Minutes 2025
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 20th January 2025 at 10.00 A.M. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Fergal Nealon
- Councillor Gino O'Boyle
APOLOGIES:
- Councillor Nessa Cosgrove
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr. Joseph Murphy, A/Director of Service.
- Mr. Sorcha Sheehy, Executive Engineer.
- Mr. Thomas Kerins, A/Senior Executive Engineer
- Ms. Orla Murrin, Staff Officer.
MAYOR:
Councillor T. MacSharry presided.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING:
The Mayor welcomed all present to the meeting.
1. CONFIRM MINUTES OF BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MD MEETING HELD ON THE ON 18TH NOVEMBER 2024
Proposed by Councillor Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor Councillor F. Nealon
“To confirm the Minutes of the Borough District of Sligo MD meeting held on 18th November 2024”
AND AGREED.
2. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO MEETING HELD ON THE 9TH OF DECEMBER 2024:
Proposed by Councillor Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor Councillor A. Gibbons
“To Confirm the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo held on 9th December 2024”
AND AGREED.
3. MATTERS ARISING
NONE.
4. UPDATE ON THE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHNENT GRANT).
Mr. Adrian Grandison (Vacant Homes Officer) took the members through the updated figures (circulated in advance). Total of 116 applications received for the Borough District received to date, there are 106 initial site inspections carried out, 106 grants approved, and 8 grants rejected. Six applications withdrawn by the applicant, 100 applications in the urban area, 86 in Sligo City, 39 final inspections completed, and 16 applications paid to date.
The Mayor thank Mr. Adrain Grandison for his report.
5. PRESENTATION ON SLIGO COUNTY OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN BY MS TRISH KANE
Ms Kane, outdoor recreation officer gave a presentation on the Outdoor Recreation Plan, setting out the 3 key objectives for 2025 as; to develop a County Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), establish a County Outdoor Recreation Committee (CORC), and to establish a County Stakeholder forum to meet twice yearly. The County Stakeholder Forum will be established in Quarter 3 of 2025, and will be made up of stakeholders involved in, or associated with outdoor recreation. It is hoped that this forum will provide a platform for all interested parties.
A discussion followed.
The Mayor thanked Ms Kane for her presentation.
6. INSTALLATION OF DISABLED PARKING BAY AT THE PHARMACY ON CONNAUGHTON ROAD.
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That the Roads Department of this local authority would have a disabled parking bay installed in close proximity to the Health Wise pharmacy at Connaughton Road”.
Councillor Gibbons outlined the need for a designated disabled parking bay close to the pharmacy on Connaughton Road. Highlighting the previous work of the Roads Department. Acknowledging the report from the executive.
Councillor O’Boyle supported the motion.
7. THAT SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL WOULD PUT FUNDING TO ENHANCE AND UPGRADE THE R292 IN STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That this local authority would seek funding from wherever possible to enhance and upgrade the top road in Strandhill village, part of The R292. The lack of continuous footpaths on the Eastern side of the road, lack of Traffic calming, to deal with vehicular speeding, these are major health and safety issues that are of concerns to the local community, and particularly those with young families who reside on the Eastern side of the R292”.
Councillor Gibbons spoke on the need for improvement works to the R292, especially as there are young families in the area, businesses and tourists using the road. Acknowledged the report from the Roads Department, and the works being carried out. Requesting further upgrades to the R292.
Councillor Nealon also expressed concerns, as to the increased usage of the road and safety issues, acknowledge that the Roads Department have looked at the available options. That landowners in the area were open to the acquisition for the purpose of improvements to road safety and a pedestrian crossing. Councillor Nealon thanked Councillor Gibbons for highlighting this road on previous occasions.
In response, Mr Kerins said that Sligo County Council recently carried out road resurfacing works on the Top Road in 2024, and the roadway is included in our Roads Programme for further resurfacing works in 2025/26. The Roads Department will consider installing a pedestrian crossing depending on land acquisition and funding streams.
8. THAT THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO CALL FOR AN UPDATE ON THE S3 BUS SERVICE
MOTIONS 8 & 19 TAKEN TOGETHER. WITH AGREEMENT OF THE MAYOR & MEMBERS
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD call upon the Department of Transport & the NTA for an urgent update on the start date for the S3 bus service in Sligo”
Mr Kerins stated that due to the wording of the motion, the formal response is that a resolution is required. However, the Roads Department most recent verbal update from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Bus Éireann indicated that the S3 bus route most likely will commence on the 2nd of February 2025. Linking Sligo town centre to the West side of the town and some improvements to the S1 route in the evening time.
Councillor MacSharry welcomed the update from the Roads Department, all Members welcomed the report. Highlighting the previous work of the Local Authority and the Borough Municipal District as well as the former Councillors Maguire and O’Grady and the work carried out by Ms. Gilmartin a local resident.
Further discussions took place concerning the location of bus stops on the S3, and on the S1 bus route with Members highlighting the need for the route to encompass the Carraroe retail park.
The Mayor and Councillor Bree requested that correspondence be issued to the NTA requesting a meeting with the Members of the Borough District of Sligo Municipal District, to discuss the S1 and the possibility of extending the route to Caltragh and the Carraroe Retail Park.
Members requested a photo with provider NTA, when new Service begins to include past champions being invited former Maguire and O’Grady, and Ms Gilmartin.
9. UPDATE ON THE GRANT APPLICATION WITH THE OPW RELATING TO COASTAL EROSION AT STRANDHILL
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD members receive an update on the grant application with the OPW relating to Coastal Erosion at Strandhill”.
Councillor MacSharry welcomed the report and requested an update after the meeting with the OPW.
Councillor Nealon also acknowledged the work of the Mayor, the executive and Mr Frank Feighan T.D.
10. CALL ON THE MINISTER FOR FINANCE TO REDUCE THE VAT RATE TO 9% FOR THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR
Proposed by Councillor T. MacSharry
Seconded by Councillor F. Nealon
AND AGREED
“That Sligo MD call on the Minister for Finance to reduce the VAT rate to 9% for the hospitality sector as soon as practicable”
A resolution was carried to write to the Minister for Finance to reduce the VAT rate to 9% for the hospitality sector as soon as practicable.
11. TO ASK IF THE SUM OF €52,000 US ADEQUATE TO COVER THE COST OF PROVIDING THE LIGHTING IN MITCHELL CURLEY PARK.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To ask if the sum of €52,000 included in the Three-Year Capital Programme 2025-2027, for the installation of pathway lighting in Mitchell Curley Park, is considered an adequate sum to cover the cost of providing the lighting as planned in 2026.”
Councillor Bree stated that the report from the Director of Services, was welcome, “based on current industry pricing the current identified sum of €52,000 is considered adequate to cover the cost of proposed future footpath lighting installation at Mitchell Curley Park in 2026”. That the Park is widely used by the people in the West side of Sligo and that the installation of the lighting will extend the length of time that the park can be safely used.
Councillor O’Boyle supported the motion, and the installation of lighting. Councillor Nealon asked what the timeline will be for the installation. All Councillors welcomed the report.
12. STREET FURNITURE FOR O’CONNELL STREET AND LOWER KNOX STREET
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Noting that the Council commissioned the preparation of a street furniture strategy for O’Connell Street and Lower Knox Street can we have an update on the provision of public seating in O’ Connell Street and other appropriate areas/streets in the town centre.”
Councillor Bree noted and welcomed the report, highlighting the need for street furniture particularly for those with mobility issues including the elderly. Councillor Bree requested that when the draft street furniture strategy is finalised that it be circulated to Members.
Mr Kerins agreed that the strategy would be circulated, highlighted that funding would be required to deliver the project.
Councillor O’Boyle supported the motion and highlighted the need for older people to have a place to sit.
13. REQUEST AN UPDATE ON THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON THE CLEVERAGH/CRANMORE ROAD
Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“Could the Roads Department of this local authority please provide us with an update on what progress has been made in relation to the proposed pedestrian crossing for the Cleveragh Cranmore road and could we have an estimated time frame of when this proposed pedestrian crossing will be installed?”
Councillor Gibbons as the nearest shop to the residents in the Cranmore area is at Londis, there have been several representations to both councillors for a pedestrian crossing.
Councillor O’Boyle disappointed with the response and requested that an application for funding under the Low-Cost Accident Scheme be considered in 2025.
Mr Kerins asked that if Councillors where willing to contribute to a pedestrian crossing at Cleveragh Road that would help the project. Mr Kerins to get a costing to the Members.
14. WHAT EMERGENCY ACCOMODATION IS AVAILABLE IN THE BOROUGH DISTRICT
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle
AND AGREED
"To ask what emergency accommodation the Council currently has in the Borough District, including the number of beds/units, and if there are proposals to increase the number of beds this year."
Councillor Bree stated that the housing crisis is having a huge negative impact on the citizens nationally and in Sligo. Thanking the staff of the housing section and in the homeless units. Welcomed the report from the Director of Services.
Mr Murphy confirmed that consideration of another property for homeless single households in Sligo town, is reasonably advanced.
Councillor O’Boyle formally supported the motion.
The Mayor on behalf of all the Members thanked the staff in the Housing Section, as well as the staff who provide accommodation to the homeless in Sligo.
15. RESURFACING OF WOODTOWN LODGE ROADS
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That this Council sees the resurfacing of Woodtown lodge roads as a priority for this year budget.”
Councillor Nealon thanked the road staff for their work and suggested that the Members prioritise the allocation of some of their discretionary funding to the resurfacing works.
The Mayor, agreed that all the Members had highlighted the resurfacing works needed at the Woodtown Lodge area and supported the motion.
16. NUMBERS OF HAP/RAS ACCOMODATION AND COUNCIL INSPECTIONS
Proposed by Councillor G. Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“How many HAP/RAS rented accommodation is there and how many has passed council inspection”
Councillor O’Boyle commended Sligo County Council staff on the numbers of HAP/RAS accommodation available and the miniscule number of properties failing inspection (14) in comparison to national numbers.
Councillor Bree formally supported Councillor O’Boyle’s remarks and motion.
17. PREVIOUSLY TAKEN WITH MOTION 13. WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT CLEVERAGH.
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To ask for an update on the pedestrian crossing at Cleveragh opposite Londis and Markievicz Road”.
Councillor O’Boyle welcomed the report by the Roads Department in regard to; “the pedestrian crossing on Markievicz road, funded under the 2024 Low-Cost Accident Scheme will be delivered in February 2025”.
18. FUNDING FOR NEW ASTRO FOOTBALL PITCHES
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo Co Co seek funding for new Astro Football pitches to help ease the pressure on local sports clubs for training facilities”.
Councillor O’Boyle thanked the Director of Services report, highlighting the need for funding to be provided for more Astro Football Pitches, particularly, in Carton and Second Sea Road areas.
Councillor Bree supported the motion.
19. THAT THE BOROUGH DISTRICT OF SLIGO CALL FOR AN UPDATE ON THE S3 BUS SERVICE
PREVIOUSLY TAKEN WITH MOTION 8 WITH AGREEMENT OF THE MAYOR & MEMBERS
Proposed by Councillor G. O’Boyle
Seconded by Councillor T. MacSharry
AND AGREED
“That this council requests an urgent meeting with the NTA to ensure the S3 bus service serving Maugheraboy, Oakfield, First Sea Road, Finiskiln and Sligo town centre starts running as soon as possible.”
20. REQUEST FOR PRIORITY TO BE GIVEN TO REPAIRS TO FOOTPATHS IN THE RATHANA AREA
Proposed by Councillor F. Nealon
Seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That this Council prioritises road and footpath repair in Rathanna in the next budgetary considerations.”
Councillor Nealon thanked the Roads staff Ms Sheehy and Mr Kerins for meeting to discuss the issues around the footpaths. Requesting some early interventions, improving drainage and extending the double yellow lines around the G.P. surgery.
Councillor Gibbons supported the motion.
21. CORRESPONDANCE
Circulated prior to the meeting. (A) Response from Iarnrod Éireann /Irish Rail on letter issued on Item 17 as requested at Borough District of Sligo Meeting on 14th October 2024.
(b) Response received from NTA on letter issued on Items 12, 16 & 2, 18, and 27 as requested at Borough District of Sligo Meeting on 18th November 2024.
AND NOTED.
22. DATES AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETINGS.
Monday 31st of March 2025, and Monday 19th May 2025, at the Council Chamber City Hall.
23. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
Councillor Nealon noted Councillor Cosgrove’s absence and wished her the very best in the upcoming Seanad Éireann elections.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11:38 am.
Meeting Date 20/01/2025