Ballymote - Tubbercurry Minutes 2026
Minutes of the meeting of The Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on Tuesday 27th January, 2026 at 10.00 am in Teach Laighne, Co. Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
Councillor Michael Clarke
Councillor Barry Gallagher
Councillor Paul Taylor
Councillor Joe Queenan
Councillor Gerard Mullaney
Councillor Dara Mulvey
Councillor Liam Brennan
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
Ms. Emer Concannon, Director of Services
Mr. Joe Devaney, Executive Engineer
Mr. Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer
Mr. Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer
Mr. David Golden, Executive Engineer
Mr. Alan Anderson, Executive Engineer
Ms. Olivia Black, Meeting Administrator
APOLOGIES:
Mr. Bernard Scott, Senior Engineer and Mr. Dessie Sloyan, A/Senior Executive Engineer.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Clarke presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICAL DISTRICT OF BALLYMOTE-TUBBERCURRY HELD ON 17TH NOVEMBER 2025
Proposed by: Councillor Joe Queenan
Seconded by: Councillor Barry Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry held on 17th November 2025.”
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Noted
3. HEADED ITEMS
3.1 Update on the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund (Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant) and Derelict Sites Register.
The Derelict Sites Report – the Borough should read nine instead of ten, one was removed.
Mr. Adrian Grandison updated the Members on the scheme with an updated report. The Councillors thanked Mr Adrian Grandison and his team for all their work with assisting the public with this scheme. They complimented the scheme and said it was great to see all the old houses around the county and country being brought back to liveable standards. Councillor Joe Queenan asked how many derelict sites were in Enniscrone to which Mr Adrian Grandison advised he would email the figures after the meeting.
Councillor Liam Brennan asked about the Over the Shop Grant, to which Mr Adrian Grandison advised that it is expected that this Scheme would be up and running by the end of Quarter 1 2026, with a new Application Form. All relevant information received on the Scheme from the Department will be forwarded to Members.
3.2 N17 Knock to Collooney (Atlantic Economic Corridor) Progress update.
An updated report was circulated on the Scheme to the Members. Councillor Liam Brennan asked if there is funding for the Scheme and the new Consultants, to which Ms Emer Concannon confirmed that there is sufficient funding to progress the Scheme. The DOT and TII are committed to this Scheme.
3.3 Defective Concrete Blocks.
An updated report was circulated on the Scheme to the Members. Councillor Liam Brennan queried the low uptake numbers. It was advised that this may be due to the requirement to comply with Planning Permission and to complete a technical survey, however the application numbers are expected to increase, and SCC has a staff member available to assist potential applicants with any queries.
4. NOTICES OF MOTION
4.1 TRAIN LINE IN TUBBERCURRY:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to invite Minster Sean Canney TD to meet with us in Teach
Laighne and to visit the train line in Tubbercurry.”
RESOLUTION
A discussion followed, and Ms Emer Concannon advised that the €75,000 allocated to the Sligo Greenway for 2026 is to close out existing financial commitments.
4.2 POSSIBILITY OF BUILDING RETIREMENT HOUSES IN OUR TOWNS AND VILLAGES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to explore the possibility of building retirement houses in our towns and villages in a public/private partnership to facilitate older people who need to downsize and move nearer to public services.”
REPLY:
In 2026, Sligo County Council will be preparing the new Sligo Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP). In doing so, the nature and extent of housing demand and needs in Sligo will be determined and considered in the Plan and will include the needs of older persons.
A discussion followed – Councillor Michael Clarke advised that residents at Solas Retirement Home, Enniscrone, are being evicted and that the state should intervene and also that retirement villages are very common in Europe. There is a similar facility in Ballymote run by SVP. It was asked that the provision of retirement villages for private home ownership is explored and it was agreed that this would be considered for an agenda item for SPC 4.
4.3 ENNISCRONE AREA OFFICE:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to
(a) confirm that Enniscrone Area Office will have its own Budget in 2006
(b) who will oversee it.”
REPLY:
Enniscrone will have its normal allocations associated with grant revenue funding. The funding, road works and budget monitoring will be managed in the traditional fashion by the Area Engineer.
A discussion followed, where the majority of Members expressed their disappointment at the centralisation of Administration functions in the MD Area, to Teach Laighne. Frustration was also expressed in the way this message was communicated to Members. Ms Emer Concannon acknowledged this frustration and advised that the Area Engineer remains the budget holder for their respective areas, and that all Area Offices can be contacted by phone or email as per previously.
4.4 SOCIAL HOUSING CONTRACTS AND UPDATES:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to
(a) confirm if the contracts re Social Housing in Dromore West and Easkey have been signed
(b) update re Social Housing in Enniscrone.”
REPLY:
(a) Sligo County Council has issued a letter of Acceptance for the Contract for the Construction of new social housing in Dromore West and Easkey. A formal contract signing event is planned for 3pm Wednesday 3rd February at County Hall Riverside.
(b) The Council is actively seeking opportunities to acquire sites for the development of new social housing in Enniscrone.
Councillor Joe Queenan welcomed the report, and both Councillor Queenan and Councillor Clarke advised on the lack of social housing options in the Enniscrone area, and the urgency to which this needs to be addressed.
4.5 L6104 AND L2801:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to
(a) erect a safety barrier along the exposed river along road L6104 Ranmore, Coolaney, due to the exposed fast flowing deep river which coming from the Coolaney, direction is on a decent along the road
(b) that the entrance road to Coolaney L2801 broken white line can be changed to a double white line? There are vehicles passing in and out entering and exiting the village, and it is dangerous for residents exiting their homes and traffic exiting the national mountain bike track road.”
REPLY:
(a) The site outlined on L6104 Ranmore will be investigated and mitigation measures will be considered if deemed necessary subject to adequate funding.
(b) Road markings on the L2801 are in accordance with standard thus amendment is not possible at this time.
Councillor Dara Mulvey said he would speak to Mr Alan Anderson and show photographs in relation to (a) and expressed his frustration in relation to (b).
4.6 UPDATE ON COMPLETION & TIC OF 3 NO. ESTATES UNDER:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to give an update on the completion of all outstanding
works and a date for the TIC of the following estates:
(a) Temple Manor, Ballinacarrow
(b) Radharc Na Habhainn, Collooney
(c) Rathosey, Coolaney.”
REPLY:
Temple Manor, Ballinacarrow
There is a small amount of remedial works required which will be completed in Q1 2026. Discussions are ongoing regarding access to the pumping station, assessing the condition of the pumping station and the registration of the right of way to the pumping station and the pumping station itself. Once resolved and the works are completed, we will commence the taking in charge process.
Radharc Na Habhainn, Collooney
There are outstanding works required to bring the estate up to standard. Sligo County Council have engaged with the owner of the estate and will continue to engage to get these works completed before commencing the process of taking the estate in charge.
Rathosey, Coolaney
All works have been completed within the estate. However, discussions are ongoing with Uisce Éireann regarding access to the pumping station which is yet to be resolved.
A brief discussion followed – Councillor Dara Mulvey thanked for the reply to (a). He advised (b) is raised for years and always gets the same response, the residents are annoyed and (c) is with Uisce Éireann. Ms Emer Concannon advised that for (b) the developer is being pursued and this will remain a priority, with Members being updated with progress. Councillor Barry Gallagher asked if a list of what is being Taken in Charge in the MD Area can be circulated to Members. This was agreed.
4.7 L1502 – WINTER GRITTING:
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to put road L1502 on the winter gritting route considering it is the main artery route of the N4 into Ballymote, Tubbercurry and other parts of South Sligo, as it is a shorter route to these towns.”
REPLY:
National primary roads, national secondary roads and regional roads are gritted on seven routes and are prioritised during poor weather conditions to ensure safety and accessibility for essential services and the public. Local roads are treated as resources allow using two small gritters operating from the Geevagh and Ballymote yards. Known problem areas such as junctions, hills and key local links during frost conditions are given priority.
4.7 and 4.12 was discussed together.
Councillor Dara Mulvey said this is a very busy, bendy, boggy road and dangerous along the cemetery, but Members receive the same response all the time and asked if this could be reconsidered for next year. Mr Paul O’Rourke advised Sligo County Council are at capacity with its gritting programme and must prioritise routes according to SCC’s Winter Maintenance Plan.
Councillor Gerard Mullaney in relation to 4.12, advised that this route is so busy with trucks now using this road, and with all the issues that Councillor Dara Mulvey outlined. He advised that a strong case needs to be made to the Department as it is a serious problem. Councillor Mullaney took the opportunity to thank the Ballymote Area Office for all their work during the bad weather.
4.8 L3700 – UPDATE ON SPEED LIMIT REVIEW:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council for an update on the speed limit review on the L3700 and what is the correct process for Council Members after you submit your findings.”
REPLY:
An assessment of the L3700 is currently underway. Parameters such as average road width, number of entrances, horizontal and vertical alignment, traffic counts are currently being assessed and a recommendation, based on findings, will be put before the members for approval in due course.
A discussion followed – Councill Liam Brennan said the speed limit was reduced from 80 km/hr to 60 km/hr and it is the local residents who are getting points from the speed vans who are constantly on this road. Councillor Mullaney agreed that 80 km/hr is appropriate. Mr Paul O’Rourke outlined that the timeframe is approximately 3 months for the review assessments to be completed.
4.9 INCLUSION OF THE FOLLOWING ROUTES TO MAIN GRITTING PLAN:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to include the following three routes to the main gritting plan
(a) Coola, via Riverstown out to Drumfin
(b) Drumfin to Ballymote
(c) Castlebaldwin to Ballymote
Those three routes are main arteries to the local region, which accommodate secondary Schools, National Schools, Riverstown Village and Ballymote town. Businesses and local link bus service, which will not operate in frosty conditions. I want to acknowledge the great work carried out by our outdoor staff who operate during those frosty conditions.”
REPLY:
National primary roads, National secondary roads and regional roads are gritted on seven routes and are prioritised during poor weather conditions to ensure safety and accessibility for essential services and the public, while local roads are treated as resources and working hours allow using two small gritters operating from the Geevagh and Ballymote yards, which prioritises salting known problem areas such as junctions, hills and key local links during frost conditions.
A discussion followed – Councillor Liam Brennan advised that route (a) is busy with schools and Local Link, and when there is frost, all shuts down. He acknowledges that all roads cannot be salted and asked if mini-gritters would be an option. He appreciates all the work that being done by the Area Office. Councillor Gerard Mullaney said there is 600 people attending the school and resources are necessary to deal with this. Mr Paul O’Rourke advised Sligo County Council are at capacity with its gritting programme and must prioritise routes according to SCC’s Winter Maintenance Plan, and that there are 2 No. mini gritters available in each area.
4.10 PROVISION OF A DEDICATED LOCAL LINK BUS SERVISE BETWEEN BOYLE & SLIGO VIA L3700:
Proposed by Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport for Ireland (TFI/Local Link) to assess and consider the provision of a dedicated Local Link bus service between Boyle and Sligo, via the L3700, serving communities including Ballinafad, Castlebaldwin, Drumfin, Lackagh, Doorly, and Collooney.
While Bus Éireann’s Expressway Route 23 currently connects Boyle with Sligo, it operates primarily on the new N4 as a long-distance commercial service and only stops at Collooney and Castlebaldwin on this section of the route. It does not provide the frequent, accessible, rural connectivity that a local link service would offer, particularly for workers, students and those without private transport.”
RESOLUTION
A discussion followed – Councillor Liam Brennan advised that while the route is being serviced by Bus Éireann, they are missing villages including Ballinafad, therefore a Local Link service is required. All Councillors supported this motion as they feel a lot of areas do not have a good service i.e. Castlebaldwin, old N4 etc.
4.11 IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON R284 AT DRUMNACOOL BOYLE:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor L. Brennan
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to carry out improvements works on the R284 at Drumnacool Boyle in the interest of public safety.”
REPLY:
The location will be examined, and improvement works will be carried out if budget is available.
Councillor Gerard Mullaney advised he was happy with the reply.
4.12 PROGRESS REPORT ON L1502 TO REGIONAL STATUS:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to give a progress report on the efforts to upgrade L1502 to Regional status.”
REPLY:
Sligo County Council will contact the Department to get an update on this request.
RESOLUTION
This item was discussed under item 4.7.
4.13 IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON JUNCTION LINKING R293 WITH N17:
Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to request TII to carry out improvement works on the junction linking R293 with the N17 in the light of recent accidents.”
REPLY:
Sligo County Council acknowledges the concerns raised regarding the junction linking the R293 with the N17. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) confirmed to Sligo County Council that this location has not been identified as a high‑collision site under their recent national collision analysis or safety inspection programmes. As such, there is currently no avenue for Sligo County Council to secure funding to progress improvement works on the junction linking the R293 with the N17 outside of the N17 Knock to Collooney Major National Road Realignment Project pathway.
4.13 and 4.15 was discussed together.
Councill Gerard Mullaney stated that this is the only Regional Road coming out onto the N17, therefore should be prioritised. Councillor Barry Gallagher suggested putting a roundabout at this location, and could this be prioritised for construction. Ms Emer Concannon advised this will be kept on the agenda but there is very limited funding for Safety Schemes on National Roads. Councillor Clarke proposed that it is delivered as an advanced scheme when the design is complete, if feasible.
4.14 STOP TAX AT CATTLEMARTS AND FACTORIES:
Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor B. Gallagher
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr Martin Hayden TD, to have the following tax stopped – given that cattlemarts and factories will be forced to stop an average of seven euro on every animal that goes through their facilities, as a result of the new VAT regulations.”
RESOLUTION
Councillor Michael Clarke advised the 0.3% VAT should be abolished, farmers want it to be overturned. Councillor Barry Gallagher supports the motion and wants to see the response.
4.15 CALL ON TII TO COMMECNE DESIGN OF ROUNDABOUT AT CLARKES BRIDGE:
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to call on the TII to commence the design of a roundabout at Clarkes Bridge, Ballymote Junction on the N17, prioritise and secure funding without delay for the installation of this long overdue and critically needed roundabout, to address ongoing safety concerns, reduce the risk of serious collision, and improve traffic flow at this hazardous junction. I believe this will also tie in with the route for the new N17 corridor and where the new road will meet the existing N17 at this junction.”
REPLY:
Following on from the reply to Councillor Mullaney’s Notice of Motion for the same junction, Sligo County Council acknowledges the concerns raised regarding the junction at Clarke’s Bridge, Ballymote on the N17.
The N17 Knock to Collooney Project which is funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and currently at an early stage of planning and design (Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation) will determine the long-term strategy for junctions along the corridor. The Clarke’s Bridge / Ballymote junction will be considered within that project. Until that process progresses to the point where design options are developed, assessed, planning permission achieved, funding secured, etc., it is premature to confirm any specific junction arrangement (roundabout or otherwise) at this location.
TII confirmed to Sligo County Council that this location has not been identified as a high‑collision site under their recent national collision analysis or safety inspection programmes. As such, there is currently no separate avenue to progress a standalone intervention at the Clarke’s Bridge / Ballymote junction outside of the N17 Knock to Collooney Major National Road Realignment Project pathway.
This item was discussed under item 4.13.
4.16 BALLYGLASS, CURRY, CURRY VILLAGE & BELLAGHY JUNCTION:
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to compliment the TII for their pervious allocation of funding and installation of two raised pedestrian crossing in Tubbercurry and safety works completed at the Bunnacrannagh Junction in Curry.
(a) following numerous accidents at a junction in Ballyglass, Curry, Co. Sligo L89131-0, I call on the TII through the low-cost accident scheme to install right-hand turning lanes at each junction along the N17 from Bellaghy to Curry. Five main junctions, L8913-0, L89131-0, L8912 and L8510 leading into the respective villages and safety works carried out at the Carrowillkeen and Cashel junction as per two of my past motion recommendations
(b) through the active travel scheme for a crossing to be put in Curry on the N17 to link the village of Drimbane for residents, Yeats County Inn Hotel, and our outdoor swimming pool amenity and picnic area to the village (Houses, Church, Public House and Funeral Home, Cemetery and GAA pitch), the playground, community centre and National School
(c) through the low-cost accident scheme for safety works to be carried out at the Bellaghy Junction L8918-0 coming out onto the main N17 road. Installation of a raised kerb and take away the parking place which causes a blind spot with all traffic coming from Charlestown if a car is parked in it.”
REPLY:
Sligo County Council will relay the Elected Member’s compliments to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the previous allocation of funding which enabled the installation of the two raised pedestrian crossings in Tubbercurry, and the delivery of the safety improvement works at the Bunnacrannagh Junction in Curry.
(a) With respect to the request for the provision of right‑turning lanes at the junctions along the N17 between Bellaghy and Curry, Sligo County Council confirms that these locations have not been identified by TII as high‑collision sites through either their national collision analysis programme or their national road safety inspection programme. Therefore, there is currently no avenue for Sligo County Council to seek funding to progress Road Safety Improvement Schemes at these locations.
(b) In relation to the request for a pedestrian crossing on the N17 National Primary Route in Curry, the Sligo Regional Design Office (RDO) will consider this request during the development of the N17 Curry Active Travel project.
(c) Concerning the Bellaghy Junction (L8918‑0), Sligo County Council confirms that this location has not been identified by TII as a high‑collision site through either their national collision analysis programme or their national road safety inspection programme. Therefore, there is currently no avenue for Sligo County Council to seek funding to progress a Road Safety Improvement Scheme at this location.
Councillor Barry Gallagher complimented the SRDO for the delivery of the 2 No. pedestrian crossings, but reiterated the need for (a), (b) & (c) above. He asked when the high collision statistics were done (c) above, and what is the timeline for the AT in Curry (b) above.
4.17 ASSESSMENT & PUBLIC LIGHT WITHIN VILLAGE OF LAVAGH:
Proposed by Councillor B. Gallagher
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey
AND AGREED
“To ask Sligo County Council to carry out an assessment and provide additional public street lighting within the village of Lavagh, outside the church and community hub where lighting is currently inadequate, in the interest of public safety, pedestrian safety and community wellbeing.”
REPLY:
Sligo County Council is operating under significant financial constraints in relation to the provision and maintenance of public lighting. At the moment there is no capital funding for investment in new public lighting. The provision of standalone projects involving the construction of new lighting together with associated civil works is not currently envisaged. The maintenance fund available is strictly for, and targeted at, the maintenance of the existing PL network.
The Public lighting budget for 2025 had a significant cost overrun, and the envisaged financial demand on 2026 funds in this regard is unprecedented. Any proposals even those we would like to prioritise on health & safety grounds or on the grounds of aesthetics cannot be considered in the short term.
A discussion followed – Councillor Barry Gallagher advised that the funeral home is a hub, there is an issue with no lighting in the carpark and suggested two lights. Councillor Dara Mulvey said it is a very busy area and suggested solar lighting. Mr Paul O’Rourke advised that the budget is for PL maintenance and not for new lights.
5. Votes of Sympathy
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Lena Gordon on the recent death of her Husband Noel RIP.“
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mr Justin Hughes on the recent death of his Mum Helen RIP.“
Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Ms Linda Potter on the recent death of her Dad Eric RIP.“
6. Votes of Congratulations
Noted
7. Correspondence
(a) Response dated 1st December, 2025 from Uisce Éireann, regarding Ballinacarrow and Easkey sewerage systems upgrades.
8. Matters Arising
Noted
9. Any other business
Item No.7 (a) – Councillor Michael Clarke asked if Sligo County Council will accept new Planning applications and if there is WWT capacity in Ballinacarrow, to which Ms Emer Concannon advised there is capacity.
Councillor Paul Taylor asked if any changes were made to the maps for Public/Private roads as there was confusion between eligibility of LIS and CIS in Keash and Monasteraden. Mr Paul O’Rourke advised there was no changes made.
10. Date and venue for next Municipal District Meeting
The next meeting of the Ballymote Tubbercurry MD be held on Monday, 30th March 2026 at 2pm in Teach Laighne.”
End of Meeting:
The meeting ended at 12:20pm.
Meeting Date 27/01/2026