eContact June 2005

Increasing number of phone callers to Customer Service Desk

A total of 1580 contacts were made to the Customer Services Desk from 1st March to 31st May 2005. The main contacts were in relation to roads and environment.

There is a slight change in the response type trend, the majority of contacts being made by telephone. This would indicate that the general public are becoming aware of the dedicated line for Customer Services.

This was particularly evident during the run up to the implementation of the new traffic layout in Sligo town. A large number of calls from people who wished to familiarise themselves with it before it came into operation. Maps of the new system were available from the Customer Services Desk. A number of calls were from people who needed assistance locating the map on the Borough and Council websites.

According to Staff Officer Mary Boylan ‘As a result of the preparation the changeover was very smooth and the desk received very few negative calls. In fact, in the last couple of weeks the response has been positive with callers complimenting the Borough Council on the system and asking that it remain in place.

The time of year accounts for the increase in the number of enquiries about environment issues with most callers wishing to purchase a compost bin or requesting information about recycling white goods, paint tins, etc. ‘

Customer Services Staff are continuing to work with the Communications Office and the staff in IT to update the Council’s website.

Current and proposed Road Schemes

There is a diversion of traffic in the area south of Hughes Bridge (Queens Store Road) to allow the tie-in of the new Inner Relief Road with the bridge for a period of four weeks.

Resurfacing works are ongoing on the R284 Drumiskabole and the R294 Mullaghroe.

A further scheme will commence shortly on the R297 on Strandhill road/Knappagh Road.

Sligo beaches retain Blue Flag status

Enniscrone Mullaghmore and Rosses Point have retained their ‘Blue Flag’ status for 2005. The International Blue Flag Jury has awarded the ‘flag’ to 78 beaches and four marinas, the highest number achieved in this country in the seventeen year history of the awards. The 2005 figure is an increase of five on last year’s total. Kerry and mayo received the highest number of blue flags, 13 being awarded to each county.

To gain a blue flag, beaches and marinas have to meet a range of criteria including water quality, information, safety, services and facilities.

An Alien Concept!

Primary school students from St. Edwards National School, Ballytivnan took to the stage in the Institute of Technology, Sligo to teach their elders a lesson in litter prevention during April as part of the National Spring Clean campaign.

Following an IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) survey in which the IT was named as one of the most heavily littered third-level colleges nationwide, students from the adjacent Saint Edwards decided that it was time for action.

To mark National Spring Clean, Irelands largest anti-litter awareness campaign, the primary school children wrote and produced a play which demonstrates best practices in preventing litter.

This event was just one of a number of anti-litter awareness events held in the College in the past number of months with an anti-litter awareness slogan competition being organised, new litter bins being installed in the college campus and students also organised a clean-up around the grounds and along the Calry Road as part of the National Spring Clean campaign.

If you would like to organise a clean-up event please contact the Environment Awareness Officer in your local authority.

Open Local Government Initiative

Students from Summerhill College recently visited County Hall as part of Sligo County Council’s Open Local Government initiative.

Students attended a talk in the Chamber on the role and objectives of Local Authorities. Sligo County Council, Alice Reynolds, Environmental Awareness Officer gave a detailed presentation on the role Sligo Local Authorities play in the enhancement and preservation of our environment.

Cathaoirleach Awards 2005

The annual Cathaoirleach’s Awards Ceremony, in many respects the social highlight of Sligo County Council’s calendar took place for the fifth year at the County Hall in Riverside, Sligo on Friday last, 27th May 2005.

The ceremony opened with a word of welcome from the Cathaoirleach – Cllr Margaret Gormley. Cllr Gormley expressed thanks to those who took the time to submit nomination forms and acknowledged that “the nominators’ participation in the annual awards scheme lies at the heart of its success”. Admiration for the nominees was also conveyed by the Cathaoirleach stating that “in a time where there are serious demands on people’s time it is heartening that the ethos and practice of voluntary service is thriving in the Sligo Community”.

The first award was in the category of Community. This award was being presented by Leas Cathaoirleach – Cllr John Sherlock. Cllr Sherlock felt that the Community Award “lies at the heart of the Scheme, as the origin and inspiration for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards Scheme was to publicly acknowledge those who have given special, voluntary service to their community”. Cllr Sherlock found it “personally rewarding to discover that there are so many unsung heroes in the Sligo Community”.

The winner in the category of Community was a very deserving winner indeed. He has been a tireless worker for his local community in Ballisodare, and has made a valuable contribution to a range of activities, including the tidy towns committee and scouts. He also does much work for the community Council and has been described as “an inspiration” to colleagues who have served with him over the years. This award was presented to Mr Alfie Gallagher from Station Road in Ballisodare.

Mr Fergus Mac Nabb presented the second award in the category of Sports. At the outset, Mr Mac Nabb recognised that “Sligo has a distinguished and proud tradition across a whole range of sports” and feels that “we all harbour a special affinity for those who excel in their particular discipline”. The winner of this category was described in her nomination form as “a dedicated volunteer for her local community games, whose drive and organisational skills have made an enormous impact”. Ms Eileen Brennan from Mullinabreena has held the position of Secretary of the Community Games and has made a valuable contribution to the County Board. Mr Mac Nabb felt that “her enthusiasm for her work is shown in the many young people she has inspired to become involved in sport in her community”.

The third award in the category of Environment & Heritage was presented by the Cathaoirleach – Cllr Margaret Gormley. Cllr Gormley feels that “one of the most important functions we have as a Local Authority is the protection of our environment and the promotion of its importance to the general public”.

She stated that “the Awards Committee was anxious to identify the individual or group that excelled in protecting the environment in their community” and they were “genuinely pleased by the high standard of nominations in this category”.

The Winner, Mr Tom Haran from Aughagad in Grange was described by his nominators as “a tireless volunteer and community worker whose work has enriched and enhanced the lives of young and old”. Over the years he has been actively involved in numerous local initiatives, including tidy towns committee, Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann, GAA and the Community Council and has been an inspirational presence in North Sligo”.

Cllr Sean Mac Manus presented the fourth award in the category of National Schools. Cllr Mac Manus remembers when “the Cathaoirleach’s Awards Scheme was inaugurated 5 years ago, there was a concern that younger people may have been reticent about getting involved, therefore it was with that intent that the Awards Committee designated a specific category to National Schools”. This category was designed to encourage active participation by students and teachers in the Scheme and to provide deserved acknowledgement for the commendable work being undertaken by the various National Schools throughout the County.

The winners, Scoil Ursula on Strandhill Road has made a valuable contribution to promoting the important message of environmental awareness. They have established and monitored a litter free zone around their school and have become actively involved in recycling initiatives and energy conservation. The extensive landscaping to the school grounds and the creation of a natural habitat for wildlife is inspirational. Present on the evening to collect their award were Sr. Sarah, teacher Grace Crowley along with pupils Liam & Stephen Henry and Kate Healy.

The fifth award was presented for Arts. Due in no small way to the excellent work of Sligo County Council’s Arts Office, the last few years have seen a growing appreciation and regard for all forms of art in County Sligo.

Ms Seana Haughey from Bunninadden, chosen as winner under this category, has been one of the main inspirations and driving forces behind the Phoenix Players, who have recently qualified for the All Ireland Finals in Amateur Drama. Seana has attracted many people to the group, young and old, with her vibrant enthusiasm and artistic creativity and the Committee felt that she was a deserving recipient. This award was presented by the Cathaoirleach – Cllr Margaret Gormley.

The final presentation was presented for the “Best Presented Nomination Form”. In her address, Cllr Mary Barrett acknowledged that “while this scheme is administered to reward the special people in our community, it is dependent on the many people who took the time to submit a nomination form”. She stated “that there was a very high standard of nominees for the 2005, but behind every nominee there was an admirer in their own community who thought enough of them to complete and submit a form”.

The dual recipients of this award were Louise Gilhool and Sharon Cowley from Jesus and Mary Secondary School in Enniscrone who submitted a nomination in the category of Environment and Heritage.

In conclusion of the ceremony, Cathaoirleach Cllr Margaret Gormley thanked everyone who attended the ceremony. She emphasised “that all the nominees were worthy winners” and commended each of them for the valuable role they play in their respective communities.

Housing Developments around the County

Closing date for receipt of tenders for the construction of six social houses at Cloonshanbally, Culfadda, Co. Sligo is the 8th July 2005. Sligo County Council has also received tenders for the construction of six houses in Easkey. The Council is also awaiting approval from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the next phase of houses in Grange.

Environment

On the 1st June 2004 the winners of the anti-litter competition were announced at County Hall. This initiative was launched by Sligo County Council to acknowledge the voluntary efforts of 12 community groups who have worked tirelessly in tackling the problem of litter in their communities. Volunteers who protect the environment demonstrate a fundamental pride in their locality and their efforts convey a forceful message to the wider Community, that litter will not be tolerated.

Over twenty communities have been involved with a total prize fund of €3,300.

Winners in the Small Town category 2005

• 1st prize - Ballintogher
• 2nd prize – Enniscrone
• 3rd prize – Strandhill
• 4th prize – Grange
• Collooney - Runner-up

Winners in the Village category 2005

• 1st prize - Banada
• 1stprize – Killavil
• 3rd prize - Calry Development Association
• 4th prize - Aughris, Templeboy Dev Association
• Joint runner –up – Collooney & Ransboro.

This anti-litter initiative will become an annual event and in doing so it is hoped that communities will be motivated to turn our widespread objection to litter into tangible action, where regular clean ups yield good results for the benefit of everyone.

Newcomers and volunteers are needed by all groups as they continue with regular events into the summer months. To find where and when groups meet please contact the Environmental Awareness Officer, Alice O’Rourke at 071-9157443.

The National Housing Conference 2005 Up to 350 architects, planners, engineers, developers, builders and state and local authority representatives attended the National Housing Conference 2005 held recently in Cork. The Conference theme was “New Housing/Strong Communities” and focused on how to build sustainable communities in tandem with a high volume of housing. The Conference was hosted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. This year the Housing Practitioners Network joined the National Housing Conference.

Four representatives from Sligo Local Authorities attended this year’s conference, Tim Caffrey, Director of Housing, Corporate and Emergency Services, John Moran, Administrative Officer, John Owens, Senior Executive Engineer and Sean Martin, Senior Executive Architect.

Mr E Ryan of the National Building Agency gave a talk on the preparation of Local Area Plans for Sligo. John Owens, Senior Executive Engineer noted that “we were given some interesting perspectives on Government policy, public procurement and design issues affecting public and private housing.

Planning & Environment Issues

This Seminar was aimed at technical and administrative staff who are directly involved in dealing with any aspect of quarries. Pat Forkan, Director of Planning and Environment and Fineen O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Officer attended.

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government issued guidelines to assist planning authorities in dealing with the varying environmental and land use issues associated with the operation of quarries. The guidelines are also intended to help with the implementation of Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which commenced with effect from 28th April 2004. Section 261 introduces a new system of once-off registration for all quarries. Only those quarries for which planning permission was granted in the 5 years before Section 261 became operative are excluded.

The recent growth in the economy has led to a rise in the number of quarries being worked on a permanent basis and an expansion in their size and level of activity. Local concerns about the impact of quarries’ operations on communities have as consequence increased.

Fineen O’Driscoll felt that the seminar “was useful in providing some information on the problems being faced by Local Authorities in this area and also by the quarry industry. The discussion session was useful as many pertinent issues were addressed”.

Killavil National School Honoured

The pupils of Killavil National School have returned from an eco-conference in Stavanger, Norway, just another step in their crusade in promoting its “Green Message”. Killavil was the only Irish School represented at this important environmental forum

Their commitment to the environment has been proven in a number of practical ways. Two years ago the school was awarded the international green flag. They took on the project in a business-like fashion, having drawn up a monthly action plan of practical ideas with the aim of reinforcing the key messages of the Green Schools Programme.

The Killavil delegation met up with 500 pupils from thirty countries where their discussed and shared ideas on respective environmental programmes.

In her address the Cathaoirleach stated this “these pupils were excellent ambassadors for their school, their community and indeed their country and have returned with new ambitions, projects and commitment in promoting a generation that’s more sensitive to the environment”.

The Cathaoirleach paid tribute to Mrs Bernadette O’Dowd who is to retire shortly from Killavil National School after a distinguished teaching career spanning 45 years, all spent teaching in Killavil.

The Cathaoirleach went on to say that “ Mrs O’Dowd has seen a lot of children come and go and has experienced huge changes in the education system, but one thing that hasn’t changed is Mrs O’Dowd’s kindness and generosity to her pupils”. “Pupils you taught certainly have pleasant memories of you and are most grateful to you for giving them the first step on the education ladder”.

On a final note Mrs O’Dowd was sincerely thanked by the Cathaoirleach for her valued contribution to the education system; for her teaching skills, help assistance and courtesy to so many children in the Killavil area.

Appeals to Information Commissioner down by 61%

The 2004 Annual Report of the Information Commissioner reveals that the number of applications for review to her office has decreased by 61% in 2004. 434 applications were made in 2004 compared with 1117 in 2003.

The total number of FOI requests made to public bodies has also decreased. A total of 12,597 requests were made in 2004, a fall of 32% on the 2003 figure. The Information Commissioner attributes this decline primarily to the introduction of request and appeal fees.

Among government departments, the Department of Education and Science continues to receive the largest number of requests, with 1,840 requests being made to the Department in 2004.

Government to test e-voting system

The government has started a new round of assessment and checking of the electronic voting system. An advertisement for consultants to carry out this work was placed on the Government’s e-tendering website last week.

The new tests will include counting and validation of votes as well as testing the overall security of the system. It is estimated that the security and risk assessment will take in the region of three months to complete.

Major changes proposed in new strategic Infrastructure Bill

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Dick Roche, TD announced in the Dail last week that he expects the Strategic Infrastructure Bill to be published in a matter of months. The Bill will amend the 2000 Planning Act ‘to encourage greater efficiency in the consent process for major infrastructure projects.’

A key measure in the Bill is the establishment of a new strategic infrastructure division of An Bord Pleanala, with the objective of reducing the amount of time major projects, including roads, landfills and incinerators take to get through the planning process.

It is also proposed that major projects by private companies will be able to bypass the initial local authority planning stage and move directly to the new division, if local authority managers deem the projects to be strategically important.

The new arrangements will remove the necessity to put parties on notice when taking a judicial review. This will effectively remove a stage of the hearing process which currently lasts an average of seven months.

Review of electorial boundaries 

Last week the Dail discussed the review of electoral boundaries, with the proposed legislation bringing into law the recommendations made by the Boundary review Commission in January 2004. The Bill changes 23 constituencies, leaves 15 unchanged, and creates five new ones. This brings the total of constituencies to 43, electing an unchanged total of 166 deputies.

One of the changes that has attracted much discussion locally is the division of Leitrim between two constituencies, Sligo/North Leitrim and Roscommon/South Leitrim.

Roll of Honour 

A ‘Roll of Honour’ of former Cathaoirligh is to be erected later this month in the foyer of County Hall. Since Patrick A McHugh was elected Sligo County Council’s first Cathaoirleach in 1899, thirty nine Cathaoirligh have served in the post.

One of the longest serving holders of the post was Councillor Joe Cawley, who served continuously between 1978 and 1983, and was also elected Cathaoirleach in 1990 and 2003.

The Roll of Honour will be unveiled on Friday, 24th June by the current Cathaoirleach Councillor Margaret Gormley, and the ceremony will be attended by many of our former Cathaoirligh.

Inner Relief Road 

With rapid progress being made on the Inner Relief Road, it is expected that the official opening will be held in mid to late July. The date will be confirmed in the next few weeks.

There has been a positive response to the new traffic system introduced on 23rd May. Queens Store Road, south of Hughes Bridge is closed to allow the tie in of the new Relief Road with the bridge.

Tubbercurry Community Library short listed for Award  

Teach Laighne in Tubbercurry has been short listed for another major award. Tubbercurry Community Library is one of only ten libraries selected for consideration from a total of sixty nine entries in Britain and Ireland.

The adjudicators visited Teach Laighne earlier this month, and the winners will be announced in October.

World Book Day 2005 

The World Book Day 2005 “Design a Bookcover’ Competition was a follow up to the workshop conducted by award winning illustrator Annie West on World Book Day recently. The prize giving was held in the Tubbercurry Community Library with The Cathaoirleach, Cllr Margaret Gormley presenting the awards.

ESB Environmental Photography Awards Exhibition

Tubbercurry Community Library hosted the ESB Environmental Photography Awards Exhibition from May 23rd to June 18th 2005. This is the eighth year of the awards which are organised in association with the Irish Professional Photographers Association. The competition is now established as one of Europe’s most prestigious photographic initiatives. The exhibition contained all fifty short-listed photographs in the five categories; Junior, Youth, Amateur, Professional and International. The Amateur category attracted the greatest number of entries.

The award winning photographs together with the rest of the short-listed prints can be viewed at www.esb.ie

Notice from Sligo County Council regarding Bonfires 

The 23rd of June is bonfire night and since this date is just around the corner, Sligo County Council wishes to strongly advise the public that the lighting of bonfires should only be undertaken with great care for health, safety and environmental reasons.

Sligo County Council does not wish to spoil traditions steeped in our history and culture, but must advise the public of the environmental and health implications of bonfires at this time, particularly when they are composed of waste materials.

The traditional bonfires burned wood and straw. Nowadays, unfortunately old tyres and waste materials are often used as fuel. In some instances, householders will use the excuse of a bonfire to off-load waste materials. Waste material should not be provided by householders or others for the purpose of burning in bonfires. Following new regulations, it is now a criminal offence to give your waste to any individual who does not hold a current and valid waste collection permit. It is also an offence to dispose of waste in a manner, which is likely to cause environmental pollution.

Tyres, in particular, are frequently burned and are one of the most polluting materials. The application of chemicals in the manufacturing process makes tyres a very dangerous product once heat is applied. They contain many chemicals, which during combustion liberates toxic fumes.

If waste materials are used the heat of the bonfire does not destroy many emissions which are emitted into the air we breathe. They contaminate the area around the fire and lands over a long range. Once released these toxins will persist for a long time in our environment. Some of the effects may be long-term and cumulative. It is vital that we consider our health and that of our children, because burning rubbish undoubtedly pollutes the atmosphere.

Very often the public are concerned about the amount of dioxins emitted by incinerators/thermal treatment plants, yet few realize that almost three quarters of dioxin emissions arise from the burning of domestic waste. Many think that burning their waste is a cheap and quick way of getting rid of it.

Yet we should all be aware that the burning of waste is illegal under the Air Pollution Act 1987. This Act obliges us all not to cause or allow emissions in such a quantity, as to be a nuisance or cause air pollution. The Waste Management Act 1996 prohibits the burning of any waste type except in accordance with a permit.

Nowadays we all have greater obligations with regard to our environment.