Minutes 2025
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 15th September 2025 at 10am in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
- Councillor Declan Bree
- Councillor Arthur Gibbons
- Councillor Ann Higgins
- Councillor Gino O’Boyle
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr Brían Flynn (Director of Services)
- Mr Michael Condren (Senior Executive Park Superintendent)
- Mr Thomas Kerins (A/Senior Executive Engineer)
- Mr Adrian Grandison (Executive Engineer)
- Ms Nola Gibbons (Staff Officer) Meeting Administrator
APOLOGIES:
- Councillor Tom MacSharry
- Councillor Fergal Nealon
MAYOR:
Councillor O’Boyle presided
ITEMS 1 – 2: CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES:
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo MD AGM meeting held on 14th July 2025”
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor Bree
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo MD Ordinary Meeting held on 21st July 2025”
ITEM 3: MATTERS ARISING
None
ITEM 4: UPDATE ON THE CROI CONAITHE TOWNS FUND (VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT)
Mr Grandison, EE, took the members through the updated figures as contained in his report circulated to members in advance of meeting.
ITEM 5: TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES AT SLIGO CEMETERY
With agreement of the meeting this Item was deferred to the next meeting.
ITEM 6: TO CONSIDER/AGREE THE DATE OF THE SLIGO BOROUGH MD BUDGET MEETING FOR MONDAY 20TH OCTOBER, 2025 AT 11.30 AM COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL.
Agreed.
ITEM 7: TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON JOHN STREET AND OUTSIDE GLASSHOUSE
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Bree
AND AGREED
“Sligo County Council review the timing on the traffic lights and review the need for traffic lights on John Street or move it to a new location and outside the glasshouse”.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE, reported that Sligo County Council Roads Department will consider if traffic light timings require modification for summer traffic flows and that specific concerns can be brought to the attention of the Roads Department for review on a case-by-case basis.
Mr Kerins added that the new pedestrian crossing on Lower John Street had been provided at a location determined to be safe for vulnerable road users to cross as is the case with the new pedestrian crossing on Lower Knox Street.
Councillor O’Boyle thanked Mr Kerins for his response.
ITEM 8: INTRODUCTION OF CCTV AT ST JOSEPHS TCE
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council install CCTV and improved street lighting in St. Josephs Terrace to address increased anti-social behaviour in the area.”
Councillor Higgins stated the Notice of Motion was put forward on foot of a request by St Joseph’s Residents Association who contacted her in relation to recent increases in anti-social behaviour in the area by a small number of individuals.
The following response to the Notice of Motion was received from Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services, Climate & Infrastructure:
Sligo County Council Roads Department will assess the street lighting levels in the vicinity and thus determine if any improvements are necessary.
The following response to the Notice of Motion was received from Mr Brían Flynn, Director of Services, Live, Invest, Visit:
The installation of Community CCTV is governed by the following legislation:
- Garda Síochána Act, 2005 – Section 38
- Garda Síochána Act, 2023 - (Recording Devices Act), 2023
- Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act,
- Data Protection Act, 2018 & GDPR
Whilst the use of community CCTV has considerable merits, not least as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and to increase public safety, its installation could potentially have a direct impact on the human rights of individuals. Therefore, its introduction needs to be carefully planned and its use, competently managed. Any proposed Community CCTV scheme must be authorised by the Garda Commissioner and must also have the support of the local authority which must undertake to act as data controller. Public consultation is obligatory. Previously any proposal for installation of Community CCTV would be referred to the Joint Policing Committee for their consideration also. Given the imminent establishment of the Local Community Safety Partnership structure, it is considered likely that any future proposals for Community CCTV would have to be considered by the new Partnership. The process of obtaining approval for a Community CCTV scheme takes considerable time.
Councillor Higgins thanked both Directors for their responses and queried if the Community Safety Task Force (CSTF) and Joint Policing Committee (JPC) would be replaced by Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).
Councillor Gibbons strongly supported the Motion stating that the residents of St Joseph’s Terrace needed greater support in addressing the issue of anti-social behaviour and the introduction of CCTV would be a help in this regard.
Mr Brían Flynn, Director of Services, responded to Councillor Higgins’ query, confirming that it was his understanding that the new LCSP would be replacing JPC and CSTF and that Sligo Co Co would be issuing an update to all Members the following week relating to the establishment of the LCSP. Mr Flynn further advised Members that the Agenda of October Plenary Meeting would include an item to provide the Council with a full report on the establishment of LCSP.
ITEM 9: ROAD RESURFACING CRANMORE RD/DOORLY PARK
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That the Roads Department of this Council resurface the section of road from Lidl on the Cranmore Road along Doorly Park as far as the junction to Doorly Park Road.”
Councillor Higgins acknowledged the report from Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services confirming that this section of road will be upgraded as part of the Eastern Garavogue Bridge scheme and asked for an indicative date for commencement of the works.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE, stated that although there was not a firm date for commencement, the procurement process to secure a contractor would be ongoing in Quarter 4 of 2025.
Councillor Gibbons asked if temporary repair works could be considered on this stretch of roadway in light of the negative impacts the high volume of traffic had on local residents at Doorly Park.
ITEM 10: IMPROVED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AT TRAFFIC ISLAND SYDNEY GALLAGHER PARADE
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council lower the kerbs and the pedestrian crossing section on the raised island at Sydney Gallagher Parade junction to ensure wheelchairs can safely cross the junction.”
Councillor Higgins acknowledged the response from Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services, confirming that the matter will be addressed as part of the Burton Street Link Road Scheme and asked if there was any possibility that the kerbs could be lowered for the benefit of wheelchair users in advance of commencement of the works.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE, confirmed that commencement of works on this scheme was imminent with the Contractor due to mobilise on site the following week.
ITEM 11:
"That Sligo County Council explore a funding stream for an outdoor Gym at Cleveragh Park similar to the outdoor Gym to be constructed in Ballisodare" (Councillor MacSharry)
Deferred to next meeting.
ITEM 12:
“That Sligo County Council engineering staff undertake a full safety & traffic management review at the entrance & exit points of the Ursuline College secondary school in Sligo with particular focus on the bike & scooter lane & traffic speeds in the area.” (Councillor MacSharry)
Deferred to next meeting.
ITEM 13:
“That Sligo County Council would contact the relevant authority to provide a bus shelter at the bus stop coming off Circular road into Crozon Downs, as requested by the residents in the area.” (Councillor MacSharry)
Deferred to next meeting.
ITEM 14: OVERGROWTH INTO RESIDENTAIL PROPERTIES AT TREACY AVE/CEDAR DRIVE FROM RAILWAY
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to Irish Rail to direct them to cut back overgrowth that is now growing into residents’ properties along the Sligo-Dublin line from the bridge at Treacy Avenue/Cedar Drive as far as the Strandhill Road bridge.”
Councillor Higgins informed the meeting that she had received numerous complaints from residents in Treacy Avenue and Cedar Drive, with properties adjacent to the railway line, who had concerns relating to vegetation overgrowth from the railway line into their properties. Councillor Higgins stated that she had written to Irish Rail on several occasions since July 2025 but had not received a response and requested that a letter issue from Sligo County Council requesting that the issue be addressed as soon as possible.
Mr Kerins, A/SEE, confirmed that a letter would issue to Irish Rail in relation to the matter.
ITEM 15: WEEKLY MARKET IN QUEEN MAEVES SQUARE
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council establish a weekly Saturday/Sunday Market in Queen Maeves Square to facilitate opportunities for traders including those who have lost revenue because of the closure of the Strandhill Peoples Market.”
Councillor Higgins referred to the detailed discussion at the Plenary meeting the previous week in relation to the use of Queen Maeve’s Square and asked if Councillor Gibbons could bring the suggestion of a weekly market to the next meeting of Sligo BID.
Councillor Gibbons agreed to raise the matter at the next meeting but pointed out that consideration had to be given to the impact a new market would have on the existing and established Farmer’s Market at ATU Sligo.
ITEM 16: REPAINTING OF INTERSECTION UNION ST/EMMET PLACE/LYNNS PLACE
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That this Council repaints the intersection/junction between Union Street, Emmet Place and Lynns Place.”
Councillor Higgins thanked Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services, for his report and acknowledged the improvement works of road markings throughout the town. However, noting the heavy traffic load at this location, Councillor Higgins stated that any measures to help improve visibility of the road markings at this junction would be welcomed.
ITEM 17: FUNDING TOWARDS ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR CLEVERAGH REGIONAL PARK
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor Higgins
AND AGREED
“When is it envisaged that the Council will seek funding for the additional facilities planned for Cleveragh Regional Park, including the Adventure Play area; Nature Play Area; Learn to Cycle Facility; Skate Park; Pump Track; Multi-Use Games Area and Basketball Court; and to ask what is the estimated cost of the improvements.”
Councillor Bree thanked Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services, for his report and was extremely pleased with the positive content of same.
Councillor Higgins acknowledged and praised the work of Mr Condren in the delivery of Cleveragh Park to date.
Councillor O’Boyle further commended the work carried out by the Parks Department to date at Cleveragh Park.
Mr Condren, SEE, thanked the Members for their comments and looked forward to working all the Members in developing the Park into the future.
ITEM 18: PROTECTED STRUCTURES LOWER QUAY STREET AND HIGH STREET
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“To ask what steps the Council has taken to preserve (a) the three-story stone house, located in Lower Quay Street, Sligo, (Ref: A-29-R.P.S.) and (b) No’s 16 and 17 High Street, (all three structures are included in the Council’s list of Protected Structures) and can the meeting be assured that the Council executive is confident that all three structures are in a safe condition, structurally sound and not endangered.”
Councillor Bree noted the following responses to the Notice of Motion provided by Ms Emer Concannon, Director of Services:
Units 1 & 2, Lower Quay St.
Due to the lack of progress in terms of protecting Units 1 & 2, Lower Quay Street Sligo County Council Compulsory Acquired both properties through the URDF Call 3 programme in November 2023. Following the Compulsory Acquisition works were carried out in 2024 to leave the structures safe. These two properties will be put on the open market for sale in Q4 2025.
16/17 High Street
Sligo County Council are in the process of purchasing 16/17 High Street through the URDF Call 3 programme. Following the purchase of the building it is our intention to engage a structural engineer to assess the building before putting it on the open market for sale.
Councillor Bree spoke of the historic significance and importance of the buildings as part of Sligo’s Built-Heritage and of his growing concern for their deteriorating structural condition.
Councillor Bree welcomed the report received from Ms Emer Concannon, Director of Services, but cautioned that it did not provide reassurances that structures were in a safe condition, structurally sound and not endangered and asked that Sligo County Council address the matter at the soonest possible time and provide a report to assure the Members that the structures in question are safe, structurally sound and not endangered.
Mr Grandison, EE, confirmed that the reports requested by Councillor Bree would be furnished to the Members.
ITEM 19: MARKIEVICZ BRIDGE – PROPOSED ADDITION OF PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“Noting that the Council proposes to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála for proposed development under section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in respect of works at Markievicz Bridge, including Repair Scour Damage to Existing Bridge Piers and Abutments; Repair Scour Damage to Riverbed under and in the curtilage of the Structure; Cleaning, Removing Vegetation & Repointing of Masonry of Structure; can the meeting be advised as to the level of progress, if any, in regard to the provision of the proposed pedestrian footbridge to be constructed adjacent to the bridge.”
Noting the report provided by Ms Emer Concannon, Director of Services, Councillor Bree welcomed the proposals to repair damage and remove vegetation at Markievicz Bridge but expressed his disappointment that the provision of a footbridge was included as one of a series of Sub-projects within the URDF Public Realm Strategy and that no detailed proposals have been developed. Councillor Bree asked the Executive to review the project.
Councillor Gibbons also expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress in delivering the project and stressed that provision of a footbridge at Markievicz Bridge was long overdue.
Councillor O’Boyle fully supported the motion.
ITEM 20: PROVISION OF BUS SHELTER AT CLARION RD BUS STOP
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor Bree
AND AGREED
“That this local authority’s Roads Department enter into consultation with the NTA to provide a long overdue bus shelter at Clarion Rd bus stop, adjacent to the Acorn Special Needs Training Centre at the ATU and Ballinode Collage of Further Education.”
Councillor Gibbons thanked the Roads Department for their report and acknowledge their work to date in relation to the delivery of bus shelters across Sligo town. Councillor Gibbons asked that Sligo County Council, when contacting the NTA, highlight the location as high priority for provision of a bus shelter given its proximatey to the Acorn Special Needs Training Centre.
The motion was fully supported by Councillor Bree, Councillor Higgins and Councillor O’Boyle.
ITEM 21: PROVISION OF STREET NAME SIGNAGE AT DARTY VIEW AND CONNAUGHTON ROAD
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That street name signage be provided at both entrances to Dartry View estate Connaughton Rd and that the entrance into the estate be tidied up by cutting hedges back from the entrance.”
Councillor Gibbons acknowledged the report from the Roads Department which stated that the matter would be examined, however, he noted that this is the second time he has brought forward this motion without resolution to the matter.
Councillor O’Boyle supported the motion.
ITEM 22: PRUNING OF TREES AND BRIARS IN LOCAL AUTHORITY ESTATES WITHIN BOROUGH/STRANDHILL AREA
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor Higgins
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council’s Parks Department start a programme of works to carry out the necessary pruning of all the trees & briars in the Borough of Sligo/Strandhill local authority estates.”
Councillor Gibbons acknowledged the ongoing work of the Parks Department in maintaining vegetation in local authority estates, however, he referred to ongoing issues with overgrown trees experienced by residents in Cranmore at Devins Drive and Knappagh Road, and also overgrown briars in the Maugheraboy area.
Councillor Higgins formally supported the motion.
ITEM 23: PREPARATION OF AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE RETURN TO USE OF VANCANT AND DERELICT HOMES WITHIN BOROUGH AREA
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Borough District prepares a specific action plan to accelerate the return of vacant and derelict homes within the town centre and adjoining estates. The plan should include:
(a) identification of top-priority properties suitable for Croí Cónaithe support;
(b) quarterly reporting on Vacant Homes Officer caseload for the Borough; and
(c) options for Compulsory Purchase where owners fail to engage”
Councillor O’Boyle thanked the Enforcement Section for their report. However, he pointed out the need for more compulsory purchase orders to be undertaken to bring vacant properties back into use to help address the issues with homelessness and ever-increasing Housing Lists.
Mr Grandison, EE, reported that Sligo County Council have developed a programme of work focused on addressing the resolving dereliction through a suite of measures which included the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, URDF Call 3 Programme, Repair and Leasing Scheme and Ready to Build Scheme.
Croí Conaithe Support
When the Derelict Sites Team engage with the owners of derelict properties they are advised of the suite of grants available. To date, a total of 139 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications has been made in the Borough District of Sligo.
Progress Reporting
We will incorporate an update progress report along with the Croí Conaithe report of properties on the Derelict Sites Register.
Compulsory Acquisition
The Derelict Sites team review progress on derelict sites throughout the County and use powers through the Derelict Sites Act to encourage owners to bring properties back into use which include entry on to the Derelict sites register, imposition of Derelict site levies and the Compulsory Acquisition of properties.
ITEM 24: AUDIT OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, CYCLE LANES AND TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Bree
AND AGREED
“That this council carry out an audit of pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes, and traffic-calming measures on routes to schools within the Borough and prepare a programme of works to improve safety and active travel access for pupils by mid 2026.”
Councillor O’Boyle welcomed the report from the Roads Department and confirmation that the Active Travel team are working on a Safe Route to School Programme, for primary schools registered on the programme, within the Borough area in conjunction with the NTA and An Tasice and asked that Members be kept updated in relation to same. Following a query from Councillor O’Boyle relating to the reference in the report to schools to be included in other Active Travel Schemes, Mr Kerins, A/SEE, agreed to provide the Members with a full list of schools included in the Programme within the Borough area.
Councillor Gibbons made representations on behalf of the Principal of Ballinode College of Further Education, requesting a meeting with the Roads Department to discuss safety measures outside the school. Mr Kerins, confrimed that he would discuss the matter with the Active Travel Team with a view to arranging same.
Councillor Higgins asked if the Audit of pedestrian crossings could be extended to include feedback from the users of pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes and traffic calming measures such as pupils, parents and other stakeholders.
ITEM 25: DRAINAGE AND FLOOD PREVENTION PLAN FOR BOROUGH AREA
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo Borough District prepare a drainage and flood prevention plan for known problem areas within the Borough, with short-term measures for winter 2025/26 and a schedule of longer-term works to be submitted to the OPW for funding.”
Councillor O’Boyle thanked the Roads Section for their report and highlighted the need to be proactive rather than reactive by having a plan in place ahead of the winter period.
Councillor Gibbons asked if there was as plan of works in place for ongoing gully maintance at high risk locations within the Borough. Mr Kerins, A/SEE, stated that under routine maintenance, the roads staff would be cleaning gullies in certain areas of the town especially high risk areas areas along regional roads and some other high risk locations in advance of the winter months but no specific gully cleaning schedule was in place outside of routine maintenance for the foreseable future. Councillor Gibbons pointed out that a lot of flooding within the Borough area can be associated with blocked gullies. Mr Kerins advised that any specific areas with issues of flooding can be brought to the Roads Department for investigation.
ITEM 26:
“Can this Council upgrade the damaged pavements in Rose Hill Sligo” (Councillor Nealon)
Deferred to next meeting.
ITEM 27:
“That this council does a review of road markings in the Sligo-Strandhill area. Some are badly faded such as where airport road meets Strandhill Business Park, at Lynns Place (outside former TD's pub) and at Finisklin Road (GPT premises) to name but a few.” (Councillor Nealon)
Deferred to next meeting.
ITEM 28:
“That this Council liaises with Sligo University Hospital regarding the infrastructural changes due at the dialysis unit, the loss of car parking outside the unit and the fact that many elderly patients will now have to walk from the main entrance. Some have to make this walk 3 times a week. Can the hospital explore potential measures to alleviate these concerns.” (Councillor Nealon)
Deferred to next meeting.
ITEM 26: DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ORDINARY MEETING
Monday, 10th November, 2025 at 10 am in Council Chamber, City Hall.
ITEM 27: CORRESPONDENCE
The following two items of correspondance were noted by the Members.
Letter from John Cummins, TD, Minister of State, in response to Item 18 on Agenda of 21st July ‘25. Circulated by email to Sligo Borough District Members on 7th August ’25.
Email from Private Secretary for Minister James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, in response to Item 28 raised under AOB from meeting on 21st July ‘25. Circulated by email to Sligo Borough District Members on 8th August ’25.
ITEM 28: ANY OTHER BUSINESS
William Bourke Cockran Foundation (Sligo) Exhibition
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
That a request from Mr Keville Burns of the William Bourke Cockran Foundation (Sligo), to hold an Exhibition in the foyer of City Hall for a period of 2 weeks from 7th November 2025 be agreed.
Votes of Congratulations
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
A Vote of Congratulations was extended to Travis Gibbons on winning the All-Ireland Minor Singles Handball Final at Croke Park.
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
A Vote of Congratulations was extended by Members to Councillor Higgins in her capacity as Chairperson of the organising committee, for the very successful charity event “Relay for Life” held at ATU Sligo the previous weekend.
Emergency Motion – SO suspended
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to Uisce Éireann to ask that households are notified in advance of any planned water outages or reductions in water pressure, especially if this is to occur over the weekend. A number of households were left with no water or reduced pressure in Caltragh, Maugheraboy, Forthill and Sligo town centre over the weekend of 12th September.”
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.05 am.
Meeting Date 15/09/2025