Minutes 2003

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 13th January 2003 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,
  • B. Scanlon,
  • E. Scanlon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr T. Caffrey, Deputy County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Mc Connell, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. Mc Nabb, Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Branley presided.

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF 9TH DECEMBER 2002:

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 9th December 2002 be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF THE TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING OF 10TH OCTOBER 2002: 

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

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Tubbercurry Area Meeting held on 10th October 2002 be and hereby are confirmed”.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT BALLINTOGHER: 

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Ballintogher to Derek and Hilary Farren in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and notice dated 16th December 2002”.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT DROMORE WEST: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Dromore West, Co. Sligo to Gareth Woods which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 17th December 2002 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT DROMORE WEST: 

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED


“That the council proceed with the disposal of land at Dromore West, Co. Sligo to Laura Munnelly which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 17th December 2002 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

DISPOSAL OF LAND AT DROMORE WEST: 

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council proceed with the disposal of land at Dromore West, Co. Sligo to Robert and Gail Browne which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 17th December 2002 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001, CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSION TO HOUSE AT NO. 37 MOUNTAIN VIEW, TUBBERCURRY: 

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

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 extension to house at No. 37 Mountain View, Tubbercurry Td., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo”.

PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVT.  (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001, CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA AT CARNAGARK, BALLINFUL, SLIGO: 

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

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 house, septic tank and percolation area at Carnagark, Ballinful, Co. Sligo”.

ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER VARIATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR COUNTY OF SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“To establish a committee to consider the variation of the Development Plan for the County of Sligo (1999-2004) as per resolution passed at Special Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 3rd January 2003”.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Mac Manus and Gormley be appointed to the sub-committee established to consider the variation of the Development Plan (Item 9)”.

It was further
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins

AND AGREED

“That Senator Scanlon and Councillor Colleary be nominated to committee re item 9 on Agenda of 13/01/03”.

It was further
Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

AND AGREED

“To appoint John Perry and Joe Cawley to the committee to consider the variation of the Development Plan for the County”.

It was agreed that the quorum for this committee would be four members.  It was further agreed that the first meeting of the committee would be held at 10am on Monday 10th February 2003 and that the committee would report back to the full Council within 3 months.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 2001 (PART 15 OF THE LOCAL GOVT. ACT, 2001 – ETHICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE LOCAL GOVT. SERVICE):

It was noted that notices had issued to Members under Section 174(1)(a) of the Local Government Act, 2001 (Part 15 of the Local Government Act, 2001 – Ethical Framework for the Local Government Service).

TAKING IN CHARGE OF HOUSING ESTATES IN BALLYMOTE AND COOLANEY: 

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the taking in charge of the following estates:

  • Keenaghan Close, Ballymote, Co. Sligo.
  • Malabright’s Estate, Main Street, Coolaney, Co. Sligo.

FUNDING FOR OWENMORE RIVER: 

Councillor M. Fleming requested the Director of Services to submit an application for funding to continue drainage work on the Owenmore River.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that applications for funding were made in November 2001 and April 2002 but both were unsuccessful.  A further application was submitted on 25th September 2002 and a reply is awaited.

It was agreed that Item 18 be also taken at this time. 

Councillors G. Murray, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, E. Scanlon and M. Gormley requested that provision be included in the Estimates 2003 of an equivalent sum to previous allocation, to continue drainage works on the Owenmore River and its tributaries, and that the Council send a deputation in relation to this matter to meet with the appropriate Minister and the OPW.

Following a discussion on the matter it was agreed that Deputy Devins would request a deputation with the Minister in this regard.

REFRAINING FROM ERECTING CAMPAIGN POSTERS FOR FUTURE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS: 

Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked that all political parties and non-party candidates in Sligo enter into an agreement to refrain from erecting campaign posters for future election campaigns.  He added that this would be a significant gesture towards the protection of the environment, and would also represent a financial saving for the candidates /parties.

Following a discussion on the matter an amended Motion was put forward.

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

“That all political parties and non-party candidates in Sligo enter into an agreement to call on the Government to introduce legislation to curtail spending on posters, newspaper advertising and election campaigning to a maximum of €10,000 per candidate in an election or bye-election and to a maximum of €1,000 per candidate in a local election.  This would be a significant gesture towards the protection of our environment, and would also represent a financial savings for the candidates /parties”.

It was agreed to defer making a decision on this matter until a legal opinion is made available to the Members to be obtained by Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services.

WORKS AT CARNEY: 

Deputy J. Perry asked that Sligo County Council ensure that measures are in place to carry out works in Carney, e.g. removal of surface water at the old school, re-instating of the wall at the bridge, upgrade the footpath from the pump up to the new development, complete the sides of the 2 approach roads.

In response, Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, advised that the provision of two gullies in the vicinity of the old school would relieve the present drainage problem in this area.  In relation to Carney bridge, Mr Carroll advised that the fence on the Sligo side can in the interests of safety and village enhancement, be replaced.  The upgrading of the footpath from the pump to the new housing development will be carried out by the developer in accordance with planning conditions.  He further added that the Area Engineer would endeavour to ensure that approach roads be maintained in so far as funds allow.  The drainage works and Carney bridge works will be considered under the proposals for Discretionary Grant Improvements 2003.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CARNEY VILLAGE AND ENVIRONS: 

It was agreed to take item 32 at this stage.

Deputy J. Devins asked that an overall Development Plan for Carney Village and its environs be prepared by Sligo County Council.

In response, Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services advised that there were a number of locations throughout the County, of which Carney is one, which will require the preparation of local area plans and that it is the intention of the planning section to agree with the Members, a programme for their completion over the next five years approximately.

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services, advised that the most recent Task Force application submitted in respect of the village of Carney for lighting was unsuccessful.  She further advised that if a more comprehensive application were made it could be considered at the April Task Force meeting.

INCLUSION OF THE DED’S OF ANNAGH, CLOONOUGHILL, COOLANEY AND TEMPLE IN THE CLÀR AREA: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the Council call on the Minister for Community Rural and Gaelteacht Affairs to have the D.E.D’s of Annagh, Cloonoughill, Coolaney and Temple included in the Clàr Area.

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services advised Members that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs selected the DED’s for the Clar programme on the basis that they experienced a population decline of over 50% in the last 75 years.  Ms Clarke stated however, that the request would be brought to the attention of Minister O’ Cuiv.

PLANNING APPLICATION 02/706:

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council be provided with a report on planning application 02/706.

In response Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services advised that the application for planning permission ref. 02/706 to construct 8 no. semi-detached dwelling houses was received on 1st October 2002 but is currently invalid. 

DISPOSAL OF REFUSE FROM SLIGO IN THE BALLINA LANDFILL SITE: 

Councillor D. Bree asked that the Council be provided with a full report on the arrangements that the Council has with private companies regarding the disposal of refuse from Sligo in the Ballina landfill site and further that a report be provided on the arrangement/contract the Council has with the local authority that manages the Ballina site.

In response Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer, outlined the details of the arrangement that Sligo County Council has with Mayo County Council in this regard giving the background to the arrangements with Donegal County Council from 1994 –2001.  He advised that a similar arrangement has, since 2001, been agreed with Mayo County Council in relation to waste being forwarded to the Ballina landfill via the transfer station and that accordingly Sligo County Council pay Mayo County Council directly and recover the cost from the waste management company.

He further advised that administrative costs incurred were charged at the rate of €8 per tonne.

COLLECTION OF REFUSE IN RURAL AREAS:

It was agreed that Item 19 be deferred.

LANDSCAPING WORKS AT CARRAROE SCHOOL /CHURCH AND ROUNDABOUT: 

Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked that Sligo County Council tidy up the green areas opposite Carraroe Church and Carraroe school, and carry out landscaping works at the Carraroe roundabout.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that it is proposed to provide improved landscaping in the areas in front of the Church, Community Hall and Priests house at Carraroe in the near future.

He further advised that an application had been made under the Peace 2 programme to provide major landscaping improvements at the National School and that the landscaping works of the central area around the roundabout are also included in this application.

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services, advised members that this application is being considered for funding under the Urban and Village Renewal Programme 2003.

DONATION TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS: 

Councillor J. Devins asked that Sligo County Council make a donation to the Special Olympics.

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services advised that the Council through the Voluntary and Community Grant Scheme 2002 has made a provision for a contribution of €2000 to Tubbercurry as a Host Town for the Special Olympics.  She advised that the organising committee for Sligo had made an application to Sligo Borough Council for a contribution.  Regarding further award of funding, Ms Clarke advised that application under the community and voluntary grant scheme for 2003 can be made and will be considered with all other applications.

INNER RELIEF ROAD: 

Councillor J. Devins asked for a detailed report on the current state of the Inner Relief Road in relation to various aspects of funding and archaeological works.

It was agreed to also take item 37 at this time.

Councillor S. Mac Manus requested that Sligo County Council call on the National Roads Authority to outline the exact situation in relation for funding for the Mid-Block Route for 2003.

In response, Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services advised that funding for archaeological works on road projects is included in the annual grant allocations from the NRA and that details of the funding allocation for national roads for 2003 has not yet been announced by the NRA.

Mr Concannon further outlined the cost of archaeological works to date and details of the programme of archaeological works to be completed by October 2003.  He advised that it is anticipated that the Sligo Inner Relief Road main contract would go to tender in 2003 and construction commence in late 2003.

ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN USA: 

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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor P. Branley be nominated to attend the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the USA in March 2003”.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY: 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Cawley on the death of her husband, Tom”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Noel Wynne on the death of his mother, Babie”.

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

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

AND AGREED

 “That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Community of the Marist Convent, Tubbercurry on the death of Sr. Theresa Keenan”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Giblin on the death of her sister, Philomena Dockry”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martin Millar on the death of his brother, James”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Vera O’ Toole on the death of her sister, Mona”.

 “That a vote of sympathy be extended to Eddie Brennan on the death of his brother, Joe”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nathy Stenson on the death of his mother, Annie”.

 “That a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Gaffney on the death of his mother, Elizabeth”.

VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS: 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Sisters of St, John of God, Ballymote, Co. Sligo upon the occasion of their 50th Anniversary”.

CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor G Murray

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Fleming, Councillor J. Perry, Councillor G. Murray, Councillor A. Higgins, Councillor A. Colleary and Councillor E. Scanlon be nominated to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in America”.

Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That Councillor T. Mc Loughlin, Councillor PJ Cawley, Councillor P. Branley, Councillor M. Barrett and Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the Merriman Winter School in Clare from 31st January to 2nd February 2003.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Councillor PJ Cawley, Councillor G. Murray, Councillor I. Fox, Councillor A. Higgins, Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor P. Conmy, Councillor P. Branley and Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the General Council of County Councils Annual Seminar in Tipperary from 7-8th February 2003”.

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Councillor P. Barry, Councillor P. Branley, Councillor PJ Cawley, Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor M. Conlon, Councillor J. Devins, Councillor M. Fleming, Councillor I. Fox, Councillor A. Higgins, Councillor S. MacManus, Councillor J. Mc Garry, Councillor R Mc Guinn, Councillor T. Mc Loughlin, Councillor G. Murray, Councillor A. Parke, Councillor J. Perry and Councillor J. Queenan be nominated to attend the Association of Health Boards of Ireland Annual Conference in Kilkenny from 21-22nd March 2003”.

ITEMS OF CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED: 

  • Minutes of the CPG Meeting held on 1st November 2002.
  • Minutes of the Management Team Meeting held on 26th November 2002.
  • Minutes of the Management Team Meeting held on 10th December 2002.
  • Memorandum regarding ethics regime dated 13th January 2003 – part 15 of the Local Government Act, 2001.

END OF MEETING: 

It was agreed to defer the remaining items 19, 23-31, 33-36, 38-57 to the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be held on 3rd February 2003.

The meeting concluded at 5.30pm.


Meeting Date 13/01/2003