Ballymote-Tubbercurry Minutes 2014

Minutes of Meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on Monday, 17th November, 2014 at 11am in Meeting Room 1, Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Martin Baker (Chair)
  • Councillor Michael Clarke
  • Councillor Margaret Gormley
  • Councillor Dara Mulvey
  • Councillor Joe Queenan
  • Councillor Eamonn Scanlon
  • Councillor Paul Taylor

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Ms. Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr. Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. John O’Hara, Assistant Architect
  • Ms. Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Staff Officer

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Jerry Lundy

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach Councillor M. Baker presided

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2014:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 15th September, 2014.”

 

2. MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY HELD ON 8TH OCTOBER, 2014:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Budget Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry held on 8th October, 2014.”

 

3. MATTERS ARISING:

Councillor Queenan raised two matters in relation to parking bye-laws and the Draft Enniscrone Local Area Plan 2014-2020 from the 15th September meeting.  He stated he had not been fully aware of the entire content of the LAP and would be raising his objections again when the matter came before the full Council. 

 

4. SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL LANDS AT MULLAGHROE, GURTEEN, CO. SLIGO:

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Service read a report to the meeting regarding the request to dispose of Council lands at Mullaghroe, Gurteen.  The area of land is made up of 2 Folios and the total area of land is 0.610 ha.  The sale proposal was referred to Sligo County Council’s Management Team in October 2013 and no objection to the sale was received.  An offer to purchase has been reviewed and the price of circa €12,000 is considered reasonable.  A Section 183 Notice will therefore go before the full Council at the December Ordinary Meeting.  Councillor Gormley wished to express her support for this Section 183 disposal and this was seconded by Councillor P. Taylor.  Ms. Clarke endeavoured to circulate a copy of the report to the members by email after the meeting.

 

5. OPEN LIBRARIES PILOT PROJECT:

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services introduced this item and Mr. Donal Tinney, County Librarian proceeded to give a report to the meeting which set out the current status of the Open Libraries Pilot Project.  A handout of the report was also circulated to the members present.

Some of the main points being:

  • The Open Libraries Initiative is to be piloted in two Counties, namely Sligo and Offaly
  • Seven day opening from 8am to 10pm
  • Commencement date: Week commencing 17th November 2014
  • Membership is confined to adults 18 years +
  • Self-service technology “RFID”
  • €40,000 investment

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Tinney for his report and invited comments from members.   In response to their queries Mr. Tinney stated:

  • Sligo County Council has provided a contribution of approximately €24,000 towards the project.
  • Currently this service is being piloted in the Tubbercurry Library only.  However library users from across the county can access the service in Tubbercurry.

 

6. THE MODEL:

Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive introduced this item and welcomed Ms. Megan Johnston and Ms. Emer McGarry to the meeting.  Ms. Johnston, Model Director proceeded to give a presentation to the meeting.  

Some of the points covered included:

  • The role of museums and art museums
  • What the Model can do under the headings strategic/artists and audiences/organisational
  • Connecting with the Model – 4 initiatives proposed under the headings of
    1. Schools,
    2. Community festivals,
    3. Creative Industries,
    4. Tourism

The Cathaoirleach thanked Ms. Johnston for her presentation and invited comments from members.   In response to their queries Ms. Johnston stated:

  • The Model is a place which harnesses creativity, houses important collections and is a place where people gather
  • The Model will work in partnership with the urban and rural communities and build relationships into the future
  • Economic driver, for every €1 invested, a further €6 will be attracted into to the local community
  • Approximately 95,000 visitors so far in 2014
  • Support from the Council is critical to its success
  • It currently employs 4 F/T, 3 P/T and 6 CE staff and is open to the public 6 days per week

Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive added that the Model is for the entire County of Sligo not just the City area.  It is of national and international importance because of the collections it houses.  It is an important asset in terms of attracting tourists to the County.

 

7. LOCAL, ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN:

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, DOS delivered a report on the Local, Economic and Community Plan (LECP), the main points being:

  • The Plan shall be for:
    1. The promotion of economic development
    2. The promotion of local and community development
  • The Plan will form the strategic framework for all public funded local, economic and community development programmes with the economic element prepared by the Local Authority and the community element prepared by the Local Community Development Committee
  • The Plan will form the basis for the SICAP and Rural Development Programme submissions
  • The Plan will be developed over 3 stages and must be adopted by the Local Authority by July 2015
  • Stage one commenced at the end of July 2014 and by the end of September 2014, over 97 submissions were received from a wide variety of individuals, groups, networks, public organisations and businesses.
  • Five main priority areas were identified in the submissions including employment and economic activity, social inclusion and poverty, education and training, climate change nd environment and health and well-being.  There were also a number of issues raised which were specific to the Ballymote Tobercurry Municipal District area including Tourism, Sport and Recreational Facilities, Arts and Culture, Infrastructure and Heritage/History/Archaeology.
  • The LCDC is currently analyzing the data.  When this is concluded, area based consultations will commence in the municipal districts which are expected to commence in January 2015.

 

A copy of the report was also circulated to the members present.

The members discussed the the merits of the LECP and had a query with regards to funding.  In response Ms. Clarke clarified that the Local Authority had to work within existing budgets however there may be an opportunity for the Local Authority to work with other external agencies to secure additional funding.

 

8. N17 THORNHILL BRIDGE REALIGNMENT:

Mr. Tom Kilfeather delivered a report to the meeting on the N17 Thornhill Bridge Realignment.  This included an overview of the works proposed.  The cost would be in the region of €750,000 to €850,000.  The preliminary design has been completed.  Part 8 Planning will be required and the Council are currently working on this.  It is expected that it will go before the full Council for approval early in 2015.

The members welcomed the update and thanked Mr. Kilfeather and his staff for the work done on not only this project but on other projects to date.

 

9. DRAFT STANDING ORDERS FOR THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS OF COUNTY SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor E. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To adopt the Draft Standing Orders for the Municipal Districts of County Sligo.”

 

10. EMERGENCY WORKS ON ROADS AT CLOONKEALAWN, CASTLECONNOR, BALLINAHOWNA/KILLMACURKIN AND LISGULANE, LISSALOUGH, BOYLE, CO. SLIGO:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on this Council to carry out emergency works on roads including Cloonkealawn Castleconnor, where damage has been caused by Coillte, the Ballinahowna/Killmacurkin and Lisgulane, Lissalough, Boyle Co. Sligo”.

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “the Area Engineer and his staff are doing the best they can to maintain the roads mentioned and indeed other roads, so as to retain a reasonable standard in very difficult times”.

 

11. PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS ON THE N59 AT TEMPLEBOY CHURCH:

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

AND AGREED

“To call on the NRA to carry out pavement improvements on the N59 at Templeboy Church”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “the NRA will be asked to consider this location at Templeboy Church and indeed other locations for 2015”.

 

12. REPAIR WALL CAPPING MAIN STREET, CULFADDA:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to repair  the wall capping adjacent to Jayne Dwyer’s house on Main Street, Culfadda”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “this wall will be examined by the Area Engineer to see what’s involved”.  Councillor P. Taylor also gave his support to this motion.

 

13. VISIBILITY OF TRAFFIC EXITING AT JOHN BRENNAN’S HOUSE ON THE R294:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to seek funding to improve the visibility of traffic exiting at John Brennan’s house on R294”.

Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “this location will be examined by the Area Engineer but it is understood to be a private entrance”.  Councillor D. Mulvey submitted a photo to Mr. O’Toole showing the area in question and clarified that it is not specifically the entrance to the house that is the problem but visibility at the hill where the house is located.  This was supported by Councillor Gormley.

 

14. ROAD AT BRICKLEAVE, CASTLEBALDWIN:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to repair the road at Brickleave, Castlebaldwin towards Aishling Studios”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “this road at Bricklieve, Castlebaldwin is included for consideration for maintenance work but our financial and resource situation is quite poor at present”.  Councillor Baker also wished to note his support of this motion.

 

15. ROAD AT LACKAGH, DRUMFIN:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to surface dress the road at Lackagh, Drumfin”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “this road can be included in your proposals for consideration in 2015 in due course”.

 

16. CAMBER ON ROAD R284 SLIGO SIDE OF GEEVAGH VILLAGE:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to repair camber on road R.284,Sligo side of Geevagh village”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “this section of road on the R284 north of Geevagh will be examined by the Area Engineer, with a view to solving the problem if possible”.

 

17. WORKS AT GURTEEN CROSS:

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

AND AGREED

“I am asking for a report as to the works that are to be carried out at Gurteen Cross with the funding of €30,000 provided in this year’s Road Work Scheme under the Low Cost Safety Improvement Scheme”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “some works have been undertaken at this location, namely the construction of footpaths and drainage along the R293 towards the Hilltop pub.  It is proposed to erect improved signage within the village and associated accommodation works at the cross roads, commencing on shortly”. 

Councillor Gormley then requested further clarification with regards to an exact breakdown of the works proposed.  Mr. O’Toole stated that a plan had been drawn up and consultation was ongoing with the occupants of the Coleman building.  Councillor Taylor added that there was acceptance of the Council’s plan locally.

 

18. A) R294 CASHEL, CLOONLOO

AND

B) FLASHING LIGHTS AT HOLY FAMILY N.S. TUBBERCURRY

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

AND AGREED

“ To call on Sligo Co Council to:

  1. have a safety barrier erected at bend (Brown’s Bend) on R294 at Cashel, Cloonloo  where there is no  protection for road users presently
  2. have flashing lights erected  at Holy Family N.S Tubbercurry until such time as a parking area is provided”

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated:

  1. “Funding will be sought in 2015 for possible works at Brown’s Bend on the R294.
  2. The normal flashing lights and signage that exists at schools generally also exist at the Holy Family National School in Tubbercurry”

Following a further query from Councillor Gormley regarding the source of funding for safety works on the R294, Mr. O’Toole stated that a submission would be made under the Low Cost Accident Scheme.

 

19. FOOTPATH LEADING TO ROCKFIELD N.S.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a footpath be provided from Fort Haven Estate, Coolaney to Rockfield N.S to enable children walk in safety to the local school” 

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised that no funding existed for the proposal.  Councillor Mulvey also added his support to this motion and outlined the difficulties for pedestrians at this location.

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services then added that no minor intervention would resolve the difficulties at this location but that his department would put forward a proposal for consideration by the members under the 2015 Roads Works Schedule.

 

20. LAND TRANSFER TO HOLY FAMILY N.S. TUBBERCURRY:

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

 

21. TOURISM IN SOUTH, EAST AND WEST SLIGO:

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

 

22. UPGRADE WORKS ON THE R294

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

 

23. GROUND AT TAWNYMUCKLAH, MONESTRADEN:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“To ask Sligo County Council to consider the purchase of a plot of ground at Tawnymucklah, Monestraden, Co Sligo, consisting of .8296 hectares, for future plans to construct a car park for Monestraden graveyard”.

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole advised that funding did not exist for the proposal at present.

Councillor Gormley added her support to this motion.

 

24. REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE R294 AND R293:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor E. Scanlon

AND AGREED

“I will ask Sligo County Council to call on the Department of the Environment to make emergency funding available for essential repairs and improvements to the R294 and R293 as a matter of urgency”.

In response Mr. Seamus O’Toole read a report to the meeting which stated “the R294, R293 and indeed all of our Regional Roads continue to require more funding than is available.  It is therefore imperative that serious thought be given to the 2015 Road Works scheme in due course so as to identify locations in greatest need”.

Councillor Gormley added her support to this motion.

 

25. CORRESPONDENCE:

The Cathaoirleach Councillor Baker stated that a letter had been received from the Office of the Taoiseach dated 29th September, 2014 acknowledging receipt of letter regarding retention of Government offices in Tubbercurry.  Councillor Gormley queried if a response had been received from Deputies Perry and McLoughlin.  In reply, the meeting was advised that no other correspondence had been received on this matter.

 

26. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

  1. Councillor Clarke raised the issue of flooding of 3-4 houses in the Templeboy area and stated that approximately €200,000 funding still had not been committed for road realignment works at this location.  In response, Mr. Seamus O’Toole, SEE said this matter would be reviewed.
  2. Enniscrone Local Area Plan:  Ms. Leonora McConville distributed hard copies of the document to the members present
  3. Ms. Dorothy Clarke and Mr. Donal Tinney invited those present to accompany them on a tour of the library in Teach Laighne after the conclusion of the MD meeting.  The purpose of the tour was to give a demonstration of the Open Libraries RFID.
  4. Councillor Margaret Gormley wished to extend her thanks to the staff of the Local Area Office and particularly Gerry Connolly and the outdoor staff for their kindness on her recent family bereavement

 

27. VOTE OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary O’Reilly.”

And further

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen O’Slattera on the death of her brother Liam Gallagher, Cultibar, Coolaney, Co. Sligo.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to George and Helen Sproule on the dealth of their brother Robert Sproule, Bella Coolaney, Co. Sligo”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Rita Porter on the death of her husband William Porter, Brachfield, Balymote, Co. Sligo”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernadene Perry on the death of her brother Alphonsus Mulvaney, Bunninadden, Ballymote, Co. Sligo”

 

 

The business of the meeting ended at 1.25 pm.

 

 

 


Meeting Date 17/11/2014