Minutes 2020

Minutes of October Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 5th October, 2020 at 10.00 a.m. in The Sligo Park Hotel, Pearse Road, Sligo

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Baker,
Councillor Bree,
Councillor Casserly,
Councillor Clarke,
Councillor Connolly,
Councillor Fox,
Councillor Gibbons,
Councillor Gilroy,
Councillor Healy,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor O’Boyle,
Councillor O’Grady,
Councillor Queenan,
Councillor Taylor and
Councillor Walsh.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
John Moran, A/Director of Services
Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
Emer Concannon, Senior Engineer
Dónal Tinney, County Librarian
Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
John Clancy, Head of I.S.
Fergus Meehan, Senior Executive Engineer
Seán Martin, A/Senior Architect
Nigel Carter, Broadband Officer
Mary McDonagh, Public Arts Officer
Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
Clodagh Quinn, Staff Officer
Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dara Mulvey, presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Maguire and Councillor Mullaney.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present and asked Mr. Moran, Acting Director of Services and Compliance Officer (as required under Health and Safety protocols) for the Meeting to set out the procedures to be followed.

Mr. Moran informed the meeting of the updated safety processes and procedures that had to be followed in order to hold the meeting during the current pandemic. Details had been circulated to all those attending prior to the meeting and the details were noted.

ADJOURNMENT AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO THE LATE GABRIEL MACSHARRY:

It was proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That the meeting would stand adjourned for a short period as a mark of respect to the late Gabriel MacSharry, father of Councillor Tom MacSharry.”

The meeting resumed at 10.20 a.m.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

On resumption of the meeting, the Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Gerry Moore (General Manager of Sligo Park Hotel) and his staff, together with the A.V.A. staff for their assistance at the new venue.

The Cathaoirleach spoke of the new Standard Operating Guidance as referred to by Mr. Moran and the changes they would bring about.

He also welcomed Mr. John Moran in his new role as Acting Director of Services and Compliance Officer following the retirement of Mr. Bartley Gavin and wished him well in that role.

RETIREMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE:

The Chief Executive said he wished to provide the Members with an up-date regarding his position. He informed the meeting he had been appointed on the 2^nd January, 2014 as the then County Manager, now Chief Executive. This has been for a seven-year term with an option to extend the contract by three years. Having completed 42 years within the Local Government sector on 2^nd October, he had decided not to exercise that option and instead take up a very different challenge January.

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Chief Executive for providing the Members with that update.

1. MINUTES OF CORPORATE POLICY GROUP MEETING HELD ON 3RD JULY, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on 3^rd July, 2020.”

2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF HELD ON 20TH JULY, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of the Municipal District of Sligo-Drumcliff held on 20^th July 2020.”

3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 20TH JULY, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To note Minutes of Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 20^th July 2020.”

4. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 7^thSeptember, 2020.”

5. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 28TH SEPTEMBER, 2020:

Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“To confirm Minutes of Special Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 28^th September, 2020.”

ITEMS 24 TO 53 ON AGENDA:

It was proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To suspend Standing Orders to allow the Cathaoirleach to deal with items 24 to 53 on the Agenda as this time.”

The Chief Executive said he understood the importance of the motions coming forward. There were also a number of Statutory issues and deadlines that the Council were required to meet in relation to Planning. The process was quite important for the advancement of issues and the future of Sligo. It would be important that those items would also be dealt with at the meeting. Councillor Bree agreed that all important items should be dealt with.

24. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S DISABILITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESS STRATEGY 2019-2022:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Re: Sligo County Council’s Disability, Inclusion & Access Strategy 2019-2022

That Sligo County Council give an up to date report outlining:

The Annual Work Programme proposed by the Council under the Strategy (which was adopted on the 10 May 2019).
The specific actions in the Strategy which are proposed to be implemented by the Council in 2020.
The amount of funding provided by the Council for the year 2020 to carry out the specific actions which have been identified and proposed to be carried out in 2020.
Details of the membership and staff names of the Council’s Internal Access Team established under the 2019-2022 Strategy who are to work on the Strategy.
The percentage of each Council team members’ time which is expected to be devoted to this team work and for which funding has been provided by the Council in 2020.”

A response to this resolution was issued to the Members electronically at the meeting, in accordance with the new Standard Operating Guidance. This assisted with compliance in the duration of the meeting and, also, the minimum issuing of hard copies of reports and correspondence.

The report referred to the adoption of the Strategy in 2019 and noted that the Plan provided that an Annual Work Programme would be recommended by the Disability Consultative Committee identifying the specific actions from the Plan to be implemented each year. The Committee would monitor progress and evaluate outcomes at its quarterly meetings. A provision of €5,000 was included in Budget 2020 to support implementation of agreed actions.

A new Disability Consultative Committee is in the process of being established to correspond with the term of the new Council, as a sub-Committee of the Housing and Corporate Strategic Policy Committee (S.P.C.). The Housing and Corporate S.P.C., at its meeting on the 16^th July, agred to publish a notice inviting expressions of interest from disability representative and advocacy organisations and persons with disabilities who may have an interest in serving on the Committee. Expressions of interest received will be considered at the next meeting of the S.P.C. following which a recommendation will come back to the Council to formally establish the Committee.

Once established, it will be a matter for the Committee to identify the specific actions with the Strategy to be implemented for year one, including the issue of the establishment of an internal access team.

25. CONTRIBUTION OF FORMER MINISTERS, SHANE ROSS AND MICHAEL RING, TO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to acknowledge the contribution to the county of Sligo of two former Ministers, Shane Ross and Michael Ring, for their service to the State.”

Councillor Bree, Councillor Gibbons, Councillor Healy and Councillor O’Boyle wished to be recorded as disssenting from this resolution.

26. PROGRESS REPORT ON WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROAD AND THE EASTERN GARAVOGUE BRIDGE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To receive a progress report on the Western Distributor Road and the Eastern Garavogue Bridge”

As agreed, the following report was issued, in electronic format, to the Members at the Meeting:

Western Distributor Road

Progress on the Western Distributor Road Scheme was covered in the presentation by Mr Brian Flynn, Senior Resident Engineer at last month’s meeting.

Eastern Garavogue and Approach Roads Scheme

Current Status of Scheme:

An Bord Pleanála approved the Environmental Impact Statement and Compulsory Purchase Order in 2009.
The Substantial work has been carried out on the detailed design of the scheme. This has included review of the scheme compliance with the Department of Transport document: ‘Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets’. This review ensures that the design takes into account the urban nature of the route and the need to cater for all road users. Due to procurement rules we require to appoint new Consultants to finalise design documentation and tender documents and the construction management phase.
Notice to Enter has been served on Land Owners. An ‘Advanced Site Clearance and Fencing Contract’ was completed in 2018 for the lands North of the Garavogue River.
Compensation negotiations have been concluded for significant parcels of the acquired lands and negotiations for the remaining lands are ongoing.
Archaeological investigations and ground investigations are substantially complete.
Sligo County Council continues to liaise with the various statutory providers to ensure that all servicing and infrastructural requirements will be provided for within the main construction contract.
We continue to keep both Departments updated on the project milestones and funding profiles.
It is anticipated that following appointment of Consultants and finalisation of design and preparation of tender documents for construction we would be seeking approval of our funding Agencies to go to tender for construction of the Scheme in the 2^nd half of 2021 with a view to construction, subject to funding, commencing in late 2021/early 2022. Estimated construction period is 30 months.

27. VARIED ‘BANDS’ FOR DOG LICENCES:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“Given that there has been a notable increase in sheep kills and dog thefts, Sligo County Council now calls on the Government and the Minister for Agriculture to review the current dog licence and to introduce a number of varied licences bands, i.e.; as currently exists in the gun licence legislation. Band A; Working farm dogs, Guide dogs, senior citizens’ companion dogs, Remain a nominal rate or current rate. All other dogs should be at higher rate of at least €100 per dog. All funds raised by a new licence programme should be ring fenced for animal and dog rescues groups, dog wardens and proper dog’s policing and management.”

The following report had been prepared for the Meeting and was forwarded to the Members:

“Dog licenses are the responsibility of the Department of Rural and Community Development and Minister Heather Humphreys is the Minister currently.

However Micro Chip rules are implemented by the Department of Agriculture. The investigation of incidents involving sheep is a priority for the Dog Warden and is often done in conjunction with the Gardai.

Any proposal to have different rates for licenses could be logistically difficult to implement. Licenses are currently sold by An Post at a flat rate. If there were different categories it would add significantly to the complexities of issuing licenses. A fivefold increase in the fee could also lead to significant resistance from the public.”

28. SPEED LIMIT ON ROAD 94 AT KILGLASS N.S.

With the Cathaoirleach’s consent, the following notice of motion as listed by Councillor Queenan was deferred to the next meeting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District

“To ask the Chief Executive to commence the process of reducing speed to 50 km on Rd 94 at Kilglass N.S.”

29. REVIEW OF TENANT PURCHASE SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council now calls on the Government and the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to report on a long awaited review of the Tenant Purchase Scheme. As the current scheme is not fit for purpose and militates against families that cannot satisfy the high income technical purchase conditions.”

Councillor Clarke outlined his reasons for listing this motion on the agenda. It was his intention, in future, to dissent from any future sales of houses by Sligo County Council. Difficulties experienced by tenants seeking to purchase their homes under this Scheme were referred to. This was also supported by Councillors Taylor, Healy and O’Grady.

30. REPORT ON NUMBER OF L.I.S. AND C.I.S. APPLICATIONS AWAITING FUNDING:

As Councillor Mullaney was not in attendance at the meeting, the following notice of motion was deferred to the Agenda of the November Ordinary Meeting.

“To call on the Director of Services for Infrastructure to give a report on the number of L.I.S. and C.I.S. applications awaiting funding.”

31. CONDITIONS OF FELLING LICENCE APPLICATIONS:

The following notice of motion, as listed by Councillor Mullaney, was also deferred by the Cathaoirleach to the November Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

“To call on Sligo County Council that forestry owners applying for a felling licence and a loading bay would have a condition of planning that they would contribute to a C.I.S./L.I.S. scheme a monetary figure determined by the local authority.”

32. STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To call on the Executive to outline its strategy for the development of Sligo in the post pandemic era. What is required at a national level to make this possible?”

The Chief Executive advised that a report will be prepared on this item for the November meeting.

33. SOLDIERS FROM FINNER CAMP TRAVELLING TO DUBLIN:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, to ask why have Soldiers from Finner Camp have to travel to Dublin to bring people for Covid 19 tests when there are over 1500 soldiers in Dublin.”

34. AVAILABILITY OF ‘BREASTCHECK’ SCREENING:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“That this Council agreed to contact the Minister for Health requesting him to ensure the availability of Breastcheck to all women who require a test and that such tests be taken every two years in the interests of adequate public health.”

35. OPTION OF WEEKLY SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“To call on the Department of Social Welfare to give people the option of weekly social welfare payments again, as the fortnightly payments are having a negative effect not only on the local economy but also on local post offices.”

Councillor Baker asked that he would be recorded as abstaining from this motion as it would be a conflict of interest.

36. PROGRESS REPORT ON WORKS AT JUNCTION OF N15 AND N4 (CARTRON CROSS, SLIGO):

Proposed by Councillor Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor Healy

AND AGREED

“That the Road Design Department of this County Council bring forward a progress report of the upgrade works of the junction at the N 15 and N 4 known as Cartron Cross.”

The report circulated to Members noted that construction works had commenced on site in September 2019 and substantial works have taken place since that date. Due to Covid-19, the expected completion date is now Spring 2021. Members were advised that Sligo County Council seeks to keep the Council briefed on the progress of this scheme through the quarterly Management Report.

37. UPDATE ON IRELAND WEST AIRPORT KNOCK:

At the request of Councillor Queenan, this item would be dealt with in conjunction with item 19 on the Agenda – ‘Impact of Covid-19 on Ireland West Airport Knock’.

“To ask the Chief Executive to give an update on Knock Airport.”

38. EMPLOYEES OF C.E. SCHEMES:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To call on the Minister for Social Protection to allow the current employees of C.E. Schemes to remain in employment while Covid 19 remains and to allow people on a Scheme after 6 months unemployment.”

39. UPDATE ON UPGRADING OF HELICOPTER PAD AT SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council requests an update from the H.S.E. on the upgrading of the Helicopter Pad at Sligo University Hospital.”

Councillor O’Grady also asked that Sligo County Council’s representatives on Regional Health Forum West, Councillor Bree and Councillor Gilroy, would also table this matter for discussion at that Forum.

At the request of Councillor O’Grady, both items 40 and 41 were deferred to the agenda of the next Municipal District Meeting:

40. PLANNED UPGRADING OF ROAD AND FOOTPATHS AT CARTRON ESTATE, BALLYTIVNAN

“I request a report on the planned upgrading of the Road and Footpaths at Cartron Estate Ballytivnan.”

and

41. GRASS CUTTING IN COUNTY COUNCIL OWNED ESTATES:

“Requesting a review of the standard of Grass Cutting in Sligo County Council owned Estates.”

42. MILITARY MEDALS FOR GALLANTRY AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALS – SIEGE OF JADOTVILLE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That this Council requests the Minister for Defence to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Military Medals for Gallantry and Distinguished Service Medals, recommended for former members of A Company, 35^th Infantry Battalion, who served with United Nations forces during the siege of Jadotville, in September 1961, are awarded without further undue delay.”

43. CALL FOR BAN ON SALE OF DOGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls for a ban on sale of dogs on Facebook/Done Deal/Buy and Sell/Twitter and other Social Media online pages.”

The report circulated to members noted that:

Local Authorities are responsible for registering commercial Dog Breeding establishments (DBEs) and there are currently two registered in Sligo. Both of these are up for renewal currently and one has advised they are not going to renew,

There was a surge in demand for pups/dogs during the pandemic and this has led to the price of pups increasing significantly with some going for significant sums. Done Deal have already put a temporary stop on dog ads. In response to this the other registered operator started his own website and their premises were registered and are inspected by the Council. These premises are due for inspection for its annual licence in the next few weeks. The operator has indicated that he will be seeking to increase the numbers he is licensed to keep.

44. DISABLED PERSONS’ GRANT SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That this meeting of Sligo County Council: (a) recognising the need for adequate grant aid to fund the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme for Council tenants; (b) aware that the works funded by the grants have a huge impact on the quality of life of many tenants, helping people with a disability and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently; (c) expresses its shock and dismay with the government decision to further slash the funding made available for the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme for Council tenants in Sligo, and (d) calls on the Fianna Fail. Fine Gael, Green Party and Independent T.D.’s who support the government, to take the necessary steps to have the funding/grant aid restored to Sligo County Council to its 2016 level of €628,346, at the very least.”

45. RECEPTION TO HONOUR DR. MICHAEL RYAN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION:

Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to invite Sligo born Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the World Health Organisation, to a Reception in honour of his work in fighting Covid 19.”

46. RECEPTION TO HONOUR TOURLESTRANE SENIOR FOOTBALL:

Proposed by Councillor M. Connolly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to honour the Tourlestrane Senior Football team and Management on their achievements of winning 5 Senior Championship in a row with a reception when restrictions are lifted.”

47. IRISH NATIONAL INVINCIBLES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Office of Public Works to carry out the necessary excavation works to recover the remains of Joe Brady, Daniel Curley, Michael Fagan, Thomas Caffrey and Tim Kelly, in what is commonly known as the Invincibles Yard at Kilmainham Gaol. The bodies of these five members of the Irish National Invincibles lie beneath the paving slabs of the yard where they were executed in 1883 for their part in the Phoenix Park assassinations. The families of the five men are represented by the National Graves Association and the wish of the families is for their relatives to be exhumed from Kilmainham Gaol and reinterred in consecrated ground at Glasnevin Cemetery.”

48. REMOVAL OF TREATMENT CHARGE FOR PATIENTS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council supports calls from the Irish Haemochromatosis Association for a national screening programme for haemochromatosis to be introduced and for the €80 charge for treatment for haemochromatosis patients be removed.

That this motion be sent to the Minister for Health and the CEO of the HSE.”

49. WAITING LISTS FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (CAMHS):

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council requests the HSE to urgently address the waiting lists for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Sligo Leitrim and across this country.

That Sligo County Council requests the HSE to provide this council with a report on what it is doing to address the following;

156 children on a waiting list for CAMHS in Sligo Leitrim whilst 19 children are waiting longer than 12 months for their first appointment?
2116 children are on a wait list for CAMHS nationally?
Only 66.5% of all those children referred in Sligo, Leitrim were offered an appointment within the recommended 12 weeks?
Why there is no service offered to children who do not meet the “CAMHS threshold” or to those children on a wait list for longer than the HSE`s recommended 12 weeks?

That this motion be sent to the CEO of the HSE, the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach.”

50. DOG WASTE BINS AT ROSSES POINT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council ensure that the Dog waste Bins at Rosses Point are emptied on a regular basis as there have been several occasions lately when they were over-flowing, and waste was being left alongside.”

The following report was issued to the Members

Sligo County Council does not have the resources to empty these bins on a regular basis. However the Area Office will engage with the local community to try and come up with a solution to resolve the issue.

51. USE OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY BY STAFF OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL:

The following motion had been listed by Councillor Gilroy:

“That Sligo County Council provide a Cost Benefit report on the advantages of purchasing a Drone and train members of staff to use Drone Technology to assist Engineering, Planning Environment, Housing and Enforcement sections.

This technology could reduce costs and increase efficiencies substantially in all departments.”

Due to all the elements involved in this matter, the Members were advised that a report would be furnished to the November Meeting.

52. ‘LET’S BE MORE’ CAMPAIGN:

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD;

“According to the European Commission, regional disparities in Ireland are among the highest in the European Union. As a result of our poor economic performance the west and border region (NUTS II) has been downgraded from ‘Developed’ to ‘in Transition’. All the economic indicators show a trend towards widening regional inequality. Management and delivery of European Regional Development Funds is essential to the regions performance and we ask that these funds continue to be managed by the regions (NWRA), in the regions with increased flexibility and consistent with regional priorities’.

Brief below

According to the European Commission, regional disparities in Ireland are among the highest in the European Union.

Most alarming is that this disparity is growing. It is well documented that if regional gaps in GDP become too large and remain consistent over time, this inevitably leads to further economic decline.

‘Let’s Be More’ is a campaign that is attempting to stem this decline.

It has been well publicised that the Northern & Western region has not performed economically as well as its fellow regions in Ireland and relative to the EU norm. This is set to continue. Brexit will have an undue impact on this region. The EU Commission have also documented the disproportionate economic impact that Covid-19 will have on the north and west.

To address this, we need to do more, to be more creative, to use the funds that we have access to, more effectively. As a result of the regions poor economic performance, the European Commission has officially downgraded the Northern & Western region from a “More Developed Region” to a “Transition Region” post 2020.

This represents a significant opportunity as the region now qualifies for a 60% co- financing rate. In essence, that means the EU will contribute €60 for every €100 spent by the Irish Government (European Regional Development Funds)

Last year the Northern & Western Regional Assembly published the evidence behind the decision to re-classify the region in its report ‘Region in Transition: A Way Forward’. It also set out the necessary response.

The Government is about to decide how to spend the estimated €1 billion in European Structural Funds apportioned for the period 2021 to 2027. The report ‘Region in Transition: The Way Forward’ called on a sustained policy of ‘positive discrimination’ into the North and West.

But how?

Proven solutions are out there, The Members of the NWRA are calling on Government to ‘Do More’ and apportion these funds into a region wide accelerator called an Integrated Territorial Investment for the period of 2021-2027. We can stem the divide by being More Urban, More Smart, More Specialised and More Connected.

We just need More Action to stimulate research and innovation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship, SME supports, climate adaptation and urban / rural regeneration.”

53. RESUMPTION OF ACTIVE AGE CLUBS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To enquire with the H.S.E. what plans are in place for the resumption of Active Age Clubs”

6. SECTION 183 – TRANSFER OF FREEHOLD INTEREST IN ESB SUB-STATION AT OWENMORE DRIVE, COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the transfer of freehold interest in the ESB sub-station site, buildings and associated cable wayleaves at Owenmore Drive, Collooney to ESB networks.”

7. SECTION 183 – TRANSFER OF FREEHOLD INTEREST IN ESB SUB-STATION AT KNAPPAGH BEG COURT, SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

8. SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF DWELLINGHOUSE AT ITS PROPERTY AT 14 COIS NA H’ABHAINN, GURTEEN:

Proposed by Councillor P Taylor
Seconded by Councillor J Queenan

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwellinghouse and its property at 14 Cois Na hAbhainn, Gurteen, Co. Sligo to Con Murray and Michelle Holahan.”

9. SECTION 183 – DISPOSAL OF DWELLINGHOUSE AND ITS PROPERTY AT CASTLEGAL, CLIFFONEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of dwellinghouse and its property at Castlegal, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo to Ms. Mary Keane

10. SECTION 183 - DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT BALLYGAWLEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of property at Ballygawley, Co. Sligo to Ms. Bernadette McTiernan.”

11. CONSTRUCTION OF SIX SOCIAL HOUSES AT GORMLEY VILLAS, BUNNANADDAN:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

To proceed with the proposed development to construct 6 dwellings consisting of 4 no. one bed/two person single storey houses and 2no. two bed/four person single storey houses and all associated site works at Gormley Villas in Bunnanaddan in accordance with the Chief Executive’s Report and pursuant to Section 179(3) and 179(4) of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as Amended).

12. RECOMMENDATIONFROM PROCEDURES COMMITTEE/STANDARD OPERATING GUIDANCE FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Following the proposals put forward by the Procedures Committee at their recent meeting,

It was

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That the following text be inserted to Standing Order 6: In the event that it is not practicable to hold the meeting at the principal offices, the Cathaoirleach may, in exceptional circumstances, determine the venue for the meeting. This facility will also apply to the Chairs of the Municipal Districts.”

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

‘That the Standing Orders for Strategic Policy Committees be amended to provide for the attendance of two elected representatives and one sectoral representative when determining the meeting quorum’

Mr. Moran noted that a further recommendation relating to the Duration of meetings was now at variance with the Guidance received recently and that would need to be addressed.

The Members agreed that the third recommendation – “That if the agenda is not concluded by 1.00 p.m., the meeting will adjourn for lunch for an hour and will reconvene at 2.00 p.m. It is intended that the meeting will not extend beyond 4.00 p.m. Alternatively, the meeting could adjourn to reconvene on another date.” would be dealt with at a later date.

The Chief Executive agreed with Members’ comments that it was an evolving situation and changes could be notified at any time. This would mean revisiting issues considered by the Procedures Committee and the information outlined in the recent Guidance document.

The Members would be kept informed of any developments. He also noted the current time restriction of one hour and 55 minutes for the meeting. In the event that a decision was taken to adjourn the meeting to another day, issues to be addressed will include the availability and cost of a suitable venue.

REVISED LISTING OF ITEMS ON AGENDA:

At the suggestion of Councillor O’Grady, it was agreed to continue to deal with the items that required the Members’ immediate attention. Should there be time remaining, the other items could then be dealt with.

15. DATES FOR HOLDING OF BUDGET MEETINGS:

Following a brief discussion, having regard to the period of time allowed for the holding of the Meetings, the Members agreed the following dates for Budget Meetings.

19^th October, 2020 – Municipal District Meetings (all to be held in the Council Chamber in County Hall).

23^rd November, 2020 – Sligo County Council 2021 Budget Meeting.

16. TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT FOR PERIOD OF 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER, 2021:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To approve to borrowing a sum not exceeding €15m by way of temporary overdraft for the 12 months from 1^st January, 2021 to 31^st December 2021.”

Councillor Bree and Councillor O’Boyle wished to be recorded as dissenting.

17. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To note report of an impending proposal for a further Sligo Business Improvement District (BID)”

18. C. E.’S REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS – DRAFT VARIATION NO. 1 – SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2023:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“Having considered the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received in relation to the Draft Variation No. 1 of the Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023; it is hereby resolved to make the variation subject to the recommendations contained in the Chief Executive’s Report dated 21^st September 2020.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

“That a Special Meeting would be held to discuss the Chief Executive’s Report.”

The Cathaoirleach asked Mr. Moylan, Senior Planner, to give the Members a brief report in the limited time available. Following the presentation, Members sought clarification on the implications if the Chief Executive’s report was not adopted. These were addressed by Mr. Moylan.

The Chief Executive noted that these were uncertain times; A decision of the full Council was required and it was not known what would happen later that day due to a recommendation by the National Public Health Emergency Team (N.P.H.E.T.) for the introduction of Level 5 restrictions across the country.

The Chief Executive noted that since the legislation had been introduced the O.P.R. (Office of the Planning Regulator) had been established. They had been given additional powers as the oversight body. They would have a certain role in plans the Members were being asked to adopt. The Chief Executive confirmed that the report issued to Members contained the changes being recommended. There was also a full report in relation to submissions made.

The Cathaoirleach referred to the two proposals put forward, to adopt the report or to convene a special meeting; He also noted the cost implications of approximately €5,000 per meeting and the need to source a venue.

Following further discussions, the Members agreed to hold a Special Meeting to discuss this Report at 5.00 p.m. on Monday, 12^th October.

20. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL’S CORPORATE PLAN 2020-2024:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To adopt Sligo County Council’s Corporate Plan 2020-2024.”

21. SLIGO ARTS PLAN 2020-2025:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“To adopt Sligo County Council’s Arts Plan 2020-2025.”

22. REPORT ON COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GRANTS:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To adopt Sligo County Council’s Corporate Plan 2020-2024.”

Councillor Walsh also asked that grant assistance for “Christmas lights” would be advertised as soon as possible.

23. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR AUGUST 2020:

The Members agreed to note the Monthly Management Report for August 2020.

19. & 37. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON IRELAND WEST AIRPORT KNOCK (IWAK):

The Chief Executive referred to reports issued to the Members in advance of the Meeting. One of those had been his brief synopsis of the impact of Covid-19 on Ireland West Airport Knock while the other was a detailed summary provided by Mr. Joe Gilmore (C.E.O. of IWAK).

In the synopsis, it was noted that in 2016 seven local authorities in the Northwest had taken the innovative decision to partner with the Airport in order to secure the future of critical transport infrastructure in the region. The partnership had since leveraged circa €20 million in capital investment and growth in passenger numbers to 807,000 in 2019.

The capital investment included

Upgrade of lighting system
Overlay of the runway
Installation of necessary fire and safety equipment
Enhancements to the Air Traffic Control System and
Construction of a Visitor Centre.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the Airport employed some 200 no. staff drawn from the region. In the summary it was highlighted that the workforce had been reduced by 50% with the remaining staff now working a three-day week.

Having recorded record passenger numbers in 2019, the pandemic had caused a collapse in passenger numbers.

Accordingly, IWAK was seeking support for an expanded regional airports programme in order to deal with the collapse in passenger traffic.

Councillor Queenan noted his concern that coverage relating to airports only referred to Cork, Shannon and Dublin. The people of the area had built Ireland West Airport Knock and it deserved equal coverage.

It was agreed that the support of the Council would be communicated to the other six Councils in the partnership.