Minutes 2003

Minutes of the Resumed Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 19th May, 2003, at 11.00 am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT: 

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • L. Conlon,
  • M. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Devins,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Gormley,
  • Higgins,
  • Leonard,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan,
  • B. Scanlon,
  • E. Scanlon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Mr J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services
  • Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr Ray Lavin, Financial Management Accountant
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Ms E. Concannon, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr F. Moylan, Senior Executive Planner
  • Ms E. Garvin, Administrative Officer
  • Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
  • Ms K. Mc Tiernan, Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms S. Malone Assistant Staff Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Branley presided.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to William Carter and family on the death of his wife, Rose.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Councillor Veronica Cawley on the death of her sister, Maura Conlon.”

It was agreed as a mark of respect to adjourn the meeting for 15 minutes.

PROPOSED CONCERT EVENT FOR MARKIEVICZ PARK: 

With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, Mr H. Kearns, County Manager stated that he wished to advise members of a proposed Concert event which is scheduled to take place in July, 2003, at Markievicz Park, Sligo.

He further advised that a draft management plan for the concert would be placed on display for a period of five weeks in the Council’s planning office and that submissions or observations could be made to the Council within this period.  The final decision on the holding of the event is a reserved function he added and a report will be presented to the Members of the Council at its July meeting for consideration.

After a brief discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council agree to hold a public performance of Westlife during July 2003 on such date or dates as my be agreed with Westlife or its agents at Markievicz Park, Sligo and that MCD Productions Ltd be engaged to promote and manage the Concert on behalf of Sligo County Council.”

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF 7TH APRIL, 2003:

Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 7th April, 2003” be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING OF 14TH APRIL, 2003:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 14th April 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING OF 4TH DECEMBER, 2002:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting of 4th December, 2002, be and are hereby confirmed.

MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING OF 10TH MARCH 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That Minutes of Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting of 10th March, 2003, be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING OF 24TH MARCH, 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“That Minutes of Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting of 24th March, 2003, be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF DROMORE WEST ELECTORAL AREA MEETING OF 29TH JANUARY, 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Minutes of Dromore West Electoral Area Meeting of 29th January, 2003, be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF DROMORE WEST ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 26th FEBRUARY, 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That Minutes of Dromore West Electoral Area Meeting of 26th February, 2003, be and are hereby confirmed”.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT NO. 177 RIVER ROAD, CARTRON POINT, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at No. 177 River Road, Cartron Point, to Gerry and Racquel Williams in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, and notice dated 15th April, 2003.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT NO. 19 ARD AISLING, CHARLESTOWN RD., TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at No. 19 Ard Aisling, Charlestown Rd., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, to Hilda Gannon in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, and notice dated 15th April, 2003.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT DERRYGOLAGH, BALLINAFAD, VIA BOYLE, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Derrygolagh, Ballinafad, via Boyle, Co. Sligo, to David and Dorothy Connolly in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, and notice dated 24th April, 2003.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT DROMORE WEST, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Dromore West, Co Sligo, to Colin Tempany in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, and notice dated 24th April, 2003.

DEVELOPMENT OF A RECYCLING CENTRE AT CARROWNTUBBER, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the proposed development of a recycling centre at Corrowntubber, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo”.

DEVELOPMENT OF A CONSTRUCTION/DEMOLITION FACILITY AT UNION QUARRY, UNION, BALLYGAWLEY, CO. SLIGO:

It was agreed at Deputy Perry’s request that this item be deferred to the June Meeting of the Council.

CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT KNOCKBAUN, DROMROE WEST, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development), Regulations, 2001, proceed with the construction of a house, septic tank and percolation area at Knockbaun, Dromore West, Co. Sligo.

CONSTRUCTION OF 2 NO. HOUSES AT BALLYCONNELL, BALLINFULL, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, proceed with the construction 2 no. houses at Ballyconnell, Ballinfull, Co. Sligo.

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 2002: 

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“To note the Annual Financial Statement of Sligo County Council for the year ended 31st December, 2002.”

AUTHORISATION OF OVER EXPENDITURE OF €3,644,029 FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER, 2002:

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To authorise over expenditure of €3,644,029 for the year ended 31 December, 2002, in accordance with Section 104(7) of the Local Government Act, 2001.

TAKING CHARGE OF MICHEAL KEENAN’S ESTATE, BUENOS AIRES DRIVE, CARROWBUNNAUN, STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the taking in charge of Michael Keenan’s Estate, Buenos Aires Drive, Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill, Co. Sligo.

FIX A DATE FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL: 

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That the Annual Meeting of Sligo County Council be held on Monday, 7th July, 2003 at 4.00 pm.”

REQUEST TO ADDRESS BY DIRECTOR OF SLIGO I.T.:

It was agreed by the Members to invite Dr Richard Thorne, Director, Sligo Institute of Technology to address the June Ordinary Meeting of the Council.

CLARIFICATION ON DEFERRAL OF MOTIONS: 

Councillor L. Conlon sought clarification on deferral of motions at Council Meetings.

A brief discussion took place on the matter following which it was

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That Standing Orders No. 17 of Sligo County Council be amended to include after “adjourned” the words “and deferred”.  Also to include a new sentence – The maximum number of deferred motions per member shall be three.”

Standing Order No. 17 will now read:  No Councillor shall be permitted to have more that three motions on the agenda for any one meeting with the exception of motions adjourned or deferred from a previous meeting.  The maximum number of deferred motions per member shall be three.”

It was further agreed by the Members that Standing Order No. 23 be applied with respect to deferral of motions.

CALL FOR RESIGNATION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF AN TAISCE:

It was agreed at Councillor P. Conmy’s request that this item be deferred.

CUL DE SAC MONIES: 

It was agreed at Councillor P. Conmy’s request that this item be deferred.

DECISION BY THE BROADCASTING COMMITTEE NOT TO RENEW NORTH WEST RADIO FRNCHISE: 

It was agreed to take Items No. 36, 37, 38 and 39 at this stage.

Councillor Conmy requested that this Council express its bitter disappointment at the Broadcasting Commission not to renew North West Radio franchise due to the great community work done by staff and the high listenership and further to call on the Commission to make public the extraordinary decision reached and call on Director to appeal decision. 

Councillor M. Fleming asked that the Council request the Minister for Communications to clarify the position re-awarding of the broadcasting licence for the North West area to a new company.  He further requested the basis and reasons for the decision and confirmation that the local radio service will be maintained and improved.

Councillor A. Parke requested that Minister Ahern reverse the decision of the Broadcasting Commission regarding the North West Radio Licence.

Councillor D. Bree requested that this Council, representing the people of County Sligo, expresses its shock and dismay at the decision of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland not to award a broadcasting licence to North West Radio, and further this Council, recognising the exceptional broadcasting service provided over the years by North West Radio and aware that the Station has been consistently regarded as  being among the top three local radio stations in the country, calls on the Broadcasting Commission to explain in an open and frank manner how it came to its decision.

Following a discussion on the matter

It was proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That this Council request the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to meet a deputation from this Council to discuss why the broadcasting licence was not awarded to North West Radio.”

IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON TWO DANGEROUS BENDS ON THE N59 AT BALLINPHULL, SKREEN:  

It was agreed to take item No. 40 at this stage.

Cllr Barrett asked that the Council carry out improvement works on two dangerous bends on the N59 at Ballinphull, Skreen, in the interests of safety.

In response, Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, indicated that there was no provision in the Road Works Scheme 2003 for the realignment of the Section of N59 at Ballinphull/Doonflinn but that it is proposed to treat this section of the route with improved signage, road markings and surface under a Low Cost Accident Reduction Scheme in the current year.

UPGRADING THE CALRY ROAD FROM A SECONDARY ROAD TO A REGIONAL ROAD: 

It was agreed to take Item No. 25 at this stage.

Deputy J. Devins and Councillor I. Fox requested that Sligo County Council investigate the possibility of upgrading the Calry Road from a secondary road to a regional road.

In response, Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, advised that the designation of routes is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government.  He further advised that a traffic count is to be undertaken by the Roads Department.

Following a brief discussion on the matter it was

Proposed by Deputy J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That the Upper Calry Road (L 3408) be redesignated from a Secondary Road to a Regional Road”.

COMHALTAS CEOLTOIRI EIREANN: 

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council acknowledge the importance of the community/coluntary traditional arts organisation, especially Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, and call on the Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism to afford due recognition and support these bodies in forthcoming legislation.  This was agreed.

PLANNING APPLICATION FOR KNACKERY IN ACHONRY: 

Councillor J. Perry requested that Sligo County Council refuse planning permission on an application lodged for a Knackery in Achonry.

In response, Director Forkan advised that the application was presently invalid as the Environmental Impact Statement submitted was considered inadequate.

TEAGASC DECISION TO CLOSE RESEARCH CENTRE IN BALLINAMORE: 

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council call on the government to reverse the Teagasc decision to close research centre in Ballinamore and the Teagasc office in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, as it will be a devastating blow to the farmers of Leitrim and to those of surrounding counties but it would also have serious consequences for the very future of County Leitrim.  This was agreed.

AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION TO SAFEGUARD NEUTRALITY:

Councillor S. MacManus requested that Sligo County Council calls on the Government to adhere to this State’s historic position of non-alignment in international wars by amending the constitution to safeguard neutrality.

This was agreed.

WESTERN DAIRY PROCESSING INDUSTRY:

Councillor S. MacManus requested that given the recent recommendations of the Government Commissioned Prospectus report on the states dairy industry  that Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Agriculture to give a commitment to sustaining all sectors of the industry in the West of Ireland and in particular to take all necessary steps to ensure that there will be no closure or curtailment of Western dairy processing plants or operations or loss of jobs connected with the industry within the region, and also that the current ring fencing of the regions existing milk quota levels be fully maintained.

Following a discussion it was agreed by the Members that a letter issue to the Minister for Agriculture in this regard.

FOOTPATHS IN GRATTAN STREET, BALLYMOTE: 

Councillor J. Perry requested that Sligo County Council carry out refurbishment of the footpaths in Grattan Street, Ballymote.

Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, advised that the footpaths in Grattan St., Ballymote, will be refurbished in 2003 under the Discretionary Improvement Grant.

DISABILITY SERVICES: 

Councillor J. Perry requested that Sligo County Council call on the government to ensure that the €12 million promised for disability services is put in place as there are 350,000 persons with disabilities in Ireland with over one million people affected either directly or indirectly by disability.  This was agreed.

VIEWING STAND AND PICNIC AREA ADJACENT TO CAIRN ON CAIRNS HILL: 

Councillor D. Bree requested that the Council develop a viewing stand and picnic area adjacent to the Cairn on Cairns Hill and that a pedestrian access be provided linking the Cairn with the Green Road.

In reply, Director Clarke indicated the Cairn at Cairns Hill is a recorded monument and is protected under the National Monuments Act and careful consideration would have to be given to developing this area in consultation with the State Heritage Services.  She further advised that the Council has no resources to fund any work and that sources of possible grant aid would have to be investigated possibly with the co-operation of the local community.  A report on this matter is to be prepared for the members.

CLARIFICATION OF STAFF NUMBERS: 

Councillor D. Bree requested that the Council be advised of (a) the number of full time workers employed in the outdoor staff in 2002 (b) the number of full time workers employed in the indoor staff in 2002 and also the number of full time workers employed in the same sections in 1992, and also that this Council expresses its concern a the growing level of industrial unrest among the outdoor staff which has already led to industrial strike action.

In response, Mr J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services, advised that the number of outdoor staff in 1992 was 214, and at end of 2002 was 209.  Indoor staff in 1992 was 140, and at end of 2002 was 229.  In response to members queries on the current Industrial Relations dispute he declined to make further comments as he stated that he did not wish to jeopardise any solution which might arise as a result of ongoing discussions between Unions and Management.

HOUSING ALLOCATION 2003: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the Council call on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government Mr Martin Cullen to immediately notify Sligo County Council of this years housing allocation, in order that the Council can proceed with their building programme for 2003.

In reply, Mr J. Murphy, Acting Director of Services, stated that the Department of the Environment and Local Government had advised that a reply is expected shortly.

In response to Councillor M. Gormley regarding the up-to-date position on housing schemes at Bunnindadden, Coolaney, Collooney and Tubbercurry.  Mr J. Murphy advised that further information and drawings have been requested by the Department in relation to Coolaney and Tubbercurry, approval for the Bunninadden Scheme is expected to issue shortly and budget cost approval has been received for ten houses at Collooney.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Myra Regan on the death of her brother, Patrick Feehan”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Helen Lawrence on the death of her husband, Martin”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Marian Gilmartin on the death of her mother, Nellie Hanbury”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Mary Molloy on the death of father, Michael Moran”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr Paddy O’ Hora on the death of his brother, John”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Corsema Brennan on the death of her brother in law, Matt”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sean and Jean Henry on the death of their son, Diarmuid”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Catherine O’ Dowd on the death of her mother Margaret O’ Sullivan”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tom Marren and family on the death of his brother Monsignor James Marren”.

VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS: 

Councillor P. Conmy extended his congratulations to Mr Donal O’Shea on his retirement from the North West Health Board.

CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox

AND AGREED

“That Councillor G. Murray, Councillor M. Fleming, Councillor L. Conlon and Councillor J. Queenan be nominated to attend the Ballymote Enterprise Company Conference”.

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor PJ Cawley and Councillor P. Conmy be nominated to attend the Ballymote Community Enterprise Company conference”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor P. Conmy, Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor A. Colleary, Councillor J. Perry and Councillor J. Queenan be nominated to attend the Blackwater Valley Tourism conference in Mallow on 16-17 May 2003”.

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor L. Conlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor P. Conmy, Councillor A. Colleary, Councillor J. Perry and Councillor J. Queenan be nominated to attend the Rattoo Heritage Society Conference in Kerry on 29-31 May 2003”.

CORRESPONDENCE: 

It was agreed that the Ballymote and Tubbercurry Area Committee Members attend the joint meeting with Roscommon County Council and Mayo County Council on the R294 scheduled to take place on 6th June, 2003.

MATTERS ARISING: 

Councillor D. Bree, sought the up-to date position on the tailing ponds at Harringtons Quarry, Ballisodare.

In response Ms E. Concannon, Acting Senior Engineer advised members on the current position advising that test results had been sent to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Marine and that the Council were awaiting recommendations concerning the treatment of the material.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor S. MacManus sought the up-to-date position in relation to the extension of the Borough Boundaries.  In reply, Ms McConnell, Senior Executive Officer advised that a letter had issued to Sligo Borough in this regard and a response is awaited.

Councillor D. Bree asked that information be made available to the members on tender submissions received.

TRIP TO LA CORUNA:

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn

AND AGREED
“That approval be granted to Cathaoirleach Councillor P. Branley and Councillor J. Leonard, Chairman of S.P.C. 4 for an overseas trip to La Coruna, Spain, to develop Town Twinning links with Sligo.”

END OF MEETING 

It was agreed that items 13, 21, 22 and 42 be deferred and that items 34, 35, 41 and 43 - 52 be adjourned to the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be held at 2.00pm on Monday, 9th June, 2003.


The meeting concluded at 4.55 pm.



Meeting Date 19/05/2003