Minutes 2022

Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 16th May 2022 at 10.00 am in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

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

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • The three-storey stone house, located in Lower Quay Street, Sligo. Ref A-29-R.P.S
  • Markievicz Bridge, located in Bridge Street/Thomas Street, both of which are included in the Councils Record of Protected Structures
  • Mr. Brian Flynn Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Jude Mannion, Staff Officer (Meetings Administrator)
  • Mr. Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Mr. Mark Cummins, Senior Executive Engineer

 

MAYOR:

The Mayor, Councillor Arthur Gibbons presided and welcomed all present to the meeting.

 

1. MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO HELD ON 28th MARCH 2022:

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

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 28th March 2022”.

 

2. MATTERS ARISING:

Councillor Maguire asked for an update on the proposal that the relevant staff within the Council would meet with Councillor Maguire and others interested in relation to the item pertaining to the Pump Park (Item 6 on Agenda of March 28th). The Director of Services replied that she had spoken to the Senior Executive Engineer in the Community & Economic Directorate and that he would arrange to speak with Councillor Maguire.

 

3. BROOKLAWNS ESTATE TIC:

To consider the following motion by Councillor R. O’Grady

“That Sligo County Council commence the Taking in Charge of Brooklawns Estate”

Councillor O’Grady requested that the motion be deferred until the next meeting.

 

4. REROUTING OF THE S2 BUS SERVICE TO COVER MAUGHERABOY

Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council ask the NTA to consider re-routing the S2 bus service twice a day to cover the Maugheraboy area until the S3 bus route becomes operational

Councillor Mac Sharry in putting down this motion advised that he had done so on foot of much lobbying from groups such as Merville Active Retirement Association and also in light of the fact that the new S3 service will not be funded until 2023 at the earliest.

A discussion developed and all the members were supportive of the motion. It was noted that there are 13 services going out the Strandhill Road each day and so there is no funding implication in having 2 or even 4 of these rerouted. It was agreed that there are many elderly persons in the Maugheraboy area and members reported that on occasion, when a hospital appointment is required, the cost of a taxi is €20. It was also noted that the area had been served previously but these had been removed, but with the growth of the area, including 62 new Local Authority houses, services are needed.

Disappointment was also expressed with the delay in having the S3 route rolled out and all the members agreed that the local Oireachtas members should called upon to impress upon the Minister for Transport to bring the S3 service into operation

 

5. PROTECTED STRUCTURES AT LOWER QUAY STREET & MARKIEVICZ BRIDGE

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

AND AGREED

"To ask what action the Council is taking to protect;

Councillor Bree in putting down this motion referred back to May 2021 when the matter of the Lower Quay Street building was discussed by the members. Some works had commenced subsequent to this, but were again interrupted by Covid19 restrictions. Councillor Bree reminded all present that this building built on the walls of the late 17th Century quay is one of the last examples of vernacular maritime structures dating to the period in the town. With respect to the Markievicz Bridge, Councillor Bree was contacted by numerous constituents expressing concern that one of the cap stones which was damaged by a reversing HGV is in danger of falling into the river.

Mr. Mark Cummins Senior Executive Engineer in response to Part A, advised that Sligo County Council had commissioned a structural survey on the properties and further advised that the report had been received back just before the meeting and so in the process of being evaluated. Mr Cummins clarified for Councillor Bree that this report was an external inspection also. Mr. Cummins also advised that information regarding the ownership of the southern property is not now correct and that the Council have had to recommence its investigations in this regard.

The Director of Services, Ms. Dorothy Clarke added that establishing ownership of such properties is difficult through the absence of conveyancing history for the properties and so these have lain idle and unused/unoccupied for considerable time and that establishing ownership will be difficult, but that this will be prioritises.

Councillor Bree expressed disappointment and advised he will keep it on the agenda for the next meeting

Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in response to Part B confirmed that the Roads Department have commissioned a specialist contractor to undertake the necessary repair works and that these are scheduled to be completed within the coming month.

 

6. ADDITIONAL SEATING AT DOORLY PARK

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

AND AGREED

"That the Council consider providing additional public seating along the walkways in Doorly Park

Councillor Bree in putting down this motion described the amenity area of Doorly Park as one of the ‘Jewels’ in Sligos Crown as a result of the development started back by the then Borough Council and its importance to the people was highlighted during the covid lockdown period. However, there is a stretch leading from the Playground to the Boathouse area that does not have any seating or particular relevance to elderly person

All members were supportive of the motion and expressed that all can be very proud of the works that the Council have done and the range of facilities and activities that take place there

The Councils report (subsequently circulated) advised that funding had been received in 2021 from the National Transport Authority under the Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund and that should further funding streams be identified, then the Parks Department will consider installing additional seating appropriate locations and it acknowledges there is a scarcity along the walkway leading to the jetty

 

7. STRANDHILL PUBLIC REALM ENHANCEMENT PROJECT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree.
Seconded by Councillor S Maguire

AND AGREED

“Noting that the final phase of public consultation on the Public Realm Enhancement project for Strandhill Shore Road and Shore Front will conclude at the end of May, when is it expected that the outcome of the consultation and recommendations will be submitted to a Borough District meeting for consideration

Councillor Bree in putting down this motion emphasised the importance that persons would engage in this consultation process. Councillor Maguire in seconding the motion thanked the council for adding an additional online facility for those unable to attend the in-person 9-5 process

Ms. Dorothy Clarke in the response to the Notice advised that the consultation will commence on the week of Monday 23rd and that upon completion, an analysis of its findings would be presented to the members at the next suitable MD meeting.

The Mayor Councillor Gibbons also advised that he has arranged a meeting between Council Planning Department Officials, members and the Business Community will take place at 11.00am Tuesday 24th and he is simply there to chair the meeting. All members are welcome to attend

In response to a concern by Councillor Maguire that this meeting does not provide for members of the Community, Councillor Mac Sharry sought and received clarity from the executive that that consultation process commencing on the 23rd provides an opportunity for the Community to meet and talk with officials in person for one full day of the process. The executive confirmed that this will be advertised and encouraged.

 

8. DERELICT HOMES ON HOLBORN HILL

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

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council writes to the owner of the derelict homes on Holborn Hill and give them a timeframe to clean up the vacant houses

Councillor O’Boyle in putting down this motion described how these properties have been in a derelict condition for over a decade now and suggested that if no progress be made, then the Council consider a compulsory purchase order. All members agreed with and supported the motion and highlighted all the development that has taken place in the area in recent years through refurbishment and regeneration programmes and how as a result these particular properties are an eyesore.

Mr. Mark Cummins, Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that the owner of the properties has been engaging with the Planning Authority in relation to a redevelopment and that this coupled with the fact that all properties are now under a single owner, then a CPO might not be most appropriate, but rather allow time for more detailed proposals to emerge. In response Councillor O’Boyle’s’ concerns as to whether this might take many years, it was agreed to write to the owner to express the concerns of the members.

 

9. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES AT GALLOWS HILL AND WILLOW PARK

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

AND AGREED

“That this, the Borough District of Sligo MD calls on the Roads Department of Sligo County Council to;

(A). Install speed cushions or other forms of traffic calming measures on the upper part of the road known as Gallows Hill, Upper St Josephs and provide a yellow box outside of the entrance into Summerhill Cul-de-Sac on the same road

(B). In the interests of health and safety, install speed cushions in Willow Park Maugheraboy to slow down traffic.

Councillor Gibbons in putting down this motion reminded members that he had raised this matter initially over 12 months ago. Representations have been made to him in particular from residents of Summerhill Villas seeking a box junction at their entrance to their estate as it can be difficult to exit at school drop off times. In respect to Willow Park, it is the only estate in Maugheraboy with no speed cushions and with the predominance of 2 or more cars now at each house, cars parked on the footpaths are obscuring children playing

Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in the response to the Motion advised that a traffic calming scheme has been completed at the junction of Gallows Hill & Circular Road which has resulted in the narrowing of the road corridor and this will significantly reduce traffic speeds there. In addition, a box junction has been provided at the entrance to Summerhill Estate. With respect to Willow Park, a recent 7 day survey has indicated recorded speeds are within the posted speed limit of 30kmph and so it is considered that no measures are required here.

Councillor Gibbons welcomed the works to Gallows Hill, but in relation to Willow Park, he feels that we need to think outside the scope of the report and that in particular the time period of 6.00pm is a particular problem.

 

10. GRASS CUTTING AND COLLECTION IN LOCAL AUTHORITY ESTATES

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

AND AGREED

“That this, the Borough District of Sligo MD would assure the residents of all local authority housing estates that, when the grass is cut by s contractor, the cur grass would be removed immediately.”

Councillor Gibbons in putting down this motion declared that this is a recurring issue every year, but that this year in particular, the condition in which some recently cut Local Authority estates were left in is totally unacceptable in his opinion based on photographic evidence he showed fellow members and he believed, this would not be tolerated in a private development and what message is this sending out to try and encourage Residents Associations in such estates. There was widespread agreement amongst the members with specific examples of Maugheraboy, Sea View Park and Stephen Mc Donagh place given. Councillor O’Boyle also referred to uncut or poorly cut football pitches with the result that matches risk being cancelled.

Mr. Brian Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer in response advised that National Policy now provides for both later first cutting and subsequently less number of cuts as part of the All Ireland Pollinator plan and to encourage biodiversity. He went on to say that the first cut , often in wet weather involves heavier sward and it is only with subsequent cuts that loose grass can successfully be gathered. In addition to the report, Mr. Flynn also raised the issue of the Local Authority having to cut large green areas which are not being used and the question therefore should be asked why such areas are not left uncut.

Councillor Gibbons replied to say some Residents Associations have disbanded due to this issue as Residents are not happy as it is disrespectful to their efforts and whilst he accepts National Policy, there is no reason why paths can’t be swept clear of grass to stop it getting into the drains and reasonable attempts be made by the contractor to collect grass.

Councillor O’Boyle asked that Residents be notified of these new cutting arrangements. Mr. Flynn outlined in his reports that the Parks Department would do so.

 

11. RENAMING OF CLARION ROAD TO JACK B YEATS ROAD

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

AND AGREED

‘That this Council would start the process of having the road between Ballytivnan and Ballinode known as the Clarion Road renamed the Jack B. Yeats Road

Councillor Gibbons advised in putting down this motion, that he had previously had it listed on the agenda for the May meeting of the Plenary before asking that it be deferred across to the MD. Accordingly, he is in possession of the report that was circulated in advance of the plenary and is pleased that that matter is progressing and that the legal process involved in making this proposed changed will be set out at the next meeting of the Place Names Ctte in October.

 

12. RETENTION OF THE 9% VAT RATE IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Proposed by Councillor T Mac Sharry
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

‘That this the Borough District of Sligo MD call upon the Government to keep the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector until the end of 2023

Councillor Mac Sharry in putting down this motion, outlined the significant impact this has had particularly on the smaller sized cafes, restuarants etc and that this impact was the equivalent of the ability to retain 1 No. member of staff. Councillor Mac Sharry went on to say that in light the anticipated uncertain tourism season ahead, such an extension would be hugely supportive for a further period and not just the recently announced extension to February 2023.

All members were supportive of the motion.

 

13. CORRESPONDENCE

There were no items of correspondence.

 

14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Under Any Other Business, the Mayor asked that the MD make a financial towards the Military Tattoo event planned for September. Initially the organising group had sought 50,000 from the Councils annual budget, but the request was received after the estimates had been adopted. Subsequently the group received a 5,000 contribution from Sligo BID and the ask is can the MD make an equivalent contribution. Councillor Gibbons believed the tourism revenue return to local business would be many fold. Councillor Bree was happy to 2nd the motion on the understanding that the Chief Executive had advised there is capacity in the accounts

 

The Mayor thanked Members for their co-operation during the meeting.

 

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.38 a.m.


Meeting Date 16/05/2022