASTE FROM DOMESTIC OR HUMAN SOURCES.
HAS THE PLANNING OFFICE TAKEN ANY ACTION ABOUT THE USE OF THE FOREST AS A CAMPSITE OR THE PERMANENT RESIDENCE THAT HAS BEEN SET UP BY ONE INDIVIDUAL IN THE FOREST RESULTING IN THE PATHWAYS BEING USED AS A TOILET FACILITY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report to the members of the Sligo Drumcliffe MD detailing what actions they are taking about the use of Lissadell beach and woods as a camp site for both holiday and permanent residential use, where there are no facilities for the disposal of waste from domestic or human sources. Has the planning office taken any action about the use of the forest as a campsite or the permanent residence that has been set up by one individual in the forest resulting in the pathways being used as a toilet facility?”
Councillor D. Gilroy requested that the area engineer contact Coillte regarding this issue. Members highlighted that it was important that people were made aware that this land is owned by Coillte and not Sligo County Council.
19. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUE A REPORT ON HOW MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENTS IN GRANGE AND CLIFFONEY SINCE 2019, HOW THE MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT AND INCLUDING PROVISIONAL SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS TO SHOW WHAT FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ARE PROPOSED:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report on how much money has been allocated for footpath improvements in Grange and Cliffoney since 2019, how the money has been spent and including provisional schematic drawings to show what footpath improvement schemes are proposed”
As per Item No.6.
20. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUE A REPORT ON THE FLOODING ON THE L32031-0 AT CLOONTYPROCKLIS GRANGE BETWEEN THE GRANGE VILLAGE AND THE GRANGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
DOES THE PIPE GOING TO THE WWTP HAVE CAPACITY FOR THE SURFACE WATER INTAKE DURING HEAVY RAIN EVENTS
IS THERE GREY/BROWN WASTEWATER COMING OUT ONTO THE ROAD DURING HEAVY RAIN EVENTS
HAS THE CAMBER OF THE ROAD BEEN CHANGED TO TURN THE FLOOD WATER THAT COMES OUT OF THE MANHOLES TOWARDS THE HOUSES ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE ROAD INSTEAD OF TOWARDS THE RIVER
HAVE IRISH WATER BEEN ENGAGED WITH ABOUT THE WASTEWATER FLOODING FROM THE MANHOLES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report on the flooding on the L32031-0 at Cloontyprocklis Grange between the Grange Village and the Grange Wastewater Treatment plant.
- Does the pipe going to the WWTP have capacity for the surface water intake during heavy rain events
- Is there grey/brown wastewater coming out onto the road during heavy rain events
- Has the camber of the road been changed to turn the flood water that comes out of the manholes towards the houses on the southern side of the road instead of towards the river
- Have Irish Water been engaged with about the wastewater flooding from the manholes”
Mr. P. O’Rourke and the area engineer to follow up with Uisce Éireann to get this issue resolved. Councillor T. Healy requested that the Environment Section write to Uisce Éireann regarding the members concerns as this is a Health and Safety issue with wastewater on the road and in the fields.
21. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of sympathy were noted.
22. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Votes of congratulations were noted. Councillor D. Gilroy requested a vote of congratulations to be sent to the Cliffoney Tidy Towns Committee on winning the Tidy Towns Regional Endeavour Award 2024.
23. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted.
24. DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To hold the next Sligo – Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting on Tuesday 29th October at 10.00am in the Council Chamber”. The Sligo – Drumcliff Municipal District Budget Meeting to be held directly after the MD Meeting.
25. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Members requested a member of the Road Design office to attend the next MD Meeting.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.37am.
Meeting Date 16/09/2024