Minutes 2003

Minutes of the Special Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 11.00am on 8th December 2003 in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


MEMBERS PRESENT: 

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • L. Conlon,
  • M. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Gormley,
  • Higgins,
  • Kilgannon,
  • Leonard,
  • Mac Manus,
  • Mc Garry,
  • Mc Guinn,
  • Mc Loughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan,
  • Scanlon,
  • Shannon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Service
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Service
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Service
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Service
  • Mr E. Ryan, National Building Agency
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr B. Carolan, Senior Planner
  • Mr R. Lavin, Financial Accountant
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr S. O’ Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. F. Moylan, Senior Executive Planner
  • Ms F. Meaghar, Senior Executive Planner
  • Ms M. Davidescu, Assistant Planner
  • Mr G. Browne, Administrative Officer
  • Ms B. Ronayne, Administrative Officer
  • Ms D. Mc Donagh, Acting Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley presided.

1. SLIGO CITY AND ENVIRONS DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2004-2010:

SUBMISSIONS NO’S 2, 10 & 28:

The members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to these submissions.

 SUBMISSION NO. 3: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That land south of the existing Carraroe roundabout extending to existing housing adjoining the western side of the N4 and accessed by laneway opposite Martin Reilly Motors and currently zoned for open space be zoned to accord with the adjacent proposed zoning i.e. C3 /ORW but ensuring that a minimum buffer zone (for landscaping and the provision of green links /wildlife corridor) measuring 10-15 metres are retained along the N4”.

 SUBMISSION NO. 4: 

The members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to this submission.

 SUBMISSION NO. 8: 

The members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to this submission.

 SUBMISSION NO.9: 

The members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to this submission.

It was further

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council agrees to take immediate steps to initiate a route selection process for a Western Bypass so as to facilitate decision making on land usage in that locality.  This item should be included in the March 2004 agenda for progress report”.

 SUBMISSION NO. 14: 

The members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to this submission.

 SUBMISSION NO’S 18 & 25: 

It was agreed at Cllr. Scanlon’s request to take items 18 and 25 together at this stage. 

Following a discussion on the matter the members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to these submissions.
 
 SUBMISSION NO’S 20 & 21: 

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That we adopt the County Managers recommendations in relation to items 20-21 as per attached map”.

The map referred to above was signed by both Cathaoirleach P.J. Cawley and County Manager H. Kearns. 

 SUBMISSION NO. 22: 

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council adopts the County Managers recommendation in relation to item 22 of the third Manager’s Report”.

 SUBMISSION NO. 23: 

The members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to this submission.

 SUBMISSION NUMBERED 25 – 28 : 

The members agreed with the Managers recommendations in relation to these submissions.

 ADOPTION OF SLIGO CITY AND ENVIRONS DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2004 –2010: 

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“Having considered the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which the development plan relates, the statutory obligations of any local authority in the area and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or any Minister of the Government and having considered the Sligo City and Environs Draft Development Plan 2004-2010 and the Third Manager’s Report, dated November 2003 on submissions or observations received under Section 12. - (8) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 on amendments (material alterations) proposed to the Sligo City and Environs Draft Development Plan 2004 –2010 and having considered the amendments is hereby resolved to adopt the Sligo City and Environs Draft Development Plan 2004-2010 and the Managers Report and to make the plan in accordance with Section 12. – (10) (a) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 subject to the modifications to the amendments as proposed and adopted at this meeting”.

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager thanked the members for the time and effort they put in to the process, he also thanked Director Forkan and his staff for their dedication and hard work. 

11. YOUNGS QUARRY, BALLISODARE: 

It was agreed at Cllr. Shannon’s request that item no. 11 be taken at this stage.

Councillor J. Shannon asked for the up to date position regarding the transfer of land at Young’s Quarry to Ballisodare Community Council.

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager stated that there had been a number of meetings with the Ballisodare Community Council regarding the use of Young’s Quarry for community facilities.  Mr. Kearns noted that the Council would only dispose of lands which it no longer required and that the lack of waste management facilities and a transient halting site meant that our needs had changed and that this land could not be disposed of at this time. 

Following a discussion on the matter it was agreed that the Ballisodare Community Council would be issued a letter stating that the Council would in principle pass the land on to them subject to its not being required by the Council, so that they would be in a position to apply for grant aid for their community facilities.

3. REMOVAL OF BEND ON ROAD 163 CARROWCARDIN OFF R297: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked the County Manager to allocate funding to remove dangerous bend on Road 163 Carrowcardin off R297.

In response Mr S. O’ Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated that this improvement would be considered in the context of the 2004 Road Works Programme.

4. EXTENSIONS TO GRAVEYARDS IN ENNISCRONE AND EASKEY: 

Councillor J. Queenan asked the County Manager to indicate when work will commence on the extension of new graveyards at Enniscrone and Easkey.

In response Director Clarke stated that the Council is in a position to commence work shortly at Kilglass Cemetery in Enniscrone but advised that there are no funds available to extend Easkey graveyard in 2004.  She noted that there is land available within the existing burial ground that could be used more widely by all communities.

5. 2004 GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES: 

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That Sligo County Council expresses its disapproval of the recently announced Government Estimates for 2004. In particular this Council views with grave concern the Fianna Fail & Progressive Democrats' Coalition's decision in relation to:

• The increase from 6 months to 15 months as a qualifying period for Back to Education Allowance;
• Health Boards to be given the power to refuse rent supplement in cases where the applicant has not already been renting for a period of six months;
• The discontinuation of the transitional half rate payment for lone parents where a recipient of One Parent Family Payment takes up employment;
• The discontinuation of both the crèche supplement and diet supplement;
• Substantial increases in both Accident & Emergency Charges and Bed Charges;
• Increase in Student Registration Fees.

Furthermore, this Council calls on the Government to immediately rescind these proposed measures, that when implemented will affect so many in our society especially those on lower levels of income”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.

For the motion: Bree, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Gormley, MacManus, Mc Loughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Scanlon.
Against the motion: Barry, Higgins, Kilgannon, Mc Guinn, Queenan.
Abstainee: Cawley

As the pole was 11 for the motion, 5 against the motion and 1 abstention, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

14. CUTBACKS IN SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM: 

It was agreed at Cllr. Bree’s request to take item 14 at this stage.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

“That this Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the cutbacks, and in particular the cutbacks in the Social Welfare system as outlined in the Governments Book of Estimates”.

As agreement could not be reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.

For the motion: Bree, Cawley, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Gormley, Mac Manus, Mc Loughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Scanlon.
Against the motion: Barry, Higgins, Kilgannon, Mc Guinn, Queenan.

As the poll was 12 for the motion and 5 against the motion the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

6 & 17 MEETING WITH IDA RE. UPDATE ON POTENTIAL FOR NEW JOBS IN SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“As IDA Ireland has identified Sligo as an area with significant growth potential we in Sligo County Council invite representatives from the Sligo Regional Offices to the February 2004 meeting for an update on the potential for new jobs in Sligo”.

It was further agreed at Cllr. Mc Guinn’s request that the Council calls on the IDA to re-double its efforts to target and encourage inward investment and to fully capitalise on Sligo’s designation as a gateway centre for growth, and to request the Regional Manager IDA, Joe McHugh, to address this Council outlining his proposals in this regard.

7. PROGRAMME FOR DECENTRALISATION: 

Councillor S. Kilgannon asked that Sligo County Council lead a major campaign to ensure that this government remains committed to implementing a new programme of decentralisation to ensure that the case for Sligo will be given full consideration.

8. VARIATION OF THE STRANDHILL LOCAL AREA PLAN 2003 –2009: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council make a variation of the Strandhill Local Area Plan 2003-2009 by the zoning of 2.32 hectares (5.74 acres) of land for residential purposes at Larass, Strandhill, Co. Sligo, which land is currently included in the buffer zone”.

9. RAILING ON WALL AT LAYBY IN GLENCAR: 

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council erect railing instead of a solid wall at the lay-by in Glencar, to ensure that the views are not obstructed.

In response Mr S O’ Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated that the wall is currently under construction and a rail would be incorporated into it.

10. TIMBER FENCE IN RATHMADDER ESTATE, GURTEEN: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the broken down timber fencing in the Rathmadder Estate, Gurteen be replaced.

In response Director Caffrey stated that the timber fencing would be replaced within a number of weeks.

12. BRING BANK FACILITY IN CLIFFONEY: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked that the Council, in consultation with local residents, provide a bring bank facility in Cliffoney.

In response Director Forkan stated that the community would be contacted and once agreement on a suitable site has been reached the facility would be provided.

13. DEVELOPMENT AT BEACHVIEW PARK, STRANDHILL: 

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council call on the County Manager to initiate legal proceedings against WT Property Development Co. Ltd. so as to compel the development company to reinstate the green area on the westward side of Beachview Park, Strandhill and to comply with all the planning conditions contained in the grant of permission for the Radharc na Mara housing scheme.

In response Director Forkan stated that following an on site meeting agreement had been reached with the developer.  It was agreed that the fencing would be completed in the coming week and that the landscaping would be carried out in March.  Mr. Forkan also noted that the developer had been made aware that legal proceedings would be initiated if the works were not completed within the time frame agreed.


15. LOUGHAN HOUSE: 

Councillor D. Bree asked that this Council express its deep concern at the announcement by the Minister for Justice that he is to move prison staff out of Loughan House and place the management of the detention centre outside of the prison service.

16. FUNDING FOR N16: 

This item was deferred at the request of Councillor M. Gormley.

18. BROADBAND FACILITIES IN SLIGO: 

Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked the County Manager to ensure that Sligo benefits from the new broadband facility and to provide the up to date position regarding proposals for county Sligo.

In response Director Clarke stated that submissions were made on behalf of Tubbercurry for the provision of telecom infrastructure in Clàr areas, shortlisting is currently underway in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.  She further stated that ICBAN are currently running a bid for funding under measure 2.1 of Interreg 111A and are working towards an application deadline of mid January 2004.

19. PROBLEM OF JUVENILE ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“To ask the County Development Board to establish a special forum of interested agencies in order to adopt a concerted approach to the increasing problem of juvenile anti-social behaviour in Sligo”.

20. PROPOSALS FOR WESTERN BYPASS ROUTE: 

Councillor T. Mc Loughlin asked the County Manager to provide a progress report on Sligo County Council’s proposals for a western by-pass route.

Members noted that this item had already been discussed at the meeting and that a progress report would be prepared for the March 2004 meeting.
 
21. SLIGO MAIN DRAINAGE SCHEME: 

Councillor T. Mc Loughlin asked the County Manger to provide the up to date position with regard to the next stage of the Sligo Main Drainage Scheme and to outline a programme for the works.

Members noted that this had been dealt with earlier during discussions on submission no. 9 of the Third Manager’s report on Submissions on the Sligo City and Environs Draft Development Plan 2004 – 2010. 

22. STRANDHILL LOCAL AREA PLAN: 

Councillor T. Mc Loughlin requested that a commencement date be confirmed for important works identified in the Strandhill Local Area Plan, including footpaths and public lighting through the village and the one-way relief road extending from the promenade.

In response Mr S O’ Toole stated that a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the RC Church will be completed this year and that it is proposed to undertake public consultation regarding improvements at the junction of Buenos Aires Drive and the Burma Road in 2004.  Mr. O’Toole also advised that it is proposed to continue to upgrade and improve the public lighting and footpath network in Strandhill village under the discretionary improvement grant and from development levy contributions next year and in subsequent years.

23. VOTES OF SYMPATHY: 

Proposed by Councillor J. Shannon
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Seamus O’ Connor on the death of his brother, Josie”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Donal Warnock on the death of his father, Danny”.


Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Deputy J. Perry

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kathleen Mc Loughlin on the death of her husband, Christy”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to James and Noel Kerins on the death of their father, Peter”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Maureen Cogan on the death of her husband, John”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Betty Stenson on the death of her husband, Paddy”.

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Tom Gallagher on the death of his wife, Angela”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Joe Dooney on the death of his brother, Jack”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Frank Kilgallen on the death of his brother, Jack”.


Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Margaret Mahon on the death of her brother, Noel Gallagher”.


Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Marian Stenson on the death of her brother, Paddy”.

25. CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the St. Patrick’s celebrations in America”.

26. CORRESPONDENCE: 

This was noted.

Does the correspondence from Iarnrod Eireann go here or in AOB.

28. ANY OTHER BUSINESS WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CATHAOIRLEACH: 

Cllr. B. Scanlon raised a matter under the minutes of the Sligo-Drumcliffe Committee meeting of 22nd September, 2003.  He sought clarification on role of the executive in the granting of planning permission on lands owned by Sligo County Council. 

In response Director Caffrey advised that consent had only been given to the making of a planning application on lands owned by Sligo County Council. 

  The Members agreed that the January Ordinary meeting would not take place on 5th January, 2004, and that an alternative date for that meeting be fixed early in January 2004.
 
 ITEM CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING: 

 Minutes of the CPG meeting held on 1st October 2003.
 List of forthcoming conferences in 2004.
  

The meeting ended at 4.52pm


Meeting Date 08/12/2003