Minutes 2013

Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 7th October, 2013 at 11am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barrett,
  • C+ouncillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor D. Cawley,
  • Councillor V. Cawley,
  • Councillor Clarke, 
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGarry,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor Murray,
  • Councillor O’Grady.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. D. Clarke, Deputy County Manager
  • Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr. J. Moran, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr. T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. M. Davidescu, Acting Senior Executive Planner
  • Mr. S. Ward, Acting Senior Executive Planner
  • Mr. N. Ballantyne, Acting Executive Technician
  • Ms. T. Dunleavy, Clerical Officer Planning Section
  • Mr. F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. M. McGovern, Clerical Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. McGrath presided.

Councillor D. Bree proposed a Vote of Sympathy to the family of the late Andy Tiernan, synonymous with Sligo Rovers, who passed away recently. The Cathaoirleach and other members asked to be associated with Councillor Bree’s comments.

 

1.  MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY SEPTMEBER MEETING HELD ON 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary September Meeting held on 2nd September, 2013.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF THE CPG MEETING HELD ON 1ST JULY, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Sligo County Council Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 1st July, 2013.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON 1ST JULY, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Area Special Meeting held on 1st July, 2013.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON 17TH JUNE 2013:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Area Meeting held on 17th June, 2013.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF SLIGO/ DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON 15TH APRIL, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Area Meeting held on 15th April, 2013.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF SLIGO/ STRANDHILL MEETING HELD ON 1ST JULY, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor A. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 1st July, 2013.”

 

7.  MINUTES OF SLIGO/ STRANDHILL MEETING HELD ON 13TH MAY, 2013:

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of Sligo/Strandhill Electoral Area Meeting held on 13th May, 2013.”

 

8.  SECTION 183 – LANDS AT LYNNS DOCK:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 the exchange of Sligo County Council lands at Lynns Dock to DP Sligo Limited.”

Councillor V. Cawley asked if this Item could be deferred until further information on the background of the land in question be provided to the members.

Councillor Bree also queried a public right of way which was not displayed on the maps attached to the documentation.

 

9.  DECLARE ROADS AS PUBLIC:

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That Item Number 8 be deferred and further that all information available with Sligo Harbour Board regarding this section of land be made available.”

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services was not aware of any outstanding issues with the land in question but stated that the staff would follow up on any queries from the members. Mr. Kilfeather did advise the meeting that this Section 183 and the tender application process for works on Hughes Bridge were linked.

Following a discussion it was agreed that the item would be postponed until the afternoon giving staff an opportunity to clarify the issues raised.

 

10.  ROAD TRAFFIC BYE-LAWS 2013:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility

(a) declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993

Road NumberLocation and Terminal Points
L-72092-0 Road situate in the housing development know as ‘Newtown Estate’, in the townland of Grange.
L-24017-0 Road situate in the housing estate of ‘Fairgreen’, in the townland of Easkey.
L-26029-1 Road situate in the housing estate of ‘Cluainin na mBó’, in the townland of Enniscrone.

 

(b) that Sligo County Council take in charge the following;

  • The housing estate of ‘Newtown Estate’, Grange, Co. Sligo
  • The housing estate of ‘Fairgreen’, Easkey, Co. Sligo
  • The housing estate of ‘Cluainin na mBó’, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To approve the making of Road Traffic (Special Speed Limit) (County of Sligo) Bye-Laws 2013 pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004.”

 

11.  STRANDHILL MINI PLAN:

To consider the Second Manager’s report on submissions relating to the proposed amendments of the draft CDP Variation No.1/Strandhill Mini-Plan.

The following amendments were proposed by the members;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council agrees to the withdrawal of amendments A11 and A17 from the Second Manager’s Report on the Draft Strandhill Mini Plan.”

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

“That the CPD Variation No.1 Mini Plan be adopted as presented by the Manager for the Strandhill area without the Amendment A16 in relation to a site for one house.”

Mr. Kilfeather clarified to the members that Councillor D. Cawley’s motion was specific in its intention.

Following this clarification it was;

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Draft CDP Variation No. 1/Strandhill Mini-Plan, the Manager’s Report dated 15th April 2013, the Second Manager’s Report dated 3 September 2013 and the associated documents (SEA, AA and Flood Risk Reports), it appeared to the members of the Planning Authority that the Draft Plan should be modified in accordance with the Manager’s Report and resolutions passed at this meeting. The proposed modification, if made, would not be a material alteration of the draft concerned.

It is hereby resolved that, in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended:

  • the CDP Variation No. 1/Strandhill Mini-PlanBE MADE with the modifications recommended in the Manager’s Reports and resolutions passed at this meeting;
  • the Strandhill Local Area Plan 2003-2012 BE REVOKED.”

 

12.  CDP 2011-2017 PROGRESS REPORT:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“To note the Sligo County Development Plan 2011-2017 Manager’s Progress Report.”

In response to queries from the members Mr. Kilfeather stated that currently the preparation of EIS documents for the N4 was occupying the bulk of staff time and that the Council would be hoping to go to contract for the Hughes Bridge project next year.

 

13.  AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To note the Audit Committee Annual Report 2012.”

 

14.  EU/IMF REPORTS:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To note the EU/IMF Quarterly Reports for Sligo County Council for the period ended 30th June 2013.

 

16.  ST ANGELA’S COLLEGE:

This Item was deferred.

 

17.  BALLISODARE REFUSE COLLECTION:

This Item was deferred.

 

18.  WALL IN WOODBROOK HEIGHTS:

This Item was deferred.

 

19.  REVIEW HOUSING SYSTEM:

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

“To call on Sligo County Council and the Minister for housing

  1. to review the system of house allocation
  2. to stand down the housing application form.”

Following a discussion by the members and in response Ms. D. Clarke, Deputy Manager stated the following;

  • The County Council Housing Department endeavour to house people in the areas requested.
  • The Department is currently carrying out a review of the Social Housing Regulations 2011 under the overall programme for social housing reform.
  • Ms. Clarke acknowledges that the housing application form is arduous but that Housing staff make themselves available to aid people as best they can in completing the form.

 

20.  HAZELWOOD DEMESNE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“That Sligo County Council carry out a full evaluation of all works required - including water connections - at Hazelwood Demesne (O'Donnell lands) with a view to taking this estate in charge.”

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

It is not proposed to take over this private road and therefore the estimated costs requested are not relevant.

Councillor Lyons asked that the Council advise the residents on costs involved. Mr. O’Toole informed the meeting that the Council could lend some expertise to ascertain a costing for works.

 

21.  COLLEGE COSTS:

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“In light of the recent survey by The Irish League of Credit Unions Sligo County Council recognises that increasing the cost of education is likely to place significant pressure on families, many of whom already struggle with the cost of college. Therefore, this Council calls on the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn to protect the student maintenance grant at a time when many families rely on this financial assistance to put their family members through college. Furthermore, Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn to consider the impact to the local economy of further cuts to students and families.”

 

22.  FORT HAVEN, COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the unfinished works at Fort Haven housing estate, Collooney.”

In response Mr. J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer stated the following;

The Council is currently finalising the list of outstanding works to be carried out in this estate. It will then seek at a meeting later this week to agree this list with the surety who provided the bond, with a view to the surety arranging for the works to be carried out.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor McGrath pointed out a correction in the wording of the motion; ‘Collooney’ should read ‘Coolaney’.

Mr Murphy added that the Council are aware of all the issues with the estate in question and hopes that progress will be made at a meeting with Liberty later in the week.

 

It was agreed to take Items 23, 26 and 28 together.

 

23.  MOTOR TAX, TEACH LAIGHNE:

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

“That we the members of this Council get a commitment from the County Manager and the executive that the Motor Tax office remains open in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry.”

 

26.  MOTOR TAX, TEACH LAIGHNE:

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

“I will ask the County Manager and the Director of Services not to cut services at the One-Stop-Shop, Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry.”

 

27.  MOTOR TAX, TEACH LAIGHNE:

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

“To propose that the Motor Taxation office be retained in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry to maintain collection of revenues due to Sligo County Council.”

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

In the current financial constraints that Sligo County Council is operating within with consequent continually reducing staff numbers it is not possible to give commitments that there will not be a reduction in services in any division of the Council. 

It is clear that we cannot continue to operate with reduced levels of funding and staff in the same manner as before. 

Under the action programme for Effective Local Government Staffing, Organisational and Service delivery arrangements will be reviewed in the context of the new municipal district arrangements in 2014 following the local elections, by taking a county wide perspective with a view to maximising overall effectiveness and efficiency. 

It is inevitable that there will be changes in the operations for Sligo Local Authorities.

The issuing of Driving Licences will be handed over to the Road Safety Authority at the end of October from Motor Tax and the Unions agreed nationally to redeployment of staff into other areas of work and it was within this context with requirements for staff in other sections that Motor Tax Teach Laighne has been under consideration for closure.

It is now going to be considered in 2014 as part of the overall change that will occur under the action programme for effective Local Government.

Following further discussion by the members it was

 

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

AND AGREED

“That the Council acknowledge the staff in the Motor Tax Office for their commitment and co-operation in opening the Motor Tax Office last Monday, 30th September to accommodate the many people from the South Sligo area; and that this council write to the staff to acknowledge this because they volunteered to open the office.”

Ms Leydon advised the meeting that the efforts of all the Motor Tax staff had been acknowledged on the Tuesday after the deadline.

The Deputy Manager, Ms. Clarke, stated that staff levels have reduced by 33% since 2008 and the Council would not be in a position to maintain the same level of service into the future. Ms. Clarke acknowledged the importance of Teach Laighne and this will be taking into consideration with the introduction of the Municipal Districts.

 

15.  ST VINCENT DE PAUL PRESENTATION:

At 12.30 the meeting went back to Item 15; a presentation by Mr. Ray Kelly, Area President of the St Vincent de Paul.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Mr Kelly to the meeting. Mr Kelly proceeded to give a brief history of the St Vincent de Paul charity and details of funding and various works carried out by its volunteers in Sligo.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr Kelly for addressing the meeting. Councillor McGrath complimented his presentation and thanked the St Vincent de Paul for all the work they do for the community. The members also thanked Mr Kelly and the St Vincent de Paul for their charity work in Sligo.

 

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.20pm

 

24.  YELLOW MARKINGS IN BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“That this Council provide yellow markings on Main Street, Ballisodare at entrance to business premises formerly known as Clancys.”

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

The Area Engineer will examine the area adjacent to the business premises formerly known as Clancy’s to see what measures may be appropriate.

 

27.  PRO JOBS BUDGET:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the government to provide for a pro-jobs budget, as the latest CSO figures highlight the importance of jobs and job creation in the upcoming budget later this month.”

 

8.  SECTION 183 – LYNNS DOCK:

The Cathaoirleach referred the meeting back to Headed Item 8 regarding a Section 183 on lands at Lynns Dock.

Mr Kilfeather advised the members that staff were not in a position to resolve the queries regarding this Item before the end of the meeting and therefore, with the agreement of the meeting the Item would be deferred and a revised report would be circulated for the next meeting.

 

25.  CASTLE HEIGHTS ESTATE, EASKEY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“To call on Sligo County Council to repair footpaths in Castle Heights Estate, Easkey.”

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

No funding exists for the repair of footpaths in Castle Heights Estate, Easkey since the removal of the Discretionary Improvement Grant some time ago.

 

29.  SPEED LIMITS ON R294:

It was agreed to take Items 29 and 38 together.

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

“To request that a review of Speed Limits be undertaken on the R294 from the junction with the N17 to Drimina NS, in the interest of public safety.”

 

38.  SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ON R294:

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

“I will ask that the speed limit signs on the Ballina Road, the R294, out of Tubbercurry be increased in size in the interest of road safety.”

In response to Councillor Fleming’s motion Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

Drimina N.S. is in a rural area adjacent to the R294 and has the benefit of an excellent set down area, and a special speed limit is not justified here.

The Area Engineer will examine the possibility of advance markings on the roadway at the approaches to the school which also benefits from existing flashing lights.

In response to Councillor Lundy’s motion Mr. S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

The speed limit signs referred to on the Ballina Road in Tubbercurry are in fact, repeater signs and therefore cannot be increased in diameter. The statutory speed limit signs are out at St. Attracta’s school on the Ballina Road and are of the larger diameter.

 

30.  PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN BELLAGHY:

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

“To propose that an application for funding be made to the NRA for construction of a pedestrian crossing at Bellaghy on Primary Route N17.”

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

This request for a pedestrian crossing at Bellahy will have to be examined by our Road Design team prior to any application to the NRA.

 

31.  IRISH WATER:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“To call on Sligo Council to resist Irish Water from stripping the council from its assets, on the following grounds

  1. it strips the council of millions of income each year,
  2. no value has been put on the water infrastructure, water sources, lakes, pipe network, reservoirs, group scheme shareholders
  3. the council will lose all rights of the sovereign citizens of the county, with regards to maintenance and investments in the infrastructure into the future,
  4. to block the 13.5% Vat charges,
  5. so to ensure that our water network will never fall in to private foreign hands,
  6. to ensure that Sligo County Council remains in control of the cost of water in the county.”

Mr Kilfeather, Director of Services indicated that this motion should be forwarded to the Minister as the Council has no control over these issues.

The members agreed to circulate a copy of the motion to all local authorities and the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.

In response to queries from the members regarding the day to day running of water services Mr Kilfeather stated that the Council would have to engage with Irish Water regarding these matters.

 

32.  ROSSES POINT HARBOUR:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That an application be made for grant aid under the 2014 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme to allow the Council to implement on a phased basis if necessary, the required improvements, enhancement works, repairs and refurbishment at Rosses Point harbour and pier.” 

 

33.  MILL APARTMENTS, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“That the Council be provided with a report indicating the proposals, if any, which the Planning Authority has to deal with the derelict Mill Apartment complex in Ballisodare.”

In response Mr. J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer, stated the following;

The Council would like to see this development completed. It is however a matter for the developer and its funders. The Council understands that there are currently ongoing discussions between the relevant stakeholders with a view to producing a site resolution plan.

We have written to the relevant stakeholders with a view to setting up a meeting later this month to discuss the future of this development.

 

34.  SEWER BLOCKAGES, COLMCILLE COURT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the Council be provided with a report relating to the ongoing blockages occurring in the main sewer pipe near the junction with Colmcille Court, Rosses Point; the report to indicate the steps the Council intends to take to resolve the problem.”

Ms. D. Clarke, Deputy Manager advised the members that a report on this motion would be circulated in due course.

 

35.  TAKE IN CHARGE ROAD:

This Item was deferred.

 

36.  BALLYMOTE NURSING HOME:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the number of people that have contacted me expressing their concerns as to the future of the Ballymote Nursing Home, I am requesting that this Council contact the HSE and NHMC (Nazareth House Management Limited) and seek clarification on the services being provided at Ballymote Nursing Home namely the number of long stay beds and the number of respite beds also that it’s the policy of the providers into the future to maintain long stay beds for dependent older people also what is the position regarding kitchen staff.”

 

37.  HEALTH CENTRE, COOLANEY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to support my request to call on the HSE to transfer the old Health Centre at Coolaney over to the local community as an amenity for the Coolaney area, as per my attached letter of request.”

 

39.  JUNCTION R293/CR500, KILFREE:

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

“I am calling on this Council once again to seek funding to have improvement works carried out at junction R293/CR 500 at Kilfree on Gurteen/Ballaghderreen Road in the interest of road safety.”

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

The R293 Co. Road 500 junction at Kilfree is again being included in our proposals for consideration under LCAS for 2014.

 

40.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John McGettrick on the death of his mother, Margaret McGettrick.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary McGettrick on the death of her mother, Margaret McGettrick.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bridie Coleman on the death of her mother, Patricia Scanlon.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Anne Brett on the death of her father, Tony Sweeney.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy McGrath on the death of his father, John McGrath.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Rita Mulligan on the death of her husband, Joe Mulligan.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Roger McGowan on the death of his brother, John McGowan.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tereasa McIntyre on the death of her husband, Kieran McIntyre.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Winnie O’Hara on the death of her sister, Sara Cawley.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Brendan Scanlon on the death of his mother, Patsy Scanlon.”

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Evelyn Tiernan on the death of her husband, Andy Tiernan.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Declan Power on the death of his mother, Sheila Power.”

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Tommy McGrath on the death of his father, John McGrath.”

 

41.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Stephen Reynolds on winning the Celtic Cruiserweight Boxing title fight in Belfast in September 2013 by his victory over Declan Trainer.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Tim Mulcahy on his retirement as Station manager from Ballymote Station.”

 

42.  CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That the following members attend the Local Authority Members Association seminar in Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare on the 10th and 11th October, 2013; Gerard Mullaney, Mary Barrett, Hubert Keaney, Gerry Murray and Jude Devins.”

 

43.  CORRESPONDENCE:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.”

 

44.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising from minutes

 

45.  AOB:

Councillor MacManus referred to his resolution passed at the September regarding housing waiting lists and thanked Ms Clarke for a report circulated to the members.

In response to queries regarding this report Ms Clarke stated the following;

  • The 42 vacant houses are in areas of the county with low demand, such as Tubbercurry, Ballymote and surrounding areas.
  • There has been a high refusal rate where families have refused houses from older stock in favour of newer houses under the private rented scheme.
  • The Council currently have 10 houses on the market.

Following further discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council Housing Section would contact all housing applicants on the waiting list to advise them of the availability of these 42 council owned properties considered to be located in areas of low/no demand and ask for expressions of interest in securing such houses.”

Councillor Bree requests that a report regarding Ahamlish Cemetery be circulated to the members. The Meetings Administrator understood that this report had been circulated but would confirm and resend to the members.

The meeting ended at 4pm.

 

END OF MEETING

 


Meeting Date 07/10/2013