eContact July 2005
Celebrating Pride of Place
Sligo County Council & Sligo Borough Council recently held an awards night to select three groups to represent Sligo town and county in the Co-operation All-Ireland Pride of Place Competition.
Pride of Place is a regional / area specific competition which celebrates and showcases community group activities and contributions to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. Too often, the tremendous time and effort that people put into community activities on a purely voluntary basis is overlooked. This competition is unique in that it recognises and rewards people for their vital contributions to their local community.
The Competition is divided into a number of categories based on population size and this year in Category 1 (population up to 1,000), Maugherow Intergenerational Project was selected. This project was established to explore the potential of using the arts in a school environment; to address the isolation and social exclusion experienced by many older people in rural area.
In Category 2 (population between 1,000 and 2,000) Ballymote Community & Enterprise Ltd was nominated. The voluntary organisation aims to develop employment and social inclusion in the local area by undertaking a wide range of projects including the development of four industrial units, the enhancement of the Town Park and the development of a new Playground complex. Their project involves the continuation of schemes already in progress and to encourage wider participation in the local community.
And in Category 3 (population between 2,000 and 10,000) Cranmore Community Platform was selected. This group was established to provide a voice for the residents living in Cranmore, to communicate information, ideas and propose solutions to any problems arising in the community. Their project involved the enhancement of the local area and included: the development Sr. Maureen Dolan Park; (a play area for children), a visual arts projects (Mural) at Cranmore Road, a Seating and Glass Panelling project at Racecourse View and further enhancement works at the Millennium garden art Abbey Centre.
Last year, Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd was overall winner in Category 1 of the National Competition and it is hoped that this success can be replicated in Sligo this year. Judging for the National competition took place on Wednesday 29th June 2005 starting in Ballymote from 9am to 11.30am followed by Maugherow from 1pm to 3.30pm and finally Cranmore from 4pm to 6.30pm. An itinerary of two and half hours duration was prepared for each area visit which will give groups the opportunity to display their level of commitment in promotion of specific pride initiatives. Unlike other competitions, judging for this competition is a very visible and community orientated event and therefore the support and assistance of people living and working in these areas was a focal element of the initiative.
Welcome is extended to our new Cathaoirleach & Mayor of Sligo
At the AGM of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 27th June 2005, Cllr Patsy Barry was elected Cathaoirleach and Cllr Veronica Cawley was elected Leas Cathaoirleach.
On the same day in City Hall, Cllr Rosaleen O’ Grady was elected Mayor of Sligo and Cllr Jim Mc Garry was elected Deputy Mayor of Sligo.
Spike Milligan memorial unveiled
A plaque in memory of the comic genius was unveiled in Holborn Street recently by the outgoing Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Declan Bree. The plaque was erected outside his family home in Holborn Street. Mayor Bree felt that Spike Milligan was a comic legend and was very pleased that the Sligo connection is now being acknowledged as part of his distinctive legacy.
‘Larger than Life’ Characters encourage householders to use the new Recycling Centre
As the first customer to use the newly opened Tubbercurry Recycling Centre, Cllr. Margaret Gormley was given a rather large helping hand to complete the business of recycling. ‘You don’t have to be green to recycle’ you know, said Shrek! Good waste management is something every one of us needs to become involved in! With a steady interest in the facility as it opened for business on Tuesday the 5th of July, the managers (Greenstar) are confident that the operation will be a success.
A very large range of materials are accepted for recycling and the facility is easy to use. The standard charge of €3.00 per visit will allow householders to recycle paper, plastic bottles, plastic packaging, cardboard, tetra paks, cans, steel tins, clothes, textiles, shoes, wood, metal, green garden waste, waste oil, construction materials, batteries, gas cylinders and fire extinguishers
Household hazardous materials and electrical and electronic goods are also accepted with a supplementary charge. Contact 071 9129800 for more details
Major Remedial Works planned for Sligo Estates
A recent Borough Council meeting was advised of plans for major remedial works for two of Sligo’s older estates - St. Bridget’s Place and Jinks Avenue. The works will include the undergrounding of overhead wires, footpath paving, resurfacing of existing roads, realignment of public footpath and new decorative street lighting.
Wednesday’s Words Launched
Last month, The Leyney Writers Group launched their very first publication, entitled ‘Wednesday’s Words’ at Tubbercurry Community Library. The publication is a mix of personal reflections and memories, poetry and short stories. The book was launched by the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Margaret Gormley, who spoke glowingly of the nine local writers involved in the group.
The group met for the very first time on March 31st 2004 and it is certainly a huge achievement to have their first collection published within 18 months. The writing group was established by Tubbercurry Community Library who provided the venue and forum for those wishing to try their hand at writing. Geraldine Finn was employed in the role as facilitator to the group.
The publication is available for sale at a number of outlets in Sligo and Tubbercurry at €10 per copy. It is both an impressive looking publication in terms of design and layout and a treasure in terms of the content and quality of writing.
SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL
Sligo Tidy Estates Competition 2005
Friday next, 15th July is the deadline for applications for the Sligo Tidy Estates Competition. There are six awards categories:
- Best presented housing estate,
- Most improved housing estate,
- Best floral displays,
- Best new entrant,
- Best community involvement,
- Best new landscape feature,
Further details are available from:
Fiona Kelly, Environment Services Co-ordinator, Sligo Borough Council,
City Hall, Quay St., Sligo.
Tel: 071-9142141.
Opening of third bridge
The opening on Monday, 11th July of the third and final bridge at Carraroe is the latest landmark on the Sligo Inner Relief Road Project. Work is entering its final phase and it is expected that a date for the official opening will be confirmed in the near future.
Sligo Association of Chicago visit County Hall
Sligo County Council has honoured Kevin Malee, Chairman of the Sligo Association of Chicago. At a reception held recently in County Hall. Mr Malee was commended for ‘his tireless work in looking after the interests of Sligo emigrants to the ‘Windy City’.
Ballisodare native Kevin Malee has been very active in his adopted home of Chiacago. He is joined on the committee by John Gurhy from Riverstown (PRO), Seamus Flanagan from Sooey (Vice-Chairman), Nigel Carnegie from Enniscrone (Treasurer). Joint Secretaries of the Association are sisters Carmel Carnegie and Angela Tuffy.
The Cathaoirleach remarked that ‘although the Association is only four years in existence, it has been an important presence for our emigrant community, and has supported a number of charities, including Breast Cancer Awareness’.
The Sligo Association has almost ninety members, an additional to its charity work, it provides a valuable social outlet for Sligo people in Chicago. They host an annual picnic, organise art and essay competitions and other activities for children.
They also make a special effort for the St Patrick’s Day festivities, and their float in this year’s parade in Chicago attracted many plaudits. The Association’s float was a colourful snapshot of Yeats’ County, featuring Drumcliffe, Glencar Waterfall and a special tribute to ‘Coleman Country.’
The Association welcomes support from their native county, and Elected Members of Sligo County Council have travelled to Chicago for the St Patrick’s Day festivities. This year Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor John Sherlock made the journey to Chicago for the St Patrick’s celebrations, and he paid tribute to Kevin Malee and the members of his Association for their inspirational work on behalf of the emigrant community’.
The Cathaoirleach Councillor Gormley and Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor Sherlock made a presentation to Kevin and his wife Kathleen, and Councillor Gormley noted that she saw ‘this forum as an important step on developing this Authority’s links with the Sligo Association of Chicago. I think it is important that we convey this message here today that we hold the Sligo Association of Chicago in the highest regard, and we look forward to developing our close friendship in the years ahead.
Zebra Mussels Control Initiative Goes On-Line
In an effort to prevent the further detrimental spread of zebra mussels from Lough Arrow, Lough Gill, Lough Garra and Lough Bo into other uninfected lakes, Sligo County Council has included practical information about this freshwater alien species on their website (www.sligococo.ie). Going online with information about zebra mussels is just one of the actions being taken by the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative, which is spearheading the education campaign. As part of the control initiative in the western region, zebra mussel warning signs have been erected at all of the main uninfected boat launching sites around Loughs Corrib, Carra, Mask and Conn.
Since adult zebra mussels and their larvae are readily transported upstream attached to boats, in ballast water, in live bait and on angling equipment, the information is aimed particularly at anglers and boat users.
“Zebra mussels are a non-native species that will cause irreversible damage if introduced to any of the Great Western Lakes: Corrib, Mask, Carra or Conn,” according to the newly appointed Zebra Mussel Education Officer, Dr. Aoife Thornton. “If this occurs, there will be huge repercussions for angling, tourism and other associated businesses. There should be huge concern about this issue”, she added.
“Zebra mussels cause damage to underwater structures e.g. by clogging boat engines and water abstraction pipes. The economic implications of this are enormous. Anywhere the zebra mussels have entered; the ecology of the waterway has irreversibly changed”. Dr. Thornton added: “Most of the Shannon and Erne waterways have been infected therefore; much of our educational campaign will focus on these regions”.
On the website, people who intend use zebra mussel free waterways are advised to rent boats locally or else to steam clean their boats and trailers, ensuring that wastewaters do not drain into uninfected waters. Otherwise, boats may be left to dry out for 3 – 4 weeks prior to launching into uninfected waters.
For more information pick up a leaflet from the Environment Section of Sligo County Council, see (www.sligococo.ie ) or contact Dr. Aoife Thornton (Zebra Mussel Education Officer, Environment Section, Galway County Council Tele: (091) 509063 or Alice Reynolds, Environmental Awareness Officer with Sligo County Council on (071) 9157443.
Over 7,600 traffic fines issued by Sligo Borough
The first half of 2005 has been extremely busy in the Traffic Fines department with over 7,500 fines issued. 1,444 summonses were issued for the March and June sittings of Sligo District Court. Fines of up to €100 plus costs were levied in many cases, and there will be further cases brought before the courts in September and October.
The Borough Council will soon acquire a new ‘Handheld Integrated Traffic fines system’ which will make it easier to identify repeat offenders. Parking fines can now be paid by logging on to www.sligoborough.ie
Model Arts & Niland Gallery noted for……Its food
A national survey of restaurants and cafes was featured in the Irish Times of 2nd July, and the Atrium Café in the Model Arts and Niland Gallery came in for particular praise. ‘It’s generally agreed that the best food in the county is to be had here, which should come as no surprise once you hear that Brid Torrades is at the helm. She has always insisted on the best of produce. This is a café that goes way beyond great soups and serious sandwiches. Omelettes are works of art, eggs Benedict are spot-on and puds are terrific. Sunday Brunch in now a Sligo Institution.
The Atrium Café is open for lunch from Tuesday to Saturday and for brunch on Sunday. Phone: 071 9141405
Rural Water Programme featured
Sligo’s busy Rural Water Programme receives extensive coverage in the current issue of ‘Group Water Scheme News’. Under the heading ‘Sligo to silence critics’, the article highlighted the investment of €5.5m on Design Build Treatment plants over the next 18 months. ‘Kathleen McTiernan is a passionate advocate of the rights of rural communities to quality drinking water. She has worked closely with the county’s group water sector from the early days of the rural water programme and understands the contribution the sector has made to life in rural Sligo.’
On Friday next, 15th July, representatives of eleven Private Group schemes will convene in County Hall for the signing of the Operational/maintenance contracts for their schemes.
The schemes in the South East ‘bundle’ are:
- Geevagh/Highwood
- Castlebaldwin
- Corrick
- Culfadda
- Keash
The schemes in the Northwest bundle are:
- Ballintrillick
- Benbulben
- Castletown
- Drum East
- Beltra
- Keelogaboy
Sligo’s seaside towns receive funding boost
The Special EU Programmes Body and the Irish Central Border Area Interreg IIIA Partnership recently awarded grant aid funding of €1,275,000 under Priority 1 Measure 1 to the Seaside Towns Initiative, with a minimum of 25% matching funding being provided by the local authorities involved in the project.
Garret McGinty ICBAN Project Officer said; “ICBAN is delighted to award funding to such a unique project. The project will enhance the profile and significance of traditional seaside towns through support and enhancement and promotion of a sustainable tourism product.”
This funding will be used to undertake environmental improvements in nine seaside towns located in the five council areas of Sligo, Donegal, Moyle, Coleraine and Larne. This is a cross border project that will bring together local authorities to share knowledge and technical expertise which will result in mutual economic, social and cultural benefits.
The Seaside Towns Initiative has been developed in consultation with local communities into a number of different stages based on the needs of the local areas. The aim of this project is to enhance the potential of the nine seaside towns through a programme of environmental improvements. The towns selected for the initiative are:
- Co. Sligo – Enniscrone and Mullaghmore
- Co. Donegal – Bundoran, Buncrana and Donegal Town
- Co. Antrim – Moyle and Larne
- Co. Derry – Portrush, Coleraine
Work programmes have already commenced in these locations which will run over a two year period. Sligo County Council has been nominated as Project Promoter and therefore must monitor the programme and submit information on a regular basis to ICBAN on the progress, administration and evaluation of the project.
The overall administration and co-ordination of this project is being managed by a Committee representing all of the five local authority partners. To run concurrently with these programme of works a joint marketing effort will be undertaken by the five local authority partners to boost the tourism numbers and investment in these traditional seaside resorts. A separate sub-committee has been established with extensive links to national and international markets through tourism organisations, this group will explore and develop new marketing opportunities for the business and tourism sectors.
At the end of the project the five local authorities will continue to work together to promote sustainable cross border co-operation. For further information on the initiative contact Maura Hegarty, Office of Community, Arts and Enterprise, Sligo County Council, Development Centre, Cleveragh Road, Sligo.
Over €480,000 allocated to L.I.S schemes
Sligo County Council has been informed that its 2005 allocation in respect of Local Improvement Schemes is €483,219. It is expected this will accommodate up to 25 schemes, excluding CLAR. The value of schemes on hand at 31st December 2004 was over €1.3m, representing seventy seven schemes.
In 2004 the Council completed forty eight schemes, including schemes funded by CLAR, involving 218 beneficiaries.
Council adopt housing strategy
The Sligo Local Authorities have adopted a Housing Strategy for the period 2005-2011. The Strategy covers the entire county for the period 2005-2011 and ensures that proper provision is made for the population of Sligo for the foreseeable future.
The Strategy is presented in five sections – Introduction, Housing Demand, Housing Supply, Social and affordable Housing and Summary and Policy Conclusions.
Among the key findings in the report:
- An estimated 5,672 residential units will need to be jointly provided by the Sligo Local Authorities to ensure the expected demand is met. It is anticipated that approximately 3,420 units (60%) will need to be supplied within the Sligo and Environs area.
The capacity of zoned lands in the borough is adequate to meet the overall housing requirements. However, Sligo Borough Council has insufficient lands to build the planned social and affordable housing identified in the Action Plan.
Access Sligo County Library online
Sligo County Library has a dedicated website www.sligolibrary.ie . This facility is beneficial to those who may not have time to visit the library to check if a particular book they require is in stock. A library catalogue gives assistance allowing users of the website to search for books in various ways e.g. by author, title etc. Once you are a member of Sligo Library, you will be furnished with a membership card which gives you a unique User ID Number and PIN number. On receipt of these numbers you can use the website for the following functions:
- Renewing your books: You will be able to renew i.e. re-date books you have already out so that they are due back at a later date. The extension of the books is set for a further 3 weeks from the date that you renew them online.
- Placing a hold: Books in stock can be placed on hold for you and if a copy is not immediately available you will be placed in a queue. Once the book is available you will be informed accordingly.
HOUSING
Closing date for receipt of tenders for six social houses in Cloonshanbally, Culfadda has been extended until 29th July 2005.
Closing date for receipt of Tenders for the construction of Ten Social Houses and six Affordable Houses in Ballintogher is 29th July 2005.
DUNNEILL RIVER WALK OPENED
A new walkway along the scenic Dunneill River was opened on 1st July by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv, TD. The project received funding of €60,000 under the Peace 11 Programme, and was delivered by a three way partnership involving the Dromore West Community Council, the Office of Community & Enterprise, Sligo County Council, and local land owners.
Eamon Haran, Community & Enterprise Development Officer notes that ‘the new walkway was designed to the highest standards, and will prove to be popular recreational community facility for local people and visitors to the area.’
County Hall to host Irish Architecture Awards 2005 Exhibition
The foyer of County Hall is the venue for this years Irish Architecture Awards exhibition which is due to be held from Tuesday, 9th August until Monday, 22nd August 2005.
Outstanding heritage achievements will be rewarded by six money Prizes of €10,000 each, in addition to Medals and Diplomas in the following categories:
- An outstanding project in the field of:
- Architectural heritage,
- Cultural landscapes,
- Works of art,
- Archaeologic-al sites
- An outstanding study in the field of cultural heritage
- Dedicated service to heritage conservation by individuals or groups
The closing date for entries under Category 2 is 1st August 2005 and 15th September 2005 for entries under Category 1 and 3.
NEW ARRIVAL AT COUNTY HALL
A ‘Roll of Honour’ was erected at County Hall, Riverside on 24th June 2005. The feature displays the names of all past Cathaoirligh of Sligo County Council from 1899 to date.
BORDERTREK 2005 A GREAT SUCCESS
Ireland’s friendliest cycle took place over the last weekend in June in the midst of our recent Mediterranean weather conditions (long may it last!).
The cycle was arranged by Co-operation Ireland and covered 206 miles throughout Fermanagh, Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon & Sligo.
Sligo County Council’s Special Projects Office part funded what is one of co-operation Ireland’s major fund raising events. All sponsorship raised by the participants is used to fund exchanges through local schools and youth groups enabling young people to meet with, learn and become friends with their cross-border and cross-community peers.
Dublin City Council scoops major training award
Dublin City Council has won the Overall National Training Award for the Irish Institute of Training and Development’s (IITD) National Training Awards 2005. These annual awards recognise excellence in training and developing of employees. The judging panel commented that “Dublin City Council was chosen for the award in recognition of its very positive approach to training and development for all staff. There is also effective use of partnership (Management & Unions) to promote and deliver training and development”.
At the presentation of the award , Angela Costello, Head of Training and Development at Dublin City Council pointed out how important the award was to the Council, “this is the first time an organisation from the public sector has won this prestigious award. I think that Dublin City Council has shown that the public sector can and does deliver innovative and inclusive training programmes”.
Proposal for public notices Ās Gaeilge
The government is finalising new regulations that may force 642 public bodies in future to produce Irish versions of all their advertisements in a move that will cost millions of euro a year. Aer Lingus, which has one of the biggest advertising budgets in the State, has expressed serious concern, saying that the provision was not something with which it can live.
Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs Ēamon O’ Cuív has confirmed that he plans to introduce the regulations under the Official Languages Act however, no date has been set for their introduction. The bodies will include all government departments. The Official Languages Act requires public bodies to provide a minimum level of Irish services to the general public, including the publication of major reports in Irish and correspondence with Irish speakers when requested.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs is one of the first to produce estimates for the legislation and has set aside €500,000 to cover the costs of adhering to the basic elements of the Act, such as ensuring that all major documents and forms for the general public are in Irish and English.
General Council of County Council’s – A brief introduction
The General Council of County Councils is the statutory representative body for county level local government in Ireland. It lobbies central government on issues of concern to the national body of county and city councillors; provides an information service to the elected members; and works to foster an understanding of the value of local democracy among the public at large. The General Council comprises three councillor representatives from each of the thirty-four county and city councils, who each year elect a Cathaoirleach, Leas-Cathaoirleach and Executive Committee who lead the organisation.
History
The general Council of County Councils was founded in 1899 within months of the establishment of the county and city councils (following the first democratic local government elections held in the spring of that year). In its first decade the General Council was viewed by some activists as a prototype Irish Parliament. During the war of independence the General Council was effectively the regional organisation of the ‘subversive’ Dail Eireann Department of Local Government which quickly won over the loyalties of the local councils from the Custom House Local Government Board. Twenty two sets of local elections have now taken place during the existence of the General Council renewing the democratic mandate of local government into the new millennium.
Economy to maintain growth this year – ESRI
The economy is set for more strong growth this year and in 2006 but reform is needed in the “sheltered” services sector so that competitiveness can be restored according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). It reports that the economy could be hurt badly by currency movements and interest rate increases in the future unless it becomes more competitive.
The ESRI say the economy is being buoyed by strong domestic demand, underpinned by strong housing investment rather than by any external factors. It also finds that this boost in domestic demand is filtering through to the public finances, which the ESRI says will be sound for the next few years. The analysis includes a €1 billion provision for the State’s liability on the long term residential care issue with about €300 million of this to flow out from the Exchequer this year. The ESRI expects this hole to be easily filled by funds gathered by the Revenue Commissioners from off-shore account holders.
Danny Mc Coy of the ESRI stated that “The economy is red hot” however noted that the stimulus currently provided by domestic demand will not be sustainable over the long term. Greater emphasis must be placed on costs, he said noting that services prices have been climbing eight times faster than goods prices.
Higher Education Grants Increased
Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin announced that 12,000 disadvantaged third level students are to receive a 22% increase in the “top up” grant they receive from the state. Eligible students will now receive a maximum grant of €5,355 a year. Income thresholds for ordinary maintenance grants will also be increased by almost 5%, bringing them into line with average wage increases. Students will now get a full ordinary maintenance grant if the family income does not exceed €35,485.Students who get grants do not have to pay the €750 student service charge.
A total of 56,000 further and higher education students receive some form of maintenance grant. However, disadvantaged students must meet a number of conditions to qualify for the “top-up” grants. For example, if students are living with their parents or guardians the household income must not exceed €15,626. USI surveys have shown the average annual cost of student rent to be €4,200.
The closing date for receipt of applications under this scheme is 31st August 2005.
Waste Permit Regulations
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Environment, Dick Roche, TD, announced last week that he is to review the Waste Permit and Waste Collection Permit Regulations. These regulations are administered by Local Authorities and deal with the regulating of waste facilities, including temporary storage and issuing of permits for waste collectors. The Minister sees the review as an effort to modernise the regulation of the waste management sector.
DATA PROTECTION COMMISSIONER APPOINTED
The Government has appointed Billy Hawkes as the new Data Protection Commissioner. Mr Hawke’s appointment is for a five year term and he will have the status of an Assistant Secretary in terms of Civil Service rank.
SEVERE PENALTIES UNDER NEW EU WASTE DIRECTIVE
Penalties of up to €15million and 10 years’ imprisonment will be introduced for companies that fail to comply with new electrical recycling rules announced last week. From August 13th, householders will be able to leave electrical and electronic waste back free of charge to shops when buying replacement items. Ireland is the second country after Greece to implement the Waste Electrical and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
PILOT SCHEME ON RENT ALLOWANCE
Tenants claiming rent allowance in eight pilot areas around the country will no longer receive the money directly, as the Local Authorities will be making the payment to the landlords. The system is being introduced as, under a new regulation, Local Authorities now have responsibility for housing people on rent allowance for more than 18 months.
The initiative is being piloted in Dublin, Galway and Limerick cities, South Dublin, Donegal, Westmeath and Offaly County Councils, and Drogheda Town Council. According to the Department of the Environment ‘the system will be extended nationwide in due course, and the Local Authority will pay the private landlord the rent directly until that person comes off the housing waiting list.’
FACTS AND FIGURES FROM 2004 ELECTIONS
The General Council of County Councils has published a book called ‘From Ballot Box to Council Chamber’ which reveals some interesting statistics from the 2004 elections:
- The 2004 poll brought 292 new faces on to the 34 County and City Councils. 33% of the outgoing councillors did not return
- The largest turnover of membership was in Galway City Council; Following the election 8 out of 15 seats were occupied by new faces.
- The implementation of the dual mandate ban resulted in 99 seats being filled by new faces in the run-up to the 2004 elections. When added to the 292 seat turnover on polling day, this gives a total turnover of 391, or 44% of the body of Councillors as a whole.
County Hall, Riverside,
Sligo,
Co. Sligo.
GPS : Irish Grid 169896, 335864
Tel:071 9111111
Fax:071 9141119 Email:info@sligococo.ie
