Minutes 2003

Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 3rd February 2003 in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT: 

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • L. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Devins,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Gormley,
  • Higgins,
  • Leonard,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Queenan,
  • B. Scanlon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Walsh, Administrative Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

APOLOGIES: 

  • Councillor J. Perry sent his apologies.

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Branley presided.

JOINT MEETING: 

The Cathaoirleach reminded Members that the Joint Meeting of Sligo County Council and Omagh District Council is to be held on 10th February 2003 at 2.00pm and encouraged all members to attend.

OPEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE: 

The Cathaoirleach welcomed students from the Ursuline Convent, Sligo, who are one of a number of secondary schools who have been invited to visit County Hall and attend meetings in progress to learn about the local government system as part of the Council’s Open Local Government Initiative.

MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF 3RD JANUARY 2003:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on 3rd January 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF THE BUDGET MEETING OF 7TH JANUARY 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

AND AGREED

“That the minutes of Budget Meeting held on 7th January 2003 be and hereby are confirmed”.

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF 13TH JANUARY 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 13th January 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED BUDGET MEETING OF 21ST JANUARY 2003: 

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the Minutes of the Adjourned Budget Meeting of the Council held on 21st January 2003 be and are hereby confirmed”.

In response to Councillor S. Manus, Director Concannon advised that a report on the Lough Gill Regional Water Supply Scheme would be made available to the Members at the March Ordinary Meeting of the Council.

PART 8 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001, CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSION TO HOUSE AT TAWNALAGHTA TD., CULLEENS, CO. SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 proceed with the construction of extension to house at Tawnalaghta Td., Culleens, Co. Sligo”.

APPROVAL OF TEMP OVERDRAFT OF €6,000,000: 

Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That pursuant to the Local Government (No.2) Act, 1960 and subject to the sanction of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Sligo County Council hereby authorises the borrowing of a sum not exceeding €6,000,000 by way of temporary overdraft for the period to June 30th 2003”.

In response to Councillor L Conlon, Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance confirmed that the €6,000,000 figure represents Sligo County Council’s current overdraft facility and Members approval is required to be sought every six months in order to maintain this facility.

NON - NATIONAL ROAD GRANT ALLOCATIONS 2003:

Director Concannon outlined the Non-National Road Grant allocations referring to a slight reduction in the Specific Improvement Grants, an increase in the Low Cost Safety Improvements Grants and an inclusion for the Non-National Roads Training Programme.

In response to Councillor T Mc Loughlin’s query regarding the completion of the Sligo /Strandhill road at Tully, Director Concannon advised that it was hoped that next years allocation would allow for its completion.  In response to Councillor L. Conlon he further advised that €300,000 was allocated for the R284 at Drumiskabole /Glenagoolagh and that there are currently no objections to the compulsory purchase orders.

In response to Councillor M. Barrett’s query on the €450,000 allocation towards signage, Director Concannon advised that this amount is to cover signage on all non-national roads.


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

AND AGREED

“That this Council requests Mayo County Council and Roscommon County Council to join with Sligo County Council to progress the upgrading of the Regional Road 294 and that a joint meeting of representatives from each County take place before the end of April”.

REVISION OF CLAR AREAS:

Members welcomed the revision of the CLÀR areas and the inclusion of the DED’s of Annagh, Cloonoughill and Coolaney.

REFUSE IN RURAL AREAS:

It was agreed at Councillor G. Murray’s request that Item 9 be deferred.

AMENDMENT OF STANDING ORDERS: 

Councillor P. Conmy, Councillor A. Parke, Councillor M. Gormley, Councillor A. Colleary, Councillor M. Fleming, Councillor G. Murray, Councillor A. Higgins, and Councillor R. Mc Guinn asked that the Standing Orders be amended so that the Council Meetings are held at 11am in the future and that the time can be changed as necessary.

In response to Councillor P. Conmy, Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer advised that in the current Standing Orders the hour of the meeting of the Council is set at 2.00pm, or at such other hour as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Council.  She further advised that the Members can, by resolution, where at least one half of the total number of Members vote in favour, amend the Standing Orders.

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

“That Item no. 12 be amended so that Council Meetings can take place at 11am or 2pm as agreed”.

Following a discussion on the matter an amended motion was submitted.

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

AND AGREED

“That Item no. 12 be amended so that Council Meetings can take place at 11am or 2pm to alternate every second month”.

ROUNDABOUT AT BALLINODE JUNCTION: 

Councillor I. Fox asked that we request the Department of Environment to provide funding for the provision of a roundabout at the Ballinode junction to replace traffic lights that are not effective.

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

AND AGREED

“To request the Department of Environment to provide funding for the provision of a roundabout at the Ballinode junction to replace traffic lights that are not effective”.

CLOGHERMORE CEMETRARY, CALRY: 

It was agreed to take Item no. 28 at this stage.

Councillor I. Fox asked for the up to date position regarding the extension to Cloghermore Cemetery.

The Cathaoirleach advised that he was aware that a response is awaited from the landowner.  The County Manager and James Walsh, Administrative Officer, confirmed this advising that a letter will be sent to the landowner’s legal representatives as a reminder.

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AT BARNASRAGHY, SLIGO: 

In the absence of Deputy J. Perry, Councillor T. Mc Loughlin asked that Sligo County Council immediately address the problems encountered by Agatha Mc Gee at Barnasraghy, Sligo.

In response Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, stated that the Council will endeavour, with the co-operation of landowners to dispose of surplus water run-off via soakways, but advised that the primary responsibility rests with landowners to ensure that no runoff from land /farm complexes compromises the drainage of the road network. 

FIRST TIME BUYERS HOUSING GRANT: 

Councillor D. Bree asked that Sligo County Council, aware of the growing number of families on the housing list and with great financial difficulties facing those trying to buy homes, condemns the decision of the government to abolish the first time buyers housing grant and calls for the immediate reversal of the decision and the reinstatement of the grant scheme.

Following a discussion on the matter this was agreed.

VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN FIANNA FAIL /PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS GOVERNMENT: 

Councillor A. Parke proposed that Sligo County Council should vote no confidence in the Fianna Fail, PD Government and have no confidence due to the lies told before the general election by the Fianna Fail party, elected TD’s and senator’s.  He asked that these people in their own name and in the name of the electorate of Sligo /Leitrim to resign forthwith

A discussion followed in relation to the motion.  The Cathaoirleach and a number of members objected to the wording of the motion and asked Councillor A. Parke to consider amending it.

Proposed by Councillor A. Parke
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

“I propose to Sligo County Council that this council should vote no confidence in the Fianna Fail, PD Government and have no confidence due to the lies told before the general election by the Fianna Fail party, elected TD’s and senator’s.  I would ask these people in their own name and in the name of the electorate of Sligo /Leitrim to resign forthwith”.

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

For the motion:  Bree, Conmy, MacManus, McLoughlin, Parke, Scanlon B.

Against the motion:  Branley, Devins, Higgins, McGuinn, Queenan.

Abstainees:  Barrett, L. Conlon, Fox, Gormley, Murray.

As the result was 6 for and 5 against and 5 abstainees the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL BUILDING CONTRACTS : 

Councillor A. Parke asked that that Sligo County Council give all building contracts to Twenty-six county based contractors.

In response, Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer advised that the Local Authority is bound by National and EU Law in relation to seeking tenders and that the principals of procurement are based on the requirement that all requests for tenders should be advertised widely to ensure competitiveness and value for money principles.
Ms Mc Connell further advised that from a legal point of view the Council does not have discretion in this matter.

ALLOCATION FOR FARMYARD IMPROVEMENTS AND REPS: 

Councillor P. Conmy asked that Sligo County Council condemn the government for cutting 44% allocation for farmyard improvements and 19% cut in reps allocation making it impossible for farmers to supplement any pollution directives.

Following a discussion on the matter it was

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

“I propose that Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh be called on to resign forthwith, for his handling of the farming crisis”.

As agreement was not reached in this matter, Mr G. Murray, Leas-Cathaoirleach, asked that a vote be taken.

For the motion:  Barrett, Bree, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, MacManus, Murray, Parke, Scanlon B.

Against the Motion:  Branley, Higgins, McGuinn.

As the result was 11 for and 3 against the motion, the Leas-Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT BALLISODARE: 

Councillor L. Conlon, Councillor M. Conlon and Councillor G. Murray asked to be provided with a report setting out the current status of the proposal to build a sewage treatment plant at Ballisodare.

In response Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer, advised that the public consultation process associated with the foreshore licence application was completed in October 2002.  He further advised that a reply from the Department of the Marine is expected by end of February 2003, and that subject to a positive outcome from this and the planning process it is hoped that construction will commence in August 2003.

SPEED LIMIT ON DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AT COLLOONEY: 

Councillor L. Conlon asked on his own behalf and on Councillor M. Conlon’s behalf asked that the Sligo County Council increase the speed limit on the dual carriage way from Collooney to Carraroe from its present limit of 60 miles per hour to a limit of 70 miles per hour.

Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that the dual carriageway, while designed to motorway standards, is not in fact a motorway and so the 70 miles per hour speed limit cannot apply.  In response to Councillor Conlon’s request that the Council write to the NRA in relation to increasing the speed limit on sections of the carriageway, Director Concannon and Mr Carroll further commented that it may be possible to have the route from Summerhill College to the Galway roundabout designated as a motorway by eliminating access points and erecting new signage, subject to NRA approval and funding being available.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY: 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Sheila Henry on the death of her mother, Mai Moloney”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Veronica Owens on the death of her brother in law, Jimmy Owens”.

CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That Councillor L. Conlon and Councillor P. Conmy be nominated to attend the Carlow Tourism Conference on 27-28th February”.


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

AND AGREED

“That Councillor D. Bree be nominated to attend the General Council of County Councils Conference in Tipperary on 7-8 February 2003.


Proposed by Councillor L. Conlon
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That Councillor M. Fleming, Councillor T. McLoughlin and Councillor M. Barrett be nominated to attend the Clonmel Mayors Office Transport Conference in Clonmel on 7-8 March 2003”.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED: 

  • Minutes of the Management Team Meeting held on 6th January 2003.
  • Memorandum from Director Forkan regarding Item 13 on the Council Meeting of 13th January 2003.
  • Memorandum regarding forthcoming computer training for members.
  • Details of forthcoming conferences
  • Annual report of the National Building Agency.

END OF MEETING: 

It was agreed that items 9, 22 – 27 and 29 – 51 be deferred to the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be held at 11.00am on 3rd March 2003.


The meeting concluded at 5.00pm.



Meeting Date 03/02/2003