Minutes 2014

Minutes of July Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 7th July 2014 at 11am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Baker,
Councillor Bree,
Councillor Clarke,
Councillor Gormley,
Councillor Healy,
Councillor Keaney,
Councillor Kilgannon,
Councillor Lundy,
Councillor Maguire,
Councillor MacManus,
Councillor Mac Sharry,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor O’Boyle,
Councillor O’Grady,
Councillor Queenan,
Councillor Scanlon,
Councillor Taylor.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr Ciaran Hayes, Chief Executive (CE)
Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services (DOS)
Ms. Marie Leydon, Head of Finance (HOF)
Mr Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services (A/DOS)
Mr John Moran, Senior Executive Officer (A/DOS)
Mr John Clancy, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Mr Donal Tinney, County Librarian
Mr Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer (SEE)
Mr Kevin Colreavy, Administrative Officer (AO)
Ms Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer (CO)

APOLOGIES:

Councillor Marie Casserly

1. MINUTES OF SLIGO/DRUMCLIFFE MEETING HELD ON 17TH FEBRUARY, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Sligo/Drumcliffe Electoral Area Meeting held on 17th February, 2014.”

2. MINUTES OF CPG MEETING HELD ON 7TH APRIL, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes Sligo County Council’s Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on Monday 7^th April 2014.”

3. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 28TH APRIL, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 28th April, 2014.”

4. MINUTES OF MAY MEETING HELD ON 2ND MAY, 2014:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary May Meeting held on 2nd May, 2014.”

5. MINUTES OF AGM HELD ON 6TH JUNE, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the AGM of Sligo County Council, held on 6th June, 2014.”

6. FLEADH CHEOIL NA HÉIREANN 2014:

Mr. B. Gavin, A/DOS gave the members an update on the preparations for the Fleadh.

The members commended the work of Mr Gavin and his team to date and highlighted the importance of the co-operation of the business and voluntary communities with the local authority to ensure a successful event.

Mr Gavin thanked the members for their comments and support.

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Chief Executive’s report, this Council approves his recommendation that the proposed event should be held in accordance with the provisions of the Draft Event Plan placed on public display on 1st May 2014 subject to compliance with the various measures proposed in response to submissions received.”

7. SECTION 183 – CONNAUGHTON ROAD, RATHQUARTER, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve the disposal of lands at Connaughton Road, Rathquarter, Co. Sligo to the Health Service Executive which shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the notice dated 7th July 2014 under Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001.”

8. SECTION 183 – DOONFORE, BALLINFUL:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Doonfore, Ballinfull Co. Sligo to Olga McCarrick and Ann Marie Ahern.”

9. SECTION 183 – TULLYCUSHEEN, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of land by Sligo County Council at Tullycusheen, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.”

10. SECTION 183 – BALLADREHID, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor S. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Balladrehid, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo to Cluid Housing Association.”

11. SECTION 183 – KILMACOWEN, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Kilmacowen, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo to Joanna Sweeney.”

12. PART 8 – DAGHLOONAGH TD., KEASH:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 2001, Part 8 (Article 81)(as amended by the Planning and Development Regulations 2006) proceed with the construction of dwelling house, P.E.T. system, raised percolation area and all associated site development works at Daghloonagh Td, Keash, Co Sligo.”

13. TAKING IN CHARGE - 4 HOUSES, CURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council take in charge the development of 4 No. Houses at Curry, Co. Sligo.”

14. TAKING IN CHARGE – OUGHAM BAWN:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council take in charge the development known as ‘Ougham Bawn,’ at Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.”

15. STUDENT GRANT SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To approve the 2014 Student Grant Scheme.”

16. KNOCK AIRPORT:

Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock delivered a presentation to the meeting on future investment for the development and support of Knock Airport.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Gilmore for his presentation and invited comments from the members.

The CE Mr. Hayes recommends the members to support the funding initiative in principle as more formal proposals would be bought before the members at a later date.

Following a discussion by the members the following resolution was put forward;

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council agrees in principle to consider an investment, in conjunction with 6 other local authorities into Ireland West Airport Knock.”

17. CRANMORE:

Mr. B. Gavin, A/DOS delivered a presentation on the Cranmore Regeneration Project. He gave a history and background to the project for the new members on the Council.

Following a discussion by the members and in response to their queries Mr. Gavin stated the following;

As head of the Cranmore Regeneration team Mr. Gavin would be accountable to the new County Council.
He would be open to an amendment proposed by Councillor Mac Manus to increase the elected members representation on the Cranmore Regeneration Steering group.

It was therefore;

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council agrees to include 4 members of the Sligo Municipal Council on the Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group, in addition to the Council Chair and Housing SPC Chair.”

The members also agreed to move the membership selection to the Sligo Municipal District meeting.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Queenan indicated that he would now deal with the Headed Items relating to appointments to various boards and the presentation on the new ‘Brown Bin’ scheme will be taken after lunch.

24. TO APPOINT TWO (2) MEMBERS TO HAWK’S WELL BOARD:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Sinéad Maguire and Declan Bree to the Board of the Hawk’s Well Theatre.”

25. TO APPOINT THIRTEEN (13) MEMBERS TO THE JPC:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Rosaleen O’Grady, Eamon Scanlon, Paul Taylor, Jerry Lundy, Martin Baker, Hubert Keaney and Dara Mulvey to the Joint Policing Committee.”

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Marie Casserly, Thomas Healy, Seamus O’Boyle, Margaret Gormley, Michael Clarke and Sean Mac Manus to the Joint Policing Committee.”

27. TO APPOINT FOUR (4) MEMBERS TO THE MODEL:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

28. TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO THE SLIGO ACCESS COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That Arthur Gibbons be nominated to the Sligo Access Committee.”

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Martin Baker, Tom Mac Sharry and Rosaleen O’Grady to the Sligo Access Committee.”

29. TO APPOINT TWO (2) MEMBERS TO THE SPORTS PARTNERSHIP:

The members sought clarification on whether they could increase the membership from 2 to 3 members. It was agreed to defer this Item until this issue was clarified.

30. TO APPOINT ONE (1) MEMBER TO THE SLIGO VOLUNTEER CENTRE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Joe Queenan to the Sligo Volunteer Centre.”

31. TO APPOINT FOUR (4) MEMBERS TO THE STRANDHILL MARITIME COMPANY:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Rosaleen O’Grady, Tom Mac Sharry and Sinéad Maguire to the Strandhill Community Maritime Company Ltd.”

Proposed by Councillor S. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Declan Bree to the Strandhill Community Maritime Company Ltd.”

It was also agreed that Councillor Sean Mac Manus would be proposed to the Board as a community member.

32. TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO THE PROCEDURES COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To appoint two Fianna Fáil councillors, Seamus Kilgannon & Rosaleen O’Grady, one Fine Gael councillor, one People Before Profit councillor, one Independent councillor and one Sinn Féin councillor to the Procedures Committee.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Sean Mac Manus and Seamus O’Boyle to the Procedures Committee.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Declan Bree to the Procedures Committee.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Hubert Keaney to the Procedures Committee.”

33. TO APPOINT ONE (1) MEMBER TO HERITAGE AND GENEALOGY SOCIETY:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Seamus Kilgannon to the Board of the County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Society.”

34. TO APPOINT TWO (2) MEMBERS TO THE BIDS COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Rosaleen O’Grady and Tom Mac Sharry to the Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDS) committee.”

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.00pm

18. BROWN BIN SCHEME:

Siobhan Gillen, A/Waste Enforcement Officer delivered a presentation ‘Pilot Project – Diversion of Waste from Landfill’ on changes to refuse collection.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Queenan indicated that there were a number of financial related Headed Items and Motions and with the agreement of the meeting he would deal with all of these at this time.

19. AUDIT REPORT:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor T. Mac Sharry

AND AGREED

“To consider the Statutory Audit Report on the accounts of Sligo Borough Council for the year ended 31st December, 2012.”

20. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL 2013 AFS:

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

“To authorise over expenditure reported in the 2013 Annual Financial Statement of Sligo County Council in accordance with section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001, and to consider the Annual Financial Statement of Sligo County Council for 2013 in accordance with section 108 (5) of the Local Government Act 2001.”

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

For: Baker, Keaney, Kilgannon, Lundy, Maguire, Mac Sharry, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan, Scanlon and Taylor.

Against: Bree.

Abstain: Clarke, Gormley, Healy, Mac Manus and O’Boyle.

As the result was 11 For, 1 Against and 5 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

21. SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL 2013 AFS:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To authorise over expenditure reported in the 2013 Annual Financial Statement of Sligo Borough Council in accordance with section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001, and to consider the Annual Financial Statement of Sligo Borough Council for 2013 in accordance with section 108 (5) of the Local Government Act 2001.”

22. COUNTY COUNCIL IMF/EU RETURNS:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To note Q1 2014 IMF /EU Financial Returns for Sligo County Council.”

23. BOROUGH COUNCIL IMF/EU RETURNS:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To note Q1 2014 IMF /EU Financial Returns for Sligo Borough Council.”

37. REDUCE LPT:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

“That Sligo County Council, noting that the Local Property Tax is an extra tax on people who own a home and that each local authority has the power to vary the Property Tax by up to 15%, this Council supports the maximum reduction of 15% in Local Property Tax as allowed under the current legislation.”

47. REDUCE LPT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. O’Boyle

"Recognising the financial burden that the property tax is imposing on families and households that are struggling to cope with the governments austerity measures; and conscious of the fact that the majority of citizens rejected the candidates and policies of the government parties in the recent local elections; this meeting of Sligo County Council declares its opposition to the governments austerity policies and resolves to reduce the Property Tax by 15%."

The members discussed lowering the Local Property Tax rate and the Chief Executive, Mr Hayes advised them that if Sligo County Council were to cut the property tax by 15% this would not help negotiations with the Department over the Council’s finances.

Councillor Kilgannon asked that these 2 motions be deferred until September when the members would be more informed on this issue.

Following further discussion by the members and in response to their queries, Ms. Leydon, Head of Finance stated the following:

Reduction in Local Government Fund and increasing cost of Water Services programme has had a significant effect on the Council’s deficit.
The debt figures being presented in the media relate to capital figures and to clarify the operational debt of the Council is €17.4m. The long term debt relates to asset borrowings which includes water infrastructure and housing loans and is a much larger figure.
Approximately €19m of this debt will be transferred to Irish Water some time this year.
Revenue need to receive notification from local authorities on the property tax rate in their county by the 30th September.
There will be a public consultation process which will be reviewed at a Corporate Policy Group meeting.

Again Councillor Kilgannon requests for the two motions to be deferred in order to establish the exact government policy on the role of local authorities in adjusting the property tax rate. As agreement cannot be reached the Cathaoirleach calls for a vote.

Councillor Kilgannon asks for a 10 minute adjournment in order for his party colleagues to discuss the vote.

The Cathaoirleach adjourns the meeting at 3.35pm for 10 minutes. Upon resumption of the meeting the members vote on Motions 37 and 47.

NOM 37

For: Bree, Gormley, Healy, Mac Manus and O’Boyle.

Against: Baker, Keaney, Kilgannon, Lundy, Maguire, Mac Sharry, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan, Scanlon and Taylor.

Abstain: Clarke.

As the result was 5 For, 11 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

NOM 47

For: Bree, Gormley, Healy, Mac Manus and O’Boyle.

Against: Baker, Keaney, Kilgannon, Lundy, Maguire, Mac Sharry, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan, Scanlon and Taylor.

Abstain: Clarke.

As the result was 5 For, 11 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

39. REQUEST MEETING WITH MINISTER:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“Given Sligo County Councils serious financial situation I would propose that this Council would request an all-party deputation to meet with the Minister for the Environment to assist in putting forward our case, I would ask that a full briefing document on our financial position be prepared for the Ministers attention.”

The members agreed that one member from each party would be selected for this deputation.

Councillor O’Boyle indicated that he did not want to be included in the deputation.

26. APPOINT MEMBERS TO THE LCDCS:

Siofra Kilcullen, Administrative Officer gave a brief overview of the role of the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) and the role of the local authority in same. The recommendation is that 3 elected members are nominated to the board.

Therefore it was;

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Sean Mac Manus to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).”

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillors Sinéad Maguire and Seamus Kilgannon to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).”

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To formerly establish the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in County Sligo.”

38. GREENWAY ON COLLOONEY TO BELLAGHY RAILWAY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

“Given that the Minister for Sustainable and public transport Alan Kelly is on record as stating that any extension of The Western Rail corridor will not be considered for ten or even twenty years, and given the alarming level of incursions on the closed rail route in County Sligo, and the Minister’s recent statement that he is in favour of protecting old railway routes with greenways, I propose that the Council should write to the Minister seeking funding to support a feasibility study for a greenway to be put in place on the disused railway line from Collooney to the County border at Bellaghy/Charlestown. The project proposal should include a plan to connect this greenway to Sligo through existing trails in Union Wood, with future expansion onwards to Enniskillen via the proposed Collooney-Enniskillen greenway. This connected infrastructure would also have the potential to connect further south and west to the existing Great Western Greenway, creating a tourism product that would allow the west of Ireland to capitalise on the strong and growing European market for cycling and long-distance walking holidays, as well as providing a superb and safe leisure and commuting facility for all the communities along the route.”

Following a discussion by the members an amendment was proposed to Councillor Mulvey’s motion.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That the words ‘on/or adjacent to’ be inserted. The amended motion would read as follows:

“Given that the Minister for Sustainable and public transport Alan Kelly is on record as stating that any extension of The Western Rail corridor will not be considered for ten or even twenty years, and given the alarming level of incursions on the closed rail route in County Sligo, and the Minister’s recent statement that he is in favour of protecting old railway routes with greenways, I propose that the Council should write to the Minister seeking funding to support a feasibility study for a greenway to be put in place on/or adjacent to the disused railway line from Collooney to the County border at Bellaghy/Charlestown. The project proposal should include a plan to connect this greenway to Sligo through existing trails in Union Wood, with future expansion onwards to Enniskillen via the proposed Collooney-Enniskillen greenway. This connected infrastructure would also have the potential to connect further south and west to the existing Great Western Greenway, creating a tourism product that would allow the west of Ireland to capitalise on the strong and growing European market for cycling and long-distance walking holidays, as well as providing a superb and safe leisure and commuting facility for all the communities along the route.”

In response to the motion Mr. J. Moran, SEO stated the following;

Sligo County Council’s Development Plan 2011-2017 contains a number of policies and objectives with references to the rail line from Collooney to Bellaghy/Charlestown, the Sligo-Enniskillen rail line. (Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway Line SLNCR) and cycleway/Greenway opportunities.

These include;

P-PT-4 Promote the development of the Western Rail Corridor, as a strategic transport corridor linking Sligo and the North-West with Mayo, Galway and Limerick. Any developments that occurs through the implementation of this policy shall be subject to compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive

O-CW-10 Support the development of a footway and cycle way(greenway) alongside the disused railway line from Claremorris to Collooney, subject to compliance with the requirements of the Habitat’s Directive, insofar as such route does not compromise the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC)

It is the wish of the Council as reflected in the Development Plan that the line should be reopened in the first instance.

It is clearly set out in the 2011 to 2017 Development Plan which was adopted by the Council in May 2011 that together with the other local authorities in the West, Sligo County Council is seeking the reopening of passenger and freight services along the Western Rail Corridor. This route has been identified as a ‘National Transport Corridor in the National spatial strategy and its reopening is strongly supported by the Regional Planning Guidelines. The preservation of the line was included in Transport 21. That is the key objective in respect of the railway line.

Sligo County Council did apply for funding under the National Cycle Network Seed Funding Scheme 2013 for the Sligo section (Collooney to Ballintogher) of the long disused Sligo to Enniskillen rail line to investigate the possibility of progressing a greenway along this route.

The Council was delighted to receive grant funding of €50,000 towards this project given that there was considerable interest in the scheme nationally and significantly more proposals were submitted than were approved. This section of railway is long in disuse. There are no initiatives or plans to reopen it and therefore it was a sensible initiative for Sligo County Council to seek funding in respect of this route when this opportunity to source funds arose. Leitrim County Council are also progressing a similar initiative on their section of the line.

The unsuccessful application received strong community support locally and is currently being prioritized for a potential cross-border application under INTERREG V, due to open in 2015.

35. CONNACHT FLEADH:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to support the Connaught Fleadh which is being held in Ballymote in July, 2015.”

36. CATTLE PRICES:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To invite the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Covney, to a meeting of Sligo County Council to discuss the impending serious cattle crisis that is effecting farmers in the North West.”

40. BUILDING CONTROL REGULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“I, Councillor Thomas Healy, now table a Motion to call on the Minister of the Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan, to revoke the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 - Statutory Instrument Number 9.

This Legislation prevents citizens from building their own home by direct labour. Ireland is now the only country in the world to ban self building and this situation is totally unacceptable. We all want better regulation of the construction sector - but the regulations must include people who want to build a family home. There has been a fair system of building control put to Minister Hogan, a system which would solve all issues within this legislation and would be cost neutral to the State, and we call on Minister to implement this system with immediate effect as there are families who have put their builds on hold and cannot possibly proceed under this legislation'

Also, that Sligo County Council will sign off on a once off build to cut cost on house owner, this will generate money for the local authorities.”

Following a discussion by the members, Mr. Kilfeather, DOS indicated that the local authority could not sign off on buildings if they are also responsible for enforcing building control regulations and that the local authority would be assuming liability for these properties.

The CE, Mr. Hayes advised the members that even if the motion was passed the Council was not in a position to implement it.

The Cathaoirleach asked Councillor Healy to defer his motion to the end of the meeting in order to amend the wording. The meeting agreed to revisit the motion later.

41. FOOT PATHS IN COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“Requesting a past program of works carried out on the footpaths in the Collooney area and also a new program of works to footpaths for the coming years.”

In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

Since the funding for footpath reconstruction under the Discretionary Improvement Scheme ceased, no new reconstruction work under that heading is possible. No other funding under the road program of work is available to us either.”

42. REPAIRS ON ROAD AT ROOSKEY BEG:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“To ask Sligo County Council to ensure that emergency repair works are carried out on County Road at Rooskey Beg, Culfadda, Ballymote. Subsidence has left the road with no verge and it is only passable for one car at a time. A stretch of approximately 80 metres needs immediate attention.”

In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

This local road at Rooskey Beg, Culfadda will be examined by the Area Engineer, to see if anything can be done within existing budgetary constraints.

43. FINANCIAL SERVICES IN CITY HALL:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

“In light of the abolition of Sligo Borough Council and the amalgamation of the Borough area into the remit of Sligo County Council I ask the CEO to indicate if the citizens of the urban area of Sligo City will still be able to access the same level of financial services in City Hall as they have done in the past i.e. payment of rents, traffic fines and rates etc.”

The CE, Mr. Hayes indicated that, yes these services will be maintained in City Hall.

44. FREE SUNDAY PARKING:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

“To ask the Chief Executive to consider the possibility of introducing free parking in public car-parks on Sundays as an incentive to shoppers and visitors to Sligo.”

The CE, Mr. Hayes advises that this would have an effect on the Council’s income stream. Also there has been an issue with enforcement of parking in Sligo but there will be greater enforcement moving forward as the traffic warden issue has been resolved.

45. INSPECT SECTIONS OF THE N59:

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

“That this Council calls on the NRA to carrying out an inspection on the N59 from junction L6702 Carrigens to junction L2402 Owenbeg, a 2km stretch and from junction L2604 Stokane to junction L6612 Knockbrack, a 2.5km stretch; and to provide a report to this Council, including design plans, costs, and timescale of when works are to be carried out.”

In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

The NRA are in the process of inspecting the N59 and other routes country wide with a view to identifying areas and junctions for attention of their safety program. The two locations mentioned are being brought to their further attention.

46. HOUSING GRANTS:

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

“To call on this Council to provide a status report on the disabled and older people grants and to apply to the government for further funds.”

In response, Mr. J. Moran, A/DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council received an allocation in respect of Housing grants for 2014 as follows:

Department Funding (80%)	€375, 350
County Council Funding (20%)	€ 93, 838
*Total Allocation*	*€469, 188*

The above funding covers Housing Adaption Grants for People with a Disability / Mobility Aid Grants / Housing Aid for Older People.

The present position in relation to funding is as follows:

Grants Paid to date in 2014 (19 No)	€160,555.98
Commitments (grants approved to date in 2014 - 75 No.)	€331,941.75
*Total*	*€492,497.73*

No. of applications currently being processed – not yet approved 121

Estimated Value of above unapproved applications - € 650,000

Clearly from the above the total funding available for payment of grants in 2014 is now fully accounted for, and further grant approvals will not be possible this year unless additional funding becomes available. In this regard it should be noted that the Council must fund 20% of Grant expenditure.

Following a discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That this Council would apply to the Minister and the Department of Environment for further funds so that the Council can complete the outstanding applications for Disability, Mobility and Older Peoples’ Grants for this year, 2014.”

48. LAR EASA HOUSING ESTATE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor Mac Manus

“That the Council commence the process of taking in charge the Lar Easa housing estate, Strandhill.”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

An Enforcement Notice issued to the developer on 24^th July, 2012 in relation to the carrying out of certain works in order to complete the development to a standard suitable for Taking in Charge.

The developer has been in discussions with the Council and he has indicated that he has sought quotations for the carrying out of outstanding works and that he is in discussions with his Bank to enable him to fund said works. The Council has given him to 18^th July, 2014 (extended from 30^th May, 2014) to;

Furnish
1. Report from Electric Skyline in relation to the public lighting
2. CCTV Surveys of the Foul and Storm Water Sewers
3. As-constructed drawings and
Comply with the Enforcement Notice referred to above

It is envisaged that the developer will submit a Taking in Charge Application when the outstanding items have been completed.

49. CARE CENTRE FOR TUBBERCURRY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the HSE to provide a modern primary care centre in Tubbercurry.”

50. FUNDING FOR CLASS 3 ROADS:

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

AND AGREED

“Due to the shortfall of €1,414,764 in the Restoration & Maintenance funding for local roads in 2014 as compared to the 2013 allocation, this Council calls on Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar to re-instate this funding and also calls on the Minister to make a special allocation available for Class 3 roads which have not received any funding for the past number of years.”

51. ROSSES POINT HARBOUR AND PIER:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

“That the Council carry out the necessary planning preparations and design works and seek the necessary consents to permit the Council to seek grant aid and implement on a phased basis if necessary, the required improvements, enhancement works, repairs and refurbishment at Rosses Point harbour and pier.”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

SCC is aware of issues at the pier at Rosses Point and has been working on resolving same for some time. There are various environmental, planning, access and licencing matters to be resolved in advance of any actual construction works.

SCC have previously applied for funding for improvements here including this year without success to date. Nevertheless we will be progressing planning and licencing issues this year and will reapply to the Department for funding to construct next year when invitations for Projects are sought.

Any approved Scheme will likely only attract maximum grant assistance of 75% and there will be a requirement on the Council for a matched funding contribution to deliver a project.

52. BROADBAND SERVICES:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“I will ask Sligo County Council for a full report on all broadband services within the county, especially regarding South, East and West Sligo.”

In response, Mr. J. Moran, A/DOS stated the following;

Sligo County Council refers to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources published National Broadband Plan , available on its website, Delivering a Connected Society - A National Broadband Plan for Ireland

This was recently updated in April of 2014. This Plan sets out the strategy to deliver high speed broadband throughout Ireland. Specifically, it will facilitate broadband download speeds of 70Mbps with a minimum of 40Mbps generally available and 30Mbps available in harder to reach rural areas. A great deal of the acceleration will happen in the early years of the Plan through the commercial delivery of minimum speeds of 70Mbps to 50% of the population by 2015, with the expectation that speeds of up to 100Mbps will be available to the majority of premises in this category. This Plan will deliver on these targets by leveraging investment from both the private and public sectors. Under the Rural Broadband Scheme a call was placed for participating Internet Service Providers. A total of 29 companies are participating in the Verification Phase of the Rural Broadband Scheme. In this Phase of the Scheme, details of the applicants are passed to internet companies who have confirmed their interest in participating in this part of the Scheme. The companies will then advise us whether they will be able to offer a service to the applicants. Sligo participants are,

Sligo
Digiweb
Eircom
Fastcom Telecom
Hutchison 3G Ireland
Communications
NorthWest Electronics Qsat
Telefonica O2

Sligo County Council has directly supported the introduction of Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) in Sligo City.

53. GURTEEN WATER SUPPLY:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

“I will ask at the next meeting of Sligo County Council that this Council ask Irish Water to examine the possibility of linking the water from Lough Talt to the Gurteen area.”

It was agreed to forward this motion to Irish Water for a response.

54. COMMUNITY SCHEMES:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

“I call on Sligo County Council to investigate the possibility of making community schemes available to towns and villages in the south Sligo Area.”

The CE, Mr. Hayes stated that clarification was required on issues with these schemes and with keeping the Gateway Jobs Scheme in mind also. A more detailed report would be prepared and brought before the members in due course.

55. SOUTH SLIGO WATER SUPPLY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

“Due to the condition of the water supply in

The Killaraght area whereby consumers are unable to use it for human consumption they have to buy bottled water this council calls on Irish Water and Roscommon Co Council to furnish this council with a report as to what measures are been taken to upgrade the scheme.
A number of consumers in areas of this county (Killavil / Bunninadden / Gurteen, Knockadoo, Coolaney) are experiencing reduced water pressure causing major problems for farmers and householders I am requesting that we the members be furnished with a report and that steps be taken to have this matter resolved.”

It was agreed to forward this motion to Irish Water for a response.

56. FRACKING:

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

“I propose that the following wording be included in the County Development Plan: ‘It is the policy of this Council not to permit the exploration for, or extraction of, oil or gas, by unconventional means such as Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking), cryogenics, or any similar purpose technology, as it would be in direct contravention of this Council’s policies concerning the following; water, waste water, air quality, noise pollution, tourism, agriculture, food production, roads/transport, protection of areas of outstanding natural beauty, NHA’a/SAC’s and the promotion development of sustainable energy sources and major incident hazards’.”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

The proposed motion involves a proposal to make a variation to the County Development Plan. The Council cannot decide to amend the County Development Plan without first undertaking the statutory process set out under Section 13 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). This process involves a period of public consultation and the requirement to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Appropriate Assessment. A decision to commence the process set out under Section 13 is an executive function and not a reserved function.

The decision on whether or not to make the variation to the Development Plan following the consideration of submissions received during the public consultation period is a reserved function. As such, the passing of a resolution based on this motion is likely to be considered ultra vires the local authority in binding the Council to make such a variation without any consideration of the submissions received from the public and other interested parties.

While understanding the desire of the elected members to address the concerns of the general public associated with the activity of fracking, it is submitted that the process of amending the Development Plan at this time may not be the appropriate response for the reasons outlined above. Furthermore, the statutory review process of the current Sligo County Development Plan 2011 – 2017 is due to commence in 2015 which coincides with the likely completion of an EPA review to establish (i) whether unconventional gas exploration and extraction projects / operations can be carried out whilst also protecting the environment and human health and (ii) what is the ‘best environmental practice’ in relation to such practice. The Minister for Communications, Energy and National Resources has commissioned this review.

The completion of the EPA review could be of assistance in ensuring the preparation of an appropriate policy on hydraulic fracturing to be included in the new County Development Plan.

57. TRAFFIC CALMING AT GEEVAGH:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

“To call on the Director of Services to introduce traffic calming measures on Road R284 at Geevagh village.”

In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

Traffic calming in Geevagh will not be pursued until 2015 when next we prepare proposals for consideration under the Safety Remedial Measures Program.

58. FOOTPATHS IN SOOEY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

“To call on the Director of Services for an up to date report on the urgent foot path works required at Sooey N.S.”

In response, Mr. S. O’Toole, SEE stated the following;

The Area Engineer is hoping to combine a Safety Remedial measure in Sooey with a Road Restoration Scheme next year, provided funding becomes available.

40. BUILDING CONTROL:

As agreed earlier in the meeting the Cathaoirleach returned to Item No. 40 – Councillor Healy’s motion on Building Control Regulations with the following amendment;

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“That Motion 40 on the July 2014 agenda be amended by deleting all wording below the first paragraph.”

The Motion now reads as follows:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

59. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. Mac Sharry

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Gerard & Monica Murphy on the death of their daughter, Sarah Murphy.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Fahy Family on the death of Catherine Fahy.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Pat, Brian & Marie McDermott on the death of their father, Joe McDermott.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maura Keavney on the death of her husband, Tommy Keavney.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Phylis Fagan on the death of her brother, Anthony Mullen.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernie Milmoe on the death of her husband, Pat Milmoe.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Majella O’Donnell on the death of her mother, Minnie O’Donnell.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Aileen Hall on the death of her father, Gourlay Fairbanks.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Rosaleen Connaughton and Family on the death of her husband, Joe Connaughton.”

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

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Peter Henry on the death of his brother, Jack Henry.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Majella O’Donnell on the death of her mother, Minnie O’Donnell.”

60. VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Geevagh U13 Soccer Team on winning the Futsal U13 Community Games Connaught Final.”

61. CONFERENCES:

None

62. CORRESPONDENCE:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.”

63. MATTERS ARISING:

None

64. AOB:

None

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 6.00pm

Minutes of July Ordinary Meeting - 7th July 2014 (PDF) - 66 kbs

Meeting Date 07/07/2014