Minutes 2003

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 1st December 2003 at 11.00am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


MEMBERS PRESENT: 

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary, L. Conlon,
  • M. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Gormley,
  • Higgins,
  • Kilgannon,
  • Leonard,
  • MacManus,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan,
  • Scanlon,
  • Shannon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Service
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Service
  • Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Service
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr F. Mac Nabb, Acting Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr G. Browne, Administrative Officer
  • Mr J. Walshe, Administrative Officer
  • Mr T Rooney, Administrative Officer
  • Ms D. Mc Donagh, Acting Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Cllr PJ Cawley presided.

1. MINUTES OF ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 3rd November 2003 be and hereby are confirmed”.

2. MINUTES OF ADJOURNED ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 10TH NOVEMBER 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Adjourned Ordinary Council meeting held on 10th November 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

Councillor M. Gormley requested that the minutes be amended to record that that she had proposed item number 4.

It was agreed that the minutes be confirmed subject to this amendment.

3. MINUTES OF THE TUBBERCURRY ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 11TH SEPTEMBER 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area meeting held on 11th September 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

4. MINUTES OF THE SLIGO /DRUMCLIFFE ELECTORAL AREA MEETING HELD ON 22ND SEPTEMBER 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of the Sligo /Drumcliffe Electoral Area meeting held on 22nd September 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

5. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT 49 PARKLANDS, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at 49 Parklands, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Brian and Elaine Kelly in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

6. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT HUMBERT STREET, TUBBERCURRY, CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Humbert Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo to Thomas J. Galvin in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

7. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT ROSSES POINT CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Rosses Point, Co. Sligo to Sligo Yacht Club in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

8. DISPOSAL OF LAND AT COLLOONEY CO. SLIGO: 

Proposed by Councillor J. Shannon
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council proceed with the disposal of land at Collooney, Co. Sligo to the Board of Management, Collooney Boys and Girls School, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001”.

9. CONSIDERATION OF THE MANAGERS REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS OR OBSERVATIONS ON THE ENNISCRONE DRAFT LOCAL AREA PLAN: 

Clarification was sought by the Members in relation to a number of submissions and discussion followed.

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That lands at Carrowhubbock South as per submission no. 2 by Paul Harper are zoned for housing development and the development boundary extended Northwards to include same (Harpers lands to East are not included in this motion)”.

It was agreed to remove the objective to include the former Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church from the Record of Protected Structures, on the passing of the following resolution : 

Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“That the owner of Benbulben Hotel undertakes as follows:

  1. In the event of development being proposed, such development shall be discussed with planners as a preliminary enquiry.
  2. Advises are taken to ensure that no development damages the integrity of the church building”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“Having considered the Draft Local Area Plan for Enniscrone and the Manager’s Report dated November 2003 it appeared to the members of the Planning Authority that the draft Plan should be varied or modified in accordance with the Manager’s Report and in accordance with resolutions passed at this meeting and that the proposed variation or modification would, if made, be a material alteration of the draft concerned.

It is hereby resolved in accordance with the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2002 that the proposed variation be put on public display for a period of not less that four weeks and that submissions and observations be invited from the public for further consideration by the Planning Authority”.

10. PROPOSED VARIATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR COUNTY SLIGO 1999 –2004: 

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“Having considered the proposed variation and the Manager’s Report dated 24th November, 2003 under Section 13(4) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 on the proposed variation to the County Development Plan, it is hereby resolved to adopt the Manger’s Report and to make the variation without modifications”.

11. PROPOSED VARIATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR COUNTY SLIGO 1999 –2004 – PROPOSED DELETION OF LONGFORD HOUSE FROM THE LIST OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES TO BE PRESERVED: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“Having considered the proposed variation and written submission dated 19th November 2003 from the Development Application Unit of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Manager’s Report dated 24th November 2003 under Section 13(4) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 on the proposed deletion of “Longford House” from the Buildings /Structures to be preserved as listed in Appendix 6 of the County Development Plan, it is hereby resolved that the proposed deletion of “Longford House” from the list of Buildings /Structures to be preserved should be made and that the proposed variation to the County Development Plan is hereby made”.

12. PROPOSED VARIATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR COUNTY SLIGO 1999 –2004: ZONING OF LAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AT CLOONAMAHON, CO. SLIGO TO PROVIDE FOR TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION: 

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

“That motion no. 12 be deferred for further investigation to be carried out on the site to ascertain its suitability”

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.

For the motion: Barry, Branley, Bree, Cawley, Colleary, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Higgins, Kilgannon, MacManus, Mc Guinn.
Against the motion: Barrett, Conmy, Mc Loughlin, Murray, Parke, Perry, Scanlon, Shannon.

As the result was 14 for the motion and 8 against the motion the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

13. AREAS TO BE DESIGNATED AS URBAN AREAS UNDER S.21 DERELICT SITES ACT, 1990: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That the areas to be designated as Urban areas under S.21 Derelict Sites Act, 1990 as requested in Circular UR13/03 are noted”.

14. RAISING OF A LOAN OF €1,700,000: 

Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council approves raising a loan of €1,700,000 as the Councils contribution towards Ballisodare, Aclare, Tubbercurry, Cloonacool and Enniscrone Sewerage Schemes.

15. APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER AS A DIRECTOR OF THE MODEL ARTS AND NILAND GALLERY LTD: 

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley

“That Councillor S. Kilgannon be appointed as a Director of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery Ltd. following the resignation of Deputy Jimmy Devins”.


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

That Councillor B. Scanlon be appointed as a Director of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery Ltd. following the resignation of Deputy Jimmy Devins”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.

For Councillor S. Kilgannon: Barry, Branley, Cawley, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Higgins, Kilgannon, Mc Guinn, Mc Loughlin, Queenan, Shannon.
For Councillor B. Scanlon: Bree, Gormley, Mac Manus, Parke, Scanlon.

As the result was 12 for Councillor S. Kilgannon and 5 for Councillor B. Scanlon the Cathaoirleach appointed Councillor S. Kilgannon.

16. DORMANT ACCOUNTS FUND: 

Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That the report on the Dormant Accounts Fund is hereby noted”.

17. GLACKBAWN AND CALRY NO.1 GROUP WATER SUPPLY SCHEME: 

Councillor I. Fox asked the County Manager for an up to date report on the development of the Glackbawn Group Water Supply Scheme and the Calry (old) no. 1 group water scheme.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the Council is presently analysing all water sources in the Calry area and that the Glackbawn Preliminary Report cannot be assessed until this analysis is complete.  He noted that the principal source of supply for Glackbawn is intended to be Kilsellagh Reservoir and further that as this reservoir is being refurbished at present, there will be no extra supplies available from it until mid-2004.  The water services staff have Mr. Larkin advised, undertaken to meet the Glackbawn committee within 3 months with a view to progressing the project to planning stage.

18. PUBLIC LIGHTING ON THE N16 AT BARROE: 

Councillor I. Fox asked for a report on the provision of public lighting on the N16 at Barroe.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that applications for funding for the provision of traffic route lighting at Barroe had been made to the NRA in 2001 and 2002 but that no funds were provided.  He stated that a request would be submitted for funding in 2004.

19. FUNDING FOR A CONSULTANT NEUROLOGIST: 

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin

AND AGREED

“To ask Minister Martin to allocate adequate funding to appoint a consultant neurologist to Sligo General Hospital”.

20. FUNDING FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY ESTATES IN THE COUNTY: 

Councillor M. Fleming asked the County Manager to consider the allocation of increased funding for maintenance of Local Authority estates in the County.

In response Director Caffrey stated that €430,000 was included in the 2003 estimates for Housing Maintenance and noted that it is not anticipated that it will be possible to increase this amount for 2004, unless a substantial increase is received in the Local Government Fund allocation.

21. FUNDING FOR DISABLED PERSONS GRANTS AND ESSENTIAL REPAIRS GRANTS: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“To request the Minister for the Environment to increase funding for provision of Disabled Persons Grants and Essential Repairs Grants”.

22. ROAD TO ROCKFIELD CEMETERY: 

It was agreed to take items number 22 and 35 together at this stage.

Councillor M. Fleming requested that Sligo County Council carry out improvement works along the road to Rockfield Cemetery, and extend footpaths and public lighting from existing new houses.

Councillor M. Gormley asked that the Council provide funding in the 2004 Road Work scheme for the extension of the footpath on the Rockfield Road to the cemetery.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that this would be considered in the context of the 2004 Road Works Programme.

23. TRAFFIC HAZARD FOLLOWING REALIGNMENT OF R291: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked the County Manager what progress had been made with regard to the removal of the traffic hazard created following the re-alignment of regional road R291 from Shannon Eighter (Scotsman’s Walk) to Ballincar, and further, when the Council intends to reply to correspondence sent by local residents on 23rd July 1997, 6th July 2000, February 2001 and 14th November 2002.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that following the realignment of the R291 a number of residents living in a cul-de-sac development at Ballincar made representations in relation to the junction of their access road and the R291.  He further advised that the improvements and adjustments undertaken to the Cul de Sac and junction with R291 in 2001have improved the safety and comfort of the residents.

24. SEWERAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM IN BALLINCAR /ROSSES POINT: 

Councillor B. Scanlon asked the County Manager when the Sewerage Treatment for Ballincar /Rosses Point will be upgraded and what spare capacity remains in the existing system.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that a preliminary report was submitted to the DOEHLG for the construction of a sewerage scheme to service the Ballincar /Cregg /Rosses Point area.  He added that as there is no spare capacity in the septic tank servicing Rosses Point, the new scheme will not be an upgrade.  Mr. Larkin noted that this scheme cannot go ahead until the Sligo Main Drainage Scheme commences and that it is anticipated that the construction of the two schemes will run parallel.

25. WATER SUPPLY IN SOUTH SLIGO: 

Councillors Shannon and Colleary asked for a full detailed report on the situation regarding the water in the Monasteraden, Cloonloo and Gurteen areas in respect to water quality, leakages, etc. and any other problems pertaining to this, and what steps are to be taken to make them more satisfactory to the consumer.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that in August 2003 various locations in the South Sligo area had been sampled a musty smell was detected.  The mains were scoured and Roscommon County Council were informed as they supply the water in this area.  The water supply was sampled in September and October and as there were no exceedences of chemical or biological parameters, the supply was compliant with EU drinking water parameters. 
Water conservation activities i.e. metering, telemetry and leak detection activities will be extended to all water supply schemes in County Sligo which will result in improvement to the supply of water in South Sligo.

26. SPEED LIMIT AND LIGHTS ON MAIN BALLYMOTE /BOYLE ROAD AT KEASH: 

Councillor J. Shannon asked that Sligo County Council take steps to put in place a speed limit and erect two street lights on the main Ballymote /Boyle Road at Keash.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer stated that the issue of speed limit reduction at Keash will be examined in context of the national review of speed limits to be undertaken in 2004.

27. ENNISCRONE SEWERAGE SYSTEM: 

Councillor P. Conmy asked that this Council request a deputation to the Minister for Environment regarding the upgrading and funding of the sewerage system in Enniscrone and further provide information on what funds the Council will have to provide.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the estimated cost of the scheme as contained in the preliminary report, submitted to the DOEHLG is €2,100,000 of which the Council is required to contribute approximately 10%.  The Council’s contribution is to be recovered under the water metering programme.

28 AND 34. SKREEN, DROMARD AND LOWER TEMPLEBOY GROUP WATER SCHEMES:

It was agreed to take items number 28 and 34 together at this stage.

Councillors P. Conmy and M. Barrett asked that the Council take over Skreen, Dromard and Lower Templeboy Group Water Schemes.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that no application had been received to take over the Skreen /Dromard Group Water Scheme but that the Council would be prepared to take the scheme in charge subject to the group submitting the necessary documentation and paying all outstanding water charges due.

29. SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANTS FOR ACLARE AND CLOONACOOL: 

Councillor M. Gormley asked the Council to advance to tender stage the construction of sewerage treatment plants for Cloonacool and Aclare as a matter of urgency.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer stated that the Council is treating this as a matter of urgency and intends that these schemes would be advertised for tender before Christmas.

39. FINANCE OF PUBLIC LIGHTING FROM CUL DE SAC MONIES:

Councillor P. Branley asked if it is in order for the Councillors in North Sligo to finance the erection of public lighting in the Castletown area from cul de sac money.

In response Mr T. Carroll stated that the Councillors allocation of cul de sac monies should be utilised towards the upkeep and maintenance of the County road network and that he did not recommend that it be used to provide urban type public lighting in a rural setting, particularly in the current economic climate.

Following a discussion on the matter it was proposed by the County Manager and agreed by the Members that a proposal would be prepared for their consideration at SPC level

56. CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“That Councillor B. Scanlon be nominated to attend the 3rd National Conference of the Irish Association of Suicidology in Killarney on 20-21 November 2003”.


Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor J. Shannon, Councillor J. Queenan and Councillor P. Barry be nominated to attend the introduction to local government seminar in Tullamore on 12th December 2003”.


Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“That Councillor PJ Cawley be nominated to attend the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America”.


The meeting ended at 4.15pm.  It was agreed to defer items 36-38, 40-59 to the Special Council meeting to be held on 8th December 2003.

 


Meeting Date 01/12/2003