Minutes 2026
Minutes of March Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 2nd March, 2026 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
Bree, Brennan, Casserly, Clarke, Gallagher, Gilroy, Higgins, T. MacSharry, E McSharry, Mullaney, Mulvey, Nealon, O’Boyle, Queenan, Taylor and Walsh
COUNCILLORS APOLOGIES:
Healy, Gibbons
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr. Martin Lydon, Chief Executive
Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance
Mr. Jim Molloy, Director of Services
Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Services
Mr. Brían Flynn, Director of Services
Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Liam Kiely, Head of Enterprise
Ms. Patricia Keane, Senior Executive Librarian
Ms. Aisling Quinn, Festivals and Events Coordinator
Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
Ms. Sinéad Doherty, Asst. Staff Officer
Ms. Laura Durkin, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dónal Gilroy, presided and welcomed Ms. Sinéad Barrins and students from ATU Sligo to the Council Chamber.
1. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS / CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councillor Mullaney declared a conflict of interest regarding item 4.19.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2.1 MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 9th February 2026”.
2.2 MINUTES OF AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“To note the Minutes of the Audit Committee Meeting held on 9th September2025”.
3. HEADED ITEMS
3.1 PRESENTATION ON THE SLIGO LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2025-2029
Mr Donal Tinney, County Librarian, introduced the item, after which Ms Patricia Keane, Senior Executive Librarian, presented the Sligo Library Development Plan 2025–2029, outlining a series of strategic objectives.
1. Connecting with our Communities
Sligo Libraries will work to enhance capacity with our programmes and services to support needs throughout the community.
2. Spaces and Places
Sligo Libraries will work to improve our library buildings through a capital programme and expand services to communities currently without a branch library.
3. Collaboration and Partnership
Sligo Libraries values the contribution of our partners and stakeholders, strives to foster new collaborations and reach new audiences.
4. Diversity and Inclusion
Sligo Libraries actively seeks participation from marginalised communities, and those with varying abilities and needs, striving to offer inclusivity and accessibility to everyone in the community.
5. Culture and Knowledge
Sligo Libraries will promote reading, literacy, cultural heritage and the arts, supporting creativity and life-long learning.
Members widely commended the staff of Sligo Library for their hard work and achievements and wished them continued success.
3.2 ADOPTION OF SLIGO LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2025-2029
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“To adopt the Sligo Library Development Plan 2025-2029”.
3.3 FREEDOM OF THE COUNTY
The Cathaoirleach Councillor Gilroy confirmed that the Freedom of the County will be conferred on Olympic medallist Mona McSharry, with the ceremony scheduled to take place on 14 April 2026.
3.4 REQUEST FOR CIVIC RECEPTION
With the agreement of the members, this request was deferred and will be discussed again at a future date.
3.5 DISPOSAL OF LANDS AT CONNAUGHTON ROAD TO THE HSE
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of lands located at Connaughton Road, Rathquarter, Sligo to the Health Service Executive”.
3.6 LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (LCDC) ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To approve the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Annual Report 2025”.
3.7 FESTIVAL ALLOCATIONS
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“To approve allocations under (1) Category 1 – High Potential Festivals, (2) Category 2 - Developing Festivals, (3) Regional Festivals & Events grant schemes (Open Call) and (4) Festivals & Events Strategy Additional Budget”.
3.8 COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY GRANT SCHEME 2026 ALLOCATIONS
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“To approve allocations under the Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 2026 as recommended by the Festival & Events Oversight Committee”.
3.9 MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2026
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“To note the Monthly Management Report for February 2026”.
4. NOTICES OF MOTION
Deferred:
None
New:
As representatives of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) were present in the public gallery, the Cathaoirleach proposed that Item 4.13 on the agenda be taken first. This was agreed by the members, and the item was considered at this point
4.13 BORD BIA
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“Given That the Chair of Board Bia has lost the confidence of the members of this scheme, as he has brought the organisation into disrepute, with double standards bringing in Brazilian Beef to undermine the price paid to Irish farmers for producing the highest standard food in the world, and given that his company is not complying with Board Bias standards and importing product that is not traceable. This council stands with rural communities and consumers that deserve healthy food security, this council calls on the government to remove the Chair”.
A lengthy discussion followed, during which members expressed broad support for the motion. Councillor Gilroy then proposed a minor amendment to include writing to the Minister for Agriculture. This was seconded by Councillor Clarke and agreed by the members.
4.1 ACCESS TO DENTAL AND ORTHODONTIC CARE
As Councillor Healy was not present in the Chamber, his motion fell in accordance with agreed procedures.
4.2 MOTHER AND BABY HOMES
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That this Council calls on the Government to
- Recognise the serious harm suffered by women and children in Mother and Baby Homes, County Homes and related institutions
- Notes that over 1,090 babies and children died at Sean Ross Abbey, and that many burial locations remain unknown
- Notes that this issue is also relevant locally, including Sligo County Home / St. John’s Hospital and boarded-out child records
- Expresses concern at the continued sealing of State records relating to Mother and Baby Homes and the Ryan Report, denying survivors and families access to the truth
- Investigate and excavate burial sites where children are believed to be buried
- Unseal institutional records and provide survivors and families access to their own information
- Extend redress to all survivors, without exclusion.
and agrees to write to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and An Taoiseach and forward this motion to all TDs and Senators and other Councils”.
4.3 YEAR OF CARE CAMPAIGN
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council notes that a motion supporting the Year of Care campaign was formally adopted earlier last year, recognising maternal wellbeing as a key community health issue and committing the Council to supporting its aims through the Healthy Ireland framework.
This Council expresses concern that no funding has been allocated or reserved in 2025 to progress actions arising from that motion.
Accordingly, this Council calls on the Executive to:
- Identify and allocate appropriate funding, including from Healthy Ireland or Community Wellbeing budgets, to support at least one Year of Care–aligned initiative in County Sligo; and
- Ensure that actions arising from the adopted motion are implemented within the current or early 2026 programme, in line with the Council’s stated policy position”.
In response to the discussions supporting the motion, Director of Services, Brían Flynn, read out the 2025 motion that had been referenced. He highlighted that the motion did not call for Sligo County Council to allocate a budget to support the initiative. In response to a request to provide a costing for a pilot programme, Mr. Flynn stated that Sligo County Council considers this matter to fall under the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.
Further discussion followed, during which Councillor Casserly, as a member of the Regional Health Forum, undertook to place this item on the agenda for its March meeting.
4.4 MY FUTURE FUND
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Department of Social Protection Dara Calleary seeking to allow participants of the recently established ‘My Future Fund’ – the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System that would allow them to lodge additionally to that fund”.
4.5 NOTICES OF MOTION
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council (a) to provide a report to confirm that all notices of motion to write to the government ministers and Taoiseach were actually complied with and if not to give an explanation.
(B) to write to the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD and Michael Lowry TD , to inform them that Sligo County Council are concerned that the government are not providing answers to notices of motion and to take the appropriate action”.
In a report circulated ahead of the meeting, Ms Marie Whelan, Director of Finance stated ‘All notices of motion that instruct the issuing of correspondence to Government Ministers, the Taoiseach, or other relevant officeholders are processed following each monthly meeting by the Corporate Services Department. When correspondence has been sent out and replies are received, copies are included on subsequent Council agendas for members’ information, and the related documents are scanned and uploaded to the Councillors’ Extranet for review. Responses of particular significance are also circulated to members by email between meetings.
In addressing the query raised in part (a) of the motion, the Cathaoirleach stated that he believed the comments implied criticism of Sligo County Council staff and therefore declined to support the motion. Councillor Clarke then stated that the Cathaoirleach should withdraw that remark.
4.6 COUNSELLING NOTES OF RAPE VICTIMS
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That Sligo council supports calls for counselling notes of rape victims to be excluded in the defence of this horrific crime, as they retraumatise victims and are of no consequence in evidenced to the defendant”.
4.7 GP SHORTAGES IN COUNTY SLIGO
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to urgently contact the Minister for Health, the HSE, and relevant national bodies requesting urgent intervention and a clear timeline for action to address GP shortages in County Sligo”.
Councillors expressed broad support for the motion, emphasising that urgent action is needed. required.
As items 4.8 and 4.28 both related to Seaweed Harvesting, the Cathaoirleach, with the agreement of the members, proceeded to take these items at this point in the meeting.
4.8 SEAWEED HARVESTING
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) and The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to reject any attempt by large international applicants from receiving licences to harvest large swathes of Wrack from the west coast of Ireland.
This council does not agree to handing over the rights to a large corporation which would leave communities and local authorities with no input into how their coastline and environment was being treated. Seaweed forests are crucial for protecting communities and homes from coastal erosion providing the bedrock of food chains, being a nursery for fish populations, while being a rich part of the biodiversity and heritage along the west coast of Ireland”.
4.28 SEAWEED HARVESTING
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council formally opposes large scale mechanical harvesting of seaweed forests along the west coast due to the potential risks to marine biodiversity, coastal ecosystems and local livelihoods, and calls on the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to suspend any such licensing pending a full independent environmental impact assessment and the application of the precautionary principle”.
Several councillors spoke in favour of the motion and voiced their support.
4.9 EIRCODES
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to write to An Post, the company who deal with Eircode's asking for an explanation as there are location and address issue with Eircode due to the coordinates of the Eircode for some houses needing to be adjusted. This is causing some delivery companies to get lost finding trying to find the exact locations”.
4.10 YEAR-ROUND OPENING OF SLIGO ABBEY
The meeting was advised that this motion had been discussed by the Corporate Policy Group at its meeting earlier this morning, where it was recommended that the motion be referred to the Borough District of Sligo for discussion. This recommendation was agreed by the members.
4.11 STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“As the ongoing Student accommodation crisis is the single biggest barrier to completing education, this motion calls on this Council to write to Minister for Housing James Browne to request that amendments are made to The Residential Tenancies Board Amendment Bill to include rent caps that are aligned to the academic year for purpose-built student accommodation and the regulation of private student accommodation to protect student renters rights”.
Cllr Higgins acknowledged the work being carried out by the Chief Executive and his team to advance the delivery of student accommodation in Sligo.
4.12 COILLTE PLANTING STRATEGY 2026 FOR SLIGO
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Coillte provide an update to Sligo County Council on their current planting strategy for Sligo in 2026, to include a review of the planting activities in 2025.
This report should provide the following information:
- Number of trees cut and planted in Sligo in 2025, by volume, acreage, location and type (including native Irish trees).
- Confirmation of how many trees were cut down/planted in 2025 in Hazelwood and what % of the overall forest does this represent.
- Update on Biodiversity works at Hazelwood.
- Identify any new areas/locations proposed for planting in 2026”.
Councillors voiced broad support for the motion.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12.10 pm
RESUMPTION
The meeting resumed at 12.50 pm
4.14 BORD BIA
As Councillor Healy was not present in the Chamber, his motion fell in accordance with agreed procedures.
4.15 IRELAND’S NEUTRALITY
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Aware that in every opinion poll taken in recent years the overwhelming majority of Irish people value Irish neutrality and favour it being enshrined in our Constitution; Conscious that in this period of increased global political instability with record expenditure on armaments and military spending worldwide, Ireland’s neutrality is more than important than ever; this Council calls on the Government to copper-fasten Irish neutrality by holding a referendum to enshrine it into the Constitution.”
Several Councillors spoke in support of the motion, with some proposing that a referendum on neutrality should be considered.
4.16 PROPERTY OWNED BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a report listing each property including full address (excluding local authority housing) in the ownership of the Council; the status of each property; the rent collected per annum on each property; and the rent per square meter.”
Cllr. Bree thanked the Executive for the report he received in response to his motion.
4.17 QUEEN MAEVE’S SQUARE
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council if there is a strategy for increasing activity in Queen Maeve Square? Has there been a public/stakeholder consultation to develop a short-term/long-term plan? Eg temp roof covering, purchase/lease of a marquee, monthly market, invitation to meet promoters, summer music series, youth fora’s, day activities, celebrate Sligo Day”.
Cllr Walsh acknowledged receipt of the report but expressed the view that further progress is needed. While recognising that some positive actions have taken place, he emphasised the need for increased activity. He requested the development of a strategic plan covering a three‑ to five‑year period and highlighted the importance of establishing a funding mechanism to support the delivery of a town‑centre event.
In response to comments from Cllr Walsh and other councillors, Director of Services, Brían Flynn, stated that it was important to note that, since the opening of Queen Maeve’s Square just under two years ago, 53 unique events had been delivered. These events took place over 150 days and attracted approximately 100,000 attendees. He further outlined the following points:
- Discussions are ongoing with potential funders in relation to the provision of a roof or canopy structure; however, this will take time to deliver.
- It is intended to continue the Service Level Agreement with Sligo BID for the management and operation of the square.
- The lighting projector is operational, though not performing as initially expected, and Sligo County Council is currently working with a company to enhance its performance.
- Engagement has taken place with external promoters; however, it was noted that, before any promoter would consider hosting a large-scale ticketed event in the square, there is a need to further demonstrate local capacity. Efforts to do so are ongoing through the delivery of large-scale events, and continued support from the local business community and stakeholders is essential in this regard.
Cllr Walsh acknowledged the Director’s response and requested the preparation of a plan corresponding with any future extension of the Service Level Agreement with Sligo BID.
4.18 AIRE STYLE/CAMPING FACILITY
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“Following on from the response issued to NOM on the 8th September 2025 in relation to the provision of an aire style/camping facility in Sligo town: can this Local Authority now provide an update into what explorative work has taken place since and outline what plans are being made for such a facility”.
Cllr Walsh, referring to the report provided on the motion, sought a timeline and requested to be informed when a site is identified, along with clarification on the availability of a funding mechanism. Director of Services Brían Flynn stated that timelines would issue in due course, highlighting that substantial work is still required. He further noted that the delivery model, whether by the Local Authority or external parties, will need further consideration.
4.19 DALE FARM/AURIVO MERGER
As Councillor Mullaney had a conflict of interest regarding this item, he left the Chamber at 1.20 pm.
It was then:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“Ask Sligo County Council to write to the CEO of Aurivo co-op to express concern regarding the proposed merger between Dale Farm and Aurivo”.
During the subsequent discussion, Councillor Queenan noted that the Directors had asked him not to comment on the motion. He stated, however, that he felt it appropriate to bring the matter to members’ attention. Several members pointed out that the motion concerned commercial activity and was therefore an issue for the shareholders rather than Sligo County Council.
When the discussion concluded, Councillor Mullaney was invited to return to the Chamber at 1.25 p.m.
4.20 CHANGES TO AIR BNB REGULATIONS
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“Ask the Director for Planning to outline the proposed changes to Airbnb regulations and the effect they will have for tourism in County Sligo”.
In response to this motion Director of Services, Emer Concannon, issued a report confirming the Government approved the General Scheme for the Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. Once enacted, the Bill will provide a statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short-Term Lettings (STLs) in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland. Ms Concannon also stated ‘In advance of the commencement of this new legislation, the Government have committed to issuing new planning guidance on the considerations to be applied in assessing planning applications for short term lets. Until such time as the new legislation and guidelines are published, it is not possible to give an opinion on what the likely effect on tourism will be. However, it is acknowledged that the new provisions will need to strike an appropriate balance between increasing housing supply in urban locations and reducing available tourist accommodation in more rural settings’.
4.21 LAND REZONING
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Gilroy
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council notes the recent national media commentary and public statements by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage calling for increased urgency by local authorities in the rezoning of land for housing and referencing the possible use of ministerial powers where councils are perceived to be delaying. In light of commentary suggesting that some local authorities are “dragging their heels”, this Council requests a report to this meeting outlining the specific steps taken to date by Sligo County Council in relation to land rezoning and housing delivery”.
Ahead of the meeting, Director of Services Emer Concannon provided a detailed report setting out a clear timeline of Sligo County Council’s actions in response to the Government’s request to prioritise updates to county development plans in line with the revised National Planning Framework (NPF) housing requirements.
Councillors welcomed the report, noting that it clearly demonstrated the Council had responded in a timely and appropriate manner.
4.22 ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERIES
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That this Council expresses serious concern at the repeated cancellations of elective orthopaedic surgeries at Sligo University Hospital over the past year due to ongoing infrastructure failures such as leaks and bed capacity issues. That the council write all local TDs and Ministers to raise this matter urgently with the Minister for Health, and that the Council also write to the Minister, demanding immediate investment in orthopaedic theatre infrastructure, protection of elective orthopaedic beds, clear timelines for a new fit-for-purpose facility, to ensure uninterrupted services for patients in the North West”.
A number of Councillors spoke in support of the motion.
4.23 ILLEGAL DUMPING AT CLOTHING BANKS
As Councillor Gibbons was not present in the Chamber, his motion fell in accordance with agreed procedures
4.24 CAREGIVING HOUSING NEEDS.
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council consider what measures if any can be put in place within the county development plan to facilitate the genuine family caregiving housing needs of relatives or carers outside the nuclear family, and can the authority facilitate the building of a dwelling adjacent to or near a relative who is suffering from Cognitive or mental health needs.
Accepting that members would advocate for flexibility where documented medical or mental health circumstances exist and would encourage consideration of functional care beyond immediate nuclear family definitions”.
Cllr Gilroy noted that the report he received in response to his motion clarifies the current policy and confirmed that it provides for exceptional circumstances.
4.25 PUBLICATION OF SUBMISSIONS DURING PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council inform the members as to what the policy is regarding publication of Submissions made during periods of Public Consultation.
Why are some submissions published on the website and others are not published.
As members we need to be able to see what submissions are coming in and are not kept in the dark. The public are also entitled to know what submissions are made by others which may be at variance with how they think the project should proceed or otherwise. The public then believe that their submission was neither read nor considered and they decide not to take part in future consultations.
After some consultations Members are given a summary of the submissions without receiving the full text of the submission. Decisions should be made based on the submission and not based on a summary”.
In her report, Director of Services Emer Concannon outlined the distinction between statutory and non‑statutory public consultations. Statutory consultations are governed by legislation and must follow specific procedures, including the legal requirement to make all submissions available for public viewing. Non‑statutory consultations, by contrast, are not legally required to publish submissions received. However, all issues raised are examined and addressed in post‑consultation reports, which are made publicly available on Sligo County Council’s online consultation portal.
An exchange then followed between Cllr Clarke and Cllr Gilroy. Cllr Clarke questioned whether the item should have been included on the agenda. After further discussion, Cllr Gilroy stated that he would refer the matter to the Procedures Committee and request that, in future, public submissions relating to non‑statutory public consultations be published, so that the public is aware that elected members were not responsible for the decision.
Ms Concannon again emphasised that all submissions pertaining to reserved functions are published. She also stated that there are different levels of consultation when it comes to non-statutory and that publishing submissions in the very early consultation stages may limit public engagement.
The Chief Executive, Mr Martin Lydon, expressed regret about how the discussion had unfolded and emphasised that Sligo County Council conducts its work in a fully open and transparent manner. He noted that the Council already demonstrates good practice in its approach to non‑statutory consultations and confirmed that, in future, he is happy to publish such submissions, adding that there would be no difficulty in doing so. He also stated that any published material would clearly indicate whether it relates to reserved or executive functions.
Mr Lydon stressed that the absence of published submissions in non‑statutory consultations does not imply that the views received were not considered or addressed as part of the process. He reiterated that the Executive carries out its responsibilities in a clear and transparent way.
Cllr Casserly then proposed that the wording of the following line in the motion “As members we need to be able to see what submissions are coming in and are not kept in the dark” be amended to remove the wording “and are not kept in the dark”. This proposal was seconded by Cllr Gilroy and agreed.
4.26 DOG LICENCE TO INCLUDE ANIMALS MICROCHIP NUMBER
As Councillor Gibbons was not present in the Chamber, his motion fell in accordance with agreed procedures.
4.27 OUTDOOR WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES ROSSES POINT/BOARDWALK TO ACCESS SECOND BEACH AT ROSSES POINT/FACILITIES AT DEADMAN’SPOINT
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a progress report in respect of: (1) the planned new outdoor water-based activities facility to be constructed in Rosses Point, including details relating to the operation of the facility and when construction work is expected to commence on the facility, (2) the provision of a boardwalk to allow 24 hour safe access to the second beach at Rosses Point. (3) the improvement of facilities at the Deadman’s Point swimming pool including the construction of a shelter for swimmers.”
Outdoor water-based activities facility at Rosses Point
The report stated that funding was secured in 2021 from Fáilte Ireland and, following the completion of design and planning approval stages, a tender for the construction of the facility was published on 24 October 2025. However, the tender prices received were significantly above the available budget. As a result, the project is to be retendered in Q2 2026, with construction now expected to commence in September 2026.
Cllr Bree noted and welcomed the positive development that works are scheduled to commence in September 2026.
Boardwalk to access second beach at Rosses Point
The report stated that work on the provision of a boardwalk to the second beach at Rosses Point was suspended following the installation of rock armour at the second beach. It is planned to reopen discussions with the golf club mid quarter two of this year, with a view to agreeing in principle, a corridor suitable for a boardwalk.
In response, Cllr Bree expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress on the project, highlighting that the works undertaken by the Golf Club were unauthorised and carried out without planning permission. He stated that it was unacceptable for the project to remain on hold any longer and requested that a progress report be provided for the June Council meeting.
Facilities at Deadman’s Point
The report clarified that the proposed shelter has been the subject of a redesign process due to the complex nature of the project from an environmental perspective. It is envisaged that, subject to a positive outcome to the environmental assessment, the project will proceed in Q3 2026.
Cllr Bree thanked the Directors of Services for progressing the project.
Councillor Queenan asked why this motion had been permitted on the plenary agenda, as it appeared to concern a local matter. In response, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gilroy, explained that members are entitled to raise issues outside their own Municipal District. This is in line with the procedures previously agreed by the members. He added that the matter could be referred back to the Procedures Committee for review at a later stage.
4.29 SUNSMART INITIATIVE
As Councillor Gibbons was not present in the Chamber, his motion fell in accordance with agreed procedures.
5. VOTES OF SYMPATHY
Votes of sympathy were recorded.
6. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
DECLAN KILGANNON ‘KIWI GIRL’ MULLAGHMORE
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended on winning the prestigious Outsider Award for Irelands Best Outdoor Experience, a major national recognition celebrating the best of outdoor adventure and nature based tourism in Ireland”.
PADDY MEEHAN & SÉAN BRENNAN – BENBULBEN FC
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Benbulben FC Junior Team and Coaches on winning the Frank Kennedy Division 1 title”.
7. APPROVAL OF TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To approve the Conferences/Training events as circulated.”
and
“To note the summary of proceedings of conferences attended in accordance with Section 142(5)(f) of the Local Government Act, 2001.”
8. CORRESPONDENCE
The Members agreed to note the correspondence received. The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gilroy, referred to two additional items of correspondence he had personally received. However, as one was unsigned and the other appeared to have been submitted under a fictitious name, he stated that he would not be addressing them further.
9. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
No item was raised under this heading.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
No item was raised under this heading.
END OF MEETING:
The business of the Meeting concluded at 2.45pm.
Meeting Date 02/03/2026