Minutes 2003
Minutes of Adjourned Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 9th September, 2002 at 2.00 pm in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Barrett,
- Barry,
- Branley,
- Bree,
- Colleary,
- L. Conlon,
- M. Conlon,
- Conmy,
- Devins,
- Fleming,
- Fox,
- Gormley,
- Higgins,
- Leonard,
- MacManus,
- McGarry,
- McGuinn,
- McLoughlin,
- Murray,
- Parke,
- Perry,
- Queenan,
- B. Scanlon
OFFICIALS IN PRESENT:
- Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager.
- Mr. T. Caffrey, Director of Services.
- Mr. S. Concannon, Director of Services.
- Mr. P. Forkan, Director of Services.
- Mr. T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance.
- Mr. P. Flanagan, A/Director of Community and Enterprise.
- Mr. T. Carroll, Senior Engineer.
- Mr. K. Larkin, Senior Engineer.
- Ms. M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer.
- Mr. D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer.
- Ms. M. Leydon, Financial Management Accountant.
- Ms. E. Concannon, A/Senior Engineer.
- Mr. P. Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer.
- Mr. B. Gavin, Senior Executive Engineer.
- Mr. G. Salter, Senior Executive Engineer.
- Mr. K. Colreavy, Administrative Officer.
- Mr. T. Rooney, Administrative Officer.
- Ms. S. Malone, Assistant Staff Officer.
- Ms. F. Couch, Clerical Officer.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
- The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Branley presided.
At the invitation of the Cathaoirleach M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer recited a prayer in memory of the people who lost their lives on 11th September, 2001, in the U.S.A. as a result of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.
Cllr P. Conmy informed the members of his unveiling of a plaque to mark the events of 11th September, 2001, at Culleens School at 6 pm on 11th September, 2002.
MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF 08/07/2002:
Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin,
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 8th July, 2002, be and are hereby confirmed”.
MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING OF 08/07/02:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn,
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 8th July, 2002, be and are hereby confirmed”.
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF 15/08/02:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry,
AND AGREED
“that the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on 15th August, 2002, be and are hereby confirmed”.
A discussion took place in relation to the recent announcement of increased funding for the Inner Relief Road Project.
In response to Councillors queries, Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services, indicated that approval had been received to advertise for Archaeological Contractors. He also indicated that the Council have not been informed by the N.R.A. as to the source of the funding.
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins,
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn,
AND AGREED
“that the N.R.A. allocate funding to the Inner Relief Road to allow:
- the completion of the archaeological contract.
- the completion of the advance works contract immediately”.
DISABLED PERSONS/ESSENTIAL REPAIRS GRANTS:
In response to Councillor M. Gormley, Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services, confirmed that money is available in estimates 2002 to pay arrears on Essential Repairs and Disabled Persons Grants and also to meet the current years spend.
MINUTES OF S.P.C. MEETINGS:
Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,
AND AGREED
“That the minutes of the following Strategic Policy Committee Meetings:-
- Strategic Policy Committee 2 held on the 8th May, 2002,
- Strategic Policy Committee 4 held on the 2nd April, 2002,
be and are hereby confirmed”.
PART VIII OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001,STRANDHILL COAST STRANDHILL COAST PROTECTION AND SLIPWAY SCHEME/PROMENDADE EXTENSION:
Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin,
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry,
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part VIII of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, proceed with the Strandhill Coast Slipway Scheme/Promenade Extension”.
PART VIII OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGS, 2001 CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE AT TAWNAMUCKLAGH, MONASTERADEN
Proposed by Councillor G. Murray,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,
AND AGREED
That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Part VIII of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, proceed with the construction of house, septic tank and percolation area at Tawnymucklagh, Monasteraden, Co. Sligo.
PART VIII OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001: DEVELOPMENTS AT TEMPLEBOY AND BALLYMOTE:
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley,
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn,
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council, in accordance with Part VIII of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, proceed with the following:-
- a) construct extension to existing single storey dwelling at Lugdoon, Templeboy, Co. Sligo
- b) demolish existing fuel store and erect extension to existing single storey dwelling along with new fuel store to rear at Ardnaglass Td., Ballymote, Co. Sligo”.
IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO TOBERCURRY SEWERAGE TREATMENT WORKS:
It was agreed to defer Item No. 8 to the October meeting of the Council.
PART VIII OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001,IMPROVEMENT SCHEME TO STRANDHILL SEWAGE TREAT MENT WORKS, KILLASPUGBRONE
Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part VIII of the Local Government (Planning Development) Regulations, 2001, proceed with Improvement Scheme to Strandhill Sewage Treatment Works, Killaspugbrone.
PART VIII OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) REGS, 2001, NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT GRANGE:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council in accordance with Part VIII of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001, proceed with the New Sewage Treatment Works at Cloontyprocklis, Grange, Co. Sligo.
TO NOTE THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 2001
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy,
Seconded by Councillor R. McGuinn,
AND AGREED
“to note the Annual Financial Statement for 2001”.
RAISING OF REVISED LOAN OF €2,494,892 TO FUND DEVELOPMENT BY CLUID HOUSING ASSOC.
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,
AND AGREED
“to approve the raising of a revised loan of €2,494,892 to fund the development by Cluid Housing Association of a scheme of 21 houses at Enniscrone under the Rental Subsidy Scheme.
BORROWING A SUM NOT EXCEEDING €6M BY WAY OF TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR PERIOD TO 31/12/02:
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy,
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley,
AND AGREED
“to borrow a sum not exceeding €6,000,000 by way of temporary overdraft for the period to 31st December, 2002”.
NOMINATION OF MEMBER OF SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL TO TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:
Ms M. McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, informed the members of the resignation of Sligo Boroughs Council’s representative, Councillor J. McGarry from the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.
She advised that in this regard, Sligo Borough Council had nominated Councillor Arthur Gibbons, 24 Carton Bay, Sligo, as its representative on the Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.
Proposed by Councillor R. McGuinn,
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon,
AND AGREED
“to approve the nomination of Cllr Arthur Gibbons, a member of Sligo Borough Council to the Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee”.
In response to Cllr Bree, Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services, indicated that following a meeting of the Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee to be held in September, 2002, a report would go before the October meeting of the Council.
TO CONSIDER REPORT ON HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS SCHEME 2002:
Ms M. McConnell referred to the Scheme and the report which was circulated to the members with the agenda outlining the main changes to the Higher Education Grants Scheme for 2002.
A discussion took place in relation to the Scheme where members expressed dissatisfaction with the insufficiency of the grants and the criteria for assessment and qualification.
In response, Ms M. McConnell outlined that the Scheme as drawn up by the Department of Education had been submitted particularly late this year by the Department, however, Council staff dealing with applications would endeavour to deal with same in a flexible and sensitive manner.
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins,
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming,
AND AGREED
“to adopt report on the Higher Education Grants Scheme 2002”.
TO NOTE THE COUNTY COUNCILS CONTRIBUTION OF €254,000 TO ROSSES POINT YACHT HAVEN:
A report on this matter was circulated to the members with the agenda outlining that the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources awarded a grant of €1.27m for the construction of a Yacht Haven at Rosses Point, Sligo. The grant is conditional on matching funds of €254,000 being provided by the County Council, together with local contribution of €228,000 from the sale of Marina Berths.
In response to Councillors queries the County Manager and P. Flanagan, A/Director of Services, indicated that a number of issues such as foreshore licence, land acquisition, Council’s contribution etc. would be dealt with in the context of finalising the business plan for the project which will come back in due course to the Council for consideration.
HEALTH CARE ISSUES:
Councillor Perry outlined a number of Health Care issues which were causing concern including the length of hospital waiting lists, and staff cut backs.
A discussion took place among the Councillors in relation to this matter where many Councillors added their support to the motion.
In response to Councillor Parke, Ms M. McConnell indicated that a response is awaited from the North Western Health Board regarding an ambulance base for South Sligo.
It was agreed that a copy of the motion should be sent to the Ministers Office.
WASTE MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS:
Councillor Bree asked that the Council be provided with a full report and access to records on the discussions that took place between Council and representatives of the private commercial companies which led to the County Manager’s decision to drop the proposal to seek grant aid for the provision of Refuse Transfer Stations, the Material Recovery Facility and the C and D Recycling Facility.
In response, Mr P. Forkan Director of Services indicated that the decision not to seek funding for such elements was made in light of financial constraints on Sligo County Council and the commercial environment prevailing.
Cllr Bree indicated that the meeting of 20th May, 2002, approval for application for funding under the Waste Management Infrastructural Grant Scheme was approved. He sought clarification on how the decision had changed in the interim.
The County Manager indicated that this project was one among a large number of projects where there were huge financial commitments being placed on the Council at present to meet the shortfall in financing large capital projects.
He outlined that in the present financial environment it would be necessary for the Council to prioritise its programmes and utilise commercial investment where possible.
OPEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE:
Councillor Bree asked the County Manager to confirm when it is intended to launch the “Open Local Government” initiative as agreed by the Council at the last Estimates meeting.
Mr K. Colreavy, Administrative Officer, outlined a report which had been circulated to the members outlining the activities which had taken place during the year to promote the Council and inform the public of the services of the Council.
Councillor Bree welcomed the report and suggested that improvements could be made on informing the public and in particular schools with regard to meetings of the Council.
A number of members complimented the Communications office on its work in promoting the image of the Council.
UP TO DATE POSITION REGARDING PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED NEW COUNTY MUSEUM:
Cllr Bree queried the up-to-date position on the proposed new County Museum.
In response to Councillor Bree, Director Caffrey referred to report dated 8th July, 2002, which had been circulated to members at the September meeting. He indicated that the Council was endeavouring to finalise purchase of remaining lands at the Mall, Sligo.
REGIONAL ROAD R294 AND 296:
Councillor Gormley requested that the Council give priority to the Regional Roads in the South of the County when submitting proposals for funding, namely Regional Road 294 and 296.
Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer, indicated that it is proposed to include both R294 and R 296 in submission to Department of the Environment and Local Government for funding in 2003.
VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming,
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry,
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Gallagher, Cloonrane, Curry, Ballymote on the death of his brother J.J.”.
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Michael Armstrong, Ballyglass, Cloonacool, on the death of his cousin Mary Murphy”.
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernard Brennan, Ballymote Rd., Tubbercurry, on the death of his sister Bridie.”.
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Una Feeley, Broher, Charlestown on the death of her mother Mrs Shally.”
Proposed by Councillor J. Perry,
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray,
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Harry Horan, Rosses Point, on the death of his brother Gerry.”
Proposed by Councillor J. Devins,
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy,
AND AGREED
“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Frank Kilgannon, Croagh, Dromore West, on the death of his mother Mrs Kilgannon.”
END OF MEETING:
It was agreed that items No. 22 to No. 47 be deferred to the October meeting of the Council.
The meeting concluded at 5.25 pm and it was agreed that the October meeting would be held on Monday, 7th October, 2002.
Meeting Date 09/09/2002