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Minutes of February Adjourned Ordinary Meeting Of Sligo County Council held on Monday 13th February, 2012 at 11 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barrett,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor V. Cawley,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Collery,
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor D. Cawley,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lundy,  
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGarry,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor Mullaney,  
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor Murray,
  • Councillor O’Grady
  • Councillor Queenan.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns,County Manager
  • Ms Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Brennan, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.

At the outset the Cathaoirleach read out the following statement to the meeting reporting on the recent meeting with Minister Hogan regarding the Council’s finances.

At the December 2011 meeting of Sligo County Council the Members passed a motion to ‘To ask the Cathaoirleach to set up a cross party deputation to meet the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan regarding the serious financial situation of Sligo County Council.’

That meeting took place on Tuesday 31st January, and can I formally thank the Councillors and staff on the delegation, both for their work in preparing for the meeting and in discussing the issues with Minister Hogan.

We briefed the Minister on the serious state of the Council’s finances, we discussed the particular areas of difficulty including the high water services and payroll costs.

We also pointed out the underlying weakness in the Council’s financial base with a very low commercial rates income, and also advised the Minister that the overall state of the Council’s finances has been poor since the 1980’s.

The most significant contributor to the revenue deficit that has arisen in the last three to four years is the combination of the rapidly increasing cost of the water and waste water programme, while at the same time the local government fund, which is supposed to compensate Local Authorities for the domestic cost of the service, has declined significantly.

The Minister acknowledged the difficulties faced by Sligo County Council and said he would instruct his officials as a matter of urgency to work with the officials of the Council with a view to addressing these issues. This work is underway and discussions have been taking place with department officials to consider the detail of the issues discussed at the meeting.

When this work is completed, and I expect it conclude as a matter of urgency, proposals will be prepared by the Corporate Policy Group and submitted to the Council Members.

No one in attendance at the meeting on 31st January, the Minister and his officials, or the Council delegation, doubts the seriousness of the Council’s financial position. Neither should anyone doubt the resolve of this Council to address it, and I believe significant progress can be made with Minister Hogan’s department to agree a way forward.

The reality is that Sligo, as a small county, with a very low rate base, have provided a very high level of services to our communities. We now find ourselves in a position of having to pay for the ongoing costs of these services while the Local Government Fund is being reduced.

Councillor D. Bree asks for standing orders to be suspended to debate the outcome of the meeting with the Minister.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That Standing Orders be suspended to allow the Council to discuss the outcome of the meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan TD., regarding the financial crisis in the Council, which took place in Dublinon the 31st January, 2012.”

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Fleming stated that he had not intended to suspend Standing Orders for such a discussion and that there were motions further down the agenda which would be dealing with the issue of the Council’s finances.

Councillor Leonard stated that as discussions were ongoing with department officials and proposals to be prepared by the Corporate Policy Group, that debate and recrimination would be pointless at this time.

Councillor Devins stated that the Fianna Fáil members had received a report from Councillor Barry who was part of the delegation which met the Minister but he would welcome a discussion on the matter.

Councillor Queenan asked that the County Manager, Mr H. Kearns comment on the current financial situation.

Mr Kearns stated that it would take some years to balance the budget referring to the costs associated with the Water Services Programme and payroll as being major strains on the Council’s finances. The Manager also stated that he had written to the Department on numerous occasions requesting a redundancy package to reduce payroll costs and options such as introducing a 4 day week for staff are not permitted in accordance with the Croke Park Agreement.

Councillor McGarry, as a point of order, asked were Standing Orders being suspended for further discussion. 

Councillor Bree asked that he be permitted to make a statement as other members and the County Manager had spoken on the matter.

At this point the Cathaoirleach moved to put Councillor Bree’s motion to the floor. Councillor Bree proceeded to read a statement. The Cathaoirleach called for an adjournment to the meeting for 10 minutes.

The meeting adjourned at 11.45am for 10 minutes.

When the meeting resumed the Cathaoirleach put Councillor Bree’s motion to the floor.

The results of the vote were as follows:

For: Bree, Devins, Gormley, Lundy, MacManus, McGarry and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

Abstentions: V. Cawley and O’Grady.

As the result was 7 For, 11 Against and 2 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

The meeting proceeded to deal with Headed Items on the Agenda.

 

1.  MINUTES OF THE JANUARY ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 16TH JANUARY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary January Meeting held on 16th January, 2012.”

 

2.  PART 8 – R286 HAZELWOOD/  BALLINODE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended by the Planning and Development Regulations, 2006) the R286 Hazelwood/Bellanode Realignment.”

 

3.  SECTION 183 – 7, ST. ANTHONY’S CRESCENT, TUBBERCURRY:

Councillor Gormley asked that this Item be deferred back to the Tubbercurry Area Meeting for further discussion.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That Motion No 3 on the February meeting reading, ‘To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at 7, St. Anthony’s Crescent, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Mr Damien McMorrow in exchange for privately owned house at 45, Connolly Park, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.’ Be deferred to the Local Area meeting in Tubbercurry.”

 

4.  APPOINT ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE REGIONAL HEALTH FORUM WEST:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Sean MacManus to the Regional Health Forum West.”

 

5.  ROAD L5501, BRANCHFIELD TO CLOONAMAHON:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“To ask Sligo County Council to include Road L5501, Branchfield to Cloonamahon in the 2012 Road Works Scheme.”

In response,  Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following:

Local Road L5501, Branchfield to Cloonamahon can be included in your proposals for consideration at a Ballymote Electoral Area Meeting prior to the adoption of the Roadworks Scheme for 2012.

 

6.  STRANDHILL BEACH SIGNAGE:

As Councillor Healy McGowan was absent this Item was deferred.

 

7.  COMPLAINTS MADE TO COUNCIL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

“That Sligo County Council disregard complaints made by letter to the Council if it is not signed and a contact number available and, if by phone a name and contact number is not given.”

In response,  Mr J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services, stated the following:

Many of the complaints received by the Council refer to Planning Enforcement issues’ The Enforcement Section currently investigates all complaints (including anonymous) made to it.

This approach has been very successful in ensuring that issues in relation to Unauthorised Development are brought to our notice. It allows this section carry out an inspection to determine the nature and extent of any such Unauthorised Developments. The complaint is disregarded if it is vexatious, frivolous or without foundation. For the record, the vast majority of complaints lodged with this section are valid and result in some form of action being taken by the Council.

Councillor Gormley agreed to amend the motion to specify complaints made to Planning and Enforcement.

Following discussion and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote on the amended motion, which reads as follows:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

“That Sligo County Council disregard complaints made by letter to the Council if it is not signed and a contact number available and, if by phone a name and contact number is not given. This refers to the Planning and Enforcement Sections of the Council.”

For: Gormley, Lundy and McGrath.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey, Murray and O’Grady.

Abstain: Bree and MacManus.

As the result was 3 For, 13 Against and 2 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

8.  €15M LOAN REPAYMENTS:

With the agreement of the meeting Councillor Bree asked to defer this motion.

 

9.  EROSION AT STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“To ask this Council for a full report in relation to the protection of the dune walks in Strandhill.”

Mr T. Brennan, Acting Director of Services stated that a report had been circulated to the members following the January meeting but an updated report was now available and Mr Brennan gave a summary of same;

  • Emergency funding was sought and received last May to protect the dunes and the end of the rock armour revetment.
  • A bit of cobble bank has formed at the base of the big dune over the past few weeks and the coastal path south of the beach car park has been re-levelled. The southern eroded portion of the path has had minor emergency clearance and strengthening works carried out, but is highly vulnerable to further damage at spring tides through wave attack.
  • Regarding the access ramp at the southern end of the car-park, the Council has no plan to clear this ramp of cobble as cobble appears to be building up on the slipway continually, at present, so that we are just wasting valuable resources repeatedly clearing it, only to have it fill in again on the next big tide and storm.
  • Once the report is completed by specialist consultants, RPS, it will be circulated to the members and, as far as possible, an estimate of financial costs of any proposed solutions in the report.

 

10.  HOUSEHOLD CHARGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“Recognising that the new Household Charge is unfair and unjust; and aware that the Charge will not result in any additional funds for local authorities and in fact will be a burden on this Council and other local authorities; Sligo County Council calls on the Government to rescind its decision to impose the Charge.”

Following a discussion by the members and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Bree, V. Cawley, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Lundy, MacManus, McGarry, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: D. Cawley, Fleming, Keaney, Lyons, McGrath, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

Abstain: Barrett and Leonard.

As the result was 10 For, 8 Against and 2 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

It was agreed to take Items 11, 13 and 27 together.

 

11.  PUPIL-TEACHER RATIO IN RURAL SCHOOLS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“As the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio will have devastating consequences for children, also for the continuation of small rural schools and for the whole fabric of rural life this Council calls on the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn T.D to reverse the decision.”

 

13.  EDUCATIONS CUTS TO 2, 3 AND 4 TEACHER SCHOOLS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn to have the education cuts to 2, 3 and 4 teacher schools in Co. Sligo reversed.”

 

27.  CONSULTATION WITH RURAL SCHOOLS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Education to engage in consultation with Boards of Management to identify alternate means of achieving required savings in the Education Budget in order to avoid the necessity of raising the pupil/teacher ratio in small schools, a measure which will damage the quality of education in rural communities and impact particularly negatively on isolated rural communities.”

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1pm.

The meeting resumed at 2pm.

 

12.  TEAGASC PROPERTY AT RIVERSIDE:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That this Council be given a report on the Teagasc Property at Riverside, Sligo; to include details of what interest Sligo County Council have in the property.”

In response,  Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:

Sligo County Council acquired the leasehold interest of the Teagasc building at Riverside on 31st December, 2011. Discussions with Teagasc in relation to this building were held as far back at 2003. In 2009 and 2010, due to the fact that Teagasc were rationalising their activities nationally and relocating their activities in Sligo to Ballymote, the acquisition of the building came up for consideration.

Some key strategic concerns were taken into consideration prior to acquiring the leasehold interest in the building:

  1. The building is of strategic importance to the Council as it is located adjacent and contiguous to the Council’s Head Quarters and is in fact surrounded by Council property.
  2. It allows the Council to consolidate its present services on the site atRiversidewith consequential benefits to customers and improved efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
  3. It allows us to eliminate leases on a number of buildings where we have staff currently deployed with consequential savings on annual rent. Approximately €100,000 per annum will be saved in rent.
  4. The Teagasc site also has excellent parking that will accommodate customers, Council members and staff.

The proposed purchase was included in the 2011 three year Capital Programme, one of the capital items that was funded from the €15m loan raised in 2010. The purchase will realise savings of circa €100,000 per annum on reduction of rent on rental properties and other costs and in effect it will pay for itself within a few short years.

At present, discussions and preparations have commenced with those sections currently in rented accommodation with a view to relocating to the Teagasc building.

Consideration was given to this item many years ago and the Council agreed/supported the acquisition of the leasehold from Teagasc.

In response to further queries by Councillor V. Cawley and other members, Ms. Clarke stated the following;

  • The Council owns the land the building is situated on.
  • A 99 year lease was given to the various bodies using the building.
  • The VEC have sublet an office to the Sports Partnership and it is up to the Council to negotiate rent with them for this space.
  • The Council have 2 leases expiring this year and one in early 2013. The saving of non-renewal of these lease, including utility bills would be well in excess of €200,000.
  • The loan repayments are €30,000 over a 20 year period, costing €600,000 in total. The actual cost of the building is €487,000.
  • To clarify; the monies for this purchase were part of the €15m loan drawn down by the Council in 2010.

It was agreed Ms Clarke’s report would be circulated to the members.

It was agreed to take Items 14, 16 and 26 together.

 

14.  SPEED RESTRICTIONS ON N59:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

“To call on Sligo County Council to introduce speed restrictions and warning signs on the N59 at the Beltra Post Office Junction and Beltra Country Market at Beltra Hall, in the interest of public safety.”

 

16.  TRAFFIC FLOWS AT BELTRA COUNTRY MARKET:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

“That this Council take measures to address the concerns of members and visitors of Beltra Country Market with regard to appropriate traffic flow measures and signs that will warn, inform and restrict driver’s speed at this point on the road.”

 

26.  SPEED RESTRICTION AT BELTRA COUNTY MARKET:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

“To call on Sligo County Council to work with the Beltra Country Market committee to put in place speed restrictions/ warning signs on both approach roads on the N59 to alert oncoming traffic to the emerging traffic from this location.”

Councillor Clarke stated that he would take the direction of the engineer on this matter.

In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, recommended that this issue be referred to the Dromore West Area Meeting.

This was agreed by Councillors Clarke, Barrett and Mulvey.

 

15.  MILL VIEW ESTATE, DROMORE WEST:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“To call on Sligo County Council to have the houses at Mill View Estate, Dromore West inspected by a suitably qualified expert engineer with knowledge of chimneys and solid fuel range heating installations.”

In response,  Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:

Sligo County Council currently own houses No. 7 to No. 20 in this estate. Other houses on this estate are in private ownership through the Affordable Housing Scheme.  Sligo County Council received one complaint from one of their tenants in relation to this matter.   There had also been a number of chimney fires in the estate and it was felt that the solid fuel system may have given rise to the problem. As a matter of precaution the CoW’s for the Dromore west area had requested that the suppliers of the solid fuel ranges Stanley would carry out inspections on a number of the solid fuel ranges to investigate if a problem exists.  

It was agreed to take Items 17 and 20 together.

 

17.  CUT IN GRANTS TO CE SCHEMES:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council, concerned with the 66% cut in material and training grants to the CE Schemes and the impact this cut will have on the delivery of services inSligo, calls on the Government to reverse this decision and to re-instate the materials and training grants to CE Schemes to the 2011 allocations.”

 

20.  REVERSE CUTS IN CE SCHEMES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“Recognising the significant benefits of Community Employment Schemes to local communities and to CE participants, this Council calls on Minister Joan Burton and the Government to immediately reverse the proposed cuts in Community Employment Schemes.”

It was agreed to takes Items 18 and 25 together.

 

18.  DECLARE WOODSTREAM ESTATE UNFINISHED:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“To call on Sligo County Council to accept and declare Woodstream, Coolaney an unfinished estate.”

 

25.  WOODSTREAM ESTATE, COOLANEY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“To call on Sligo County Council to

  • Provide an update on the unfinished works at Woodstream Housing estate Coolaney.
  • Can the council make it a condition of the recent planning application that all outstanding works are completed to the satisfaction of the Residents before a grant of permission.
  • Can the Council update the residents on the meaningful negotiations that have taken place with the receiver, Kavanagh Fennell appointed by the Bank.
  • Can the Council indicate the conditions of the bond held and the amount involved on the original planning application and under what conditions can the Council utilise the bond.
  • I call on the Bank, The Irish Bank Resolution corporation to provide immediately the necessary funds to the receiver and the time frame to complete the unfinished works.

I call that this motion be forwarded to the CEO of the Bank directly for reply.”

In response, Mr J. Murphy, Acting/ Director of Services, stated the following:

Since the appointment of the Receiver, significant progress has been made in relation to the completion of the development, to include,

  • CCTV surveys on all main runs of foul and surface water sewers, together with remedial works.
  • Works at Entrance, to include bridge.
  • Final road wearing course.
  • Traffic calming measures.
  • Installation of water booster station.
  • Road markings and signage.
  • Footpath to village practically completed.

 Outstanding issues include -

  • The completion of the public lighting, and the provision of certification of the public lighting, and the provision of certification to BS 5489 standards.
  • Construction of fencing (permitted under PL 10/307 in front of a number of sites that were not developed under the original grant of planning permission PL 04/1011.
  • Perimeter fencing.
  • Play area.

In addition the Receiver has also indicted that it is his intention to submit a Taking in Charge application when the outstanding issues are addressed

Can the council make it a condition of the recent planning application that all outstanding works are completed to the satisfaction of the Residents before a grant of permission?

No.

 

Can the Council update the residents on the meaningful negotiations that have take place with the receiver, Kavanagh Fennell appointed by the Bank?

The Receiver, Kavanagh Fennell has put proposals to the bank for the completion of the outstanding items referred to above. A decision is awaited.

 

Can the Council indicated the conditions of the bond held and the amount involved on the original planning application and under what conditions can the Council utilize the bond?

A Bond in the sum of €217,000.00 is still in place. Bonds can be used to secure the satisfactory completion of a development.

 

I call on the Bank, The Irish Bank Resolution Corporation to provide immediately the necessary funds to the receiver and the time frame to complete the unfinished works.

Noted.

 

Regarding Councillor Clarke’s motion, Mr Murphy stated that there were 4 categories under which unfinished developments are categorised. Categories 3 and 4 are exempt from the Household Charge but Woodstream Estate was placed in Category 2; where a receiver has been appointed and the development is being appropriately managed from a public safety perspective.

Following further discussion by the members it was;

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Department of the Environment to extend the Household Charge exemption to residents of all unfinished housing estates.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Department of the Environment to confirm that Springvale Heights also includes Springvale in relation to category 3 Developments that do not have to pay the Household Charge, in the interest of fairness.”

 

19.  REPORT ON €15M LOAN:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“Noting that the Council, on the 5th of July 2010, by majority vote, authorised the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €18million by way of a term loan of €15million for 20 years and a temporary overdraft of €3million for the period to 31st December 2010, subject to the sanction of the Minister for the Environment, and further noting that the purpose the loan was to be applied was indicated as being ‘to fund balances on our Capital Account that remain unfunded – Water Investment Projects awaiting Special Development Levies, Asset purchases completed in advance of Gateway funding and project balances, along with our Revenue Account Deficit’ and further noting with concern that none of the loan was applied to the revenue account deficit of €7.5million and the deficit was carried forward into the following year; this Council hereby requests the Committee on Public Accounts to examine and report on the matter.”

Following discussion and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Bree, Clarke, Gormley and MacManus.

Against: Barrett, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, Mullaney, Mulvey, Murray and Queenan.

Abstain: Lundy

As the result was 4 For, 13 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

21.  PLANNING PERMISSION FOR COMMERCIAL SIGNS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“To ask the Director of Services for Planning to confirm that it is Sligo County Council policy not to grant planning permission for commercial signs on roads leading to our towns and villages in the county.”

In response,  Mr J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services, stated the following:

The recently adopted Sligo County Development Plan 2011-2017 does not contain such a restrictive policy in respect of the erection of commercial signage within the County. However, the Development Plan does indicate that matters to be considered relate to protecting the character of our built and natural heritage, the need to minimise visual clutter and the need to protect road safety. In addition, the National Roads Authority have a policy to restrict advertising signs along the national road network in the interests of road safety.

It was agreed to take Item 23 at this time also.

 

23.  REVIEW SIGNAGE POLICY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

“Due to the difficulties business people are facing, that this Council revisits their signage policy with a view to allowing them to erect signage to advertise their business. This review to take place immediately.”

TheCountyManager, Mr Kearns stated that a review of the signage policy could be placed on the agenda for the next Environmental SPC meeting.

Councillor McGrath, who is Chair of the Environmental SPC, states that there is due to be a meeting in the coming weeks and the issue of a review will be brought up at this meeting.

 

22.  SHARED-OWNERSHIP LOAN SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“I will ask this Council to request the Minister for Housing to consider changing the Shared-Ownership Loan Scheme to help young people who are finding it difficult to make re-payments and accommodate their current needs.”

In response,  Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services, stated the following:

The Shared Ownership Scheme has been stood down. Currently the Department of the Environment is looking at proposals to help any people who are finding it difficult to make re-payments on their mortgages; however details on these schemes have not yet been forwarded to the local authorities.  However the members will be notified when details are made available.  

 

24.  R294 – TUBBERCURRY TO LOUGH TALT:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“I will ask the Council to seek a specific improvement grant for sections of the Regional Road R294, from Tubbercurry to Lough Talt.”

In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following;

The Regional Road R294 between Tubbercurry and Lough Talt continues to be considered for restoration work and it is hoped that a further section will be overlaid in 2013. Some improvements under Restoration Maintenance will be carried out in 2012.

 

28.  COUNTY ROAD 495 AT DOON:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“To ask the Director of Services, Infrastructure for an up to date report regarding the junction of County Road 495 with Regional Road 293 at Doon, Gurteen.”

In response, Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, stated the following;

I am endeavouring to get the landowner here to come to an amicable agreement regarding the removal or topping of the trees/hedges that are impeding sightlines at this junction, in the interests of all concerned.

 

29.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Johnson on the death of his son, Peter Johnson.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom Henry on the death of his mother, Kate Henry.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Morahan on the death of his sister, Anne Keaveney.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Willie Frizzell on the death of his brother, Sean Frizzell.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom Tighe on the death of his mother, Celia Tighe.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Brennan on the death of her mother, Celia Tighe.”

 

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Conlon on the death of her husband, Patrick (Sonny) Conlon.

 

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Valerie Healy on the death of her husband, Bernard Healy.”

 

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Josephine Nellany on the death of her husband, Eugene Nellany.”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Teresa Ewing on the death of her husband, Michael Ewing.”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridget Jordan on the death of her husband, Vincent Jordan.”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Enda McCormack on the death of his wife, Patricia McCormack.”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Josephine Nellany on the death of her husband, Eugene Nellany.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paddy Henry on the death of his mother, Kate Henry.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mickey Gallagher on the death of his wife, Ann Gallagher.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Dan Tuohy on the death of his wife, Phil Tuohy.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to P.J. Gallagher on the death of his mother, Maggie Gallagher.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray                        

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom Gallagher on the death of his brother, Sean Gallagher.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray          

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paddy Kerins and family on the death of his mother, Eileen Kerins.”

 

30.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Aoife McDermott on winning the Women’s Basketball Super League National Cup Final withUniversityofLimerick.”

 

31.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That the list of Conferences circulated for February at this meeting was unanimously approved”

 

32.  CORRESPONDANCE:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To note correspondence circulated with the Agenda”

 

33.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

Councillor Bree enquired as to what progress had been made in relation to the amendment to the County Development Plan regarding the fracking ban and asked could the members have an update on this for the next meeting.

 

34.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor Gormley asked had a response been received from Deputy John Perry regarding the government offices in Tubbercurry.

Mr MacNabb, the Meetings Administrator advised that no correspondence had been received regarding this matter. Councillor Gormley asked that a reminder be sent to Deputy Perry.

 

The meeting ended at 4.10pm

 


Meeting Date 13/02/2012