Minutes 2023

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held at 10.00am on Monday 8th May 2023 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Bree
  • Councillor Casserly
  • Councillor Clarke
  • Councillor Connolly(R)
  • Councillor Fox(R)
  • Councillor Gibbons
  • Councillor Gilroy
  • Councillor MacSharry(R)
  • Councillor Maguire
  • Councillor Mullaney
  • Councillor Mulvey
  • Councillor O’Boyle
  • Councillor O’Grady
  • Councillor Queenan
  • Councillor Taylor
  • Councillor Walsh

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Margaret McConnell, A/Director of Services
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • John Moran, A/Director of Services
  • Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Brían Flynn, Town Regeneration Officer
  • Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
  • Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer
  • Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer.

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillors Baker and Healy.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting including students from Summerhill College Student Council who were present in the Chamber to observe the meeting.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE HELD ON 3RD MAY 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Meeting of County Sligo Placenames Committee held on 3rd May 2022.”

 

2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 27TH FEBRUARY 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of the Corporate Policy Group held on 27th February 2023.”

 

3. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 3RD APRIL 2023:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 3rd April 2023.”

 

4. LEASE OF PROPERTY – NATIONAL SURF CENTRE STRANDHILL COUNTY SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the lease of the property known as the National Surf Centre Strandhill to the National Surf Centre CLG.”

 

5.REVISED CAS LOAN – ‘KILLESHIN’, FIRST SEA ROAD, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the sum of €725,652, the revised Budget approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, for dwelling “Killeshin” and construction of self- contained apartment at “Killeshin” First Sea Road, Sligo.”

 

6. NOTE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2022:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by CouncillorT. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To note Annual Financial Statement 2022.”

 

7. AUTHORISE OVER EXPENDITURE / APPROVE TRANSFERS TO CAPITAL REPORTED IN THE 2022 AFS:

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

AND AGREED

“To authorise over expenditure of €18,685,105 reported in the 2022 Annual Financial Statement in accordance with section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001 and approve transfers to Capital of €661,333.”

 

8. APPOINT MEMBER TO THE LTACC:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee following the resignation of Councillor Joe Queenan.”

 

9. ARRANGEMENTS FOR AGM OF A) SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AND B) MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS:

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

AND AGREED

“To note arrangements for Annual General Meetings of:

  1. Sligo County Council and
  2. Municipal Districts.”

It was agreed to convene the Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council on Monday 19th June 2023 at 10.00 am. and the Annual General Meetings of the three Municipal Districts on the following dates:

Sligo-Drumcliffe MD                 11.30 am Monday 19th June
Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD     12 noon Monday 19th June
Sligo Borough MD                     10 am Monday 26th June.

 

10. MEETING WITH IRISH WATER TO DISCUSS ISSUES WITH HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS:

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

AND AGREED

That a meeting would be arranged with Irish Water to discuss issues with Housing Developments.

 

11. ARRANGEMENTS TO HOLD A PROCEDURES COMMITTEE MEETING:

It was agreed to convene a meeting of the Procedures Committee on Tuesday, 30th May 2023, at 9.30 a.m.

 

12. CONSIDER AND APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COUNTY SLIGO PLACENAMES COMMITTEE:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To approve recommendations of the County Sligo Placenames Committee.”

In relation to the proposal to name the new local authority housing development at Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill as ‘Cladach na mBan – The Cladagh’, Councillor Gilroy sought clarification on the proposed name as the English version did not include the word ‘woman’ which was included in the Irish version of the name.

Councillor Gilroy also asked that it be noted that he wished to distance himself from the re-naming of the Stephen Street Car Park in Sligo town as ‘Queen Maeve Square’ as he is opposed to the name.

 

13. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR APRIL 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Monthly Management Report for April 2023.”

 

14. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (UNCRPD):

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

AND AGREED

“I propose that Sligo County Council write to both the Assistant Secretary General with responsibility for Disability and the Secretary General in the Department of Children Equality Disability Integration and Youth to enact/expedite the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

This international Convention was ratified by the Houses of the Oireachtas in March 2018 and has only been partially implemented to date.”

 

As items 15 and 33 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take both items at this time.

 

15. ACTIONS TO REDUCE ALARMING RATES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Given the alarming rates of violence against women in the Country and the increasing number of murders of women that this Council call on the Minister for Justice for urgent action to be taken to reduce this worrying trend.  This motion asks this Council to write to the Minister seeking that a report be prepared together with recommendations as to how these shocking statistics can be reversed.”

 

33. ESTABLISHMENT OF WOMEN’S REFUGE IN SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“Following on the report published by Túsla in 2022 which reviewed the provision of accommodation for the victims of domestic violence nationally, the report identified the need for a refuge to be established in Sligo.

This motion seeks support from this Council to develop a women’s refuge and to progress this goal to facilitate a meeting of the relevant stakeholders including Leitrim County Council.”

A report advised that the remit for provision of and funding for refuges rests with the Department of Justice, with Tusla having a specific responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic sexual and gender based violence.  The report clarified that the Council has no role in providing or overseeing services specifically designed for victims of domestic violence and, whilst there are no refuges in Sligo and Leitrim, there are safe houses operated by DVAS in both counties. Local authorities only have remit to refer and assess homelessness created by domestic violence and assist with applications for social housing supports where required. The homeless unit regularly assesses women and children who present as homeless due to domestic violence, on a case by case basis, and links clients with local service providers as required.

Councillor Maguire asked that this Council support the relevant stakeholders in the establishment of a women’s refuge in Sligo and, as a first step, arrange to hold a stakeholder meeting with relevant agencies in order to progress the matter as has happened in other local authorities.

 

16. PROPER ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to ask all Government/Statutory agencies to make correspondence suitable for all those who are visually impaired as, at present, it is not possible to access this information fully and accurately.  Can this be shared with all other local authorities also.”

 

17. UPDATE ON STUDIES ON COASTAL EROSION THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY:

Proposed by Councillor S. Maguire
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“To seek an update on the status of studies regarding coastal erosion throughout the county and the remedial / repair works which will be carried out in 2023”.

In a report previously circulated, Members were informed that a CEFRM Study for Sligo Bay (Strandhill and Easkey Coast Road) was recently completed and sent to the OPW for review, following which, the Study will be formally published and details given of coastal erosion/coastal flooding processes at the two sites. Members were advised that it will also guide the Council towards any practical and economical interventions to alleviate the coastal erosion problems. No major coastal erosion works are planned for Sligo this year. With the storm season effectively over, the coastline is being surveyed to confirm the condition of problematic sites. Localised repairs will be carried out thereafter.

It was noted that a number of coastal areas in the County were not included in the recent Study. Councillor Walsh requested that the matter of access to the second beach at Rosses Point be listed as a headed item on the agenda of the next meeting of the SPC 2 group – Environment & Infrastructure.

 

18. GREYHOUND AND HORSE RACING INDUSTRIES – PUBLIC MONIES:  

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

“Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Agriculture and the Taoiseach to stop handing over public money to the greyhound racing and horse racing industry.”

Following a lengthy discussion on this item, a vote on the motion was called by the Cathaoirleach.

The result of the vote was as follows:

FOR:                          3
AGAINST:               11
ABSTAINED:            0
ABSENT:                  4

The Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.

 

19. MONIES RECEIVED IN LPT FROM 2001 – 2003:

At Councillor O’Boyle’s request this motion was withdrawn from the agenda.

 

20. PAYMENT BY GSK FOR MEDICAL EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED IN MOTHER & BABY HOMES:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the Government to make GSK pay for medical experiments conducted without consent in Mother and Baby Homes.”

 

21. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE AT CLEVERAGH, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide this Council with an update on the provision of an Outdoor Performance Space at Cleveragh, Sligo following a capital grant allocation to our Local Authority of €250,000 at a funding rate of 90% in 2021.”

A report, advising that works are progressing on the installation of the Outdoor Performance Space at Cleveragh Regional Park, detailed the proposed works, with the contract awarded to Gerald Love Contracts.  The report also noted that additional contracts will soon be awarded to facilitate ESB connections for lighting and sound and for the provision of a feature signboard. The works will be completed on budget and will likely conclude July 2023.

In response to queries from Councillor Walsh, Town Regeneration Officer, Mr. Flynn, advised as follows:

  • There is no intention to erect a perimeter around the space.
  • Discussions are being held with the ESB around the possibility of a three phase power supply, which option would mean additional costs. Mr. Flynn will revert on this in due course.
  • While the current budget does not allow for the cost of a cover for the stage area, temporary covers can possibly be considered on an event by event basis.
  • Figures on capacity for events are not yet available. This matter will be discussed with the Chief Fire Officer. Mr. Flynn will revert when the figures are available.
  • There is presently no budget in relation to lighting for events, but this can be considered on an event by event basis if required.

Councillor Walsh thanked Mr. Flynn for the update and suggested that funding for provision of lighting be considered under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme. Councillor Walsh asked Mr. Flynn to revert to him in relation to event management.

 

22. BANNING OF SUPER TRAWLERS FROM FISHING IN IRISH AND EUROPEAN WATERS:

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

“Sligo County Council are calling on the Taoiseach and the Irish Government to campaign for super trawlers to be banned from fishing in Irish waters and all European waters under the jurisdiction of the Common Fisheries Policy.”

 

23. REPORT ON MANAGEMENT OF SLIGO REGIONAL SPORTS CENTRE:

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

AND AGREED

“That an updated report be provided to members on the management of Sligo Regional Sports Centre to include

  • How many Board meetings were held since the board was elected in June 2019
  • When did the Former Manager leave her position
  • Who is Managing the Centre at the moment while we await the appointment of a new Manager
  • Update on progress towards appointing a new manager.”

A report, previously circulated, informed Members that Sligo Regional Sports Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee and queries relating to this Company should be directed to the Board of Directors of the Company.

Sligo County Council is facilitating the recruitment of a new Manager and it is planned to advertise the position before the end of May.

Following a discussion, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, stated that the Council is supporting the Board in recruiting a new manager and is aware that there are problems at the centre, which is why a governance review is being undertaken. Once the structure of the company has been finalised and, following discussion of any issues with the Board, the Council will support the implementation of a strategy for the centre and respectfully requested time to allow this process to take place.

 

24. UPDATE ON PROPOSAL FOR CO-LOCATION OF NEW GARDA AND FIRE STATION ON STATE OWNED SITE AT CALTRAGH:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask the CE for an update on the proposal re my previous motion for the co-location of a new Garda Station and Fire Station on the state-owned site at Caltragh and to ask that the CE write to the Ministers for Local Government and Justice to outline the urgent need for this project to be approved.”

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, informed the Members that, following a previous motion on this matter, a letter issued to the Chief Supertintendent who, in turn, wrote to the OPW in relation to the co-location of a new Garda Station and Fire Station for Sligo. Mr. Lydon advised that he will follow this matter up with the Chief Superintendent and will write to the Ministers for Local Government and Justice, adding that this Council would be in support of a centre of excellence in relation to emergency services for Sligo.

 

25. REVIEW OF MINI ROUNDABOUT AT ENTRANCE TO KIERNAN AVENUE, COLLOONEY:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, and with the agreement of the Members, this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred until the next meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District.

 

26. UPDATE REPORT ON PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FOR MAIN STREET IN BALLISODARE:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, and with the agreement of the Members, this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred until the next meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District.

 

27. UPDATE ON ACTIVE TRAVEL FROM TOBERBRIDE TO COLLOONEY:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, and with the agreement of the Members, this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred until the next meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District.

 

28. ROLLOUT OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE TFI LOCAL LINK NETWORK IN THE COUNTY:

Following a discussion and with the consent of the Cathaoirleach, an amendment to this item was placed before the Members and it was:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask for the rollout of infrastructure to support the TFI Local Link network in the county, including bus stops, pull in areas and bus shelters. Can we also write to the Minister and NTA to review the specification standards of bus shelters.”

A report previously circulated advised that the Council will continue to liaise with the NTA and TII regarding the provision of bus stops, pull in areas and bus shelters along public transport routes.

 

29. LACK OF CHILDCARE SERVICES AND PROVISION ON CO SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the Minister for Children and Minister for Public Expenditure to outline the serious lack of childcare services and provision in Sligo particularly in rural areas outside of Sligo town. An audit needs to be undertaken with proper consultation with parents, primary school management and service providers with the view to the provision of new childcare facilities in many areas in the county.”

 

30. REPORT ON NUMBER OF CIS & LIS SCHEMES AWAITING FUNDING AND COSTS INVOLVED:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to give a report on the number of CIS and LIS schemes awaiting funding together with the total cost involved.”

Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised in a report that  there are currently 98 CIS applications on file, costing approximately €5.3m, which will require grant assistance of €4.7m. There are also a small number of additional Schemes being costed by the Municipal District Area Engineers, which will be added to the above amounts. 

The report also outlined that there are currently 21 LIS applications on file, costing approximately €976,000.  Sligo County Council accepts LIS applications all year round and there are several additional Schemes currently waiting to be costed which will be added to the above figure. 

 

31. PAYMENT OF €1,000 TO FRONTLINE WORKERS INCLUDING AGENCY STAFF:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to write to the Minister for Health requesting that the €1000 promised to front line workers be paid to all staff including agencies people.”

Councillor Gilroy confirmed that, for the next meeting of the Regional Health Forum, he has asked for a figure on how many in this region have not received this payment. He will update Councillor Mullaney on any response.

 

32. SUPPORT FOR MACRA NA FEIRME EFFORTS TO ENSURE FUTURE FOR YOUTH IN RURAL IRELAND:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Queenan, was deferred until the June Ordinary meeting.

 

34. EFFECT OF SCRAPPING OF LEVIES ON ONE OFF RURAL HOUSES AND DEVELOPMENTS ON COUNCIL 2023 FINANCES:

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

AND AGREED

“Ask the County Manager will the scrapping of levies on one off rural homes and housing developments have any negative effect on Sligo County Council finances 2023.” 

A report, circulated in advance of the meeting, advised that the Minister for HLGH recently announced as part of a new package of housing support measures the temporary and time limited exemption from development contributions for residential developments. The temporary development contribution waiver arrangements will apply for one year to all permitted residential developments that commence on site between the 25th April 2023 and 24th April 2024.

It is not envisaged that the temporary and time limited waiver of development contributions will have a negative impact on local authority finances in 2023 as the government have committed to pay to the local authority all relevant charges on behalf of those liable to pay development contributions. Local Authorities will be required to invoice the DHLGH on a monthly in arrears basis on receipt of commencement notices from developers.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, in response to a query from Councillor Queenan, stated that he is happy that, from a cash flow perspective, monies paid by the Department in lieu of these levies will likely be received in a more timely manner than development contributions, upon receipt of monthly invoices and that this should dramatically improve this Council’s cash flow provided that houses and housing developments proceed.

 

35. UPDATE ON PROVISION OF OUTDOOR SKATE PARK IN SLIGO AND APPLICATION FOR FUNDING IN 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“Following my notice of motion which was agreed by members in November 2020 and in February 2022, ‘seeking Sligo County Council to explore the provision of an outdoor skate park in Sligo, that the Council now be provided with an update with a view to the Local Authority making an application for funding to the Regional Sports Capital Programme in 2022’

Can this Local Authority now provide Members with a detailed update and overview since February 2022 on:

  • What scoping exercise has been carried out on possible site location/s?
  • When will the same go to consultation with the stakeholders including skateboard/skatepark users?
  • When will a detailed design be ready?
  • When will an application be made for funding.”

A report informed the Members that the Council has engaged with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP), who are key to identifying gaps in opportunities and/or recreational facilities in Sligo and are currently actively involved in programming skateboard lessons for targeted disadvantaged communities, in the Indoor Skate Park at Cleveragh.

It is recognised that opportunities for outdoor skating would be a welcome addition to the recreational offerings of Sligo, however, the most appropriate type of facilities has not yet been determined. Ongoing exploratory work in this area will continue over the coming months, and if it is determined that an outdoor skate park is the most appropriate facility for outdoor skating, a scoping exercise on possible site locations will then be carried out, to be concluded by the end of 2023.

By way of clarification, Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, stated that the SSRP are not decision makers and are an organisation that are key to identifying gaps and opportunities for sports in Sligo because of their expertise in this area.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, acknowledging the need for the scoping exercise to be carried out on the skate park, added that consideration must be given to the financial situation of this Council. He added that grant funding, which is available for the many projects being undertaken in the County, is currently all allocated, as previously notified to the Members, and, until more match funding becomes available to the Council, some projects will not be able to proceed.

 

36. INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly requesting that he increases the funding for the Suicide Awareness Campaign as the problem becomes more prevalent in our communities.”

Councillor Gilroy confirmed that he and his colleagues on the Regional Health Forum will table a motion on this issue at the next meeting of the Forum.

 

37. UPDATE REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY:

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

AND AGREED

“That the meeting be provided with a report outlining the efforts of the Council management to develop a new Central Library, the report to include details of the most recent submissions for funding for the project.”

A report informed the Members that the “City Campus - Sligo's Cultural and Learning Hub” project involves the regeneration and redevelopment of the under-utilised and semi-derelict brownfield site in the city centre of Sligo (Connaughton Road / Stephen Street / Holborn Street / Lake Isle Road) to become a new cultural, innovation and learning hub comprising a new Central Library co-located with an ATU Sligo academic library branch, a new county museum, enterprise and office development, residential units and enhanced public realm.

A Business Case was submitted to the Department in June 2022 and a response received on 6th April 2023. As a result, the Business Case is being updated and the Department gave approval to progress two key elements of the proposal, i.e. acquisition of essential lands and development of a Masterplan for the overall project, with work now progressing on these elements.

 

38. PROCEDURES TO ALLOW SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL TO IMPOUND ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy

AND AGREED

“To ask if procedures have been put in place to allow the Council to impound vehicles where are parked illegally in disabled parking spaces.”

Members were advised in a report that Sligo County Council Roads Department will review this matter as part of the next update of its Parking Bye Laws, which is expected to commence in Q4 2023.

 

39. RE-OPENING OF HYDROTHERAPY POOL IN MANORHAMILTON:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council expresses its concern in regard to the recent closure of the Hydrotherapy Pool in Manorhamilton and calls on the HSE to take all necessary steps to have the pool fully operational at the soonest possible time.”

 

40. MEASURES TO PROTECT WORKERS AND FAMILIES FROM FREE-REINING ENERGY COMPANIES:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council: To call on the Government to urgently address the disorder in the energy market and to introduce measures to protect ordinary workers and families from free-reining energy companies.”

 

41. REVIEW OF NCT SYSTEM:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council call on the Minister for Transport to carry out a review into the NCT system as the long delays that people are experiencing is causing havoc across the country.”

 

42. ENGAGEMENT WITH MANDATE TRADE UNION BY TESCO GROUP:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to request: That Tesco engage with the workers’ trade union, Mandate, and resolve the issues of the company unilaterally imposing significant changes to the rosters of certain workers which is in effect a pay cut and resolve the issue in a mature fashion through constructive dialogue.”

 

43. PROVISION OF ALL-ELECTRIC BUS SERVICE IN SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on the Department of Transport and Bus Eireann to deliver an all-electric Bus Service in Sligo as part of a sustainability transport programme for the entire county.”

 

44. REPORT ON AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS IN LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSES:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council report to members on:

  1. How many of the Local Authority Housing stock have been fitted with Air Source Heat Pumps?
  2. How many of these have made Repeat complaints about the heating system not working properly?
  3. How many of these have made complaints about the cost of running these heating systems?
  4. How many of the complaints have been found to have no basis as the system is working correctly.”

The Members were provided with a report giving details as requested in this motion.

 

45. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

Councillor O’Grady wished to convey sympathy to Freda Kavanagh and the Kavanagh family on the recent passing of Sean Kavanagh, who was the Civil Defence Officer with Sligo County Council for many years until his retirement in 2000. Sean was remembered as a gentleman who played a significant role in the development of the Civil Defence in Sligo. The Members also wished to be associated with the vote of sympathy to the Kavanagh family.

 

46. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS

Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. David Minton on his excellent leadership and work on behalf of the Northern & Western region in his role as Director of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly and for being an influential friend to Sligo County Council and the people of Sligo and this region. David was an exceptional public servant who strengthened the role of the Regional Assembly and was highly respected by all. We wish him well in his new appointment with Enterprise Ireland. 

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Derek Fox, Sligo on winning the Aintree Grand National for the second time.

 

Proposed by Councillors P. Taylor and M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan and M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Sligo U-20 team and management on winning the U-20 Connaught Final title and qualifying for the All-Ireland finals in Cavan, a remarkable achievement for all involved.

 

Proposed by Councillors G. O’Boyle and M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Dean Clancy, Manorhamilton Boxing Club on winning the multi nations title in the Czech Republic, claiming top prize in the Usti And Labem Grand Prix. 

Congratulations are also extended to Team Ireland who won six gold medals and one silver medal at the four day event out of 230 fighters.

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Sligo Rugby Club on winning the U18.5 men’s Connacht League and Cup double titles.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to St. Cecilia’s School, Cregg on being named one of Ireland’s travel Schools of the Year in the An Taisce Green School’s Big Travel Challenge 2023.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mari Johnson, part of the Irish gold medal winning team, on winning the team medal at the Masters Cross-Country International at Santry 6k race.” 

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Lucy Conlon-Oates and Halle Conlon-Oates, Collooney Kickboxing Club. Halle won the light contact junior Austrian Classic Champion 2023, and both Lucy and Halle are world and European medalists and have 22 national titles between them.”

 

47. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To note and approve the Conferences and Training list previously circulated.”

 

48. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members noted the items under this heading.

 

49. CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

 

50. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

51. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor O’Grady referred to the Knock Airport Review 2021 brochure which was circulated to Members before the meeting and stressed the importance of the airport to this region and the need for continued support for the airport.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 1.55 p.m.

 


Meeting Date 08/05/2023