Minutes 2020

Minutes of Meeting of The Borough District of Sligo held on Monday 16th November 2020 at 10 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Declan Bree
  • Councillor Arthur Gibbons
  • Councillor Tom MacSharry
  • Councillor Sinéad Maguire
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle
  • Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady (Mayor)

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Tom Kilfeather, Deputy Chief Executive
  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • John Moran, A/Director of Services
  • Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
  • Clodagh Quinn, Staff Officer

 

APOLOGIES / ABSENT:

  • Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive

 

MAYOR:

  • The Mayor, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

Before proceedings got underway, Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services, outlined the necessary health and safety procedures to be followed in order to convene the meeting during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

 

1.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 21ST SEPTEMBER 2020:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 21st September 2020”.

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 19TH OCTOBER 2020 TO CONSIDER THE DRAFT 2021 BUDGETARY PLAN:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 19th October 2020 to consider the Draft 2021 Budgetary Plan”.

 

3.  MATTERS ARISING:

Councillor Declan Bree highlighted an issue previously raised at the 21st September meeting concerning malfunctioning navigational aids in Sligo Harbour.  He expressed his disappointment that a report on the matter had not yet been received.

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Deputy Chief Executive, replied stating that current issues relating to Covid-19 had taken priority in recent weeks but assured Councillor Bree that the matter will be followed up on.

 

4.  PROGRESS REPORT ON PUBLIC REALM ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME:

Ms. Leonora McConville, Executive Planner, updated Members on the Public Realm Enhancement Programme which was developed in 2018 to transform a key network of city centre streets, namely Stephen Street, Holborn Street, Rockwood Parade, Water Lane and Tobergal Lane.

Public engagement took place in the form of business questionnaires, online webinars, on-street consultation and stakeholder workshops.

Ms. McConville advised that feedback from the consultation process will be incorporated into the vision for the street improvements and a Part 8 planning process is scheduled to commence before the end of the year.  

In relation to funding for the Programme, Ms. McConville reported that in 2018, €560,000 had been secured from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) to progress the first phase of implementation.  A further application for funding for the implementation of the remainder of the Programme was submitted by the Council in May 2020 and an outcome on same is awaited.

Other projects included in the Enhancement Programme are the preparation of a Centre Block Masterplan which is currently being finalised and a Wayfinding and Interpretation Strategy which is nearing the end of the research phase.

It is anticipated that the projects, together with the works already undertaken in the O’Connell Street Enhancement Scheme, will further enhance the city centre in line with the Council’s seven-year plan.

Following a query from Councillor Bree in relation to the type of kerbing proposed to be used in the enhancement works, Ms. McConville advised that engagement with disability groups is ongoing in the matter.

 

5.  UPGRADING OF ROAD AND FOOTPATHS AT CARTRON ESTATE:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry

AND AGREED

“I request a report on the planned upgrading of the road and footpaths at Cartron Estate, Ballytivnan”.

On behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer, stated that a section of road to the rear of Cartron Estate is scheduled for resurfacing when a contractor becomes available early in the New Year.  Remedial works to footpaths will be included for consideration in the 2021 Road Works Programme.

Following a query from Councillor Gibbons regarding the replacement of a speed ramp at the rear of the estate, Mr. Noone confirmed that same will be replaced.

 

6.  REVIEW OF STANDARD OF GRASS CUTTING IN COUNCIL OWNED ESTATES:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“I request a review of the standard of grass cutting in Sligo County Council owned estates”.

On behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer, advised that a review of the standard of grass cutting will be undertaken.

Councillor O’Grady thanked Mr. Noone for the above undertaking as several Members advised of complaints received regarding grass not being collected following cutting in several estates in the Borough District area.

 

7.  CLEAN UP OF WASTE LAND OPPOSITE SLIGO CEMETERY:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council clean up the waste piece of land directly across from the main gate of Sligo Cemetery”.

Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Deputy Chief Executive, informed the meeting that the piece of land in question is in private ownership, however the Council contacted the owner recently to inform them of their responsibility to maintain the area in a good condition.

 

8.  REVIEW OF FOOTPATH ACCESS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS WITHIN THE URBAN AREA:

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council review footpath access for wheelchair users within the urban area”.

On behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, Senior Executive Engineer, Mr. Declan Noone, told the meeting that to carry out a review of footpath access for wheelchair users within the urban area would be subject to available staff resources.  However, a programme of works to improve facilities for wheelchair users at a number of locations is included in the current road works programme.

Mr. Noone advised that if Councillors have any specific locations in mind, the Area Engineer can inspect same.

 

9.  RESURFACING WORKS AT FERNDALE, CARTRON POINT:

Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council would undertake resurfacing works at Ferndale, Cartron Point in the coming year if funding becomes available.  If no funding becomes available, that these works would be included in the next available Multi-Annual Roads Discretionary Programme”.

Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer, on behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, informed the meeting that Ferndale is not included in the 2019-2021 Multi-Annual Discretionary Roads Programme however if additional funding becomes available, it can be included for consideration.

In reply, Councillor MacSharry asked that the most deteriorated section be assessed for Councillors proposals. 

 

10.  UPDATE ON PROPOSED WORKS ON THE GREEN FORT:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council give an update on works due to take place on the Green Fort or when works will start?”.

AND

 

13.  REQUEST FOR UP TO DATE REPORT ON THE GREEN FORT CONSERVATION PLAN PROJECT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons

AND AGREED

“Noting that the Green Fort Conservation Plan was adopted by the Council in December 2017 and concerned at the apparent lack of progress in implementing the plan on a phased basis; this meeting requests an up to date report on the project, the report to include details of requests/submissions made to appropriate funding bodies for grant assistance”.

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, delivered a detailed report to Members on the proposed project.

The report acknowledged that progress has been slow in implementing the Green Fort Conservation Plan which is reflective of the limited resources available to the Council, particularly in both the Heritage Office and Parks Department.  In recognition of this fact, Ms. Clarke explained that a Draft Project Implementation Plan was prepared in October 2019 by the Heritage Office and will be considered again by the Senior Management Team before the end of this year with a view to identifying what elements can be considered for progression in 2021.

Ms. Clarke confirmed that a sum of €30,000 is available in funding for implementation of actions contained in the Plan.

A tender for vegetation and shrub management on the Green Fort and a tender for archaeological services to provide oversight on the vegetation clearance have issued by the Heritage Office. Such vegetation clearance must be completed prior to the commencement of the bird nesting season on 1st March 2021.

In relation to funding requests made in respect of the project, Ms. Clarke advised that €20,000 was secured through ORIS 2018 Measure 1 for the Green Fort Trail.  As the Council was not in a position to advance the delivery of the trail at that time due to the condition of the site etc., Ms. Clarke stated that this funding can now be used for the aforementioned vegetation clearance works.

Following discussion, Members highlighted the importance of the Green Fort to Sligo and their wish to see the project progress over the coming years.

It was then:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That the Council establish a management group, composed of representatives of Sligo County Council, Sligo I.T. and the Forthill Men’s Group, Art and History Society, to oversee the implementation of the Green Fort Implementation Plan”.

In conclusion, Deputy Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, assured Members of the Council’s commitment to the project adding that the potential for additional works which could be progressed in 2021/2022 will be explored.

 

11.  UNDERTAKING OF SPEED SURVEY IN ST. JOHN’S TERRACE:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council undertake a speed survey in St. John’s Terrace?”.

Mr. Declan Noone, A/Senior Executive Engineer, on behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, stated that a speed survey will be carried out but noted that traffic calming measures are already in place in St. John’s Terrace.

 

12.  TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES IN WOODTOWN LODGE:

Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“Can Sligo County Council give an update on traffic calming measures in Woodtown Lodge?”.

On behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, Mr. Declan Noone, A/Senior Executive Engineer, informed Members that the Council will carry out a speed survey to determine the extent of the issue.  Mr. Noone also offered to meet with residents to ascertain what type of traffic calming measures would be most appropriate.

 

14.  REPAIR/RESTORATION OF CONCRETE PATHAND STEPS AT GIBRALTAR:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That in the interest of health and safety, the concrete path and steps at Gibraltar be repaired / restored”.

The Deputy Chief Executive, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, advised that the Area Engineer will inspect the location and examine the minimum requirements needed from a health and safety perspective.

 

15.  PREPERATION OF STRATEGY FOR VACANT HOUSES & RE-OPENING OF VACANT COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN TOWN CENTRE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That this meeting of Sligo Borough District requests the Council Executive to prepare a strategy to encourage people to live in vacant houses in Sligo town centre and to encourage the re-opening of vacant commercial premises in the town centre”.

Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, informed the meeting that in February 2018, the planning section prepared a Vacant Homes Action Plan, the aim of which was to significantly reduce the number of long term empty dwellings and reduce the effect of same on the community and facilitate their return to productive use. Of the 6,326 residential properties inspected up to the end of October 2020, only 4.8% were determined to be vacant.  Ms. Clarke stated that the enforcement section will continue to carry out inspections in 2021 and identify owners of vacant properties with a view to bringing the properties back into use.

In relation to the re-opening of vacant commercial premises, Ms. Clarke advised that the main objective of the Public Realm Plan (prepared in 2018) is to bring people and jobs back into the city centre and create a cycle of regeneration and revival to ensure that the urban area remains relevant into the future. 

 

16.  INSTALLATION OF BOLLARDS ALONG LOWER FOOTPATH AT MARTIN SAVAGE TCE/DOORLY PARK:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That this Local Authority calls on the Roads Department to install a number of bollards along the lower footpath of Martin Savage Terrace/Doorly Park to deter vehicles from mounting the footpath”.

Mr. Declan Noone, A/Senior Executive Engineer, on behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, informed Members that the Council will investigate the issue to determine what measures are appropriate.

 

17.  EXAMINATION OF ISSUES CONCERNING ROAD RUNNING THROUGH FATIMA AVENUE:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That the Roads Department of this Local Authority would investigate the road that runs through Fatima Avenue to try to find a solution to deal with the ongoing problem that some of the residents have entering their gateway to their homes i.e. with prams or children’s bicycles, due to the footpath being too narrow and the congestion of parked cars”.

Mr. Declan Noone, A/Senior Executive Engineer, on behalf of Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services, assured Members that the Council will investigate the matter.  Following a query from Councillor Gibbons, Mr. Noone said that the possibility of installing yellow boxes will be explored but may not be feasible due to the narrow width of the road.

 

18.  CORRESPONDENCE:

None.

 

19.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

  • In relation to an opening date for the Western Distributor Road, Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Deputy Chief Executive, advised that a Road Safety Audit and Irish Rail Audit are both due to take place in December, following which a date for the opening of the road will be agreed.
  • Roads Department to investigate flooding issues at Cleveragh.
  • Members were reminded of online Climate Action Leadership Training taking place on Friday, 27th

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.35 a.m.

 


Meeting Date 16/11/2020