Minutes 2026
Minutes of the Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo Held on Monday 23rd March 2026 at 10am in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo
COUNCILLORS PRESENT:
Councillor Declan Bree
Councillor Arthur Gibbons
Councillor Ann Higgins
Councillor Tom MacSharry
Councillor Fergal Nealon
Councillor Gino O’Boyle
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr Brían Flynn, Director of Services, Live Invest Visit & Borough of Sligo MD
Mr Paul O’Rourke, A/Senior Engineer, Roads
Mr Thomas Kerins, A/Senior Executive Engineer, Roads
Mr Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer, Planning Enforcement
Mr Adrian Grandison, Executive Engineer, Planning Enforcement
Ms Nola Gibbons, Meeting Administrator
APOLOGIES:
None
MAYOR:
Councillor O’Boyle presided
ITEM 4: NOTICES OF MOTION
At the request of Councillor MacSharry and with agreement of the Members, Items 4.1, 4.7 & 4.8 were considered at this point.
Resurfacing Works at Strandhill Shore Front Car Park
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry
Seconded: Councillor Higgins
AND AGREED
4.1 "That Sligo MD engineering staff carry out resurfacing works at Strandhill shore front car park."
Councillor MacSharry welcomed the report from Mr Molloy confirming that the resurfacing works would be carried out in Q2 of 2026. Councillor MacSharry asked if the Roads Department could also carry out an audit of the carparking lines as part of the resurfacing works.
Painting of Benches at Strandhill Shore Front
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
4.7 "That Sligo MD outdoor staff paint and refurbish where necessary the benches at the shorefront in Strandhill similar to the excellent work done in 2021."
Councillor MacSharry noted the response from Mr Molloy which stated that the Roads Department would examine the matter and carry out any necessary works, subject to budget availability. Councillor MacSharry praised the work carried out by Sligo County Council in 2021 in painting the benches and asked that the work be carried as soon as practicable.
Councillor Gibbons supported the motion.
Update on Traffic Calming Measures at the Back Avenue - Deferred
Proposed: Councillor MacSharry
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
"That Sligo MD engineering staff would provide members with an update on the traffic calming measures to be provided at the back avenue, Cleveragh, as requested by the residents in the area."
With agreement of the Members, Councillor MacSharry deferred the Motion to the next Ordinary Meeting.
Councillor MacSharry left the meeting at 10.07 am.
ITEM 1: CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES:
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor Higgins
AND AGREED
“To confirm minutes of Borough District of Sligo Ordinary meeting held on 19th January 2026”
ITEM 2: DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None
ITEM 3: HEADED ITEMS
3.1 Croi Conaithe Towns Fund & Derelict Sites Register
A Grandison took the members through the updated figures as contained in the Croi Conaithe and Derelict Sites Register reports which had been circulated to members in advance of the meeting. Members were also advised by Mr Grandison that the Vacant Above the Shop Grant was expected to be announced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in late March/early April 2026.
Councillor Higgins commended the work carried out to date by staff of the Enforcement Section in the administration and delivery of the Vacant Property Grant scheme. Councillor Higgins asked if it would be possible for the Croi Conaithe report to include quarterly figures. D Noone committed to explore this further with the IT Department of Sligo County Council.
3.2 To consider Schedule of Municipal District Works 2026 - including Draft Roads, Transportation and Infrastructure Programme, map and report posted on the Extranet
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
Councillor Nealon noted the draft Roads Programme; however, highlighted the imbalance in the distribution of funding between the Borough and the county areas commenting that the volume of traffic was much higher in the Borough and Strandhill areas than in the county and therefore the funding basis of KM and not volume was inequitable and called on the Executive to review the matter.
Councillor Higgins agreed with Councillor Nealon and felt that the methodology used for the allocation of funding of KM divided by population is not appropriate for the Borough area.
A further discussion on the report followed with queries responded to by P O’Rourke.
ITEM 4: NOTICES OF MOTION
As items 4.2 and 4.9 both related to upgrade works at Mitchell Curley Park, the Mayor, with agreement of the members, proceeded to take these items at this point in the meeting.
Upgrade of footpaths & lighting Mitchell Curley Park
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor Nealon
AND AGREED
4.2 "This local authority put in place a plan of action to have the footpaths upgraded to a safe standard and electric street lighting installed where necessary in Mitchell Curley Park, Maugheraboy"
Upgrade of footpaths & lighting Mitchell Curley Park
Proposed: Councillor Nealon
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
4.9 "Noting the poor surface which is prone to flooding and the lack of lighting in this very popular public park, that this council prioritises funding for the paving and lighting of Mitchell Curley Park.”
Councillor Gibbons and Councillor Nealon both highlighted the risks to public safety arising from the poor condition of footpath surfaces and the lack of adequate street lighting within the park. Both councillors emphasised the urgency of securing funding to carry out these essential safety improvement works.
Mr Flynn confirmed that funding received in 2017 through the Sports Capital Programme was used for the installation of ducting. He noted that additional funding is required to complete the installation of lighting and committed to following up with the Parks Department in this regard.
Councillor Higgins fully supported the motions.
Safety Bollards outside St Edwards National School
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
4.3 “That Sligo County Council examine the installation of safety bollards outside St. Edward’s National School to prevent illegal parking and improve pedestrian safety for pupils, parents, and staff during school drop-off and collection times."
Councillor O’Boyle thanked Roads Department for their report which stated that matter would be examined with any necessary works carried out subject to budget availability. Councillor O’Boyle committed to provide funding towards the works if required.
Councillor Gibbons fully supported the Motion.
Update on Sligo Cemetery Lodge Project
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Bree
AND AGREED
4.4 "Sligo County Council give an update or timeframe on further works on the Sligo Cemetery Gate Lodge".
Councillor O’Boyle welcomed the report, which confirmed that Phase 2 of the works is scheduled to proceed in 2026 to include the fabrication and installation of historically appropriate windows and doors at the Gate Lodge.
Councillor O’Boyle queried whether additional funding would be sought in 2027 to further progress the project. Mr Flynn confirmed that he would refer the matter to the Heritage Department.
Provision of Public Water Refill Stations
Proposed: Councillor O’Boyle
Seconded: Councillor Bree
AND AGREED
4.5 "That Sligo County Council examine the feasibility of installing public drinking water refill stations in suitable locations within the Sligo Borough District such as parks and public walking routes."
Councillor O’Boyle welcomed the report confirming that water refill stations were installed in Doorly Park and Finisklin Park in 2026 and that potential additional sites in other urban parks will be explored subject to funding opportunities.
Extended Opening of Sligo Abbey
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Bree
AND AGREED
4.6 “Sligo Abbey is now the most visited heritage attraction in the county, with visitor numbers trebling over the past decade to reach 46,000 in 2025. Keeping this all-weather, town-centre site active throughout the year aligns closely with the objectives of the Sligo Destination and Experience Development Plan and with national policy aimed at achieving a more balanced regional spread of tourism.
This motion requests that that Sligo Council writes to the OPW to ask them to progress year-round opening at Sligo Abbey by extending the contracts of existing staff by 2.5 months, which is a practical, low-cost way of delivering a premier, authentic, all year round tourist attraction."
Councillor Bree fully supported the Motion.
Provision of Hazardous Waste Drop Off Location
Proposed: Councillor Nealon
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
4.10 “That this Council looks towards regular provision of drop off facilities for Household Hazardous Waste, i.e. Paint tins, Pesticide/herbicides containers, Aerosols, Medicines, Oil filters, glass within the town.”
Councillor Nealon noted the report confirming that hazardous waste is accepted at the Civic Amenity Site in Tubbercurry but highlighted the need for a similar service within the Borough area.
Upgrade of road markings Thornhill & Scoil Ursula
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Nealon
AND AGREED
4.11 “That this council repaints the worn-out road markings at the entrance to Thornhill and outside Scoil Ursula to ensure the safety of school children in the area.”
Councillor Higgins welcomed the response from Mr Jim Molloy confirming that Roads Department would examine the matter and carry out any necessary works, subject to budget availability.
Lighting in Alleyway linking High Street & Market Yard
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor Gibbons
AND AGREED
4.12 “That this council install lighting on the alleyway linking High Street and The Market Yard Carpark as a safety measure.”
Councillor Higgins welcomed the response from Mr Jim Molloy confirming that Roads Department would examine the matter and carry out any necessary works, subject to budget availability.
Up-to-date Reports for Tidal Swimming Pool at Gibraltar
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
4.13 “That the meeting be provided with an up to date report in regard to the ecological surveys, Natura Impact Statement and preparation of the detailed design for the provision of the tidal swimming pool at Gibraltar.”
Referring to the €50,000 Outdoor Recreational and Infrastructural grant, awarded to Sligo County Council in August 2025, Councillor Bree expressed his disappointment that the Brief to enable the appointment of consultants to prepare the necessary surveys was not yet completed which, he pointed out, was preventing further funding applications proceeding for the construction of the swimming pool.
Councillor Bree called on the Executive to ensure that the Brief be completed at the soonest possible time.
Properties Rented by Sligo County Council
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
4.14 “That we be provided with a report identifying each property the Council is renting in the Sligo-Strandhill municipal district, the annual rent paid on each property, and the proposals, if any, which the Council may have to develop additional office space in the former Agricultural Committee/VEC property at Riverside.”
Councillor Bree thanked the Executive for their report.
Report on Enforcement Notices Issued in 2025
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
4.15 “(A) That the meeting be provided with a report specifying the number of enforcement notices served by the Planning Authority in 2025; the number of those cases where the file was closed; the number of those cases where proceedings commenced for an offence brought under enforcement legislation (B) and that the meeting also be provided with a report specifying the number of enforcement notices served in 2024; the number of those cases where the file was closed; the number of those cases where proceedings commenced for an offence brought under enforcement legislation.”
Councillor Bree noted the report provided by the Enforcement Section and queried the status of cases which did not have legal proceedings issued against them and also cases which were not closed.
D Noone advised Members of the reasons a case may not be closed. This included situations where legal action was being considered by Sligo Co Co, where a case was still going through the planning process or where enforcement notices had been issued but questions arose surrounding ownership thereby delaying proceedings.
Councillor Bree thanked Mr Noone for his response.
Resurfacing of Road at Cartron Heights
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
4.16 “That the Roads department of this local authority would include resurfacing of the road at the lower end of Cartron Heights in the 2026 / 2027 programme of works.”
Councillor Gibbons thanked the Roads Department for their report.
Window and Door Replacement Caltragh Crescent
Proposed: Councillor Gibbons
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
4.17 “That this local authority puts measures in place to have all the windows and doors replaced with PVC in Caltragh Crescent as a matter of urgency.”
Councillor Gibbons noted the report and asked that the Executive explore potential sources of funding for the works.
Update on Sligo City Public Realm Enhancement Project
At this point in the meeting, M. Carty provided Members with an update on Sligo City Public Realm Enhancement Project. A discussion followed with Member’s queries responded to by M Carty.
ITEM 5: Votes of Sympathy
Proposed: Councillor Bree
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mrs Mary Currid and family on the recent death of her husband Michael. RIP.”
B Flynn, on behalf of Sligo County Council and Councillor Nealon wished to be associated with the expressions of sympathy.
ITEM 6: Votes of Congratulations
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Music Generation on their successful event recently held in Queen Maeve’s Square as part of the Sligo St Patrick’s Day Festival”
Proposed: Councillor Higgins
Seconded: Councillor O’Boyle
AND AGREED
“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the St Patrick’s Day Committee on their hard work on delivering another successful St Patricks Day Parade and Festival”
ITEM 7: Correspondence
None
ITEM 8: MATTERS ARISING
None
ITEM 9: Any Other Business
None
ITEM 10: Date and Venue for next meeting
It was agreed that the next Ordinary Meeting of the Borough District of Sligo would be held at 10 am on the 18th May 2026 in City Hall.
The business of the meeting concluded at 11.22 am.
Meeting Date 23/03/2026