Minutes 2023
Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00am on Monday 2nd October 2023 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
Baker, Bree, Casserly, Clarke, Connolly, Gibbons, Gilroy, Healy, Maguire, Mullaney, Mulvey, O’Boyle, O’Grady, Queenan, Taylor and 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
- Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
- Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
- Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
- Pauline Lavelle, Staff Officer
- Francis Conboy, IS Technical Support Officer.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerard Mullaney, presided.
APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from Councillors Fox and MacSharry.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Cathaoirleach welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE PROCEDURES COMMITTEE HELD ON 2ND MARCH 2022:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Meeting of the Procedures Committee held on 2nd March 2022.”
2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE SLIGO HARBOUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD ON 9TH MARCH 2022:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of Meeting of the Sligo Harbour Advisory Committee held on 9th March 2022.”
3. MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE CORPORATE POLICY GROUP HELD ON 3RD JULY 2023:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of Meeting of the Corporate Policy Group held on 3rd July 2023.”
4. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO-DRUMCLIFF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 17TH JULY 2023:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District held on 17th July 2023.”
5. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SLIGO BOROUGH DISTRICT HELD ON 17TH JULY 2023:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting Sligo Borough District held on 17th July 2023.”
6. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BALLYMOTE - TUBBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD ON 24TH JULY 2023:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Meeting of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District held on 24th July 2023.”
7. MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ON 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 4th September 2023.”
8. TEMPORARY OVERDRAFT – 1ST JANUARY 2024 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2024:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To seek approval to borrowing a sum not exceeding €15m by way of temporary overdraft for the 12 months from 1st Jan 2024 to 31st Dec 2024.”
9. SET DATES FOR 2024 BUDGET MEETINGS:
“To set dates for holding a) Municipal District Meetings to consider the draft Budgetary Plan and b) Sligo County Council 2024 Budget Meeting.”
It was agreed to set dates for the SCC Budget meetings as follows:
- Sligo Borough District - Tuesday 31st October at 10.00 a.m.
- Sligo-Drumcliff MD - Tuesday 31st October at 11.30 a.m.
- Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD - Wednesday 1st November at 9.30 a.m.
- SCC Budget meeting - Monday 27th November 2023 at 10.00 a.m.
10. SCHEDULING OF MEETINGS / REVISION OF MD STANDING ORDERS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady
AND AGREED
“Scheduling of Meetings/Revision of MD Standing Orders.”
Councillor Bree proposed a minor amendment to the MD Standing Orders, to note that the Sligo Borough District meetings would commence at 10am and not 9.30am as contained in the report. This was agreed by the Members.
11. LEASE OF PROPERTY – EASKY COURTHOUSE:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the lease of property namely Easky Courthouse to MSLETB _ Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim Education & Training Board.”
12. LEASE OF LANDS AT CLEVERAGH, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To approve in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the lease of lands at Cleveragh to Sligo L.E.T.S Community Group.”
13. CAS LOAN – 12 UNITS OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATION AT KAZELAIN HOUSE, 3 LYONS TERRACE, FINISKLIN ROAD, SLIGO TO H.A.I.L.:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To approve in the form of Capital Assistance Scheme Loan in the sum of €3,430,304 the Stage 1 Budget approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, on 01/09/2023 for the provision of 12 units of housing accommodation at Kazelain House, 3 Lyons Terrace, Finisklin Road, Sligo.”
14. CIVIC RECEPTION FOR MONA MCSHARRY:
“To consider holding a Civic Reception for Mona McSharry.”
A discussion ensued on this item. It was suggested that Ms. McSharry may be unable to attend such an event given her busy training schedule. It was then queried by Councillor O’Boyle as to why Dean Clancy was not afforded a civic reception. The meeting was informed that the matter had been discussed at a recent Corporate Policy Group (CPG) meeting.
Following further discussion, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, informed the meeting that the current wording for the criteria for civic receptions would again be shared with the Elected Members and advised that the Members may wish to review same.
15. QUARTERLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR Q3 2023:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To note the Quarterly Management Report for Q3 2023.”
16. 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 November Ordinary meeting.
17. EXTENSION OF 9% VAT RATE FOR THE FOOD RELATED HOSPITALITY SECTOR UNIL THE END OF 2024:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach and at the request of Councillor MacSharry who is absent from today’s meeting, this item was removed from the agenda.
21. DRAFT BYE-LAWS TO CONTROL USE OF JET SKI’S AND POWER BOATS ON LOUGH GILL AND GARAVOGUE RIVER:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That the Council prepares draft Bye-Laws to control the use of jet ski’s and fast power boats on Lough Gill and the Garavogue River.”
A report informed Members that the making of Bye-Laws to regulate/control the operation of craft or specified classes of craft in a Local Authority’s functional area is a reserved function of the Council. If the Municipal District / Council wish the matter to be furthered considered for specified waterways, a proposal setting out the correct procedures to be followed could be prepared for the MD / Council’s consideration. It is perhaps a matter which the Corporate Policy Group could also consider if such a proposal affected a number of Municipal Districts.
Councillor Bree requested that Bye-Laws be prepared by the Council and that there would be a period of public consultation as part of the process.
Councillor Gilroy requested that enforcement measures be included as part of the Bye-Laws as this Council does not have the resources to enforce such Bye-Laws.
22. REVIEW OF BUS SERVICES BY BUS ÉIREANN AND LOCAL LINK:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Bus Éireann and Local Link to carry out a review of the bus services travelling from all the main villages to Sligo Town as the use of these services has increased in all the towns and villages.”
The Members wished to acknowledge the great work carried out by Bus Éireann and Local link in the provision of local bus services, adding that a review is necessary due to the increased number of people using the services, including students who are unable to source accommodation in Sligo town as part of the ongoing housing crisis.
Following a discussion on this motion, and the lack of government funding available to allow local bus services to operate efficiently, an amendment to the above motion was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to Bus Éireann and Local Link to carry out a review of the bus services travelling from all the main villages to Sligo Town as the use of these services has increased in all the towns and villages, and to call for Government funding for these services.”
25. ROLLOUT OF HOT SCHOOLS MEALS SCHEME TO ALL PRIMARY AND POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the government to roll out the hot school meals scheme to all primary and Post primary schools within the state.”
29. TACKLE CLASSROOM OVERCROWDING:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To call on this government to tackle classroom overcrowding.”
30. INTRODUCTION OF ANTI-CRIME POLICIES:
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To call on this government to introduce robust anti - crime policy for communities affected by lawlessness and anti-social behaviour.”
31. EXTENSION OF OF VISITOR SEASON TO SLIGO ABBEY:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“Recognising that Sligo Abbey is a significant National Monument which attracts large numbers of visitors; and noting that the Office of Public Works only opens the Abbey to visitors from the 17th of March to the 15th of November; this Council requests the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and the Gaeltacht, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan T.D. to take the necessary action to extend the visitor season.”
32. PROGRESS REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PURPOSE BUILT COUNTY MUSEUM:
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That the Council be provided with a progress report on the proposals to develop a new purpose built County Museum.”
A report to the Members advised that a new County Museum has been included as part of “City Campus – Sligo’s Cultural and Learning Hub” Project, with department approval given to progress two key elements of the project, namely acquisition of essential lands and development of a Masterplan for the project. Tender documents for the Masterplan will issue in Q1 2024 with work continuing to ensure all lands are acquired and registered.
33. MEETING WITH MINISTER REGARDING THE HOUSING CRISIS IN COUNTY SLIGO:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor O’Boyle, was deferred until the November Ordinary meeting.
34. BAN ON DATA CENTRES IN CO SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council puts in place a ban for any data centres in Co Sligo.”
A report circulated advised Members that it is possible that the introduction of a ban on data centres could be considered to be unlawful because it is inconsistent with the provisions of the National Planning Framework which seeks to promote Ireland as ‘as a sustainable international destination for ICT infrastructures such as data centres and associated economic activities’.
It was also noted in the report that South Dublin County Council is the subject of judicial review proceedings following the inclusion of a ban on Data Centres in their County Development Plan.
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon advised the Members that whilst the motion can be carried, Members should proceed with caution in relation to placing of bans in the County Development Plan.
Councillors Clarke, Gilroy and O’Grady wished to be recorded as abstaining from this notice of motion.
35. DEVELOPMENT / ENHANCEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS NATIONAL FRAMEWORK:
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council calls on the government to develop and enhance the endometriosis national framework so that it can address research, awareness and medical needs.”
36. UPDATE ON FUTURE PLANS FOR REALIGNMENT OF N16:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Fox, was deferred until the November Ordinary meeting.
37. EXEMPTION FOR FIRST TIME HOMEOWNERS FROM PROPERTY TAX:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That the Government be requested to exempt first time homeowners from property tax for the first five years after purchase.”
Councillor Healy wished to be recorded as abstaining from this notice of motion as he believes that the Local Property Tax should be abolished.
38. UPDATE ON PURCHASE OF SITE TO BUILD A SCHOOL FOR GAELSCOILE CHNOC NA RE:
Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“In 2020 Sligo County Council identified and arranged the purchase of a site to build a School for Gaelscoile Chnoc na Re. What progress has been made since then to deliver the much needed School.”
In a report circulated, Members were advised that earlier this year a design team was appointed by the Department of Education to advance the design of a new school building. A number of meetings have taken place with Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré with the aim being for a stage 1 design proposal to be submitted to the department before year end.
39. INCREASE IN HOUSING GRANT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To request the Minister for Housing to Increase the housing grant for persons with disabilities in circumstances where the maximum grant isn’t sufficient to allow for them return to their own home.”
Following discussion on the matter, the following amendment was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To write and request the Minister for Housing to Increase the housing grant for persons with disabilities in circumstances where the maximum grant isn’t sufficient to allow for them return to their own home.”
40. PROVISION OF A CALL DOC SERVICE ON WEEKENDS IN EAST OF COUNTY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To call on HSE to provide a Call Doc service on weekends in the East of the County.”
Following a brief discussion, an amendment to the above motion was placed before the Members and it was:
Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To call on HSE to provide a Call Doc service on weekends in the County.”
42. REPORT AND UP TO DATE SCHEDULE AND MAP OF ALL LANDS AND BUILDINGS IN COUNCIL OWNERSHIP:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide members with an up-to-date schedule and Digital Map of all Lands and Buildings (Excluding Social Tenanted homes) in the Council Ownership in each Municipal District, their current use and if vacant, the state of repair and their proposed use. Can the Chief Executive also please confirm if there are any properties owned by Sligo County Council for which Land Registry has not been completed and if so, which property is the longest in Council Ownership unregistered and why.”
A report was circulated in advance of the meeting, with attached schedules listing the Council’s current land and property assets, which is continually under review to ensure compliance and accuracy.
The Council’s Land Asset Management (LAM) team are developing a detailed database of Sligo County Council assets and the various status of each which will include usage and state of repair data. This is an ongoing process and the requested information is not currently available for issue. Members were also advised that the LAM team are presently involved in an ongoing series of First Registrations of legacy assets throughout the county, including Cleveragh Demesne and Sligo Harbour lands which date back many decades.
Following a discussion, Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, advised that in six months time, an updated progress report will issue to each of the Municipal District areas.
43. PROVISION OF ‘DO NOT FOLLOW SAT NAV’ ROAD SIGNAGE ON SOME ROADS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide “Do not follow Sat Nav” road signage similar to what is now provided by Clare County Council to mark out roads that are not suitable for through traffic, or where Sat Nav systems may be directing unsuitable vehicles and unfamiliar drivers along local roads not suitable for their needs.”
Acting Director of Services, Ms. Concannon, advised in a report that if there are any specific roads where communities consider there is a need for Advisory “Do not follow Sat Nav” signage to be erected, they should be brought to the attention of the Municipal District Manager Engineer for consideration.
44. UPDATE ON GOVERNMENT AFFORDABLE AND SOCIAL HOUSING DELIVERED WITHIN THE COUNTY:
Proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council for an update report on the Government affordable and social housing delivered within the County.”
Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, in a report previously circulated, set out the Council’s targets for 2023 as part of the Social Housing Targets 2022-2026 are set out in the Sligo County Council Housing Delivery Action Plan. Sligo is not currently part of the Affordable Housing programme, but have produced a report for the Department Housing Local Government and Heritage which demonstrates there are pockets of the county which would qualify for the scheme.
In response to a query from Councillor Healy, Mr. Molloy advised that demand for Affordable housing is in the Borough MD and will be delivered on Council owned lands. The Borough area is the only part of the county that qualifies for Affordable housing based on the criteria.
45. REFORM OF GOVERNMENT REGRESSIVE RETROFITTING PROGRAMME:
With the consent of the Cathaoirleach, this item, as listed by Councillor Healy, was deferred until the November Ordinary meeting.
46. REPORT ON AMOUNTS PAID TO INTERVIEW PANELS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council provide a report on what amount has been paid to external (Non Sligo County Council Current Staff) interview panel members on each of the last four years. Please also list how much of these payments has been paid to former County Council Staff (Sligo and Others) and companies owned or controlled by Former Council Staff. Can the report also include how much has been spent each year on staff induction for staff who have spent less than one year in the position they were inducted into.”
A report circulated informed the Members that the Council only use existing or retired Local Authority staff for interview boards. Where Sligo County Council use existing Local Authority staff, they do not receive any payment for participating on interview panels. The report detailed amounts paid to retired Local Authority staff for participating on interview boards for 2019 to 2022. In conclusion, Members were advised that Sligo County Council does not provide a formal staff induction programme, but does deliver “on-the job training” for new recruits.
During a discussion on the matter, Director of Services, Mr. Molloy, clarified that external staff are largely used to sit on interview boards as the Council does not have the resources to utilise internal staff members for this purpose.
Councillors Connolly, Walsh, Mulvey and Maguire joined the meeting at this point.
20. UPDATE ON RELOCATION OF SPEED LIMIT SIGNS IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to give an update on the process of relocating speed limit signs entering and exiting our towns and villages as some signs have never been moved despite residential developments and considering the recent announcement that a speed limit review is taking place and will be brought to the government in the coming weeks, according to Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers.”
Members were advised in a report that the Sligo County Council Speed Limit Bye-Laws would require to be amended in order to relocate speed limit signs. Speed Limit Bye-Laws must comply with the 2015 Department of Transport Document ‘Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’. It is expected that these guidelines will be updated and reissued in the near future. Any change in the Speed Limit Bye-Laws in advance of the revised guidelines would be premature.
24. EXTENSION OF FREE SCHOOL BOOKS SCHEME TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council fully supports the call on government to extend the free school books scheme to secondary schools in next month's Budget. Every summer, struggling parents have to foot back-to-school costs, including uniforms, transportation, and school books.”
27. UPDATE FROM HSE ON DE-CONGREGATION STRATEGY WITHIN THE DISABILITY SECTOR:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To ask the HSE for an update on their de-congregation strategy within the disability sector and ask if an interim review of the policy change has taken place?
That this Local Authority write to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman, and Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte seeking an update relative to same.”
28. UPDATE ON 1. SLIGO CITY CENTRE PUBLIC REALM ACTION PLAN, AND 2. CITY CAMPUS – SLIGO’S CULTURAL AND LEARNING HUB:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask the Local Authority to provide an update on 1. Sligo City Centre Public Realm Action Plan (€19.16 million) and, 2. City Campus - Sligo's Cultural and Learning Hub (€28.68 million).”
A report circulated in advance of the meeting provided an update on both projects, detailing progress to date and ongoing plans for both projects.
In response to Councillor Walsh, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that the Council is obliged to consult with all stakeholders, including the Members, residents, business holders, etc. The Members will be briefed on the projects as they progress.
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, stated that the total expenditure on these projects will be in excess of €60m and this is quite strategic for the county. Mr. Lydon informed the meeting that the Council must adhere to the Public Spending Code in relation to the projects. It is hoped that the Public Realm Project will be under way in 2024. In relation to the City Campus Project, consultation will take place with all stakeholders, including Elected Members.
41. FUNDING FOR FLAGSHIP WEEKEND EVENT IN SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to consider making provision of funding in Budget 24 for one annual flag ship weekend event in Sligo which would incorporate a ‘Sligo Day’ and the use of our new facilities, ‘Queen Maeve Square’ and the new ‘Outdoor Performance Space at Cleveragh.”
A report advised that in the preparation of the draft Budget 2024 consideration will be given to making provision for funding of the programme of activities of events that the Council may wish to undertake during 2024, which could include an event to celebrate all things Sligo ie. “Sligo Day” which has the potential to be developed and built on as an annual day/weekend of celebration for the future. The use of the new performance facilities at QMS and Cleveragh will be encouraged where possible.
Councillor Casserly joined the meeting at this point.
18. EXTENSION OF THE DAY CARE CENTRE IN ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL, SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To write to the HSE to ask them to extend the day care centre in St. John's Hospital Sligo from a 2 day week to a 5 day week as is requested by users and staff alike.”
19. REPORT ON UPTAKE OF CROÍ CÓNAITHE SCHEME IN COUNTY SLIGO:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To request a report on the uptake of the Croí Cónaithe Scheme in County Sligo and the actions that are currently being undertaken to tackle dereliction in our county.”
In a report circulated in advance of the meeting, Members were updated on Croí Cónaith applications received to date, funding for which is received from DHLGH, and is finite and controlled centrally by the Department.
The Members were also updated on the status of derelict site files under review and the number of properties on the Derelict Sites Register.
Councillor Casserly queried if more resources could be made available to promote the Croí Cónaithe scheme, and asked how the Council gets information on derelict sites in the county.
In response, Director of Services, Ms. Clarke, advised that, in relation to promotion of the scheme, there is already a significant amount of knowledge in the public domain. The Council is also planning a workshop in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Members will be kept informed.
In relation to information gathering on derelict sites, Ms. Clarke advised that there is a dereliction team in place with a Vacant Homes Officer (VHO) as part of that team, who has carried out a significant number of surveys in the bigger towns in the county. The focus will now turn to the smaller villages. The team is also looking at the use of the CPO system to acquire derelict sites, with funding approved under the URDF Measure 3 to acquire such sites, which will then be passed on to the market for building / refurbishment etc.
Members will be kept informed in relation to the Croí Cónaithe scheme and the MD areas are briefed at each MD meeting on their areas. Ms. Clarke stated that her team would welcome any feedback/information from the Members in relation to derelict sites in their areas.
Ms. Clarke clarified that the Vacant Homes Officer is an approved post, with funding available for only one VHO in each Local Authority.
In response to a query from Councillor Queenan on the €900 vacant homes fee, Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon advised that this money is collected by the Revenue Commissioners on behalf of the Local Authorities, which monies then come back to the Local Authority from central Government.
23. PROVISION OF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUSES ON ALL ROUTES BY BUS ÉIREANN:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To ask that Bus Éireann provide wheelchair accessible buses on every route in the county and the country. To also ask to provide seating for those waiting for buses; To not have the requirement to book a wheelchair accessible bus 48 hours in advance.”
26. MEETING WITH TFI TO DISCUSS OVERCROWDING ON LOCAL LINK AND BUS ÉIREANN BUSES:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly
AND AGREED
“I ask Sligo County Council to request a meeting with TFI to discuss the overcrowding issue on many of the Local Link and Bus Éireann buses the public are encountering. With the lack of accommodation available in Sligo city more and more students and workers are commuting from rural areas to Sligo city centre, ATU and St Angela’s college.”
47. VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Votes of sympathy were recorded.
Councillor Clarke prososed a vote of sympathy to his good friend Michael Walsh on the death of his cousin, Mr. Tom Niland, who succumbed to injuries received on 20th January 2022. Councillor Clarke remembered Tom Niland as a quiet man, a giant of a man, a great neighbour, community and family man, who would not want to be remembered nationally as a victim of a terrible assault, as that is not his legacy. The whole of west Sligo are in mourning, Councillor Clarke added, for a man who was so badly hurt in his own house, a place he should have felt secure. The vote of sympathy was seconded by Councillor Queenan.
Councillor Casserly proposed a vote of sympathy following the death of Mr. Paddy Wallace at the weekend. Mr. Wallace was remembered as a young man with a young family, taken before his time, a man who was so immersed in the community through his work with older people and coaching the local gaelic team. Councillor Casserly wished to pass on the sympathies of the meeting to the Wallace and Moran families on their tragic loss.
Councillor Casserly also proposed a vote of sympathy to the Ryan family on the recent passing of Mr. Robert Ryan, another young local man who has passed away before his time. Councillor Casserly remembered Mr. Ryan as a great community man who was involved in many community and sporting organisations.
Chief Executive, Mr. Lydon, informed the meeting that he wished to bring the following matter to the Members attention. At the September meeting, a vote of sympathy was passed to Mrs. Sheila McDermott on the death of her husband, Dermot. On the 13th September, a letter was sent to Mrs. McDermott which is the normal practice in relation to sending out votes of sympathy. On the 25th September, Mr. Lydon received an email from Mrs. McDermott and in that email she stated as follows: “I ask that my rejection of the vote of sympathy be recorded officially in the Minutes of the next Council meeting”. This request was noted by the meeting. Mr. Lydon stated that he had also brought this matter to the attention of the Corporate Policy Group at their meeting earlier this morning and it was agreed that the vote of sympathy process, and letters, will be reviewed by the Procedures Committee.
48. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:
No votes of congratulations were recorded.
49. CONFERENCES / TRAINING:
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
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.
52. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
No matter was raised under this heading.
53. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
No matter was raised under this heading.
END OF MEETING:
The business of the meeting concluded at 12.10 p.m.
Meeting Date 02/10/2023