Minutes 2025
Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 20th January 2025 At 09.30am 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. Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer
- Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr. Michael Guckian, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Michael Conway, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Conleth Whelan, Assistant Engineer
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
- Ms. Jane Golden, Staff Officer
- Mr. Francis Conboy, IS Technical Support Officer
IN ATTENDANCE:
Ms. Trish Keane, Outdoor Recreation Officer, Sligo Sports & Recreation Partnership
(R) = participated in the meeting remotely
APOLOGIES:
Councillor E. McSharry will be late attending the meeting.
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 29TH OCTOBER 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 29th October 2024”.
2. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 29TH OCTOBER 2024:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 29th October 2024”.
3. MATTERS ARISING:
Councillor T. Healy requested an update on The Mill Apartments, Ballisodare. Mr. J. Molloy stated that a report had been forwarded to the owners of the property and that the Council were awaiting feedback from them. A report will be issued to Members in due course.
Councillor D. Gilroy requested an update on costs for the tarring of the pathways at Ahamlish graveyard.
4. PRESENTATION ON SLIGO COUNTY OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN:
Ms. Trish Kane, Outdoor Recreation Officer (ORO) with Sligo Sports & Recreation Partnership gave a presentation on ‘Planning the Future of Outdoor Recreation in Sligo’. Sligo is one of six Counties that have employed an ORO through this Pilot Project. Sligo’s ORO was appointed in June 2024. This project came out of the National Strategy on Outdoor Recreation. An interim oversight Governance Group/Project Team has been set up which includes Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership, Sligo County Council, Sligo Leader Partnership, Fáilte Ireland, Coillte and Canoeing Ireland. This group will be expanded in time.
The three key tasks of the project include the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan, to be completed by Q2 2025, the establishment of the County Outdoor Recreation Committee in Q1 2025 and to establish a County Stakeholder Forum which will meet on a regular basis. Actions are on target to meet these timeframes. The completed plan will be presented to each Municipal District area.
Outscape Consultants have been appointed to facilitate the development of the Outdoor Recreation Plan for Sligo. Public consultations have been completed which were well received, engagement with stakeholders is ongoing. A total of 183 people engaged in the consultations which were held in Tubbercurry, Enniscrone and Sligo Town.
A County Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Forum will be established in Q3 2025.
Councillor T. Walsh highlighted the importance of measurable outcomes which would be reviewed on a regular basis and the need for a focus on accessibility, particularly in relation to outdoor amenities. Councillor M. Casserly stated that this project will give confidence to tourism providers and services in the County and will consolidate what is already available. Councillor T. Healy highlighted the importance of the provision of amenities across all areas of the County. Councillor D. Gilroy highlighted the need for a plan to be put in place for the maintenance of walks, with a designated person responsible for same.
It was confirmed that Canoeing Ireland were the only sporting association at present on the project team, other sporting bodies will have representation on the team as the project expands and develops.
Ms. Kane concluded her presentation by highlighting the importance of consolidating and improving the quality of amenities and resources that we already have.
5. 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:
- 104 applications have been received
- 88 initial inspections have been completed
- 88 grants were approved
- 2 grants were rejected
- 5 applications were withdrawn
There were sixty-four urban grants, and forty-four rural grants allocated. Seventeen applicants have received payment.
From December 2024, grants will not be paid out for fossil fuels, i.e. oil burners, gas burners. It was highlighted that any delays have resulted due to a lack of information required to process grants being received from applicants.
6. TO CONSIDER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES REPORT ON THE PART 8 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACTIVE TRAVEL FACILITIES IN BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE:
Members welcomed and noted the progression of this project onto the next stage. Councillor T. Walsh requested that submissions from the community be taken on board, particularly the issue of speeding towards the entrance to Castle Dargan. Mr. J. Molloy informed members that the Part 8 would now go to the full Council Meeting for approval, now that the MD members had noted it.
In the absence of Councillor E. McSharry, members agreed to take Items Nos. 7 and 11 together at a later stage in the meeting.
Mr. M. Guckian and Mr. A. Grandison left the meeting at 9.50am.
8. FOLLOWING REPORTS THAT SOME DRIVERS ARE REGULARLY BREAKING RED LIGHTS AT THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING THROUGH CLIFFONEY VILLAGE, CAN I REQUEST THAT THE AREA ENGINEER LOOK AT IMPROVING SIGNAGE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE VILLAGE REQUESTING DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN, OR SOME OTHER SUITABLE INTERVENTION:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“Following reports that some drivers are regularly breaking red lights at the pedestrian crossing through Cliffoney village, can I request that the area engineer look at improving signage at the entrance to the village requesting drivers to slow down, or some other suitable intervention”
Councillor M. Casserly highlighted the extent of the issue of speeding through Cliffoney Village, with cars speeding through the pedestrian crossing at times. It was suggested that a review/extension of the 60km/h speed limits and an island in the centre of the road might be beneficial in tackling the issue.
Mr. P. Hampson to circulate an update on the pedestrian crossings in Cliffoney and Ballisodare to members.
In the absence of Councillor E. McSharry, members agreed to take Items Nos. 9, 10 and 11 later in the meeting.
12. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL WRITE TO IRISH WATER SEEKING AN UPDATE ON WHAT WORK HAS TAKEN PLACE TO DATE AND ASK THEM TO OUTLINE THE PROPOSED PROJECT DELIVERY TIMELINES ON EACH PROJECT FOR 1. MULLAGHMORE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND 2. BALLYGAWLEY VILLAGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to Irish Water seeking an update on what work has taken place to date and ask them to outline the proposed project delivery timelines on each project for 1. Mullaghmore Wastewater Treatment System and 2. Ballygawley Village Wastewater Treatment System”
As no response was received from Úisce Éireann, this Notice of Motion was deferred to the next MD Meeting.
13. IN LIGHT OF MY MULTIPLE MOTIONS AND MEETINGS WITH ROADS STAFF, MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS AND NEAR MISSES, CAN SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL OUTLINE WHAT PLAN IT HAS IN TERMS OF DESIGN TO MAKE THIS AREA AT SCOIL IOSAF/ENTRANCE TO KIERNAN AVENUE/ST MARY’S GREEN IN COLLOONEY SAFE FOR PEDESTRIANS AND ROAD USERS. CURRENTLY THERE IS A ROUNDABOUT THAT IS MAKING THIS AREA EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND A SAFETY REVIEW WAS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN 2021:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“In light of my multiple motions and meetings with roads staff, multiple accidents and near misses, can Sligo County Council outline what plan it has in terms of design to make this area at Scoil Iosaf/entrance to Kiernan Avenue/St Mary’s Green in Collooney safe for pedestrians and road users. Currently there is a roundabout that is making this area extremely unsafe, and a safety review was to be carried out in 2021”
Councillor T. Walsh emphasised the safety issues concerning this roundabout and stated that an intervention is needed along with pedestrian linkages to this area. Councillor T. Walsh requested that a letter be sent to the Minister requesting that this project be fully funded under the low-cost accidents scheme. Members supported the Notice of Motion and members agreed to write to the Minister requesting same.
14. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR AN UPDATE REPORT ON BUS SHELTERS FOR COLLOONEY ON THE BARRICK ROAD AND ALSO BALLISADARE VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on bus shelters for Collooney on the Barrick Road and also Ballisadare village”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that Barrick Road, Collooney is not identified for an upgrade under the current Bus Stop Enhancement Programme list received from the NTA in 2024. Draft designs for Ballisodare Village have been received and are currently at audit stage.
Councillor T. Healy stated that he had written to the NTA in 2018 re: bus shelter on the Barrick Road and had received a reference number. This reference number will be forwarded to the Council for follow up. Councillor T. Walsh stated that Local Link buses were having difficulty getting through Collooney and that a bus stop was required, and buses should be able to travel via the Knockbeg road onto the N17. Councillor T. Healy informed members that Bus Eireann were not in favour of this proposal when approached previously.
Members agreed that letters be sent to Bus Eireann and Local Link requesting a meeting with relevant SCC staff and members to discuss bus shelters in Collooney and Ballisodare.
15. TO CALL ON SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO WRITE TO THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IRELAND TO LOOK AT PROVIDING A PULL IN LANE FROM THE SLIGO SIDE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE BENBULBEN FOREST WALK AT GORTAROWEY SAFETY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the transport infrastructure Ireland to look at providing a pull in lane from the Sligo side to gain access to the Benbulben Forest Walk at Gortarowey Safety”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that this location has not been identified as a high collision location in the two most recent rounds of analysis in 2018-2020 and 2020-2022. As a result, there is no avenue for TII to fund, or for the SRDO to advance a road safety improvement scheme at this location. Councillor T. Healy requested that this be included with any works being done on the N15. A discussion ensued on the possibility of putting flashing warning signs at this junction. Members were informed that the TII are not in favour of such signs. Councillor T. Healy requested that this be kept on the agenda.
16. TO ASK SLIGO COUNTY WHEN WILL THE SPEED LIMIT COME INTO PLACE IN THE VILLAGE IN THE SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFF AREA:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County when will the speed limit come into place in the village in the Sligo/ Drumcliff area”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that Sligo County Council, as directed by the Department of Transport will examine urban speed limits in County Sligo with a view to reducing speed limits in these areas. It is envisaged that this process will commence in Q1 2025.
Mr. P. O’Rourke informed members that there will be public consultations regarding the Urban Road Speed Limits during Q1 2025 and that Government guidelines will have to be adhered to.
Councillor E. McSharry joined the meeting at 10.30am.
17. TO REQUEST THAT GULLIES THROUGH THE VILLAGES OF GRANGE AND CLIFFONEY AND ALL THE SIDE ROADS OFF THEM WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT ZONE TO BE CLEANED OUT AND THE LINES JETTED:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To request that gullies through the villages of Grange and Cliffoney and all the side roads off them within the speed limit zone to be cleaned out and the lines jetted”
Councillor M. Casserly requested that members be emailed to confirm when works have been completed. It was highlighted that the same issues occur in Rathcormac and Drumcliff.
18. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF BUS STOPS AND BUS SHELTERS ACROSS THE SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE AREA, THE POLICY IT FOLLOWS IN RELATION TO BUS STOP V BUS SHELTER AND THE TIMELINE AND COSTS FOR DELIVERY OF ALL PROJECTS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the provision of bus stops and bus shelters across the Sligo Drumcliffe area, the policy it follows in relation to bus stop v bus shelter and the timeline and costs for delivery of all projects”
Members agreed by resolution that this Notice of Motion is put on the agenda for the next MD Meeting. Councillor T. Walsh amended the Notice of Motion.
Notices of Motions Nos 7 and 11 were taken together.
7. TO WRITE TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION TO REQUEST AN UPDATE ON THE APPLICATION FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR GRANGE PPS AND TO CC THE CE OF MSLETB:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“To write to the Minister for Education to request an update on the application for capital investment for Grange PPS and to cc the CE of MSLETB”
11. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO WRITE TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION TO ADVANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GRANGE POST PRIMARY SCHOOL EXTENSION AND TO GRANT THE APPLICATION FOR IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council to write to The Minister for Education to advance the construction of the Grange Post Primary school extension and to grant the application for immediate emergency temporary accommodation to address the current overcrowded conditions”
Members agreed to send correspondence to the MSLETB, to be forwarded to all local TD’s. Councillor T. Healy requested that the Cathaoirleach arrange a meeting between the local TD’s Board of Management and parents. The Cathaoirleach Councillor D. Gilroy stated that he would gladly invite the four TDs to meet with the members and representatives from the Board of Management and parents and that this was a good idea. Councillor T. Walsh gave an update on progress of works at the school. Councillor D. Gilroy requested that Councillor E. McSharry, as a member of the Board of the MSLETB, forward an update to the MSLETB informing them that they had the members support, whilst encouraging them to proactively progress the works. Members supported the Notices of Motions.
Councillor D. Gilroy read out Councillor T. Walsh’s amended Notice of Motion and it was
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“Subject to Motion number 18 on the Sligo – Drumcliff meeting, 20th January 2025, that this Municipal District detail all proposed bus shelters/bus stops being proposed across the Sligo -Drumcliff MD, that a clear policy on the rollout be explored/reviewed at the SPC on Infrastructure and that a report be issued in Q4 on the spend from the allocated €500k”
This Notice of Motion will be on the agenda of the next MD Meeting.
Councillor T. Walsh left the meeting at 10.45am.
9. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO WRITE TO ÚISCE ÉIREANN TO REQUEST THAT THE LAST LEG OF NEW MAINS PLANNED THAT SERVICE THE SEAFIELD, CARROWMORE, KNOCKNAREA AREA TO STRANDHILL RESERVOIR, BE PRIORITISED AS THERE HAVE BEEN WATER DISRUPTIONS ON AN WEEKLY BASIS IN THESE AREAS DUE TO LEAKS IN EXISTING PIPES CAUSING OUTAGES FOR UP TO 14 HOURS:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council to write to Úisce Éireann to request that the last leg of new mains planned that service the Seafield, Carrowmore, Knocknarea area to Strandhill reservoir, be prioritised as there have been water disruptions on an weekly basis in these areas due to leaks in existing pipes causing outages for up to 14 hours”
Councillor E. McSharry stated that it was positive that the problematic section remains a consideration for mains replacement and will be prioritised for design in 2025, with a view to commence construction commencing as soon as possible. Members agreed that it was important to put issues such as these on the agendas of MD Meetings as well as requesting updates directly from Úisce Éireann.
10. SLIGO COCO TO ACCESS THE TREE DAMAGE AND FURTHER WEAKENING OF THE TREES IN KILMACOWEN CEMETERY POST STORM DARRAGH. THIS RISK ASSESSMENT NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE HEADSTONES:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Sligo CoCo to access the tree damage and further weakening of the trees in Kilmacowen cemetery post storm Darragh. This risk assessment needs to take place to prevent damage to the headstones”
Councillor E. McSharry suggested that another risk assessment be carried out on the cemetery given that the last assessment was completed in 2015 and given the number of storms over past years. Mr. P. Hampson informed members that this graveyard will require an archaeologist to evaluate it before any works can commence. This is a requirement from National Monuments of Ireland. Several different departments within the Council will be involved, including the Heritage Office. It was noted that it is a challenge to get archaeologist surveys completed. Once the archaeologist evaluation has been completed, a tree specialist will then assess the trees. The tree in question has been fenced off as per Health and Safety requirements.
It was confirmed that Ms. S. Ryan is currently working on this.
19. TO ASK FOR SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF FOOTPATHS IN GRANGE AND TO INCLUDE A FOOTPATH FOR THE EXTENT OF THE STREET LIGHTING ALONG THE L3203-0 AT CLOONTYPRUCKLISH:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To ask for Sligo County Council to provide an update on the provision of footpaths in Grange and to include a footpath for the extent of the street lighting along the L3203-0 at Cloontyprucklish”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report. Councillor D. Gilroy highlighted the safety issue on this road for pedestrians and the need for a footpath. Councillor D. Gilroy stated that he will be looking to have the 50km speed limit extended out this road. Mr. P. Hampson informed members that there wasn’t the width required at this location for a footpath and that CPO will have to be considered if the project progresses.
Councillor M. Casserly left the meeting at 11.05am.
20. TO ASK FOR SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF THE NEW BURIAL GROUND IN GRANGE:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“To ask for Sligo County Council to provide an update on the provision of the new burial ground in Grange”
The development of a new burial ground in Grange will be progressed in 2025. It is envisaged that the design and statutory process will be formulated and completed in 2025, subject to adequate funding and resources. Councillor D. Gilroy informed members and staff that this needs to be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Mr. J. Molloy informed members that part of the detailed analysis of the site will include determining if it is suitable to be used for a cemetery, ground water and drainage being considerations. Capital funding will then have to be sourced through the Budget process.
21. THAT SLIGO CO COUNCIL PROVIDE CENTRE LINE AND YELLOW CARRIAGEWAY LINES BETWEEN CARNEY AND MAUGHEROW AS THERE IS A HUGE AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC INCLUDING LOCAL LINK AND MANY WAW TOURISTS. THIS SHOULD REDUCE THE RISK OF ACCIDENTS ALONG THIS ROAD:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Co Council provide centre line and yellow carriageway lines between Carney and Maugherow as there is a huge amount of traffic including local link and many WAW tourists. This should reduce the risk of accidents along this road”
Mr. P. Hampson gave a report stating that the Area Office will examine this road with respect to available widths to determine what markings, if any, would be legally permissible and appropriate, and can be provided within available budgets. Members stated that a report on this issue would be useful to have prior to a meeting scheduled in Maugherow for the following week.
22. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr. Padraig Harte and his family on the recent death of his mother, RIP.”
23. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Coola Post Primary Under 20 Soccer Team on winning the U20 Connacht Cup Final. Congratulations were extended to the players, management and staff”.
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Coolera Strandhill on getting to the semi-finals of the All-Ireland Club Senior Football Championship. Congratulations were extended to the players, management and staff.
24. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted
25. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
The date of the next meeting was agreed for Monday 10th March 2025 at 09.30am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside.
Members thanked Ms. J. Golden for her assistance while officiating as Meetings Administrator for the MD. Ms. S. McNamara will be taking over as Meetings Administrator from March 2025.
26. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor D. Gilroy referred to a situation regarding a member from another MD speaking on local radio regarding a matter located within the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area. It was requested that the Cathaoirleach be contacted and asked to convene a Procedures Committee Meeting as a matter of urgency so that this issue can be put on the agenda for discussion.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.25am.
Meeting Date 20/01/2025