Minutes 2024
Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Tuesday 29th October 2024 At 10.00am in The 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. Michael Conway, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Conleth Whelan, Area Engineer
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
- Ms. Pauline Lavelle, 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 16TH SEPTEMBER 2024:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 16th September 2024”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
In relation to the attendance of a member of the Road Design team and a representative from TII at MD meetings going forward as agreed at the last meeting and queried by Councillor T. Walsh at today’s meeting, Mr. Molloy confirmed that correspondence has issued in this regard, and a response is awaited. It was agreed to pass on the date of the next MD meeting to the Road Design Office and the TII, with a request to attend.
3. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND - VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT:
Mr. Grandison gave an update for the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area as follows:
- 95 applications have been received
- 77 initial inspections have been completed
- 77 grants were approved
- 2 grants were rejected
- 5 applications were withdrawn
There were 59 urban grants, and 38 rural grants allocated. 23 final inspections have been completed. 14 applicants have received payment.
4. 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 T. Walsh
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”
Members were informed that the speed limit review of urban zones will be carried out in Q1 of 2025 and that the issue of speed limit enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
In response to Members’ concerns regarding the need for reduced speed limits and measures to address safety issues in this area, Mr. M. Conway advised that queries in this regard would be best raised with the Road Design Office at the next meeting. Mr. Conway added that this matter is to be addressed countywide, and it is expected that there will be changes to the speed limits on roads in all towns and villages in the New Year.
5. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR AN UPDATE REPORT ON THE N4 ACTIVE TRAVEL COLLOONEY TO TOBERBRIDE, WE ARE CURRENTLY IN PHASE 2 OF THE PROJECT, HOW LONG MORE WILL THIS PROCESS TAKE BEFORE WE SEE A BRIDGE OR UNDERPASS IN PLACE IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the N4 Active travel Collooney to Toberbride, we are currently in Phase 2 of the project, how long more will this process take before we see a bridge or underpass in place in the interest of health and safety”
Mr. Conway provided an update report on the status on the N4 Active Travel Collooney to Toberbride project, currently in Phase 2, which is anticipated to be completed in Q1 2025, at which point Sligo County Council will commence Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation on the Preferred Corridor subject to TII approval and funding.
Members thanked Mr. Conway for the report, adding that this project must be progressed as a priority, in the interests of safety for road users and the people of Collooney.
6. TO ASK THAT IMPROVEMENTS BE CARRIED OUT AT THE LISLARRY CROSSROADS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE SURFACE AND SKID RESISTANCE AT THIS LOCATION. HEAVY VEHICLES PARTICULARLY BUSES ARE EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES ESPECIALLY DURING WET AND COLD WEATHER:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To ask that improvements be carried out at the Lislarry crossroads in order to improve the surface and skid resistance at this location. Heavy vehicles particularly buses are experiencing difficulties especially during wet and cold weather”
A report advised Members that the North Sligo Area Office will inspect the road surface at this location and determine if remedial measures are required, adding that any intervention proposed will be subject to appropriate funding being available.
Councillors. Casserly and Gilroy expressed concern on the issue of safety at this location and stated that a stronger, more durable surface needs to be added to the existing surface as a matter of urgency. Mr. Conway advised that there are several factors that would influence the ability of vehicles to slow stop, and he will investigate this further.
7. THAT HEDGE CUTTING BE CARRIED OUT AT DANGEROUS JUNCTIONS AND ROAD SIGNAGE IN THE SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE MD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That hedge cutting be carried out at dangerous junctions and road signage in the Sligo Drumcliffe MD”
Mr. M. Conway gave a report on hedge cutting carried out in the North Sligo area on regional roads and at select locations, where deemed necessary, adding that landowners and occupiers are responsible for the satisfactory maintenance of their hedgerows along public roads.
Members thanked Mr. Conway for the report, stating that this matter needs to be kept on the agenda in the interests of public safety, particularly during the summer months when tourists are visiting the area. It was noted that Leitrim have a scheme in place whereby communities put up a portion of the hedge cutting costs in conjunction with the local authority, and this could be a model for this local authority to follow. In response to a query, Members were advised that, when the season commences, the Council use social media and local papers to advertise landowners’ obligations under the Road Traffic Act. Mr. Molloy added that any grants to assist with hedge cutting costs would come from the Council’s own funds and may, therefore, impact funding for other projects.
Councillor M. Casserly thanked the Roads staff for the works carried out during the recent storm.
8. THAT CLIMATE EVENT FUNDING BE ACCESSED FOR UPGRADE AND REPAIRS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE PUBLIC ROAD ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BUNDUFF LAKE AS THE ROAD IS CURRENTLY IMPASSABLE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That climate event funding be accessed for upgrade and repairs to be carried out on the public road on the north side of Bunduff lake as the road is currently impassable”
Mr. Conway advised that this road will be assessed, and an application can be made under the funding stream Climate Change & Adaption & Resilience Scheme, if considered appropriate.
Members highlighted their frustration at how long this matter has been ongoing, and the very bad state of the road in question, which is designated as a North-West Cycling Route and is not fit for purpose.
Councillor Casserly requested that this matter be kept on the agenda and that Members be informed when funding becomes available and receive a report on works to be done.
9. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO INCLUDE CORHOWNAGH IN BALLISODARE IN THE SPEED LIMIT AS PART OF THE VILLAGE OF BALLISODARE IN THE INTEREST OF HEALTY AND SAFETY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to include Corhawnagh in Ballisodare in the speed limit as part of the village of Ballisodare in the interest of health and safety”
Mr. Conway informed Members that this section of road will be assessed as part of Phase 2 of the Review of Speed Limit due to take place in Q1 2025.
Members also expressed concern in relation to traffic entering the village on the roundabout in the village and on the Parkes side of the village.
On a point of clarification, Members were informed that the review of urban and rural zones will happen as a single review as part of the national review of speed limits. Phasing refers to the different categories of routes being looked at.
Councillor D. Gilroy requested that the Roads department brief the Members on this at the next meeting.
10. TO ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO TAKE CHARGE A PIECE OF GROUND, NOT REGISTERED, LOCATED OPPOSITE SUPERVALU IN BALLISODARE (UNION ROAD/OLD ROAD) WHICH WOULD BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AND IS CURRENTLY A SAFETY HAZARD:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to take charge a piece of ground, not registered, located opposite Supervalu in Ballisodare (Union Road/Old Road) which would benefit the community and is currently a safety hazard”
Mr. Conway informed Members that the Council will investigate the ownership of this land and determine the feasibility of progressing its acquisition thereafter.
Councillor Walsh requested that the Council write to its legal team to determine if this land can be taken in charge, to allow the Ballisodare Community Council and Tidy Towns groups to progress a project proposal they have put together for this piece of land.
Mr. Conway will follow up with the Roads department on previous talks with SIPTU around ownership of this piece of land.
11. TO ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO CARRY OUT A SPEED SURVEY AT AUGHAMORE WITH A VIEW OF MAKING THE AUGHAMORE CROSSROADS SAFER ON R287:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to carry out a speed survey at Aughamore with a view of making the Aughamore crossroads safer on R287”
Members were advised that funding has been sought under Safety Improvement Scheme 2025 for the implementation of safety measures at Aughamore Junction R287.
Members welcomed the report and thanked the Roads Design team for their work on this to date.
Mr. Conway agreed to circulate details of the safety measures planned for this area to the Members.
12. TO ASK SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO MAKE AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FOR BRIDGE REHABILITATION FOR A COLLAPSED BRIDGE WALL ON THE COOLANEY TO COLLOONEY ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to make an application for funding for bridge rehabilitation for a collapsed bridge wall on the Coolaney to Collooney Road”
Mr. Conway advised that funding has been sought under The Bridge Rehabilitation Programme 2025 for rehabilitation works to this Bridge.
Members welcomed the report and thanked the engineering team for their work on this to date.
13. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUE A REPORT TO INFORM MEMBERS WHEN THE RESTORATION IMPROVEMENT WORKS FROM THE 2023 PROGRAMME ON THE L74031 AT KEELTY / BARNAROBIN WILL BE COMPLETED AND THE SURFACE DRESSING THAT IS REQUIRED TO MAKE THE SURFACE SAFE WILL BE COMPLETED:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report to inform members when the Restoration Improvement Works from the 2023 programme on the L74031 at Keelty / Barnarobin will be completed and the surface dressing that is required to make the surface safe will be completed”
A report informed Members that the L-74031 has been included on the 2024 Road Works Programme and that the Surface Dressing Season has now closed. It is proposed to complete the works in 2025.
Members welcomed the report and look forward to the works being completed as early as possible in 2025.
14. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUE A REPORT TO INFORM MEMBERS WHEN THE DRAINAGE ISSUES AT AHAMLISH CEMETERY WILL BE COMPLETED AND TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE MOTION FROM SLIGO DRUMCLIFF MD MOTION OF NOVEMBER 2023 “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:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report to inform members when the drainage issues at Ahamlish Cemetery will be completed and to provide an update on the motion from Sligo Drumcliffe MD Motion of November 2023 “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”
Mr. Conway advised that the drainage and footpath issues will be considered as part of the county wide Cemetery review to be finalised in 2025.
In response to queries from the Members, Mr. Conway advised as follows:
- A price for surfacing works cannot be provided until it is established what level of drainage can be provided as this will determine the area to be surfaced
- In relation to the timeline for carrying out of works, work is progressing, albeit slowly, with Councillors funds also available for these works
- Drainage works are only proposed for the newer cemetery and not the older cemetery
15. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUE A REPORT TO INFORM MEMBERS WHERE OR WHAT ACCESS IS AVAILABLE TO GLENCAR LAKE FOR FISHERMEN OR OTHER WATER SPORT PARTICIPANTS ALONG THE L-3404-0 IN COUNTY SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council issue a report to inform members where or what access is available to Glencar Lake for fishermen or other water sport participants along the L3404-0 in County Sligo”
Mr. Conway informed Members that while there appears to be several access points to the lake along L-3404-0, the Council do not own or manage any access along the shores of Glencar Lake, and that much of the lake shore land is registered as being in private ownership.
Members expressed concern that access to Glencar Lake along this stretch of road, which had been available for decades, has now been closed off, without prior notice to users. It was requested that the Council engage in talks with the landowner to come to a suitable arrangement to resolve the access problem to the lake in this area in the future.
16. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of sympathy were noted.
17. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Votes of congratulations were noted.
Councillor M. Casserly requested a vote of congratulations be sent to Coolera Strandhill LGFA on winning the Connacht Junior Championships this weekend.
Councillor Casserly also wished the best of luck to the Drumcliffe Rosses Point Ladies team in the Connacht final of the LGFA Intermediate Club Championship.
Councillors. M. Casserly and D. Gilroy wished the very best of luck to St. Molaise Gaels and Coolera-Strandhill teams in the upcoming County Final replay on Sunday 3rd November.
18. CORRESPONDENCE:
The item of correspondence was noted.
19. DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To hold the next Sligo – Drumcliff Municipal District Meeting in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside on Monday 20th January 2025 at 09.30am”
20. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor T. Walsh asked if a date had been set for the upcoming Roads Programme meeting. Mr. Conway advised that the meeting will likely take place in early 2025. It was requested that an informal consultation take place with the Members before the Programme is finalised, in order that Members can have some input on the roads to be included in the five-year programme. Mr. Molloy will discuss same with Ms. Concannon, A/DOS Roads.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor D. Gilroy wished Councillor Edel McSharry good luck in her upcoming 2024 General Election campaign.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.20 am.
Meeting Date 29/10/2024