Agendas 2025

Agenda of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held Monday, 6th October 2025 at 10 a.m.


Sligo County Council
Corporate Services,
County Hall,
Riverside,
Sligo

30th September 2025

TO:      THE CATHAOIRLEACH AND EACH MEMBER OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council will be held

ON:      Monday, 6th October, 2025

AT:      10.00 a.m.

IN:       Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

You are requested to attend.

Sinéad Branley
Meetings Administrator

 

CLÁR

  1. To note Minutes of SPC1 Housing and Governance meeting held on 11th June, 2025. (Copy attached)
  2. To note Minutes of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District meeting held on 14th July, 2025. (Copy attached)
  3. To note Minutes of meetings of Borough District of Sligo held on 14th July, 2025 (AGM) and 21st July, 2025. (Copies attached)
  4. To note Minutes of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District meeting held on 21st July, 2025. (Copy attached)
  5. To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 8th September, 2025. (Copy to follow)
  6. To confirm Minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council (to consider nomination of a candidate for Presidential election) held on 22nd September, 2025. (Copy to follow)
  7. To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of freehold interest in the ESB sub-station site and associated cable wayleaves to ESB Networks at Grange Td., Sligo. (Report attached)
  8. To consider the Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation to proceed with the proposed Social Housing Development at Glenview Park, Ash Lane, Rathquarter Townland, Sligo pursuant to Section 179(3) and 179(4) of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000. (as amended) (Report attached)
  9. To receive an update on the Local Community Safety Partnership Programme and to discuss the nomination process of 7 Elected Members to the Local Community Safety Partnership. (Report to follow)
  10. To consider request for Civic receptions.
  11. To consider Freedom of the county request.
  12. To approve delegation to travel on Twinning Trip.
  13. To consider the Winter service arrangements for Winter 2025-2026. (Copy of Winter Plan to follow)
  14. To approve the Draft County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030. (Copy attached)
  15. To set date for meeting with representatives from Uisce Éireann.
  16. To note the Monthly Management Report for Q3 of 2025 (Copy to follow).

DEFERRED MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “We call on Sligo County Council to use all measures at their disposal to ensure that those struggling with the Cost of Living crises are shielded from any further increases in outgoings. Families and individuals are already facing rising costs from rent and housing costs to day to day groceries, goods and services. This is before we come into the winter months where people are stretched even further and sometimes have to decide between heating or eating.
    We further call on this council to engage with relevant ministers and request funding to develop initiatives at a local level, that will ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities are supported in the difficult months ahead.”
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “To ask that Sligo County Council write to the HSE and Department of Health to recognise the urgent need for a dedicated MS Ireland Community Worker to serve the more than 300 people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Sligo and Leitrim, the only counties in Ireland without such a post.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That this Council calls on the Government to invest €15 million annually in the Post Office Network to safeguard essential community, financial, and Government services nationwide.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “To call on Sligo County Council or Uisce Éireann to prepare a report giving details of the remaining available capacity at all Sligo s sewerage treatment plants, outlining the proposed program and timeframe for all expansion plans at all Sligo's facilities and to outline all new land to be serviced.”

MOTIONS

  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That Sligo County Council acknowledges the commitment of the Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, to an inclusive education system where every child is supported to reach their full potential.
    While we fully support the urgent need to expand school places for autistic children, we express serious concern at the policy of redesignating schools currently serving students with Mild General Learning Difficulties (MGLD).
    This approach risks displacing vulnerable students who rely on these schools for specialised support and structure.
    We call on the Minister to:
  • Pause the redesignation of MGLD schools;
  • Consult meaningfully with affected parents, educators, and communities;
  • Develop a properly resourced, inclusive strategy that meets the needs of all students without pitting one group against another.
    We further request that this motion be sent to all Sligo-Leitrim Oireachtas members and to the Minister for Education and Youth.”
  1. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
    “That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to establish a State Solidarity Housing Bond, offering a 20-year investment term, tracked to the ECB base rate plus 1%, with an annual return of no less than 3%, optional access points at 5, 10, and 15 years, and a modest early withdrawal penalty— with all funds ring-fenced exclusively for public and affordable housing delivery.”  
  2. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on Minister for Housing James Browne to immediately reinstate funding for the Tenant-In-Situ Scheme and further, to increase the funding for this vital homeless prevention scheme as well as removing the unnecessary restrictions to its operation.”
  3. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “That this local authority calls on Irish Government to award Section 39 workers the same rate of pay and entitlements as their Section 38 colleagues who deliver the same service.”
  4. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “That this Council shows its support for the introduction of the Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025, a Bill aimed at amending the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create specific offences for assaulting, threatening, harassing, or abusing retail workers while they are carrying out their employment. Despite being on the front lines every day, retail employees in Ireland are being targeted for violent attacks, theft, harassment, and abuse. The fact that these employees, who offer vital services to every community, do NOT have particular legal safeguards is unacceptable. The Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025 will acknowledge the dangers they encounter and guarantee that those who endanger or injure retail employees be held responsible.”
  5. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey:
    “That this Council calls on Government to extend the TaxSaver scheme to include more forms of sustainable transport and shared mobility, so as to give more flexibility to commuters and support more sustainable travel.”
  6. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to prepare a report on the Tenant in Situ scheme and to write to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD to fund the tenant in situ scheme.”
  7. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister of Transport to address the need to increase the level of funding under the Safety Improvement Schemes as the allocation of €370.000 does not address the needs for the county.”
  8. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
    “That Sligo County Council requests the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage to increase the income thresholds for social housing in the context of current market and population conditions and the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced as many working individuals/families who are not on high incomes are excluded from applying for social housing.”
  9. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
    “That Sligo County Council requests the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage to increase the annual allocation for the upkeep of playgrounds and parks under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to ensure that children in urban areas have access to safe, quality areas to play, grow and develop.”
  10. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
    “In light of the recent call from the Irish Heart Foundation calling on the sale of nicotine pouches which are targeted at children to be banned due to the ‘increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders’ and the fact that they can ‘harm brain development from childhood up to the mid-20s’, this Council calls on the Minister for Health to take a pro-active approach and ban the sale of unregulated nicotine pouches which are harming the health of our teenagers.”
  11. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “That Sligo County Council requests an update from the HSE and the Minister for Health on when all healthcare facilities in Sligo including Sligo University Hospital will use digitised health records as set out under the Ireland’s digital health strategy “Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024–2030”, (eHealth reforms, including the National e-Prescription Service and National Electronic Health Record).
    That this question is relayed to the CEO of the HSE, the Minister for Health, Saolta Chief and our 5 Oireachtas members.”
  12. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor E. McSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council writes to  the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, jointly with Minister of State Marian Harkin (with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeships, Construction & Climate Skills), SOLAS and the National Apprenticeship Office, to address barriers facing young people in Sligo  and surrounding region in seeking craft‑trade apprenticeships (plumbing, carpentry, electrical, plastering, etc.), namely: insufficient local training capacity, difficulties for small firms to serve as sponsoring employers, long delays to off‑the‑job training blocks, overcapacity in access routes such as PLCs, and lack of trade‑by‑trade apprenticeship metrics.

    This Council therefore requests:
    • An employer support scheme in Sligo and the Northwest to assist small and micro businesses to sponsor apprentices (administrative, financial, mentoring).
    • Transparency & accountability via published, county‑level data (number of approved sponsors, waiting times per trade, completion rates).
    • Expansion of PLC / pre‑apprenticeship places locally as feeder routes into trades.
    • Appointment of an Apprenticeship Navigator / regional coordinator in the North‑West to match apprentices, employers, and streamline communication.”
  13. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor E. McSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council write to Mary Butler TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, requesting that funding be allocated for the establishment of a fully resourced Early Intervention Youth Mental Health Centre in Sligo–Leitrim. While a limited psychologist-led service is in place, our county remains one of the few without a Jigsaw or Mindspace model as exists in Mayo, Galway and Donegal. This gap leaves many young people without access to counselling and supports when experiencing anxiety, depression or life crises. With early intervention, such services could reduce inappropriate referrals to CAMHS, intervene before difficulties escalate, and prevent further deterioration of mental health. This inequity must be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
  14. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor E. McSharry:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, James Browne TD, Minister of State, John Cummins TD, and Secretary General of the Department, Mr Graham Doyle, requesting the immediate publication of the Final Ministerial Order.

    The Council notes the significant delay since the publication of the Draft Ministerial Order on 8th November 2024 and the ongoing uncertainty this creates regarding the standing of the Sligo County Development Plan, the zoning of land, and the associated proposal to commence a variation to the Plan.

    This delay imposes additional demands on Council time, resources, and finances, which could be avoided if a Final Ministerial Order were carefully prepared in line with Government policy, including the Section 28 Guidelines issued in July 2025, and with due regard to the decisions of Councillors on the zoning of additional lands last Autumn.”
  15. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    "That Sligo County Council expresses its dismay and opposition to the Government's proposal to abolish the Triple Lock, which governs the deployment of Irish Defence Forces personnel overseas.  The Triple Lock has ensured that Ireland's participation in overseas missions (with more than 12 defence personnel) would always require approval from: (1) the Cabinet, (2) Dáil Éireann, and (3) the mission they are being deployed on would have a UN mandate either from the Security Council or the General Assembly.  In 2001, the Irish people rejected the Nice Treaty over concerns that it would drag Ireland into EU military structures that would threaten our neutrality.   To encourage the electorate to approve the Treaty, the government with the agreement of the other EU member states, through a "solemn declaration" introduced the Triple Lock.  This Declaration was reiterated following initial rejection of the subsequent Lisbon Treaty. Therefore, this Council rejects government proposals to abolish or amend the Triple Lock, noting that such a proposal would signify a major breach of trust with the Irish electorate and a serious diminution of Irish neutrality."
  16. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “Cognisant of the current housing crisis and recognising that access to secure and genuinely affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many people, this Council expresses its disappointment that no date has yet been set to hold a referendum to enshrine the right to housing in the Constitution, and furthermore we call on the government to hold a referendum on the issue without further delay.”
  17. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
    “Given the British Government plans to introduce Brit Cards, I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, T.D. to outline the government's plans to deal with the probability of large amounts of undocumented migrants taking advantage of our common travel area arriving into the republic putting further pressure on our housing and public services.”
  18. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health to call for all cervical smear tests under the CervicalCheck programme to be processed within Ireland, and not outsourced abroad.

    This Council notes with concern that the outsourcing of smear tests has contributed to delays, errors, and a loss of public confidence in the service. Irish women deserve a high-quality, transparent screening programme with results delivered in a timely manner.

    We therefore call on the Government to:
    1. Invest in Irish laboratory capacity to ensure all cervical smears are processed within the State.
    2. Guarantee that results are returned to patients within the original 4–6 week timeframe.
    3. Put in place a long-term women’s health strategy that prioritises self-sufficiency in screening and diagnostics, to prevent reliance on outsourcing in the future.”
  19. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
    “That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to request the immediate removal of the current banding system for social housing income eligibility.

    At present, Sligo residents fall under Band 3 with a baseline income threshold of €30,000, while applicants in Dublin and other Band 1 counties can qualify with incomes up to €40,000. This €10,000 disparity is unjust and fails to recognise the real cost of living and housing challenges facing families in Sligo and across the northwest.

    This Council calls on the Government to establish a single, national income threshold for social housing eligibility, set at no less than €40,000, to ensure equal access to housing supports regardless of where a person lives in Ireland.”
  20. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
    “That Sligo County Council requests the government to implement the recommendations of the Fifth Report of the Convention on the Constitution, and to extend voting rights in Presidential elections to all Irish citizens on the island of Ireland.”
  21. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “To ask the HSE and the Minister for Health for an update on Sligo Primary Care Centres: 1. the phase 3 build for Nazareth House, 2. Tubbercurry Primary Care Centre and 3. the Business Case for Collooney Primary Care Centre upgrade. That this motion is copied to our 5 Oireachtas members.”
  22. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
    “To ask Sligo County Council for an update on Sligo Capital projects including ‘Sligo Streets’ Public Realm and City Campus project and that a report be provided on same.”
  23. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor P. Taylor:
    “To ask for an update from the ESB Networks on what infrastructure repair works that have been done since the recent storms in areas that were worst affected in the county.”
  24. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor P. Taylor:
    “To ask the Department to take a cautious approach with regard to the recently published SNA guidelines 2025/2026 by the NCSE. I believe that some of these changes may risk serious harm to our most vulnerable children with special educational needs.”
  25. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor B. Gallagher:
    “That Sligo County Council recognises the increasing pressures on mental health and wellbeing across our communities and resolves to:
    1. Work with the HSE and voluntary organisations to identify gaps in our local mental health supports and services, particularly for young people and vulnerable groups.
    2. Make Council owned facilities (such as libraries, community centres and sports amenities available where possible, for mental health awareness programmes, peer support groups, and wellbeing activities.
    3. Write to the Minister for Health and the HSE requesting that additional ring-fenced funding for community-based mental health supports in the Northwest be prioritised in the upcoming health budget.
    4. Report back within three months on progress in establishing a local partnership with relevant statutory and voluntary agencies to strengthen delivery of mental health supports in the county.”
  26. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor B. Gallagher:
    “For Sligo County Council to contact Eir/Open Eir and the ESB Networks requesting that urgent action be taken to cut back trees and vegetation from poles, cables and other utility infrastructure throughout the county, in the interest of public safety, continuity of service, and reduce the risk of outages during adverse weather as seen in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn and that Eir / Open Eir / ESB setup a regular maintenance schedule in consultation with the council, so it’s not just a once off.”
  27. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council confirm if the exercise bike purchased in 2024 for the Gym at Sligo Regional Sports Centre, and the lift repairs promised in tandem for Q1 2025 under NOM 34 November 2024 Meeting, has been installed and if not when will it be in place.”
  28. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council confirm what funds were allocated for the Surface Maintenance of National and National Secondary Roads through Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal Schemes (PARR) scheme in 2025 and where these funds were spent.”
  29. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council survey how many vehicles go directly across from Abbey Street to Castle Street on a daily basis despite the left turn only sign and what plans are in place to curtail this.”
  30. To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
    “That this Council consider a much needed increase in the Arts grants fund for this year's budget.”
  31. Votes of sympathy.
  32. Votes of congratulations.
  33. To approve the Conference/Training events, as circulated.
  34. To note the summary of proceedings of Conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5)(f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.
  35. Correspondence:
    1. Letter received on 2nd September, 2025 from Ms. Mary T. Sweeney, Aontu Representative re. the “Ask for Angela” campaign,
    2. E-mail received on 2nd September, 2025 from the Divisional office of An Garda Síochána (Sligo-Leitrim) regarding speed cameras on the N15 & N17,
    3. Letter dated 3rd September, 2025 from the National Transport Authority re. Sligo-Dublin rail service,
    4. Letter dated 10th September, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Health re. roll out of epi pens,
    5. Letter dated 10th September, 2025 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland re. funding for National Secondary Roads,
    6. Acknowledgement dated 16th September, 2025 from the office of the Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran, T.D. re. Sligo Garda Station,
    7. Acknowledgement for ‘Vote of sympathy’ from the family of the late Tom Gallogly, R.I.P.
    8. Acknowledgement dated 19th September, 2025 from Deputy Martin Kenny, T.D. re. Garda Armed Response Unit base for County Sligo,
    9. Copy of resolution received from Carlow County Council re. college fees,
    10. Acknowledgement dated 19th September, 2025 from the office of Minister Martin Heydon, T.D. re. the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP),
    11. Acknowledgement dated 19th September, 2025 from the office of Minister Martin Heydon, T.D. re. Teagasc,
    12. Acknowledgement dated 22nd September, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Sport re. high performance pathway income,
    13. Acknowledgement dated 22nd September, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration re. provision of an Armed Support Unit base for Sligo,
    14. Acknowledgement from the office of the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht dated 22nd September, 2025 re. high performance pathway income,
    15. Acknowledgement from the office of the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht dated 22nd September, 2025 re. Love Sligo gift card,
    16. Acknowledgement from the office of the Minister for Health dated 22nd September, 2025 re. support services for those living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND),
    17. Acknowledgement dated 19th September, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. Teagasc,
    18. Acknowledgement dated 19th September, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. investment in Post Office network,
    19. Acknowledgement dated 19th September, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. request for declaration of housing emergency,
    20. Acknowledgement dated 19th September, 2025 from the office of the Taoiseach re. V.A.T. rate for food-led businesses,
    21. E-mail dated 23rd September, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. funding for boundary fences,
    22. Acknowledgement dated 22nd September, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment re. supporting the Town and City gift card rollout,
    23. Acknowledgement dated 26th September, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. additional funds for housing grant schemes,
    24. Acknowledgement dated 26th September, 2025 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage re. rise in homelessness,
    25. Acknowledgement from the office of the C.E.O. of the H.S.E. dated 24th September, 2025 re. request for full-time M. S. Community Worker,
    26. Letter received on 26th September, 2025 from Mr. Barry Wheely-Row re. Presidential election,
    27. Copy of resolution agreed by the Members of Kerry County Council re. ban on vaping in all workplaces,
    28. Copy of resolution agreed by the Members of Limerick City and County Council re. call for increased investment in counselling and psychotherapy,
    29. Acknowledgement from the Corporate Services office in An Garda Síochána re. armed support base and new Garda station for Sligo and
    30. E-mail dated 28th September, 2025 from Dr. Martin Keaveney re. local writing course in Maugherow Hall.
  36. Matters arising from Minutes.
  37. Any other business.

Meeting Date 06/10/2025