Agendas 2026

Agenda of June Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held Monday, 8th June 2026 at 10 a.m.


Seirbhísí Corparáideacha/Corporate Services Section
Comhairle Chontae Shligigh/Sligo County Council
Áras an Chontae/County Hall
Cois Abhainn/Riverside
Sligeach F91 Y763/ Sligo F91 Y763

Date 2nd June 2026

A Chara,

A meeting of Sligo County Council will be held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo on Monday 8th June 2026 at 10.00am for the purpose of considering the business set out on the Agenda hereunder.

You are hereby invited to attend.

In accordance with Statutory Provisions, the Register of Chief Executive’s Orders will be available for inspection at the meeting.

Please be reminded that this meeting will be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s website. You should be aware that the Council is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014, the General Data Protection Regulations (EU) 2016/679 and the Data Protection Act 2018 and data collected during this webcast will be retained in accordance with the legislation.  Therefore, by entering the Council Chamber or by joining the remote Team Meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings in the Council’s webcasting activities. 

Recording by anyone in the Chamber other than by the Council’s official broadcasting system is strictly forbidden unless prior consent for same is obtained.

Mise, le meas,

Sinéad Branley
Meetings Administrator

 

Agenda

1. Declaration of Interests/Conflict of Interest

2. Confirmation of Minutes

2.1  To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 11th May 2026.  (Copy attached).

2.2  To note Minutes of Sligo Borough District MD Meeting held on 23rd March 2026.  (Copy attached).

2.3  To note Minutes of SPC2 Climate & Infrastructure Meeting held on 21st May 2026.  (Copy attached).

2.4  To note Minutes of Sligo Drumcliff MD Meeting held on 9th March 2026.  (Copy attached).

2.5  To note Minutes of Ballymote Tubbercurry MD Meeting held on 30th March 2026.  (Copy attached).

2.6  To note Minutes of Corporate Policy Group Meetings held on a) 3rd November 2025.  b) 12thJanuary 2026 and c) 2nd March 2026. (Copies attached).

    3. Headed Items

    3.1  To receive update report on progress of boardwalk works in Rosses Point.

    3.2  To approve PPN Nomination to Strategic Policy Committee. (Report attached).

    3.3  To consider request for Civic Reception (Report attached).

    3.4  To note audited accounts of the Sligo BID Company Limited by Guarantee (Reports attached).

    3.5  To receive update on implications of recent oil price fluctuations to the Council’s 2026 works programme.

    3.6  To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the transfer of lands and rectification of boundary at Knocknageeha, Killavil, Ballymote, Co. Sligo (Report previously circulated).

    3.7  To consider and adopt Standard Operating Procedure for Abandoned Vehicles by Environment Department and Standard Operating Procedures for Abandoned Vehicles by Roads Department” (Report attached).

    3.8  To consider and adopt the Public Lighting Policy and General Specification (Report attached).

    3.9  To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the leasing of Land at Ballintogher, Co Sligo to Ballintogher Community Council Ltd (details previously circulated).

    3.10  To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €36.2m by way of borrowings for Capital Projects from 2026 onwards (Report attached).

    3.11  To note report on allocations made under the housing allocation scheme in 2025, in accordance with Section 22(12) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 (Report attached).

    3.12  To note the Management Report for May 2026. (Report to follow).

    4. Notices of Motion

    Deferred:

    4.1  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Healy
    “Sligo County Council called on the European Parliament to ensure CAP funding remains separate from the proposed National Partnership Plans, and that LEADER funding is ringfenced in the next long term EU budget”.

    4.2  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor L. Brennan:
    “I ask for Sligo County Council to provide an update on emergency generators and emergency hubs to be set up in the county following on from Storm Eowyn”.

    New:

    4.3  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor E McSharry:
    “That this Council writes to the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, the National Transport Authority, and Iarnród Éireann to:

    Introduce an early morning westbound rail service on the Dublin–Sligo line, scheduled to arrive in Sligo no later than 08:30, to facilitate:

    • student access to Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
    • commuter access to employment in Sligo town and surrounding areas

    To Examine the feasibility of: a service originating from Dublin Connolly or Longford, with key stops including Longford, Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle, and Ballymote

    In making this request, this Council notes:

    • The absence of an early morning arrival into Sligo aligned with standard work and education start times
    • The ongoing accommodation shortage in Sligo, requiring many students and workers to commute longer distances
    • The clear environmental benefit of facilitating a shift from private car use to public transport
    • Evidence of strong regional demand, including research carried out by ATU students and support from communities across Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, and Longford.

    This Council further agrees to:

    • Circulate this motion to Leitrim County Council and Roscommon County Council, seeking their formal support for a coordinated regional approach”.

    4.4  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor L Brennan:
    “I ask Sligo County Council to write to ESB Networking for an update on infrastructure repair work following on from Storm Eowyn, asking how many recurring line faults are not completed due to the need to wait for permission from landowners”. 

    4.5  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M Casserly:
    “That this Council calls on Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority to examine and introduce a direct Expressway bus service between Sligo and Belfast.

    Currently, passengers travelling from Sligo to Belfast must change buses in Enniskillen, resulting in long wait times and inconvenience for commuters, students, and other passengers. A direct service, like the existing Sligo to Derry route, would greatly improve connectivity between the northwest and Belfast, support economic and educational links, and provide a more accessible and sustainable public transport option for the growing number of people travelling between both cities”.

    4.6  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Mulvey:
    “That this council consider including regular outreach work in towns throughout the county, to raise awareness of the excellent training and mentorship initiatives hosted by Sligo Local Enterprise Office, to ensure both new and established businesses are aware of the range of supports offered”.

    4.7  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Mulvey:
    “I call on Sligo County Council to investigate if a dedicated walking route can be offered as a specific route for people with special needs.  County Sligo is fortunate to have around 60 wonderful public walking trails, which are a tremendous community asset. However, there have been incidents where individuals with special needs, while out on accompanied walks, have become extremely distressed when encountering dogs that are off their leads.  A designated, dog‑free walking route would provide a safe, predictable environment and would greatly support the well‑being and confidence of those who rely on such spaces”.

    4.8  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T Healy:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture to provide assurances to farmers that there will not be cuts to payments to farmers as a result of the 1.3% levy being applied to the Department of Agriculture by public expenditure Minister Jack Chambers”.

    4.9  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G O’Boyle:
    “Sligo County Council writes to the Minister of State for Older People seeking stronger protections for nursing home residents and families following recent investigations highlighting concerns around vulnerable residents receiving discharge notices after concerns were raised regarding standards of care”.

    4.10  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M Clarke:
    “To call on Sligo County Council to issue a detailed report outlining the funding allocated for repair works on Sligo’s piers”.

    4.11  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M Clarke:  
    “To call on the Government to advance offshore wind farms and to speed up solar panels on homes and farm sheds and buildings to meet our targets to move away from fossil fuels and that this Council amends the County Development Plan to state that no productive farmland be used for solar energy production”.

    4.12  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A Higgins:
    ‘Given the recent €50 million write of Iarnród Ėireann IT project, that this Council writes to the OGP and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, recommending that an IT Expert Review Group is established to review any future publicly funded IT projects to ensure improved governance and oversight’.

    4.13  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A Higgins:
    ‘The Sligo County Council will consider the provision of a dedicated modern boxing training facility to accommodate the various boxing clubs across the county. The provision of a dedicated space for club members to train, socialise and improve their overall health and well-being, aligns with the strategy of providing high-quality sporting and recreational infrastructure.

    4.14  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillors A Higgins, G O’Boyle, T Healy and A Gibbons:
    ‘That this Council acknowledges the brave activism demonstrated by Dr Margaret Connolly and her colleagues in taking part in the recent Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to the starving people of Gaza.  Despite experiencing brutal treatment at the hands of the Israeli forces, Dr Connolly and her colleagues have drawn global attention to both the continuing plight of the people of Gaza and the deplorable actions of the Israeli regime.'

    4.15  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.”

    4.16  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A Gibbons:
    “In light of the shocking increase in violence against women outlined in the recent report by Women’s Aid, this local authority calls on the Irish Government to take a realistic and effective zero-tolerance approach that will deliver measurable results in combating all forms of violence against women.

    This approach must include stronger protections for victims, faster access to support services, tougher enforcement against offenders, improved education and prevention programmes, and increased investment in domestic violence, sexual violence, and coercive control services across Ireland.

    Furthermore, the Government must work closely with communities, schools, law enforcement, and support organisations to ensure that women and girls can live free from fear, abuse, and intimidation in every aspect of society”.

    4.17  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor J Queenan:
    “Ask the director of services for housing to outline how many social, affordable and part 5 units will come on stream in 2026”. 

    4.18  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G O’Boyle:
    “That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment seeking an immediate moratorium on new large scale data centre developments and calling for the introduction of electricity price controls to protect households from rising energy costs linked to increased demand from the data centre sector”.

    4.19  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T Walsh:
    “To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the delivery of an outdoor skatepark for Sligo to be located at Cleveragh”.

    4.20  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T Walsh:
    “To ask Sligo County Council for an update and associated delivery timeline on all items given any public funding under the active travel programme”.

    4.21  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S Kilgannon:
    “To ask Sligo County Council why is there so much Disparity between Sligo County Council and our neighbours Donegal and Mayo in accessing funding for Marine infrastructure spending on Piers and harbours”.

    4.22  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor S Kilgannon:
    “To request Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for transport for an update as to when Irish Citizens returning to Ireland will be in a position to exchange their American licence for an Irish driving licence”.

    4.23  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Gilroy:
    “That Sligo County Council following Confirmation by the minister for Agriculture that his department has committed to continuing funding in 2026 and making a further €2m available to local authorities to assist with the employment of dog wardens. Revise the Dog Control Policies as a matter of extreme Urgency and increase the Dog Warden Service across the County. That this policy is included in the 2027 Budget consideration so that it can be enforced from Jan 2027.

    We have reached a situation where not only are Farmers suffering the loss of farm animals to dog attacks, but also irresponsible dog owners allow their dogs to misbehave in public places with injury caused to both domestic pets and humans”.

    4.24  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Gilroy:
    “When will Sligo County Council be applying for 2027 Funding for the N17 and N15 which are both now on the National Development Plan and to what project phase is it planned to bring each road to in 2027”.

    4.25  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Gilroy:
     “That Sligo County Council report to members and the public what the policy is when illegal fires are lit in public places, such as bonfires and Barbecues. To whom do members of the public report these fires and Should the Fire Service be called if a fire is noticed in an area where grass or trees are likely to catch fire or there is a threat to biodiversity and wildlife. Will the caller be billed for the fire service callout.

    4.26  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G Mullaney:
    “That this council writes to the Minister for Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank requesting that they encourage those financial institutions involved in the mortgage business to give more credits for rental income to borrowers”.

    4.27  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T Walsh:
    “To ask Sligo County Council to provide members with an update on all medium to large scale capital infrastructure projects in Sligo (roads)”.

    4.28  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Bree:
    "That a report be provided outlining the proposals the Council has to repair/restore the concrete path leading to the first beach in Rosses Point."

    4.29  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Bree:
    “To ask what progress, if any, has been made regarding the possibility of developing public access to the Neolithic monument located above the Fox’s Den on Cairns (Carns) Hill, and if there has been any recent communication with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Public Works regarding the issue.”

    4.30  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D Bree:
    “That the meeting be provided with a report indicating the number of derelict and vacant houses/premises and location of same, purchased by the Council using Compulsory Purchase powers in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026.”

    4.31  To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor E McSharry:
    “That this Council calls on the Government, the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Transport to significantly increase investment in the upcoming budget in Ireland’s defence and maritime surveillance capacity in order to adequately monitor, protect and secure Irish territorial waters, critical subsea infrastructure and marine resources.

    Ireland’s strategic location on the western edge of Europe means that our waters are increasingly important from both an economic and security perspective. However, concerns have repeatedly been raised regarding the limited capacity of the Naval Service and Defence Forces to fully patrol and monitor Irish waters due to staffing shortages, ageing equipment and underinvestment over many years.

    Recent geopolitical instability, increased activity in the North Atlantic and threats to critical infrastructure have highlighted the urgent need for Ireland to strengthen its maritime security capabilities. Protecting our waters is essential not only for national security, but also for safeguarding communications networks, trade routes, energy security, fisheries and environmental protection.

    This Council therefore urges Government to prioritise:

    • Increased funding for the Defence Forces and Naval Service;
    • Investment in modern maritime surveillance technology;
    • Expansion of radar, drone and subsea monitoring capability;
    • Recruitment and retention measures for Defence Forces personnel;
    • Greater collaboration with European partners on maritime security”.

    5. Votes of Sympathy

    6. Votes of Congratulations

    7. Approval of Training/Conferences/Summary of Proceedings of Conferences Attended

    8. Correspondence

    1. Email dated 5th May 2026 from Roscommon County Council, regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members in relation to the establishment of a Commission for the Validation of Planning Objections.
    2. Email response dated 6thy May 2026 from Bord Gais Energy, regarding faulty electricity meters.
    3. Email response dated 7th May 2026 from the office of the Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rial & Ports, Seán Canney TD, regarding automated red-light camera enforcement.
    4. Email response dated 7th May 2026 from Energia, regarding faulty electricity meters.
    5. Email response dated 7th May 2026 from the HSE, regarding an update on Sligo Primary Care Centres.
    6. Email response dated 8th May 2026 from Deputy Martin Kenny which includes response from the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, regarding mother and baby homes.
    7. Letter dated 7th May 2026 from the Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Robert Troy TD, regarding the cost of motor insurance.
    8. Acknowledgement email dated 8th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD regarding confirmation of expected timeline for the phased arrival of all IPAS residents to Globe House.
    9. Email response dated 11th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, regarding part-time employment for students.
    10. Email dated 11th May 2026 from Galway County Council regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members in relation to Critical Infrastructure Development.
    11. Email dated 12th May 2026 from Clare County Council regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members in relation to a cost-of-living package.
    12. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding removing responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of National Primary Roads from the TII to Local Authorities.
    13. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, regarding increase in medical card income thresholds.
    14. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, advising that the letter issued regarding a standalone 24hr emergency department facility for mental health in Sligo is more appropriate to the Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, and has been redirected to her office.
    15. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, regarding the Garda vetting process.
    16. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, regarding additional supports to Local Authorities due to the decision to remove state provided commercial accommodation to Ukrainians.
    17. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, regarding the training centre for EV Mechanics.
    18. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Chairperson for the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Niall Cody, regarding reintroducing public in person walk in Tax services.
    19. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, regarding the expansion of nurse/midwife led services across the Northwest.
    20. Acknowledgement email dated the 13th May 2026 from the office of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, regarding issuing a licence to open Barryroe Oil and Gas Field.
    21. Acknowledgement email dated 14th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim Callaghan TD, confirming receipt of correspondence in relation to a motion from the January 2026 Council Meeting, requesting an update on the women’s refuge centre in Sligo and advising that the original correspondence posted in January was not received by the Department.
    22. Acknowledgement email dated 13th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, regarding additional supports to Local Authorities due to the decision to remove state provided commercial accommodation to Ukrainians.
    23. Acknowledgement email dated 15th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, regarding the retrofit of public buildings with solar panels.
    24. Acknowledgement email dated 14th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding the retrofit of all public buildings with solar panels.
    25. Response email dated 18th May 2026 from the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, regarding income thresholds for medical cards.
    26. Response email dated 18th May 2026 from the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, regarding the Triple Lock.
    27. Acknowledgement email dated 18th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding removing responsibility for maintenance/improvement of National Primary Roads from TII to LA’s.
    28. Email dated 18th May 2026 from Longford County Council regarding a resolution to implement an extension scheme to retain the Just Transition Tourism Activators.
    29. Response email dated 18th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, regarding training centre for EV mechanics.
    30. Acknowledgement email dated 20th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding the N59 at Lugawarry, Co Sligo.
    31. Response letter dated 21st May 2026 from Flogas Natural Gas Ltd, regarding faulty electricity meters.
    32. Response letter dated 21st May 2026 from the Regulator of the National Lottery, regarding replacing the words play/playing on National Lottery games to gamble/gambling.
    33. Response email dated 22nd May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, regarding part-time employment for students.
    34. Email response dated 26th May 2026 from the office of the Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, which includes response from the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, regarding mother and baby homes.
    35. Email response dated 26th May 2026 from the office of the Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, which includes response from the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, regarding the cancellation of orthopaedic surgeries.
    36. Email response dated 27th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, regarding the shingles vaccine.
    37. Email response dated 28th May 2026 from the office of the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, regarding State Examination fees and the School Transport Scheme.
    38. Email dated 128th May 2026 from Galway County Council regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members in relation to CETA Trade Agreement.

    9. Matters Arising

    10. Any other business


    Meeting Date 08/06/2026