Minutes 2012

Minutes of March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 5th March, 2012 in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo at 11am


MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns,County Manager
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Brennan, A/Director of Services
  • Ms P. R. Gallagher, A/Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms F. Loughlin, Staff Officer
     

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.

 

At the outset, the Cathaoirleach proposed a vote of sympathy to Councillor Pat McGrath on the death of his Uncle Frank Muldoon and also to Staff Members Geraldine Timlin and Johnny Tansey on the death of their Mothers.  The meeting was adjourned for 5 minutes as a mark of respect.

SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS:

On resumption, Councillor S. MacManus asked for standing orders to be suspended.  It was 

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“the Council agrees to suspend Standing Orders so that we can discuss the recent report from Director of Service in relation to the shortfall in funding Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes”

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming stated it was his understanding that this report would firstly be brought before the relevant SPC, after which it would be brought for discussion at the April Council meeting.

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

FOR: Bree, Gormley, Lundy MacManus

AGAINST: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, Mullaney, Mulvey.

ABSTENTION: McGarry

As the result was 4 For, 11 Against and 1 Abstention, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.
 

1.  MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 13TH FEBRUARY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Adjourned February Ordinary Meeting held on 13th February, 2012”

 

2.  MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 6TH FEBRUARY, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary February Meeting held on 6th February, 2012.

 

3.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 12TH DECEMBER, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 12th December, 2011”

 

4.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 12TH SEPTEMBER, 2011: 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 12th September, 2011”

 

5.  MINUTES THE SLIGO DRUMCLIFFE AREA MEETING HELD ON 30TH MAY, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 30th May, 2011”

 

6.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 7TH NOVEMBER, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 7th November, 2011”

 

7.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING HELD ON 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 5th September, 2011”

 

8.  MINUTES OF THE SLIGO/STRANDHILL AREA MEETING ON 4TH JULY, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 4th July, 2011”

 

9.  ROAD WORKS SCHEME 2012:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To approve the Road Works Scheme for year ending, 31st December, 2012”

 

10.  SECTION 183 - DISPOSAL OF DWELLING AT HILLVIEW DRIVE, BALLYMOTE, CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at 13, Hillview Drive, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to John and Bridget Gaughan”

 

11.  DECLARE ROADS PUBLIC UNDER SECTION 11(1) OF THE ROADS ACT, 1993: 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons 

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993.

Road Number Location and Terminal Points 
L-51044-0 Road situate in the housing estate of ‘Ashwoods’, Geevagh, Co. Sligo
L-33084-0 Road situate in the housing estate of ‘Castleview’, Ballincar, Co. Sligo
L-76165-0 Road situate in the housing estate of ‘Knockmuldowney Park’, Ballysadare, Co. Sligo.

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council take in charge the following developments

  • the housing estate of ‘Ashwoods’, Geevagh, Co. Sligo
  • the housing estate of ‘Castleview’, Ballincar, Co. Sligo
  • the housing estate of ‘Knockmuldowney Park’, Ballysadare, Co. Sligo”

 

12.  APPROVE OVERDRAFT NOT EXCEEDING €14M:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

“That pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and subject to the sanction of the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €14m by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 30th September 2012”

A general discussion took place with Councillors Bree and MacManus indicating they would not be supporting this item. 

In response, Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance stated the following:

I want to clarify the position on our debt that has been referred to on numerous occasions and reported in the media following the presentation of the 2010 Audit Report at the January 2012 Council Meeting.  It has been stated that the Councils Debt is €77m and it is inferred that this is our operating debt.  This is not the case.  The amount of €77m refers to the Capital Debt which is the long term borrowings of the Council.  This figure at the end of 2011 is now €73m and it relates to mortgage and associated borrowings of €25m which has corresponding long term Income, and €48m for Assets that we acquired or built and own, including the Water Services Investment Infrastructure. All of these borrowings would have been approved by resolution of the Council and Ministerial approval given previously.

The Revenue Account Deficit is our current operational debt which at the end of 2011 is €12.9m.  This deficit is what our overdraft is required for.

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

FOR: Baker, Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery Devins, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey,  O’Grady, Queenan

AGAINST: Bree, MacManus

ABSTENTION: Gormley

As the result was 18 For, 2 Against and 1 Abstention, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

Members asked to be circulated with a copy of Ms. Leydon’s report.

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager informed the meeting that adjustments in spending would have to be made to the figures as set out in the 2012 budget.  A report with a list of proposed adjustments would be brought before the Members at the April Meeting.

 

13.  TO NOTE THE 2011 YEAR END REVENUE ACCOUNT: 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To note the 2011 year end Revenue Account, Capital Account and Debtors as per EU/IMF reporting requirements”

 

14.  STRANDHILL BEACH SIGNAGE:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

 

15.  REPORT ON €15M LOAN:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

 

16.  REQUEST GOVERNMENT AND MINISTER PERRY TO REVERSE DECISION ON GOVERNMENT OFFICE CLOSURE IN TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded  by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“Recognising that the closure of the Government Offices in Tubbercurry will have serious consequences for Tubbercurry and the entire South Sligo Area and concerned about the affect it will have on staff and extended families of those currently employed in the offices and noting the firm commitment given by Minister John Perry T.D before the last general election that the Government offices in Tubbercurry would be retained and expanded, this Council rejects in the strongest possible terms the Government decision to close the offices and further this Council calls on Minister Perry and the local Fine Gael and Labour Oireachtas members to take the necessary steps to have the Government decision reversed.”

 

17.  IMPROVE JUNCTION ON N17-TURNOFF TO BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“To call on Sligo County Council to improve the junction on the N17 turn-off to Ballymote, i.e. an extra lane for traffic turning left to improve sight-lines.

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

This junction was improved a few years ago when extensive improvements were carried out. I will ask the Road Design Office to examine the traffic movement to which you refer and to recommend accordingly.  However, there are no funds for work of this type at present.

 

18.  REQUEST NRA FOR REPORT ON WORKS CARRIED OUT ON ROAD AT BRIDGES OVER OVENMORE RIVER:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To ask the National Roads Authority to supply a full report to Sligo Co. Council on the recent works carried out by the NRA to the road at the bridges over the Owenmore River on the N4 dual carriageway.

This report will include details of the works carried out, the reasons for undertaking such works and the full costs of all works including any consultants/engineers costs which may have occurred. Further, that the report will also comment on the fact that this is the second time that works have had to be carried out on the road at these bridges since this road opened in 1999.”

Mr. T. Brennan, A/Director of Services informed the meeting that works had been carried out on two separate areas at the location.

 

19.  REQUEST GOVERNMENT AND HSE TO REVERSE DECISION ON HEALTH CUTS IN ST JOHN’S HOSPITAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Health and the HSE West to reverse their decisions to implement a range of cuts to the health services across this region. In particular we ask them to reverse their decision to cut the number of beds in St. Johns Hospital, Sligo and the cuts in acute bed's at Mental Health Services, Sligo.”

 

20.  CALL ON COUNCIL TO FIT HOUSING STOCK WITH CARBON-MONOXIDE ALARMS: 

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

 

21.  PROVIDE UP TO DATE REPORT ON PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT BALLYSADARE AND DROMORE WEST:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

 

22.  PROVIDE REPORT ON LANDS AT LISNALURG:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“Noting that it its meeting in May 2010 Sligo County Council adopted the following motion ‘That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report relating to the purchase of 83 acres of land at Lisnalurg, including the reason for purchasing the lands, the amount of monies borrowed to purchase the lands, the subsequent reason for recommending the sale of 49 acres of the lands and the reason for failing to use the proceeds of the sale to reduce the loans and interest payable, and the details of the accrued interest paid on the outstanding loans to date.’; and concerned that the comprehensive report has to date not been provided; this Council instructs the County Manger to provide the comprehensive report for consideration at the April 2012 monthly meeting of the Council and further the Council resolves that in the event of the comprehensive report not being provided that the entire matter be forwarded to the Committee on Public Accounts for investigation.”

Mr H. Kearns, County Manager stated that this item was previously reported on in May, 2010 and that Councillor Bree had received a report on same and suggested that Members be circulated with this report again.  Councillor Bree stated he requested a comprehensive report and not an extract from Council Minutes.

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

FOR: Bree, Gormley, MacManus

AGAINST: Baker, Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mulvey, O’Grady and Queenan.

As the result was 3 For and 15 Against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

The Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor M. Lyons took the chair.

 

23.  REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO ENGAGE WITH IMPACT AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES WITH REGARDS TO CENTRALISATION OF MOTOR TAX SYSTEM:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“Recognising: (a) that local authorities have an exemplary track record in the management, operation and production of driver licences since the inception of the system almost fifty years ago; (b) that the centralisation of the system run the risk of a substantially inferior service being delivered to the public; (c) that no coherent rationale has been presented for the centralisation of the system; (d) that no public consultation has taken place on the matter; Sligo County Council calls on the government to engage in constructive discussion and consultation with stakeholders and with the IMPACT trade union representing local authority staff, with a view to delivering efficiencies in the operation of the driver licence function.”

In response, Mr H. Kearns County Manager indicated that ongoing discussions were taking place with the Department of Transport and the Council. All indications were pointing towards this service being centralised within the next year and staff will be re-deployed to other council services.

 

24.  REQUEST NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY AND IRISH GOVERNMENT TO BAN ‘FRACKING’:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“Recognising the dangers that hydraulic fracturing/fracking poses to water quality, to human safety and the general environment, this council resolves to work together with other local authorities in the region, to oppose the practice of hydraulic fracturing/fracking and we call on the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Irish Government to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing/fracking North and South of the border.”

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming re-took the chair

 

25.  REQUEST A MEETING WITH DROMORE WEST COMMUNITY COUNCIL RE: LONG TERM LEASE OF LANDS:

This item was deferred with the agreement of the meeting.

 

26.  REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO HIGHLIGHT PROBLEMS OF UNDOCMENTED IRISH IN AMERICA:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore to highlight the problems faced by the undocumented Irish in America when they visit the White House for the St. Patrick Day festival .”

 

27.  REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE SPECIAL ALLOCATION FOR CLASS 3 COUNTY ROADS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“Due to the deplorable condition of Class 3 county roads in the county which has received no funding for the past number of years this Council calls on the Minister for Transport to make a special allocation to carry out improvement works on these roads.”

 

28.  REQUEST DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO RELEASE PAYMENTS DUE TO FARMERS:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that this Item was submitted by Councillor J. Lundy and not Councillor M. Fleming as indicated on the Agenda.

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To ask the Department of Agriculture to release complete payments immediately to small farmers who are still awaiting their Single Farm and Disadvantaged Area payments.”

 

29.  REQUEST WORKS AT JUNCTION TO COUNTY ROAD 500/R293 AT KILFREE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“I am calling on the Engineering Staff to have works carried out at the junction of County Road 500/R293 on the Gurteen/Ballaghderreen road at Kifree in the interest of road safety.”

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

No work is planned here due to lack of funding generally.

 

30.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Councillor P. McGrath on the death of his Uncle, Frank Muldoon”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Geraldine Timlin on the death of her Mother, Ann”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Sean Frizzell on the death of his brother, Gerry”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Eileen McGrath on the death of her brother, Frank Muldoon”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to John Tansey on the death of his Mother, May”

 

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter Mitchell on the death of his Father, Eddie”

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Frizzell on the death of his brother, Gerard”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Caroline Burke on the death of her Father, Eddie Mitchell”

 

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridget Mitchell on the death of her husband, Eddie”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Eamon Mitchell on the death of his father, Eddie”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Sean Frizzell on the death of his brother Gerard”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Eileen McIntyre on the death of her Mother, Mai Tansey”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Dolores Hannon on the death of her Aunt Beatrice Toolan”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret McNulty on the death of her Mother, May Tansey”

 

31.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“that a vote of Congratulations be extended to Rory McIlroy on becoming the World Number 1 Golfer”

 

32. CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

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

 

33.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“to note correspondence circulated with the Agenda”

 

34.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

 

35.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor S. MacManus asked that the Director of Services for Housing would meet with a community group in Collooney interested in leasing lands for allotments.  Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services indicated that no request had been received but that consideration would be given to the request on receipt of same. 

It was proposed by Councillor S. MacManus, seconded by Councillor D. Bree and agreed that this matter would be placed on the Agenda for the next Council meeting.

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 1.50 pm.

 


Meeting Date 05/03/2012