Minutes 2026

Minutes of The Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Held on Monday 19th January 2026 at 9.30am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Service
Mr. Paul Hampson, Senior Executive Engineer
Mr. Conleth Whelan, Executive Engineer
Mr. Brendan Ferguson, Executive Engineer
Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer
Ms. Sarah McNamara, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Marie Casserly presided and welcomed all present to the meeting. 

 

1.1 MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 10TH NOVEMBER, 2025:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 10th November, 2025”.

 

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None raised.

 

3. HEADED ITEMS:

3.1 UPDATE REPORT ON THE CROÍ CÓNAITHE TOWNS FUND - VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT AND DERELICT SITES REGISTER, ATTACHED AND AVAILABLE ON THE EXTRANET.

Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer updated the meeting in regard to the Croí Conaithe Towns Fund as follows:

  • 136 applications have been received
  • 119 initial inspections have been completed
  • 119 grants were approved
  • 4 grants were rejected
  • 14 applications were withdrawn by the applicant
  • 49 Urban Grants
  • 85 Rural Grants allocated
  • 53 applications have received payment

DERELICT SITES REGISTER UPDATE:

Mr. Grandison informed the meeting that as at 12.1.26 there are 45 properties currently listed on the DS Register.  30 within the Borough District, 10 within Ballymote Tubbercurry MD and 6 DS within the Sligo Drumcliff MD.  During 2025, 13 new properties were added to the register, and 2 properties were removed.   41% of the properties (19 properties) are currently the subject of positive action by the owners.

Members thanked Mr. Grandison for his detailed reports.  Mr. Grandison left the meeting.

 

4. NOTICES OF MOTIONS:

4.1 ROAD SAFETY AT JUNCTION OF L6101 AND N59 AT CORHOWNAGH, BALLISODARE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review urgently the road safety at the junction of the L6101 and N59 at Corhownagh, Ballisodare, following serious concerns raised by residents regarding pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety.

Residents report:

  • Vehicles approaching and leaving the junction at excessive speeds;
  • Limited visibility when exiting the L6101 onto the N59;
  • Lack of pedestrian crossings and warning signage near the church and residential areas;

High HGV traffic creating additional hazards.

I ask that Council outline:

  1. Current and planned safety measures for this junction;
  2. Plans to reduce the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h and highlight pedestrian activity;
  3. Actions to introduce pedestrian crossings or safety zones;”

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE reported that Sligo County Council note the serious concerns raised by residents about pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety at the junction of the L6101 and N59 at Corhownagh, Ballisodare and wish to provide the following response to:  

“Current and planned safety measures for this junction”:  

Sligo County Council through the Sligo Regional Design Office have appointed Technical advisors (Tobin Consulting Engineers) to assist with bringing the N59 Ballysadare Active Travel Scheme from Phase 0 to the end of Phase 5. The project is currently in Phase 0, 1 & 2, Feasibility and Options and is seeking to identify the locations with deficient active travel facilities within the study area, which encompasses the L6101/N59 Junction. At this stage of the project, it is too early to outline any planned safety measures however this junction is being considered.  

“Plans to reduce the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h and highlight pedestrian activity”:  

The Urban Speed Limit Review process has been initiated by Sligo County Council. The existing sped limits at this location will be assessed and examined against the Department of Transport Guidelines for the Setting and Managing Speed limits in Ireland. 

“Actions to introduce pedestrian crossings or safety zones”:  

The N59 Ballysadare Active Travel Scheme will be identifying locations where pedestrian crossings are required and incorporating them into the designs.       

Following queries regarding speed limits, Mr. Jim Molloy DOS added that the speed limit review has commenced, will be before the SPC2 this week, will then go before the Municipal District and finally to the Plenary Meeting for adoption.  There will be a public consultation phase and any views from the general public and the Elected Members should be forwarded to the Council for assessment.  Mr. Molloy confirmed that the implementation date of 2027 includes for the erection of appropriate signage and passing of Speed Limit Bye Laws.

Councillor Gilroy queried the works currently undertaken by Tobin Contractors presently in Ballisodare to the existing 50kph zone.   He requested that the junction at Corhownagh Church/Streamstown should be investigated with respect to speed control.

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE to seek clarification and revert to Members.

Councillor Healy questioned the holding of public consultation for the two schemes in Ballisodare and sought clarification as to whether a public consultation will be arranged for the Active Travel Scheme.  Mr. Jim Molloy DOS to confirm with the Design Team in regard to the public consultation phase for both schemes.

 

4.2 PROVISION OF COLUMBARIUM IN KILMACOWEN BURAIL GROUND AND ALL BURIAL GROUNDS IN THE MD:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council seek funding and provide a columbarium In Kilmacowen graveyard and to look at the possibility of providing funding for all suitable Graveyards within the Sligo–Drumcliffe Municipal District and begin the necessary assessment and planning work to identify suitable locations and implementation timelines.” 

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE reported that the management of graveyards is transferring from Roads to Environment. The provision of columbaria in graveyards and overall development of graveyards will be examined when transfer is complete. 

Mr. Jim Molloy DOS confirmed that this transfer of works will be completed within the next four weeks.  He also confirmed that columbariums will be erected in burial ground around the county this year.

 

4.3. SAFETY INTERVENTIONS ON N15 BETWEEN GRANGE VILLAGE AND LEITRIM BORDER:

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

AND AGREED

 “That Sligo County Council write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to urgently undertake targeted safety interventions on the N15 between Grange village and the Leitrim border, and to provide a timeline for same. Furthermore, that TII staff be requested to attend the next meeting of this Council to brief members on proposals and provide timelines for same.” 

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE reported that Sligo County Council notes the Notice of Motion regarding targeted safety interventions on the N15 between Grange village and the Leitrim border and wishes to clarify as follows:

Sligo County Council, through its Regional Design Office (RDO), is responsible for and actively undertaking targeted safety interventions on the National Road Network in County Sligo. These interventions, referred to as Road Safety Improvement Schemes, are funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and delivered in accordance with TII’s established processes and procedures. 

Locations for these schemes are identified primarily through collision history analysis to address high-collision sites as a first priority, and secondarily through road safety inspections which highlight potential safety issues. Both analyses and inspections are carried out by road safety experts on behalf of TII. 

Following engagement with TII representatives, the Sligo RDO is currently investigating the feasibility of advancing a Road Safety Improvement Scheme at Cloyspara Td. on the N15 between Grange and the Leitrim border. This proposed scheme is extensive and will require public support and all necessary approvals. Subject to support, approvals, and funding, construction is projected for 2027/2028. 

The Regional Design Office will be available to attend a Municipal District meeting to provide a detailed briefing on the proposed scheme once it reaches an appropriate stage of design maturity. 

Cathaoirleach Casserly welcomed the intention of staff to attend the MD Meetings going forward.

 

4.4 REQUEST FOR LIST OF SCHOOLS IN MD IN SRSP:

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

AND AGREED

To request an update of all schools in the Sligo Drumcliffe MD listed in the next round of 'safe routes to school' programme.” 

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE informed the Members that from the Sligo Drumcliff MD there are two schools listed on the Safe Routes to School Programme 

  • Ransboro National School
  • Johns National School Ballysadare

Sligo County Council in conjunction with the NTA will progress suitable interventions at these locations during 2026. 

Mr. Jim Molloy DOS while confirming staffing matters is an executive function of the Council agreed that adequate staff will be assigned to the Active Travel Schemes so that they can be delivered.

 

4.5 LOCATION OF BUS STOPS IN BALLISODARE VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

To call on Sligo County Council to ensure the voices of the local community, businesses and road users are listened too relative to the location of bus stops in Ballisodare Village. The wishes are for them to be moved to the Sligo Rd and that bus shelters are provided at the same location under the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme. “   

Mr. Paul Hampson reported that the Road Design Section are in the final stages of procuring Consulting Engineering Services to design, procure and deliver Sligo’s Bus Stop Enhancement Programme.  Any proposed locations of Bus Shelters in Ballysadare will be examined and review in relation to design standards and policy's applicable, and current site constraints within the village. Detailed public consultation is a requirement of the consulting engineers brief and is a mandatory step in the NTA approvals process for the delivery of the programme. 

Councillor Walsh informed the meeting that he will not be supporting bus stops on the Main Street in Ballisodare, which will include the loss of 5/6 car park spaces, he asked for support.

 

4.6 SLIGO RAILWAY LINE:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Iarnród Éireann now, with Sligo line, among the projects include a passing loop between Sligo and Boyle, enabling trains to pass and improve timetable flexibility we call on them to look at providing daily and nightly service between Longford and Sligo which will be a major benefit to these counties.”   

Members discussed the current use of the Sligo/Longford railway line and the need for increases in the timetable from Longford to Sligo, increased accessibility which in turn will lead to a decrease in traffic into Sligo.   Councillor D. Gilroy with permission of the Members present agreed to bring this matter to the attention of the Council at the next Plenary Meeting. Following further discussion the following amended Resolution was:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

 “That Sligo County Council write to each Local Authority along the Sligo line to Longford to set up a meeting with Iarnród Éireann and the Minister for Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment to discuss when works will take place and clarify if funding is available.”

 

4.7 SAFETY ASSESSMENT CREGG ROAD AND ROSSES POINT ROAD JUNCTION:

Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council: Undertake a safety assessment at the junction of Cregg Road and Rosses Point Road, focusing on the area around the bus stop where pedestrians alight. Review the existing public lighting, noting its current extent and adequacy in illuminating the junction and surrounding area. Examine signage and visibility at the junction to ensure safe access for pedestrians and road users. This junction presents a safety risk due to poor lighting and limited visibility, particularly during winter months. An assessment is required to identify immediate measures to protect pedestrians and motorists.”  

Mr. Paul Hampson, SEE reported that the installation of the Bus Shelter was subject to a road safety audit during the design process - items identified were addressed satisfactorily.  

Sligo County Council is operating under significant financial constraints in relation to the provision and maintenance of pubic lighting. At the moment there is no capital funding for investment in new public lighting.  The provision of standalone projects involving the construction of new lighting together with associated civil works is not currently envisaged.

The maintenance fund available is strictly for, and targeted at, the maintenance of the existing PL network. 

The Public lighting budget for 2025 had a significant cost overrun, and the envisaged financial demand on 2026 funds in this regard is unprecedented. Any proposals even those we would like to prioritise on health & safety grounds or on the grounds of aesthetics cannot be considered in the short term. 

Councillor McSharry confirmed that Councillor Proposals funding had been allocated to 2/3 public lights at Maugherow.  Following further discussion, Mr. Paul Hampson SEE confirmed that SCC are constrained in what works could be carried out at Cregg due to the archaeological nature of the area.  Members agreed to discuss the issue of Public Lighting later in the year and have an allocation included in next years budget.

 

4.8 UPDATE ON COUNCIL HOUSING, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, LAND AND DEVELOPMENT STATUS:

Proposed by:  Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by:  Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“Can a report on the following information be provided:

  1. Council Housing:
  • How many council houses/units are planned in our municipal district? 
  • In which areas will these be built? 
  • What is the expected timeline for their delivery?
  1. Affordable Housing:
  • Is any affordable housing units planned for our municipal district?
  1. Land and Development Status:
  • How much land in our municipal district is zoned for residential development?
  • How many housing units currently have planning permission, and what stage are these permissions at (pre-construction, under construction, completed)?”

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE read the following reply on behalf of Ms. Emer Concannon, DOS:

  • Council Housing (includes all Social Housing)

The following is a list of units in our current Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP). Further units will be planned as part of the next HDAP which is being prepared this year. 

Sligo Drumcliff DM - Table 1

  • Affordable Housing 

There is no current scheme is proposed for affordable housing in Sligo Drumcliffe MD area. 

 

 Land Development Status 

  • Land zoned nRES (new residential development) in the Sligo-Drumcliff MD 

Sligo Drumcliff - Table 2

 

  • Permissions for residential development in the Sligo-Drumcliff MD – decisions (not final grants)made between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025  

Sligo Drumcliff MD - Table 3

 

  • New Dwelling Completions in Sligo-Drumcliff MD Q4 2024-Q3 2025

Sligo Drumcliff DM - Table 4

 

  • Commencements in Sligo-Drumcliff MD, Q4 2024 to Q4 2025

Sligo Drumcliff DM - Table 5

Members expressed their disappointment that no affordable housing is proposed in this MD.

Mr. Jim Molloy DOS confirmed that persons can build affordable housing on their own land.  Mr. Molloy agreed to contact Ms. Emer Concannon DOS to obtain details on the Affordable Housing Scheme for the information of the Members.

 

4.9  UPDATE ON ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME TOBERBRIDE TO COLLOONEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council for an Update on the Active Travel Toberbride to Collooney, When is the next stage to take place?” 

Mr Paul Hampson SEE reported as follows: The N4 Active Travel Collooney to Toberbride project is currently progressing through Phase 2, Options Selection. The intricate nature of the project has extended the timeline; however, SCC hope to publish the Emerging Preferred Corridor for public consultation in Q1 2026 subject to TII funding and approval to proceed.

Councillor Healy expressed his disappointment with the report provided and the number of stages in the process.  However, Members are looking forward to the route being preferred published.

 

4.10  UPDATE ON ONE-WAY SYSTEM IN COLLOONEY/FOOTPATHS ON MAIN STREET. :

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide an update on the review of the one-way system in Collooney and when monies will be available to improve footpath surfaces on Collooney Main Street.”

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE reported that the Road Design Team are reviewing the current position in relation to the one-way system in Collooney. It is envisaged that a public survey will be issued to establish the support for the one-way system. 

No funding stream has been identified for the provision new interventions on the one-way system.

Councillor Healy expressed his dismay at the report and noted that a review of the one-way system was to be undertaken at 6 months which has long since passed at 22.11.2024.  Members discussed the condition of footpaths and the need for permanent solutions to repairs, parking, etc.  Mr. Molloy DOS confirmed that any funding for this scheme will be allocated from the Active Travel budget and not the Councils own resources.  Members requested that this item remain on the agenda until a satisfactory reply has been received.

Mr. Jim Molloy DOS agreed that the response could have been better and he further agreed to contact Mr. Paul O’Rourke, A/SEE to arrange a further update as soon as possible.

 

4.11  PEDESTRAIN ACCESS FROM WOODBROOK HEIGHTS/ ABBEYDRIVE, BALLISODARE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide safe pedestrian access from Woodbrook Heights to Abbeydrive in Ballisodare and that a safe crossing be provided at St John’s National School.” 

Mr Paul Hampson, SEE replied that St. Johns National School is currently on the Safe Routes to Schools Round 4 Portfolio. The school and surrounding public infrastructure will be examined in the context of any proposed interventions under this funding stream.   Mr Jim Molloy DOS while welcoming an allocation of €20,000 this morning, noted that a further €50,000/€60,000 is required under an Active Travel Scheme going forward.

 

4.12  TIC CEOL NA MARA AND SEAVIEW PARK DEVELOPMENTS IN CLIFFONEY:

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

AND AGREED

To ask for Sligo County Council for an update on the taking in charge of the Ceol Na Mara and Seaview Park Developments in Cliffoney and what issues if any are holding up this process.” 

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE read the following report as submitted by Enforcement Section:  Sligo County Council have drawn down the bond associated with Ceol na Mara estate in Cliffoney and will progress the significant works required to bring the estate up to the standard required to take in charge, in 2026. 

Discussions are ongoing with UE regarding the works required in Seaview Park to bring the estate up to the standard required to take in charge. It is intended to progress these works in 2026. 

Mr Hampson confirmed the contractor will bring works up to required standards.  Mr. Hampson SEE agreed to clarify with Enforcement Section as to the status of the pathway between the two estates, ie is it private property?  He will revert to the Members.

 

4.13  CLOONEEN ROAD RATHCORMACK L7410:

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

AND AGREED

“To call for a report from Sligo County Council on what improvement works are planned and when works will be carried out on the Clooneen Road L7410 at Rathcormack, this is a very busy road where traffic coming from Glencar to Yeats Grave are regularly diverted and the road edge is collapsing at a number of points along the road.” 

Mr Paul Hampson SEE reported that no Improvement works are planned on the L-7410 within the current 3yr Roads Programme. 

Sligo County Council will assess the road edge and carry out necessary repairs if considered a road safety issue. 

 

4.14    KINTOGHER JUNCTION L3306 AT RATHCORMACK:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for Sligo County Council to put in place safety measures to slow down North Bound traffic on The N15 approaching the Kintogher Junction L3306 at Rathcormack and to give advance warning to drivers of the busy and dangerous junction ahead.” 

Mr. Paul Hampson SEE reported that Sligo County Council, through its Regional Design Office (RDO), is responsible for and actively undertaking targeted safety interventions on the National Road Network in County Sligo. These interventions, referred to as Road Safety Improvement Schemes, are funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and delivered in accordance with TII’s established processes and procedures.

Locations for these schemes are identified primarily through collision history analysis to address high-collision sites as a first priority, and secondarily through road safety inspections which highlight potential safety issues. Both analyses and inspections are carried out by road safety experts on behalf of TII. The stretch of the N15 approaching the Kintogher Junction L3306 at Rathcormack has not been identified in this analysis and therefore there is no avenue for the Regional Design Office to seek funding to progress a Safety Scheme at this location.  

Sligo Regional Design Office currently has a full program of Road Safety Improvement Schemes planned for 2026. The location can be considered in the review of Road Safety Improvement Schemes for 2027, in discussions with the TII Regional Road Safety Inspection Engineer. However, there is no guarantee that a scheme at this location will be funded or prioritised, as high-collision locations and areas with identified issues from (TII led) road safety inspections will take precedence. 

 

5. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:   

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the McGloin Family, Breeogue on the recent death of their brother Kevin. RIP.”

 

6. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Members agreed a vote of congratulations be extended to Cathaoirleach Marie Casserly and her son Luke on his participation in the FBD league with the Sligo GAA Senior team.

 

7. CORRESPONDENCE:

Noted.

 

8. MATTERS ARISING:

None raised.

 

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

DATE OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT AGM:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Annual General Meeting of the Municipal District be held at 9.30am on Friday, 19th June, 2026 in the Council Chamber, Riverside.”

 

10. DATE AND TIMES FOR MD MEETINGS GOING FORWARD:

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

AND AGREED

“the following dates for the Municipal District Meetings going forward”

  • 9th March, 2026 - in the Spanish Armada Centre, Grange, time tbc.
  • 25th May, 2026 - 9.30 am in the Council Chamber, Riverside.
  • 13th July, 2026 – 9.30am in the Council Chamber, Riverside.

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.30 am.


Meeting Date 19/01/2026