Minutes 2025
Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 19th May 2025 At 09.30am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Marie Casserly
- Councillor Dónal 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. Brendan Ferguson, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Conleth Whelan, Executive Engineer
- Mr. Adrian Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer
- Ms. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer
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 10TH MARCH, 2025:
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 10th March, 2025”.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
BUS STOP ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME:
Councillor Thomas Walsh informed the meeting that a lengthy discussion had taken place at the June Plenary meeting of the Council in regard to the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme. Mr. Jim Molloy DOS confirmed that a meeting with the NTA in this regard had not taken place as yet. Councillor Thomas Healy queried if SCC will be taking over the provision of bus shelters also.
3. UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND - VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT:
At the outset, Mr. A. Grandison, Vacant Homes Officer informed the meeting that he had contacted Applicants to the scheme who had withdrawn their applications to ascertain the reasons why. Reasons such as, problem in engaging contractors, short term lettings, change of mind were just some of the reasons listed. Some applicants confirmed they will reapply for the scheme in the future.
Mr Grandison gave an update for the Sligo – Drumcliff MD area as follows:
- 120 applications have been received
- 99 initial inspections have been completed
- 99 grants were approved
- 2 grants were rejected
- 7 applications were withdrawn by the applicant
There were seventy two urban grants, and fifty five rural grants allocated. Thirty three applicants have received payment.
Members thanked Mr. Grandison for his feedback and detailed report. Mr. A. Grandison left the meeting at 9.50am.
4. TO FIX DATE AND TIME FOR MUNICIPAL DISTRICT AGM:
Proposed by: Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by: Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That the Annual General Meeting of the Sligo Drumcliff Municipal District be held at 9.30am on Friday, 20th June, 2025 in The Council Chamber, Riverside.”
5. PROPOSED BUS SHELTER/BUS STOP AT DUNLEAVYS SHOP:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That this Municipal District write to TFI local link office and request the design office at Sligo Co Co to place a bus shelter and clear signage at Dunleavy’s shop as the bus stop is located on a busy and dangerous corner, and there is an increase in traffic in recent years find a suitable location for a bus stop in the Maugherow area.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that a revised priority Bus Stop Enhancement Programme list for Sligo County was received from NTA in April 2025. Sligo County Council is currently engaging engineering consultancy services to advance the design, procurement & construction of BSEP.
The bus stops at Doonfore townland, Maugherow, are on the revised list received from the NTA . The stops are eligible for bus shelters as part of future upgrade works.
Following queries from the Members, Mr. Jim Molloy DOS confirmed that this project is lead by the NTA who also licence bus stops, etc. Mr. Molloy added while the list of proposals would not normally be circulated he would investigate this for the members.
Following further discussion, Councillor T. Walsh proposed that following the meeting with NTA, a report be prepared for the June Plenary Meeting of the Council and all staff involved with the provision of Bus Shelters be in attendance. Mr. Jim Molloy DOS confirmed that he and the Senior Engineer, Roads Section will be in attendance.
It was agreed that Ms. McNamara Meeting Administrator contact the TFI local link office as outlined in the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor McSharry.
6. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT CLIFFONEY NS AND CLIFFONEY VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To request the following at Cliffoney NS and Cliffoney Village;
*Installation of school zone warning signs and “Slow – School Crossing” signs on both approaches to the village.
*Introduction of designated pedestrian crossing measures closer to the school.
*Assessment of traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or flashing speed limit signs.
*Consideration of designated parking spaces for teachers to alleviate congestion and reduce unsafe crossings”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported as follows:
Installation of school zone warning signs and “Slow – School Crossing” signs on both approaches to the village.
This can be considered in light of the speed limit review process specifically targeted at schools within the Country. The Department of Transport are currently updating the guidelines, and it is envisaged that further direction will be issued about schools / school speed limits.
Introduction of designated pedestrian crossing measures closer to the school.
The N15 Cliffoney Pedestrian Crossings Road Safety Improvement Scheme (being managed by the Sligo Regional Design office) did not receive Gateway 1 Approval (Approval of the preferred option) from TII for Sligo County Council’s preferred option. As a result, this scheme will not be proceeding in 2025.
Assessment of traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or flashing speed limit signs.
This can be considered on completion of the speed limit review process for urban areas. The review process will establish an appropriate speed limit for Cliffoney Village.
Consideration of designated parking spaces for teachers to alleviate congestion and reduce unsafe crossings.
Public car parking is available near the national school in Cliffoney. In addition, the designation of specific spaces would make the teachers liable for BIK taxes (Benefit-in-Kind).
Note: Any proposals within the village of Cliffoney, including any proposed change in the existing speed limits, will be subject to the TII approvals process and the provision of adequate funding to complete interventions.
Councillor Casserly thanked Mr. Hampson for his report and added that data maybe available from the Speed Limit data and traffic counters that had been installed previously. Councillor Healy enquired if the National School can submit copy of the report by the External Inspector appointed by the Board of Management. Councillor Casserly agreed to ascertain copy of the report from the Board of Management.
Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Service acknowledged that new regulations have been approved, new timelines approved going forward, copy of the new regulations will be available at the next SPC meeting fixed for the end of the month.
7. STORM DAMAGE TO L-72141-0 AT COLLINSFORD:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To seek an update/report on storm damage from 5 years ago that has caused huge damage to road L-72141-0 at Collinsford and needs urgent repair as it is very dangerous and practically impassable.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported that a preliminary design, archaeological assessment and other investigations have been finalised in relation to a proposed intervention along this route. Further documents are in the process of being prepared for a Part 8 application. It is envisaged that the Part 8 planning application will be published prior to the end of the year.
Councillor Casserly thanked Mr. Hampson for the update and look forward to improvements works being carried out.
8. SAFE ACCESS TO SECOND BEACH AT ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide an update to this council on what progress has been made on the urgent need for a safe access to the second beach in Rosses Point.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo County Council appointed Consultants in 2024 to design a boardwalk to facilitate safe access onto the second beach in Rosses Point. A preliminary design was completed at end of 2024. Work carried out by County Sligo Golf Club in January 2025 has had a negative impact on the proposed design. Planning Enforcement are in discussions with County Sligo Golf Club regarding the unauthorised development. The Council is looking at options to progress the boardwalk design.
While welcoming the report, councillor Walsh added that access to the second beach is now beyond safety concerns, everyone is supportive of the boardwalk and queried when is the best time for funding and timelines? Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services replied that no timeline is presently available in regard to funding, there is a great impact on the dune structures and a perceived impact on the environment. Subject to an agreed design and Part 8, until Planning Permission has been granted, no source for funding can be examined.
The elected members thanked the DOS for his reply and acknowledged positive communications and support from the Golf Club.
9. EXTENSION OF OPENING TIMES ARROWMORE MEGALITHIC CEMETERY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh: “That Sligo County Council writes to the OPW and to the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to ask them to extend the opening period for Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, the oldest and densest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland.”
Ms. Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact the OPW and Minister of State as outlined above.
Cathaoirleach noted an application will be made by Mr. Robert Henesy, Heritage Officer to have the status of the heritage site upgraded.
10. PROPOSED IDA BUSINESS PARK ACCESS TO N4:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to open up talks with the IDA to provide access onto the N4 via Collooney Business Park and for the access to be a one-way system only”.
At the outset, Councillor Healy presented the meeting with photographs and maps outlining the area concerned, together with correspondence of support to the proposal from Secretary, Owenmore Gaels GAA Club, Secretary Collooney Village Redevelopment Ltd., Secretary Collooney Tidy Towns Committee, and a petition supporting the proposal of a one-way system access onto the N4 signed by 213 residents of the Collooney area.
A discussion took place in regard to the proposal, provision of new public road, acquisition of land, etc.
Mr. Bernard Scott Senior Engineer confirmed that it is TII policy not to grant any access onto a National road unless within the speed limit.
It was agreed that Ms. Sarah McNamara, Meeting Administrator contact the IDA and seek a meeting.
11. PROVISION OF SAFE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT KNOCKBEG COLLOONEY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council what they intend to do with the Mill apartment in Ballisodare now that they have done the report on this derelict site and the developer has showed no intention of carrying out the work to bring it back into use. The community of Ballisodare has lost faith with both parties”.
The following response to the notice of motion was received from Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Services, Placemaking :
Sligo County Council have commenced the process of entering the property on the Derelict Sites Register. Under the Derelict Sites Act, 1990, a Section 8(2) Notice of intention to enter the property on the register has been issued to the property owner.
The owners of the property confirmed two weeks ago that they have procured a consultant to carry out the required structural survey, however the consultants are too busy at the moment to carry out the survey. The owners are looking at the option of securing alternative consultants. They will revert with timescales once they have a definite timescale in place.”
In addition the CE recently met with Ballisodare Community Council on this and other issues, and they were content with approach being taken.
In reply, Councillor Healy noted that since the developer took over the site 11 years ago no works have been carried out. It is disappointing that the developer is not satisfied with the assessment carried out. Councillor Walsh requested copy of the assessment report be circulated to members. A discussion took place in regard to the non invasive survey that had been carried out and the status of the development bond paid.
Mr Jim Molloy DOS informed the meeting that the Council will contact the Owners of the property to inform them the building will be added to the Derelict Site Register. Mr. Molloy DOS to confirm the status of the building with Derelict Site Team and revert back to the members. He also confirmed that it is not the intention of Sligo County Council to purchase the building. Mr. Molloy DOS agreed to contact the Chief Executive and relay the members request for a special meeting in this regard.
12. WATER LOGGING ON COUNCIL BUILDING SITE IN CARNEY VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To ask the council has the problem with water logging on councils building site in Carney village been resolved and what was the cause.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported the contactor on site is managing a combination of surface water and ground water ingress to their excavations during the construction of the substructures, as is experienced with most construction sites. The provision of consultant designed groundwater and surface water management systems such as land drains and surface water attenuation tanks will resolve this issue once the bulk excavations are completed.
13. WALK FROM LISSADELL TO CARNEY VILLAGE:
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To ask the council is there a plan to reopen the Lissadel to Carney village walk that was
open for the community during Covid.”
Mr. Paul Hampson Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo County Council is unaware of any designated walking route that was open to the community during the Covid period. Pending further information, this can be investigated further.
14. FAILTE IRELAND FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TOILETS AT MULLAGHMORE AND ROSSES POINT:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“To request targeted funding from Fáilte Ireland to have the public toilets at Mullaghmore and Rosses Point open year-round given the significance of these locations on the Wild Atlantic Way.”
Councillor Casserly added that it maybe the responsibility of Department of Tourism to provide such funding to Fáilte Ireland. She confirmed that it should not be the responsibility of local committees to maintain toilets and public areas.
Ms. McNamara, Meeting Administrator to contact Fáilte Ireland as outlined above.
15. DEEP VERGE AT LONG STRETCH ALONG THE R287:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to review the recent works on the Long Stretch along the R287; that the local community have raised serious safety concerns about the deep verge filled with water running adjacent to the regional road.”
Mr. Paul Hampson Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that due to historic flooding along the regional road R287, SCC applied for a Climate adaptation grant for a length of 600m. The works were carried out in the summer of 2024 and the maximum elevation change was 60mm-80mm. To facilitate the laying of bitmac the verge grass was scrapped back. Verge reinstatement was carried out after the works to ensure 100mm buffer was reestablished. SCC area staff will put Delineator Posts along the verge as soon as possible. Mr. Hampson added that the drain was not deepened only cleared of vegetation.
Councillor Walsh thanked the Council for works carried out but confirmed that the delineator posts are not suitable at this area and requested the area be re-examined. Mr. Jim Molloy Director of Service agreed to look at this again, carry out an assessment and cost evaluation. Councillor Healy offered to meet the Area Engineer on site.
16. CARRIGANS BURIAL GROUND, BALLINFULL:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask for Sligo County Council to provide a report on the provision of additional lands for a burial ground at Carrigans Ballinful and to clear the Ivy that is undermining the existing walls of the Graveyard.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, so it is premature to comment or report on the issues. The request to remove the ivy from the existing graveyard walls will have to be assessed onsite to determine if or what action is required.
The members thanked the Executive for the response.
17. CHERON SIGNAGE BETWEEN BALLISODARE AND BALLYDREHID ON N59:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To ask for Sligo County Council to provide Chevron Signage between Ballisodare and Ballydrehid on the N59 due to the dangerous bends on this road.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported that this location shall be assessed as to the appropriateness of the suggested measures. If appropriate, funding will be sought for implementation, though this will not be in 2025.
Councillor T. Walsh expressed his frustration with the reply as he noted 11 accidents have occurred at this location.
18. 2024 AND 2025 STEET CLEANING AND DRAIN CLEANING GRANGE, CLIFFONEY, DRUMCLIFFE AND RATHCORMAC VILLAGES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To ask for Sligo County Council to provide a report on how often in 2024 and 2025 the street Cleaning sweeper has been used in each of the villages of Grange, Cliffoney Drumcliffe and Rathcormac along the N15 and how often drain cleaning has been done in each village and what plans are in place for this year.”
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer reported that Sligo County Council does not keep a central record of these activities. Such work is seasonal and weather dependent and is carried out when it is assessed to be necessary.
19. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Iqbal Jeet Singh and Andrea Dzurikova and family on the recent tragic death of their son Alan. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Laura Walsh on the recent death of her Mother Lily. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Pauline Gallagher on the recent death of her husband Dr. Brian. RIP.”
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs. Kay McGwyne on the recent death of her brother Patsy. RIP.”
20. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
None raised.
21. CORRESPONDENCE:
Noted.
22. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:
TBC at Municipal District AGM on 20th June, 2025.
23. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
N15 MEETING WITH MINISTER:
Councillor Gilroy confirmed that the meeting with the Minister and TDs and Council Officials and 1 representative from the Municipal District has been arranged. He thanked Deputies Harkin and Scanlon for their support in arranging the meeting which will take place in June.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.50am.
Meeting Date 19/05/2025