Minutes 2021

Minutes of Adjourned February Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 8th February, 2021 at 2.00 p.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly(R),
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Connolly(R),,
  • Councillor Gibbons(R),
  • Councillor Gilroy(C),
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor MacSharry,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle(R),
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor,
  • Councillor Walsh(R)

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Tom Kilfeather, A/Chief Executive
  • John Moran, A/Director of Services(C)
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance(R)
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services (R)
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services(R)
  • Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Joe Murphy, S.E.O.(C)
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer(C)

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

(C) = participated via County Hall Video Link

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dara Mulvey, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Fox and Councillor Maguire.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present and asked Mr. Kilfeather, Acting Chief Executive and Compliance Officer for the meeting (as required under Health and Safety protocols) to set out the procedures that were in place.

Members participating remotely were Councillors Casserly, Connolly, Gibbons, O’Boyle and Walsh.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions having reduced the capacity of the Council Chamber, Councillor Gilroy participated via a video link in the Members’ Room.

 

1.  FUNDING TO COMPLETE WALKWAY AT CARTRON POINT, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to apply for funding to finish the walkway around Cartron Point.”

The Members had been furnished with a report which concluded that, at this point a potential scheme can be noted but it will have to be added to a long list of such schemes which in the absence of significant additional staff resources and dedicated funding sources will be challenging to progress.

In reply to further points raised by the Members, the Acting Chief Executive referred to the report having also highlighted that it is not a public road and is not in our Roads Schedule. It is a track that people walk along. Title may need to be clarified and the proximity of the track to the Sligo Bay Special Are of Conservation and potential loss of habitats is likely to create a lot of challenges.

 

2.  UPDATE ON SURF CENTRE, STRANDHILL:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Maguire, was deferred to the March Ordinary Meeting Agenda:

“The Council will advise as to the updated position with regard to the proposed Surf Centre of Excellence in Strandhill and outline the reason why the board have not met in the past 12 months.”

 

3.  EXTENSION OF PLACEMENTS ON SCHEMES:

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Social Protection Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys to afford an extension to participants in 12 month placements on DEASP schemes.  These schemes have been closed for much of 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions.”

 

4.  ACCESS ROAD TO BENBULBEN FOREST WALK:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the ongoing concerns for locals and tourists regarding the main access road to Benbulben Forest Walk as this road surface has seriously deteriorated since last year.” 

In noting that this road is not included in the 2019-2021 Multi Annual Restoration Improvement programme. However if additional funds become available it will be included for consideration, several Members set out the difficulties being experienced in the area.

The Acting Chief Executive said that while it was acknowledged that the road needed to be upgraded, the difficulty is in sourcing the funding for the works.

Councillor Gilroy asked that a costing for the works would be brought to the Roadworks Programme Meeting and this was agreed.

 

5.  FLOODING CONCERNS IN COLLOONEY:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to address the concerns of flooding to properties at the junction, between Lower Main Street in Collooney and the Dublin Road on the R290.”

Members noted the report and discussed options available to Sligo County Council, including the removal of trees on Council property at this location.  This may alleviate the blocking of drains and improve sightlines on the corner.

 

6.  BUS STOP AT CASTLEBALDWIN:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“To call on the TII and Bus Éireann to ensure there continues to be a bus stop on the N4 at Castlebaldwin to service the surrounding area.”

 

7.  DOG BREEDING ESTABLISHMENTS:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to report on what measures and inspections have taken place over the last two years to ensure that dog welfare is maintained at licenced Dog Breeding establishments or “Puppy Farms” as they are more commonly known within the county, and whether or not illegal dog breeding establishments exist.

to include

  1. How many Dog Breeding farms are Licenced?
  2. How many Dogs are kept at each for Breeding purposes?
  3. How many Inspections have taken place?
  4. How many Unannounced Inspections have taken place?
  5. Have any investigations into possible illegal Dog Breeding Establishments within the county taken place?
  6. How many Licenced dogs are currently in Co Sligo?”

Councillor Gilroy thanked the Acting Chief Executive for the excellent, detailed report which had been issued.

A discussion followed regarding recent sheep kills in the area and how farmers are being affected by damage caused by uncontrolled dogs.

 

8.  LANDOWNERS AFFECTED BY ILLEGAL DUMPING:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council amend Bye Laws as necessary to protect property owners who are victims of illegal dumping”, The current situation where the responsibility and cost falls on the property owner when others dump rubbish on their property is neither fair nor just. In many cases valuable time is lost in tracing the guilty illegal dumpers while the ownership of the property is being determined.

If the current situation continues landowners who allow the public access to their land in scenic areas will be forced to withdraw consent and this will then result in Sligo being a less attractive place for visitors and locals alike looking for healthy outdoor recreation.”

Members had been informed that the Litter Pollution Act and The Waste Management Act are the primary pieces of legislation which are used for the investigation & enforcement of all cases of illegal dumping. Both pieces of legislation place obligations on landowners to ensure that their lands are free of litter or waste. All illegal dumping complaints received are investigated by the environment section. Where evidence of wrongdoing is found, all necessary investigations are carried out and appropriate enforcement actions taken.

In relation to Waste Management Bye-Laws, these are made under Section 35 of the Waste Management Act and relate solely to the presentation of waste for collection. Illegal dumping is not regulated through Bye-Laws, nor is there provision in legislation to do so.

Members outlined difficulties that had arisen where the affected landowners were the recipient of fines and also had to pay the costs of the clean-up.  They noted that there were many options open to those who wished to dispose of their waste legally and safely without resorting to this practice.

 

9.  MAINTENANCE OF ROADSIDE DRAINS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide resources to ensure that roadside cuttings and drains are regularly assessed and cleared in all rural areas to ensure that local, regional and national roads are not subject to flooding.

This type of flooding has a detrimental effect on rural roads and results in substantial use of resources both clearing floods and repairing damaged roads. This exercise was carried out for many years by roads crews and roads needed less repairs and maintenance. As a result this use of resources could be cost saving to both the council on road repairs and road users on damage to cars.”

The report forwarded to Members had informed them that Sligo County Council carry out a lot of work opening inlets to allow surface flow from roads into adjacent lands and maintain road drainage as well as we can with the available resource. This is good practice as suggested in the motion and will continue on an ongoing basis.

 

10.  DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the coalition Government FF/FG and the Greens to recognise that while it has continuously name-checked domestic violence as a Covid-19 priority this has not yet been backed up by the resources and infrastructural modernisation needed by services throughout the county.” 

 

11.  REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF FUEL ALLOWANCE SEASON:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the coalition Government FF/FG and the Greens to extend the fuel allowance season which is currently from October to April by a further month and increase the weekly allowance from its current 28 Euro per week to 42 Euro per week in recognition of the significant increase in heating costs to struggling families now that in many household school age children who in normal circumstances would be at school but because of the COVID-19 restrictions require to be kept in a warm environment in their own homes during day time hours.”  

 

12.  MORTGAGE TO RENT (MTR) SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“Call on Sligo County Council to prepare a written report regarding the Mortgage to rent (MTR) scheme for the next meeting of this council giving the following information:

  • The number of applications received.
  • The number granted.
  • The number refused.
  • The number currently being processed.
  • The time frame from receipt of application to a final decision.” 

In advance of the meeting, the Members had been advised as follows

The Mortgage to Rent scheme (MTR) is a Government initiative established to help homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears.  It allows homeowners who qualify for social housing to switch from owning their home to renting their home from either an AHB or a Local Authority.  Under the scheme, the homeowner voluntarily surrenders ownership of their home to the mortgage lender. An Approved Housing Body or a private company can buy a specific property after it is voluntarily surrendered to the lender. The Housing Agency administers the Mortgage to Rent Scheme on behalf of the Department of Housing Planning & Local Government.  The role of the Council is to confirm housing need and market rent in respect of each property.

The following is the required information.

Number of MTR applications

28

Number complete

5

Number refused

2

Number currently in progress

21

Timeframe

Recently completed applications have each taken in excess of 12 months to complete.

The Cathaoirleach and Members agreed that further queries raised by Councillor Gibbons in relation to this item would be dealt with in greater detail at the next meeting of the Strategic Policy Committee.

 

13.  RECREATIONAL TRAIL – LADY ANNE WALK:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach this item, as listed by Councillor Fox, was deferred to the March Ordinary Meeting Agenda.

“To ask Sligo County Council to give an update report on the recreational trail between Hazelwood (Half moon Bay) and Sligo city locally known as the Lady Anne Walk.”

 

14.  REQUEST FOR UPGRADING WORKS ON ROAD L502 (N4 TO BALLYMOTE):

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to upgrade Road L502 (main link road with the new N4) to Ballymote in the interest of health and safety.”

A report had advised the Members that the L-1502 is a local road which is narrow in places for two-way traffic but it is used as a short cut by a lot of commercial vehicles as well as cars for getting to Ballymote from the N4 /area and vice versa. The alternative route for traffic coming from Castlebaldwin /Drumfin direction would be to continue into Collooney on N4, take the N17 and then onto R293 into Ballymote. This is a longer route, but is much more appropriate for large volumes of traffic.

Major upgrades to this road would involve significant costs. However this road will be maintained as good a condition as possible with the grants available.

 

15.  ADAPTATION GRANTS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSES:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to progress housing applications adaptation Grants for local authority houses.”

Members noted that Sligo County Council will recommence progressing housing applications for works to local authority houses as soon as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Members are advised that 85 applications are currently under consideration by the Council. Department funding will be sought for all applications approved by the Council. Works will be subject to Government funding and will in the first instance be carried out in respect of applications with a Priority 1 Categorisation as certified by a Doctor i.e. the applicant is terminally ill or fully/mainly dependent on family or a carer; or where adaptations to the home would allow the applicant to leave hospital or alleviate hospitalisation in the future.

 

16.  BILLS FOR FOREST FIRES IN CULLEENS AND GLENEASKEY AREAS:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to withdraw the fire bills that have been issued to 20 property owners regarding forest fires in the Culleens and Gleneaskey areas in May 2020.”

The background to the issuing of the invoices had been set out in a report furnished to the Members. 

Among the points noted from the report by the Members and Executive were the following:

  • The invoices /“fire bills” in question relate to extensive forest fires at Culleens which were attended by Sligo Fire Service over 4 days as the dates above. The fires in question were attended by up to 5 fire brigade units and helicopter for extensive periods of time. On some days over 12 and 16 hours of exhaustive work was carried out by the crews.
  • These fires affected the N59 which had to be closed for periods, and extensive traffic management was required to ensure the safety of road user’s and fire service crews.
  • A number of dwelling houses were affected and the properties were protected by Sligo Fire Service. Monitoring of the area continued for a number of days after the fires, for which no invoices were issued for.
  • In accordance with the Fire Service Act 1981 Section 35 (3)...A fire Authority shall be entitled to charge users or beneficiaries of a Fire Service for the Service it provides. Thereby when the Fire Service attends an accident/incident, the cost shall be applied to the owner of the property. The amount is determined by the type and duration of the incident.
  • Based on the Fire Charges rate for an incident of this type and duration invoices to the value of €61,125 would be liable to Sligo County Council, but in light of the extensive nature of these fires, Sligo Fire Service made a concession to all the property owners in that the charges applied were based on our minimum cost of labour only exclusive of PRSI, meal costs, fuel costs, wear and tear/damage to equipment etc., resulting in total invoice charges of €27,513 only, a reduction of over 50%
  • The reduced rates of invoices charged were applied to all property owners (22 No. plots). The invoice amount per property owner was based on the percentage of property owned as part of the overall area treated by Sligo Fire Service. Each property owner received a letter explaining the reduction applied and a copy of waiver application form with their invoice.
  • Sligo Fire Service has borne a significant financial burden as result of these and other forest fires and it is considered that the invoices as issued are fair and equitable.
  • Some invoices have been paid and waivers/reduced charges have been issued where landowners are applicable under the waiver scheme

At the conclusion of the discussion on this item, the Acting Chief Executive said it is a difficult situation and Sligo County Council, as always, would deal responsibly with anyone who engages with them on the issue.

Councillor Gibbons asked to be recorded as abstaining from the motion.

 

17.  REOPENING OF EARLY LEARNING AND CARE SECTOR:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure the Early Learning and Care Sector are afforded adequate time to prepare for full reopen and to ensure the sector is prioritised for vaccines.”

 

18.  NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN ROLLOUT:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council engage with the Department in relation to the National Broadband Plan Rollout to ask 

  • Has Surveying been completed in County Sligo?
  • What is the timeframe and schedule of works for County Sligo?
  • How many premises and where are to be connected in 2021?”

Members had been informed that Sligo County Council is in constant contact with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in relation to the National Broadband Plan (NBP).  This is the latest information available from NBI.

There are approximately 14,800 premises in Co. Sligo that are listed as not having access to high-speed broadband. All of these premises are part of the NBP build programme – the State Intervention Area.

The first deployment area in Co. Sligo is the regional exchange which covers Sligo town and surrounding townlands. This area has been surveyed and designed with the initial pre-work activity starting shortly. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) expects to service 2,513 underserved premises in the townlands around Sligo in Q3 / Q4 of this year.

NBI will build out to the other areas in County Sligo and more information on the next areas to be surveyed and built will be available shortly.

A map was also included in the report setting out the planned network for County Sligo.   

 

19.  REQUEST FOR UPDATE IN RELATION TO VACCINE ROLLOUT FOR ADULTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to request an update from Minister Anne Rabbite in relation to the Vaccine Rollout for Adults with additional needs.”

 

20.  ALL ISLAND FOOD SECURITY POLICY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue T.D.to meet and engage with Minister Edwin Poots the Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, to deliver an Island food security policy, and strategy to provide for a no border agriculture economy, to provide a mutual quality assured scheme, providing for the free movement of store livestock as well as finished animals.”

 

21.  FUNDING FOR FOOTPATHS FROM MAUGHERABOY ROUNDABOUT TO BALLYDOOGAN ROUNDABOUT:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council seek funding to put in place the necessary footpaths from the Maugheraboy roundabout to the Ballydoogan Roundabout adjacent to Murray’s Shop for the safety of Pedestrians.”

The meeting was advised that Road Design is considering options for the upgrade of this section of road and grant applications have been made to Department of Transport.

In the interim Sligo County Council will consider more immediate options to improve public lighting and footpath linkages along this section of road.

 

22.  UPGRADING WORKS AT ‘MARYMOUNT’, PEARSE ROAD, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council upgrades the footpaths and Road surface at “Marymount”, Pearse Road.”

The Area Engineer will carry out an inspection of the footpaths and road surface. The upgrade of footpaths/road surface in Marymount Estate is not included in the current multi annual Discretionary programme. However if additional funds become available it will be included for consideration, the Acting Chief Executive advised the meeting.

 

23.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

 

24.  VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Kathleen Kane of Coolaney on her induction into the L.G.F.A. Hall of Fame in recognition for her contribution to Ladies Football as a Player, Manager and Administrator at Club, County and National Level since 1993.”

 

25.  CONFERENCES AND TRAINING:

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, no Conferences or Training notifications had been received for Members’ approval.

 

26.  SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES ATTENDED:

No forms had been submitted for this Meeting.

 

27.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Items of Correspondence were noted.

 

28.  MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

29.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

  • Revised dates for meetings to discuss the Roadworks Programme – as notification of the allocations had not been received at this time, it was agreed that this would be included as a ‘headed item’ on the two Municipal District Meetings scheduled for 15th The Executive would liaise with the Cathaoirleach of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry M.D. to arrange a meeting date suitable for the Members in that area.
  • Councillor Gibbons asked that the appointment of a Public Safety Officer would be made for works currently underway on the N15 near Cartron.
  • Councillor Baker asked that, during the pandemic, Members would consider listing ‘local’ items on the Agenda of their relevant Municipal District Meeting. The Cathaoirleach said he wished to concur with this request and asked for the Members’ co-operation.  He noted that the media would continue to report on Municipal District meetings.

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for their co-operation and encourage everyone to stay safe.  The business of the meeting concluded at 4.00 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 08/02/2021