Agendas 2026

Agenda of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council to be held Monday, 5th October 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:  29 September 2026

A Chara,

A meeting of Sligo County Council will be held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo on Monday 5th October 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 14th September 2026. (Copy attached).

2.2    To note minutes of a) CPG Meeting held on 6 July 2026 and b) Special Budget CPG Meeting held on 30 July 2026.  (Copy attached).

2.3    To note minutes of meeting of Twinning Committee dated 8th June 2026. (Copy attached).

2.4    To note minutes of a) Sligo Borough District MD Meeting held on 18th May 2026 and b) Sligo Borough District MD Meeting held on 20th July 2026 and c) Sligo Borough District MD Annual General Meeting held on 17th July 2026.  (Copies attached).

2.5    To note Audit Committee Minutes of 16th June 2026.  (Copy attached).

2.6    To note minutes of meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD Meeting held on 20th July 2026.  (Copy attached).

 

3. Headed Items

3.1    To receive a presentation from the HSE’s Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force.

3.2    To consider setting a local adjustment factor to the Local Property Tax for the period from 1st November 2026.

3.3    To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €15m by way of temporary overdraft for the 12 months from 1st January 2027 to 31st December 2027.

3.4    To note Audit Committee Report on the Statutory Audit Report for the year ending 31.12.2025.

3.5    To receive an update on Sligo County Council’s Housing Capital Delivery Programme.

3.6    To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the freehold interest in site at Carrowreagh Knox, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Tracey (otherwise Mary Teresa) Powell and Geraldine Conboy.

3.7    To nominate two Elected Members to sit on the EirGrid Community Forum.

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

3.9    To consider report in relation to commencing the process of taking in charge the estate known as “Temple Manor”, Ballinacarrow, Co. Sligo.

3.10    To consider the Winter Service Arrangements for Winter 2026-2027 (Winter Service Plan 2026 – 2027 – copy attached).

3.11    To receive a report on a strategic infrastructure development (SID) application for development consisting of the decommissioning of 23 no. turbines and the erection of 17 no. wind turbines and associated works within the townlands of Crowagh or Dunneill Mountain (and adj. townlands) Co Sligo, to be submitted to An Comisiún Pleanála.

3.12    To receive a report on a strategic infrastructure development (SID) application for development consisting of a grid connection route for a 110kv underground cable within the townlands of Lavally, Drumdee, and Ballysumaghan, Co Sligo, to be submitted to An Comisiún Pleanála.

3.13    To note the revised Differential Rent Scheme (copy attached).

3.14    To note the Management Report for Q3 of 2026 (Report to follow).

 

4. Notices of Motion

Deferred:

None.

New:

4.1    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon:
“This Council notes with concern the ongoing proliferation of vape shops in our town centres, which is resulting in retail saturation, a reduction in economic diversity, a decline in the vitality, pull, and dwell factors of our streetscapes, and heightened public health risks, particularly for young people exposed to vaping products in proximity to schools and residential areas.

Recognising the limitations under the current Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended): these businesses are classified as general retail uses, which severely restricts the Council's ability to require planning permission for changes of use, to refuse applications on grounds of community needs, oversupply, suitability, density, or location, or to impose conditions aligned with local development plan objectives for vibrant, mixed-use town centres.

This Council resolves to write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Office of the Planning Regulator, and any other relevant planning authorities, urging the following amendments to the Planning and Development Regulations and associated guidelines: The establishment of a distinct use class for vape shops and comparable premises, treating any change of use to this category as a material change requiring full planning permission, similar to the controls already in place for off-licences and betting offices.

We request the granting of explicit powers to local authorities to refuse planning applications for such uses where they would lead to over-concentration, based on factors including density thresholds, suitability for the location, public health impacts, and the need to maintain a balanced retail mix that supports economic diversity and urban regeneration. The introduction of mechanisms to enable the phasing out, relocation, or restriction of existing such premises in sensitive or unsuitable areas (e.g., high streets, near schools, or areas of high residential density), including through development plan policies, supplementary planning guidance, or transitional arrangements to protect community well-being”.

4.2    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
“That Sligo County Council writes to the Office of Public Works and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht seeking the introduction of Binsí Comhrá (Irish Conversation Benches) at suitable public locations in County Sligo to encourage the everyday use of Irish, strengthen community connections and promote our cultural heritage”.

4.3    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
“That Sligo County Council welcomes the proposed upgrades to the cycling facilities at Cleveragh Regional Park and recognises the positive investment in encouraging more people to cycle.

The Council further requests that the upgraded facilities facilitate adult as well as child cycle training, recognising that many adults have never had the opportunity to learn to cycle.

The Council also calls for the delivery of safe cross-town cycling routes linking residential areas such as Cartron, Maugheraboy and the Strandhill Road with Cleveragh Regional Park, enabling families to cycle safely to the park rather than having to drive. Children should learn that cycling is a safe, everyday means of transport, not just an activity confined to a park”.

4.4    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Gibbons:
“That this Local Authority calls on the Irish Government to immediately begin the legislative process to introduce a legal minimum age of 18 years for tattooing in Ireland, making it an offence for any person or business to tattoo anyone under the age of 18.
This Local Authority believes that a permanent tattoo is a significant decision and that stronger legal protections are required for children and young people, including appropriate regulation and health and safety standards for the tattooing industry”.

4.5    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
“Given that we are a nation of animal lovers, Sligo County Council recognises the deep concern and distress caused by the unnecessary suffering and destruction of healthy animals.

This Council believes that every animal deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect, and that the unnecessary destruction of healthy animals should be avoided wherever possible.

Sligo County Council calls on the Government to review existing policies and practices relating to the destruction of animals and to ensure that every reasonable alternative is considered before any healthy animal is put to sleep.

The Council further calls for greater transparency, accountability and cooperation among the relevant authorities, with the aim of strengthening animal welfare protections and ensuring that the unnecessary suffering and destruction of animals is prevented.

That Sligo County Council supports the highest possible standards of animal welfare and calls on the Government to take meaningful action to protect animals and prevent unnecessary suffering”.

4.6    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. O’Boyle:
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to immediately commence Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and, in particular, give effect to subsection (7), which provides that the making and revocation of local authority rent schemes are reserved functions of the elected members, thereby ensuring democratic oversight and accountability over the framework under which differential rents are determined”.

4.7    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
“That Sligo County Council issue a report to members on what procedures are in place to ensure that Irish Water / Uisce Eireann repair roads paths and other infrastructure after they have dug them up to repair burst pipes. Is there a particular individual who is responsible in each area for ensuring that this work is done to leave the infrastructure in the same way they found it”.

4.8    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Casserly:
“That Sligo County Council request Electric Skyline to undertake an immediate audit of all public lighting in Sligo town and county, identifying all non-functioning lights and outstanding faults, and provide a programme and timeframe for necessary repairs, particularly in advance of the winter period”.

4.9    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to provide in Budget 2027 that every person diagnosed with cancer and undergoing cancer treatment automatically qualifies for the Fuel Allowance, without being subject to the normal means test.

The allowance should apply from the commencement of treatment and continue throughout the period of treatment and recovery, as certified by the patient’s treating medical practitioner.

This Council further calls on the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Finance to make the necessary provision in Budget 2027 to implement this measure”.

4.10    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh
“Given the serious flaws in the management of Active Travel/BSEP ‘s that Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Transport, the Minister for Public Expenditure, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Leader of the Independent Group to request a review of how the active travel scheme, the bus stop enhancement programme and existing bus stops are being managed with a view to moving this work, budget and staff to the Local Authorities to ensure an efficient and timely delivery of schemes, to ensure the tax payer gets value for money and to ensure there is an accountability and transparency in the process”.

4.11    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Commission for Energy regulation. To ensure that a Guaranteed Micro Generation Minimum Tariff for small scale Solar and Wind Turbine installations and to guarantee that this tariff will be paid well into the future and that all new installations have a minimum of 10 years guaranteed post installation.

The Netherlands is scrapping its energy credit system for households next year due to a huge increase in residential solar power that has created massive grid congestion.

If as expected export tariffs are to be phased out in Ireland, this should be on a planned basis so that households can plan their investment in solar based on not getting the export credits.
That this motion is circulated to all other Councils in Ireland”. 

4.12    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G O’Boyle:
“Sligo County Council calls on to An Taoiseach and the Ministers responsible for Children and Local Government, to establish a full independent national audit of deaths and burial sites connected to all former mother and baby homes, county homes, workhouses, orphanages, industrial schools and children’s institutions. The audit must match death and burial records, examine lands later developed and professionally survey any site where children remain unaccounted for. This Council should also locate and release all records it holds concerning former institutions in County Sligo”. 

4.13    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Gilroy:
“That Sligo County Council give a report to members on when the review of the 1967 roads schedule will be completed and corrected as required”.

4.14    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey
“I ask Sligo County Council to seek an update from An Garda Síochána on the new National CCTV Strategy, as many communities believe it should be published and implemented as soon as possible.

CCTV is not a replacement for Gardaí on our streets, but it is an important tool that can help Gardaí prevent crime, identify offenders and gather evidence, and should be used in tandem with regular patrols by officers. The majority of the public wants An Garda Síochána to have access to CCTV to support frontline policing, deter crime and improve public safety”.

4.15    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Mulvey
“I ask Sligo County Council what the criteria are for communities to have a Columbarium installed.

Sligo town had one installed in February 2018, but other locations throughout the county have expressed interest but are unsure how a unit can be installed”.

4.16    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh
“Following on from my Notice of Motion in October 2025-given the fact that the orthopaedic theatres at Sligo University Hospital were built in 1980 and noting that this infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose with theatres having to be closed multiple times in the last three years this Council calls for the HSE, Department of Health and the Minister for Health to ensure that emergency funding is urgently provided for the provision of a new theatre complex at Sligo University Hospital on foot of the submission to the HSE for formal capital approval.

That this motion is relayed to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, HSE CEO, Minister for Health for direct reply to the members of this Council”.

4.17    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor F. Nealon
“That Sligo County Council establish an annual Sports Bursary Scheme to support young athletes from County Sligo who achieve national or international representative honours, in line with similar schemes already operating in Mayo and Leitrim. That the scheme include specific measures to support female athletes, reflecting the national priority of keeping girls and young women in sport. That the Chief Executive bring a report on the cost, eligibility criteria and funding options for such a scheme to the Council for consideration in the 2027 budget”.

4.18    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor T. Walsh:
“Following on from my notice of motion passed in October 2023 and in April 2026, That Sligo County Council provide an update on the previously proposed flag ship weekend/day in Sligo which would incorporate ‘Sligo Day’, promoting “all things Sligo” similar to the hugely successful themed initiative in Mayo led by Mayo County Council”. 

4.19    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor M. Clarke:
“To call on Sligo County Council and the TII to prepare a report on the N16 Doonally route selection process and give a timeline as to when the process will be complete”.

4.20    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor G. Mullaney:
“That this Council writes to the Minister for Health and the HSE seeking a community worker for the needs of MS sufferers in Sligo/Leitrim”.

4.21    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
“Giving the appalling lack of lactation support in this region, that this Council writes to the Minister for Health Dr. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to request that she prioritise the filling of the Lactation Consultant position at Sligo University Hospital and also the   Community Lactation Consultant position to ensure equitable maternity care for the women and families of this constituency”.

4.22    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
“As the 2026 Bill on Equal Status (Access to Toilet Facilities) makes its way through the Houses of the Oireachtas, this motion calls on the local business community of Sligo to immediately support the No Wait Cards campaign for people with chronic and invisible illnesses”.   

4.23    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor A. Higgins:
“That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Climate Energy and the Environment Daragh O'Brien calling for the inclusion of the installation of solar panels and battery storage in the Social Housing Retrofit Programme”.

4.24    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
“To ask the Chief Executive if there is any record of the Council changing the placename “Sruth in Aghaidh an Airde” in respect of the waterfall in the Glencar valley, and to ask what action the Council can take to ensure that the original name is retained.”   

4.25    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 in the current year.”

4.26    To consider the following motion as submitted by Councillor D. Bree:
“This Council notes:

  1. That Fórsa and SIPTU trade union members in the local government sector have overwhelmingly voted in favour of industrial action following a severe breakdown in public service pay negotiations.
  2. That a targeted work-to-rule and non-cooperation campaign commenced on Wednesday, 30th September and that further coordinated national strike action by Public Service Committee (PSC) affiliates is scheduled for Wednesday, 14th October, and Wednesday, 21st October, if the dispute remains unresolved.

This Council further recognises:

  • The dedication, hard work, and essential contributions of local authority staff who maintain vital public services across our communities daily.
  • That local government workers deserve fair pay, protected working conditions, and a swift, equitable resolution to this dispute that reflects rising living costs.

This Council therefore resolves to:

  • Express its full solidarity with Fórsa and SIPTU members and local authority workers undertaking industrial action.
  • Call on the Government, the Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers T.D. and local government management to immediately return to the negotiating table with a fair, meaningful, and sustainable public sector pay offer.
  • Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Minister expressing this Council's urgent call for a resolution to safeguard local public services and support public sector workers.”

 

5. Votes of Sympathy

6. Votes of Congratulations

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

8. Correspondence

  1. Response email dated 14th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding interim safety and maintenance works on the N17.
  2. Email dated 15th September 2026 from Clare County Council, regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members regarding an amendment to electoral legislation and regulations to provide that candidates for election shall not be required to have their precise residential address published on ballot papers.
  3. Email dated 15th September 2026 from Clare County Council, regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members regarding increasing the top up payment to Community Employment (CE) scheme workers and broadening the eligibility criteria to access CE schemes.
  4. Acknowledgement email dated 15th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Public Expenditure Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, regarding amending the VAT rate for beauty studios to 9%.
  5. Acknowledgement email dated 16th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, regarding the suspension of podiatry services in Sligo/South Donegal.
  6. Acknowledgement email dated 16th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding the planned increase in public transport fares.
  7. Response email dated 16th September 2026 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), regarding interim safety and maintenance works on the N17.
  8. Acknowledgement email dated 16th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, regarding promoting the Northwest as a ‘Coolcation’ destination.
  9. Acknowledgement email dated 16th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, regarding the establishment of a National Road Safety Task Force.
  10. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Office, Charlie McConalogue TD (forwarded from the office of the Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, regarding funding for public swimming pools.
  11. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding the establishment of a National Road Safety Task Force and advising that the correspondence has been forwarded to the office of the Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, Seán Canney TD, as the matter falls within his remit.
  12. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, regarding an increase in the Fuel Allowance.
  13. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, regarding the Every Child Matters Campaign and children’s mental health services, advising that the correspondence has been forwarded to Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, as it falls within her remit.
  14. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, regarding Every Child Matters Campaign and children’s mental health services.
  15. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, regarding an increase in the State Pension.
  16. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Housing, James Browne TD, regarding the exclusion of Part 5 tenants from the Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme.
  17. Acknowledgement email dated 17th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Housing, James Browne TD, regarding the baseline income eligibility thresholds for social housing applicants
  18. Email dated 17th September 2026 from Carlow County Council, regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members calling for a review and reform of the current admission policy for patients presenting at Emergency Departments in acute mental health distress.
  19. Acknowledgement email dated 18th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, regarding a tax package to assist middle income earners.
  20. Acknowledgement email dated 18th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Public Expenditure Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, regarding a tax package to assist middle income earners.
  21. Email dated 18th September 2026 from Mayo County Council, regarding a resolution passed by its Elected Members calling on the Government to rescind the request to place a greenway on the rail line between Bellaghy to Collooney.
  22. Response email dated 18th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, regarding the exclusion of Part V tenants from the Tenant Incremental Purchase Scheme.
  23. Acknowledgement email dated 21st September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon TD, regarding animal welfare.
  24. Acknowledgement email dated 21st September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon TD, regarding the national suckler herd.
  25. Acknowledgement email dated 21st September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon TD, regarding the Sligo Regional Veterinary Lab.
  26. Acknowledgement email dated 21st September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, regarding an increase in the Fuel Allowance.
  27. Acknowledgement email dated 21st September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, regarding an increase in the State Pension.
  28. Acknowledgement email dated 23rd September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, regarding school transport.
  29. Acknowledgement email dated 23rd September 2026 from the office of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, regarding Ireland football fixtures against Israel.
  30. Acknowledgement email dated 23rd September 2026 from Deputy Barry Henegan, regarding supports for the retail sector.
  31. Acknowledgement email dated 23rd September 2026 from Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Séan Canney TD, regarding supports for the retail sector.
  32. Response letter dated 24th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, regarding the Regional Veterinary Laboratory.
  33. Acknowledgement email dated 24th September 2026 from the office of the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Grealish TD, regarding supports for the retail sector.
  34. Acknowledgement email dated 24th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, regarding recording at road traffic accidents.
  35. Acknowledgement email dated 24th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, regarding supports for the retail sector.
  36. Acknowledgement email dated 24th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, regarding the establishment of a National Road Safety Task Force.
  37. Response email dated 25th September 2026 from the office of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, regarding public transport fare increases.
  38. Acknowledgement email dated 25th September 2026 from An Garda Síochána, regarding the establishment of National Road Safety Task Force.
  39. Response email dated 25th September 2026 from Deputy Eamon Scanlon TD, including a parliamentary question he raised regarding the Sligo Regional Veterinary Laboratory.

9. Matters Arising

10. Any other business


Meeting Date 05/10/2026