Minutes 2014

Minutes of December Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 1st December, 2014 at 11 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive (CE)
  • Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services (DOS)
  • Ms Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (DOS)
  • Mr Bartley Gavin, Acting/ Director of Services (A/DOS)
  • Ms Marie Leydon, Head of Finance (HOF)
  • Ms Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
  • Mr Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
  • Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer (SE)
  • Mr Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer, (SEE)
  • Mr Joe Gethin, Administrative Officer (AO)
  • Mr Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer (CO)

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Joe Queenan presided.

 

1.  MINUTES OF CPG MEETING - 4TH JULY 2014:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Mac Sharry

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the CPG Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th July, 2014.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY M.D. MEETING – 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2014:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 15th September, 2014.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF CPG MEETING -  16TH SEPTEMBER, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the CPG Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 16th September, 2014.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MD BUDGET MEETING – 8TH OCTOBER 2014:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Budget Meeting of  the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 8th October, 2014.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF NOVEMBER ORDINARY MEETING – 3RD NOVEMBER, 2014:

Councillor Bree proposed an Amendment to the draft minutes of the November meeting as follows;

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

AND AGREED

“Insert after the word ‘motions’ the following text: ‘On the advice of the Chief Executive, the Chairman ruled that he intended to take the motions in the sequence they were received and would therefore ask members to vote on Councillor Kilgannons motion.’

The amended paragraph would then read: ‘There was a discussion on the manner in which to deal with the vote on these motions. On the advice of the Chief Executive, the Chairman ruled that he intended to take the motions in the sequence they were received and would therefore ask Members to vote first on Councillor Kilgannon’s motion. Councillor Bree agreed to withdraw his motion and put forward an amendment to Councillor Kilgannon’s motion.’

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the November Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council, held on 3rd November, 2014”

 

6.  TAKING IN CHARGE RUSHEEN ARD, CALTRAGH:

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council commence the process of taking in charge the development known as ‘Rusheen Ard’, at Caltragh, Sligo, by instigating the necessary procedures under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to declare public the road serving the development.”

 

7.  MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS STANDING ORDERS:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Standing Orders for the Municipal Districts of County Sligo.”

 

8.  MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT:

‘To note the October Monthly Management Report.’

Councillor Bree requests that financial elements of this and previous monthly reports be circulated to the members.

The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes informs the members that the bulk of this information with up to date figures had been provided to the members through the budgetary process.

Ms. Leydon, HOF indicated that with the merger of the 2 Councils and in preparing the draft budget the Finance Department had been stretched and asked for the members’ consideration in this regard.

The October Monthly Management Report was noted by the members.

 

9.  AUDIT COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:

Following a discussion by the members it was;

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Dr. Anne Taheny, President St. Angela’s, Mr. Michael Farrell, Ballinacarrow, Ballymote and Mr Bill Walsh, Rosses Point to the Audit Committee as per Local Government (Audit Committee) Regulations 2014 (SI 244/2014).”

 

10.  ADOPT STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE SCHEME:

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

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2014 – 2019.”

 

11.  CORPORATE PLAN:

Councillor Bree enquired as to why there has been a delay on bringing a draft of the 2015 – 2019 Corporate Plan to the members, as legislation sets out a specific timeframe for its preparation.

The CE, Mr. Hayes informed the meeting that Section 134 (4) (b) of the 2001 Local Government Act provides for an extension period for the preparation of the Plan. He advised that the supplementary guidelines issued by the Department on 25th November introduced new requirements in relation to the Draft Corporate Plan in terms of process and content. 

He advised that the new guidelines had radically changed the Corporate Plan process and introduced additional public consultation requirements incorporating the SPC’s, which had yet to be established. Having regard to the guidelines he considered that the period be extended out to March 2015 and he recommended an extension accordingly.

Following further discussion it was;

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council aware of its statutory and legal obligation to adopt its 2015-2019 Corporate Plan on or before the 6th December 2014; hereby resolves to call on the Chief Executive to prepare the corporate plan in consultation with the corporate policy group; fix a schedule of meetings for that purpose, and provide such assistance as may be practicable to assist in the preparation of the corporate plan and in its consideration by the corporate policy group; and to ensure that the corporate plan is submitted to the elected Council for approval without further delay.”

With regard to the motion adopted by the Council and the earlier discussion, Mr. Hayes advised that the end of March 2015 is an appropriate period for conclusion of the process.

 

12.  HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENT SCHEME (HAPS) PRESENTATION:

Ms M. McConnell, SEO delivered a presentation on the Housing Assistance Payment scheme (HAPs).

Following a discussion by the Members and in response to their queries Mr. Gavin, A/DOS stated the following;

  • People have 3 ways in presenting themselves under HAPs but the bulk are expected to come from Social Protection.
  • The Council has still not seen the full housing legislation/guidelines on the scheme.
  • So far documentation states that Local Authorities will not be responsible for tenancies but it is unclear on the position in dealing with anti-social behaviour.
  • There is an emphasis that people would remain in employment under the HAPs.

Mr. Gethin, AO responded to further queries as follows;

  • Any person moving into HAPs has to have received prior approval for Social Housing Support.
  • There are currently 447 RAS contracts with Sligo County Council.
  • There are provisions to stay within HAPs if clients have or return to full time employment.
  • If both parties are agreeable there is no limit on the period of a tenancy but there may be a rent review from time to time.

The CE, Mr. Hayes indicated that further consultations can be arranged for the Members once all the legislation has been released to Local Authorities.

 

13.  CATTLE PRICES:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

14.  IT SLIGO PRESENTATION:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To ask the Members of Sligo County Council to invite the new President of Sligo Institute of Technology, Professor Vincent Cunnane to make a 20 to 30 minute presentation to a Council meeting; to outline his vision for IT Sligo for the next five years and also to update Members on the progress on the Connacht Ulster Alliance.”

The meeting agreed to allow for this presentation in the first quarter of 2015.

 

15.  MCFIBRIS HOUSE:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

16.  VALUATIONS OFFICE:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council invite Mr Patrick Conroy from the Valuations Office of Ireland to make a presentation to the Members on the valuation process and its relevance to the Local Authority”

 

17.  FORTHILL – GREEN FORT:

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

“That Sligo County Council Executive provide the elected members with an update on the Conservation Plan for Forthill with regard to the development of the Green Fort.”

In response, Ms. Clarke, DOS stated the following;

The Green Fort is an impressive 17th  century earthen fort located in the townland of Rathquarter, Sligo.  From its hill top position in the heart of Sligo City it commands 360° views of Sligo and the surrounding landscape.  It is one of Sligo hidden heritage gems and its potential amenity value to Sligo is immense.  The importance and value of the Green Fort (an archaeological monument subject to a Preservation Order) has been consistently highlighted by the Elected Members and the Forthill Mens Art and History Group.

Accordingly in 2013, Sligo County Council established a Technical Group to develop a conservation plan for the Green Fort with representation from the Parks, Heritage and Architecture Sections of the Council, Forthill Mens, Art and History Group and a Senior Archaeologist from the National Monuments Section with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The purpose of the Conservation Plan is to:

  • Understand the site and assess its significance.
  • Identify the issues.
  • Develop a conservation  policy for the site.
  • Implementation and review of plan.

In addition, it is proposed that the Conservation Plan would be accompanied by an action plan.  The area covered by the Conservation Plan lies within the Council owned lands at Forthill with a focus on the Green Fort.  Progress has been made in relation to the development of the Green Fort Conservation Plan including:

  • A series of technical group meetings and a site meeting with National Monuments Section and the Office of Public Works.  The conservation plan is currently being drafted for consideration by the Technical Group, to be finalised in early 2015.
  • Ongoing archaeological survey work by the Archaeology Department of IT Sligo.
  • Inclusion of the Green Fort and Forthill Mens, Art and History Group in the following Peace III projects- Open Door Project and , Hidden Histories Project, which saw the Green Fort featured in a publication and the installation of a Green Fort interpretative panel on site.
  • Ongoing maintenance of access to the monument is undertaken by Parks Section as resources allow.

Councillor Mac Sharry asked that this report be circulated to the Members.

 

18.  PRIMARY CARE CENTRE, TUBBERCURRY:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council requests the HSE for an up to date report on the provision of a modern primary care centre for Tubbercurry.”

 

19.  JOHNSTON COURT DEVELOPMENT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive and up to date report in regard to the apartments in the Johnston Court development which were to be provided for social housing under a Part V agreement.”

In response, Ms. McConnell, SEO stated the following;

The process of complying with the part V requirement for this development commenced in 2004. There are 30 residential units in the development and 6 no (20%) of these were negotiated for social housing purposes.  The units are located in the Johnsons Court Development at Wine St Car Park and the residential units are accessed to the rear via John Street.  Agreement was reached in 2007 with the developer, Ray Monaghan, that 6 no units would be made available under part v for social housing and specifically adapted for Disability to be managed and owned by Oaklee Housing Trust at an agreed figure of €224,500/unit.  Correspondence ensued regarding the design and specification of the units to meet certain criteria and construction commenced on site.  The units are high quality specification located in Sligo City Centre, generous in floor area and facing onto a south facing courtyard.  A detailed submission was made to the Department seeking approval to the funding of the project under the terms of the Capital Assistance Scheme, in November, 2007.  The Councils solicitor was instructed at that time to put in place the part V agreement and deal with all associated legal documentation.   Approval from the dept was received in March 2008. The units were completed in May 2008 and in the imminent expectation of transfer, funds were drawn down from the Department in May 2008, in the sum of €1,232,042, (90% of the approved budget cost).

A unique situation was developing at that time regarding the overall context of the Wine St Car Park site in that an arrangement had been entered into between Sligo Borough Council and Callside Developments Ltd with regard to the development of the Centre block of Sligo city which involved the Wine St car park.  This had an impact on the Johnsons Court development. There followed a number of years of transacting on the part of Sligo Borough Council with various parties in terms of revisions of Masterplanning Agreements with Callside; title regularisation;  Arbitration; compensation agreement etc. with other stakeholders which tied up the process of the transfer of the Part V units until 2013.   

Following a resolution of these issues the process of completing the Part V agreement then recommenced and the three sets of solicitors ie for Oaklee, Ray Monaghan and the Council have been corresponding since in an effort to establish a workable solution to a complicated context to allow the units transfer. 

The tenancy allocation of the units has been completed in consultation with the HSE and Oaklee.

A closing date to conclude the transfer of these units from Sligo County Council to Oaklee Housing Trust is now set for 10th November.  To allow closing to happen it necessitates the council making a payment through its Solicitor, of €1,401,749, which breaks down as a payment to Ray Monaghan for the units of €1,347,000 (6 x €224,500) and balance of €54,749 to Oaklee for their fees and development costs. (A sum of €27,195 stays with the Council to meet its own approved costs in fees and salaries)

Housing section have been liaising with Brian Armstrong’s office and the Head of Finance on this matter as paying out on this sum due to its size will have implications for the Councils funds. Housing section has had concerns that this matter has become so protracted and wishes to have it resolved as soon as possible.  The Department are kept advised of same. It has been a complicated process to date but it is hoped that at this stage that the closing date can be achieved and that the units can be available as soon as possible to meet the intended need of accommodating 6 households with special needs.  Achieving the closing date is dependent on the Councils solicitor confirming that all issues are in order to proceed and that the finances are available from the Council for that date.

In response to further queries from the members Ms. McConnell clarified that the 5 outstanding issues are as follows;

  • Balconies
  • Development area
  • Opinions on compliance with planning
  • Management company issues
  • Issues between Oakley and Vendor

Ms. McConnell also clarified that the Council’s portion of funding for these units will be in excess of €1m and therefore a lead in time would be required to arrange same is in place.

 

20.  COMMERCIAL RATES:

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

“To ask the Chief Executive the value of commercial rates not collected in 2013 due to premises being vacant in the County and also what is the policy of the Council regarding commercial rates if a premises is partly occupied i.e. what percentage of rates is charged?” 

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

The value of Commercial Rates written off in the accounts for 2013 due to premises being vacant are:

Sligo County Council  -   €940,224.24

Sligo Borough Council - €1,387,974.83

In relation to premises partly occupied, the Occupier needs to establish the square footage of the area vacant and unoccupied, and make an application to the Rates Office for a write off. This is verified by rates Staff in accordance with values determined by the Valuation Office.

For vacant property rate write offs, the premises must be unoccupied due to;

  • The bona fide inability of the owner to obtain a suitable tenant or
  • The execution of additions, alterations or repairs.

 

21.  ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“That the Council be provided with a comprehensive report on the Energy Efficiency Insulation programme, the report to include details of houses completed in 2013 and 2014 and also the schedule of proposed works to be carried out in 2015; the report to also include an indication as to when insulation works will be carried out on local authority houses in Cartron Estate and Maugheraboy.”

In response, Ms. McConnell, SEO stated the following;

The D.O.E.H.L.G. Fabric Upgrade Programme (Energy Efficiency Insulation Programme), commenced nationally in 2013. The aim of the programme is to target Social Housing investment funding to improve the energy efficiency in occupied local authority housing stock by improving the thermal value of the housing fabric thereby increasing the Building Energy Rating, reducing carbon emissions and reducing heating costs. The suite of works normally carried out to each house are cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, draft proofing to windows and doors, lagging of pipes and cold water storage tanks and improving ventilation in accordance with Building Regulation Standards. The average cost of works per unit is approximately €1,500.

In 2013 the Council carried out fabric upgrade works to 194 of its housing stock in Ballytivnan, Dartry View, Strandhill, Maugheraboy, Collooney, Tubbercurry, Cloonacool, Aclare, Cliffoney, Ballintogher, Sea Road and Gurteen.

The Council received funding of €313,089 for the 2014 programme which is conditional to the works being procured through a Framework Agreement in which a panel of suitable contractors is to be established. The Council has established a panel of contractors and works are due to commence in the next two weeks. It is anticipated that 2014 works will be completed by the end of 2014 or early 2015. Fabric upgrade works in this programme will be carried out to 204 housing units in Abbey Court, Ballisodare, Maugheraboy, Tubbercurry, Coolaney, Caltragh, Ballinfull, Cartron Point, Grange, Keash, Rosses Point, Crozon, Skreen and Heatherview.

It is anticipated that the D.O.E.H.L.G. Fabric Upgrade programme funding will continue into 2015. The housing units under this programme will be selected in early 2015. Of the 93 Council owned units in Maugheraboy, 69 housing units in total will be completed under 2013 and 2014 programmes and the remaining 24 housing units  together with the 15 Council owned housing units in Cartron Estate  will be considered under the 2015 programme subject to Department funding.

 

22.  SLIGO FAIRGREEN:

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

“To ask for a report on the future development of the Sligo Fairgreen.”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

Sligo Borough Council applied for a Sports Capital grant early in 2014 for eligible works at the Fairgreen to the value of €170,000. These works included the provision of a Multi-purpose Games Area together with associated lighting, pathways and drainage works. These facilities would form a part of the overall plan for the landscaping and enhancement works to the Fairgreen for which Part VIII Planning was received in December 2009.

The Sports Capital Grant awarded for the Fairgreen was €80,000. The grant awarded falls considerably short of the funding required to carry out the works applied for under the Sports Capital Programme at the Fairgreen. Therefore further funding is required in order for these works to be carried out.

In light of the funding currently identified as available and the type of works approved for said funding  we will, over the next few months, consider how best to progress development of the Sligo Fairgreen as part of the Scheme as approved under  the Part VIII process.The deadline for claiming expenditure under the 2014 Sports capital Grant is 31st July 2016.

 

23.  PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“To seek the installation of pedestrian crossings in Ballymote, one at The Rock outside the Post Office, one at O’Connell Street and one at the Junction between Lord Edward Street and Teeling Street”

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

Uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points have been provided at the Roundabout on the South end of O’ Connell Street and on the North end of Lord Edward Street.  There is no funding available at present to install controlled pedestrian crossing points at the locations referred to. This matter could be discussed at the next Municipal District Meeting. However the progression of  any Schemes would  have to be considered by the Municipal District

Committee in the context of the 2015 Budget and the Schedule of Municipal District works.

In response to further queries from Councillor Scanlon Mr. O’Toole stated that there were design drawings done but costing would be out of date. He agreed to up date these and revert back to the Members.

 

24.  CLOONAMAHON JUNCTION:

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

“To request a turning lane to be marked out along the N17 at the Junction for Cloonamahon, (the road links the N17 to the N4).  The N17 is extremely busy and as there is no turning lane, this crossing is extremely dangerous.”

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

Our Road Design section will do a survey of the right turning traffic to see if a right turning lane is warranted.  Accident records at this junction will also be looked at. 

A decision can then be made on whether any changes to the existing road markings are required.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“To ask the Council to include Road No.513, from Cloonacool village east to the football field, in a Roads  Restoration Programme in the interest of road safety.”

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

1,100 metres of road was surfaced under the Restoration Programme in 2014. It will be a matter for the Municipal District Committee to give this road consideration in the context of the 2015 Budget and the 2015 Draft Road Works Scheme.

 

26.  HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS:

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

AND AGREED

“With over 41,000 patients waiting a year or more for outpatient appointments, this Council calls on the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, TD, to tackle hospital waiting lists as a matter of urgency.”

 

27.  PURCHASE OF COUNCIL HOUSES:

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

“I will ask this Council to seek Members’ approval for the purchase of council houses, similar to the approval sought from members for the disposal of council houses.”

In response, Ms. McConnell, SEO stated the following;

The sale of land is governed by the process set out under S 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 which requires that notice of same must be given to the Members of the LA.  There is no such provision relating to the purchase of land or houses.  As to whether this should be the case is a matter for Statute makers. 

Under the Housing Capital Programme a number of house are purchased annually out of the Housing Capital Budget in accordance with the policy of the Council on purchase of houses on the open market which stipulates that houses will be purchased subject to

  • Compliance with Statutory Requirements
  • Government Policy
  • Sustainable communities
  • Social inclusion and integration
  • The concept of mixed tenures existing together
  • Meeting need
  • Accommodation in areas of highest demand
  • Satisfying specific need categories
  • A variety of house types, designs and layouts for stock
  • Value for money
      

It was agreed to take Items 28 and 40 together.

 

28.  ENTERPRISE IRELAND AND IDA:

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

AND AGREED

“That the Sligo County Council invite both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to attend its December meeting to discuss the need for an enhanced job creation strategy for County Sligo.”

 

40.  IDA REGIONAL:

Proposed by Councillor T. Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on IDA Regional Manager John Nugent to make a presentation to the Council outlining what Central Government can do to attract more larger scale companies to locate in Sligo.”

 

29.  WILD ATLANTIC WAY:

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

“I call on this Council to do an audit on all routes  along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and to draft a schedule of works, to be completed with costings and to make a submission to the Department for funding.”

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

The Wild Atlantic Way covers a mixture of National, Regional and Local Roads.  Fáilte Ireland are funding remedial works at seven Discovery points in Sligo to the value of €110,794 including VAT.

This year Sligo County Council receive funding from the NRA for ordinary maintenance of the national roads.  This allows for pot-hole repairs, verge maintenance etc. The Department of Transport provide funding for the maintenance of Regional roads under the Discretionary  Grant. 

The ordinary maintenance of the local roads network is funded through the local authority’s own resources. The roads to some of the discovery points are narrow and need to be improved – eg Streedagh, Aughris etc. 

There are sections of the routes that need to be upgraded to cater for the projected traffic along the routes and any special funding for the Wild Atlantic Way would be welcome, whether it is funded through the NRA, Department of Transport or Fáilte Ireland.

An Audit/Survey of the route can be arranged and estimates of costs prepared if there was a likelihood of a grant being available from any source.

The surface condition of the National and Regional roads are available based on a number of parameters, - eg IRI/PSCI.  The NRA allocate funding based on the deficiencies highlighted in their surveys.  The PSCI survey of local roads will be carried out by the Area Engineers shortly.  This will be used as a guide for prioritizing road improvement works in the future.

 

30.  HYDE BRIDGE:

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

“I would like to propose a motion that the damage to Hyde Bridge outside The Glasshouse is inspected and a report sent back to the Council as to long term damage as its loose and may get worse.”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

Hyde Bridge is one of Sligo’s best built masonry arch structures and is generally in very good condition. It was completed in 1846 by the first county surveyor, N R St Leger and is built of good quality limestone to ashlar standard.

An errant vehicle smashed into the west parapet some years ago and moved two large die stones and the associated copings. They were relocated but are slightly out of alignment, but the misalignment is not structurally significant.

There is a minor issue with seepage through one of the piers at foundation level, but from the most recent inspection carried out this summer, it is not considered anything but a minor defect.  Sligo County Council will continue to monitor the structure into the future but need to use the limited bridge funding available to repair many of the 400 bridges in the County higher up the priority list.

 

31.  ENTREPRENEURSHIP:

Proposed by CouncillorM. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

“That Sligo County Council support an initiative to work in collaboration with public and private interests to develop and promote entrepreneurship in primary schools.”

In response Ms. Clarke, DOS stated the following;

The Council, through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), is favourably disposed to providing an entrepreneurship programme for the primary school sector. Such provision would complement the ongoing programmes provided through the LEO to the secondary school sector in particular.

The availability of adequate resources, particularly funding, to put a meaningful programme in place is an issue which will receive careful attention in the context of the 2015 allocation to the LEO.

It should be noted that the national network of LEOs are currently in the process of examining this issue.

 

32.  RECREATIONAL STRATEGY:

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

“That Sligo County Council consider the development of a recreational strategy for the County, to include recreational walking access routes, cycling routes and various other activities that would inform a tourism strategy for County Sligo.”

In response Ms. Clarke, DOS stated the following;

The provision of outdoor recreational infrastructure has been an ongoing feature of the Council's work programme and activities for many years and an objective of the development of tourism in the County. The provision of walkways, cycle trails and other amenities based on Sligo's unspoilt natural environment and landscape will continue to be a feature which will be provided by way of sourcing external funding programmes. Sligo County Council will consider the development of a Recreational Strategy or Framework for the County as a Directorate work programme objective in 2015. This will be considered in the broader context of the Local and Economic Plan for the County which is due to be in place mid 2015.

This would include the planning for and the provision of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking access routes, cycling routes and various other activities that would inform a Strategy or Framework of this nature.

In response to further queries from Councillor Casserly Ms.D. Clarke stated that there was no specific funding available for the development of a Recreational Strategy, although planning for same can be done in house, to a point. External sources would be looked at as options for funding for infrastructure.

 

33.  OWENMORE PADDOCK:

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

“To ask Sligo County Council to determine the ownership of Owenmore Paddock, Ballinacarrow and to get this unfinished dangerous development complete as a matter of urgency for the community in Ballinacarrow.”

In response Ms. Clarke, DOS stated the following;

The Developer of this estate is Granabbey Construction Ltd. which is responsible for houses within the development and for its completion to a satisfactory standard. 

The Council recently met with this Company and its legal advisor in relation to the satisfactory completion of this development.  They have been asked to revert with their proposals in this regard by 1st December, 2014, together with a timescale for carrying out the works.  The Council has also been in discussions with the Surety who provided the Bond with a view to drawing it down.  The matter will be further reviewed post 1st December, 2014.

 

34.  SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Education to immediately return the 10 Special Needs Assistants cut from the Mercy Convent, Summerhill and Ballinode College and for the Special Education Needs Organiser to make a presentation to the Council on her application of the national criteria which led to these cuts, 80% higher than elsewhere in the Country.”

 

35.  UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

36.  FIRST TIME BUYERS:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“Sligo County calls on the Central Bank to reduce the 20% deposit required by first time buyers as this is profoundly unfair to first time buyers”

 

37.  SERVICES IN TEACH LAIGHNE:

Councillor Gormley presented a petition to the Chief Executive with over 5,300 names supporting the retention of Motor Tax services in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry. Councillor Gormley asked for the support of all the Members in supporting her motion.

The Members proceed to sign the petition and it was also;

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

AND AGREED

“Recognising the importance of Teach Laighne to Tubbercurry and the South Sligo area a building that is owned by Sligo County Council, I am calling on the Chief Executive to give a commitment that there will be no reduction in services; motor tax, library services, local area office  and other services to remain and to look at the possibility of moving other services to Tubbercurry”

The Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes voiced his support of the petition but highlighted to the Members that he has been asked by the Minister for Environment to look at the viability of having 2 no. Motor Tax Offices within County Sligo while County Cork only has one. He advised the Members that no decision has yet been made in relation to this service in Tubbercurry.

 

38.  HOME CARE PACKAGE:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

39.  PUBLIC SERVICE EMBARGO:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

41.  PUBLIC AREA ENHANCEMENT SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“Noting that the Council was issued with a report on the 30th of June 2014 stating that a sum of €10,000 from Department of the Environment Public Area Enhancement Scheme funding had been allocated for the removal of hoarding at Connaughton Road; and further noting that the funding was not used for that purpose; this Council herby asks to be provided with a report indicating where the €10,000 was spent.”

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

The funding that was originally allocated for the removal of hoarding at Connaughton Road was spent on the following:

  • Extensive tree pruning on Martin Savage Terrace, Doorly Park and the Doorly Park Walkway.
  • The purchase of Gabions and stone filling to further repair the damaged areas along the Doorly Park Walkway.

 

42.  PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE, MARKIEVICZ BRIDGE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

“That the Council be provided with an up to date report on the proposed pedestrian footbridge to be erected adjacent to Markievicz Bridge; the report to include details of the most recent submission made to the Department seeking funding for the project”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

This scheme consists of the construction of a pedestrian footbridge located immediately upstream and adjacent to the existing seven span historic masonry arch Markievicz Bridge. The scheme will also stabilise the piers and abutments of the existing footbridge.

A Part 8 Planning Process for the scheme has been completed and preliminary design and tender documents have been prepared. Some land acquisitions issues remain to be completed.

The Department of Transport provided funding for planning and design works carried out so far on this scheme.

Non-National Road Schemes such as this normally attract funding under the Department of Transport – Specific Improvement Grant Scheme (SIG). However the DOT has wound down this scheme in recent years and since 2013 is not seeking applications for construction of new projects. Funding is only being made available for completion of schemes under construction and for minor bridge refurbishment works.

The last application for funding was for an amount of €285,000 for year 2013 for preliminary works including installation of foundations for the new bridge and repair works to the existing bridge. However, no funding was allocated to the scheme.

 

43.  PARKING BYE-LAWS:

With the agreement of the meeting this item was deferred.

 

44.  STRANDHILL, GRANGE AND TUBBERCURRY SEWERAGE SCHEME:

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

“To ask for an update on the application for bundled sewage schemes for Strandhill, Grange and Tubbercurry”

In response Mr. T. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

These Schemes are included in Irish Water’s Capital investment Plan 2014-2016 in Category B – Review Scope and Commence Construction.

Sligo County Councils Capital Projects Office Team met with IW Strategy last week. It has now been decided to include the Ballinafad WWTP in the bundled Scheme along with Strandhill/Grange/Tubbercurry.

Subject to the completion of additional Surveys/ Site Investigation and following Irish Water approval, our Capital Project Office  hope to be in a position to advance to Tender by Quarter 2 2015.

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that Irish Water had decided to add Ballinafad to this bundled scheme.

 

45.  STAFF-LESS LIBRARY:

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

“To ask for a report on ‘Staff-less’ Library project in Tubbercurry.”

In response Ms. D. Clarke, DOS delivered the following report on the project;

In 2014 - 2015, an 'Open Libraries' initiative will be initially piloted in three branch libraries throughout the country, offering seven day opening from eight in the morning until ten at night. Staffing levels and hours will remain the same as present, while the extended hours will be unstaffed. An innovative service, Open Libraries grants members the freedom to use the library at the hours that suit them best.

During the extended hours, the services are available to the public on a self-service basis for borrowing and returning items, using the internet via library PCs or via Wi-Fi using their own devices, browsing, printing, photocopying, individual study and community activities and meetings. During extended hours, users gain access to the library via an automated system by using their unique membership card and an authorised pin number. Membership is confined to adults 18 years + for the purposes of the pilot. At scheduled times; library staff continue to provide expert and additional services, support users and develop community engagement and programming.

Technological and infrastructural requirements for an Open Library include the provision of automatic doors, entrance control with trackers and associated software, RFID and self-service, monitoring and security systems, loudspeakers, locked staff areas and some reconfiguration of the layout of the library for ease of monitoring. Incidences of disturbance are mitigated and a sense of security strengthened through monitoring and surveillance technology, appropriate lighting, explicit information on the use of facilities, and access restrictions for children. Library staff in other countries in which Open Libraries operates, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Taiwan, report extremely positive experiences with the Open Libraries approach and that despite initial apprehension, very few disturbances occurred; in fact those which did occur were of a minor nature. It was also noted in Denmark that fewer incidences occur during the extended hours than during the traditional opening hours.

Current, rapid developments in self-service technology also greatly facilitate the introduction of the open library system. Self–service technology “RFID” allows the efficient checkout and check-in by library users of all library materials which are identified by a barcode. RFID self check has been in operation in Tubbercurry for the last three months in preparation for the pilot. Tubbercurry library users across all generations find the self-issue system easy to use, with intuitive touch screen and step-by-step instructions provided.

The reactions of library users toOpen Library systems abroad have also been very enthusiastic. The new concept has been found to strengthen the prominence of the library service in the local community by providing a town’s only non-commercial, in-door meeting place, welcoming to all and open daily from early morning to late evening. It has also been observed that communities feel greater ownership of their local library where the open library concept operates as well as a sense of greater community protection of the library space and services.

Open Libraries clearly have the potential to transform the use and value to the public of the services and the civic space provided by local authorities while also directly addressing community needs. The open libraries’ system is particularly well established in public libraries throughout Denmark where it had been introduced to 180 libraries by 2013. The Danish experience has shown that libraries open during longer hours are attracting a broader range of customers with significantly increased usage from the 35–55 year old group in the evenings.

Through the Open Libraries pilot it is hoped to increase efficiencies in terms of time-saving and to provide the opportunity for releasing staff from the performance of time-consuming, mechanical tasks to deliver a more user-focused and enhanced library service during serviced hours. In other countries, the Open Library has been described as a success not only by library staff but also by local politicians and media, with increased user satisfaction levels, visitor rates and numbers of loans.

Sligo County Council has been approved as one of five Library Authorities to carry out a twelve month pilot of the Open Libraries concept. The commitment from Sligo County Council is to provide a seven day 8am to 10pm point of access to the service for members over 18 years of age.

Each participating Library Authority will receive a grant of up to €20,000 per Open Libraries site. In addition to the Open Libraries grant Sligo County Council will also benefit from a grant towards the implementation of RFID. This grant will be €19,000. Matching funding of €25,000 for this project will be provided from the accrued savings from the library services operational budget from 2013.

 

46.  NCT REGULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Justice to grant an amnesty for vehicle owners who have an NCT booking made, but due to long waiting times, approximately three months, this appointment is after the renewal date for their NCT and therefore it is out of their control to comply with new regulations that come into effect in January 2015, to ensure that theses owners are not penalised for this delay as set out in the new regulations.”

 

47.  BALLYMOTE CINEMA:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

48.  CARERS ASSOCIATION:

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

AND AGREED

“Councillor Thomas Healy asks Sligo County Council to support The Carers Association and call on the Minister for Social Protection to amend the Social Welfare Bill to make provision for the restoration of the Respite Care Grant.”

 

49.  CCTV CAMERAS:

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

“Councillor Thomas Healy asks Sligo County Council  to give a costing for the erecting of 2 cameras in the alley way leading from Cairns Drive to Pearse Road & the alley way  between Fatima Avenue and Cairns Drive, to address the concerns of the residents regarding anti social behaviour.”

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

Sligo County Council Roads Department has no role or authority in the installation of CCTV cameras in public areas and in any event there is no budget for such work and there would not be staff available to monitor the output from said cameras.

Councillor Mac Sharry had proposed an amendment to Councillor Healy’s motion. However, as he was not present the motion could not be taken but Mr Colreavy, Meeting Administrator read out the motion.

It was agreed that public right-of-ways would be looked at in the alleyways mentioned in Councillor Healy’s motion.

 

50.  STELLA MARIS JUNCTION, BALLISODARE:

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

“Councillor Thomas Healy calls on Sligo County Council  to address the safety issue regarding the turn-off from the main Ballina Road (N59) onto Stella Maris, Ballisodare which is the main access to the primary school, crèche, playground & housing estates.”

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

This location leading from the N59 into Stella Maris, Ballisodare will be examined by our Road Design office to see what measures are feasible in the context of accident statistics and other parameters that have to be considered.

 

51.  DANGEROUS BEND ON N59 AT MCGRATH’S CORNER, BELTRA:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“To ask Sligo County Council to make safe the Dangerous bend along the N59 at McGrath’s Corner, Lugawarry, Beltra as a matter of urgency.”

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

This bend along the N59 at McGraths corner at Lugawarry will be examined by our Road Design section to see what measures may be feasible.

 

52.  MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUFFERERS:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council supports Multiple Sclerosis sufferers and calls on the HSE to fund the drug “Fampyra” from one of its free schemes.”

 

53.  CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:

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

AND AGREED

“I will ask Sligo County Council to call on the Government to establish a mechanism to assist the many sports clubs and local communities in their applications with their Capital Development Projects.”

 

54.  R296, BUNNINADDEN:

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

“That improvement works be carried out on Road R296 leading to Bunninadden village.”

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

The R296 pavement leading to Bunninadden village will be included by the Area Engineer when preparing the schedule of works for consideration as part of the Road Works Scheme for 2015.

 

55.  PRESENTATION BY SLIGO CHAMBER:

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

AND AGREED

“To invite the CEO of Sligo Chamber of Commerce, Paul Keyes to give a presentation of Strategic Priorities from the business community for Sligo to all councillors and the executive.”

 

56.  MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

57.  MAMMOGRAPHY MACHINE FOR SLIGO GENERAL:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

58.  HOUSING GRANTS:

With the agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred.

 

59.  WASTE REFUSE REGISTRATION CHARGES:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

“As a result of recent legislation all households were obliged to register with a refuse company. There has been a 200% increase in the registration fee since January 2014. This motion requests that Sligo County Council will investigate the raise in the registration charge of by refuse companies.”

In response Mr. Kilfeather, DOS stated the following;

Following the introduction of the Sligo County Council Waste Management Bye-Laws 2013, adopted at the November 2013 Council meeting, all Households in County Sligo were obliged to manage their domestic waste under any of the following options:

  • Registration with a permitted Waste Collector operating in the area for either a 2 or 3 bin segregated waste collection system (3 bins if living in one of the 18 designated areas).
  • Dispose of domestic waste via Civic Amenity Sites or Transfer Stations (maintaining receipts for a minimum of 3 years as proof that this was the waste disposal route opted for).
  • Bin Sharing option: If either of the above options are not suitable for a householder, the option to bin share with a neighbour is accepted subject to approval and a signed declaration to Sligo County Council.  This option allows for 2 households to share the same bins and waste account, but split the costs between them and is suitable for 1-2 person households.

For households who wish to remain with kerbside collection, they should bear in mind that all Waste Collectors are in competition with each other, therefore householders should contact all permitted Waste Collectors operating in their area to see which pricing plan suits their household best. Waste Collection in Sligo is run by private companies therefore the issue of cost is not within Sligo County Councils remit or gift to decide. 

Sligo County Council is the regulatory authority over the management of waste within its functional area of Sligo.  The only influence the Council has, in regard to costs, are to ensure Waste Collectors offer various pricing structures based on ‘pay by weight’ and ‘pay by lift’ systems for their customer base, in accordance with the Sligo County Council Waste Management Bye-Laws 2013.  The collectors must also provide appropriate size bins taking into account the size and occupancy of households.  The more effort that is put into managing waste, the less it should cost to dispose of.  Householders need to bear in mind that reducing dependence on the landfill waste stream will keep costs to a minimum.  The majority of household waste is of recyclable or organic nature and should be diverted from the most expensive destination: landfill. 

Following a discussion by the members it was agreed that information regarding the registration charges for the various waste disposal firms operating in Sligo would be placed on the Council website.

 

60.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Finan on the death of her cousin, John Gallagher,”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Crowley on the death of her father, Paddy Farrell.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Paula McKeon & Family on the death of her husband, Kenneth McKeon.”

 

61.  VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mark Walton and Voya Spa, Strandhill on receipt of ‘Best Overall Entrepreneur’ Award at the Green Spa Awards.”

 

62.  CONFERENCES:

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

AND AGREED

“That the list of conferences circulated for December at this meeting, are unanimously agreed.”

 

63.  CONFERENCE REPORTS:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5) (f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.”

 

64.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“To note the correspondence circulated with the agenda.”

 

65.  MATTERS ARISING:

None

 

66.  AOB:

It was agreed by the meeting to move the Ordinary January meeting forward by a week to the 12th January, 2015, due to the Christmas break.

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting concluded at 5.20pm

 

 


Meeting Date 01/12/2014