Minutes of Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 17th November 2003 at 3.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

• Councillor Barry,
• Councillor Branley,
• Councillor Fox,
• Councillor Leonard,
• Councillor B Scanlon
  

APOLOGIES:

• Mr S Kilgannon.
  

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

• Mr. T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
• Mr T Carroll Senior Engineer
• Mr. P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
• Mr N Haran Area Engineer
• Mr F Moylan Senior Executive Planner
• Mr. S. Ward, Area Planner
• Mr. J. Noone, Administrative Officer
• Ms. A Henry, Assistant Staff Officer
• Ms P. Stenson Communications Office
  

MINUTES OF JULY MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor Branley
Seconded by Councillor Fox

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 22nd September 2003, are hereby confirmed”.

MATTERS ARISING:

Councillor B Scanlon raised item regarding Exchange of Lands at Colmcille Drive Rosses Point Co Sligo.  He was advised that this matter was dealt with by the Housing Department and that the planning issue would be dealt with by the Planning Department.
 
Councillor I Fox raised item regarding Calry Road and the need to tarmacadam same.  In reply Mr T Carroll, Senior Executive Engineer stated that the Department only allow Double Surface Dressing on local roads.
 
In connection with a resolution by Sligo County Council in relation to redesignation of Road L3408 (Sligo/Manorhamilton Road) to Regional Road status – Mr J Noone read a letter from the Department of Transport dated 11th July 2003 in relation to this matter.

TO CONSIDER PLANNING DECISIONS BETWEEN 23 AUGUST 2003 AND 9TH OCTOBER 2003

Councillor B Scanlon enquired regarding PL 03/398 – Communications Control, Sligo Airport Business Park, Strandhill, County Sligo – Refused – Mr S Ward gave details of refusal.

TO CONSIDER MAJOR PLANNING APPLICATIONS BETWEEN 23 AUGUST 2003 AND 9TH OCTOBER 2003

None discussed.

TO CONSIDER AN BORD PLEANALA DECISIONS BETWEEN 23 AUGUST 2003 AND 9TH OCTOBER 2003

None discussed.

RE-SURFACE AND MARK COUNCIL CAR PARK IN GRANGE

In reply to Councillor Barry’s Notice of Motion No. 6, Mr J Noone read out the following report submitted by Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.

“There are no funds to re-surface or line the Car Park in 2003.  The proposal will be considered in 2004 under National Primary Road General Maintenance – but there is no guarantee that adequate funding will be available to carry out this work.”

REPAIR TIMBER FENCING AROUND GREEN AREA IN ROSSES POINT

In reply to Councillor Barry’s Notice of Motion No. 7, Mr J Noone read out the following report submitted by Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.

“Funding for improvement works will be considered for inclusion in 2004 Discretionary Improvement Grant.”

TAKING IN CHARGE OF BREFFNI ROAD MULLAGHMORE

In reply to Councillor Barry’s Notice of Motion No. 8, Mr J Noone read out the following report submitted by Mr T Carroll, Senior Engineer.
 
“This road principally serves Holiday Homes.  The policy of Sligo County Council at present is not to take in charge services of estates of Holiday Homes.  Perhaps this policy could be considered by the Infrastructural Strategic Policy Committee.
 
There is no provision in the Estimates for 2003 for taking in charge of Roads or Services.
 
This policy can only be addressed in the context of the estimates process.”

PROVISION OF DISCRETIONARY GRANT FOR DUNALLY ROAD (GAISTE ROAD) WHICH IS IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION

In reply to Councillor Fox’s Notice of Motion No. 9, Mr J Noone read out the following report submitted by Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.

 “The open drain along County Road 265 (1 km stretch) has become visible due to a hedgerow dying away.  The drain runs parallel to the road.  The fence along the public road is the responsibility of the Landowner.  Sligo County Council will erect delineator posts along the edge of the carriageway shortly, which will improve safety in the area.”

PROVISION OF DISCRETIONARY GRANT FOR FOOTPATHS FROM CALRY HALL TO ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL

In reply to Councillor Fox’s Notice of Motion No. 10, Mr J Noone read following report submitted by Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.

“Funding for footpaths in this area will be considered for funding under the Discretionary Improvement Grant 2004.”

 
PROVISION OF YIELD SIGN AT BALLINURLEY BRIDGE CALRY

In reply to Councillor Fox’s Notice of Motion No. 11, Mr J Noone read out the following report submitted by Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.
 
“A sign at this location will be erected shortly.”

REQUEST FOR SURVEY ON FLOODING OUTSIDE JIM CUNNINGHAM’S ON DRUM ROAD

In reply to Councillor Branley’s Notice of Motion No.12, Mr J Noone read out the following report submitted by Mr P Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.
 
“The Area Engineer will carry out a level survey of the area and investigate if there is any way of alleviating this flooding.  This is a difficult location due to the topography of the area.  Surface water runoff from lands in the area flows to this location and the provision of an outfall for this surface water would be costly.  Flooding only occurs intermittently and lasts for a few hours.”

PROVISION OF PUBLIC LIGHTING FROM CASTLETOWN CROSS TO END OF BUILT UP AREA ON CASTLETOWN ROAD UNDER” COUNCILLOR’S ALLOCATIONS”

In response to Cllr Branley’s Notice of Motion No 13, Mr J Noone read out the following report submitted by Mr T Carroll, Senior Engineer “Councillors allocation of Cul-de-Sac Monies should be utilised towards the upkeep and maintenance of the County Road Network.

It was never envisaged that this funding would be utilised towards the provision of urban type public lighting in a rural setting.

I do not recommend that this proposal be approved particularly in current economic climate of Council’s finances.”
 
Mr J Noone stated that the estimate for this work is €11,500 and that Councillors had allocated some €7,500 of Cul-de-Sac money towards the proposal.
 
Mr T Kilfeather, Head of Finance spoke regarding the ongoing cost of maintenance and that this should be taken into account in reaching a decision.
 
A lengthy discussion took place on this Motion and it was decided that the matter needed to be clarified.  It was agreed that Councillor P Branley would table a ‘Notice of Motion’ for the next meeting, to ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure to clarify the position regarding the use of Cul-de-Sac monies on the provision of public lighting in rural areas

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: 

LIGHTING AT ROSSES POINT CHURCH:

Councillor Barry stated that there was a problem with a public light at Rosses Point Church.  Mr J Noone, Administrative Officer stated that  an order had been issued to the ESB for repairs to a number of lights in Rosses Point.  He would check if this light is included.

LOCAL AREA PLANS: 

Councillor Joe Leonard requested an update on Local Area Plans and asked if there would be a Local Area Plan for Rosses Point, Ballyweelin, and Ballincar.  Mr F Moylan, Senior Executive Planner stated that he would consult with the Planning Department regarding this matter.

ROAD SIGNAGE: 

Councillor Leonard complained about the number of unauthorised signs on the N15 and suggested that a policy be adopted on the matter.

FOOTPATHS AT HAZELWOOD

Councillor Fox enquired regarding the extension of footpaths on the Regional Road at Hazelwood.  In reply Mr N Haran, Area Engineer advised that this work would be carried out in the next few weeks.

HAZELWOOD AVENUE

Councillor Fox stated that there was a problem with trees growing on the road verge on Hazelwood Avenue.

VOTE OF SYMPATHY: 

Councillor Leonard proposed a vote of sympathy on the tragic death of Mr Danny O’Connor, Ballyscannel, Ballinfull.  The other members present also wished to be associated with this vote of sympathy.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Monday 19th January 2004, at 3.30 p.m.
 
The Meeting concluded at 4.20 p.m.

Meeting Date 17/11/2003