Minutes 2026
Minutes of May Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 10.00 am on Monday 11th May, 2026 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
Bree, Brennan, Casserly, Clarke, Gibbons, Gilroy, Healy, Higgins, McSharry, Mulvey, Nealon, O’Boyle, Queenan, Taylor and Walsh
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. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
Ms. Sinéad Flynn, Senior Executive Officer
Ms. Sinéad Branley, Meetings Administrator
Ms. Sinéad Doherty, Asst. Staff Officer
Ms. Laura McGuinn, Clerical Officer
APOLOGIES:
Gallagher, Mullaney
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dónal Gilroy, presided.
1. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS / CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no conflicts of interest.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2.1 MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To confirm Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on 13th April 2026”.
3. HEADED ITEMS
3.1 ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Following the recommendation of the Corporate Policy Group, members approved the scheduling of the Annual General Meeting of Sligo County Council for Thursday, 25 June 2026.
3.2 CO-OPTION OF CASUAL VACANCY
The Cathaoirleach advised the meeting that he had a proposal before him.
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
To co-opt Seamus Kilgannon to fill the vacant seat in the membership of Sligo County Council and Borough District of Sligo caused by the resignation of Tom MacSharry.
Members welcomed and congratulated Seamus Kilgannon on his co‑option to Sligo County Council. They acknowledged the breadth of experience and knowledge he brings to the role and conveyed their best wishes, noting that they look forward to working with him in the period ahead.
Several Members extended their best wishes to Finbar Filan, recognising his ongoing work and noting his recent defeat to Mr. Kilgannon at the Fianna Fáil convention.
The Chief Executive, Martin Lydon, welcomed Councillor Kilgannon back to Sligo County Council and confirmed that the Executive is available to support him in the discharge of his duties.
3.3 SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT HARTE’S COURT (CÚIRT UI AIRT), GRANGE, CO SLIGO
Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
‘To consider the Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation to proceed with the proposed Social Housing Development at Harte’s Court (Cúirt Uí Airt), Grange Townland, Grange, Co. Sligo pursuant to Section 179(3) and 179(4) of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000’.
3.4 TAKING IN CHARGE “RATHOSEY”, COOLANEY, CO SLIGO
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To consider report in relation to commencing the process of taking in charge the estate known as “Rathosey”, Coolaney, Co. Sligo”.
3.5 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED IN RESPECT OF THE DRAFT VARIATION NO.1 OF SLIGO COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2024-2030
At this point in the meeting, the Cathaoirleach informed the Members of a proposed amendment submitted by Councillor Nealon. Councillor Nealon proceeded to outline the amendment for the Members’ consideration. The Cathaoirleach then sought a seconder; however, as none was forthcoming, the amendment was deemed to have fallen. The Cathaoirleach subsequently proceeded to take the original motion. It was then
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To consider the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received in respect of the Draft Variation No. 1 of the Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030”.
In response to the item, Councillor Gibbons sought clarification on whether the development of social housing in Strandhill by the school was still in the pipeline. Director of Services, Emer Concannon confirmed that Sligo County Council are progressing the scheme.
3.6 PART 8 FOR CARRAROE TO CUILBEG ACTIVE TRAVEL SCHEME
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To consider Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation to proceed with the proposed PART 8 for Carraroe To Cuilbeg Active Travel Scheme”.
A number of Councillors expressed their appreciation to the staff, the wider community, and in particular the landowner, for their contribution to the delivery of the scheme. They acknowledged the extensive engagement that had informed the process and the significant benefits the scheme will provide to the broader community.
3.7 EXTENSION OF LEASE OF PROPERTY AT NO. 1A CRANMORE ROAD, SLIGO AND ADJOINING PLOT OF LAND
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the extension of the lease of property at No. 1A Cranmore Road, Sligo and adjoining plot of land to Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd. by way of a further two-year lease extension”.
Councillor Higgins indicated that she would exclude herself from any discussion on this item due to her association with the Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd. The Cathaoirleach advised Councillor Higgins that she was not required to leave the Council Chamber.
3.8 SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To adopt Sligo County Council’s Annual Report 2025”.
Councillor Bree raised a query regarding the Planning Enforcement item contained in the report and requested that the relevant section be updated. The Chief Executive agreed that an addendum would be issued.
3.9 MANAGEMENT REPORT APRIL 2026
The members noted the Monthly Management Report for April 2026.
4. NOTICES OF MOTION
Deferred:
4.1 ASSIGNING FOLLOW UP OF ROAD OPENING LICENCES TO GENERAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council consider assigning the follow up on road opening licences to the General Services Supervisor GSS in each area who would be in the best position to see any infringement or failure to repair roads as required. This refers to service companies such as but not exclusively ESB, Open Eir and NBI and their requirement to restore roads to the standard they were at prior to the granting of “Road opening Licences”.
Councillor Gilroy acknowledged the report circulated ahead of the meeting and accepted that HR responsibilities fall within the remit of the Executive.
New:
4.2 CAP FUNDING TO REMAIN SEPARATE FROM PROPOSED NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP PLANS
Councillor Healy asked that this motion be deferred until the next Council meeting. This was agreed by the members.
4.3 EV MECHANICS TRAINING CENTRE
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“I call on Sligo County Council to write to The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to progress the planned national centre for electric vehicle training centre for EV mechanics of the future in the Midlands which was announced in 2023 but plans for the proposed centre in Mullingar have been paused. Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) showed that 7,319 electric vehicles were registered in January, surpassing the 7,245 petrol cars sold during the month.
If the latest trend continues, electric cars will likely outpace the combined sales of petrol and diesel cars this year, but an impending skill shortage could hamper this continued growth with concerns around a lack of technicians qualified to work in the industry”.
4.4 REMOVAL OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE/IMPROVEMENT OF NATIONAL PRIMARY ROADS FROM TII TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport to remove responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of National Primary Roads that are not Dual Carriageway, Motorway or Bypass standard. That roads that have direct access from Dwellings, Businesses, Schools or local Roads should all be re classified as national secondary roads until upgraded to proper National Road Standards is complete. All National Secondary Roads (Which in this case would include the (N15, N16, N17 and N59) would therefore be removed from the control of TII.
To facilitate this the Minister would also need to assign to the relevant local Authority responsibility for these roads and provide them with the necessary funds to do the works required”.
During the discussion on this motion, concerns were raised regarding funding and how the proposal would operate in practice. In response, Director of Services Jim Molloy stated that the role and responsibilities of TII are set out in legislation and that any changes would require significant legislative amendments. He further stated that TII is the roads authority and that the office in Sligo contributes to TII’s decision-making processes.
Councillor Healy subsequently suggested that the motion be referred to the SPC responsible for infrastructure. Mr Molloy advised that this was not an SPC matter, as it was not a policy issue. He also noted that Sligo has a national roads office which effectively acts as a local branch of TII in conjunction with the local authority. Mr Molloy further stated that, in the current climate, he did not consider the proposal to be feasible at a national level.
4.5 LICENSE TO OPEN BARRYROE OIL AND GAS FIELD
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to call on the Government to grant a license to open Barryroe Oil and Gas field (located off Co. Cork coast).”
4.6 STANDALONE 24HR EMERGENCY DEPT FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“To call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Health to provide a Standalone 24-hour emergency department facility for mental health in Sligo for the Northwest”.
This motion received widespread discussion and support, with Councillor Casserly proposing that she place it on the agenda for the next Regional Health Forum meeting to allow for further discussion and to seek a formal response.
4.7 SPEED RAMPS IN PRIVATE ESTATES
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“I ask Sligo County Council what the position regarding estate residents who seek Speed Ramps installation in private and estates where council houses are located in the interest of safety for young and old residents”.
As there was some confusion regarding the wording of the motion, Councillor Mulvey clarified that he was referring to estates which have been taken in charge by the Council and where the Local Authority has houses. Director of Services Jim Molloy advised that, if it is a public road, regardless of whether it is within an estate, the same rules apply and that only the Local Authority can place anything on a public road.
Mr Molloy further advised that speed ramps can be expensive to install and would require a dedicated funding programme. As funding is not currently available, he suggested that residents’ groups could undertake awareness campaigns within their estates to remind residents that speed limits are in place for the safety of everyone. Mr Molloy also stated that the Council could take onboard Councillor Gibbons’ suggestion of including the installation of speed ramps as part of the planning process for all future estates.
Councillor Mulvey thanked the Director of Services for the clarification provided.
4.8 SHINGLES VACCINE
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
‘That this Council writes to the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to include the shingles vaccine in our National Vaccine Strategy, and to provide it free of charge to those over 65.’
During the discussion in support of the motion, Councillor Casserly offered to place the item on the agenda for the next Regional Health Forum meeting.
As items 4.9, 4.13 and 4.16 all referred to the same topic, the Cathaoirleach sought the consent of the Members to consider the three items together, which was agreed.
4.9 GARDA VETTING PROCESS
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To call on the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O Callaghan, to streamline the process of the National Vetting Bureau by providing a unique, permanent, individual applicant number which can be provided to each registered organisation for any subsequent vetting requirements, thereby removing the need for multiple time-consuming vetting applications”.
4.13 GARDA VETTING PROCESS
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Justice requesting a review of the current Garda vetting system, with a view to introducing a streamlined process for volunteers, whereby individuals involved with multiple organisations would not be required to undergo repeated vetting applications”.
4.16 GARDA VETTING PROCESS
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council calls for a review of the current Garda Vetting system in place in Ireland. Whilst vetting is considered a snapshot of your record at that time, that a more streamlined and integrated vetting system be explored to ensure that the system continues with its robust vetting of the applicant but that it becomes efficient both for the vetting organisation, the applicant and the Department.
That Sligo County Council writes to the Minister for Justice who is responsible for Garda vetting”.
During discussion of the motion, Councillor McSharry proposed adding an addendum requiring a re-vetting process after a specified period of time which was agreed by the members.
4.10 ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES DUE TO THE REMOVAL OF STATE PROVIDED COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
‘‘To call on the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O Callaghan, and the Minister for Housing, James Brown, to outline what additional supports will be made available to Local Authorities to deal with the inevitable rise in homelessness arising from the decision to remove state provided commercial accommodation to the 16,000 Ukrainian refugees.’
4.11 INCREASE IN MEDICAL CARD INCOME THRESHOLDS
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“That this Council writes to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform seeking an urgent increase in medical card income thresholds, which have not been meaningfully updated since 2007/2008 and remain as low as €184 per week for a single person under 65 and €201.50 for those aged 66–69, despite significant rises in the State pension and cost of living; noting that this leaves many older people and low-income households above the limit but unable to afford care, forcing reliance on discretionary or exceptional needs medical cards; and calling for thresholds to be revised in line with current living costs so that eligibility reflects real income levels”.
4.12 RETROFITTING OF ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS WITH SOLAR PANELS
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That this Council writes to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the Minister for Finance requesting the establishment of a national funding programme to retrofit all public buildings with solar panel infrastructure, with the objective of reducing exposure to volatile fuel prices, lowering long-term operational costs for the taxpayer, and accelerating the transition to renewable energy across the public estate in line with national climate commitments”.
During discussion around this motion Councillor Clarke proposed the following amendment, “that hospitals/medical care facilities would be prioritised in the rollout of any such programme”. Councillor McSharry was in agreement to the proposed amendment.
4.14 EV CHARGING POINTS
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“Ask the Director of Services to outline what proposals have the Council to install EV charging points in the county”.
Councillor Queenan thanked the Director of Services for the report and welcomed the proposed installation of EV charging points in Enniscrone in Q4 2026. Councillor Mulvey, while supporting the motion, highlighted that there was no mention of installing EV charging points in Ballymote.
In response, Director of Services Jim Molloy advised that a number of EV schemes are currently underway in relation to the rollout of EV charging points both across the county and nationally, with some schemes being managed by the ESB and others by Sligo County Council. He stated that all major centres, destination points and tourist sites throughout the county are being considered. Mr Molloy further advised that it is difficult to provide a definitive timeline due to a number of challenges, including access to the necessary infrastructure.
4.15 DEVELOPMENTS LIABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“Ask the Director of Services to outline what developments are liable for development charges before commencement: A) what is the rate per square meter B) are slatted houses included”.
Councillor Queenan acknowledged the report circulated in advance of the meeting and stated that he had not been aware that slatted houses were included in development charges. He suggested that this is something that could be reviewed in the future.
In response to a query from the Cathaoirleach regarding when a review of fees would take place, Director of Services Emer Concannon confirmed that the review process would be undertaken before the end of the year.
Chief Executive Martin Lydon reminded members that development contributions are used to fund capital schemes and noted that the costs associated with delivering these schemes have increased significantly. He advised that, if one source of funding for these schemes is removed, an alternative funding source would need to be identified.
4.17 SLIGO TOURISM CAPTURE STRATEGY
The Cathaoirleach informed the Elected Members of a proposed amendment from Councillor Nealon, which was then read to the meeting by Councillor Nealon:
“That Sligo County Council formally requests its representatives on the Sligo Destination Forum to bring forward, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and industry stakeholders, a dedicated Sligo visitor capture initiative targeting US fans travelling to Ireland for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and future NFL fixtures at Croke Park; that this initiative draw on the recently finalised Sligo International Sales and Marketing Plan and the forthcoming Destination Readiness Review; that it explore the development of a co-branded Sligo package built around our premium golf offering at Rosses Point, Strandhill and Enniscrone, the Wild Atlantic Way, guided heritage tours and emerging concepts such as a Stout and Oyster Festival and a chartered cultural train from Dublin; and that the Council reports back to members within six months on progress, partner engagement and projected impact for the August 2027 fixture.”
It was then
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
A lengthy discussion followed and, while Members expressed support for the motion, concerns were raised regarding the scale of the project, the resources required, the organisational timeline, and the funding that would be necessary.
Director of Services Brían Flynn advised the Members that the response to the amended motion remained the same as for the original motion, namely that the proposal would require a substantial lead-in period due to the significant time needed for organisation and that it would need to be industry-led.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
The meeting was adjourned at 12.30 pm.
RESUMPTION OF MEETING
The meeting resumed at 1.10 pm.
4.18 PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES IN ALL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
AND AGREED
“That this local authority calls on the Minister for Social Protection Daragh Calleary to immediately have public toilet facilities made available in all social welfare offices for public use”.
4.19 REINSTATEMENT OF PUBLIC WALK IN TAX SERVICES
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“This local authority calls on the Office of the Revenue Commissioner to reinstate the public in-person walk in Tax services that existed prior to COVID”.
4.20 DISABLED PARKING BAYS
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That this local authority gives an undertaking that no Disabled bays within the County will be relocated without full consultation with the "DPO" Disabled Person's Organisation, an independent local voice for people with disabilities. Nothing about us without us”.
During discussion on the motion Councillor Bree suggested a minor amendment to include:
“That this local authority gives an undertaking that no Disabled bays within the County will be relocated without full consultation with the councillors in the relevant Municipal District and the "DPO" Disabled Person's Organisation, an independent local voice for people with disabilities. Nothing about us without us”. Councillor Gibbons was in favour of this amendment.
4.21 PAYMENT TO PRIVATE LANDLORDS THROUGH HOUSING SCHEMES
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a report be provided indicating (A) the sum of money paid to private landlords under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme in 2025 (B) the sum of money paid to private landlords under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) Scheme in 2025 (C) the sum of money paid to private landlords under the Long-Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme in 2025.”
Councillor Bree noted the contents of the report circulated prior to the meeting.
4.22 COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a report be provided giving details of all the compensation claims paid by the Council, or its insurers, in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024, the report to include the reason for each claim and the size of the claim awarded; the report to also include a breakdown of legal costs resulting from the claims.”
Councillor Bree acknowledged the reference in the report circulated in advance of the meeting from Director of Services Marie Whelan, which stated that ‘legal costs arising from claims are paid and managed by Irish Public Bodies Insurance and are not disclosed to the Council’. However, Councillor Bree expressed the view that the report provided was primarily a ‘claims trend report’ and did not address the information requested. He requested that a report be circulated prior to the next meeting containing details of all compensation claims paid by the Council or its insurers during 2023 and 2024, including the reason for each claim and the amount awarded.
Director of Services Marie Whelan advised that this information is not held by Sligo County Council and would need to be obtained from Irish Public Bodies Insurance.
In response to a query from Councillor Nealon regarding whether it is known which footpaths or roads have given rise to compensation claims, the Chief Executive, Martin Lydon, advised that the Council maintains a heat map identifying the locations of such claims. He further noted that insurance claims are a systemic and endemic issue across the sector. The Chief Executive also confirmed that the Council would contact Irish Public Bodies Insurance to request the information sought.
4.23 BEACH WHEELCHAIRS
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the meeting be provided with a report indicating where it is proposed that beach wheelchairs will be located during the summer months and outlining the proposals for the provision of any additional beach wheelchairs on Sligo’s beaches.”
Councillor Bree noted that, as outlined in the report circulated prior to the meeting, there are currently only two beaches in the county accessible to wheelchair users. He welcomed the fact that reviews are taking place with the aim of providing access at additional beaches.
In response to Councillor Higgins highlighting that it had been almost a year since Councillor Bree first raised the motion, Chief Executive, Martin Lydon advised that the delay was due to funding only being approved as part of the budget process. Mr Lydon confirmed that funding is now in place for the project and that Sligo County Council is working to put facilities in place.
4.24 EMERGENCY GENERATORS/HUBS
Councillor Brennan asked that this motion be deferred until the next Council meeting. This was agreed by the members.
4.25 EXPANSION OF NURSE AND MIDWIFE LED SERVICES ACROSS ACUTE AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS
Proposed by Councillor E. McSharry
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
AND AGREED
“This Council calls on the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance to urgently provide increased budgetary and capital allocations to the Northwest, specifically Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, to expand nurse- and midwife-led services across acute and community settings in response to escalating demand. Latest figures show 903 patients on trolleys in Sligo University Hospital in April alone, an increase of 373 on April 2025 levels, outside of the winter surge, highlighting sustained system pressure. While initiatives such as ICPOP have demonstrated impact in reducing hospital admissions, they require significant scaling alongside enhanced home care hours, additional residential capacity and workforce investment. Notwithstanding the long-awaited 42-bed unit approved seven years ago, this Council emphasises the urgent need for forward planning, including further acute bed capacity, to meet the region’s ageing demographic, where over-65s account for 16% of the population compared to 7% in Dublin, and the associated 19% rise in hospital admissions among those aged over 75”.
A number of Councillors spoke to add their support to the motion.
4.26 NATIONAL LOTTERY ADVERTISING
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to the Regulator of the National Lottery, The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to request that all advertising of National Lottery games replaces the words play or playing with Gamble or Gambling due to the excessive amount of people who suffer from Gambling addiction and have had their lives destroyed by such addictions”.
“That Sligo County Council write to the RSA to enquire what education programmes they have in place for Motorists, pedestrians and Cyclists to educate such roads users on the need for greater safety on rural roads and how to use these roads. Motorists to slow down and give enough space to pedestrians and cyclists, Cyclists to wear Hi Vis and signal their intentions to motorists and Pedestrians to wear Hi Viz, use lighting and only ever walk facing oncoming vehicular traffic”.
5. VOTES OF SYMPATHY
Votes of sympathy were recorded.
6. VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
The FTD Brothers – Jordan and Cian Adams
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor T. Walsh
AND AGREED
““That a vote of congratulations be extended to you on the achievement of running 33 marathons in 33 days throughout Ireland. Raising huge awareness of the Frontotemporal Dementia and funds for the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland and the FTD Brothers Foundation”.
Aisling Quinn and the Tourism Team in Sligo County Council
Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to you and the tourism team on the hugely successful ‘visit Sligo’ campaign that has been pushed out which has been recently released. 1.5 million views to date, what an epic showcase of our wonderful county. Staring Jack O’Rinn – known as ‘Fleetwood Jack’, the musician in the video, Niall McCabe, Colin Gillen on video work. The video has taken Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn by storm in what is a masterpiece in promotion of our wonderful county”.
Glenview Stars Women’s Soccer Team
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Glenview Stars Womens Soccer Team on winning the Connacht Junior Cup Title 2026”.
Ballymote Celtic FC
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Ballymote Celtic FC on becoming Connacht Sheild Champions 2026”.
Sligo All Stars U16 Basketball Team
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Sligo All Stars U14 Basketball Team on becoming the ‘B’ Division All Ireland Club Championships winners”.
Sligo U14 LGFA Girls Team
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Sligo LGFA U14 Girls Team on winning the All-Ireland Quarter Finals”.
Sligo LGFA Ladies Minor Team
Proposed by Councillor M. Casserly
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Sligo LGFA Minor Team on winning the ‘Connemara Blue’ Connacht Blue Final”.
John J Mc Morrow – RTE
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to you on your retirement as RTE cameraman for the Northwest Region after 30 years showing all that is great about Sligo and the Northwest”.
Marian Coakley, Chief Fire Officer, Sligo County Council
Proposed by Councillor D. Gilroy
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to you and the staff of Sligo Fire Service on the excellent delivery of the 2026 Chief Fire Officers Conference in Sligo. The organisation and delivery of the conference was hailed by all present as one of the best ever”.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Gilroy, extended his best wishes to Senior Executive Officer Margaret McConnell on her forthcoming retirement. Councillor Higgins also conveyed her best wishes to Cyril McNamara on his retirement.
7. APPROVAL OF TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly
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.
9. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
No item was raised under this heading.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Bree proposed that, as a gesture of solidarity, Sligo County Council fly the Palestinian flag at County Hall on Friday, 15 May 2026, to mark Nakba Day. The proposal was agreed by the elected members.
END OF MEETING:
The business of the Meeting concluded at 2 pm.
Meeting Date 11/05/2026