SPC 2 - Minutes

Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 – Environment & Infrastructure Meeting held on Thursday, 3rd March, 2022 at 11.00 a.m. In the Council Chamber, County Hall, Sligo


ATTENDANCE:                        

  • Councillor Joe Queenan, Cathaoirleach
  • Councillor Michael Clarke
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy

                                                

REPRESENTATIVES:              

  • Ms Sharon Eastwood (Community & Voluntary Sectoral Rep)
  • Ms Joan Swift (Environment Pillar Sectoral Rep)
  • Mr Conor McCarthy (Business Sectoral Rep)
  • Mr. Michael O’Dowd

 

OFFICIALS:                            

  •    Ms Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  •    Mr Michael Feeney, Administrative Officer
  •    Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  •    Ms Lorraine Fitzgerald, A/Senior Staff Officer 

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Minutes of Meeting held on 13th January, 2022 were adopted, proposed by Cllr D Gilroy and seconded by Cllr M Clarke.   

 

MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Joe Queenan in taking over as Chairman of SPC complimented Cllr D Gilroy for the efficient manner in which he has chaired the meetings for the last few years.

 

BLUE FLAG BEACHES

The additional requirement under Criterion 23 of Blue Flag Beach application in relation to the presence of dogs in the bathing area was outlined to the meeting by Lorraine Fitzgerald.  There was a discussion by those present regarding the options available and acknowledging that there are also safety issues that need to be addressed at the location.

Following a proposal from Cllr Queenan which was seconded by Cllr Gilroy it was agreed to recommend acceptance of Option A as outlined on Page 2 of Report for Rosses Point Beach as follows –

No dogs, with exception of guide dogs are allowed on the entirety of the beach during Blue Flags operating hours/bathing hours (e.g. the hours that facilities and services are available to beach users e.g. Lifeguards, etc.)

 

DRAFT POLICY ON THE CREATION OF PUBLIC ROADS

Tom Brennan summarised his report and stated that under the Roads Act, the Local Authority shall:

“Satisfy itself that the road is of general public utility and that a Public Right of Way exists.

Consider the financial cost of taking additional roads in charge

Advertise in accordance with Regulations and consider any submissions received.”

Following a discussion which included available funding, number of roads to be considered, timeframe and the issue of differentiating between private and public roads, it was agreed to bring the Policy before the next Plenary Council Meeting for consideration and adoption. Mr. Brennan stated that the Roads Schedule is and will be reviewed on a regular basis.  It was also noted that Council approval would be required for any creation of Public Roads.

 

2022 ROAD FUNDING

Emer Concannon stated that the Road Funding Circulars have been circulated and consisted of €15.9m from DTTAS and €11.9m from the TII. 

In reply to query from Joan Swift Tom Brennan outlined the funding available under the Climate Change Adaption and Resilience work scheme which was introduced in 2020.

Cllr Queenan stated that funding for Community Involvement Schemes was cut by over 50% this year and this was a loss to rural people living on Class 2 and 3 roads.

The meeting was was informed that a dedicated engineer is to be appointed to the Eastern Garavogue Bridge Scheme to oversee design with a view to going to Tender next year.  This was welcomed by all.

 

ACTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Paul O’Rourke delivered his report outlining the different schemes that were being funded by the NTA including a Transportation Study for Sligo Town and Environs, and a Cycle Strategy for County Sligo. Emer Concannon informed the meeting that the NTA were responsible for non-National Road Active Travel, and TII were responsible for National Road Active Travel and Greenways. Paul O’Rourke is leading the non-National Active Team, and the TII RDO is looking after the National Road Active Travel and Greenways.

The funded projects were welcomed by all and particular mention was made regarding community input into new projects, the provision of cycle lanes, and appropriateness of certain locations for Active Travel funding projects. Joan Swift noted possible conflicting policies on different modes of transport in the CDP. The Active Travel conference in September was also noted.

Regarding the development of Greenways, and the procurement of local based designers, Emer Concannon stated that all national and EU procurement Guidelines, and TII Procedures would be adhered to.

 

 N16 LUGATOBER UPDATE

Emer Concannon stated that SCC have received TII approval to go to Tender for this project, and the Tender will be published this month or early April.

A discussion followed on the N17 Scheme, for which the Option Selection has been completed. Following a TII Peer Review the Preferred Option will be published, likely to be May 2022. Tom Brennan informed the meeting that funding is available to carry out Low Cost Improvement Schemes on the existing N17.

 

AOB

Conor McCarthy informed that meeting that the Sligo Chamber of Commerce submission to the Department in respect of N17 Ten-T CORE network not successful. One reason for this is that the Department is waiting on the outcome of the Rail Review.  

Sharon Eastwood enquired about the upcoming summer season, for which the Council is preparing for.

It was noted that the non-elected members of the S.P.C. were not informed that Cllr Queenan had replaced Cllr Gilroy as Chairman.

Proposed dates for next meetings:

Thursday, 12th May 11 am

Wednesday, 14th September 11 am

Wednesday, 16th November 11 am

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 03/03/2022