Minutes 2023

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council Held at 10.00am on Monday 12th June 2023 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

(R) = participated in the meeting remotely

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
  • Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services
  • Ms. Emer Concannon, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services
  • Ms. Patricia Keane, Senior Executive Librarian
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Karen McMahon, IS Technical Support Officer
  • Ms. Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke, presided.

 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF CRANMORE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP HELD ON 6TH OCTOBER 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Meeting of the Cranmore Regeneration Steering Group held on 6th October 2022.”

 

2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 20TH DECEMBER 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the minutes of Meeting of the Sligo County Council Audit Committee meeting held on 20th December 2022.”

 

3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO BOROUGH DISTRICT HELD ON 20TH MARCH 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Meeting of Sligo Borough District held on 20th March 2023.”

 

4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BALLYMOTE – TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 27TH MARCH 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 27th March 2023.”

 

5. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO – DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 27TH MARCH 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 27th March 2023.”

 

6. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 8TH MAY 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 8th May 2023.”

 

7. DECLARATION OF ROADS AS PUBLIC – RÍOCHT NA SÍ, BALLYGAWLEY, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council being satisfied of their general public utility declare the following roads as public roads in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Roads Act, 1993:

 Road No.                                            Location and Terminal Points

 L-36060-0 and L-36060-1                     The roads serving development known as 
                                                           "Ríocht na Sí" Ballygawley, Co. Sligo"   

 

8. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 3 CLEVERAGH ROAD, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the freehold interest in property at 3 Cleveragh Road, Sligo to Paul Healy.”

 

9. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 113 GARAVOGUE VILLAS, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the property at 113 Garavogue Villas, Sligo to John Duignan.”

 

10. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AT 38 ST. JOSEPH’S TERRACE, SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of the property at 38 St Joseph’s Terrace, Sligo to Chloe Stewart.”

 

11. CREATIVE IRELAND OPEN CALL PROGRAMME FOR 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To note recommendations of the Council’s Creative Ireland Open Call programme for 2023.”

Councillor Walsh noted an issue with regards to email correspondence with the local authority and asked if this item could be taken later in the meeting and dealt with along with item no. 46.  This was agreed by the meeting.

                                           

12. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2022:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“To adopt Sligo County Council’s Annual Report 2022.”

 

13. CAS LOAN TO FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION – 87 CORNMILL PARK, BALLYMOTE, CO SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, and Regulations thereunder, provision of assistance in the form of the Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the amount of €148,899 to Focus Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of No. 87 Cornmill Park, Ballymote, Co Sligo.”

 

14. ALLOCATIONS UNDER THE COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY GRANT SCHEME 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“Approve allocations under the Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 2023.”

 

15. LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (LCDC) ANNUAL REPORT 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council approve the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Annual Report 2022.”

 

16. APPOINT EXTERNAL MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL AUDIT COMMITTEE:

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

AND AGREED

“To appoint Ms. Helena Boland as an external member to serve on the Sligo County Council Audit Committee.”

 

17. MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR MAY 2023:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

18. 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 July Ordinary meeting.

 

19. USE OF MODULAR HOUSING TO EASE THE HOUSING SHORTAGE IN SLIGO:

With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the July Ordinary meeting.

 

20. PUT WASTE MANAGEMENT BACK INTO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP:

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

AND AGREED

“Sligo County Council calls on the government to take waste management back into public ownership.”

A report circulated in advance of the meeting advised that the Council do not have the financial resources or specialist expertise to take the waste collection service back into public ownership. This expertise is provided by the Private Sector and the service is highly regulated by the Local Authority and Environmental Protection Agency.

 

21.RAIL JOURNEY TIMES FROM SLIGO TO DUBLIN – TRANSPORT HUB AT BROOMBRIDGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To write to the Minister for Transport to commit to a feasibility study on halving the journey times on the Sligo - Dublin rail line, and to examining the potential for a major transport hub at Broombridge.”

 

22. PROVISION OF GP SERVICE ON GROUNDS OF SLIGO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

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

“To write to the HSE and the Minister for Health to provide for a GP service on the grounds of Sligo University Hospital.”

 

23. RINGFENCE PROPORTION OF BETTING TAX TO VOLUNTARY SPORTS OGRANISATIONS / GRASS ROOTS SPORTS CLUBS:

Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To write to the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Finance to ringfence and divert a significant proportion of betting tax to voluntary sports organisations and grass roots sports clubs who need continuous investment and support.”

 

24. HI VIZ MARKINGS ON DROPPED KERBING AND FOOTPATHS IN TOWNS & VILLAGES:

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

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County Council to ensure that all dropped kerbing on footpaths leading out onto our roads in our towns and villages have Hi Viz paint marked on them to alert drivers NOT to block that area which is used by wheelchairs and parents with buggies.”

A report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting advised that ‘dropped’ or ‘dished’ kerbing is installed to the appropriate standards. Any issue with respect to illegal parking at particular locations, including at pedestrian crossing points should be brought to the attention of the Gardai. Any local issue with respect to the provision of road edge line marking at any location should be brought to the attention of the MD staff for investigation and consideration.  

 

As items 25 and 33 related to similar matters, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take both items at this time.

 

25. PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL PARKING FACILITIES AT SLIGO AND COLLOONEY TRAIN STATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann to call on them to provide additional parking facilities at the Sligo and Collooney train stations and to recommence the planning process withdrawn in 2009.”

 

33.

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

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Iarnród Éireann/Irish rail to provide much need additional parking places at Sligo and Collooney train station.” 

It was further agreed to write to Irish Rail to request a meeting with a delegation from this Council to discuss the aforementioned motions along with a request for an update on future plans over the next ten years. The Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon agreed to sign the letter.

 

26. ESTABLISHMENT OF A SHOP FRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANT SCHEME FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES FRONTING ONTO PUBLIC STREETS IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES:

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

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council explore if it is possible to establish a Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme to support the improvement of the overall appearance of commercial properties that front onto public streets in our towns and villages. A shop front improvement grant scheme would support owners of small independent businesses who contribute to the local environment and raise the image of town centres which in turn leads to increased local and visitor footfall.”

In a report circulated to members, it was advised that Sligo County Council has successfully attracted €100,000 in funding from the DRCD Streetscape Enhancement Measure under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2022.  This year’s enhancement measure is centered on Enniscrone and is currently being rolled out.

A Town & Village Renewal Scheme – Streetscape Enhancement Measure has yet to be announced for 2023.  Should such a scheme become available it is likely that it will be limited to 1 – 2 towns and it is a matter for the Local Authority to determine which settlements will be prioritised for selection.  In this context, subject to the announcement of the required funding, the Council will continue to target appropriate areas for the rollout of streetscape enhancement measures.

 

27. PROVISION OF A NEW TELESIS MARKING MACHINE:

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

AND AGREED

“Given that the Telesis Marking Machine, which has been operated by the Gardai since 2018, has been out of operation for some time, I call on this council to contact the Garda superintendent in Sligo requesting that proposals for the provision of a new machine be brought to the Joint Policing Committee.”

 

As items 28, 29, 30 and 32 related to a similar topic, the Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he would take all of these items at this time.

 

28. SUPPORT FOR THE RETAINED FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PERSONNEL:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Councillors support the Retained Fire and Rescue Service personnel and their continued struggle for improvements in pay, conditions and a decent work/life balance with agreed time off and call on the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Public Expenditure to provide the funding necessary to sustain and enhance the service now and for future generations.” 

 

29.

Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Councillors support the Retained Fire and Rescue Service personnel and their continued struggle for improvements in pay, conditions and a decent work/life balance with agreed time off and call on the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Public Expenditure to provide the funding necessary to sustain and enhance the service now and for future generations.” 

 

30.

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council support the Retained Fire and Rescue Service personnel and their continued struggle for improvements in pay, conditions and a decent work/life balance with agreed time off and we call on the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Public Expenditure to provide the funding necessary to sustain and enhance the service now and for future generations.” 

 

32.

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That this Local authority support the Retained Fire and Rescue Service personnel and their continued struggle for improvements in pay, conditions and a decent work/life balance with agreed time off and call on the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Public Expenditure to provide the funding necessary to sustain and enhance the service now and for future generations.” 

The Members commended the Fire Service personnel on their dedicated service to their jobs and to the community which they serve. Councillor Healy asked his fellow councillors to contact their TDs to ensure a swift resolution to the ongoing dispute.

 

31. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN CDP TO PREVENT CONTINUATION OF RURAL DECLINE:

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

AND AGREED

“I call on Sligo County council to prepare a report outlining what measures will be taken in the new County Development Plan to ensure the prevention of continuation of rural decline. As an example, Culleens NS closed earlier this and Ballinleg NS has no new students enrolled for the coming year and is, therefore, at severe risk of closure as a result of rural planning guidelines.” 

Ms. D. Clarke advised Members that the rural housing policies to be included in the next County Development Plan must be consistent with national polices and guidelines. All policy documents will support the sustainable development of rural areas and, in respect of rural housing, seek to achieve a balance between accommodating the housing needs of rural communities while managing the growth of areas that are under strong urban influence so as to avoid over-development.

The application of this rural housing policy is clearly not proving to be a major impediment to people wanting to satisfy their housing needs in our rural areas and the report outlined other factors which have a significant influence on enrolment figures in many rural schools.

Members agreed that more investment is needed for services in rural areas, such as waste water treatment plants, in order to entice people to return to their home areas and thus support local schools and industries.

In response to queries, Ms. Clarke, informed the meeting that the new rural housing guidelines are not expected to be available for some time.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, stated that the planning process is a much more evidence based approach than in the past. It is important that the towns and villages continue to be populated in areas where the relevant infrastructure is located. It would also be proper that rural housing development continues to be available to those wishing to return to their local areas, and that those living in rural areas are contributing to their local community and economy.

He further advised that there will be an opportunity for submissions during the public consultation phase.

 

34. STRENGTHEN POWERS OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE REGULATION OF UTILITIES (CRU):

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

AND AGREED

“To call on this government to strengthen the powers of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) otherwise there will never be control of the pricing of energy.”

 

35. PROVISION OF RESPITE SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES:

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

AND AGREED

“That this Local authority calls on the Government to listen to the people with disabilities and give them and their families a break and provide vital respite services.”

 

36. UPDATE ON THE NEWLY COMMISSIONED EARLY INTERVENTION YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“Following correspondence to this council from the HSE`s Acting Head of Service Mental Health CH CDLMS, on the 4th May 2023, relative to newly commissioned Early Intervention Youth Mental Health project comprised of:

  • 1 wte Senior Psychologist
  • 1 wte Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • 1 wte Youth Support Worker
  • 1 wte Grade IV Admin Support (0.5wte EIYMH)

That this Local Authority wishes the HSE and the Minister to clarify the following:

  • Who will manage this service?
  • When will recruitment begin?
  • Where will the service be based and what model will it operate?
  • When will this service begin taking referrals?”

Councillor Healy, in seconding the motion, called on his collegues on the Regional Health Forum to raise this matter at their next meeting.

 

37. IN-PERSON PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN THE SLIGO BOROUGH DISTRICT IN RELATION TO THE SLIGO GREENWAY PROJECT:

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

AND AGREED

“Noting that Sligo County Council, and all the Councils in the West of Ireland have consistently called for the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor as a key piece of infrastructure which will link the economies of three major centres, Sligo, Galway and Limerick; and noting that Arup Consultants have been engaged by the Council to carry out public consultation on  a Greenway project which could have implications in regard to the re-opening of the rail line; and further noting that Arup Consultants have decided to hold two “in-person Public Consultation” events, one in Collooney and one in Tubbercurry;  can the Council have a report outlining why no “in-person Public Consultation” event is being held in the Sligo Borough District.”

A report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting, on the Sligo Greenway project, advised the two locations of Collooney and Tubbercurry were chosen as they are both within the study area currently being identified to examine preliminary route options for the Greenway.  

 

38. DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE INTO THE GARAVOGUE RIVER:

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

AND AGREED

“That a report be provided on the action the Council intends to take with regard to the discharge of sewage into the Garavogue River.”

A report circulated in advance of the meeting informed Members that there are two locations where recent discharges of sewage occurred at surface/storm drainage outfalls at Markievicz bridge and Hyde bridge. The causes of the discharge at Markievicz bridge has been determined and repairs carried out, with further investigation taking place to prevent any possible issues in the future.

Regarding the issue at Hyde bridge, the meeting was advised that the Council have completed a clean-up of the historic spillage at this location and investigations are continuing by both Sligo County Council and Uisce Éireann to determine the source of the sewage and resolve this issue.

 

39. UPDATE TO ROADS SCHEDULE:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council update Roads Schedule April 1st 1967 as it is now 45 years since this schedule was fully reviewed and updated.”

Members were advised that the Council keeps the Road Schedule up to date. The Council is in the process of transferring the Roads Schedule to a GIS (Geographical Information System) based system. This transfer is expected to be completed during 2024. 

It was agreed that this item would be listed on the agenda of the next meeting of the SPC 2 Environment & Infrastructure group for discussion.

 

40. UPGRADE OF CYCLING LANES AND FOOTPATH FACILITIES ALONG MARDYKE ON R291 BETWEEN CARTRON AND SCOTSMANS WALK:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provide upgraded Cycling lanes and Footpath facilities along the Mardyke on the R291 between Cartron and Scotsmans Walk.”

A report circulated to members advised that while this structure is wide enough to accommodate a relatively narrow two-lane roadway and a footpath on one side, upgrading of the footpath facilities and the provision of cycling facilities while maintaining the existing two-way traffic would likely require the widening of this structure, and would be a major undertaking which may not be feasible. The report concluded that the Mardyke is an old masonry structure which is exposed to the sea and requires constant maintenance. It is also subject to overtopping at high tides and during strong onshore storms.

Councillors Gilroy and Gibbons stated that, based on the report circulated, other options for the widening of the road at this location need to be considered in the interest of safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

 

41. SCHOOL TRANSPORT SYSTEM:

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

AND AGREED

“Call on Dept. of Education to ensure that every student can be facilitated under the school transport system this September.”

 

42. UPDATE ON COUNCIL PLANS TO PURCHASE SITES / BUILDINGS TO INCREASE HOUSING STOCK:

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

AND AGREED

“Ask the Director for Housing to give update regarding the Council plans to purchase sites or buildings to increase housing stock over the next few years.”

Members were informed in a report circulated in advance of the meeting that the Council will continue to monitor the property market to avail of any opportunities to increase its land bank.

The report detailed the criteria critical to the selection of a site for consideration, including location, alignment to the Council’s Housing Assessment of Need in the first instance, availability of utilities, public transport community services etc. Some sites may present challenges in terms of topography, proximity to Special Areas of Conservation or a National Monument that carry additional development risk that need to be considered.

In terms of funding, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) has tasked the Housing Agency to administer the new Housing for All Land Acquisition Fund (LAF) which was launched in March 2023 under Circular 15/2023.

The Council will be availing of the opportunities for funding under the LAF as and when opportunities arise.

In response to a query from Councillor Queenan, Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, informed the meeting that the Council is currently in the process of finalising the purchase of a plot of land in Enniscrone. Once the purchase of the land is complete, development plans will be drawn up which are expected to yield in the region of 20-30 social houses for the area.

 

43. RESTORATION OF RATES OF EXCISE DUTY ON PETROL, DIESEL AND MARKED GAS:

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Finance asking him to urge the Government to pause imposing the phased restoration of the rates of excise duty on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil due to take place in three stages over the coming months.”

Councillors Gilroy and Mullaney informed the meeting that they did not wish to be associated with this motion. The Cathaoirleach clarified that the motion be agreed subject to the views of the two dissenting members. This was agreed by the meeting.

 

44. CLARIFICATION ON PROPOSED NATURE RESTORATION LAW:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask this Council to write to the Minister for the Environment and Agriculture seeking clarification on the proposed nature restoration law; its implications for land value; food production also what level of compensation will be provided.”

 

45. ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMME 2023:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide an update on this years Active Travel Programme 2023 and provide a report on same.”

A report circulated to members in advance of the meeting detailed the 2023 Active Travel Programme together with details of funding streams and the current status of projects.

Members paid tribute to staff on the Active Travel Team for all their hard work. The members expressed their concerns over some areas in the county that were not eligible for works and requested that the Executive explore other potential funding streams.

In response to a query, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that the Draft Sligo and Environs Transport Plan will be with the Council by the end of June 2023 and the results of the transportation study will be incorporated into the County Development Plan.

The Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, advised that following the issuing of the draft County Development Plan to the Members, the Plan is then placed on public consultation. During this period Members and the general public are invited to make submissions.

 

11. CREATIVE IRELAND OPEN CALL PROGRAMME FOR 2023

&

46. PORTAL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR C&V SECTOR

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to provide an update relative to the provision of a portal for grant applications for the community and voluntary sector.”

In a report circulated to members in advance of the meeting, Head of Finance, Ms. Whelan, advised that Sligo County Council’s Digital Transformation Team have acquired a new cloud-based platform for developing online services called Granicus Firmstep. The team are currently undergoing training on the system.

It is planned to have online submissions for Community and Voluntary grant applications available in quarter 1 2024.

Following a discussion, Ms. Whelan clarified that the report circulated to Members focuses on cyber security, and ways to protect systems in the organisation from cyber-attacks. Unfortunately, some emails are not secure and did not get through the Council’s firewall systems for that reason. The new portal that is being worked on will be available for next year’s applications.

Director of Services, Ms. Clarke further clarified that it is the responsibility of the person sending the email to ensure that the email gets through to the recipient and the Council cannot take responsibility for non receipt of applications and emails not passing through the firewalls.  

 

47. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Votes of sympathy were recorded.

 

48. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Mr. Joe Corcoran on his retirement as Director of Sligo Airport, for his outstanding service to Sligo Airport for over forty years and his commitment to the airport over many decades to keep our critical infrastructure and Search & Rescue base operational without much support from the Irish Aviation Authority and Department of Transport.

Members thanked Joe for his contribution to Sligo and his promotion of Sligo as a tourist destination over the years and wished him and his family good health and happiness in the years ahead.

Best wishes were also extended to Mr. Noel Jennings on his appointment as the new Manager of Sligo Airport.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Coolaney United U12 Girls football team on bringing home silverware, for the first time ever, following their recent victory over Carrick on Shannon.”  

 

Proposed by Councillors. Marie Casserly and G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Dean Clancy who has been recently been chosen to represent Ireland at the 2023 European Games. This is a great achievement for Sligo town and county.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to James Wall, Farnaharpy, Skreen, Co Sligo on his medal winning success at the Sligo County Fleadh 2023 in Easkey.”

 

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Western Plant Nursery, Skreen, Co Sligo on winning a gold medal at ‘Bord Bia Bloom’.”

 

49. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

50. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

The Members noted the items under this heading.

 

51. CORRESPONDENCE:

The Members agreed to note the items of correspondence received.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Clarke noted the following items of correspondence that were given to him prior to today’s meeting:

  • Letter from the ETB re Colaiste Iascaigh sent to Bree, Gibbons, Queenan
  • Acknowledgement card from the Sligo Rovers F. C. following a Civic Reception hosted in County Hall on 12 May 2023 for the 1998 Sligo Rovers League Cup winning team.

 

52. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

No matter was raised under this heading.

 

53. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor Martin Baker announced that he will not be contesting the upcoming Local Elections in 2024. Councillor Baker expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all his colleagues, both past and present, for their support during his years of service to Sligo County Council.

The Members paid tribute to Councillor Baker for his many years of service to Sligo County Council and to his local community of Riverstown and the South Sligo area. Councillor Baker will be remembered as a hard working, caring and genuine person and an excellent public representative who has served the people of this county with distinction at all times.

Councillor Baker is, the Members added, a thorough gentleman and a man of honour and they thanked him for his guidance and support to them during his time in office.

The Cathaoirleach Councillor Clarke wished Councillor Baker a long and happy retirement with his wife Josephine and family.

Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, on behalf of the Executive and staff of the Council, stated that Councillor Baker has been an excellent public representative and his common sense approach, reasonableness and confidentiality in dealing with staff and public alike will be greatly missed by all.

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 2.05 p.m.


Meeting Date 12/06/2023